The effects of CoS loading (10, 20, and 30%) on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on electrochemical performance for Li−S batteries were investigated. A facile hydrothermal method was used to grow CoS nanoparticles in situ on the surface of MWCNTs. In addition, CoS on functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) was also investigated. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Xray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to characterize the structure and electronic state of CoS on the surface of MWCNTs and f-MWCNTs. The initial discharge capacities and reversible specific capacities after 200 cycles were found to be 980 and 612 mAh/g, 990 and 707 mAh/g, and 959 and 658 mAh/g for the 10, 20, and 30% CoS samples, respectively. Interestingly, the 20% CoS@MWCNTs show the best initial discharge capacity and retention after 200 cycles. This finding can be attributed to the fact that high CoS loading (30%) may not be dispersed evenly on the MWCNT surface, while low CoS loading (10%) leads to fewer CoS and weaker adsorption for polysulfides. Moreover, the 20% CoS/f-MWCNTs show even higher initial discharge capacities of 1103 mAh/g and reversible specific capacities of 796 mAh/g after 200 cycles. This can be attributed to a rougher surface with more active sites on f-MWCNTs for trapping polysulfides and for enhancing the electronic conductivity of the cathode composite. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra show prominent peaks at 162.7 and 163.9 eV, which correspond to Co−S and C−S bonds, respectively, suggesting that CoS bonds well with MWCNTs. It is postulated that CoS/f-MWCNTs play a role in adsorbing lithium polysulfides (LPS) during the charge and discharge process and accelerating the kinetics of polysulfide conversion.