Overview
The XTAR MC1 is a single-slot Type-C charger built for portability — small enough to keep in a bag, a car, or a desk drawer as a genuinely useful backup, not just a compact afterthought. It charges one Li-ion cell at a full 1A with proper 3-stage charging, and includes the same "0V activation" recovery feature found on XTAR's larger chargers.
It's a good fit for anyone who wants a dependable single-cell charger without the bulk of a multi-slot unit — or as a companion to a larger charger when you need to top off one extra cell alongside a bigger batch.
Full Specs
| Parameter |
Value |
| Model |
MC1 |
| Input |
Type-C, 5V⎓1A |
| Charging Current |
1A (single slot, constant current) |
| Charging Method |
3-stage charging: trickle wake-up → constant current → constant voltage |
| Charge Cut-off Voltage |
4.2V ±0.05V |
| Charge Cut-off Current |
<130mA |
| Operating Temperature |
0°C to 40°C |
| Dimensions |
L103mm x W25mm x H30mm |
| Net Weight |
27g |
| Compatible Chemistry |
3.6V/3.7V Li-ion |
| Compatible Cell Sizes |
10440, 14500, 14650, 16340, 17335, 17500, 17670, 18350, 18490, 18500, 18650, 18700, 20700, 21700, 22650, 25500, 26650 |
| Protected Cell Support |
Yes — supports protected 21700 cells |
| Special Feature |
"0V" activation technology for recovering some over-discharged cells |
| Status Indicator |
Green = standby or fully charged; Red = actively charging; Off/unlit = reverse polarity or abnormal insertion |
| Safety Protections |
Intelligent detection, automatic cut-off, overcurrent, overcharge, overvoltage, short-circuit, and reverse-polarity protection, soft-start |
| Package Includes |
MC1 charger, USB-C cable, user manual |
How the Charging Process Works
The MC1 uses the same three-stage approach as XTAR's larger chargers, scaled down to a single slot:
-
Trickle charge — a small preliminary current wakes up and tops off a low-voltage cell before ramping up to full current.
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Constant current — the charger holds a steady 1A while the cell's voltage climbs toward full — this is where most of the capacity gets restored.
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Constant voltage — as the cell approaches full charge, the charger holds voltage steady and gradually reduces current, topping off the last portion of capacity without overcharging.
What Makes This Charger Worth Considering
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Genuinely pocket-sized — at 103mm x 25mm x 30mm and 27g, this is small enough to actually carry, not just "compact" on paper.
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Full 1A charging, no compromises for size — despite the small footprint, it doesn't cut corners on charge current the way some ultra-compact chargers do.
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Type-C in, works anywhere — laptop, wall adapter, car charger, or power bank all work as a power source, so you're not tied to a specific plug.
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0V activation — most basic single-slot chargers simply refuse to recognize a cell drained too far below normal cutoff voltage. The MC1's activation function can attempt a slow, controlled recovery charge on some of these cells rather than writing them off immediately.
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Broad size compatibility — from small 10440s up through 26650s, plus protected 21700 cells, one charger covers most cylindrical Li-ion formats you're likely to carry.
Where This Charger Fits
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A backup or travel charger — small enough to throw in a bag or glovebox without a second thought
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Rounding out odd-numbered battery purchases — pairing with a 4-slot charger to cover a 5th or 6th cell without needing a second full-size unit
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Anyone who only needs to charge one cell at a time and doesn't want to pay for slots they won't use
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A first charger for someone new to 18650s — simple, safe, and hard to get wrong
What to Keep in Mind
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This is a single-slot charger. If you regularly need to charge multiple cells at once, pair it with a larger charger (like the MC4S or VC4SL) rather than expecting it to cover bulk charging on its own.
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Charging handles voltage/current safety, not discharge-side protection. If you're using unprotected cells in a device, that device still needs its own low-voltage cutoff — the charger's protections don't extend to how the cell is used afterward.
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Stay within the 0-40°C operating range for safe, reliable charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to charge a typical 18650? At a full 1A, a 2,500-3,000mAh 18650 typically reaches full charge in roughly 3-4 hours, depending on the cell's starting charge level and its own charge current rating.
Can I use any USB-C cable and power source? Yes — the MC1 accepts standard Type-C input from laptops, wall adapters, car chargers, or power banks. Just make sure the source can supply at least 5V/1A.
What does it mean if the LED doesn't light up at all? That typically indicates a reverse-polarity insertion or another abnormal condition the charger has detected. Remove the cell, check its orientation, and reinsert.
Does this charge protected cells? Yes, it supports protected 21700 cells. For other protected sizes, check the cell's own length — protection circuits add length that may not fit every charger's slot depth.
Is the "0V activation" feature something I should rely on regularly? It's meant as an occasional recovery option for over-discharged cells, not a routine part of normal use. A cell that repeatedly needs 0V activation is showing signs of wear or misuse and is worth watching more closely — or replacing.
