In this study, the tin oxide decorated carbon nanotubes (SnO 2 –CNTs) nanocomposites have been successfully synthesized using an ultrafast and environmentally friendly microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. According to X-ray diffraction pattern, field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, the SnO 2 nanoclusters can directly grow on the surfaces of CNTs with uniform coverage along the longitudinal axis by using glucose as a binding agent. The electrochemical properties of the SnO 2 –CNTs nanocomposite electrode have been further characterized by galvanostatic discharge/charge cycling tests, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Results demonstrate that the SnO 2 –CNTs nanocomposite electrode exhibited a superior reversible discharge capacity, cycling stability and rate capability as an anode material for Li-ion batteries compared to the pristine SnO 2 electrode. Such synergic improvements can be attributed to combining the SnO 2 nanoclusters onto the conductive CNTs matrix by taking advantage of the relatively high specific capacity of SnO 2 nanoclusters and the excellent cycling capability of the CNTs.