XTAR VC4 LCD 4 Bay Universal 18650 Battery Charger $24.70 + Delivery ($0 with Prime/ $59 Spend) @ XTAR direct via Amazon AU

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XTAR VC4 LCD 4 Bay Universal 18650 Battery Charger $24.70 + Delivery ($0 with Prime/ $59 Spend) @ XTAR direct via Amazon AUAffiliate
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WatchNerd on 28/12/2024 - 13:39 amazon.com.au (2259 clicks)
Last edited 13/01/2025 - 15:41 by 1 other user
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This was popular when it was posted in April for $22.27 so thought it was worth posting for $24.70.

4 Bay Universal 18650 Charger: XTAR VC4 18650 charger can charge for any 1.2V Ni-MH/Ni-CD AAAA/AAA/AA/A/SC/C/D batteries and 3.6V/3.7V Li-ion/IMR/INR/ICR 10440 14500 14650 16340 17335 17500 17670 18350 18490 18500 18650 18700 20700 21700 22650 25500 26650 rechargeable batteries.(Note: VC4 could not charge 18700/20700/21700 protected batteries)

Another option is an old OzB favourite… Liitokala Lii-402 US$10.63 + GST delivered.

Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.
This is part of Boxing Day Sales for 2024
Electrical & Electronics Battery Charger Boxing Day XTAR

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Comments

  • hgaoxhgaox on 28/12/2024 - 14:20
    +2

    Nice post!

  • Tazzaaa on 28/12/2024 - 14:21

    Are these better than the standard 4 slot Energiser charger?

    https://amzn.asia/d/9kYputA

    • rumblytangara on 28/12/2024 - 14:56
      +5

      The Energiser only does NiMH, not lithiums.

    • Horacio on 28/12/2024 - 15:55
      +2

      Much better

    • jason andrade on 28/12/2024 - 18:25
      +1

      Is this better than the Nitecore D4?

      • WT on 30/12/2024 - 17:06

        I had a D2 die, however it was used daily

  • Barry off EastEnders on 28/12/2024 - 14:31
    +7

    These are great. I've had one for ages.

    The display will show how much life/charge is left in your batteries.

    • Loopholio on 29/12/2024 - 09:59
      +1

      How accurate do you think it may be? That's a feature I could use.

  • freeb1e4me on 28/12/2024 - 14:35
    +2

    Lc4 vs vc4??

    • giovannip on 28/12/2024 - 15:59
      +4

      LC4 only charges 1.5v Li-ion batteries

      VC4 only charges 1.2v Ni-MH batteries and 3.6v/3.7v Li-ion

      So its not a matter of one vs the other but rather they complement each other.

      Otherwise the VX4 will do it all

      • whyisave on 28/12/2024 - 16:22
        +2

        XTAR VX4
        $50.91 → https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0D86W5P31/

        I'm keen on buying something like this XTAR, but I'm out of the rechargeable batteries "scene" (and I've never bought Eneloops either).

        What are there Pros / Cons around Ni-MH and Li-Ion batteries ?

        10440 14500 14650 16340 17335 17500 17670 18350 18490 18500 18650 18700 20700 21700 22650 25500 26650

        I see all these different sizes, but where are so many of these sizes being used?
        I've got a Nitecore headlamp, which uses a 18650 battery (from memory), and I recharge that, inside the headlamp.

        I mean, can all these "sizes" still be used in devices which accept the standard AA, AAA sizes and it's just a matter of recharging them, to avoid buying batteries ?

        I've heard that Alkaline batteries can also be "recharged" to 'some extent', but I have not tried it.

        • WatchNerd on 28/12/2024 - 16:27
          +9

          I've never bought Eneloops

          Please hand in your OzB membership.

          • whyisave on 28/12/2024 - 16:41
            +8

            @WatchNerd: Mine is the Free membership, unlike your Premium membership.

            I don't have enough OzB Frequent Saver Points yet.

