Even if you have a roadside assistance membership, there are times and places when it’s not convenient to wait.
If it’s -20 outside and your car battery dies, chances are you’re not alone, and you’ll be waiting a long time for your turn. Same thing if you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere.
With a good jump starter at your side, however, you can be up and running again in next to no time.
There are heaps of different jump starters on the market. So how can you tell the good from the bad?
This article will explain what a jump starter is, and go over the many features available.
After reviewing some of the top models in the market, we’ll help you make an informed decision on choosing the the right jump starter for you and your needs.
Let’s get this thing turned over!
Quick Links to Our Recommendations
- STANLEY J5C09 Jump Starter and Air Compressor
- This heavy-duty jump starter offers long-term reliability, a wealth of safety features, and enough power to turn over just about any vehicle.
- Jump-N-Carry 1700 Peak Amp 12V
- No added features such as a flashlight or USB-charging capability but a winner when it comes to its core functionality – turning over dead batteries of all sizes.
- JF.EGWO ULTRA 6000
- An incredibly compact air compressor plus jump starter given that it’s capable of resuscitating even the largest of vehicles.
- NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000
- Small, rugged, multifunctional, and a great pick for anyone who doesn’t need the heft of a full-size starter.
- TOPDON JS3000 Jump Starter
- Heavy for its size but a great tool to have for emergency jump-starts and powering up electronic devices.
- PowerAll Portable Lithium Emergency Car Jump Starter, Power Bank and LED Flashlight
- A multifunctional, pocket-size device that’s ideal for owners of smaller cars.
Clicking the links above take you to further information, customer reviews and current prices on Amazon.
Contents (Jump to Topic)
- 1 Quick Links to Our Recommendations
- 2 Our Top Jump Starter Recommendations
- 3 Top 3 Full-Size Portable Jump Starters
- 4 Top 3 Best Portable Jump Starters
- 5 What Is A Jump Starter?
- 6 Types of Jump Starter
- 7 How Do You Use A Jump Starter?
- 8 How Many Amps Do You Need To Start A Car?
- 9 How to Choose the Best Jump Starter for Your Needs
- 10 Jumping to Conclusions
Our Top Jump Starter Recommendations
We’ve broken down our six choices into two categories: Full-size, and portable. Let’s start with the big boys.
Top 3 Full-Size Portable Jump Starters
Jump-N-Carry JNC660 1700 Peak Amp 12V Jump Starter
Overall Impressions
Operation certainly appears simple, what with only one button on the front. Actually, everything you need is on the front: the charging indicators, voltmeter, 12V outlet, and AC plug for recharging.
The cords wrap nicely around the unit, with each clamp resting neatly in place. For those who like a tidy garage, this will appeal to even the most OCD among you.
Sticking with the cords a minute, they appear suitably robust and ready to do the job, and long enough to do it from the most convenient position (not the case with many jump starters).
What’s In the Box?
- Main unit
- 12V male-to-male charging cable
- Owner’s manual
Features
- Industrial-grade clamps
- 12V DC outlet
- Voltmeter showing onboard battery power charge level
- Charging status indicator lights (for onboard battery)
- Automatic recharger
- Fluid-resistant housing
Specs
- Weight: 18lbs
- Dimensions: 16.3” x 14.1” x 5.1”
- Peak Amps: 1700
- Cranking Amps: 425
- Cable Length: 46”
- Cable Gauge: 2
What We Like
We appreciate the accessibility of any device that has simple controls and displays – you won’t need to be a full-time mechanic to figure out how to use the Jump-N-Carry JNC660. All the safety features will further boost your confidence.
Having good-quality cables that are long enough to do the job from any position is essential to a successful jumpstart, and this guy delivers both. It’s also thoughtfully designed to allow convenient storage and easy recharging. You can even replace the battery if you wear it out.
A nice touch on the clamps is the + and – symbols molded right into the plastic. Between that and the color coding, it would be tough to reverse the polarity.
Lastly, we like all the amps this unit provides. It’s difficult to imagine a situation involving anything less than a commercial truck that the JNC600 can’t handle.
What We Don’t Like
It’s kind of heavy, but there’s not much that can be done about that, most of the weight being the onboard battery.
