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It is 7 AM on a cold morning, you are already running late, and your car makes that dreaded clicking sound when you turn the key. There is no second car in the driveway, no neighbor awake to help, and roadside assistance quotes a two-hour wait. A portable jump starter turns this nightmare into a two-minute fix: a gadget the size of a paperback that carries enough power to crank your engine back to life on its own.
Modern lithium jump starters have quietly become one of the smartest pieces of car emergency gear you can own. They fit in a glovebox, hold their charge for months, double as phone chargers, and cost less than a single tow truck callout. The best portable jump starter for you depends on your engine size, how cold your winters get, and whether you want extras like a flashlight or a 12V output for tire inflators.
We researched the six most popular and best-regarded jump starters on the market right now, checking manufacturer specifications, safety protections, and real owner feedback. Below you will find honest reviews with pros and cons, a buying guide that explains peak amps in plain English, and answers to the questions buyers actually ask. Every product below is current and available right now.
Our 6 Top Picks at a Glance
Short on time? Here is the quick summary before the full reviews:
- Best overall for most drivers: NOCO Boost Plus GB40 – the benchmark everyone else is measured against
- Best for trucks and SUVs: NOCO Boost HD GB70 – serious 2000A power with a 12V output
- Best budget pick: AstroAI S8 – glovebox-friendly power at a fraction of the price
- Best for big diesel engines: AVAPOW A68 – huge 4000A output for trucks, RVs, and boats
- Best high-power value: GOOLOO GP4000 – diesel-capable punch with smart safety tech
- Best for mid-size engines: GOOLOO GP3000 – the sweet spot of power, size, and price
1. NOCO Boost Plus GB40 – Best Overall for Most Drivers
NOCO Boost Plus GB40 portable jump starter
The NOCO Boost Plus GB40 is the reason this category exists in its modern form. With 1000 peak amps, it starts 12V vehicles with gas engines up to 6.0 liters and diesel engines up to 3.0 liters, which covers the vast majority of sedans, crossovers, and small SUVs on the road. NOCO’s UltraSafe technology means the smart cables are spark-proof and carry reverse polarity protection, so connecting the clamps in the wrong order simply does nothing instead of causing damage. It also doubles as a USB power bank for your phone and carries a 100-lumen LED flashlight with seven modes, including SOS and strobe for roadside emergencies.
What keeps the GB40 at the top of nearly every roundup is trust. It is sold by a specialist battery company, it is stocked by major auto retailers, and owners consistently report that it starts genuinely dead batteries on the first or second attempt. At around $100, it costs less than one roadside assistance callout, and it holds its charge for months in a glovebox.
Pros:
- Spark-proof connections and reverse polarity protection from a trusted battery specialist
- Starts most gas cars, crossovers, and small SUVs (up to 6.0L gas / 3.0L diesel)
- Doubles as a USB power bank and a 100-lumen LED flashlight with SOS mode
- Compact enough to live in a glovebox or door pocket
Cons:
- 1000A is not enough for large V8 trucks or big diesel engines – check your engine size first
- Costs roughly twice as much as budget brands with similar headline specs
- No 12V accessory output for powering tire inflators or coolers
Best for: Everyday drivers with a gas car, crossover, or small SUV who want the safest, most proven pick.
Who should avoid: Drivers of full-size trucks, large diesel pickups, or RVs – you need the GB70 or a 3000A+ unit below.
2. NOCO Boost HD GB70 – Best for Trucks and SUVs
NOCO Boost HD GB70 portable jump starter
If the GB40 is the city car solution, the Boost HD GB70 is the workhorse. It delivers 2000 peak amps and is rated for gas engines up to 8.0 liters and diesel engines up to 6.0 liters, which covers full-size trucks, large SUVs, and many diesel pickups. The UltraSafe protection suite is the same trusted package: spark-proof connections and reverse polarity protection, so it is hard to make a dangerous mistake. The LED flashlight jumps to 400 lumens with seven modes, and NOCO claims up to 40 jump starts on a single charge, which makes it a favorite of people who maintain multiple vehicles or help stranded strangers.
The standout extra is the 12V XGC output, which can run 12V accessories like portable tire inflators. That turns the GB70 into a two-problem solver: dead battery and slow tire leak in one box. USB-A and USB-C ports handle phone and laptop charging. At around $200, it is a premium purchase, but owners of big vehicles consistently call it the one they trust when the temperature drops.
Pros:
- 2000A handles full-size trucks and SUVs (up to 8.0L gas / 6.0L diesel)
- Same UltraSafe spark-proof and reverse polarity protection as the GB40
- 12V output runs tire inflators and other 12V accessories
- 400-lumen LED and a claimed 40 jumps per charge
Cons:
- Around $200 is a lot when the GB40 covers most smaller vehicles
- Bigger and heavier – less of a glovebox item, more of a trunk item
- Overkill for a compact sedan or hybrid commuter
Best for: Truck, large SUV, and diesel pickup owners who want serious reserve power plus 12V accessory output.
