Xtar PB2S Charger & Power Bank: Review/Test

[@MrBazReviews]

PB2S Amazon UK - amzn.to/2LwMVvJ USA - amzn.to/2LwNiX9 Help support the channel - www.patreon.com/mrbazreviews

[@MrBazReviews]

@@BOOSTEDLASER I Wondered why they don't make phones with easy to remove batteries too! I suppose it's a profit thing you need to re-buy products. A good power bank might last 2-3 years in regular use, IMO it makes sense to have removable cells

[@BOOSTEDLASER]

how is the new (2023) version different?

[@MrBazReviews]

@@BOOSTEDLASER They have a bracket at the top you slide in, so you can fit 18650 cells. That's it as far as I know

[@BOOSTEDLASER]

MR BOZ : AM I BETTER FOR "EDC" PUTTING THIS IN MY PACK OR AN ANKER 10 000 SLIM POWER BANK? (MILITARY BX HAS FOR $ 13) SEMPER FI GUNNY

[@MrBazReviews]

@@BOOSTEDLASER Advantage of this is you can replace the cells, v a normal power bank. But a power bank like the Anker is slimmer and more portable/lighter. Up to yo u which which is best. There are some weather proof ones (Looked at a few Nitecore ones), though they are more costly.

[@lskdjflsd]

Good review, honest too. I don't think there are many alternatives to this little box. You get a lot for under $20. If anyone knows similar products I'd be happy to check them out. These kind of powerbanks/charger combo's are pretty cool and I didn't see any others with this feature set; usb-c pd and quick charge in a nice form factor well executed. It feels premium and has been serving me great.

[@MrBazReviews]

It's pretty useful I use it a lot and quite like it. They improved it quite a bit over the previous one - obvious advantage is being able to replace/use it as a charger too. It's worth getting one. Xtar have been hit and miss on some items, this is one of their better ones.

[@nobodix]

Good review, especially since you point out advantages as well as disadvantages.

[@MrBazReviews]

I try, but some makers do not like the bad points mentioned at all!

[@fatcuffy]

Great and thorough review. Thanks mate.

[@MrBazReviews]

Appreciate the comment thanks

[@ShenzhenXTAR]

Great, thanks for the awesome review, good job!

[@andreasklein9756]

I ´m sorry that YOU didn´t a good job with this device, as it fails to serve as a powerbank with 2/3 depleted 18650. The PB2S constantly turns off - on - off with no charging on a Samsung S10e. Would be better to test this device rather than just selling it.

[@MrBazReviews]

Lol don't steal my videos next time!

[@MountainParameters]

Grateful to see that you powered some devices that draw just under the 2A rating. I was hoping to find a 21700 powerbank that can keep the voltage above 5 for everything below and up to it's max current rating, but was disappointed to see that it does not. I was wondering if that is because it is not possible when you use a boost circuit to up the volts from the nominal voltage of the battery in these style of power bank, however I do have a Miller ML-102 that keeps the voltage above 5 when I have a load of 1.4A on it.

[@MrBazReviews]

As you can see v the USB tester the voltage display reading is a bit lower than actual. So I wouldn't worry about it it's close enough to 5V to be a non issue IMO

[@MountainParameters]

@@MrBazReviews I guess it depends on your application. I have a portable power bank that shows the same voltage drop as this PB2 with a 1.4A load, which then reduces the current to 1.3A. When I plug the same load into my AC powered USB power hub with outlets up to 3.5A I see it maintains a voltage of 5.32V at 1.4A. The total result of the drop between my USB power hub and portable power bank appears to amount to a net loss of energy of 770 watt hours, which one online calculator I found indicates that amounts to 2627 BTU (about the same as 500 calories apparently). If you are powering a device such as an electronic hand warmer that is a loss I'd rather not take, but it might be acceptable for charging a phone. However, I did test about a dozen portable power banks that I've accumulated over time, and only one of them was able to stay above 5V with that 1.4A load on it. Ironically, it was a Miller ML-102 that uses a single 18650 cell and cost under ten bucks. Most of them were not as good as the PB2 shown here either with a voltage around 4.8 and draw of 1.3 not uncommon. For those that are weight sensitive or size limited, ideally a single cell power bank that takes 21700 cells with a 3A output would be great, but not hopeful we'll see one anytime soon. Thanks for the reply.

