Best Portable Jump Starters
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A dead battery always picks the worst morning. Cold parking lot, nobody around with cables, and you’re already late. A portable jump starter turns that into a five-minute problem you solve by yourself.
I’d put one in every car before I’d buy almost any other tool. They’re small enough to live in the glovebox or under a seat, most double as a phone charger, and the good ones won’t fry anything if you mix up the clamps.
Here’s what’s worth buying, and how to pick the right size for your engine.
Quick Picks at a Glance
| Product | Best For | Deal |
|---|---|---|
| NOCO Boost GB40 | Most cars and small SUVs | Check Price on Amazon |
| NOCO Boost GB70 | Full-size trucks and diesels | Check Price on Amazon |
| Clore Jump-N-Carry JNC660 | Garages and heavy use | Check Price on Amazon |
| GOOLOO GP4000 | Budget pick with high power | Check Price on Amazon |
NOCO Boost GB40: Most cars and small SUVs
The GB40 is the one most mechanics point people to first, and it’s easy to see why. It’s rated for gas engines up to about 6 liters and diesels up to 3 liters, which covers the vast majority of cars, crossovers and small trucks on the road.
The clamps are spark-proof and reverse-polarity protected, so a nervous first-timer can’t do much damage. It also works as a USB power bank and has a built-in flashlight. My one complaint is the short clamp cables, which can make tight engine bays fiddly.
NOCO Boost GB70: Full-size trucks and diesels
If you drive a V8 truck or a diesel, step up to the GB70. It’s rated for gas engines up to 8 liters and diesels up to 6, and it has noticeably more muscle on a cold morning when a big engine needs every amp it can get.
It’s bigger and heavier than the GB40, so it’s more of a trunk or toolbox item than a glovebox one. If you’re the person who jumps everyone else’s car at work, this is the one to own.
Clore Jump-N-Carry JNC660: Garages and heavy use
The JNC660 is old-school. It runs on a lead-acid battery instead of lithium, it weighs a lot more, and it looks like something out of a 1990s service bay. That’s the point. Shops have used these for decades because they just keep working.
It has long, heavy cables and big clamps that bite onto any terminal. It’s overkill for the glovebox, but if you want one jump pack for the garage that will outlast your car, this is it. Keep it on a charger between uses.
GOOLOO GP4000: Budget pick with high power
GOOLOO packs a lot of rated power into a compact lithium unit at a lower price than the big names. It handles most gas and diesel engines, charges phones over USB-C, and includes safety protections against reversed clamps and short circuits.
The peak amp numbers on budget brands tend to be optimistic, so don’t buy it based on the box alone. But as a backup that lives in the car, it’s a solid value.
How to Choose a Jump Starter
Ignore most of the marketing numbers. Peak amps are measured differently by every brand, so a 4,000-amp pack from one company isn’t necessarily stronger than a 1,000-amp pack from another. Look at the engine size it’s rated for instead. That rating tells you far more.
- Engine size rating: match it to your engine, and size up for diesels and cold climates.
- Safety features: reverse-polarity and spark protection should be standard.
- Clamp quality: heavy copper clamps with solid springs grip better than thin plastic ones.
- Lithium vs. lead-acid: lithium is small and light; lead-acid is heavy but tough and cheap to keep running.
- Extras: USB charging and a flashlight are handy, but don’t pay much extra for them.
One more thing nobody tells you. A jump starter is only useful if it’s charged. Lithium packs hold a charge for months, but top it off every 3 or 4 months and after every use. Set a phone reminder.
When a Jump Starter Won’t Help
If the car still won’t start after a good jump, the battery may not be the problem. A clicking sound with a strong jump often points to the starter or a bad connection. No crank and no lights at all can mean corroded terminals. Our car won’t start checklist walks through each one in order.
Keep Reading
- Car Won’t Start: A Step-by-Step Diagnosis Checklist
- Common Car Warning Lights Explained (What Each One Means and What to Do)
- Automotive Tools Explained: What Every Car Owner Actually Needs
FAQ
How many amps do I need in a jump starter?
Go by the engine rating, not the amp number. A pack rated for your engine size (gas or diesel) will do the job. Most 4-cylinder and V6 cars do fine with a compact unit; V8 trucks and diesels need a bigger one.
Can a jump starter damage my car?
A modern jump starter with reverse-polarity and spark protection is very safe. Connect red to positive and black to a bare metal ground point, turn it on, then start the car. Disconnect it within a minute or two after the engine starts.
How long does a jump starter hold a charge?
Most lithium units hold a usable charge for 3 to 6 months. Heat drains them faster, so in a hot climate, recharge more often and don’t leave it on the dashboard.
Is it better than jumper cables?
For most people, yes. Cables need a second car and someone willing to help. A jump starter works alone, in a parking garage, at 6 a.m. Keep cables as a backup if you have room.