Who should avoid: Drivers of small cars – the GB40 gives you the same safety tech for about half the price.
3. AstroAI S8 – Best Budget Pick
AstroAI S8 portable jump starter
Not everyone wants to spend $100 on something that lives in a glovebox, and the AstroAI S8 is the answer for them. With 1500 peak amps, it is rated for gas engines up to 6.0 liters and diesel engines up to 3.0 liters – remarkably close to the NOCO GB40’s coverage for a unit that lists around $60 and frequently appears in coupon deals for even less. It carries eight safety protections, including reverse polarity, overcurrent, short circuit, and overload protection, plus a three-mode LED flashlight and USB power-bank output for charging phones.
The trade-off for the low price is brand pedigree and refinement rather than raw capability. Owners report that it starts typical family cars reliably, though the included instructions and clamp quality feel more basic than NOCO’s. For a commuter who just wants affordable insurance against a dead battery, that is a fair trade. Keep it charged and it will be there when you need it.
Pros:
- Excellent price – often the cheapest way to get 1500A and 6.0L gas coverage
- Eight safety protections including reverse polarity and short circuit protection
- Compact, glovebox-friendly size with USB power-bank charging
- Three-mode LED flashlight for nighttime emergencies
Cons:
- Build quality and clamps feel more basic than premium brands
- Less proven long-term track record than NOCO
- Not suitable for large trucks or big diesel engines
Best for: Budget-conscious drivers of sedans and small SUVs who want reliable dead-battery insurance for the lowest price.
Who should avoid: Anyone who wants the most trusted brand name, or drivers of large trucks who need 2000A or more.
4. AVAPOW A68 – Best for Big Diesel Engines
AVAPOW A68 portable jump starter
The AVAPOW A68 is built for the hardest jobs: a 4000A peak rating aimed at trucks, RVs, boats, and diesel engines up to 10 liters. Its large 32,000mAh battery means serious reserve capacity, and the dual USB Quick Charge 3.0 ports plus USB-C input make it a genuinely useful power bank between emergencies. The intelligent protection system covers eight safety functions, including reverse polarity, short circuit, and over-temperature protection, and the LED flashlight offers flashlight, SOS, and strobe modes.
For around $80 to $90, the A68 delivers diesel-capable cranking power at a price that undercuts most 2000A units, let alone 4000A ones. The honest caveats: manufacturer amp ratings in this price class are best treated as optimistic rather than laboratory-verified, and the unit is bigger and heavier than the pocket-size models. But for owners of diesel pickups, work trucks, or RVs who need maximum cranking reserve, it is one of the strongest value plays in the category.
Pros:
- 4000A rating targets big diesel engines (up to 10L) and heavy-duty vehicles
- Huge 32,000mAh battery doubles as a high-capacity power bank
- Quick Charge 3.0 USB ports charge phones and tablets fast
- Very competitive price for the power class (around $80-$90)
Cons:
- Peak amp claims from value brands should be taken as manufacturer ratings, not lab results
- Bulky – this is a trunk item, not a glovebox item
- Brand is less established than NOCO or GOOLOO
Best for: Diesel truck, RV, and boat owners who need the biggest cranking reserve for the money.
Who should avoid: Compact car owners – you are carrying extra size and weight for power you will never use.
5. GOOLOO GP4000 – Best High-Power Value
GOOLOO GP4000 portable jump starter
GOOLOO has quietly become one of the most popular jump starter brands on Amazon, and the GP4000 shows why. It pairs a 4000A peak rating with support for all gas engines and diesel engines up to 10 liters, backed by GOOLOO’s SUPERSAFE system: ten protections including spark-proof smart clamps and reverse-polarity protection. The 24,000mAh battery feeds dual USB ports (one fast-charge) plus USB-C, so it earns its keep as a power bank year-round.
At around $100 to $120, with deals dipping lower, the GP4000 sits in an appealing spot: diesel-capable power at a mainstream price from a brand with a large base of verified owner reviews. Owners praise its ability to start vehicles that cheaper units could not turn over. The usual value-brand honesty applies – treat the 4000A figure as the manufacturer’s rating – but for drivers who want big-engine capability without the premium-brand premium, it is a compelling pick.
Pros:
- 4000A with diesel support up to 10L from a well-reviewed brand
- SUPERSAFE 10-layer protection with spark-proof clamps and reverse-polarity protection
- 24,000mAh battery with fast-charge USB and USB-C
- Strong price-to-power ratio at around $100-$120
Cons:
- Manufacturer amp ratings are optimistic by nature – buy for the diesel rating, not just the headline number
- Larger than pocket-size models
- Heavier to carry than 1000-1500A units
Best for: Drivers who want diesel-capable cranking power and smart safety tech at a mainstream price.
