The best portable jump starter for most vehicles is the NOCO Boost GB70: 2,000 amps of lithium power, up to 40 starts per charge on engines up to 8.0L gas and 6.0L diesel, a 400-lumen light and a power bank, in a 5-pound case. For a smaller car and a smaller budget, the NOCO Boost GB40 starts engines up to 6.0L gas.
A jump starter belongs in every vehicle emergency kit. It lets you restart a dead battery without another vehicle, it doubles as a power bank for phones during an outage, and the better models include a flashlight. This guide compares six lithium jump starters by the thing that matters most: whether it will start your engine, based on the engine sizes the manufacturers list. Our vehicle emergency kit checklist shows what else goes in the trunk.
NOCO Boost GB70 2000A Jump Starter
2,000 amps, up to 40 starts per charge and engines up to 8.0L gas or 6.0L diesel.
Jump Starters at a Glance
| Jump starter | Peak amps | Engine size (listed) | Best for | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOCO Boost GB70 2000A Jump Starter | 2,000 | 8.0L gas / 6.0L diesel | Trucks and SUVs | Under $250 |
| NOCO Boost GB50 1500A Jump Starter | 1,500 | 7.0L gas / 4.5L diesel | Most cars, SUVs and light trucks | Under $250 |
| NOCO Boost X GBX45 1250A Jump Starter | 1,250 | 6.5L gas / 4.0L diesel | Fast recharge and laptops | Under $250 |
| Hulkman Alpha85 2000A Smart Jump Starter | 2,000 | 8.5L | Smart display, power bank | Under $250 |
| GOOLOO A5 4000A Jump Starter with Air Compressor | 4,000 | Gas and diesel, see listing | Jump start plus tire inflation | Under $250 |
| NOCO Boost GB40 1000A Jump Starter | 1,000 | 6.0L gas / 3.0L diesel | Cars and small SUVs | Under $100 |
Amp and engine ratings come from the manufacturer listings on Amazon. Budget tiers are planning estimates.
How to choose a jump starter
Match the jump starter to your largest engine. Manufacturers list the biggest gas and diesel engine each model can start, such as 6.0L gas or 8.0L gas. Diesel engines need more power than gas engines of the same size, so check the diesel rating if you drive a diesel truck. A compact car with a 2.0L engine does not need 2,000 amps, but extra capacity helps in cold weather when batteries and engines are at their worst.
Look at starts per charge, because a jump starter that sits in a trunk for months loses charge. A unit that gives 20 or more starts per charge will still work after a long wait. Look for spark-proof and reverse polarity protection so that connecting the clamps backward does not cause a spark, and check the storage temperature range if you live somewhere cold.
Keep it charged
A jump starter is only useful if it is charged. Put a reminder on your calendar to top it off every three months and after each use. Lithium jump starters hold a charge for months, but they do not hold it forever, and they should not be left in a hot car for the summer or a freezing one in winter if the manual advises against it. Keep the cable and clamps in the case.
How we picked
We chose jump starters that are in stock on Amazon from well-known brands. Details come from the manufacturer listings and published specifications, and we did not run hands-on tests. Starts per charge and engine ratings are claims from the manufacturers.
Detailed Jump Starter Reviews
1. NOCO Boost GB70 2000A Jump Starter, Best Overall
2,000 amps, up to 40 starts per charge and engines up to 8.0L gas or 6.0L diesel.
The NOCO Boost GB70 lists 2,000 amps of peak lithium power, up to 40 starts per charge on engines up to 8.0L gas and 6.0L diesel, patented UltraSafe spark-proof and reverse polarity protection, a built-in power bank and a 400-lumen LED light with seven modes including SOS and strobe. It weighs 5 pounds and has an IP65 rated housing.
It is the best choice for trucks, large SUVs and anyone who wants a single unit to handle every vehicle in the family. The power bank charges phones and tablets during an outage.
What We Like
- Starts large gas and diesel engines
- 40 starts per charge
- Spark-proof, reverse polarity protection
- Bright 400 lumen light
Limitations
- Highest cost in this guide
- 5 pounds, bigger than compact units
2. NOCO Boost GB50 1500A Jump Starter, Best Mid-Range
1,500 amps and 30 starts per charge for engines up to 7.0L gas in a 2.7-pound case.
The NOCO Boost GB50 lists 1,500 amps, up to 30 starts per charge on engines up to 7.0L gas and 4.5L diesel, a 200-lumen LED light and a power bank. It weighs 2.7 pounds and charges in about five hours.
For most drivers this is the sweet spot of power and size: it handles V8 trucks and SUVs but fits in a glove box.
What We Like
- Light and compact
- 30 starts per charge
- Power bank and light
- Spark-proof
Limitations
- Smaller diesel rating
- Cost more than generic brands
3. NOCO Boost X GBX45 1250A Jump Starter, Best for Fast Recharge
Recharges in 48 minutes by USB-C and offers 60-watt USB-C power delivery for laptops.
The NOCO Boost X GBX45 lists 1,250 amps for gas engines up to 6.5L and diesel engines up to 4.0L, UltraSafe 2.0 protection, up to six starts per charge, USB-C Power Delivery recharging in 48 minutes, and a 60-watt USB-C output that can charge laptops. The listing says that five minutes of charging gives enough for a jump start from a fully depleted battery.
