XTAR PB2SL Review: A Versatile and High-Performance Portable Charger

Portable electronic devices have become an integral part of our daily lives, and the need for reliable power sources on the go has never been greater. Whether you’re traveling, working, or simply navigating your daily routine, having a dependable battery charger and power bank can make all the difference. One such versatile and user-centric gadget that aims to meet these demands is the XTAR PB2SL Charger.

The PB2SL Charger is a 2-in-1 solution from XTAR that combines the functionality of a battery charger and a power bank, offering a new dimension of convenience for users across various settings. This review delves into the key features, practical applications, performance testing, user experience, pros and cons, and a detailed comparison with other chargers and power banks. We’ll explore why the PB2SL Charger has garnered attention and how it stands out in a competitive market. Join us on this journey as we evaluate the XTAR PB2SL to provide valuable insights for those seeking a reliable and versatile charging companion for their portable devices.

XTAR PB2SL Features

What’s Inside the Package?

When you unbox the XTAR PB2SL, you’ll find everything you need to get started. The package includes a user manual, the main charging unit, and a charging cable. This full package ensures that users can set up and use the device effortlessly.

Design and comfort:

At first glance, the XTAR PB2SL may resemble an ordinary portable charger, but it offers much more than meets the eye. It’s a versatile 2-in-1 device that combines the functionalities of a battery charger and a power bank. This device eliminates the need for carrying separate chargers and power banks, making it a convenient companion for travelers and everyday use. The Charger is designed to be compatible with a wide range of battery sizes, from 18650 to 21700. This versatility means that you can easily access power sources for extended use, giving you the flexibility to choose the battery capacity that suits your needs. It’s a great solution for those who rely on battery-powered devices.

XTAR has designed the PB2SL Charger with the user in mind. Its fashionable colors and fire-proof materials not only make it stylish but also safe for use. The wear-resistant skin ensures the charger maintains its elegant appearance even after extended use. Yes, it uses a wear-resistant soft skin to provide a comfortable and secure grip and ensures that the charger is less likely to slip from your grasp.

The magnetic cover adds another layer of protection. It shields the interior from dust and prevents the batteries from accidentally falling out. This thoughtful design choice makes the XTAR PB2SL suitable for travel, allowing you to toss it into your bag or pocket without any concerns about battery safety.

The XTAR PB2SL Charger features two ports, a Type-C port for in/output and a USB-A port for only output. These ports enable you to charge multiple devices simultaneously, making multitasking more convenient. You can power up your smartphone while simultaneously charging another device, eliminating the need for additional adapters.

One significant improvement in PB2SL compared to its predecessor, PB2S, is its compatibility with 21700 batteries. The key difference is that 21700 batteries are larger in diameter and length compared to 18650 batteries. And because XTAR PB2SL Charger prioritizes battery security and portability. It features a removable locking spacer that accommodates flat-top cells and a rotating plastic piece that fixes 18650 cells securely and ensures that your batteries won’t accidentally dislodge during charging or transport. Additionally, a built-in ribbon simplifies the process of removing batteries.

The best thing is to stay informed about the charging progress with the charger’s precise digital numeric display. It provides real-time information about the status of your batteries from Discharge, Charging, Voltage, Current, and power percentage of one/two batteries/average, ensuring that you always know how much charge is remaining. In short, it’s a perfect device, but if there’s anything I complain about, it’s this does not include a built-in flashlight. This could be considered a limitation for users who value having a flashlight in their portable chargers.

Practical Applications of XTAR PB2SL Charger & Power Bank

The XTAR PB2SL Charger & Power Bank offers a versatile solution for keeping your devices charged and ready to go, whether you’re at home, in the office, or on the move. One of the standout features of the PB2SL is its compatibility with a wide range of battery sizes, including the popular 18650 and 21700 batteries. This versatility means that you can use it to charge the batteries commonly found in many electronic devices, such as flashlights, vaping devices, and even some laptops.

While these batteries are widely used, finding a charger that can handle both efficiently is quite rare. The XTAR PB2SL fills this gap, offering users the flexibility to charge either battery type quickly and conveniently. What sets the PB2SL apart from other portable chargers is its ability to rapidly charge these batteries and safety, making it a valuable addition to any adventurer’s equipment.

Beyond being a battery charger, the XTAR PB2SL also serves as a powerful portable power bank. When you need a quick top-up for your smartphone, tablet, or other gadgets, simply connect them to the XTAR PB2SL. It’s like having a backup battery for all your devices in the palm of your hand. If you use two 21700 batteries, the total capacity can reach up to 8000-10000mAh.

Powering Multiple Devices Simultaneously

The XTAR PB2SL Charger & Power Bank features dual output ports: a Type-C port and a USB-A port. These ports allow you to charge multiple devices simultaneously, making it an excellent choice for multitasking. For instance, you can charge your smartphone using the Type-C port while simultaneously topping up your wireless earbuds with the USB-A port. This capability is incredibly useful, particularly when you’re short on time or wall outlets.

