Jumper cables are one piece of equipment that no car owner should be without. Whether it’s saving your skin on a road trip or just getting you into work on time when the winter weather has drained the juice from your battery, there’s no disputing this simple accessory’s utility and value.
In this article, we’re going to teach you all you need to know about jumper cables. You’ll learn what they are, how to use them, and why you need them. We’ll also explore the features to look for in a good set, and then review some of the best jumper cables on the market.
Quick Links to Our Picks for 5 Best Jumper Cables
- Cartman Booster Cable 4 Gauge x 20Ft in Carry Bag
- Solid, reliable, and ideal for the average motorist.
- Energizer 1-Gauge 800A Heavy-Duty Jumper Battery Cables 25 Ft
- Extra-large, heavy-duty cables for extra-large, heavy-duty vehicles.
- OxGord Jumper Cable 4 Gauge x 12Ft – Commercial Grade 500 AMP
- Ultralight, low-cost, and easy to handle, but only suitable for small cars.
- Iron Forge Tools 20-Foot Jumper Cables with Carry Bag – 2 Gauge, 500 AMP
- Our top pick for owners who live in particularly frigid climates.
- TOPDC 100% Copper Battery Jumper Cables, 4 Gauge, 12 Feet, 500AMP Heavy Duty
- Great in all temperature extremes and suitable for all but the largest of vehicles.
Clicking the links above takes you to further information, customer reviews and current prices on Amazon.
Contents (Jump to Topic)
Best Jumper Cable Recommendations and Mini-Reviews
We’ve sifted through the available choices and narrowed it down to 5 of the best on the market. Here are our reviews for each of the contenders.
Cartman BC0420K Booster Cable
Specs:
- Wire gauge = 4
- Amperage = 400
- Length = 20’
- Clamps = Top and side
- Insulation = T-Prene coating
Overall Impressions
This certainly appears to be a good, medium-duty jumper cable. The 4-gauge wire should handle all but the biggest car batteries and engines, and 400 amps are plenty for typical vehicles.
At 20’ long, most motorists will be able to make a front-to-back connection.
Since many battery failures happen in the dead of winter, it’s good to know that the insulation will keep this cable flexible and useful down to -13F. With top and side clamps, you’ll also be able to hook up to any battery.
There’s nothing that jumps out, so to speak, about these cables, but that’s ok. We’re not looking for a lot of flash in a set of jumpers.
What’s In the Box?
- Cables with alligator clamps
- Work gloves
- Carrying bag
- Wire brush (for cleaning terminals)
Features
- T-Prene coated (a synthetic rubber that will remain flexible to -13F/-25C)
- Fits side-terminal and top-post connections
- Oil, water, and chemical resistant
- Color-coded and stamped for polarity identification
- UL listed
- RoHS compliant (no EU-banned hazardous material)
- Copper Clad Aluminum cables (CCA)
- 5-year warranty
What We Like
The carrying bag is a nice bonus and will keep the cables protected and easy to get at. Supplying us with a pair of gloves is great, too, since we certainly recommend wearing them when connecting jumper cables. And the little scrubbing brush is a cool bonus for cleaning terminals to get a better connection.
The copper teeth on the clamp look like little dragons, so we’re quite sure they’ll grab onto your terminals and not let go. The curved protrusion for side posts is a nice touch, and it doesn’t seem to stick out so far that it’s going to get in the way when connecting to top posts.
5-year warranty? Love it! Heck, it might take that long before you even get to try them out.
What We Don’t Like
Some users have reported the clamps are stiff and difficult to open. We’d anticipate that they will loosen with use, and we’d rather have them a bit stiff than too loose to make a solid connection.
The manufacturer identifies the wire inside as being CCA, or Copper Clad Aluminum. That means the core of the wire is aluminum, and it’s coated in copper. Using CCA keeps costs and weight down. Aluminum conducts electricity very well, but copper makes a better connection. We’d prefer all-copper wiring, but there is no harm in using CCA; it’s functional and safe.
Who Is This Set Best Suited To?
Most average motorists will find this sufficient for their needs. Owners of motorcycles, small or midsize trucks and SUVs, and small to large cars will do just fine with the Cartman 4-gauge, 20’ cables.
A Different Set Might Suit You Better If?