        • moar bargains on 29/12/2024 - 14:26
          +3

          Not sure how much you know here, so apologies if some of this is too basic.

          Ni-MH (Nickel-Metal hydride) and Li-ion (Lithium ion) and alkaline are battery chemistries. Ni-MH is common for standard sized rechargeable batteries (AA, AAA) because the chemistry delivers roughly the same voltage as an alkaline battery of that size (~1.2V). These batteries were a great improvement over Ni-Cd (Nickel-Cadmium) batteries of yesteryear, because they didn't have a 'memory effect' and so lasted longer.

          Eneloops were the favoured brand of Ni-MH for many years, because they were made in one factory in Japan that had a patent for low self-discharge (LSD), which meant they lasted longer, and had better shelf life. In 2009 Panasonic bought Sanyo who owned the Eneloops brand, and thereafter the Eneloops were branded as Panasonic instead of Sanyo. They also started making some in other factories, so the basic Eneloop brand was no longer guaranteed to be the same quality. The ones labelled 'Made in Japan' were always considered the best, but it was no longer as easy to find them. Eneloop Pros were introduced at some point which have a higher capacity, and are always made in Japan and so became the favoured version. There are other brands that are made in Japan as well, that have similar performance to the original eneloops. These batteries may cost 5, 10 or 20 times that of a comparable alkaline, but they have expected lifespans of 500-1000 cycles, so they are far more cost effective, and this was a key driver of their Ozbargain uptake. The (a?) downside is they deliver slightly lower voltage than regular alkalines, so some devices seem to drain more quickly or stop working or report low battery charge.

          Li-ion typically delivers a higher voltage (~4.7V), which makes them better suited to higher drain applications like high powered torches, power tools (connected in series to make up 12-18V, or higher) and now electric vehicles and home batteries. They also have a larger variety of sizes as above with 18650 and 14500 probably being the most common. 14500 is approximately the same size as a regular AA, and so sometimes can be used interchangeably (in torches for example). However the device has to be built to handle the higher voltage delivery; you can't just whack in a Li-ion and it will go harder. More recently there have also been Li-ion batteries appearing that are regulated to deliver 1.2-1.5V like an alkaline/Ni-MH battery and in a 14500/AA or AAA size, and they would be fine for using interchangeably. I personally haven't used any, and not sure what their lifespan is like, as my collection of eneloops is still going strong, so the value proposition isn't there for me yet. The other sizes are used in all sorts of things: vapes, cameras, other torches, etc etc.

          I have also heard of alkalines being recharged, but haven't personally tried it. I don't doubt it can be done, I'm just not sure how reliably and what lifespan you'd actually get. Another reason I moved away from alkalines is due to their nickname 'alki-leaks'. I had several cases where the battery had leaked and being able to recharge them doesn't overcome this downside.

          Anyway, hope that helps a bit.

          TL;DR: https://batteryuniversity.com/

          • whyisave on 30/12/2024 - 02:49
            +1

            @moar bargains: Fantastic reply ♥ and amazing site ☺

            I got to go back to university :-\

  • Mel-waukee on 28/12/2024 - 14:45

    How does it compare with the Littokala mentioned in the description?

    • Cheap Rich Guy on 28/12/2024 - 15:21
      +4

      This has the LCD display which gives you information about charging rates and battery capacity/health.

      • whyisave on 28/12/2024 - 17:03

        about charging rate

        After some quick reading, this XTAR VC4 charger has fixed charging / discharging rates.

        The OPUS BT-C3100 appears to give you more control over charging and discharging, but a lot more pricier.

        https://lygte-info.dk/review/Review%20Charger%20Opus%20BT-C3…

        • tunzafun001 on 29/12/2024 - 01:04

          I've been super impressed with these (I paid $19 for the 4 bay).

          Full battery analysis (including internal resistance). Variable charge / discharge. Can set it to perform cycle loops.

          But Lithium cells only.

