Xtar Dragon VP4 Plus Charger
(7 reviews)
The battery doctor for enthusiasts: the Xtar Dragon VP4 Plus charges, analyses and revives your Li-ion and NiMH cells with its external test probes.
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Characteristics
- Bays: 4 independent, display by channel pair
- REFRESH mode: Anti NiMH memory effect via discharge/charge
- Diagnostics: Voltage, resistance probes and capacity test
- Compatibility: Li-ion 10440-32650, NiMH AAAA-D, 11.1V/3S packs
- Battery doctor: diagnostics, REFRESH, USB power bank
Detailed overview: Xtar Dragon VP4 Plus battery analyzer charger
The Xtar Dragon VP4 Plus is Xtar's flagship analyzer charger, the one enthusiasts nickname the "battery doctor". Beyond regular charging, it pairs four independent bays with genuine diagnostic functions: voltage and internal resistance measurement via the supplied external probes, real capacity testing through a charge-discharge-charge cycle, and a REFRESH mode that clears the memory effect on NiMH cells by discharging then recharging them automatically.
Compatibility covers most cylindrical Li-ion/IMR/INR/ICR formats, from 10440 to 32650 (18650, 21700 and 26650 included), plus NiMH/NiCd cells from AAAA to D. A rare feature at this price point: a dedicated connector lets you charge assembled 11.1V/3S battery packs with a 1A balancing current, so every cell in the pack finishes at full charge. Three currents are selectable, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0A, with a maximum of 2A on bays CH1 and CH4 and 1A on CH2 and CH3.
The backlit LCD screen shows voltage, current, capacity and charge percentage two channels at a time, with a dedicated button to switch the display. Up to 64 test results are stored in memory to track your cells' condition over time. The Dragon VP4 Plus also doubles as a power bank: its 5V/2.4A USB output charges a phone or tablet directly on mains power, or from the inserted cells once unplugged.
Supplied with a 12V/3A mains adapter, a car adapter, measuring probes and a carry pouch, it clearly targets demanding users: premium flashlight owners, model makers, photographers, or simply anyone who wants to check the real condition of their cells before throwing them out. One genuine limitation to know: unlike the VC4SL in the same catalogue, it cannot charge protected 21700/20700 cells, their diameter being too large for the contacts. For everything else, it is the most complete tool in the Xtar range.
User manual / Instructions for use
Related video
Video: Xtar Dragon VP4 Plus Charger/Tester: Review & Test - Published on 15/12/2017
Our tester's review: Christophe Delpuech
We tested the Dragon VP4 Plus over several weeks, mixing 18650 cells salvaged from old torches with tired NiMH AA batteries. The REFRESH mode delivers on its promise: two NiMH cells we thought were dead came back to a decent capacity after one discharge/recharge cycle. The measuring probes are the real upgrade over a regular charger: touch both terminals and the internal resistance shows up within seconds, more than enough to sort cells before a demanding use (flash photography, model making). The USB power bank output has bailed out more than one phone on a hike. Two honest gripes: the screen only shows two channels at once, so you need to press a button to see the other two, and unlike the VC4SL in the same catalogue, you cannot fit a protected 21700 or 20700 cell in, the diameter simply does not clear the contacts. At over £80, it is also the priciest Xtar charger in the catalogue, but for anyone who genuinely wants to know the real state of their cells, it is money well spent.
Frequently asked questions: Xtar Dragon VP4 Plus battery analyzer charger
No. Unlike the VC4SL in the same catalogue, the VP4 Plus cannot charge protected 20700 and 21700 cells, as their diameter is too large for the bay contacts. Unprotected cells fit without issue.
It fully discharges a NiMH cell and then recharges it, a cycle that clears the memory effect and restores capacity to cells used for a long time. It can also quickly estimate the approximate capacity of a Li-ion cell.
Yes, via its dedicated 11.1V/3S connector. The 1A balancing current ensures the three cells in the pack finish charging at the same level, useful for flashlight or power-tool packs.
They measure a cell's voltage and internal resistance outside the charging bays, like a dedicated multimeter. It is the feature that earns the VP4 Plus its "battery doctor" nickname.
Yes. Its 5V/2.4A USB output charges a phone or tablet directly on mains power, and keeps working from the inserted cells if the charger is unplugged.
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Published on 30/08/2026