Who should avoid: Small-car drivers who would be better served by a lighter, cheaper 1000-1500A unit.
6. GOOLOO GP3000 – Best for Mid-Size Engines
GOOLOO GP3000 portable jump starter
The GOOLOO GP3000 occupies the sweet spot many buyers are actually looking for: more power than the 1000A class, but smaller and cheaper than the 4000A heavyweights. With 3000 peak amps, it is rated for gas engines up to 9.0 liters and diesel engines up to 7.0 liters, which covers large sedans, three-row SUVs, and light-duty trucks with room to spare. It carries the same SUPERSAFE 10-layer protection system as its bigger sibling, with spark-proof clamps and reverse-polarity alerts, plus a BOOST mode that can force a start on deeply discharged batteries below 9V.
The feature list is generous for the price: a 400-lumen LED with SOS and strobe, USB-A and USB-C ports, a 15V/10A DC output for accessories, and an 18-month warranty. At around $85 to $100, with frequent deals pushing it lower, the GP3000 is arguably the best-balanced pick on this list for drivers who want one unit that handles both the family SUV and the weekend truck.
Pros:
- 3000A covers most SUVs and light trucks (up to 9.0L gas / 7.0L diesel)
- SUPERSAFE spark-proof clamps, reverse-polarity alerts, and a BOOST mode for deeply dead batteries
- 400-lumen LED, USB-C, and DC output – a true multi-tool
- Excellent balance of power, size, and price at around $85-$100
Cons:
- Not enough for the biggest diesel trucks – those need the 4000A units
- Bigger than glovebox-size 1000A models
- GOOLOO’s brand support network is thinner than NOCO’s in some regions
Best for: SUV and light-truck owners who want one do-everything unit at a mid-range price.
Who should avoid: Drivers of heavy-duty diesel trucks (choose a 4000A unit) or tiny commuters (a 1000A unit is plenty).
Portable Jump Starter Buying Guide: What Actually Matters
Connecting a portable jump starter to a car battery under the hood
Jump starter shopping is full of big numbers and small print. Here is what each spec really means, so you can buy the right unit the first time.
Peak amps vs cranking amps
Peak amps is the maximum burst of current the unit can deliver for a fraction of a second. Cranking amps is the sustained current it can hold while the starter motor turns. Manufacturers advertise peak amps because the number is bigger, but what starts your engine is sustained cranking power matched to your engine size. A 1000A unit with honest engineering beats a 3000A unit with inflated marketing. Focus on the engine-size rating (gas and diesel liters) rather than the headline amp number.
Match the unit to your engine
This is the single most important buying decision. Small gas engines up to 2.0 liters get by with 400-600 peak amps. Most standard cars and crossovers need 800-1000. Larger gas engines, diesel engines, trucks, and vans need 1500-2000 or more. Diesel engines are harder to crank than gasoline engines of the same size, especially in cold weather, so always check the diesel rating specifically – not just the peak amps. When in doubt, buy one step up; a unit that is slightly oversized will still work fine on a smaller car.
Safety tech: what to look for
Modern smart clamps should include reverse polarity protection (hooking red to black does nothing instead of causing sparks or damage) and spark-proof connections. Quality units add short-circuit, overcurrent, overcharge, and over-temperature protection. NOCO calls its system UltraSafe; GOOLOO calls its SUPERSAFE. Whatever the brand name, confirm the protections are named explicitly in the product specifications rather than implied by marketing copy. For a safe jump-start procedure – red clamp to the positive terminal, black clamp to an unpainted metal ground point, never the dead battery’s negative terminal – see the AAA safe jump-starting guide.
How to jump start your car safely in 5 steps
You do not need a second car or traditional jumper cables. Follow these steps, which mirror the AAA safe jump-starting guide:
- Prepare: Turn off the ignition and all electronics (lights, radio, phone chargers). Put on the parking brake and, if it is dark, switch on the jump starter’s LED flashlight.
- Red to positive: Connect the red (positive) smart clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery.
- Black to ground: Connect the black (negative) clamp to an unpainted metal part of the engine bay or chassis – not the dead battery’s negative terminal. This keeps any spark away from the battery.
- Start: Switch the jump starter on, then start the car. If it does not turn over, wait a minute and try once more, or use the unit’s boost mode for a deeply discharged battery.
- Disconnect in reverse: Remove the black clamp first, then the red clamp. Keep the engine running for at least 20-30 minutes so the alternator recharges the battery.
