Best Portable Jump Starters

Motor1 Reviews Team Take:

• The best jump starter in 2024 is the NOCO’s Boost X Series. The GBX55 and GBX155 are compact, durable, and feature well-made alligator clips.
• Portable jump starters range in cost from as low as $60 up to $370, with most costing between $100 to $150. More expensive jump starters may feature higher amperage, better-made components, and improved durability.
• The larger your engine, the more powerful the jump starter you will need. Around 150.0 to 250.0 cold-cranking amps (CCA) are required to jump a 4.0-liter gasoline engine. Diesel engines may require a jump starter that can deliver 750.0 CCA.

It’s always a good idea to keep jumper cables in your vehicle if your car battery dies. But what if your car dies and there’s nobody else around? Unlike traditional jumper cables, a portable jump starter can restart your battery without needing a second car, providing extra peace of mind. But what makes a good car jump starter, and which jump starters are the best?

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What Is The Best Jump Starter?

The best jump starter in 2024 is the NOCO Boost X Series. However, the JF.EGWO 6000A, Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry, Fanttik T8 Apex, and TOPDON JS3000 Jump Starter, NOCO Boost HD, JF.EGWO F40, NEXPOW 2,000A, NOCO Boost Plus, Cobra 1,000A Jump Starter, and the Cobra 800A Jump Starter round out our team’s pick for the best jump starters on the market.

Top Rated Portable Jump Starters

To help you find the best jump starter for your vehicle, our team tested more than 20 portable jump starters. We’ve narrowed the list down and provided recommendations for options with different uses and price points.

Each portable jump starter in this review was thoroughly tested and evaluated based on several categories, including power, ease of use, and durability. You can find more specifics regarding our rating system here.

The scores in each category are compiled into a single overall rating that ranges from 1.0 to 5.0 stars. Each portable jump starter’s ratings, including their overall ratings and awards from our team, are highlighted below:

*Because cost data fluctuates, the prices in the table above are approximate values that our team regularly updates

For those interested in learning more, we’ve provided a detailed review of each of the best portable jump starters in the sections below:

1. NOCO Boost X Series: Best Jump Starter

• Cost: $175
• Amazon review score: 4.4 out of 5.0 (GBX155, over 4,000 ratings)
• Amps: 1,750.0 – 4,250.0A
• Battery type: Lithium

NOCO Boost Jump Starter Review

We’ve tested a total of eight NOCO jump starters, and across the board, NOCO products are some of the most well-built jump starters on the market. These batteries are strong, compact, and feature a thick, durable housing. The included clamps are always high-quality, especially on the larger models.

You can see how the NOCO Boost X Series performed in each of our testing categories below:

The Boost X series stands out among other NOCO jump starters because of cold cranking capacity and quick charge times. Below are the pros and cons of the NOCO Boost X:

NOCO Boost X Series: Our Experience

We tested a number of jump starters in the Boost X line, and two of our favorites are the GBX55 and the GBX155. Both feature a similar design, with USB-C output charging ports, heavy-duty alligator clamps, and a convenient override function (good for putting juice into a completely dead battery). The X series can be used with both gasoline and diesel engines.

The primary differences between the GBX55 and GBX155 are output power and cost. While both can charge gas and diesel engine batteries, the GBX155 has nearly four times the peak amperage, making it suitable for larger vehicles. If you are only planning to jump-start your own small to mid-size vehicle, the GBX55 is a good, relatively low-cost option. If you’re trying to charge large vehicles with 10.0-liter engines, you’ll want to pick up the GBX155.

NOCO Boost X Series: What Customers Are Saying

The NOCO Boost X series jump starters get high praise for their reliability and strong starting power. Many are surprised to find that these can even (sometimes) juice up dead batteries. Especially considering the compact size of NOCO jump starters, many feel these are life savers. These batteries are easy to keep in your car for emergencies, and can also charge your electronics.

Some complain that the GBX55 doesn’t provide enough boosts per charge. The battery can drain out quickly when charging electronics, at least according to a few reviewers. We didn’t encounter this problem during our testing, so it could be a quality control issue. Others don’t like that these portable car battery chargers (both the GBX55 and GBX155) lack a voltage gauge.

