XTAR are best known for battery chargers, and for good reason: their chargers sit on workbenches and in gear rooms all over the world, keeping torch batteries healthy and ready. They also make 1.5V rechargeable lithium AA and AAA batteries, a range of capable dive lights and a few small torches. This guide explains who XTAR are, how to choose a charger and the products worth knowing in the XTAR range at Torch Depot.
Who are XTAR?
XTAR are a Chinese specialist in batteries, chargers and dive lights. Their chargers are popular with torch owners because they handle a huge variety of cell sizes, detect battery chemistry automatically and show what is happening on a clear screen. Many models can also test a battery's real capacity, which tells you when an old cell is worn out. You can see the full catalogue on the XTAR official website.
The XTAR range explained
Smart chargers: VX, VC and MX series
Multi-bay chargers for lithium-ion and Ni-MH batteries, from two-slot models like the VX2 Pro to eight-slot chargers such as the MX8 and VC8S. The VC4SL and VC8S add USB-C fast charging and capacity testing.
Charger and power bank combos: PB2SL and SC1 Plus
Portable chargers that hold one or two 18650 or 21700 cells and can charge your phone from them. Ideal for camping and travel.
1.5V lithium AA and AAA batteries
Rechargeable batteries that hold a steady 1.5 volts until they are nearly empty, so torches, remotes and toys run at full power the whole time.
Dive lights: D, DH, DS and DL series
Primary dive torches, narrow-beam lights for spearfishing and wreck diving, zoomable lights and wide-angle photography lights, mostly sold as kits with batteries and a charger.
How to choose an XTAR charger
- Count your batteries. One or two torches need a two-bay charger like the VX2 Pro. If you run several torches, headlamps and AA devices, an eight-bay charger like the MX8 saves time.
- Check the battery sizes. Make sure the charger fits your largest cell. Protected 21700 batteries are longer than unprotected ones, so check the slot length if you use them.
- Capacity testing is worth having. A charger that measures real capacity shows which batteries are tired and should be replaced before they let you down.
- Look at the input. USB-C chargers with PD or QC support charge faster when paired with a suitable wall adaptor.
- Charge safely. Charge lithium-ion batteries on a hard, non-flammable surface, never leave them charging unattended for long periods, and retire any cell that is damaged, swollen or gets unusually hot.
XTAR products at a glance
| Product | Type | Key feature | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| VX2 Pro | 2-bay smart charger | Capacity testing, up to 3A | One or two torches |
| MX8 | 8-bay smart charger | Charges eight cells independently | Households and workshops |
| 1.5V AA lithium | Rechargeable AA, 4 pack | Steady 1.5V output, low voltage indicator | Torches, remotes, toys |
| D26 2500 | Primary dive light kit | 2500 lumens, 320 m beam | Cave and wreck diving |
| D30 6000 | Underwater photo light | 6000 lumens, 140° beam, CRI above 90 | Photography and video |
Five XTAR products worth knowing
1. XTAR VX2 Pro Charger
A compact two-bay charger that also tells you how healthy your batteries are. It supports lithium-ion, LiFePO4 and Ni-MH cells.
- Two independent bays with capacity testing
- Up to 3A for one battery, 2A each for two
- Multiple charging current options
- QC3.0 input support, 204 g
2. XTAR MX8 8-Slot Charger
The charger for a house full of torches. It charges eight batteries independently, detects each chemistry automatically and stops when each cell is full.
- Eight independent charging slots
- Supports Li-ion and Ni-MH batteries
- LCD status display and USB-C input
- Battery activation, flame-retardant housing
3. XTAR 1.5V AA Lithium Batteries
Rechargeable AA batteries that behave like fresh alkalines. They hold 1.5 volts until nearly empty, then drop to signal it is time to recharge.
- Four rechargeable 1.5V AA lithium cells
- 2500mAh, 4150mWh per cell
- Steady voltage for full brightness
- Low voltage indicator
4. XTAR D26 2500 Dive Light Kit
A primary dive light for cave and wreck diving, supplied as a complete kit with battery, charger and wall adaptor.
- 2500 lumens, 320 metre beam
- High CRI 6000K LED, four brightness levels
- 26650 battery and charger included
- Magnetic switch with lock, 100 metre depth rating
5. XTAR D30 6000 Photography Light
A wide-angle photography light for underwater photographers and videographers, with colour-accurate light and regulated output.
- 6000 lumens with a 140° wide beam
- CRI above 90 for natural colour
- Four 18650 batteries and charger included
- Camera attachment, 100 metre depth rating
Also in the range
- XTAR VC4SL: a four-bay USB-C fast charger and analyser with an HD screen.
- XTAR VC8S: an eight-bay fast charger supplied with a 45W adaptor.
- XTAR PB2SL-V2: a two-bay charger and power bank for 18650 to 21700 cells.
- XTAR 1.5V AAA lithium batteries: the AAA version, rated for more than 1200 cycles.
- XTAR DH1 1600: an ultra-narrow 5° dive light for spearfishing and wrecks.
- XTAR D40 Zoom: a zoomable dive light from flood to spot.
Similar products at Torch Depot
- Battery chargers, including 18650 chargers and 21700 chargers
- AA and AAA rechargeable batteries, 18650 batteries and 21700 batteries
- Dive torches and photography dive lights
XTAR FAQ
Is XTAR a good charger brand?
Yes. XTAR are one of the most popular charger brands among torch users, known for wide battery compatibility, clear displays and useful features such as capacity testing.
What is the difference between 1.5V lithium and Ni-MH AA batteries?
Ni-MH rechargeables run at 1.2 volts, which can make some devices dimmer or show low battery early. XTAR's 1.5V lithium cells hold 1.5 volts for most of their charge, so devices work as if they had fresh alkalines.
Can I charge my torch's battery in an XTAR charger?
Most likely. XTAR chargers handle common torch cells such as 14500, 16340, 18650 and 21700. Some torch batteries with built-in USB-C ports or unusual sizes may not fit, so check the charger's supported list first.
Do XTAR dive lights come with batteries?
The dive light kits in this guide include their batteries and a charger.
The short version
Pick the VX2 Pro for a compact smart charger, the MX8 for charging lots of batteries at once, XTAR 1.5V lithium AAs for full-power rechargeable AA, the D26 2500 kit for cave and wreck diving and the D30 6000 for underwater photography. Browse the XTAR collection or the categories above.
