The Best Jump Starters
It's never a good feeling to have your car battery give out on you. A good jump starter will be able to power your car back up from even the deepest mechanical slumber, and maybe even give it more energy than before. But not every jumper is up to the task, which is why we've made a list of the best ones you should have in your trunk or garage right now.
What to Look For
We had a few criteria a jump starter had to meet before it could land on our list: Does it power the vehicle effectively? Is it portable and easy to use? Can it hold a charge for a long time after getting powered up? We found several chargers that really got our juices flowing. The Noco starter was our favorite overall, providing reliable power with an easy setup and convenient portability. Limitless Innovations, however, blew us away with their charger that pulls double-duty as an all-purpose emergency toolkit to boot. Whatever you’re looking for in a jump starter, you’ll find it on our list, so power up and read on.
Noco Boost Plus GB40 Jump Starter Box
Electricity in a pinch
This tried-and-true jump starter from Noco is our top pick, and it’s easy to see why. This versatile starter can fuel 20 jumps on one charge, features a water- and weather-proof design, and even functions as a charger for your phone and tablet. And with reverse polarity protection and a shockproof plugin process, it’s safe to use in almost any circumstance. This is a jump starter that can do it all, and you’ll be glad to have one in your trunk.
Pros
- It holds a charge for a long time, giving you confidence using it when it’s been a while since its last charge.
- This jump starter is incredibly lightweight compared to other models, making it very easy to use.
- We love how reliable this option is. It’s powerful enough to charge batteries that are entirely dead, proving its use in emergencies.
Cons
- The attachment cables that come with it are a bit on the short side, but they should reach both terminals on any battery.
Nexpow 2000A Peak Car Jump Starter
Small size, big power
Any driver would do well to give this jump starter from Nexpow a place in their toolkit. This starter works with a variety of vehicles, including cars, small boats, and ATVs. And with a variety of safety features to ensure a secure charge in any environment, it’s essential for emergencies no matter what you’re traveling in. This jump starter is ideal for vehicle enthusiasts who want to go on their adventures without worry.
Pros
- Jumper cables are simple to insert into this jump starter when needed.
- We appreciate the nifty carrying case since it makes storage and organization easier.
- It’s compact enough to store in most places, yet powerful enough to charge even totally flat batteries.
Cons
- It can run hot after use, so handle it with care.
Halo Bolt Portable Car Jump Starter
Zap when you need it
While many will claim to be compact, this jump starter from Halo truly brings big power in a small package. With this six-inch starter, it’s no exaggeration to say you truly hold the ability to power a full-size automobile in the palm of your hand. And with built-in safety checks, multiple USB ports, and an LED flashlight, it doesn’t sacrifice features for convenience. This jump starter packs the power of jumpers twice its size into a miniature tool anyone can use.
Pros
- A wide variety of color options give this jump starter an aesthetic appeal that other models lack.
- It’s ideal for new or teenage drivers who need a small, easy-to-handle method of restarting a dead battery.
- It holds a charge for a long time once fully powered.
- We love the USB charging ports since they can charge a phone in an emergency.
Cons
- It may have issues effectively charging any vehicle larger than an SUV or pickup truck.
Hulkman Alpha85 Jump Starter
Bring out the big guns
If you need a big boost for a rugged rig, Hulkman has made the jump starter for you. This option is designed to be easily usable with diesel engines and carries enough charge to jumpstart a vehicle 60 times over. Plus, the smartphone-inspired screen helps you use the charger and monitor the power of your car with incredible ease. For drivers who want total control over the power of their hefty engines, this jump starter is second to none.
Pros
- We were surprised by the reliability of this option in extreme weather conditions. Even if it’s super cold, the charge still runs strong.
- It holds enough power to jumpstart multiple cars over a single day, making it a great tool for people who work with cars professionally.
- A special setting allows this charger to revive the batteries of cars that have completely died, which few other jump starters can claim.
Cons
- This jump starter does not come with a bag or carrying case.
Limitless Innovations 10-In-1 Portable Car Jump Starter
When trouble comes knocking
If you find yourself stranded in unfamiliar terrain, this jump starter from Limitless Innovations is an indispensable tool. This device features not just a jumper but a compass, a powerful flashlight, an audible SOS signal, and a thermometer, to name just a few of its features. As you might expect, it’s also a great charger that can jump everything from ATVs to small boats. You’ll be glad to have this jump starter if you ever find yourself in the middle of a tough situation.
Pros
- The unique flashlight shape makes it even more portable and convenient than a typical jump starter.
- Its streamlined design makes it easy to learn how to use for those who aren’t adept with tools.
- We appreciate the waterproofing. At a rating of IP65, this option can handle the rain.
Cons
- It does not have a very robust, solid feel in your hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of jump starter should I get for my car?
In general, most jump starters will be functional with most brands and makes of cars. Some jump starters are specially made to work with diesel engines, but even these typically work with standard engine types as well.
Why do so many of these come with USB chargers and flashlights?
Cars don’t only give out in crowded, well-lit cities. When the situation calls for it, a jump starter with things like flashlights and charging cables can help you out of a jam. And if you’re in such a remote place that help may not arrive for some time, you’ll appreciate the phone charger and extra light.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.