2. JF.EGWO 6000A: Best Jump Starter With Air Compressor

• Cost: $179.99
• Amazon review score: 4.5 out of 5.0 (Over 380 ratings)
• Amps: 6,000.0A
• Battery type: Lithium

JF.EGWO Portable Jump Starter Review

With a massive offering of 6,000.0 peak amps, the JF.EGWO is capable of jump-starting vehicles with the largest batteries, including vehicles with 13.0-liter diesel engines. Along with excelling as a jump starter, the compact device can also function as an air compressor and be used to top off your tires. 

You can see how the JF.EGWO 6000A performed in each of our testing categories below:

If you need a jump starter with a lot of power, the JF.EGWO 6000A may be your best bet. Due to the JF.EGWO’s impressive output, we recommend this portable jump starter if you need something especially powerful and budget is not a consideration. Below are the pros and cons of the JF.EGWO 6000A:

JF.EGWO 6000A: Our Experience

The JF.EGWO 6000A has a square shape that is a bit different from the more common brick design. It is still small and compact and fits nicely in the included hard shell case. The charging and jumping cables are of good quality, on par with those typically included with portable jump starters. We like the easy-to-use, large-sized clamps, though they have plastic coverings.

The air compressor hose is thick, and an extension is included. This device is very easy to use – simply attach the clamps and the JF.EGWO will start to deliver a current. It immediately registered 15.0 A on our carbon pile tester, indicating that the jump starter could be used to deliver charge to a completely dead battery.

The JF.EGWO has a four- to six-hour charging time. It does not have overcharge protection, which means you can’t plug it in and leave it overnight.

We tested the air compressor mode as well, and this works well – but this device won’t compete with a high-quality tire inflator or one of the best portable air compressors on the market. The display gives an accurate pressure reading, and the JF.EGWO inflates tires quickly.

We did notice that the pressure reading during inflation is a little high, and the device only registers the correct pressure when not actively pumping air. This does not present much of an issue – it just means you need to occasionally stop pumping to check the pressure.

JF.EGWO 6000A: What Customers Are Saying

Hundreds of customers say the JF.EGWO 6000A is easy to use and works as advertised. Many also comment on the air compressor feature, which is good not only for pumping up tires but also includes attachments for bike tires and basketballs. Complaints about the JF.EGWO tend to focus on the air compressor.

3. Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry: Best Lead-Acid Jump Starter

• Cost: $137.57
• Amazon review score: 4.7 out of 5.0 (Over 16,500 ratings)
• Amps: 1,700.0A
• Battery type: Lead-Acid

Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry Review

The Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry is a heavy-duty, powerful portable battery starter. It’s the only product in this review that uses a lead-acid battery, meaning the starter has a high peak amperage of 1,700.0 A and can jump larger vehicles such as pickup trucks and SUVs.

You can see how the Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry performed in each of our testing categories below:

The product comes with one outlet you can use to charge your electronics. It also has one cord you plug into a wall outlet to recharge the device. We rank it among the best jump starters for cost, reliability, and longevity. Below are the pros and cons of the Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry:

Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry: Our Experience

The first thing we noticed with the Clore is it’s heavy. At 18.0 lbs., it’s not so heavy one person can’t carry it, but it’s noticeably heavier than the other jump starters we tested. There aren’t many buttons or extra features, but that also makes the Clore easy to use.

The jumper clamps are attached to the sides of the battery booster and are easy to unwind and attach. A “test” button can quickly tell you the remaining charge. Ours came fully charged out of the package.

When we linked the Clore to our tester, it performed as expected and more consistently than any other jump starters we tested, consistently operating at 12.6 V. The clamps are durable and easy to attach.

Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry: What Customers Are Saying

Customers say the Clore holds a charge well. You can leave it in your car for several months before using it, and it still works. You can also use it many times after a single charge. Some unsatisfied users suggest the addition of an on/off switch to prevent injury when jump-starting, especially considering the Jump-N-Carry’s price tag.

4. Fanttik T8 APEX: Best Value Jump Starter

• Cost: $119.97
• Amazon review score: 4.6 out of 5.0 (Over 2,600 ratings)
• Amps: 2,000.0A
• Battery type: Lithium

Fanttik T8 APEX Review

The Fanttik T8 APEX is our top recommendation for a jump starter in the $100 range. Choose this jump starter if you are looking for a mid-cost jump starter that is reliable and will last you a long time.

