The Best Portable Jump Starters – Buyers Guides, Reviews and Comparison

Jump starters are known for their performance and reliability. Offering a great range of jump starters that should fit your needs – gas engines or diesel – Portable Jump Starters has a starter for you. Quality, reliability, and top of the line functionality at great prices the Noco Genius Boost series are a great choice.
Our Top Pick
NOCO Genius Boost Plus GB40
With a 1000-amp output, but small enough to fit in your glove box, this starter offers an unparalleled size-to-power ratio. Suitable for boosting three-liter diesel and six-liter gas engines — it also doubles up as a tablet and phone charger and incorporates a 100-lumen lamp.
Features
  • Complete with case, terminal leads, USB cable, and 12-volt adaptor.
  • One charge delivers 20 jumpstarts.
  • Seven lamp mode settings.
  • Measures just 3.2 by 7.7 inches.
Product Rating: 4.7/5

Winning Portable Jump Starters From Each Brand

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS
  • VOLTAGE: 12 volts
  • WEIGHT: 2.4 pounds
  • DIMENSIONS: 8.3 x 4.1 x 4.6 inches
Check Price at AmazonNOCO Genius GB40 Review NOCO Genius GB40 Review
  • VOLTAGE: 12 volts
  • WEIGHT: 17.55 pounds
  • DIMENSIONS: 11.2 x 8 x 13.5 inches
Check Price at AmazonStanley J509 Review Stanley J509 Review
  • VOLTAGE: 12 volts
  • WEIGHT: 18 pounds
  • DIMENSIONS: 16.3 x 14.1 x 5.1 inches
Check Price at AmazonJump-N-Carry JNC660 Review Jump-N-Carry JNC660 Review
  • VOLTAGE: 12 volts
  • WEIGHT: 22.3 pounds
  • DIMENSIONS: 14 x 4.7 x 15.2 inches
Check Price at AmazonSchumacher PSJ-2212 Review Schumacher PSJ-2212 Review

 Jump Starter We Recommend 

Stanley J509 500 Amp

Stanley

Perhaps best known for its range of hand tools, Stanley has utilized its 150 years of experience to develop a range of portable jump starters particularly angled at the commercial market. Part of the power tool behemoth, Black and Decker — they have an outstanding reputation for practicality and reliability.

 

NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000 Amp 12-Volt UltraSafe Portable Lithium Car Battery Booster Jump Starter Power

NOCO

If you want an automotive electrical specialist — there’s probably no more respected brand than Noco. Since its founding in 1914 in Cleveland, Ohio, this company has led by innovation, registering over 24 patents in battery technology. Their Genius range is considered by many to be the standard by which all other starters should be measured. 

Jump-N-Carry JNC660 1700 Peak Amp 12V

Jump-N-Carry

While the Jump-N-Carry brand, part of Clore Automotive, primarily serves the professional market — their range of products is equally suitable for those autophiles who require a robust jump starter that will withstand intense use. Built to last, these invaluable tools deliver immense power-per-pound.

Schumacher PSJ-2212 DSR ProSeries

Schumacher

The Schumacher Electric Corporation is perhaps the #1 name in battery chargers and starters worldwide. Over the last 70 years, it has built an impressive reputation, built on quality and exceptional customer service. As aesthetically pleasing as they are practical — its portable jump starters are the choice of the fanatical car enthusiast.

black&decker

Black and Decker

Portability has always been the heart of Black and Decker — in 1917, it developed the world’s first handheld electric drill. This ethos continues in its range of portable jump starters — lightweight yet remarkably powerful. And, whether you opt for a budget-friendly or high-end model — you always have the assurance of this company’s solid warranty.

gooloo

Gooloo

A true 21st century portable jump starter brand — with the emphasis on the portable. Out of the window are traditional and bulky models — instead, it concentrates purely on lightweight, and compact lithium-ion starters. If your more Tik-Tok than Facebook — then consider a Gooloo.

DBPOWER

DBPOWER

Although a relative newcomer to the market, DBPower has rapidly gained a reputation for high-quality precision electronic equipment. With a product base that extends from endoscopes through to projectors — it’s no surprise that its portable jump starter range is reliable, flaw-free, and technically innovative.

mini

Mini Jump Starters

Traditionally, even ‘portable’ jump starters were the size of a briefcase. But no longer! Developments in capacitance and cell technology have led to the creation of mini starters — powered by lithium-ion batteries. Small enough to fit in your pocket or glove box — with a USB facility, they can charge cells, laptops, and tablets.