Unlike some other models, this one doesn’t have handy accessory ports, like USB, for recharging portable electronics. It’s meant for jumpstarting cars, and it does a damn fine job of it. You also need to make sure to charge it if it’s out of use for 30 days.
Who is This Model Best Suited To?
To be frank, just about anyone will find this unit useful, regardless of vehicle size.
Other Models Might Suit You If:
- You only drive small vehicles (this might be overkill for a compact car)
- The weight might be a problem
Final Thoughts
The Jump-N-Start JNC660 is meant to do one thing – jump-start your vehicle. If you don’t want a lot of bells and whistles, but you do want a reliable starter, this one is well worth checking out.
Wanna take a peek? Click the link for more pics and price:
STANLEY J5C09 12V Jump Starter
Overall Impressions
Stanley? Ok, that’s a name we know! Anyone who has ever owned a tool should know this brand. Thanks to the good name behind it, we have total faith in its reliability.
It’s a sharp-looking unit, nicely done in silver and black, but with just enough yellow to let you know it’s “professional grade.” (OK, there may have been some sarcasm there, but there’s definitely some psychology behind the paint job.)
It looks easy enough to use but still conveys the sense that it’s a serious piece of equipment.
Useful features seem to be plentiful, and we have high hopes for a good experience with this jump starter.
What’s In the Box?
- Main unit, cables and clamps
- Adaptor nozzles for the air pump
Features
- USB charging port
- 12V DC outlet
- 12V male-to-male charging cable
- 120V AC charger
- LED emergency light
- Air compressor
- Reverse polarity indicator
- Battery status LED indicators
- Powder-coated, all-metal clamps
Specs
- Weight: 18lbs
- Dimensions: 13.5” x 11.25” x 8”
- Peak Amps: 1000
- Cranking Amps: 500
What We Like
This is a versatile unit, no matter whether you’re a contractor or a casual motorist. There are more than enough amps to get most vehicles started, and you can’t not like the convenience of being able to charge up all sorts of other devices via USB, 12V DC, and 120V AC.
We like the air pump, too, not just for tires, but for inflating rafts and kids’ floaties at the beach, as well. It can replace a dedicated air pump for tires, saving money and space for extra equipment.
Recharging is simple; plug it in overnight at any available standard wall outlet. The reverse polarity indicator is essential, of course. It’s easier than you might think to get your wires crossed.
What We Don’t Like
At 18 lbs, it’s not the easiest thing to lug around. If you think you’re going to toss one in the trunk, don’t forget about it; Stanley recommends recharging it every 30 days if it hasn’t been used.
Rubber grips on the handles would have been preferable to a powder coat, but it’s perfectly safe, of course, and we don’t consider this to be a deal-breaker.
Who is This Model Best Suited To?
Owners of older vehicles with problematic batteries, or vehicles lacking the mod-cons of high-end cars and SUVs, will be glad for the versatility of the Stanley J5C09.
With all those cranking amps, it’s also ideal for cold weather starts.
Other Models Might Suit You If:
- You can’t lift 18 pounds
- You don’t need all the extras
Final Thoughts
Carrying your own boost for emergency use, and the convenience of a portable air compressor and charging outlets, make this a worthwhile investment.
JF.EGWO ULTRA 6000
Overall Impressions
This one is the black sheep of our review. It’s small, kinda dainty, and looks like a mini amplifier for guitar sessions in the basement, but surprisingly has enough power to resurrect a battleship and still have juice in the tank.
While not technically a full-size starter, its 6000A peak amperage makes it a better choice for large vehicles than many starters twice its size.
The plastic housing seems relatively robust, but we’re grateful for the carry case because it just doesn’t feel nearly as burly as a heavy-duty jump starter like the Stanley.
On the plus side, it packs up neatly for easy storage or stowage, and the front displays are simple and easily understood. Operation should be a breeze.
What’s In the Box?
- Main unit
- 12V car charger adapter
- 12V car power adapter
- Air compressor cable
- 110V Home Charger
Features
- 18Ah AGM on-board battery
- 12V DC outlet
- 2 USB ports
- LED charge indicators
- LED emergency light
- 28000 mAh battery capacity
Specs
- Weight: 3.4 lbs
- Dimensions: 11.77” x 8.7” x 5.12”
- Peak Amps: 6000
- Cranking Amps: N/A
- Cold Cranking Amps: N/A
What We Like
In short, this product gives us the ability to jump-start 13.0L gas and 13.0+L diesel engines up to 70 times, so you get a lot of bang for your buck.