Similar to other jump starters in this price range, the T8 features a compact design and delivers around 2,000.0 peak amps. What makes the T8 stand out is better build quality and an excellent storage case. The case is well-organized, and the cables (both charging and jumping) are thicker and more durable than those included with similar jump starters.

A 2,000.0-amp jump starter may not be able to revive a totally depleted battery that’s been idle for months but is useful for roadside emergencies. The T8 is known to hold a charge for a long time, so it won’t have drained out by the time you need it.

You can see how the Fanttik T8 APEX performed in each of our testing categories below:

Like many jump starters, the T8 can be used to power devices rapidly. It can even be used to power a laptop computer. It has a number of safety features to protect your devices and batteries such as overload, overcharge, and overvoltage protection. Below are the pros and cons of the Fanttik T8 Apex:

Fanttik T8 APEX: Our Experience

Handling the Fanttik T8, we were immediately impressed with the carrying case. This is a relatively minor consideration, but it is an example of the attention to detail that’s been put into the design of every part of this portable jump starter.

With some jump starters, the included power cords and clamps seem like an afterthought, built as cheaply as possible. Not so with the T8, which uses the highest quality cables, meaning both faster charging and improved longevity.

The included clamps were the best of any we saw – they are large and easy to attach, and the cabling is thick to prevent premature wear. The jump starter itself is heavy and rugged.

Fanttik T8 APEX: What Customers Are Saying

Reviewers appreciate that this jump starter is reliable and will hold its charge for some time. Those looking for an emergency jump starter highly regard the Fanttik, and most reviewers note the high quality of the cables and case. According to reviewers who were shipped missing or faulty parts, Fanttik’s customer service is reliable and responsive. Another common note from customers is that the plastic covering over the jumper clamps is weak and prone to breaking.

5. TOPDON JS3000: Most Reliable Jump Starter

• Cost: $135.96
• Amazon review score: 4.6 out of 5.0 (Over 800 Ratings)
• Amps: 3,000.0A
• Battery type: Lithium

TOPDON JS3000 Review

The TOPDON JS3000 is a compact, powerful jump starter that is compatible with diesel engines and appropriate for use with large vehicles like trucks and even yachts. It is easy to use and solidly built, making it a good choice for a first jump starter.

You can see how the TOPDON JS3000 performed in each of our testing categories below:

This portable jump starter is compact and includes a hard shell carrying case. Leave it in your trunk and forget about it until the need arises. It has useful safety features such as reverse polarity protection. Below are the pros and cons of the TOPDON JS3000:

TOPDON JS3000: Our Experience

The first thing we noticed about the JS3000 is the rugged design. Not only is the battery itself hefty, but the clamps are large and made from very thick plastic. The clamps seem to be of higher quality than many of the other jump starters we tested, clearly made with thicker plastic.

Our carbon pile tester immediately registered the JS3000 when we used the boost mode, which is able (for a short period of time) to deliver well over 12.0 V. This mode is for providing energy to jump-start totally dead batteries.

TOPDON JS3000: What Customers Are Saying

Reviewers claim that the TOPDON works excellently in all weather conditions. Some are especially impressed by its ability to provide a jump-start in freezing temperatures. Most people like this jump starter because it is powerful, reliable, and easy to use. A few specifically mention the clamps, which are larger than those typically included with jump starters.

Fewer than 10 people have left negative reviews of this car battery charger. These negative reviews claim that the JS3000 failed to work or burned out after a single use.

6. NOCO Boost HD: Good For High-Capacity Batteries

• Cost: $199.95
• Amazon review score: 4.7 out of 5.0 (Over 23,000 ratings)
• Amps: 2,000.0A
• Battery type: Lithium

NOCO Boost HD GB70 Review

The Boost HD from NOCO is a high-amp jump starter that works with a wide range of cars and is one of the best jump starters for vehicles with high-capacity batteries, Because of its high-peak amps (2,000.0), this portable car jump starter can jump everything from a small sedan to a large pickup truck or SUV.

