Best of
The Best Portable Jump Starters (2027)
The best portable jump starters for 2027, compared on peak amps, engine ratings, safety, and cold starts. Whether you call it a jump starter or a jump battery portable pack, these are the units worth keeping in the trunk: NOCO, Hulkman, and Clore picks.
The short answer
The NOCO Boost Plus GB40 is the best portable jump starter for most drivers in 2027: 1000 peak amps, 6.0L gas and 3.0L diesel coverage, spark-proof safety, and a minus 22 F rating. Drive a big truck or diesel? Step up to the NOCO Boost HD GB70 with 2000 peak amps.
Our top picks at a glance
- NOCO Boost Plus GB40The benchmark 1000-amp jump starter.Best overall
- NOCO Boost HD GB702000 amps for trucks and diesels.Best for trucks and diesels
- Hulkman Alpha852000 amps with a driver-friendly display.Best display and charging
- Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry JNC660The shop-grade lead-acid workhorse.Best shop-grade
- NOCO Boost X GBX451250 amps of NOCO power in a compact case.Best compact power
What owners report
Synthesized from recurring themes in long-term owner feedback.
Most praised
- Starting a car alone in minutes, without flagging down another driver, changes how stranded owners feel
- Mistake proof clamps that refuse a reversed hookup give first time users confidence
- A clear charge display or simple indicator removes guesswork before a long trip
- Models with a strong work light double as the torch owners reach for during a night breakdown
- Compact lithium packs living in the glovebox are there for family members who borrow the car
Common complaints
- A pack forgotten in the trunk for a year can be too low on the one morning it is actually needed
- Headline amp figures vary widely in honesty, so buyers have to shop the engine displacement limit instead
- Short cables and stiff clamps make reaching both terminals on some engine bays awkward
- Lead acid units surprise owners with how often they need topping up compared with lithium packs
- Using the pack as a daily power bank leaves it partly drained when a jump is suddenly required
The picks, ranked
| # | Product | Award | Peak current | Gas engines | Diesel engines | Safety | Low-temp rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NOCO Boost Plus GB40 | Best overall | 1000 amps | Up to 6.0L | Up to 3.0L | Spark-proof, reverse-polarity protection | Minus 22 F |
| 2 | NOCO Boost HD GB70 | Best for trucks and diesels | 2000 amps | Up to 8.0L | Up to 6.0L | Spark-proof, reverse-polarity protection | - |
| 3 | Hulkman Alpha85 | Best display and charging | 2000 amps | Up to 8.5L | Up to 6.0L | - | - |
| 4 | Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry JNC660 | Best shop-grade | 1700 amps | - | - | - | - |
| 5 | NOCO Boost X GBX45 | Best compact power | 1250 amps | - | - | Spark-proof, reverse-polarity protected | - |
| 6 | Gooloo GT4000S | Best max cranking power | 4000 amps | - | - | 10-protection smart cables | - |
| 7 | Stanley J5C09 | Best combo with compressor | 1000 peak amps | - | - | Reverse-polarity alarm | - |
| 8 | AstroAI S8 Ultra | Best value high-amp | 3500 amps | - | - | 8-protection smart cables | - |
| 9 | NOCO Boost GB20 | Best budget | 500 amps | - | - | - | - |
| 10 | Schumacher SL1672 | Best all-season lithium | 1000 amps | - | - | - | - |
Best overall
NOCO Boost Plus GB40
The benchmark 1000-amp jump starter.
The NOCO Boost Plus GB40 delivers 1000 peak amps, starts gas engines up to 6.0L and diesels to 3.0L, and wraps it in spark-proof, reverse-polarity-protected clamps. Its minus 22 F operating rating and USB power-bank function make it the complete package for the vast majority of drivers.