[@matejblaha4659]

Thank you for the review! I am looking for something that I could use as both a charger and a case for 18650 batteries on hiking trips. Do you have any suggestions? This charger looks cool and portable, but I don't think it might be durable enough. The only other option I could find so far is lenser powerbox7, but it's more pricey and comes with included batteries with unspecified discharge rate which I don't need

[@MrBazReviews]

The build is fine not fragile but over time the finish does get slightly tacky. It works well enough the % isn't always that accurate. Not too many alternatives to this because Nitecore discontinued their F series models with the power bank/charging function.

[@cerebus1022]

Excellent Review!

[@MrBazReviews]

Thanks

[@highlanderes]

Thanks! In he Nitecore F2 review, when supplied from a solar charger, it required minimum 500mA to charge batteries. Have you tried if it is tye same with the PB2S?

[@MrBazReviews]

I'll try to test it again as I use it a lot, just weather is so bad very little solar output right now. Will let you know when I try to charge it again

[@goyschak3832]

@@MrBazReviews Really good review! I'm keen to know the minimum rate of mA from the solar panel which the PB2S accepts and if it starts charging again without unplugging / restarting if the current from the solar panel drops beneath that point. Planning to use the PB2S in my rucksack connected via the camel back opening to my outside solar panel.

[@BOOSTEDLASER]

@@MrBazReviews ANYTHING BETTER FOR MID 2021? OR IS THIS PB2S IT? IF SO LOOKING FOR SOME 21700 WITH NO PROTECTION AT A DECENT PRICE THAT ARE HQ WE LOVE YOUR VIDS HERE AT THE US SPACE FORCE )

[@MrBazReviews]

@@BOOSTEDLASER Not seen anything else similar to this, not so far anyway. I did look at a Klarus one single cell, that has a power bank function and can handle protected or unprotected cells. I use it quite a bit, I am stull using this though as a general power bank

[@blggtavus]

I also have just got my PB2S. As far as the efficiency goes, when I discharge while having 2 cells inserted, the charger charges my phone at 2.4 amp (from its led display), while my battery doctor app reads 2.8-2.9 amp!! However, when charging the phone with just 1 cell inserted, the charger charges at about 1.2-1.3 amp on the display and 1.4-1.6 amp on the phone. I can't drain all 2 21700s that I have as it exceeds my phone's battery capacity, so I can't measure the efficiency in that case. But when using just one cell, I got 2,538 mAh out of the Lishen 4000, which is about 64.5%, which is pretty impressive!! I think the discharge speed plays an important part in the efficiency. I also noticed that the charger stops discharging different cells at different percent, like in my 18650, it stopped at 7%, while in my Lishen, it stopped at 2%. This may also vary each time even with the same cell. However, overall I'm quite impressed with the performance.

[@MrBazReviews]

It does vary faster discharging less efficiency, so the test is just a ball park figure to give an idea (best case). The Mi power banks (10k one I looked at) do give better conversion, as I'd expect. But you can change the cells so it's a convenience thing. Not sure how accurate the phone app is, the Drok is showing fairly close to the unit amps (close enough), voltage was a bit off, again not hugely comparing the two and I know the Drok is accurate. If it's high drain charging it might cut off a bit over the 3.0V, most of the time it was near to that 3-3.1V on the cells I think it's pretty good, they improved a lot of things, esp the low current charging which didn't work on the PB2. I do wish they had a lower 1.0 amp charging for 18650 cells. It might be worth getting for someone who has quite a few batteries around, as a cost effective power bank and occasional charger. I don't think it entirely replaces either

[@Sasoon2006]

Actually, efficiency is better than you calculated. You got out 2,538 mAh at 5V (12.69 Wh, actually 12.43Wh, because charger was outputting 4.9V), and battery has capacity 4,000mAh at 3.7V (14.8 Wh). This is a common error, mAh do not mean anything without voltage. You can compare mAh only if voltage is the same. So 12.43/14.8 = 0.839 ~ 84%

[@blggtavus]

@@Sasoon2006 Thank you very much.

