A charger that shows everything, for almost every format
Most cell chargers make do with a few basic indicator lights. The XTAR VC4 goes further with an LCD screen that details the status of each of its 4 slots, while accepting one of the widest format ranges on the market.
From AAAA to 32650, one of the widest compatibility ranges
The VC4 accepts lithium-ion cells (10440 through 32650, including the widely used 18650, 21700 and 26650) as well as Ni-MH and Ni-Cd cells in AAAA, AAA, AA, C and D formats. This versatility covers nearly every cylindrical cell in a household or workshop with a single device. The 4 slots work fully independently: two cells of different capacities charged at the same time do not affect each other, each follows its own charge profile.
Automatic detection, but a fixed 1000mA current
Each slot automatically detects the type and level of the inserted cell, adjusts its charge accordingly and stops on its own once fully charged, with no intervention needed. The VC4 also includes a recovery function that can gently restart very deeply discharged cells, which other chargers would detect as dead and refuse to charge. The real limit lies in the charge current, fixed at 1000mA with no way to adjust it: a constraint for large formats like the 26650 or D, which take longer to charge than with an adjustable-current charger, and for small formats that get no gentler current option.
The LCD screen, the VC4's main asset
Where a basic charger makes do with a two-colour LED, the VC4's screen shows for each slot the voltage, the charge current, the measured capacity and progress, in real time. It is a genuine monitoring tool for checking cell health or spotting a tired cell, rather than a simple charging-in-progress indicator. Power input stays USB-A, with no USB-C support, and the charger offers no USB output to back up an external device.
Auto-stop at full charge, but few details beyond that
The VC4 automatically cuts charging on each slot once it is full, avoiding overcharge for cells left plugged in longer than necessary. The body is properly sized for a 4-slot charger, at 210g for 149 x 115 x 35 mm.
Against the VC4SL, the Miboxer C4 and the XTAR X4
How does the VC4 compare with other 4-slot chargers with a screen?
| Criterion | XTAR VC4 | XTAR VC4SL | Miboxer C4 | XTAR X4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max current | 1000mA | 3000mA | 1500mA | 2000mA |
| Adjustable current | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| USB output | No | No | No | Yes |
| Observed price | £34.20 | £29.41 | £29.46 | £26.90 |
The VC4SL and the Miboxer C4 both offer a higher, adjustable current, a real plus for charging large formats quickly, at a lower or similar price to the VC4. The XTAR X4 goes further with a USB output to back up an external device, for a higher budget. The VC4 stays relevant for anyone who values the most readable screen in the range and maximum format compatibility, without needing to adjust the current themselves.
Who the XTAR VC4 is for
This charger suits anyone with a range of cell formats who wants a single informative, reliable device to charge them all. To charge large formats faster with an adjustable current, the XTAR VC4SL or the Miboxer C4 are a better fit; to back up an external device via a USB output, the XTAR X4 is the natural choice.