Performance Testing of the XTAR PB2SL Charger:

For this XTAR PB2SL is equipped with Quick Charge 3.0 and USB Power Delivery 3.0 (PD3.0), and it boasts lightning-fast charging speeds of up to 18W. But does it deliver on this promise? Charging two 5000mAh 21700 batteries took just 3 hours, showcasing its exceptional speed.

And one of the safety features is the ability to balance the battery cells. If you insert two batteries with varying charge levels, the PB2SL will automatically balance them, ensuring efficient and safe charging. So, if you have two 18650 batteries with different levels of charge—one at 43% and the other at 60%. Remarkably, both can be inserted into the charger simultaneously, and the device recognizes and charges them without any hiccups. Even you can pair a fully charged battery with one that’s only at 2%, and the charger will still function efficiently.

having a reliable power source for our smartphones is crucial. The XTAR PB2SL Charger & Power Bank excels in this regard, offering rapid charging capabilities for smartphones. Its dual output ports, including the Type-C port. While many portable chargers provide charging speeds of around 10W, PB2SL can deliver quick charging with up to 18W of power. The convenience of having a powerful portable charger and power bank in your pocket cannot be overstated, it charged an iPhone 14/15 in a mere 1.5 hours, making it an ideal on-the-go companion. Also, It supports various voltage levels, including 5 volts, 9 volts, and 12 volts, depending on the device you’re charging.

The charger’s intelligent 3-stage charging method ensures that your batteries are charged efficiently and safely. It starts with a trickle current (TC) to “awaken” low-voltage batteries, followed by a constant current (CC) phase for normal charging, and finishes with a constant voltage (CV) phase to ensure a full charge with minimal risk of damage. This method maximizes your battery’s lifespan, which is especially crucial for rechargeable batteries used in high-drain devices.

One noteworthy feature is the low-current charging mode, which caters to devices that require a slow and steady charge, such as smartwatches or Bluetooth headsets. To activate this mode, simply hold the button for approximately 5-10 seconds, and the screen will start blinking slowly. In this mode, the charger ensures a steady charge for low-power devices. To deactivate this mode, hold the button again for about 5-7 seconds, and the charger will return to its regular charging mode.

You can also use this charger to discharge batteries. For instance, if you have an 18650 battery that you want to discharge for testing or analysis, you can place it in one of the bays, and the charger will safely discharge it for you.

One thing to note is that the charger has a pass-through charging feature. This means that you can recharge the charger itself while it’s charging an external device. This is convenient for situations where you need to keep both the charger and your devices charged.

Throughout our extensive testing, the XTAR PB2SL consistently impressed us with its performance. It handled both battery charging and discharging tasks with seamless efficiency. Its ability to manage high currents and adapt to various voltage levels was a standout feature. Furthermore, its intuitive interface and informative display made it exceptionally user-friendly, even for those new to battery charging and power banks.

Battery Life Extension and Sustainability

One of the remarkable aspects of the XTAR PB2SL is its ability to revive over-discharged batteries with 0V activation. This feature minimizes battery waste and promotes sustainability, aligning with eco-conscious consumers’ values. By bringing most over-discharged batteries back to life, the XTAR PB2SL not only saves you money but also contributes to a more sustainable approach to battery usage.

Safety and Protection Features

When it comes to safety, the XTAR PB2SL leaves no stone unturned. It incorporates a comprehensive set of advanced safety protections, including intelligent detection, precise auto cut-off, over-current protection, over-charge protection, over-voltage protection, short-circuit protection, and battery reverse polarity protection. These protections ensure that your batteries and devices are safeguarded against potential risks during charging and discharging processes.

Final Thoughts on the XTAR PB2SL Charger

In the market of portable chargers and power banks, the XTAR PB2SL stands out as a versatile and user-centered gadget with a user-friendly interface, digital numeric display, and thoughtful design elements like removable locking spacers and magnetic covers. The inclusion of both Type-C and USB-A output ports enables users to charge multiple devices simultaneously. This multitasking convenience is a significant advantage for those who rely on multiple gadgets daily.

The compatible with a wide range of battery sizes, from 18650 to 21700, offering users the flexibility to choose the capacity that suits their needs. Equipped with Quick Charge 3.0 and USB Power Delivery 3.0 technology, the PB2SL delivers rapid charging speeds of up to 18W. Its combination of fast charging, broad battery compatibility, and user-friendly design positions it as a top choice in the portable charging market.

Also, The PB2SL employs intelligent charging and discharging balancing technology, optimizing battery performance and extending its lifespan. It can charge and discharge cells with varying capacities simultaneously, ensuring efficient power management. Also, Safety is paramount, and the PB2SL includes multiple safety features such as over-current protection, over-charge protection, over-voltage protection, short-circuit protection, and more.

If you’re interested in learning more or adding the XTAR PB2SL to your outdoor gear collection, you can find it through the official website of XTAR. Additionally, don’t miss out on the generous 10% discount, exclusively available by using the code “techxreviews,” which remains valid until December 31, 2023.