You can see how the NOCO Boost HD performed in each of our testing categories below:

With the GB70, you can even charge electronic devices (including smartphones) with its two ports. You can recharge this device’s lithium battery using a USB port. The battery takes up to six hours to charge, but one charge can last up to forty jumps. The rubberized casing also makes this jump starter water-resistant. Below are the pros and cons of the NOCO Boost HD GB70:

NOCO Boost HD: Our Experience

As with the Clore, the NOCO Boost HD cables are permanently attached to the jump starter. We did notice that the cables are rather short. This means you will need to place the jump starter close to your battery to attach it to the terminals. The clamps are robust and easy to use.

The included carrying case is fabric, making it almost pointless since it provides no protection. When we tested the NOCO Boost HD, it functioned but topped out at 11.4V rather than producing the promised 12.0V.

NOCO Boost HD: What Customers Are Saying

Because this car jump starter’s peak amperage is 2,000.0, even customers with heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks and SUVs can start their car using the device. The few negative reviews typically involve complaints from customers receiving defective jump starters that stopped holding a charge after a few months.

7. JF.EGWO F40: Jump Starter With A Powerful Flashlight

• Cost: $129.99
• Amazon review score: 4.6 out of 5.0 (Over 40 ratings)
• Amps: 4,000.0A
• Battery type: Lithium

JF.EGWO F40 Review

The JF.EGWO F40 jump starter is reliable, quick-charging, and durably built. It is broadly comparable to other similar-sized portable car battery chargers, though with an above-average power output. The battery housing and alligator clamps are both very durable. It should also be noted that this jump starter had the best flashlight that we used.

This portable car battery charger also offers a higher peak amperage than other options in the $100 to $200 price range. You can see how the JF.EGWO F40 performed in each of our testing categories below:

One feature that makes the F40 jump starter stand out among others on this list is the display screen. It is noticeably larger and easier to read than any other portable jump starter we tested. That makes the F40 a good option for those who have trouble with tiny readouts. Below are the pros and cons of the JF.EGWO F40:

JF.EGWO F40: Our Experience

The JF.EGWO F40 is similar to other car jump starters that we tested of this size. As mentioned, it does offer a bit more power than similarly priced options. There are only a few buttons and the operation of this device is straightforward.

We like the modern feel of the F40 battery jump starter. It features exclusively USB-C charge ports, which offer the fastest charging speeds and are generally superior to the USB-B standard. Most of all, we appreciate the extra large display screen which shows battery status, battery power level, voltage, and wattage readouts.

JF.EGWO F40: What Customers Are Saying

As a relatively new product, the F40 isn’t as thoroughly reviewed on Amazon as some of our other picks. We’ve placed it a bit further down on our list of recommendations because the longevity of this product hasn’t been as thoroughly proven. That said, we expect F40 jump starters to be long-lived based on the obvious build quality along with our experience with other JF. EGWO electronics, which have always been reliably built.

Most reviewers like this jump starter because of its easy-to-use design, sturdy feel, and reliable performance. Some are impressed by how quickly the F40 can deliver power and recharge a battery.

A few people complain about the touchscreen buttons, which aren’t always responsive. While it works nicely brand new, the F40’s buttons may require a little extra force as they age.

8. NEXPOW 2,000A: Compact Jump Starter

• Cost: $59.94
• Amazon review score: 4.5 out of 5.0 (Over 21,000 ratings)
• Amps: 2,000.0A
• Battery type: Lithium

NEXPOW 2,000A Review

The NEXPOW 2,000A Jump Starter is a good option if you need something that’s not too expensive to stow in your car emergency kit. It is compact, powerful, and has several USB output ports for phone charging.

You can see how the NEXPOW 2,000A performed in each of our testing categories below:

This relatively low-cost jump starter is similar in size and function to the TOPDON jump starter. It does not have quite the power and seems a little less robust. However, it is more thoroughly reviewed than the TOPDON. The NEXPOW also comes with a hard-shell carrying case. Below are the pros and cons of the NEXPOW 2,000A:

NEXPOW 2,000A: Our Experience

The NEXPOW is very small and compact but made of light plastic. While it isn’t fragile, the NEXPOW lacks the durability of NOCO jump starters. A drop to the floor could break this device. That said, the provided clamps are of decent quality. They are made of plastic, but it’s a thick, well-constructed plastic. The included carrying case is also made of a hard shell design so should keep this jump starter safe when not in use.