- You own a large truck or SUV
- You own a commercial vehicle or heavy equipment
- You only own very small vehicles and equipment
Final Thoughts
If you just need a reliable set of cables that are going to work whenever you need them, on just about any battery, these are well worth having in your trunk.
Energizer ENB125 Jumper Cables
Specs:
- Wire gauge = 1
- Amperage = 800
- Length = 25’
- Clamps = Parrot
- Insulation = PVC
Overall Impressions
Who knows more about batteries than Energizer, right? Right away our confidence is high just because of our familiarity with the manufacturer.
They look like they mean business; they’re very thick, and the clamps look strong. One look and you’ll know they were made for large vehicles. They also look heavy, so we’re glad they come in a nice, convenient carrying bag.
What’s In the Box?
- Cables with insulated parrot clamps
- Carrying bag
Features
- Copper Clad Aluminum wire
- PVC-coated, color-coded, and insulated clamps
- Tangle-free and flexible to -40F/C
- Two-year warranty
What We Like
We can’t imagine what battery would be too large to jump with these! With an 800A capacity and the heaviest gauge out there, you will have no trouble getting larger vehicles started. And with the parrot-type pincer clamps, you’ll have a solid grip on your terminal posts.
The carrying bag is a nice bonus, even if it never gets used again after the first jump. At least they’ll stay conveniently coiled until you need them the first time.
While we don’t want to put it to the test, knowing they’ll stay flexible right down to -40F/C is reassuring.
What We Don’t Like
They’re not UL-listed, which surprised us since so many Energizer products are. Still, we have enough faith in the company to put our trust in these jumpers.
CCA wires? That’s too bad. Then again, they do keep the cost and the weight down, both of which would be significantly increased with solid copper on a 1-gauge, 25ft booster. (Remember, that’s two 25ft cables – 50 feet of copper wouldn’t be light!)
Anecdotal evidence suggests these clamps may not be the best choice for some side posts, so you might want to look at another model if you have these in your vehicle.
This isn’t a fault, but the Energizer ENB-125 jumper cables are major overkill for average and smaller size vehicles.
Who Is This Set Best Suited To?
If you drive a really, really big vehicle, like a Super-Duty pickup, an RV, full-size SUV, or maybe a dump truck, these are right up your alley. You’ll never be caught short.
They’re also excellent if you live somewhere where winter temperatures regularly dip to freeze-your-boogers-instantly levels.
A Different Set Might Suit You Better If?
- You live somewhere it’s warm all the time
- You only drive small- to mid-size vehicles
Final Thoughts
If you’ve got big toys, you need big cables. The Energizer EMB-125 are highly recommended for big-league drivers who don’t want to drop serious coin on all-copper jumpers.
OxGord CABC-18-16 Jumper Cables
Specs:
- Wire gauge = 8
- Amperage = 250
- Length = 16’
- Clamps = Top and side
- Insulation = T-Prene
Overall Impressions
We would definitely classify these as “light-duty”. That’s fine for small vehicles, but we don’t think we’d try them on a pick-up or SUV. Maybe not even a full-size sedan.
OxGord manufactures a LOT of automotive products, as well as pet supplies and gardening equipment. A strange mix, but we do note that some of their jumper cables have been packaged and branded for Pennzoil. That boosts our confidence.
The carrying case seems a bit flimsy, but then these aren’t heavy-duty cables anyway. The clamps lack the gripping teeth we see on more expensive models, but they’re appropriately shaped for a good fit, regardless.
What’s In the Box?
- Cables with clamps
- Carrying case
- Instructions for use
Features
- Copper Coated Aluminum (CCA) wires
- Copper toothed clamps
- Color-coded rubber grips on clamps
- T-Prene insulation (synthetic rubber) temperature resistant to -40F/C
- 1-year limited warranty
What We Like
These are very light – they weigh just under 3.5 lbs. That means anyone can handle them with ease. The clamps are long, with two different depths to choose from and pincer ends to help them fit a variety of posts.
Despite the low cost, they are well-insulated and should stay flexible even in extremely cold weather. You’ll get a good grip on them, too, with the rubber-coated handles.
We also quite like the price!
What We Don’t Like
Yes, they’re CCA, but we’re not going to complain much about that this time. That’s what keeps them low-cost. The warranty is disappointingly skimpy, but, again, they aren’t expensive, anyway.
