SnS nanoparticles were mechnochemical synthesized and then co-heated with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) at various temperatures to obtain carbon coating. All amorphous carbon-coated SnS particles had average particle size of about 20–30nm, revealed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). During discharge–charge, ex situ XRD results indicated that SnS firstly decomposed to Sn, then lithium ions intercalated into Sn. The reaction of Li+ and Sn was responsible for the reversible capacity in cycling process. The lithium ion insertion and extraction mechanism of SnS anode was similar to that of Sn-based oxide. Electrochemical capacity retention of carbon-coated SnS obtained at 700°C was superior to that of other prepared SnS anodes and especially the rate capability was obviously enhanced due to good electric conductivity and buffering matrix effects of carbon coating.