Tin(IV) oxide@reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites are synthesized using a simple hydrothermal method. The structural and morphological characterizations indicate that the SnO2 nanoparticles fully and homogeneously anchor on both sides of cross-linked reduced graphene oxide. As an anode material for lithium-ion batteries, the synergistic interaction between the SnO2 nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide contributes to good electrochemical behaviors, which enhance the cycling performance and rate capability. For a half-cell, the SnO2@reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites as an anode material exhibits a high reversible capacity of 1149 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.2 A g−1, and a good capacity retention of 67.2% after 130 cycles. For a full-cell, it exhibits a capacity of 648 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.2 A g−1 after 200 cycles, and the cycling retention of capacity reached 63.5%. The excellent storage capability and cycling performance of lithium-ion batteries make the composite a promising anode material in the practical application of lithium-ion batteries.