The lack of pointy teeth could hinder the connection, but there’s lots of surface area, anyway. It should make solid contact at the correct angle. The very low amp rating could keep you waiting awhile for enough charge to start a larger battery – but that’s not what you’d buy it for.
Who Is This Set Best Suited To?
The OxGord CABC-08-16 are ideal for small cars, compact cars, yard tractors, and motorcycles.
They’re an inexpensive insurance policy for commuters, like me, who drive tiny cars and don’t need 10 lbs of cable in the trunk. They’re also perfectly suitable if you own a few vehicles with 6V batteries and you want something exclusively for them.
A Different Set Might Suit You Better If?
- You own medium- to large-size vehicles
Final Thoughts
They say you get what you pay for. In this case, we think you get a bit more.
The OxGord CABC-08-16 are a low-cost solution for people who want peace of mind, but don’t drive (and don’t expect to drive) anything bigger than a compact car.
Iron Forge IFT-BC02 Jumper Cables
Specs:
- Wire gauge = 2
- Amperage = 500
- Length = 20’
- Clamps = Top and side
- Insulation = unknown
Overall Impressions
Everything about these cables looks solid and dependable. Unfortunately, we’re not sure what the insulation is, but we’re guessing PVC based on the temperature rating.
The clamp spring looks sturdy, and there are plenty of copper teeth for gripping your battery terminals. It all wraps up neatly in the carrying case, but we don’t have high hopes for a long life out of the case. Expect the cables to far outlast the packaging.
They’re a bit pricey compared to some options, but they’re a heavier gauge than average, so we expect superior performance when called upon.
What’s In the Box?
- Cables and heavy-duty clamps
- Carrying case
- Work gloves
Features
- Vinyl-coated, color-coded clamps
- CCA wires
- Copper teeth, side, and front
- Tangle-free to -40F/C
- ETL-listed (meets North American safety standards)
- Lifetime warranty
What We Like
Lots of teeth should equal a firm grip on anything, and that means a better connection.
At 500 amps and with 2-gauge wire, this cable will handle just about anything on the road with ease. With 20’ to play with, you’ll have no trouble hooking up front-to-back with all but the longest pickups and SUVs.
When a product is made in China (like this one), we’re happy to see it has been verified as meeting western safety standards (which this one does). Doubling our confidence in the product is the lifetime warranty.
While the carrying case seems to be less than optimal, the inclusion of safety gloves is a nice touch.
What We Don’t Like
We really wish the manufacturer told us what the insulation is (a check of the website turned up little information), it certainly seems heavy-duty enough. The wires are CCA, mind you, but at 2-gauge, we’re not too concerned; there’s plenty of wire to move the amps.
The carrying bag is a letdown, but that’s far from a deal-breaker. Maybe just keep the box it was shipped in if you have it delivered.
Who Is This Set Best Suited To?
Anyone who lives where winters are brutal will be glad for such thick insulation. As to vehicles, these are suitable for any size car or truck but may be overkill for mid- to small-size cars, motorcycles, and yard equipment.
A Different Set Might Suit You Better If?
- You live in a moderate climate year-round
- You don’t own large vehicles
Final Thoughts
The Iron Forge IFT-BC02 jumper cables are an excellent all-around solution for pretty much any motorist. If your household has (as so many families do) a big family vehicle and a smaller one for errands and commuting, these are ideal for doing double duty.
Top DC TD-ULB9E0616CU Jumper Cables
Specs:
- Wire gauge = 6
- Amperage = 450
- Length = 16’
- Clamps = Top and side
- Insulation = PVC
Overall Impressions
These cables are pretty hefty for the gauge and length, and that’s to do with the excellent insulation, and the 100% copper wire. In fact, from end to end, these look and feel like really good quality jumper cables.
Fully vinyl-coated clamps make us feel confident that we won’t have a shocking experience when we go to connect. The steel-coated copper teeth appear capable of gripping just about anything. All this, and rolled up into a nice little carrying case.
What’s In the Box?
- Cables and clamps
- Convenient carry bag
- Safety gloves
Features
- 100% copper wires
- Color-coded clamps with thick vinyl coating
- PVC-coated cables
- Flexible to -40F/C
- Functional up to 167F/75C
- Copper-plated steel jaws
What We Like
Thank you, TOP DC, for putting a simple diagram on the front of the carrying case to remind us how to connect two batteries safely. Simple, but useful.
