Single crystal Sb2S3 nanowires are synthesized successfully through a simple one-step hydrothermal method. The morphological and structural characterizations reveal the uniform nanowire morphology of single crystal Sb2S3 with orthorhombic structure. The Sb2S3 nanowires exhibit a relatively high reversible capacity of 579 mAh g−1 at a current density of 100 mA g−1 and good cycling stability with 80.5% capacity retention after 50 cycles. The good rate capability of the Sb2S3 nanowires is also demonstrated by discharge/charge tests. The comparative study of electrochemical performance is made for two kinds of electrodes with different conductive additive contents. Sb2S3 nanowires electrodes with 20% acetylene black deliver a higher reversible capacity of 742 mAh g−1 at a current rate of 50 mA g−1. The good electrochemical performance of single crystal Sb2S3 nanowires can be ascribed to the one dimensional nanostructure of Sb2S3.