Today I’ll be writing a review for the XTAR PB2SL Battery Charger. I have reviewed a few XTAR products over the years, and previously, one of them was the XTAR PB2S Battery Charger. The PB2SL is the latest model in XTAR’s PB battery charger range.
What makes the PB2SL different to the PB2SL? At first glance you’d be forgiven if you don’t notice any difference, but I can assure it’s totally different to its predecessor, the main difference is the ability to charge 21700 batteries.
And, as with all XTAR products, safety is their number one priority, I have previously highly praised XTAR for putting safety above profit. The PB2SL isn’t any different, you get all the usual XTAR over-current protection, over-charge protection, over-voltage protection, short-circuit protection, polarity protection, all backed up by XTAR’s in-built intelligent detection system.
You get both a battery charger, and a handy and portable powerbank. The XTAR PB2SL Battery Charger also utilises Quick Charge 3.0 (QC3), USB Power Delivery (PD3.0) for quick charging, and with charging speeds of up to 18W. You’re able to fully charge an iPhone 13/14 (or other battery capacity equivalent) in around 1.5 hours.
So, is the PB2SL worth the PB2S upgrade? Time to test it out!
Packaging and Contents.
The XTAR PB2SL Battery Charger packaged in an white cardboard box. The box measures 14.5cm x 11.0cm x 3.2cm and weighs 164G.
Inside the box you’ll find the following: 1x Battery Charger, 1x USB-A/USB-C Cable (which measures 80.0cm), 1x Multi-Lingual User Guide.
If you find the supplied USB-A/USB-C cable a little too short for your needs, you can use any USB-C type cable.
XTAR PB2SL Battery Charger.
The XTAR PB2SL Battery Charger measures 125.2mm x 58.0mm x 27.5mm and weighs 86G. XTAR has the PB2SL in a variety of colours, black, blue and red. XTAR sent me a red model. Which in my opinion looks absolutely fantastic. The outer skin isn’t all aesthetical, you’ll be pleased to hear it’s both wear resistant and fireproof too.
You get a twin magnetic enclosure, also, something new for the PB2SL is a plastic swivel piece, which has been designed to hold 18650 batteries in place, previously on the PB2S these could become loose and not make connection. Another upgrade is the removable plastic locking spacer, you can easily convert the charger to accommodate a 21700 battery cell, something which wasn’t possible with the PB2S battery charger.
Multi-Function Button.
You get a built-in ribbon for easy battery removal too. On the top area you get two ports, one is the in/out USB-C port, the other, a USB-A output port. A fully functioning control button on the right hand side enables you to switch between three menus when in charge mode. The first menu displays the combined battery capacity of both battery bays. Pressing it once will show details for bay 1, press again to view data for bay 2, press again to cycle back to the first menu. When not in charge mode, the button simply shows the remaining battery level along with any output values (if you’re drawing any power).
You also have more control via the multi-function side button. Want to use the Low Current feature? When the charger is in its off status, press and hold the button to enter low-current output mode, you’re now free to charge low-current devices such as Bluetooth headphones and USB lights. The display blinks slowly when in this mode to indicate you’re using this feature. Press and hold again to exit this mode.
Batteries.
You’re able to utilise a variety of batteries with the XTAR PB2SL Battery Charger. You can use 18650, 20700, 21700 rechargeable batteries, including protected 21700 rechargeable batteries. Also, you can use one or both battery bays, the choice is yours.
The XTAR PB2SL Battery Charger also features a battery revive function. So, if you have over-discharged batteries you can revive them with the battery charger, preventing unnecessary waste.
The XTAR PB2SL uses intelligent charging and discharging balancing technology. Simultaneously charging and discharging with ease, even when using different varying capacity battery cells.
You get an intelligent 3-stage charging method too. You get high efficient TC-CC-CV charging methods, perfect for maximising performance and extending battery life.
- Trickle Current (TC): To awaken low voltage batteries.
- Constant Current (CC): Used for normal charging.
- Constant Voltage (CV): Ensures a full charge, with less damage to the battery cell.
The XTAR PB2SL Battery Charger also automatically cuts out when the battery cells have been charged.
Comparison to PB2S.
As previously mentioned, I have a XTAR PB2S handy. So, what are the differences between the two models? Well, externally, nothing! Not until you remove the cover can you see the changes. Firstly the PB2S doesn’t have a plastic swivel locking piece, occasionally when using 18650 batteries they would slide away from the contacts and open up the case. Not an issue now with this simple upgrade to the PB2SL.
But most impressively with the PB2SL is the ability to charge and use 21700 battery cells. Something which wasn’t a possibility with the PB2S. Simply remove the plastic locking spacer and the battery bay easily accommodates a 21700 cell.
The negative poles are also slightly shorter, this provides a better connection with an improved low impedance design. Another feature I did notice between the two models was the temperature of the charger when in use, the PB2S gets noticeably hotter to the touch, especially near to the black display area, whereas the PB2SL doesn’t, not even close. So, there’s certainly an improvement in terms of charging temperature.
As with all XTAR products safety is important, I tested a few features and can confirm they work as you’d come to expect from XTAR.
Technical Specifications.
- Brand: XTAR
- Model: PB2SL Battery Charger
- Manufacturer Code: PB2SLBCH0835
- Manufacturer Reference: PB2SL KT (RED)
- EAN: 6952918301431
- ASIN: B0BXKFFN25
- Input: QC3.0 & PD3.0 (5V⎓2A/9V⎓2A/12V⎓1.5A)
- Constant Current: 2Ax2/2Ax1/1Ax2)
- USB Output: QC3.0 & PD3.0 (5V⎓2A/9V⎓2A/12V⎓1.5A)
- End of Charge Voltage: 4.20±0.05V
- End of Charge Current: ≤120mA
- Operating Temperature: 0-40°C
- Compliance: CE, FCC, RoHS
Conclusion.
I’m really impressed with the XTAR PB2SL Battery Charger. It’s certainly an improvement to the PB2S model, I really like the option to be able to charge 21700 battery cells too and s simple swivel piece has made an improvement whilst using 18650 battery cells, keeping them in place and making constant contact with the pins.
I can’t fault the PB2SL Battery Charger at all, a great improvement on an already excellent product from XTAR.
If you’d like to purchase this item, please check out the purchasing options below. The RRP for this product is £21.99.
XTAR Direct | Amazon Best Option | AliExpress | eBay |
Product sample provided by XTAR in exchange for a detailed, unbiased review.
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