It is the right pick for someone who wants a jump starter that doubles as a high-output USB-C power bank, and who values a fast recharge over the maximum starts per charge.
What We Like
- Very fast USB-C recharge
- 60 W power delivery
- Compact
- Spark-proof
Limitations
- Fewer starts per charge
- Lower engine rating than the GB50
4. Hulkman Alpha85 2000A Smart Jump Starter, Best Display
2,000 amps with a 3.3-inch smart display and 65 W fast charging.
The Hulkman Alpha85 lists a 2,000-amp peak, a 3.3-inch smart display that shows status, battery level and errors, 65-watt fast charging from 0 to 80 percent in an hour, and 10 layers of safety protection. It also offers USB-A, USB-C and a 15V DC output, and has a 74Wh battery.
The screen is helpful when you are stressed on the side of the road: it tells you what is wrong. It is a good alternative to the NOCO GB70 at a lower cost.
What We Like
- Clear display
- Fast charging
- Multiple outputs
- Starts large engines
Limitations
- Smaller brand
- Larger case than compact units
5. GOOLOO A5 4000A Jump Starter with Air Compressor, Best 2-in-1
A jump starter and tire inflator in one unit, with 160 PSI of air and a 74Wh battery.
The GOOLOO A5 is described as a 6-in-1 kit: a jump starter, a tire inflator, a ball pump, a pressure gauge, a 74Wh battery pack and a light. The listing claims 4,000 amps of peak current, an air compressor with a 25 mm motor reaching 160 PSI, a built-in 45W USB-C output cable, and an 18-month warranty.
Roadside trouble is often a dead battery or a low tire, and this one device handles both. It is the best choice for a car kit where trunk space matters.
What We Like
- Jump starter and tire inflator together
- Large peak amp rating
- Color display
- 18-month warranty
Limitations
- Peak amp claims are not directly comparable between brands
- Bulkier than a jump-only unit
6. NOCO Boost GB40 1000A Jump Starter, Best Compact
1,000 amps, up to 20 starts per charge and engines up to 6.0L gas in a 2.5-pound case.
The NOCO Boost GB40 lists 1,000 amps, up to 20 starts per charge on engines up to 6.0L gas and 3.0L diesel, a 100-lumen LED light, a power bank and a three-hour recharge. It weighs 2.5 pounds and has UltraSafe protection.
It is the best-selling size for a reason: it starts most cars and small SUVs, fits a glove box, and costs less than the larger models. If you drive a diesel or a big V8, step up to the GB50 or GB70.
What We Like
- Compact and light
- Lowest cost from NOCO
- Spark-proof
- 20 starts per charge
Limitations
- Not for large diesels
- Smaller light
Using a jump starter safely
Turn off the ignition and all accessories, connect the red clamp to the positive terminal and the black clamp to a bare metal ground on the engine block, then turn on the jump starter if it has a power switch. Wait a minute, start the vehicle, then remove the clamps in reverse order. If the vehicle does not start after two attempts, stop to avoid overheating the jump starter. Read your owner's manual for the right terminals on cars with remote battery posts.
What else goes in the car
A jump starter covers the dead battery, but a breakdown can involve cold, dark and long waits. Pair it with a first aid kit, blankets, water, a flashlight, a phone charger and reflective triangles. The full list is in our vehicle emergency kit guide, and the emergency kit calculator scales it for the number of people in your car. For first aid, see the best first aid and trauma kits.
Jump starter as home backup
Most lithium jump starters double as a power bank. In an outage they can recharge phones and tablets several times, and some have a flashlight and an SOS mode. Keep one charged in the house during storm season as well as in the car. See our battery backup sizing calculator for larger needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size jump starter do I need?
Match it to your largest engine. A 1,000 amp unit starts most cars up to about 6.0L gas. For large V8s and diesels, choose a 1,500 or 2,000 amp unit with a diesel rating.
How long does a lithium jump starter hold its charge?
Many hold charge for months, but top it off every three months and after each use. Extreme heat or cold shortens battery life.
Can a jump starter charge my phone?
Yes, most have USB ports and work as power banks. The NOCO Boost X has 60-watt USB-C output for laptops.
Is a jump starter better than jumper cables?
A jump starter works alone, so you do not need another vehicle. Cables are cheaper but require a second car and can cause sparks if connected wrong.
Can I jump start a diesel truck?
Yes, with a model rated for your engine. Check the diesel rating on the listing. The NOCO GB70 lists up to 6.0L diesel.
Should I leave a jump starter in my car?
Many people do, but extreme temperatures can reduce battery life. Check the manufacturer's storage temperature range and charge it regularly.
Related Tools and Guides
Vehicle Emergency Kit
what to keep in every car.
Emergency Kit Calculator
scale supplies to your household.
Best First Aid and Trauma Kits
for the car and home.
Battery Backup Sizing
larger backup power needs.
Affiliate disclosure: DisasterPrepCalc is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Links to Amazon earn us a commission at no cost to you. Picks come from manufacturer specifications and owner-review research, not hands-on testing. See our affiliate disclosure.