The Best Jump Starters
Picture this: today is the day you make the deal of your life. It's your biggest ask, your toughest sell, your most daring pitch, painting, or piece yet. You've envisioned every aspect of the day to avoid any foreseeable obstacles. When you get to your car, you don't even notice your headlights still shining from the night before; when you turn the key, you're met with a grim reality: the car battery is dead. What you need to have on hand to get you through this crisis is something portable, fool-proof, fast, and reliable that'll get your battery back up and running. What you need, then, is a portable jump starter. Today's jump starters offer impressive functionality, with features ranging from built-in S.O.S. lights, various device-charging ports, and air compressors. To find the right one for you, have a look through our top picks for the best jump starters available today.
NOCO Boost Plus GB40 Jump Starter
The Total Package
What’s not to love about this jump starter from NOCO? This 12V model’s output peaks at 1,000 amps, which is more than enough spark to get your car out of park and then some. On a full charge, the GB40 can provide up to 20 emergency starts. Better yet, the battery can be recharged from any powered USB port in a stunning three hours, so you don’t have to plan to use it a whole day in advance. (Because, really, who plans on killing their car battery?)
If your car battery is going strong but your smartphone is fading fast, the GB40 sports an output port that can charge any USB-supported device with ease. The integrated LED flashlight touts seven settings – including strobe and S.O.S. – that help round out this total package, making it a must-have to store under the passenger seat.
Pros:
- High-discharge lithium battery makes it safe to use in any climate
- Water-resistant enclosure and rubberized casing to prevent scratching
- Purchase includes a microfiber carrying bag, detachable jumper cables, micro USB charging cord, 12V car charger, and a 1-year warranty
Cons:
- Only one output USB port, limiting charging to one device
- Slightly heavier than some models, weighing in at 2.4 pounds
TACKLIFE T8 800A Jump Starter
Light and Long-Lasting
If you’re considering stashing a jump starter in grandma’s car, this might be the one. At 12V and 1.21 pounds, the TACKLIFE T8 is one of the lightest products on the market. It peaks at 800 amps, which means that unless you live in a year-round frozen tundra, you’ll have no trouble jumping a car back to life. The T8 can provide up to 30 starts on a full charge (which takes a meager 4.5 hours) and it can hold its charge for up to a whole year. (Do remember to switch it into the “off” setting, though, as that slows down the battery’s self-discharge.) TACKLIFE makes this even more appealing by offering a built-in flashlight capability to stave away the darkness. Grandma might not want to carry it in her purse to read the restaurant menu, but she’ll certainly be glad to have it in a pinch.
Pros:
- Dual output USB charging ports, one with 5V/9V quick-charge capability
- Additional 12V 10A DC port for other car accessories
- Purchase includes jumper cables, wall charger, car charger, cigarette socket adapter, and an EVA carrying case
Cons:
- Lower peak amperage might limit starting capability in colder climates
Topvision G26 2200A Power Pack Jump Starter
Portable with a Punch
Power and multi-purpose functionality is the name of the game for this 12V jump starter. The Topvision G26 reaches an impressive 2,200 amp peak, making it one of the zippiest portable models out there. This allows it to start up to 7L gas engines or 6.5L diesel engines, where most other units max out at starting 6L gas engines or 3L diesel engines. The weight is an easily maneuverable 1.56 pounds, so you’re not trading usability for power. The G26 also comes equipped with a three-mode LED, ensuring hazard lights or aided vision for any roadside or wilderness emergency.
Pros:
- 21.8Ah battery stores up to 50 starts per full charge
- Dual output USB charging ports with quick charge technology (one 5V/9V/12V, one 2.5V/2.1A)
- High 2,200-amp peak makes this ideal for cold weather climates
- Purchase includes jumper cables, cigarette socket adapter, USB-C cable, and a carrying case
Cons:
- Purchase does not include charging port
- Small discrepancy on warranty length (between 1-2 years)
LOFTEK Y29 1000A Battery Jump Starter
No Nonsense, All Accessibility
The LOFTEK Y29 isn’t looking to make friends in this market with its straightforward, bold approach. Its 1,000 amp peak provides reliable jump-starting capabilities for 7L gas engines or 5.5L diesel engines. Weighing in at 1.7 pounds, it’s promised to pack its punch for 8-12 months in the “off” function, meaning you won’t have to keep topping up its charge. Though it’s easy on the frills, it still sports a 5V/2.1A output USB port capable of charging your devices in a pinch, as well as a 3-mode LED for roadside emergencies (or for when you can’t find the french fry you dropped between your seat and the center console. Let’s face it: lost fries are a concern far more often than dead batteries.)
Pros:
- Promises functionality down to -4 degrees Fahrenheit
- 10.4Ah capacity holds its charge for up to one year
- USB-C input cable ensures faster charging
- Purchase includes jumper cables and a USB-C cable
Cons:
- Does not include charging port with purchase
- Limited device charging with only one output USB port
Stanley Fatmax J7CS Portable Power Station Jump Starter
Proving Bigger Can Be Better
This is the closest you’ll get to a traditional plug-in style jump starter, but it more or less halves the weight and size of those of older models while providing additional functionality. Weighing a serious 10.6 pounds, the Fatmax J7CS is aptly named; its weight makes it a sturdier unit for those afraid to trust their car batteries to chargers the weight of feathers. This 12V unit might peak at 700 amps, but that’s still plenty to bring your car back to life. The J7CS is the ultimate roadside companion with its added feature of a 120 PSI air compressor for when sudden temperature drops cause low tire pressure.
Pros:
- Triple output USB ports for charging multiple devices at once
- 270-degree rotating LED light that allows for working in the dark
- Attached handle makes the heavier model easier to carry
Cons:
- Only chargeable by a regular extension cord (not included)
- Must be recharged every 30 days, even when not in use
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve never used a jump starter, but I want to be prepared. Are these safe to use?
Generally, yes — although nothing is infallible. We’ve had our fair share of sparks flying with older jump starters, but most models these days provide five main protections: short circuit, over-current, overload, over-voltage, and overcharge. They almost always come equipped with reverse polarity protection, as well, meaning you won’t damage your car battery when you attach the cables to the terminals. Make sure to read what protections are listed under each model.
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