        • sav11 on 30/12/2024 - 00:19
          +1

          I've had that BT-C3100 for a few years now, mine is branded differently but it's the same charger, it came with a couple of caddys so you can charge D cells with it.

          Great charger, compatible with virtually all batteries & has many good features. I bought it because it was the best all-rounder I could find, & ability to charge D cells.

          The fan sometimes gets a bit loud in the heat but not a problem for me.

          • whyisave on 30/12/2024 - 03:44

            @sav11: What brand was it ?

            I don't think the Opus BT-C3100 comes with any caddys for the different sizes.

            • sav11 on 30/12/2024 - 19:09
              +1

              @whyisave: Ambient Weather brand - BC3000 charger.

              I had a look and the caddys were extras I purchased with it for $6 each, same seller & brand though. There's still an Amazon listing for therm but OOS: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M1XMAMK/ref=ppx_od_dt_b…

              But you only need the caddys if you need to charge the big D size rechargeable batteries (the page says C too, but it can charge C cells natively with no caddys). This charger can recharge pretty much all NIMH & Li-ion batteries, except for 9V cells (& D cells if no caddys). If you need to charge D cells &/or 9V cells there are cheap separate chargers that do both. They just don't have all the other features of the BC3000/Opus like testing & regenerating: https://www.amazon.com/EBL-LCD-Universal-Battery-Charger-dp-…

    • Vernon Koekemoer on 28/12/2024 - 15:47
      +1

      I can't give a comparison, but I have had the Liitokala Lii-402 for a few years now (maybe 8 years) but the LED status lights have been dying over the last 3 or so years. It hasn't bothered me because I just chuck the batteries in the charger and leave over night and assume they charged in the morning (and they are). The other issue, though, is the plastic on and around the 'mode' button is cracking and so changing the rate of charge is hit-n-miss. Given that it's been in a climate-controlled environment and has only had medium use, I'm a little disappointed it didn't last longer and is now getting close to being binned. I'm probably going to replace it with the Xtar.

      • whyisave on 28/12/2024 - 22:42

        "There's no ideal charger in the market"

        https://www.reddit.com/r/flashlight/comments/1bg5xor/comment…

        ideal charger:

        performance and functionality like SkyRC MC3000

        UI and easiness like ISDT C4

        PD & 8 slots like XTAR VC8S

      • Loopholio on 29/12/2024 - 10:17
        +1

        There is a chance you bought a fake charger. They are pretty common among popular brands. If your house isn't currently on fire and your batteries are charged, I'm sure it's fine.

        I have the same charger Lii-402 but mine is only three years old. Mine came from AliExpress likely via a deal from here. It's definitely one of the better chargers all round.

  • Torrent lord on 28/12/2024 - 14:59
    +2

    This is a solid charger, had one since 2020 and it gets used every day for 18650's.

    • SgtGrumbles on 29/12/2024 - 08:34
      +1

      Every day! That's some industrial use of 18650s!

      • dmac on 29/12/2024 - 11:15
        +1

        guessing vape

        • Torrent lord on 29/12/2024 - 11:39
          +1

          Yeah, hasn't missed a beat.

  • Tuttorix on 28/12/2024 - 15:05
    +3

    How is this compared to the LiitoKala?

  • HolyCr4p on 28/12/2024 - 15:12

    Better than enelop?

    • rumblytangara on 28/12/2024 - 15:21
      -4

      FFS Even the OP's description explains this.

      • HolyCr4p on 28/12/2024 - 15:50

        I didnt see it if this is better than enelop

        • sh4hp on 28/12/2024 - 18:53

          Which enelop mate?

          What's the rated output of said enelop?

          Is said enelop compatible with Li-ion batteries?

          Does the said enelop charger charge 1.5V Li-ion batteries?

          Give us information mate, so we can help you better.

  • rosebank on 28/12/2024 - 15:22
    +6

    I've been using this charger for well over 5 years. Tried quite a few including LiitoKala, but this is my go to for Ni-MH and Li-ion without feeling my house will burn down.