JF.EGWO 6000A Car Jump Starter With Air Compressor

JF.EGWO

US-based, and with a proven pedigree in power technology — JF.EGWO offers some of the most affordable all-in-one jump starters and compressors on the market. With a range that targets casual domestic users through to trade professionals and big rig drivers, there’s a tool for every market, application, and budget.

Top Rated Portable Jump Starters by Brand

Stanley J509 500 Amp Jump Starter

Powerful and Reliable Battery Jump Starter

Stanley-J509-500-Amp

Our Rating: 4.1

  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

If you need a reliable and safe jump starter, the Stanley J509 is an ideal choice. It has everything you’ll ever need for a quick getaway.

The 500 amps of peak power are more than enough to start your car, regardless of the conditions. Whether it is cold or hot outside, it doesn’t matter — this product will make sure your car starts without any problems. One of the best things about it is its portability. While many other units are quite bulky, this one is compact.

A notable advantage of the Stanley J509 is you don’t need any previous experience with these things to make it work. All you have to do is read the user manual, and you’re ready to jump start your car. Even without the instructions, it’s not hard to figure out how this thing works. Simply hook the alligator clamps on your car battery, turn the switch ON, and start the engine; it’s as simple as that.

The feature that stands out the most is that this unit isn’t only a starter, but has an integrated air compressor as well. If you ever end up with a flat tire, take the Stanley J509 out of your trunk and start inflating. Although it isn’t too powerful, it still does the job.

Stanley-J509-500-Amp

  • Design
  • Functionality
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NOCO Genius Boost Plus GB40 1000 Amp 12V UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter

Portable, Powerful, and safe – the Ultimate Jumpstarter 

Our Rating: 4.7

  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

NOCO Genius Boost Plus GB40 1000 Amp 12V UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter

Portable, Powerful, and safe – the Ultimate Jumpstarter 

Our Rating: 4.7

Perhaps, the most impressive and versatile machine in the entire jumpstarting category.

With an ultra-compact design, the GB40 Boost Plus shows that size doesn’t mean compromising on power output. It delivers a mighty grunt of 1000 amps from its pocket-friendly 3.2 by 7.7 inches design — meaning, unlike most chargers, you’re not wielding a machine the size and weight of a brick-laden briefcase.

Able to start six-liter gas and three-liter diesel engines, the NOCO GB40 Plus is ideal for most cars, trucks, RV’s, and boats. Although, if you need a little more grunt for tire inflators or compressors, it might be worth checking out the 1700-amp Clore Automotive JNC660.

An easy-to-read colored backlit display provides visual feedback on the charging status, while USB outlets enable you to deliver crucial juice to smartphones, tablets, eBook readers, and smartwatches. Furthermore, an incorporated lamp provides 100 lumens — permitting you to work on your motor in dark or dimly-lit conditions — and provides seven different mode settings, including SOS and emergency strobe.

One charge of the NOCO Plus GB40’s lithium-ion cell will deliver up to 20 jump starts — making the unit ideal for storing in your car’s glove compartment or trunk to use as and when required. And, featuring spark-proof tech and reverse polarity protectors — both you and your vehicle are shielded from accidental electrical discharges.

Pleasingly, the GB40 Plus from NOCO comes with an absolute plethora of accessories — allowing you to use the starter straight from the box. It includes jump clamps for your battery terminals, a 40-inch micro USB cable for recharging both the unit itself and your cell, and a 12-volt USB adaptor. Furthermore, microfiber storage back enables you to keep the unit safe from damage.

Hence for flexibility, size, and affordability — in my eyes, there’s no better jumpstarter than the NOCO GB40 plus.

Jump-N-Carry JNC660 1700 Peak Amp 12V

Excellent Useful Power Source

Jump-N-Carry-JNC660-1700-Peak-Amp-12V

Our Rating: 4.5

  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

If you mention “reliable power,” this accurately describes the Jump-N-Carry JNC660. Its 1700 peak amp power and 425 amp cranking power are more than enough to jumpstart most engines quickly. 

While it may have a somewhat bulky design, there is a reason behind that – auxiliary features. One of the most notable ones is the integrated voltmeter. You can analyze and read the voltage of your car battery directly from the unit, which is quite convenient and saves the need to have a separate device for this task.

The cable length is 46 inches, which enables it to reach even the most inaccessible batteries. The clamps have an exclusive design which allows them to penetrate through corrosion on your car battery, for the best possible connection. The replaceable Clore PROFORMER battery aims to offer maximum power at any moment, regardless of the conditions. The casing is a sturdy design, which is able to withstand rough environments, hazardous industrial fluids, and more.