[@niko4074]

All in all is this charger worth it how is it held up over the years?

[@MrBazReviews]

It's working fine, the soft touch finish is a bit sticky though bit of an annoyance

[@mattcousins1707]

Hey Baz - thanks for another great review. If you connect this to your solar panel to charge via the USB C port, if the solar panel then goes into shade / is still connected after sunset, does the Powerbank then try to ‘charge’ the solar panel? This is my concern with the combined in/out USB C port.

[@MrBazReviews]

It's the panel even on micro USB power banks some current will drain if left plugged in. Unless the panel has a diode to stop it, most don't. So best not to leave it attached. Still it's not a massive drain, so summer time I often forget!

[@tan1312]

@Mr Baz Reviews 4:26 i dont understand why the battery in B1 was being charged at 1.9A and B2 also at 1.9A but the total current was only 1.7A. Shouldn't it be 3.8V since it's a total of B1 and B2? Please enlighten me. Thank you very much.

[@MrBazReviews]

It's using quick charge 12V hence more current is available than 5V

[@heiwani_]

Hi, I’m new to all of this, I simple user who does not understand most of the specs but I can see you’re an expert across a wide range of devices over a lot years and would appreciate some advice. I vape using 18650 2500mAh 3:7v batteries. Currently using a simple Basen BO4 which I’ve had for years and looking to upgrade and I like the idea of having a power bank for travel. I’m looking at this Xtar charger and the Nitecore F4. Can you recommend which is better to get please? Or considerations for each maybe?

[@MrBazReviews]

This supports quick charge if that's important to you, the F4 can charge 4 cells but only 18650. If you want a simple charger the F2 from Nitecore is also OK and has a power bank function, this is pretty good for what it is

[@heiwani_]

Quick charge is relatively important and I’ll likely want to upgrade my mod in future to use the bigger battery or at least like to have the option. I think the Xstar would be perfect if it were 4 bank....will have a further think but you’ve given me food for thought! Thanks so much for th swift response!

[@2lazy2bother]

If I got it right from what you said, it allows for pass-through right ? I mean can it charge while being charged ?

[@MrBazReviews]

Yes

[@2lazy2bother]

@MrBazReviews Thank you sir!

[@WaschyNumber1]

Hi Does it put the full 18watts out of the type c port? 🤔 I'm wonder it would work with the small portable soldering irons that need at least 18watts.

[@MrBazReviews]

I've had no problems using the quick charge output on various devices it does work. You can get the 12V 1.5A if the device supports it, some work on 9V. The only obvious drawback with this is the display accuracy % isn't always great. Apart from that it works quite well.

[@WaschyNumber1]

@@MrBazReviews thanks, so long the display is not over 2% off I think it's better than most other 😂🤔

[@WaschyNumber1]

Hello Do they have a newer version for 4 battery's and maybe for 30xxx battery versions 🤔 this days?

[@MrBazReviews]

I have not seen one, but not checked their site for a while

[@Akram_0000]

Hi I plugged two 18650 taken from a pc battery, completely discharged, to try to use them but the XTAR PB2S is damaged. . I hesitate now between PB2S again and VC2S of XTAR. What do you think? I prefer PB2S for the price 13euro + cable USB-typeC +the cover and colors . But with VC2s : arround 21euro the display of the internal resistance + charge of descharged battery 0%, the display is better but with the old micro USB ,...

[@MrBazReviews]

I've not had a problem with it the VC2S I am not a fan of

[@Akram_0000]

@@MrBazReviews so you goes also for the PB2S .

[@DigiTechTools]

Hi I recently bought this with 2 pair of Xtar 18650 3300mha batteries, I found two faults on it, 1. when one battery is inside as power bank it has max output 5V/2A (no 18w fast charge) and biggest down side is when battery drops to 60%-40% it suddenly shutdown! 2. when two batteries are in, If I charge a device that dosen't support fast charge (charging 5V/2A) every thing from 100%-0% goes fine, but if the device support fast charge 18w (9V/2A) again when the battery drops to 60%-40% it shutdown suddenly!