We’re also big fans of the fact that it weighs just 3.4 pounds and is so compact for such a powerful jump starter. The 3-mode LED light is also a nice touch, and its ability to moonlight as an air compressor is handy on various levels, whether it’s for inflating tires or air mattresses and inflatable watercraft.
What We Don’t Like
The biggest concern is the lack of overcharge protection, so you’ll need to be on your toes when doing the deed.
Who is This Model Best Suited To?
Anyone who needs a jumper with a lot of power or wants the versatility of a device that’s part jump starter part air compressor as part of their car emergency kit.
Other Models Might Suit You If:
- You drive a large truck or SUV
- You want a two-in-one starter and air compressor
Final Thoughts
A compact device that packs the power of a far larger jump starter and also has the ability to re-inflate your tires, air mattress, or any other inflatable kit. It’s not as burly as other models, but the included carry case helps provide peace of mind when storing it in a crowded trunk or garage.
Top 3 Best Portable Jump Starters
TOPDON JS3000 Lithium Jump Starter
Overall Impressions
Small enough to fit in a glove compartment, heavy enough to break a toe or two if dropped. The housing feels ultra-robust and the chunk rubber handle is a nice touch. It’s hard to believe this tiny thing will actually allow a full-size internal combustion engine to even turn over, let alone start (but it will!).
It has a lot of ports on it, so we know it’s going to be useful for more than just a dead car battery.
What’s In the Box?
- Main unit
- Heavy-duty jumper cables
- 12V DC cable
- PD20W Adapter
- USB-C Cable
- Durable EVA carrying case
Features
- 4 ports: 12V, 2x USB, USB-C
- 24000 mAh portable power bank
- 400-lumen LED light
- Overcharge, over-discharge protection
- Overload protection
- Reverse polarity protection
- Low & high temperature protection
- Short circuit protection
- Two USB charging ports
Specs
- Peak Amps: 3000
- Cranking Amps: 750
- Capacity: 24,000 mAh
- Weight: 5 lbs.
- Dimensions: 10.43” x 4.92” x 2.56”
- Enough power output for vehicles up to 9.0L Gas/ 7.0L Diesel engines
What We Like
Because it’s such a small unit, it’s super-easy to take with you anywhere. Even if you’re on a motorcycle trip, or you’re ATVing deep into the wilderness, you’ll have no trouble finding a place to pack this little guy.
The ability to charge and power a variety of portable devices makes this a road-trip essential, especially if you don’t have a USB port in your vehicle.
What We Don’t Like
At 5 lbs, this is heavy for a portable starter. The cables also seem pretty short, so some batteries may be tough to get at. Fortunately, the device is so small you can usually get it close to where you need it.
Who is This Model Best Suited To?
Anyone who travels a lot and wants the security of carrying a starter, but hasn’t got space for a bigger unit.
Vehicle owners in warmer climates should find this to be a reliable unit in a pinch, and I’d say it’s practically a must-have for motorcyclists and backcountry explorers.
Other Models Might Suit You If:
- You live somewhere that gets very cold
- You don’t want to carry this much weight
Final Thoughts
It is seriously amazing that a tiny battery pack like this can bring a big engine roaring to life. That’s like hooking up Frankenstein’s monster to a pair of AAs and screaming, “It’s alive!”
All in all, one of the best portable car jump starters out there for buyers who value packability and versatility.
NOCO Boost Plus GB40
Overall Impressions
Despite its small size, the NOCO Boost still looks and feels fairly sturdy. It also has the same NOCO Genius look as other models in the series, including the G4 battery charger we reviewed in our article on the 5 Best Car Battery Chargers.
If you’re already got that, you might like this one to make a matching set.
Operation seems like it’s straightforward, with clear, easy-to-read labels, and a light-up charge level indicator.
The clamps are certainly scaled to the size of the unit, but look like they should provide a decent grip on post terminals. Including a flashlight (dual beams) is a nice bonus, though it’s difficult to imagine ever seriously using the SOS signal.
