XTAR VC4 Universal Battery Charger - LCD Display, 4 Slots for 18650 Batteries
Quick take
The XTAR VC4 is a USB-powered, four-slot smart charger built for common rechargeable battery sizes, with an LCD that shows each cell’s voltage and charging details. It’s a strong option if you want one charger for mixed battery types and you value per-slot monitoring. The biggest caveat is compatibility: it cannot charge protected 20700 and 21700 batteries, and the included cable uses a barrel connector, so replacement may not be as straightforward if it’s lost.
Pros and cons
Pros
- LCD display shows each cell’s voltage and charging status independently.
- Offers two charging currents, 500 mA (slow) and 1000 mA (fast), with intelligent current selection up to 1A depending on the configuration.
- Built-in protections for overcharge, over-discharge, short circuit, and reverse polarity.
- Four bays let you charge multiple cells simultaneously (and you can charge 1 or 2 cells in the specified slots).
Cons
- Not compatible with protected 20700 and protected 21700 batteries, so some 21700 users will need a different XTAR model.
- The included USB cable uses a barrel connector, which can be inconvenient if you misplace it.
- For larger cells like D-size, the format may require extra holding to ensure proper contact.
What buyers think
Buyer feedback is limited in quantity and scope, but a few recurring themes show up clearly. Many shoppers focus on how the LCD and voltage readouts help them track battery condition while charging. Several also appreciate versatility, especially for charging batteries they use in low-demand devices (like clocks and sensors) and for recovering older cells they thought were “bad,” with the idea that the charger can extend the usable life of batteries they still want to keep. There is also mention that the charger’s build and protection features feel thoughtfully designed, while the cable/connector and large battery fit can be minor friction points depending on your exact setup.
What the XTAR VC4 is for
The XTAR VC4 is a universal-style rechargeable battery charger intended for everyday battery needs, not specialized lab work. If you keep a mix of common rechargeable batteries at home (including 18650 and multiple smaller formats), its multi-bay layout and LCD monitoring make it easier to manage charging without guessing what each cell is doing.
Compatibility and supported battery types
This charger is designed to handle a wide range of rechargeable battery sizes and chemistries, including (among others) 10440, 14500, 16340, 18350, 18650, 25500, and 32650, plus Ni-MH AA and AAA and D and C style batteries (as listed for compatibility). There is an important limitation for 21700 users: the VC4 cannot charge protected 20700 and 21700 batteries. If your 21700s are protected, you’ll want to choose a compatible XTAR protected-21700 charger instead.
Charging performance and LCD features
The XTAR VC4 uses USB input (5V) and charges each cell with selectable current levels. You get two charge current choices: 500 mA (slow) and 1000 mA (fast). The charger also intelligently sets charging currents within a range (0.1A to 1A) depending on how you populate the bays. When you insert a battery in the CH1 and CH4 positions, the maximum charging is up to 1000 mA.
The built-in LCD is one of the more buyer-friendly aspects. It displays per-slot information such as each cell’s voltage and battery type, plus charging current and battery charged capacity independently. This is particularly useful if you’re rotating cells, trying to understand why one battery seems to charge faster than another, or monitoring progress for mixed cells.
Safety features
For a universal charger, safety design matters, and the VC4 includes multiple protections: overcharge protection, over-discharge protection, short circuit protection, and reverse polarity protection. It’s also made from PC fire-retardant material for added safety and portability.
Pros and cons in real buying terms
Who should buy the XTAR VC4
- People who want one charger for multiple rechargeable battery sizes and benefit from an LCD showing per-cell status.
- 18650 owners and general rechargeable users who prefer USB powering (with a 5V adapter) instead of swapping wall chargers.
- Buyers who appreciate having selectable slower charging (500 mA) when they want a steadier pace.
Who should avoid it (or double-check first)
- If you have protected 20700 or protected 21700 batteries, the VC4 is not the right fit.
- If you strongly rely on USB-C style charging accessories, note the included cable uses a barrel connector, which may be less convenient for replacement.
- If you plan to charge larger formats like D-size frequently, be aware that proper retention may require extra care to ensure good contact.
Price and availability
The VC4 is positioned as an affordable multi-bay smart charger, with the product typically listing for less than the higher-end “single brand” chargers some enthusiasts choose. Availability can vary by retailer, so the most reliable way to confirm the current deal is to check the latest listing.
Verdict
The XTAR VC4 is a practical choice for mixed rechargeable battery households, especially if you want visibility into each cell while charging. It delivers useful LCD monitoring, configurable charging current, and multiple safety protections. Just make sure your batteries match its compatibility limits, particularly if you use protected 21700 cells, and keep track of the included barrel connector cable so the charger stays convenient.
FAQ
Does the XTAR VC4 charge protected 21700 batteries?
No. The VC4 cannot charge protected 20700 and protected 21700 batteries. If you use protected 21700 cells, you’ll need a different charger designed for that compatibility.
What charging currents does the VC4 support?
The charger offers two charge current choices: 500 mA (slow) and 1000 mA (fast). It also uses intelligent current behavior within a range, with maximum charging up to 1A depending on how you populate the bays.
Will it charge 18650 batteries in multiple slots at once?
Yes. It’s a 4-bay charger and is designed to charge compatible rechargeable batteries simultaneously, with slot-specific behavior that determines the maximum charging rate.
What does the LCD display?
The LCD shows per-slot details such as each cell’s voltage and battery type, along with charging current and battery charged capacity independently.
What power does the XTAR VC4 need?
It uses USB power input at 5V. The package includes a USB cable, but it does not include a wall adapter.
Is it easy to replace the charging cable if I lose it?
The charger uses a cable with a USB connection on one end and a barrel connector on the other, so replacement may be less plug-and-play than USB-C accessories. If you tend to misplace cables, keep a spare or be mindful of where it’s stored.
Specifications
| Product Title | XTAR VC4 Universal Battery Charger - LCD Display, 4 Slots for 18650 Batteries |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Household Batteries, Chargers & Accessories > Battery Chargers |
| Brand | XTAR |
| Manufacturer | ShenZhen XTAR Electronics Co., Ltd |
| Model Number | XTAR VC4 |
| Color | Xtar-vc4 |
| Item Weight | 7.41 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 4.53"D x 5.87"W x 1.38"H |
| Output Voltage | 4.2 Volts |
| Input Voltage | 5 Volts |
| Current Rating | 1 Amps |
| Amperage | 1 Amps |
| Connector Type Used on Cable | USB |
| Number of Ports | 4 |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 4.53"D x 5.87"W x 1.38"H |
| Mfr Part Number | 1 |
| UPC | 798863363454 |
| Warranty Description | 2 year |
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