[@MrBazReviews]

It's clearly not working properly so I would return it/get in touch with the place you got it from. It is unlikely to be the batteries, they are just re-wraps of Panasonic cells.

[@DigiTechTools]

@@MrBazReviews thank you for your help Unfortunately here I can’t find the same battery model you used for your review here 21700s are only protected which does’t fit in this device, at first I choose Xtar 18650h high drain 2600mha for continuous 20A drain but seller told me these are for e-cigarettes and not good for use as power bank and told me to choose Xtar 3300mha from flashlight category. Maybe he was mistaking I’m not sure I had right choice. What you think about this?

[@MrBazReviews]

@@DigiTechTools Forget 18650 use 21700 cells flat top anything over 4000mAh avoid junky brands simple really

[@DigiTechTools]

@@MrBazReviews unfortunately here Xtar only have 21700 4900&5000mha(which is not flat top) So doesn’t fit in PS2S

[@MrBazReviews]

@@DigiTechTools Most cells are flat top, it's the unprotected ones, vast majority. Only protected ones you find are mostly for torches and things like that. Just go to a vape shop they do quite a few

[@waqasahmed939]

What's the difference between this and having a regular power bank on hand? I've seen that they're used by people who vape a lot and I don't do that.. I don't however like having to recycle something because the power bank is "dead" ie: a battery inside it might have died.

[@MrBazReviews]

Nothing to do with vaping you can use it for that, or use it as a charger for cells and a power bank. You have hit it really you can replace the cells hence it's more eco friendly I suppose v the normal power banks.

[@waqasahmed939]

@@MrBazReviews Thanks! I might go ahead and buy one then A bit better for the environment this way

[@rona_sona]

Hi Mr Baz. Can the xtar pb2s be used with only 1 18650 battery and not necessarily 2 batteries ? Thanks you

[@MrBazReviews]

You can use 1 if you want

[@rona_sona]

@@MrBazReviews wow Thanks, but Is it worth buying?

[@pierofurlan472]

Great! Italian user manual also

[@MrBazReviews]

I wish I had an Italian wife they are the best!

[@irascher]

What model and brand of battery do you think is best to use with it?

[@MrBazReviews]

Any major brand, mostly the Panasonic cells are one of the top makers. I did test some others that were good quality

[@Zauchi]

can I plug this into my pc to charge or do I need to purchase the 3.0 adapter?

[@MrBazReviews]

You can, but it will take a while most USB ports are either half amp or 800/900mA

[@ongnguyen4625]

I have overheating when charging and discharging the battery, do you know why

[@MrBazReviews]

How much heat? It can get warm but not hot.

[@ongnguyen4625]

@@MrBazReviews when i use it with 5v input or output it only gets warm, but with 9v it gets very hot and i'm afraid it might explode (battery is just warm but PB2s is very hot). Could it because of my battery?or I received 1 defective product ?

[@MrBazReviews]

@@ongnguyen4625 it gets fairly hot at 9V but I've never had a problem as long as the cells are not "hot" it shouldn't be an issue. I am still using this unit.

[@samdeur]

Can you tell me how to calculate mAh if i was to put in two 18650 batteries in or 21700 ?? How does one calculate capacity ? Do i just multiply 2* 4800mAh in case of the 21700 ?? That would be 9600Mah. i'm trying to see if comparing this to say a Anker PowerCore 26800mAh .. or is this something one would get if one has a lot of batteries laying around. (as you mentioned at the end) i see that it's €15,52 on amazon and two Panasonic 21700 are €10 on Aliexpress.. (can't find any on amazon NL)... that would make this powerbank around €26

[@MrBazReviews]

You need a USB tester like I show in the video, the Xtar doesn't count the capacity charging into the cells Discharge is always lower as the output is 5V or higher it boosts it. Just search USB tester and find one that counts capacity

[@samdeur]

@@MrBazReviews Thank you. How does one calculate the capacity of the bank inserting two 18650. or 21700 cells.

[@MrBazReviews]

@@samdeur You test discharge that is what matters as I have explained with a dongle

[@WaschyNumber1]

You could use the ohm's law to calculate it but it will have in Praxis a little less, becourse of circuit losts ect.

