Klarus K1: our full review

A single bay, but compatibility running from the tiny 10440 to the large 26650, plus NiMH: the K1 bets on versatility in a pocket-sized format, with one sizable caveat, Klarus has pulled it from its own catalog.

Our rating
3.6/5
Safety and protections: 4.0 out of 5 (weighting 20%)Safety4.0Build and endurance: 3.5 out of 5 (weighting 15%)Build3.5Format and chemistry compatibility: 4.2 out of 5 (weighting 25%)Compatibility4.2Charging precision: 3.4 out of 5 (weighting 25%)Precision3.4Display and control: 2.6 out of 5 (weighting 15%)Display2.6

How is this rating calculated?

Klarus K1 single-bay battery charger

The essentials

The K1 delivers on its promise of versatility in a format that fits in a kit bag: a single bay, but compatibility covering Li-ion and LiFePO4 from 10440 to 26650, plus NiMH/NiCd from AA to C. Current selection is limited to two values (0.5A or 1A) via a single button, with no screen to track charging precisely, just an indicator light. The most serious caveat isn't about specs but status: Klarus has pulled this model from its official catalog in favor of the K1 Pro (USB-C, 2A), and the original K1 remains available only through certain resellers. As a compact, versatile backup charger at this price, it stays a sensible choice as long as stock lasts.

Strengths

  • Very broad compatibility for a single bay: Li-ion and LiFePO4 from 10440 to 26650, NiMH/NiCd from AA to C
  • Compact, lightweight format (115 x 37 x 32mm, about 45g), easy to slip into a kit bag
  • Reactivation function for Li-ion cells that have dropped to zero volts
  • Automatic detection of the inserted chemistry
  • Automatic cutoff at the end of charging and reverse-polarity protection

Limitations

  • Pulled from Klarus's official catalog, replaced by the K1 Pro (USB-C, 2A); availability now limited to certain resellers
  • Only one bay, unlike 2- or 4-bay models that charge several cells at once
  • No screen at all: just an indicator light, with no numeric data on voltage or capacity
  • Only two current settings (0.5A or 1A), a full charge of a large cell takes several hours
  • Micro-USB power rather than USB-C, less convenient today
Klarus K1 Charger: see the full details and price →

A single-cell charger built for versatility

The Klarus K1 is a single-cell USB charger designed for flashlight users, camera owners, and anyone with gear running on swappable cells. Its promise: one small unit able to recharge nearly every battery and cell format on the market.

1
Bay
45 g
Weight
10
Supported battery/cell formats

From 10440 to 26650, plus NiMH and NiCd

On compatibility, it covers a wide range of Li-ion and LiFePO4 cells, from the tiny 10440 up to the 26650, including the common 14500, 16340 (RCR123A), 17500, 17670, 18350, 18490, 18650, and 22650. It also accepts NiMH and NiCd batteries in AA, AAA, AAAA, and C sizes, making it a versatile companion despite its single bay.

Two speeds to choose from, no screen to track charging

Use stays simple: a single button lets you select the chemistry of the inserted cell and the charging current, 0.5A or 1A, while an indicator light shows progress and then charge completion. A reactivation function can even revive Li-ion cells that have dropped to zero volts, provided they aren't irreversibly damaged.

Worth planning for: at 1A maximum, expect several hours for a full charge of a large cell like a 26650. With no screen, there's no way to track voltage or capacity charged precisely along the way.

Standard protections, a sturdy shell

The charger automatically cuts power once charging is complete, avoiding overcharge, and includes protection against reverse polarity and short circuits. Its fire-retardant ABS shell and design built for heat dissipation make it a sturdy backup charger, built to travel.

A model pulled from the official catalog, replaced by the K1 Pro

This historic model in the Klarus lineup has since been replaced in the official catalog by the K1 Pro, which adds USB-C and charging up to 2A. The original K1 remains available through certain resellers, but this situation is worth knowing before buying: long-term support and availability now depend on existing stock rather than ongoing production.

Who the K1 is for

This charger suits anyone wanting a compact, highly versatile single-cell model to top up a flashlight or camera cell while traveling, without needing to charge several cells at once.

To charge several cells simultaneously or with a precise tracking screen, a model like the Nitecore UMS4 or the Xtar VC4SL remains preferable. The K1 Pro, the official successor with USB-C and 2A, is also worth comparing before buying.

The rating in detail

Our rating
3.6/5
Actual charging current not measured
Battery compatibility not measured
Safety and protections 4.0
Build and endurance 3.5
Cables and connectors not measured
Actually delivered power not measured
Multi-port power sharing not measured
Protocol compatibility not measured
Size and technology not measured
Format and chemistry compatibility 4.2
Charging precision 3.4
Display and control 2.6
Klarus K1 Charger: see the full details and price →

The product and its alternatives

Klarus K1 Charger

Klarus K1 Charger

See price (6)

The Klarus K1 charges your Li-ion cells and NiMH or NiCd batteries over USB from a single bay, with a clear LED indicator you can trust.

View product
Nitecore UMS4 Charger

Nitecore UMS4 Charger

See price (20)

The four-bay big brother of the UM2: the Nitecore UMS4 charges four cells at once over USB, up to 3A per bay, with a large and very complete LCD screen.

View product
Xtar VC4SL Charger

Xtar VC4SL Charger

See price (10)

A four-bay charger with an LCD screen and USB-C: the Xtar VC4SL shows voltage, current, capacity and internal resistance, and charges at up to 3A on one bay.

View product

Frequently asked questions

Li-ion and LiFePO4 cells from 10440 to 26650 (14500, 16340/RCR123A, 18490, 18650, 22650...) as well as NiMH and NiCd batteries in AA, AAA, AAAA, and C sizes. Chemistry is selected manually via the dedicated button.

Two settings to choose from, 0.5A or 1A, selected with the same button as chemistry. With a 5V/1A USB power supply, expect several hours for a full charge of a large cell like a 26650.

No, this model was pulled from Klarus's official catalog and replaced by the K1 Pro (USB-C, up to 2A). The original K1 remains available through certain resellers, including Amazon, while stock lasts.

No, the Klarus K1 has only one bay. To charge several cells simultaneously, a 2- or 4-bay model like the Nitecore UMS4 is needed.