What’s In the Box?
- Main unit
- Clamps and cables
- Micro USB cable
- User manual
- Microfiber storage bag
Features
- 24wH internal lithium-ion battery
- 100 Lumens flashlight
- Silicone wire insulation flexible to -40F/C
- USB out for charging portable electronics
Specs
- Peak Amps: 1000
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Dimensions: 6.6” x 3.2” x 1.7”
- Cable length: 23” from clamps tip to clamp tip
- Good for gas engines up to 6.0L and diesel engines up to 3.0L
What We Like
We like the fact that it’s small but still rugged. The swanky carrying case will also help extend its life. The whole thing is simple and easy to use, as a portable jump starter should be.
The flashlight feature can be a real lifesaver, especially if your vehicle craps out on you in the dark.
Less essential, but still useful, is the ability to recharge your portable electronics. Whether you need to power your phone in an emergency, or your kids are running out of juice on the iPad, the NOCO GB40 has you covered.
Simple indicators let you know your charge level, and if you’ve hooked up the connectors to the wrong polarity. Unlike most larger jumpstart units, this won’t require recharging every month – NOCO claims it will hold its charge for up to a year.
What We Don’t Like
Even with 1000 peak amps, it doesn’t feel like it can jump a diesel over 3 liters. Its smaller size also means it will likely have a shorter battery life.
The cable length is quite short, which could leave you in some awkward situations, depending on where your battery is situated.
Although it can charge small electronics, you’d better have your charging cable with you, because this unit doesn’t come with any to help you out.
Who is This Model Best Suited To?
Most general motorists with medium or smaller vehicles will find this useful. It’s great for people with boats, personal watercraft, and ATVs because it’s so easy to pack and take with you.
At 1000 peak amps, you should be good in the cold, too. Anyone with a load of portable electronics will love it, also, especially if you don’t have a 12V adaptor for charging on the road.
Other Models Might Suit You If:
- You own a very large vehicle, especially a diesel engine truck
- You aren’t good at remembering to bring your phone charger on road trips
- Your battery is tough to get at (because of the short cables)
Final Thoughts
With so many amps on tap in such a small unit, this is a great investment for anyone who feels they don’t need the heft of a full-size device weighing them down. It’s a genuine stow-and-go product that you won’t have to think much about, but you’ll be glad for when you need it.
PowerAll PBJS12000R
Overall Impressions
The design is simple but functional. It comes with a fair bit of extra gear for hooking up to a variety of devices, and it all packs up nicely in a carrying case.
It’s small enough to stash in a glove box or center console. At less than 2 pounds, you could even put it in a backpack, or motorcycle travel trailer without sacrificing valuable storage space. Definitely portable, but can it do the job?
What’s In the Box?
- Main unit
- Jumper cables
- USB charging cable with 8 interchangeable tips
- AC charger
- DC charger
- Carrying case
Features
- Internal lithium-ion battery
- Two USB ports, 1 x 12V output
- 86 lumens LED flashlight
- Good from -20F to 140F
- Overload protection
- Over-current protection
- Reverse polarity protection
- Short circuit protection
- Over-voltage protection
- Overcharge protection
Specs
- Peak Amps: 400
- Cranking Amps: 200
- Capacity: 12,000 mAh
- Weight: 1.85lbs
- Dimensions: 6.5” x 2.9” x 1.2”
- Can jump start engines up to 6.4L
What We Like
The flashlight is dimmer than on the other portable units we reviewed, but at least it’s right in the front; you could use this as a regular flashlight, and it doesn’t feel like an add-on.
The extra inclusions are nice, especially the reasonably rugged carrying case. All the adaptor tips are cool, too – but only if they actually work on something you own.
Because it’s so small and light, you can travel with this easily, making it a perfect road trip companion.
With all the built-in safety features, you really can’t make a mess of things, no matter your level of experience. It’s also great that you can (apparently) complete 20 starts on a single charge – excellent for those of us prone to forgetting to plug stuff in.
What We Don’t Like
It really doesn’t have the amps to jumpstart a vehicle larger than a small car, and it may not start anything in freeze-your-snot weather.
The cables for the clamps are very short, so you need to position it optimally under the hood. Of course, this is made easier by the tiny dimensions of the main unit.