When connected to our battery testing device, the NEXPOW delivered a consistent 12.0V. However, as the battery power decreased, the power output was less consistent. But with 2,000.0A, this jump starter is capable of powering even large batteries and cars with diesel engines.

NEXPOW 2,000A: What Customers Are Saying

Positive reviews (and they are largely positive) typically praise the NEXPOW jump box because it is compact and functional. This is not a heavy-duty jump starter, but it gets the job done. Those unhappy with the NEXPOW complain that they have difficulty operating the device.

9. NOCO Boost Plus: High Ratings From Reviewers

• Cost: $99.95
• Amazon review score: 4.7 out of 5.0 (Over 92,000 ratings)
• Amps: 1,000.0A
• Battery type: Lithium

NOCO Boost Plus GB40 Review

While the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 is a middle-of-the-road jump starter overall, it is one of the best jump starters if you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use tool. It is mid-priced at $100, has two charging ports, and has a peak amps of 1,000.0, which is enough power to jump-start most vehicles. It also has one of the highest customer ratings and the highest number of reviews of any jump starter we tested.

You can see how the NOCO Boost Plus performed in each of our testing categories below:

Like most other jump starters with lithium batteries, you recharge the Boost Plus using a USB port. While it doesn’t have the same battery capacity as the NOCO Boost HD, this car battery jump starter has the shortest charging time of just three hours. Below are the pros and cons of the NOCO Boost Plus:

NOCO Boost Plus: Our Experience

Like the other NOCO batteries on this list, the NOCO Boost Plus comes with a carrying case, but it’s fabric and not durable. Unlike the NOCO Boost HD, the Plus doesn’t have built-in jumper cables, but it comes with a set that plugs into the device. This helps make it lighter and slightly more portable.

However, these jumper cables are pretty short and the clamps are not quite as good as the NOCO Boost HD. Still, they do the job, and the NOCO Boost Plus is probably a better value, depending on how many peak amps you need for your jump starter.

The Boost Plus tested well, consistently putting out 12.5V.

NOCO Boost Plus: What Customers Are Saying

Customers say the NOCO Boost Plus is fast charging and that the power bank can hold a lengthy charge. Several customers say they used this car jump starter on batteries that were dead, not just weak, and managed to get the car started after using the manual override on the unit.

Some customers say their NOCO didn’t work and that the manufacturing date was from two years prior, suggesting NOCO doesn’t go through its inventory to purge outdated jump starters.

10. Cobra 1,000A Jump Starter: Best Budget Jump Starter

• Cost: $119.95
• Amazon review score: 4.4 out of 5.0 (Over 60 ratings)
• Amps: 1,000.0A
• Battery type: Lithium

Cobra 1,000A Jump Starter Review

The Cobra 1,000A Jump Starter is a powerful and compact jump starter, with a combination lithium-cobalt battery keeping charger for up to one year, even if you use it multiple times. This jump starter is fit for cars, trucks, and boats, making it multi-purpose and great for any road trip.

You can see how the Cobra 1,000A Jump Starter performed in each category below:

As an added bonus, this jump starter has the capability to quickly charge your smartphone, laptop, or other electronic accessories with the included fast-charge USB ports located on the battery. Below are the pros and cons of the Cobra 1,000A:

Cobra 1,000A Jump Starter: Our Experience

This Cobra jump starter is lightweight and compact in size. You’ll find a storage bag included in your purchase, keeping all the essential parts in one organized area. Where this car jump starter lacked was durability. The clamps were designed with plastic and quite small in size, which made us question the reliability and longevity of this jump starter.

The jumper cables are also quite short, which might be convenient if you want to store this jump starter in a small space, but it could be difficult if and when you need to use it on your car battery.

Cobra 1,000A Jump Starter: What Customers Are Saying

Most buyers who have reviewed this jump starter on Amazon are pleased with their purchase of the Cobra 1000A, sharing that the USB cables come in handy for charging electronics on road trips with the family. The jump starter also seems to start up for most buyers within a few minutes, though some had a few issues with the reliability of the product after multiple uses.

