Never Get Stuck Again: The Best Portable Jump Starters For 2024

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One of the most commonly overlooked items on cars and trucks is the battery. Always out of sight, it's also usually out of mind—until it isn't, and you're stuck. Jumper cables are only helpful as long as there's someone around to lend a jump-start. Wouldn't it be great to get a jump anytime, anywhere, even if you're stranded all alone? A portable jump starter is what you need.

A quick search for jump starters will garner more results than most people can (or care to) sift through. Along with the sheer number of options out there, you'll find that many jumpers are accompanied by a bunch of bold claims and technical jargon. So with a bit of insight from the Gear Team experts, who put a bunch of jump starters to the test in 2023, we've put together a list of the best jump starters you can buy at various price points.

Things To Consider When Buying A Jump Starter

Given the extensive variety of portable jump starters on the market and the price points involved, there are a few factors to ponder before making your purchase.

Battery Type and Capacity

Check the compatibility of the jump starter with your vehicle's battery type (lead-acid, AGM, lithium-ion). Look for a jump starter with sufficient capacity (measured in ampere-hours or watt-hours) to start your vehicle.

Peak Amps vs. Cranking Amps

Peak amps represent the maximum power a jump starter can deliver in short bursts while cranking amps provide a more sustained power output. Consider both values, especially if you have a larger engine or live in extremely cold climates where higher cranking amps may be beneficial.

Cranking Amps (CA) vs. Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)

Cranking Amps (CA) assesses the unit's ability to generate consistent power within a 30-second span at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Particularly crucial in colder climates, Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) is the same measure but at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Opt for a jump starter with CA and CCA values aligned with your battery specifications: 400–500 for standard vehicles.

In instances where sustaining high amps for 30 seconds is challenging, the metric "Starting Amps" becomes relevant. Familiarizing yourself with these specifications proves invaluable when selecting the most suitable jump starter for your needs.

Extra Functions

Some jump starters come with additional features such as built-in flashlights, USB ports for charging devices, and even air compressors. Jump starters with additional features usually cost more, so determine whether you need those features or not before you pay for things you don't need.

Manual Override

During testing, the Gear Team discovered that none of the portable jump starters it tested was able to detect, let alone jump-start, a completely dead and drained battery. Powered on, every jumper they hooked up to a dead battery wouldn't recognize that its leads were connected to anything, so the device simply wouldn't function.

All of the jump-starters equipped with a Manual Override button were, after a minute or two of being connected, able to detect and jump the drained battery. Our advice? Look for a portable battery pack with a Manual Override button or switch. Just in case.

The Best Portable Jump Starters

Hulkman Alpha 100

The Alpha 100 from Hulkman has an impressive list of specs and features, some of which aren't seen on any other jumper on our list. The first thing that jumps out is the specs. With 4000 peak amps and about 380 watt-hours of capacity, Hulkman claims you can perform about 80 jumps on a single charge. More impressively, you can fully charge it in about an hour and a half, and it can jump-start a vehicle while being only 20% charged.

A digital display makes it easy to read. It features three USB ports, one USB-C port, and a 12-volt DC port. Finally, Pre-Heat Tech allows it to operate in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit.

NOCO Boost Plus GB40

The NOCO Boost Plus GB40 is not only my personal favorite but was named the Best Compact jump starter by our Gear Team. Having owned one of these for a few years, I can say that it has been a lifesaver. It has consistently jump-started my small garage full of cars that had been sitting for several months.

It features respectable power, an override button, a user-friendly interface, and dual work lights. Given its compact size, power storage is constrained to 30 watt-hours. Nevertheless, NOCO provides more robust models with triple the energy capacity.

AstroAI Jump Starter with Air Compressor

If you need a jump starter to keep in your trunk, this AstroAI unit is a solid option as it incorporates a 150-psi air compressor for inflating tires. This makes it even more valuable as an emergency tool. An LED flashlight, a digital display, and USB ports add to its versatility. The specs are respectable, with 1750 peak amps and about 144 watt-hours of capacity.

Clore Automotive JNC325

The JNC325 garnered Best Overall honors when it was tested by our Gear Team. It stood out from the pack with its 24-inch cable length, ease of use, and solid specs. With 2000 peak and 450 starting amps, it easily started the test vehicle without much fuss.

It comes with a carrying case for storing the cables, jump starter, and charging cords and features an LED flashlight and two USB ports as well as a 15-volt DC port.

NOCO Boost Max GB251

The Gear Team liked the more affordable GB40 when they tested jump starters, and I've had tremendous success using it for my own fleet. This is one of NOCO's more premium models, the GB251.

3000 amps may seem like overkill but not only is this ideal for commercial and fleet use, there isn't a vehicle that it can't jump-start. It can jump diesel and gas engines up to 32 liters, which is pretty insane. Even with massive power, it's nearly as portable as NOCO's smaller models. It also still features reverse-polarity protection, two USB ports, and a handy manual override button.

AvaPow A28

The AvaPow A28 comes with solid specs, with 3000 peak amps and a 200-watt-hour capacity. It also has all the features you'd want, including two LED lights, a carrying bag, and a USB-A port for charging devices. You get all of this at a relatively low price point.

The drawback, as the Gear Team found out, is that it lacks a manual override button, which means it won't even detect, let alone jump-start, a completely dead battery.

Gooloo GP4000

As you can probably imagine from its name, the GP4000 has a 4000-peak-amp rating. This allows it to jump-start vehicles with up to 10-liter engines. In addition to impressive power, it also moonlights as a portable charger for your devices with its 12-volt outlet and two USB-C ports. It also includes an LED light with strobe and SOS features.

FAQs

How long does it take to charge a jump starter?

Charging times vary depending on the model and its capacity. Typically, it takes a few hours to charge a jump starter fully. Some models may have fast-charging capabilities.

How often should I charge my jump starter?

It's recommended to keep your jump starter fully charged, especially if you don't use it regularly. Charge it every 2–3 months to ensure it's ready for use when needed.

Can I jump-start a vehicle in the rain?

While it's generally safe to jump-start a vehicle in light rain, it's advisable to avoid exposure to excessive water. If possible, wait for the rain to subside before using a jump starter.

What maintenance does a jump starter require?

Regularly check the charge level, and recharge as needed. Ensure the jump starter is kept in a cool, dry place. Follow any specific maintenance recommendations from the manufacturer.

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Hearst Autos combines the resources and expertise of three of the largest, most influential automotive publications in the world. Our opinions and recommendations are based on hands-on experience, not hype. We get our hands on every product we test. Most are purchased; some are supplied by manufacturers for testing purposes. The Gear Team has tested a wide variety of automotive products, parts, accessories, and gear, such as Tire Inflators and Gift Ideas For Car Enthusiasts.

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