    Only negative is the barrel to USB cable.

  • Tradey on 28/12/2024 - 15:23
    +1

    I have VC4 and Lii-500 and both work well. The Liitokala on special for around $15 at Ali:

    https://vi.aliexpress.com/item/1005006734579418.html

    • Wally on 28/12/2024 - 15:45

      Does this have auto shutoff to prevent overcharging?

      • Horacio on 28/12/2024 - 15:56
        +1

        Yes

    • ScottyDont on 29/12/2024 - 10:47

      I have two of the Lii-500 chargers. They can charge/discharge/charge so you can measure the capacity, great for older batteries

  • WhatsThisThenSlaat on 28/12/2024 - 15:59

    How does this compare to this deal:
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/886610

    Wondering if I should buy this one and return the 2 I just ordered under that deal, just not sure which AA’s to pair with it, this seems more versatile doing all sorts of battery sizes

    • luigough on 28/12/2024 - 16:03

      As far as I know, the VC4 doesn't do 1.5V AA Lithium-Ion cells, so you'd be using 1.2V Ni-MH only with this one.

    • sh4hp on 28/12/2024 - 19:21

      It depends on your end use. If the battery voltage you require is constant 1.5V (locksets, video bells etc), then that deal (as it comes with the right battery) is the better one.

      If you're looking at eneloop/ladda/other 1.2V and/or 3.7V Li-ion rechargeable batteries, then this deal has the better charger due to it covering those range of batteries.

      • WhatsThisThenSlaat on 28/12/2024 - 20:24

        Yeah that’s the thing that got me was the 1.5v hoping it’s good for my tap timers and some of my battery powered ble devices

  • RangaWal on 28/12/2024 - 16:09

    how does this compare with a Maha C9000? Mine has rusty terminals, and after about 15 years probably needs replacing.

    • Nukkels on 28/12/2024 - 19:52

      I had the Maha C9000 until it died about 7 or 8 years ago, when I replaced it with this one which is still going strong. It's also more versatile and had a better display/info.

      • RangaWal on 28/12/2024 - 20:00

        sorry, which one is more versatile and has a better display?

        • Nukkels on 28/12/2024 - 20:33

          The XTAR - shows voltage, charge rate, mAh put into the cells and which slots are charging, all at the same time. It can also display the voltage/mAh of 2 cells at the same time.

    • rumblytangara on 28/12/2024 - 22:18

      The C9000 only does nickle batteries. But it does have a refresh cycle which I don't think exists on the xtar.

      • Nukkels on 29/12/2024 - 08:42

        That's true, it's the one thing I'm missing now - had a couple of batteries die and had to pull out a dumb charger to force enough voltage into them to try and get them to charge in the XTAR. Only one survived.

    • AssociatedTim Mc @ XTAR direct on 29/12/2024 - 08:54

      There's a new version of the MH-C9000.

      I'm still using the first version for NIMH.

      It's easier to insert AA and AAA cells.

  • whyisave on 28/12/2024 - 17:18
    +1

    Just a FYI, of some other (sic) higher-priced, battery chargers with different (better?) features:

    XTAR VX4 ( by @luigough )
    https://goughlui.com/2024/12/04/review-xtar-vx4-visible-mixe…

    Opus BT-C3100 V2.1
    https://lygte-info.dk/review/Review%20Charger%20Opus%20BT-C3…

    Gyrfalcon S8000
    https://timmcmahon.com.au/posts/gyrfalcon-s8000/

    SkyRC MC3000 (with Bluetooth monitoring on smartphone)
    https://lygte-info.dk/review/Review%20Charger%20Opus%20BT-C3…

  • andione1983 on 28/12/2024 - 17:54
    +1

    Great charger. Had one for a few years now. Hasn't missed a beat. Nicd, 18650 lipos etc.

  • pogichinoy on 28/12/2024 - 19:27
    +1

    Great charger for standard batteries but terrible for 18650 and I presume similar.