Extra ports and features worth having
Almost every jump starter doubles as a USB power bank, but the details differ: check for USB-C (faster recharging of the unit itself) and fast-charge USB-A for your phone. A bright LED flashlight with SOS and strobe modes is genuinely useful on a dark roadside – the NOCO units offer up to 400 lumens. A 12V DC output, like the one on the NOCO GB70, lets you run a portable tire inflator, which pairs naturally with emergency gear. If you want broader in-car tech, our best dash cams guide covers another essential piece of car electronics.
Size, weight, and where you will keep it
The best jump starter is the one that is actually in your car. 1000-1500A units fit in a glovebox or door pocket; 2000A and up are trunk items. Lithium packs hold their charge for months, but top up the charge every three months even if unused, and check the manufacturer’s operating temperature range – cheap lithium cells lose significant power in freezing weather. Store the unit at a moderate charge level for long-term storage rather than completely full or empty.
Comparison Table
| Model | Best For | Key Feature | Around Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| NOCO Boost Plus GB40 | Most drivers | 1000A, UltraSafe spark-proof + reverse polarity | Around $100 |
| NOCO Boost HD GB70 | Trucks and SUVs | 2000A, 12V accessory output | Around $200 |
| AstroAI S8 | Budget buyers | 1500A, 8 safety protections | Around $60 |
| AVAPOW A68 | Big diesel engines | 4000A, 32,000mAh power bank | Around $80-$90 |
| GOOLOO GP4000 | High-power value | 4000A, SUPERSAFE 10-layer protection | Around $100-$120 |
| GOOLOO GP3000 | Mid-size engines | 3000A, BOOST mode for deeply dead batteries | Around $85-$100 |
Frequently Asked Questions
A complete jump starter kit: booster unit, smart clamps, case, and charging cables
How many amps do I need in a jump starter?
Small gas engines up to 2 liters need about 400-600 peak amps. Most standard cars and crossovers need 800-1000. Larger gas engines, diesel engines, trucks, and vans need 1500-2000 or more. Always match the unit’s rated engine size (gas and diesel liters) to your vehicle rather than buying on the headline amp number alone.
How long does a portable jump starter hold its charge?
Quality lithium-ion jump starters hold their charge for 6-12 months in storage, with some brands claiming up to 18-24 months. Top up the charge every three months even if you never use it, so it is ready when a dead battery strikes. Store it at a moderate charge level for long-term storage rather than completely full or empty.
Can a portable jump starter damage my car?
A quality jump starter with spark-proof cables and reverse polarity protection will not damage your car when used correctly. Always connect the red clamp to the positive terminal and the black clamp to an unpainted metal ground point, not the dead battery’s negative terminal. If you are unsure, follow the AAA safe jump-starting guide step by step.
Do jump starters work in cold weather?
Yes, but performance drops in freezing temperatures because cold reduces battery efficiency. Cheap lithium cells lose significant power in the cold, which is one reason premium units earn their price. Keep the pack fully charged, store it somewhere it will not freeze solid, and let it warm up where possible before a jump attempt in deep cold.
Can I use a portable jump starter to charge my phone?
Yes. Nearly all portable jump starters double as USB power banks for phones, tablets, and other devices. Some, like the NOCO GB70 and GOOLOO models here, add USB-C fast charging or even 12V outputs for accessories like tire inflators. If pocket-sized phone power is your main need, see our best portable chargers guide as well.
Can I use a jump starter on a diesel engine?
Yes, with the right unit. Diesel engines need more cranking amps than gasoline engines, especially in cold weather, so check the diesel engine rating (in liters) rather than just the peak amps. The NOCO GB70, AVAPOW A68, GOOLOO GP4000, and GOOLOO GP3000 on this list all carry explicit diesel ratings.
Why won’t my portable jump starter work?
The usual causes are a flat pack, corroded or loose battery terminals, a battery too deeply discharged for the unit’s threshold, or cold weather reducing output. Check the charge indicator first, clean and tighten the terminals, then try the unit’s boost or force-start mode if it has one. If the battery is genuinely worn out rather than just flat, no jump starter will fix it – that battery needs replacing.
Final Verdict: Which Portable Jump Starter Should You Buy?
For most drivers, the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 remains the safest recommendation: proven UltraSafe protection, enough power for typical cars and crossovers, and a brand that specializes in batteries. If you drive a truck or large SUV, step up to the NOCO Boost HD GB70 for 2000A and the handy 12V output. Value hunters should look hard at the GOOLOO GP3000 – 3000A, smart safety tech, and a mid-range price that covers most SUVs and light trucks. And if a big diesel is in your driveway, the AVAPOW A68 or GOOLOO GP4000 deliver serious cranking reserve for the money.
Whatever you choose, the important part is that it lives in your car, charged and ready. A dead battery never picks a convenient moment – but with one of these in the glovebox or trunk, it becomes a five-minute errand instead of a ruined morning.