[@peterv.276]

what if i put in a full and an empty 18650 and then charge it? does it overcharge the full?

[@MrBazReviews]

No channels are independent

[@Felixvaper]

nice charg

[@MrBazReviews]

Sure is

[@victoradriansyah]

I bought this charger /powerbank along with xtar 21700 5000 mah, I dont know is it normal, but I think its a bit extra tight inthe compartement

[@MrBazReviews]

The fit isn't loose they're not super easy to remove, though I wouldn't say super tight either

[@victoradriansyah]

@@MrBazReviews just hope it will last, hehehe,,, to gain more cycle on the battery is it better to get a separate charger? What do you suggest for 2 slot charger for the 21700 battery??

[@MrBazReviews]

@@victoradriansyah 21700 can take a fairly big charge speed if it's working OK on this keep using it, otherwise I did a video on chargers top picks might be worth considering

[@victoradriansyah]

@@MrBazReviews ok Thx for your advice,,, really apriciate it 👍👍

[@lanceriffle4841]

Question Can I get a charger that will do 4 18650’s at 1 amp?

[@MrBazReviews]

Yup lots around Xtar Dragon, Opus, the Nitecore UM4 (when using quick charge)

[@Gspil]

Does recharge battery like AAA or AA?

[@MrBazReviews]

No just Li-ion

[@PixelatedCanvas]

Is it safe to use two different batteries?

[@MrBazReviews]

Yup not a problem at all

[@andytran1220]

Would hohm tech batteries work well with this charger

[@MrBazReviews]

If they fit they work, the Hohm cells I tested were good quality and accurate capacity

[@RibiDiora]

Please review liitokala lii-S4

[@MrBazReviews]

If one turns up I can look at it, I rely on makers to send items for review

[@Tokis10]

Is it a powerbank without battery inside?

[@MrBazReviews]

No you put the batteries in!

[@Tokis10]

@@MrBazReviews the xstar pb2 is better, its a built in pb

[@MrBazReviews]

@@Tokis10 The PB2 is also a use batteries yourself power bank both of these are. There are pros to this, you never weak it out you can replace the cells they are NOT built in battery power banks it is clearly shown in the videos

[@andreasklein9756]

@Mr Baz I´m sorry that you didn´t test on half to 2/3 depleted 18650. Then you would have noticed that the PB2S repetedly turns off - on - off with no charging effect on a smartphone like a Samsung S10e. Not at a superficial review but with decent testing only the good or bad design of a device reveals!

[@MrBazReviews]

I spent a lot of time testing this, if you have a problem get it returned and replaced. It doesn't switch off on phones with partially depleted cells I tested many times. Nothing superficial about it in any way, I take my time on these videos my unit doesn't do what you say and I've used it for months every single day. I'm also no Xtar fan I panned their VC4S charger for obvious reasons. Don't assume that because you have a bad unit, my testing is superficial

[@andreasklein9756]

Well, on budgetlight forum I found a review that exactly describes my experience. There you are. What now?

[@lskdjflsd]

@@andreasklein9756 Mine doesn't do what you describe. So I guess that makes 2 vs 2?

[@andreasklein9756]

@@lskdjflsd So if 50% is faulty thats ok? Sure? :-)

[@lskdjflsd]

​@@andreasklein9756 My comment was like an umbrella to you. Maybe I should be more specific and say that anecdotal evidence is merely that; anecdotal.

[@cfvgd]

Charging efficiency is? 70?80?

[@MrBazReviews]

I didn't convert it use an online one to do it

[@Yosser70]

Nice review. Could I use a power bank to plug into this and charge 18650? Thinking of charging batteries while I'm out fishing :)

[@MrBazReviews]

Well it holds 18650 or 20/21700 cells so you can charge them in it

[@Yosser70]

@@MrBazReviews OK cool. I've had a problem charging ecigs with a power bank before so wondered if this would have the same problem. They'd charge for a bit then stop, unplug and plug back in, they'd charge again for a bit. I'm on about plugging a 20000mah bank into this to charge 18650's.

[@alexbautista9214]

Does a 14500 batt fit in there?