Who is This Model Best Suited To?
Owners of small cars, motorcycles, ATVs, and personal watercraft should get good use out of the PowerAll PBJS12000. Actually, anyone who thinks they might need a light or a charge at some inconvenient time would do well to have one of these around.
Other Models Might Suit You If:
- You own a mid- to large-size vehicle
- You live where it gets very, very cold
Final Thoughts
As long as you accept the fact this is almost certainly not going to start your big truck or sedan, it’s a great thing to have for your smaller vehicles and outdoor toys. Not a bad idea for a stocking stuffer for your kids or spouse, actually.
What Is A Jump Starter?
A jump starter won’t charge car batteries – you need a dedicated car battery charger for that – but it will help you start your vehicle if your battery isn’t up to the task.
In a sense, it’s like carrying a spare battery only you use it to get your car started by connecting it to your dead battery, rather than swapping them out.
Think of it as a battery with jumper cables attached. (If you’re looking to learn more about it, we put together a piece here that talks about how you can use it).
Types of Jump Starter
You can break jump starters down into as many categories as you like based on features. We’re going with 5 (keeping in mind that some units may fall into more than one category). These are:
1. Heavy-Duty Jump Starters
Most of us will never need one of these beasts, some of which weigh as much as 40 pounds. Frequently, they house two onboard batteries and may deliver 3000 peak amps or more. Leave these for semis and other commercial vehicles.
2. Full-size Portable Jump Starters
These are the ones most of us are familiar with. They may still weigh as much as 20 pounds, but with a built-in handle, they’re meant to be taken where they’re needed.
They come in a range of sizes (as in number of amps), but most are suitable for standard personal vehicles from compact cars to pickups.
3. Pocket-size or Compact Jump Starters
Employing lithium batteries to get your vehicle started, they are very small, usually 3 pounds or less. Most portable jump starters don’t pack as much power output as other jump starters, but they can be stowed just about anywhere.
Are portable jump starters worth it? This depends on where you are when you ask the question. If you’re at home, the answer’s ‘maybe’; if you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere, it’s ‘hell yeah!”
4. Multi-purpose Jump Starters
Not only can these handy devices get your vehicle started, but they can also charge and/or power other mobile devices, such as laptops, phones, and gaming devices.
USB ports and multi-tip adaptors draw off the significant power waiting in the onboard battery.
These are great for keeping a phone going in an emergency, or for use as a portable power source when you’re camping, tailgating, or if you’re out on the water.
5. Jump Starters with a Built-In Air Compressor
Some manufacturers have tapped into the power of the big battery to offer an air compressor feature. Most are just enough to top up the air in a soft tire or blow up an inflatable raft, though some can actually power tools.
How Do You Use A Jump Starter?
Here’s how it’s done:
- Open the hood and find your battery.
- Uncap the posts to expose the metal terminals.
- Ensure the jump starter is off.
- Connect the red clamp to the positive terminal. (+)
- Connect the black clamp to any exposed metal surface on the car as far from the battery as possible.
- Make sure the starter is not in danger of falling and isn’t touching any parts that move when the engine is running.
- Face away from the battery and turn on the starter. (Anything you can do to reduce the chance of a battery blowing up in your face is a good idea.)
- Try starting your vehicle.
- If the car starts, turn off the jump starter.
- Disconnect the black clamp.
- Disconnect the red clamp.
If the vehicle fails to start, let the jump starter cool down for a few minutes before you try again.
Inspect your battery terminals for anything that may have been preventing a good connection, such as corrosion. Remove any offending matter before giving it another go.
How Many Amps Do You Need To Start A Car?
There is no single answer to this question. It all depends on the size of the engine, and the battery, you’re trying to get running. Weather conditions will also play a role; it’s much harder to start a car in the depths of winter, which is why you see Cold Cranking Amps listed on many batteries.
A good rule of thumb is to look under the hood and check the amps rating marked on your battery and choose a jump starter that covers it. Of course, you can often get away with less.
If you can’t find your CCAs, here are some approximate guidelines for cranking amps to engine size ratios.
