Jump Starters
NOCO Boost Plus GB40
★★★★★ Editor rated
1000 amps, spark-proof clamps, and a USB power bank built in. The pocketable unit that reliably restarts a dead 12V battery.
$$ · mid
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A dead battery used to mean flagging down a stranger. A lithium jump starter turns it into a 30-second fix you handle yourself — no second car required. Modern packs are small enough to live in the glovebox and double as USB power banks.
1000 amps, spark-proof clamps, and a USB power bank built in. The pocketable unit that reliably restarts a dead 12V battery.
2000 amps for large gas and diesel engines up to about 8 liters. The one to buy for trucks, SUVs, and vans.
Jump-start power plus a household AC outlet and a floodlight. As much an emergency power station as a starter.
Serious real-world grunt for most engines and fast USB-C charging — usually for less than the big names.
Genuinely pocket-sized with quality clamps and honest ratings. A great just-in-case for smaller engines.
We weighed real-world cranking power over inflated 'peak amp' numbers, plus safety features like reverse-polarity and spark protection that make them foolproof to use in the dark.
| Model | Peak Amps | Engine Size | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|
| NOCO GB40 | 1000A | Up to ~6L gas | Power bank |
| NOCO GB70 | 2000A | Up to ~8L diesel | Heavy duty |
| Halo Bolt | ~1200A | Mid-size | AC outlet |
| GOOLOO GP4000 | 4000A* | Most engines | USB-C |
| Weego 44s | ~600A | Small engines | Pocketable |
For a typical 4-cylinder car, 400–600 cranking amps is plenty. Larger V6 and V8 engines want 1000 amps or more, and diesels — which crank harder — should be paired with a 1500–2000A unit. Watch the real cranking-amp figure, not just the eye-catching 'peak amp' number on the box.
Lithium packs hate heat and slowly self-discharge, so top them up every couple of months and avoid storing them in a scorching glovebox all summer.
A jump starter means you no longer depend on a second vehicle, which is its whole appeal. That said, a cheap set of cables as a backup costs little and covers you if the pack is flat when you need it most.
For most 4-cylinder cars, 400–600 cranking amps is enough. Larger V6/V8 engines and diesels want 1000 amps or more.
Lithium units self-discharge and dislike heat. Recharge them every few months and don't leave them in a hot glovebox for long stretches.
Not to jump the car — a starter is self-contained — but keeping cables as a backup never hurts.
Our top pick in this category is the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 — best overall for most drivers.
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