[@MrBazReviews]

No try Nitecore F1/F2 for a power bank/charger for smaller cells

[@ionstorm66]

You can get adapters to convert 14500 to 18650 size.

[@KiwiPokerPlayer]

Mr Baz, which batteries would you recommend for using this as a power bank? I'm using the Xtar 4200mAh 45amp 21700, anything better suited? Also, the ribbon isn't a problem where it is, you just hold your thumb over the lower part of the batteries when you pull and they pop out from the top.

[@MrBazReviews]

5000mAh if possible but 4200 will do. Cable should be higher IMO that's a reason I make reviews, to be picky It's an OK power bank you can change cells and gives OK conversion, also shows charging speed useful enough IMO

[@KiwiPokerPlayer]

Thanks for the reply. I agree that the ribbon should be higher, it's just the work around I use. I love your channel by the way, I've bought multiple products based on your favorable reviews and have never been disappointed... my Xtar Dragon and Olight Baton II get daily abuse.

[@nicekid9593]

does it have an option to charge my batteries in 0.5amps to prolong my battery life?

[@MrBazReviews]

No only way to get lower charging speeds is to use a lower power UBS port, as I say I'd prefer an option for 1.0A max You won't get 0.5A unless you use a lower power PC port

[@nicekid9593]

@@MrBazReviews thanks :D ur the best battery charger reviewer 👍👍

[@PawlH]

Great video! I just got one of these and usually (about 95% of the time) the LED display blinks on and off when it’s in use. About 1 second on/3 seconds off. Sort of annoying. I noticed that yours isn’t doing that, now I’m wondering if mine has a manufacturing flaw or if it’s a setting I can turn off. Any insight would be appreciated, thanks!

[@MrBazReviews]

I've not seen it do that maybe try cleaning the contacts inside and batteries see if that works if not I'd say something is wrong ie return it

[@PawlH]

Wow, thanks for the quick response! It’s done this since I first took it out of the box so unfortunately I think you’re right that it’s a defect. I thought it was just an optional setting that I couldn’t figure out how to turn off until I saw your video. Works fine other than that🤷‍♂️ EDIT: Actually I think I was wrong. Your comment about checking the batteries made think about, well, the batteries. I’ve mostly been using it with cells I’ve harvested from old power packs for tools, they seem fine but just for kicks I tried using some relatively new 18650s and no blinking! Some quick searching led me to a forum where someone said it blinks when it’s in low current mode. I can’t find anything else to confirm that and it doesn’t seem like the current is any lower when it’s blinking but it’s a partial explanation anyways!

[@MrBazReviews]

@@PawlH Could be most of my cells are new ish so that might explain it, Xtar often don't mention these things for some reason but it sounds like that's the reason!

[@VVerVVurm]

the unit has a "slow charge" mode. pressing the button for >2s will enter the mode you described. It is used to prevent it from turning of if power draw by the gadget to charge is too low and the powerbank would normaly turn of. pressing the button for >2s again will exit this mode.

[@MrBazReviews]

@@VVerVVurm It's not working on my unit maybe it's something they have on newer stock

[@mzam2028]

can it revive dead 18650?

[@MrBazReviews]

Yes it has 0 volt activation

[@mzam2028]

seems like a good investment..thanks

[@diy_Lab]

👍

[@MrBazReviews]

Thanks

[@briwinterburn]

Find it shocking don’t charge batteries properly maybe I have faulty unit gone bk to my xstar

[@MrBazReviews]

What's it doing under or over charging?

[@briwinterburn]

@@MrBazReviews under charging

[@briwinterburn]

Also if a slight touch it’s shocking it charges batter stud up am not happy with it at all I’ll only be useing as a battery bank from now n when I go fishing sticking to my vc4 might get the s as I think that can discharge and recharge to get the true mah

[@MrBazReviews]

@@briwinterburn What is the voltage reading? If it's under 4.15V then that's not good that's what I call the lowest acceptable charge, near to 4.20V is ideal

[@briwinterburn]

@@MrBazReviews was at 3.7

[@uiuiiiiiii]

good i thought b1 and b2 are 61 and 62 lol

[@MrBazReviews]

Lol nope!