The approach of carbothermal reduction was employed to prepare the micro-sized Sn x SbNi composites used as anode material for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The synthesized spherical Sn x SbNi particles show a loose micro-sized structure and a multi-phase composition. The effect of Sn content in Sn x SbNi on the electrochemical properties of the Sn x SbNi composite anode was investigated. Increasing the amount of tin in Sn x SbNi composite leads to an increase in the reversible discharge capacity, however, excessive introduction of Sn into Sn x SbNi alloy will cause the fast capacity decline of electrode. Sn2SbNi alloy provides a reversible specific capacity over 660mAhg−1 and an initial capacity loss of 120mAhg−1 with an excellent cycleability. The low initial capacity loss is attributable to the large particle size of Sn x SbNi powders, while the excellent cycling stability is ascribed to the loose particle structural characteristics and multi-phase features. The former could accommodate the volume change of electrode, while the latter will result in a stepwise lithiation/delithiation behavior and thus a smooth volume change of electrode in cycles.