While the gauge isn’t high, having 100% copper wire is excellent. The conductivity is fabulous, and it is far less likely to heat up uncomfortably than CCA wire. Sure, it adds to the weight, but it also adds to the quality and functionality.
The PVC insulation is heavy-duty and will keep these cables straight and working in even the most extreme temperatures. At 16’ long, hooking up in most configurations will be no problem. Front-to-back might be tight with large vehicles, but we don’t expect anyone with a large truck to buy these, anyway.
What We Don’t Like
While the Amps are high, the gauge is a bit low. Unfortunately, to get more gauge from TOP DC, you get fewer amps. Still, there should be enough of both in these cables to jump-start just about anything short of a very large truck or SUV.
Who is This Set Best Suited To?
Just about any motorist can use these cables, from sub-compact drivers to full-size sedan owners. Even owners of small-to-mid-size trucks and SUVs should be fine with them. People who live where it gets either really cold or really hot will appreciate the extreme temperature rating.
A Different Set Might Suit You Better If?
- You own a very large truck or SUV
Final Thoughts
100% copper wires come at a premium, but the moderate gauge of the TOP DC TD-ULB9E0616CU keeps the price and weight manageable. The combination of great features on these cables makes them a solid investment for nearly every motorist.
What Are Jumper Cables?
The heart of your car is the battery. If the battery isn’t working, then nothing works. No ignition, no lights, nada.
In the event your battery lacks the power to start your vehicle, you’ll need to recharge it. Normally, your vehicle recharges the battery while it’s running, but that’s of no use if you can’t start the engine. It’s an electrical Catch-22.
Jumper cables are heavy wires that allow for a connection between a functioning battery and a battery in need of help. After the connection is made, the non-starting vehicle can draw enough power from the operating vehicle’s battery to get started (aka a “jump start”).
Once started, the newly running vehicle should gradually recharge its battery, assuming neither the battery nor the charging system is defective.
Note: Check out our articles on battery testers and battery chargers to learn more about home charging and maintenance of your vehicular batteries.)
How To Use Jumper Cables
Jumper cables are one of those things you buy, hoping you never have to use them. In the event you do, however, it is important to use them correctly because misuse of jumpers can leave you in a worse predicament than before you started.
Don’t be intimidated, though! They’re easy to use, so long as you do it with the proper precautions.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to jump-start a car with jumper cables.
1. Align the Vehicles
Depending on the length of your cables and the vehicles (and the space you have to work with) you can either park nose-to-nose, side-by-side, or front-to-back.
NOTE: The second vehicle must have a fully functional battery that has at least as much voltage as your own.
2. Connect the Cables to the Batteries
Pretty much everything hinges on getting this part right, but don’t worry; it’s not hard.
Shut off both vehicles and open the hoods. First, attach the positive cable (generally red, or sometimes orange) to the positive terminal on the dead car battery. Do the same with the positive terminal on the good battery.
Now, connect the negative cable (the black cable) to the negative terminal on the good battery. Take the remaining negative clamp and attach it to the frame of the car, or part of the engine. It’s important that the place you attach is metal, and unpainted.
This grounds the connection away from the battery, reducing the danger of a spark causing an explosion.
3. Charge up the Dead Battery
Start the motor on the vehicle with the good battery. Let it run for about 5 minutes to build up some charge in the dead battery.
4. Try to Start Your Vehicle
Leave the other vehicle running and try to turn your engine over. If it catches and starts, great! If it doesn’t, you may need to check your connection to be sure power is flowing from one battery to the other.
Wait another 5 minutes (with the “good” vehicle still running) and try again. If it fails to start a second time, you’ll probably need to replace your battery.
5. Let Your Vehicle Run and Recharge
Assuming your alternator is working, and the battery is ok too, running your vehicle should recharge the battery.
If you weren’t planning on leaving just yet, run your car at low revs for about 5 minutes, and then idle for an additional 20. This should provide enough charge to start up again later.
6. Disconnect the Cables
Unhook the cables from the batteries in the reverse order you connected them. That means:
- Black (negative) attached to the frame
- Black (negative) attached to the good battery
- Red (positive) attached to the good battery
- Red (positive) connected to the formerly dead battery
If you need to go now, go ahead! You’ll be fine, so long as you don’t turn off the car until you get where you’re going.
By the time you get there, you should have recharged your battery enough to start again the next time you drive.
