This paper firstly reported a simple route to prepare SnO2 mesoporous spheres for lithium ion battery. Mesoporous SnO2 spheres in range of 100–300nm were prepared by primary reaction at 353K for 30min, and calcination process at 773K, which could be scaled up for manufacturing. The nano-size effect of the small particle and the 3D mesoporous structure promoted the electrolyte and lithium ion transfer and suppressed the volume changes, which greatly enhanced the cycle performances. As the anode material, it could deliver 761mAhg−1 capacity after 50 cycles at the current density of 200mAg−1. Even at 2Ag−1, it retained 480mAhg−1 after 50 cycles. Furthermore, we suggested that the high stability of the structure was responsible for the improved cycle properties.