11. Cobra 800A Jump Starter: Lightweight Jump Starter

• Cost: $69.95
• Amazon review score: 4.5 out of 5.0 (Over 30 ratings)
• Amps: 800.0A
• Battery type: Lithium

Cobra 800A Jump Starter Review

The Cobra 800A Jump Starter has a lot of the same features as the Cobra 1,000A at a lower price point and slightly lower amperage. This car jump starter is ideal for cars, SUVs, and motorcycles. The Cobra 800A has a built-in LED flashlight with modes including solid, strobe, and SOS for emergencies.

You can see how the Cobra 800A Jump Starter performed in each category below:

The lithium-cobalt battery has USB-C and USB-A ports to keep your phone and other electronics charging on long trips. This jumper starter also has great battery life, claiming to be able to last up to a year without charging. Below are the pros and cons of the Cobra 800A:

Cobra 800A Jump Starter: Our Experience

Overall, we had a very similar testing experience compared to the Cobra 1,000A Jump Starter. This jump starter is functional, simple to operate, and compact. However, we found the Cobra car jump starter lacks durability. With small plastic clamps and short cables, we can’t foresee this portable jump starter holding up well over time, especially with multiple uses.

Cobra 800A Jump Starter: What Customers Are Saying

While there are only a handful of reviews, buyers note the reliability of this jump starter, sharing that it starts up their car or motorcycle in a short amount of time, only a few minutes. Customers also say it’s the perfect size to fit comfortably in your glove box. Disappointed reviewers noted the higher price for what it’s worth. While cheaper than the 1,000A jump starter by Cobra, this 800A jump starter did not reach the expectations that buyers anticipated.

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Jump Starter Buying Guide

Our team members have researched and tested dozens of the top-rated jump starters on the market. When choosing a jump starter, you might consider the size, amperage, and features like USB charging ports or flashlights.

Buying A Jump Starter: Expert Tips

We spoke to Zac Salerno, a Technician at Import Performance and certified North Carolina Vehicle Safety Inspector, about what he looks for in a jump starter and found that he values jump starters across multiple price points for different scenarios. He recommends having at least one jump starter in close proximity when on the road.

How To Pick A Jump Starter

Salerno recommends shopping for jump starters by use case and brought up a few important questions customers should be asking themselves.

1. Estimate Your Usage Frequency

“How often do you use it?” and “How long do you need it to be charged for?” are the first two questions he encourages drivers to ask. If you are someone who needs to use a jump starter more frequently or works in a job that depends on quality like Salerno, you will likely want to opt for a more expensive, durable option that will last.

2. How Will You Use A Jump Starter?

Ultimately, Salerno sees a time and a place to use both a budget-friendly jump starter and a more premium option. Along with considering durability and estimated frequency of use, think about what other needs you may have from the equipment, which could include added features like air compressor functionality or extra USB ports.

3. Consider Cost

While it’s important to have a jump starter handy so that you are safe on the road, take into account what you can and cannot afford. If you don’t need extra functionality or won’t be using more advanced features, Salerno believes a standard jump starter may be the best option for you. “I think most jump boxes are pretty good,” he said. “I have a $20 one, I have a $400 one – I use them both, and they both work great. I always keep one in my car in case something happens. You never know when something’s going to go out and you might not make it to work or home.”

Types Of Jump Starters

Car battery starters usually come in two types: lead acid and lithium-ion batteries. Though they’re rare, you can also find supercapacitor jump starters on the market. Lead-acid jump starters have been around for many years, while lithium-ion and supercapacitor jump starters are relatively new.

• Lead-acid jump starters: Jump starters with lead-acid batteries are more durable and powerful than lithium batteries. However, they are bulky, making for a larger jump starter.
• Lithium-ion jump starters: Lithium-ion jump starters are more compact and usually weigh only a few pounds. Along with being able to fit them into your car, the more versatile lithium-ion jump starters can charge other devices like phones and laptops. The biggest downside to lithium-ion jump starters is they are generally less powerful and more expensive than lead versions with the same output.
• Supercapacitor jump starters: Instead of using a separate battery that you have to charge, supercapacitor-based jump starters use the weak charge from your vehicle (or other power source) to recharge the capacitors within the unit. While supercapacitor-based jump starters can have a longer life and can charge quickly, they often can’t hold a charge as long as lithium and lead-acid jump starters.