Why We Recommend Owning Jumper Cables
Getting stuck with a dead or weak battery is no laughing matter. At best it’s inconvenient, especially if you’re kaput in your own driveway or garage. At worst, it can actually be dangerous. You don’t want to be stuck waiting in the dead of winter for someone to come by who can help you out.
With a set of jumper cables handy, you’re just one functioning vehicle ( a “donor car”) away from getting started again.
Sure, if you have a membership with a roadside assistance provider, you could call them, and they’ll come give you a boost. Same goes for a tow truck. But you could be waiting a while, or even paying out of pocket for the job. And if you have a dedicated jump starter for your car that you know how to use, all the better. But not many of us own one.
Most jumper cables are easy to use, and, best of all, any vehicle nearby can lend a bit of juice. They aren’t expensive, they provide peace of mind, and will pay for themselves, most likely in a single use.
Best Car Jumper Cables: Buyers Guide and Advice
We know what they’re for and how to use them. Now we’ll look at some of the key features of jumper cables, and how to tell the good stuff from the not so good.
Gauge
The lower the number, the more strands of wire are twisted up inside. The more wire, the more volts it can conduct. It’s like a water pipe – the wider it is, the more water can flow through.
Choose your gauge based on the size of the batteries you’ll be charging. For example, a gauge of 1 could jump-start a semi. A gauge of 10 is more suited to motorcycles and yard tractors.
Cable Thickness
Thickness is not the same as gauge!
A gauge jumper cable may appear thick, but that doesn’t necessarily mean there’s lots of copper wire inside. Don’t be taken in by sales words like, “heavy duty,” or, “professional grade.” Look for the gauge clearly labeled on the packaging and go by that.
Amperage
If the amperage rating on your set is low, they may not be able to carry enough current to crank the engine, or if they do, it’ll be with great difficulty. Some lower-quality cables may be as low as 200-250A. That probably won’t be enough to boost anything bigger than a very small car.
Choose cables marked at least 400A to be sure of a clean and easy start, no matter the vehicle.
Cable Length
It’s no use getting great cables that aren’t long enough to make a connection.
While you may plan on lining up nose-to-nose, or side-by-side, that won’t always be possible. We recommend you get enough length to make a connection even if the vehicles are front-to-back, if possible, taking into consideration the length of your vehicle. Typically, 16-20 feet long ought to be enough.
If you drive an RV, a huge quad-cab truck, or a limo, front-to-back likely won’t be possible, of course. For oversized vehicles just get the longest cable you can find, usually 20-25 feet long.
Clamps
Because they make the actual connection between the batteries, it’s very important the clamps can grip tightly. Look for clamps with solid-looking copper teeth. Many clamps have extensions for gripping side posts, so look for that if you need them.
Clamps should be clearly color-coded for + and -, and have some sort of protective coating or insulation to protect you from a shock. (Wearing gloves is a good idea anyway.)
Insulation
Not only should the wire be thick for peak efficiency, but the coating around the wires should also be, too. The heavier the insulation, the less leakage of heat there will be when current is flowing through the wires. Keeping the heat inside will protect your engine and your hands.
Good insulation will also keep your cables working in low temperatures, a must for anyone who lives where winter means sub-freezing temperatures.
Safety Rating
Jumping a battery can be dangerous if done improperly, or with sub-standard equipment. Be sure the jumper cables you’re looking at have been tested and approved for safe operation in your country.
For example, a UL Listed or Certified product has been evaluated by UL, a company that has specialized in safety testing and verification since the 19th century.
Extras
Useful things like a reference card for setup and a storage bag are nice to have. Some even come with safety gloves or lights for working in the dark.
I’m Glad We Hooked Up Today!
Now that we’ve separated the contenders from the field, it’s time to pick a winner. Our top pick for the best car jumper cables is the Iron Forge Tools IFT-BC02 Booster Cable Kit. With 2-gauge wire and a 500A rating, there’s next to nothing that you can’t start. This is a versatile set of cables, and a great investment for just about any motorist.
We hope you’ll agree that buying a set of jumper cables is a good investment that every motorist should make. It won’t take up much of your disposable income, and they could save you time, frustration, and money down the road.
Thanks for reading, friends! And don’t be a stranger – send us your comments, concerns, and questions and we’ll do our best to respond asap.
Be well, and drive safe!