  • syousef on 28/12/2024 - 19:49
    +2

    I can't speak about this specific charger, but I bought 2 of the XTAR VC8 PLUS earlier this year based on being able to control the charge rate. Turns out you can't control the rate for NiMH - which is limited to 500mA. You can go up to 3000 for other chemistry. They are good for determining the capacity of a battery so I took a partial refund I was offered due to the misleading description and kept them. I occasionally use them to work out if a battery is due to be binned.

    • zealmax on 28/12/2024 - 21:44
      +3

      Internal resistance readings on VC4 plus is no way close to accurate. It determines charge rate based on IR. When it works it's great, but it is sometimes PITA.

      • techno2000 on 28/12/2024 - 22:26

        Yeah same on the latest XTAR VX4.
        Thats my only dislike.

    • whyisave on 28/12/2024 - 22:29

      I bought 2 of the XTAR VC8 PLUS earlier this year based on being able to control the charge rate. Turns out you can't control the rate for NiMH - which is limited to 500mA

      Have a read of these battery charger reviews → here, which have charging control, and they are more expensive than the XTAR VC8 Plus, but you will see what other features are offered in the other brands too.

    • rumblytangara on 29/12/2024 - 01:37
      +1

      Turns out you can't control the rate for NiMH - which is limited to 500mA

      That's pretty lame, iirc you should be charging NiMH at least 1/2C (i.e. 1000mA for a typical AA) in order to get a reliable delta temp / delta time spike which indicates that end of charge is approaching. To me, that makes the Xtar a total non-starter for Eneloops.

  • bdl on 28/12/2024 - 20:07

    Where's the best place to get 10440s from? Aliexpress doesn't seem to have many available.

    • AssociatedTim Mc @ XTAR direct on 29/12/2024 - 15:45
      +2

      I get em from ReyLight when buying 10440 sized torches. 🤣

  • jhova on 28/12/2024 - 22:57

    How bout this one for my wubens and sofirns? cant find any reviews for it
    XTAR VC4H New VC4 VC4L Version LCD Universal 18650 Battery Charger - $18.20
    https://www.amazon.com.au/XTAR-Version-Universal-Rechargeabl…

    • AssociatedTim Mc @ XTAR direct on 29/12/2024 - 15:49

      That listing looks broken. It has details about a VC2L (I did a basic review of it in 2021 and gave it away).

      I've tried to up my game a bit with charger reviews.

      HKJ (lygte-info) and Gough make awesomely detailed reviews.

  • neonlight on 28/12/2024 - 23:32

    This deal brings me the question where to find good deals on decent 18650 Batteries!?

  • Loopholio on 29/12/2024 - 10:19

    AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

    What fresh hell is this!

  • plal on 29/12/2024 - 18:53

    anyone got this and can confirm if 21700 batteries fit?

  • Ice009 on 30/12/2024 - 07:04

    How does this compare to VX4, the Littokala Lii402?

    I also wanted to know where the Lii-500 (I think this does NiMH, NiCd and Lithium?) sits as I was recommended that one a while ago, but never got around to buying a charger. I have bought some Eneloop batteries last year (both AA and AAA) when they were on sale, but haven't used them yet due to not having a charger. I need to get a charger soon.

    • Loopholio on 30/12/2024 - 08:19

      Just get a Lii-402, it's good all round and cheap. Be careful when buying as there may be fakes.

      • Ice009 on 31/12/2024 - 04:08

        I don't mind getting the Lii-500 if it's a good deal better than all these other ones?

        Would it make any different to the longevity of the batteries the quality of the charger?

        • Loopholio on 31/12/2024 - 08:33

          I don't know much about the Lii-500. It
          has a DC jack instead of USB which is a downside for me. It has more features which are interesting.

          Unless the charger is faulty, they all should take care of your batteries. I have an Energizer charger that loves to cook batteries, even under a fan. I really should bin the thing as I haven't used it in years..

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