Although these features might sound complicated, this product is quite easy to use, even if you don’t have any prior experience with portable starters. The principle is straightforward — hook up the clamps, power the unit, and start the car. If you still run into issues, or want to use the other features, you’ll find the user manual is comprehensive and well-written.

While the manufacturer didn’t emphasize the safety aspect of this unit, it’s known as one of the safest in its category thanks to the heavy duty case, cables, and overload protection. People are pretty wary when it comes to using an electrical device with a lot of amps. However, you can rest assured that using the Jump-N-Carry JNC660 is completely safe. If you have a car with a problematic battery, this unit will solve the issue in no time.

Jump-N-Carry-JNC660-1700-Peak-Amp-12V

  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Schumacher-PSJ-2212-DSR-ProSeries-2200-Peak-Amps

Our Rating: 4.4

  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Our Rating: 4.4

When talking about portability, the Schumacher PSJ-2212 has to be one of the top models. The design is neat, compact, and lightweight. However, the amount of power is what makes this unit different from the others. Its 2200 peak amps, combined with 330 amps of cranking power, is the optimal recipe for your troubled battery. You don’t have to be an expert to figure that it’s going to jumpstart almost any vehicle — and it’s so easy to use.

One of the greatest features of this product is its versatility — keep it in your trunk and take it wherever you go. While it’s perfect for jump starting, it’s also good for tailgating, power outages, camping, and more. In other words, you will never be stranded again in case of a power outage. 

The reverse hook alarm is an excellent preventive feature. The concept behind it is simple – if you connect the alligator clamps the wrong way, you’ll be warned by an audible alarm. It’s a great way to prevent accidents.

This unit has a lot of potential for various tasks — check out our full review for more. If you’re looking for a versatile and quality jump starter, this might be the one. Even though it packs a ton of helpful and useful features, it is still an affordable price.

Top Rated Mini Portable Battery Jump Starters

Suaoki T10-12000 mAh 400 Amp Peak

Suaoki

Versatility is the trademark of the Suaoki Company. They make everything from solar panels to jump starters. Usually, companies that produce more than a few products don’t invest enough focus in their less popular units. However, it’s different with Suaoki. They take care of every single unit they produce, and the vast majority of their products are top quality.

Antigravity Batteries AG-XP 10 Multi Function

Antigravity Batteries

If you purchase a battery (or a jump starter) from these guys, you know it’s going to last for years. This company makes exceptional batteries that can start almost any car. Although the production of jump starters isn’t their primary focus, that doesn’t mean they don’t have great units. In fact, even though they concentrate more on making starter batteries, their micro start products line is excellent.

GOOLOO 600A Peak

GOOLOO

The GOOLOO Company is mainly specialized in producing external batteries for vehicles, and mini starters. The best thing about this particular company is that they are ready to customize any product according to your needs. Many people have trust in them, which is proof of their quality and impeccable relationship with their customers.

Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Portable Jump Starter

Although many people think buying a Portable Jump Starter isn’t a big deal, the reality is quite different. There are some factors you need to pay attention to before buying a jump starter so that you can avoid any unpleasant surprises. Buying a portable battery isn’t the same as purchasing a bottle of milk; there are a ton of variables and important elements included in the equation. Here are some of the things you should pay attention to before opting for a particular model.

The power


The most important thing you need to look for is the power output of the unit. Manufacturers usually include “cranking” and “peak” power values.

Peak amps refers to the highest current value the jump starter can burst out. For example, a product with 1000 amps of peak power will deliver a thousand amps in the initial burst. However, the value drops significantly with each try. As the current descends with each attempt, it loses consistency and starts using what is known as the cranking power.

The cranking power refers to the stable current which can be delivered if extended cranking of the engine is required. Therefore, the cranking power is usually a more accurate representation of a particular model’s capabilities.

power
safety

Safety


As with any other product, this has to be one of the important factors to look for. Because you’re dealing with electricity, make sure that you opt for the safest model. The things you should pay attention to are:

  • Short circuit protection
  • Over-current protection
  • Overload protection
  • Overvoltage protection
  • Overcharge protection

As you can see, almost every feature has an “over” prefix. It means that these units are easy to overuse if they lack protection. However, the products that have these preventive mechanisms can be used, safe in the knowledge that they won’t be dangerous for the environment — or your vehicle’s battery.

