Varta LCD Smart Charger+
(28 reviews)
Clear LCD screen, handy USB power and 4 AA cells included: the good all-round compromise for the home.
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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+ 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.
Its limits are charge time, longer than on a fast charger, and the lifespan of the supplied cells, decent but no more. 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 £9 to £60, here is how this charger sits against the other 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 | ≈ £32 | ≈ £59 | ≈ £9 | ≈ £35 |
Our tester's review: Christophe Delpuech
In use you quickly grasp what its formula is after: 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. It is not aimed at users chasing speed or fine analysis functions, but at everyday family use. 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, updated on 14/08/2026