Jump Starter Power Output

Power output is how much current the jump starter supplies. You’ll want your starter to have enough power to restart your battery and get the engine to take over the recharging. With that in mind, one of the most important things to look at when buying a jump starter is the amount of cranking and peak power it produces.

In general, it takes roughly 150.0 to 250.0 cranked amps to jump a small 4.0-liter gasoline engine and up to 600.0 to 750.0 cranked amps to jump a larger diesel engine. To be sure of how much power your vehicle needs, refer to the owner’s manual of your car battery.

While a unit’s cranking power refers to the amount of amps that can be delivered if more cranking is needed, its peak power is the overall max power it can deliver. Below are descriptions of all three types:

Though a general rule of thumb is that higher peak amps are better, knowing a jump starter’s peak amps is usually less helpful than knowing it’s CA or CCA. That said, some manufacturers only give you this number. 

Finally, it’s also important to keep in mind that cold-cranking amps are more important if you live in colder climates where you may have to jump your vehicle at lower temperatures.

Jump Starter Voltage

You’ll want enough voltage to match your vehicle’s battery and reliably jump off a dead power source. The size of your vehicle’s battery will determine the correct voltage for your jump starter. While some vintage vehicles operate with 6.0V, the voltage of most vehicles is 12.0V. If you drive a larger vehicle or truck, you may even need 24.0V.

Jump Starter Features

New jump starters typically offer more functionality than simply jumping off a dead battery. Before purchasing a jump starter, you’ll want to decide which features would be useful and which work best for your car. If you have more intended use cases for your equipment, consider the following use cases when looking for a jump starter:

• USB ports: A versatile lithium battery typically has USB charging ports that allow it to act as a portable power station. This combo can allow jump starters to act as a more flexible form of portable power that can be used to charge items like cell phones or hiking accessories.
• Manual override: A manual override button is useful if you are trying to jump a completely depleted battery. Without this button, the built-in safety circuits of a jump starter will not deliver power unless a charge is detected.
• Air compressor: Some jump starters can even double as an air compressor, which allows you to do other useful things like inflate your tires
• Charging modes: The most common charging modes are an electrical outlet, USB ports, and solar panels. For some advanced models, you can use all of the above to charge your jump starter.
• Flashlights and displays: Many portable jump starters come with flashlights and/or well-lit displays, which could come in handy if you have to jump your vehicle at night.

Jump Starter Portability

Jump starters can range from 20.0 to 30.0 lbs. all the way down to under 1.0 lb. If you drive a sedan and don’t have much room for a jump starter, you may want a smaller one. However, if you drive a heavy-duty vehicle and need a battery charger with more power, or have a portable power station to power your jump starter, larger jump starters may work best for you.

Best Length For Jumper Cables

Your jump starter will come with cables that you attach to the battery terminals to send electricity from the starter to the car battery. While cable lengths of 16.0 feet or less will work in most situations, experts recommend a cable length that is at least 12.0 ft. long.

If using a jump starter when one vehicle is behind the other, you will want a cable that is 20.0 to 25.0 ft. long, with 30-ft. cables being for more extreme situations.

Jumper Cable Durability

Drivers of diesel and V08 engines will want heavier, thicker cables. Keep in mind that if you use cables that are thicker or longer than average, they will take up more trunk space. 

Safety Features

Finally, some jump starters are safer than others. To help ensure safe usage over the life of your jump starter, look for portable jump starters with features like:

• Back-feed protection
• Short-circuit protection
• Anti-spark technology
• Overcharge protection
• Reverse polarity

How Do You Jump Start A Car?

To jump start a car, follow these steps from the Texas Department of Insurance:

1. Turn off your car and remove the key from the ignition.
2. Check your battery to ensure it’s fully charged and off.
3. Find the positive and negative terminals of your car battery and remove any corrosion.
4. Connect the red clamp on the jump starter to the positive terminal on the car battery.
5. Connect the black clamp on the jump starter to a clean, unpainted, and non-moving metal part. This should be on the car’s frame or engine block away from the battery, carburetor, and fuel lines.
6. Turn on the jump starter.
7. Try starting the vehicle. If it doesn’t start after cranking for five seconds, wait another two to three minutes before trying again. If it doesn’t start after four or five attempts, you need a new battery.
8. Once the engine starts, turn off the jump starter.
9. Remove the black clamp and then the red clamp.