Safety


As with any other product, this has to be one of the important factors to look for. Because you’re dealing with electricity, make sure that you opt for the safest model. The things you should pay attention to are:

  • Short circuit protection
  • Over-current protection
  • Overload protection
  • Overvoltage protection
  • Overcharge protection

As you can see, almost every feature has an “over” prefix. It means that these units are easy to overuse if they lack protection. However, the products that have these preventive mechanisms can be used, safe in the knowledge that they won’t be dangerous for the environment — or your vehicle’s battery.

safety

Auxiliary features


Many units have additional uses, such as an air compressor or a flashlight. If you want a 2-in-1 or even 3-in-1 unit, look for these additions. If you’re frequently out on the road, you might well need both illumination and an air compressor for deflated tires. 

You can’t expect a professional service out of these additional options, but they are still enough to act as first aid. Also, if you’re looking for multiple charging ports for smartphones, tablets, and more, it’s a good idea to check whether the unit you’ve chosen can recharge these devices.

A great variety of factors come into play if you want to find the best portable jump starter for your projects. You should pay attention to many elements, so you don’t end up with a tool that’s unsuitable for your needs.

auxiliary-features

Important Features to Look for When Buying a Jump Starter

There are several features that are quite important for every individual. If you are uncertain what to look for when buying a jump starter, check out this section to give you some ideas. While these are mostly generic, it’s still good to be aware of every aspect you might stumble upon.

Reliability

Reliability

This is the first thing you want from a quality portable jump starter. It’s no use having a super-expensive unit with loads of additional features if you can’t count on it in emergency situations. In fact, some models that may not be in the top categories  have shown to be more reliable than the ridiculously expensive counterparts. Price isn’t always a good indicator of reliability and quality.

Portability

Portability

No one wants a huge, heavy box taking up space in their trunk. Instead, most people aim for smaller, compact units. Therefore, if you’re just looking for essential features, try ignoring the fancy integrated air compressor, light, or various ports, and try focusing on the portability. It’s much easier to carry a 10-pound unit with neatly designed cables than having to struggle with a 30-pound box.

value

The price

Even if you think you’ve found the ideal unit for yourself, you still need to pay attention to the price. The concept is pretty simple – if it has a hefty price, but it doesn’t really excel on any major features, you’re probably paying for the brand and not the unit itself. It’s crucial to avoid such scenarios and opt for quality instead of the brand name. In other words, you can often buy a unit from a lesser-known brand but still have the same features as those with a premium price tag.

design

The design

Even though you might not consider it important, the design can make or break a jump starter. Try finding compact yet sturdy units. Also, your safest bet is to find a product with a tightly sealed casing so that you can avoid unpleasant surprises with various liquids.

Optional Features for Battery Boosters

Some optional features proved to be quite useful, even if they don’t seem to belong in a jump starter. If you’re looking for the best portable jump starter with optional features, read below — you might find some of these quite appealing.

charging ports

Charging Ports

Modern times have brought about great technological wonders. However, the weakest link is always the battery, regardless of the device you’re talking about. Avoid carrying a portable charger for every single electronic device you own, by buying a jump starter with a set of charging ports for them all, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and more. You don’t have to remember a separate charger for each one — just plug in your device, and you’ll have more than enough power until you find an available socket.

LED Lights

Even though it doesn’t seem necessary, having a charger with a built-in LED light is almost mandatory. Most people associate empty car batteries with cold mornings. However, your battery can run out of charge at night just as easily. While it can be pretty annoying to find out your car battery is dead in the morning, it’s even more annoying in the dark. Luckily, there are starters with built-in lights that are specially designed for these occasions.

led lights
air compressor

Air compressor

Flat tires are an everyday occurrence all around the world, and it’s one of the things that can ruin your day in a matter of seconds. However, if you opt for a unit with an air compressor, you won’t have to worry about flat tires anymore. Although most products don’t have a professional heavy duty compressor, it’s still more than enough to get you to the nearest gas station.

Radio

If you’re using your portable jump starter as a temporary power source during a weather-related outage, it’s quite useful to have a built-in radio and keep in touch with the weather reports. While it seems rather redundant most of the time, having a radio could help a lot in certain situations.

radio

The conclusion

As  you can see, finding the right car battery jump starter and battery booster is not as easy as it seems. There are a ton of other things you need to think about before opting for a particular model. But we have made a list of the best jump starters on the market at the moment, to save you time and effort. 

So, if you’re looking for a good quality unit, go ahead and read our reviews. It’s up to you to pick the one with the most suitable features for your needs. The most important factors we paid attention to are affordability, usefulness, and reliability. You can rest assured that one of the best portable jump starters will be ideal for you.

Portable Jump Starter Categories

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jump'n'carry
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mini
black&decker-jump-starters
noco-jump-starters
gooloo-jump-starters
DBPower-jump-starters