Varta LCD Smart Charger+
(2892 reviews)
One of the most popular battery chargers: clear LCD screen, handy USB power and 4 AA cells included. The good all-round compromise.
Characteristics
- Formats: AA/AAA (NiMH)
- Screen: LCD (state, time left)
- Input: USB, 4 slots
- Included: 4 AA 2100mAh cells
- LCD screen and USB charging, 4 cells included
Detailed overview: Varta LCD Smart Charger+
The Varta LCD Smart Charger+ is one of the best-selling battery chargers, and for good reasons: it combines an informative LCD screen, handy USB power and a contained price. It is aimed at the family that wants a clear, versatile charger for its AA and AAA NiMH rechargeable batteries.
It takes up to 4 cells, each managed individually: you can mix AA and AAA, at different charge levels. The LCD screen is the real plus over a simple-LED charger: for each slot it shows charge state and an estimate of remaining time, which avoids guessing. Automatic detection sets the current according to the cell, and protections (overcharge, short circuit, non-rechargeable batteries) secure the whole.
Its USB-cable power is a flexibility asset: you plug it into a mains adapter, a computer USB port or a power bank, handy while travelling. It comes with 4 Varta AA 2100mAh cells, ready to use.
Very popular, it gets broadly positive reviews, with a few comments on charge time or the lifespan of the supplied cells. For versatile family use, with the clear info of an LCD screen and the flexibility of USB, it is a relevant, accessible choice.
Comparison
At around 10 to 70€, here is how this charger sits against the other popular battery chargers in our selection.
| Criterion | Panasonic Eneloop BQ-CC55 | Ansmann Powerline 5 Pro | GP ReCyko AR02 | Varta LCD Smart Charger+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formats | AA/AAA | AA/AAA/C/D/9V | AA/AAA | AA/AAA |
| LCD screen | No (4 LEDs) | Yes | No | Yes |
| Individual charging | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Advanced functions | No | Discharge, test, refresh | No | No |
| Batteries included | 4x AA 2000mAh | No | 2x AA 2000mAh | 4x AA 2100mAh |
| Observed price | ≈ 38 € | ≈ 69 € | ≈ 10 € | ≈ 41 € |
Our tester's review: Dawid Lojewski
It is the charger you see everywhere, and in use you understand why: the LCD screen is genuinely pleasant, you see at a glance where each cell stands and how much time is left, no more guessing. The USB power is well thought out, we even used it on a power bank over a weekend. Individual charging lets you mix AA and AAA without trouble. The 4 supplied cells help you get started. Let us be honest about the limits: charging is not the fastest, and some of the included cells age less well than premium eneloop. Its rating reflects this mass popularity with varied expectations. But for versatile family use, with a clear screen and the flexibility of USB, it does the job very well at a reasonable price.
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Published on 10/07/2026