Gas engines:
- 4-cylinder: 150 – 200 amps
- 6-cylinder: 200 – 250 amps
- 8-cylinder: 250 – 300 amps
Diesel engines:
- 4-cylinder: 250 – 400 amps
- 6-cylinder: 400 – 500 amps
- 8-cylinder: 500 – 700 amps
How to Choose the Best Jump Starter for Your Needs
Here are some basic factors and jump starter features to consider when choosing the right one for you.
Power
First and foremost, you need a jump starter that can deliver enough juice to get your vehicle started.
If you drive a sub-compact, obviously you need less power to jump-start your ride than someone who drives a large SUV or pickup.
Consider your environment, too; if you expect to be jump-starting in freezing cold temperatures, you’ll want some extra amps.
If you own multiple vehicles of different sizes, choose a jump starter powerful enough for your largest vehicle. You can’t hurt your smaller car with a high amp starter.
Safety
Any jump starter worth considering should come with a multiplicity of built-in safety features. Why?
Because, although jump-starting a battery is a routine operation, there is still potential for catastrophic failure (sorry, but I’m not going to sugarcoat the effects of a sulfuric acid bomb with metal and heavy-duty plastic shrapnel going off in your garage) if proper care isn’t taken.
Features to look for include:
Overcharge protection
This feature keeps the onboard battery from accepting too much charge. Once it’s at 100%, it goes into “float mode” to stay full without taking in full voltage from the charging source.
Short circuit protection
Just in case you happen to touch the two clamps together when the starter is on, this feature stops the current from flowing. Without this, you could fry the battery, and cause dangerous sparks.
Overload protection
The manufacturer knows how much current the onboard battery needs to charge. With overload protection, the battery is protected from surges that exceed its peak limit.
Over-current protection
Your jump starter has a peak limit to the current it can deliver, too. With this feature, the battery cannot be damaged by a “request” for more current from the vehicle.
Overvoltage protection
With this, your jump starter is protected from taking more volts than it’s built for while charging. For example, if you hook your 12V jump starter to a 24V charger, with overvoltage protection, nothing will happen. Without it, it may explode.
Extra Features
Many manufacturers recognize that with a portable power source, there’s a lot you can do.
For the sake of convenience, some (or most) jump starters have add-on features like flashlights for working in dark spaces, air compressors for filling soft tires, or USB outlets for charging personal electronics.
Some sort of cable management system may also be built into the unit.
What’s good for one isn’t necessarily good for all; if you don’t think you’ll ever need to charge up or power a phone, tablet, or laptop, then you needn’t worry about choosing a jump starter with all the extras.
They’re certainly a nice-to-have for most people, but the most important thing is to be able to get your vehicle started, not your phone.
Reliability
Choose a reliable unit that has proven its worth to others. A recognizable brand name is a good place to start. Reading reviews from owners, and watching YouTube videos can also help you make a decision.
Of course, the easiest thing to do is just read our reviews in this article. We won’t recommend anything we don’t trust.
Portability
It would be great if our vehicles only failed us when they were in our own driveway or garage. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. For that reason, a good, non-commercial jump starter needs to be portable.
Most full-size chargers have a single onboard battery and weigh between 15-20 pounds. Not exactly what you’d think of as a portable car jump starter. But, with a handle on top, and somewhere to wind the cables, most people can manage to get one in their vehicle.
If carrying around an extra load like this doesn’t appeal, or you simply can’t lift that much weight, there are portable jump starters. These generally weigh 3 pounds or less and are easy to tote around. While they don’t always boast the same power as a full-size jump starter, for many motorists, they’re sufficient for the job.
Jumping to Conclusions
All of these products are good choices, but, unlike parents, we do play favorites around here.
If we had to choose just one of these as our best jump starter for 2023, it would be the Stanley J5C09 12V. The combination of handy features and plenty of amps all backed by a name we trust makes this the clear winner.
The best portable jump starter we tested was the NOCO Boost Plus GB40, which has a better battery capacity than its closest competitors and is capable of resurrecting far larger vehicles than your average compact model.
Of course, all of the above starters are good choices, and based on our overview of what features to look for, it’s possible another unit might be better for you.
Know someone who might be interested in this article? Share it on social, or email, and help them avoid buying a crummy starter. You can even send it as a hint to anyone you’ve ever given a boost. Or, just send them a jump starter as a gift.