You can also jump a car by attaching cables to the functioning battery of someone else’s vehicle. However, using a portable jump starter can be simpler because you don’t have to worry about finding another person to help.

Compare Jump Starters

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Portable Jump Starters: Bottom Line

Our team of experts has spent hours researching and physically testing the best portable jump starters. After a thorough testing process, we decided the NOCO Boost X Series, including the NOCO GBX155 and the GBX55, are the best jump starters in 2024.

That being said, we see value in all of the top brands we tested, including JF.EGWO, Clore, Fanttik, TOPDON, NEXPOW, Gooloo, and Cobra. Here is a recap of the top portable jump starters in 2024:

1. Best Jump Starter: NOCO Boost X Series
2. Best Jump Starter with Air Compressor: JF.EGWO 6000A
3. Best Lead-Acid Jump Starter: Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry
4. Best Value Jump Starter: Fanttik T8 APEX
5. Most Reliable Jump Starter: TOPDON JS3000
6. NOCO Boost HD
7. JF.EGWO F40
8. NEXPOW 2,000A
9. NOCO Boost Plus
10. Cobra 1000A Jump Starter
11. Cobra 800A Jump Starter

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Car Jump Starters: FAQ

Below are some commonly frequently asked questions about jump starters:

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Jump Starter Reviews: How We Tested

For testing, we unpacked each jump starter and charged it. Then, we attached it to a carbon pile battery tester to measure voltage and check the battery power.

A carbon pile battery tester can measure the current a battery can discharge through its resistor. We attached each jump starter to a carbon pile tester, which can help gauge a battery’s cold-cranking amps and voltage.

The sections below detail the assessment process for each testing category:

Power

We first judged the advertised voltage and cold-cranking amps of each jump starter. Then, we put that to the test by attaching each jump starter to our carbon pile tester. Higher ratings were given to jump starters able to put out the highest consistent amperage.

Ease of Use

When left with just a dead car battery and a jump starter, how easy was it to use said jump starter to get our testing vehicle running again? This was a question our team used to gauge how useful and intuitive to use each jump starter was. Jump starters that charge quickly and work automatically score best in this category.

Durability

Ultimately, a jump starter’s durability comes down to three factors: housing materials, build quality, and design. Jump starters with high quality in at least two of those three factors scored best in this test.

How We Score Jump Starters

Every Jump Starter we test is given a score between 1.0 and 5.0 stars in each category. Here’s what those star ratings mean in concrete terms:

• 5.0 Stars: A 5.0-star rating means a jump starter is among the best in a category. It delivers a high total amperage consistently and quickly, automatically detects battery type, or has the highest-quality clamps, and battery housing.
• 4.0 Stars: A 4.0-star rating means a jump starter performs better-than-average in a category. It delivers over 1,500.0 amps, features single-button operation, or is made durably-built to last several years.
• 3.0 Stars: A 3.0-star rating indicates what is average or typical for a jump starter, based on our testing experience. It offers enough power for most passenger vehicles, has a straightforward design, or is built to last a couple years.
• 2.0 Stars: A 2.0-star rating indicates the jump starter performs poorer than average. It cannot power most vehicles, is confusing to operate, or unlikely to last for longer than a year.
• 1.0 Star: A 1.0-star rating indicates that the jump starter performs well below expectations in a category. It fails to provide power, cannot be operated by laypeople, or practically disintegrates upon touch.

Why Trust Motor1.com

Each year, we test over 350 auto products on vehicles and in our testing lab. Our team of product testers thoroughly researches top products, unboxes and puts our hands on each component, and tests the items on real vehicles before making recommendations to readers.

We publish hundreds of product and service reviews to bring car enthusiasts detailed guides on automotive tools, detailing kits, car seats, pet products, and much more. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out our methodology page here.

*Data accurate at time of publication. Products subject to availability.

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