Strengths
- 1000 peak amps start gas engines up to 6.0L and diesels up to 3.0L
- Spark-proof connections and reverse-polarity protection
- Doubles as a USB power bank for phones
- Rated to operate down to minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit
Limitations
- Not enough for big diesel trucks
- Single USB output is slow by modern fast-charge standards
- Premium price versus generic 1000-amp units
| Peak current | 1000 amps |
|---|---|
| Gas engines | Up to 6.0L |
| Diesel engines | Up to 3.0L |
| Safety | Spark-proof, reverse-polarity protection |
| Low-temp rating | Minus 22 F |
Best for: Most drivers with gas engines up to 6.0L who want the proven safe pick.
Skip if: You drive a large diesel or want the absolute highest peak amps.
Best for trucks and diesels
NOCO Boost HD GB70
2000 amps for trucks and diesels.
The Boost HD GB70 doubles the GB40 to 2000 peak amps, covering gas engines to 8.0L and diesels to 6.0L with 56 watt-hours of capacity. It is the pick for full-size trucks, large SUVs, and diesel owners.
Strengths
- 2000 peak amps handle gas engines up to 8.0L and diesels up to 6.0L
- Same spark-proof safety system as the GB40
- 56 watt-hours of capacity runs accessories longer
- Rugged housing built for shop and trunk abuse
Limitations
- Heavier and bulkier than compact models
- Overkill for a 4-cylinder commuter car
- Premium price
| Peak current | 2000 amps |
|---|---|
| Gas engines | Up to 8.0L |
| Diesel engines | Up to 6.0L |
| Battery capacity | 56 watt-hours |
| Safety | Spark-proof, reverse-polarity protection |
Best for: Truck, SUV, and diesel owners who need serious cranking power.
Skip if: You drive a small car and want the lightest unit possible.
Best display and charging
Hulkman Alpha85
2000 amps with a driver-friendly display.
The Hulkman Alpha85 matches 2000 peak amps and 6.0L diesel coverage while adding a smart status display, 65W two-way fast charging, and IP65 dust and water resistance.
Strengths
- 2000 peak amps for gas engines up to 8.5L and diesels up to 6.0L
- Smart display shows battery level and status clearly
- 65W two-way fast charging for laptops and phones
- IP65-rated housing resists dust and water
Limitations
- Larger than compact 1000-amp units
- Newer brand with a shorter track record than NOCO
- Premium price
| Peak current | 2000 amps |
|---|---|
| Gas engines | Up to 8.5L |
| Diesel engines | Up to 6.0L |
| USB charging | 65W two-way fast charge |
| Ingress rating | IP65 |
Best for: Drivers who want big power plus clear status readouts and fast device charging.
Skip if: You want the longest-established brand name in the category.
Best shop-grade
Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry JNC660
The shop-grade lead-acid workhorse.
The Clore Jump-N-Carry JNC660 uses a 22Ah sealed lead-acid battery for 1700 peak amps of sustained cranking stamina. It is heavier than lithium packs but outlasts them on repeated start attempts, which is why shops keep buying it.
Strengths
- 1700 peak amps from a 22Ah sealed lead-acid battery
- Sustained cranking power for repeated start attempts
- Heavy-duty clamps and cables built for shop use
- Decades-long reputation with professional mechanics
Limitations
- Much heavier than lithium models
- Lead-acid needs regular recharge maintenance
- No USB device charging
| Peak current | 1700 amps |
|---|---|
| Battery | 12V 22Ah sealed lead-acid |
| Cranking amps | 425 |
| Clamps | Heavy-duty industrial grade |
| Use case | Shop, fleet, and home garage |
Best for: Garages, fleets, and anyone who wants old-school cranking stamina.
Skip if: You want pocketable lithium portability or USB charging.
Best compact power
NOCO Boost X GBX45
1250 amps of NOCO power in a compact case.
The NOCO Boost X GBX45 delivers 1250A peak current, enough for 6.5L gas and 4.0L diesel engines, in a glovebox-size pack. A 60W USB-C port charges laptops, UltraSafe protection prevents hookup mistakes, and the IP65 rating shrugs off rain and dust.
Strengths
- 1250A peak current starts gas engines up to 6.5L
- 60W USB-C charges phones and laptops fast
- UltraSafe spark-proof and reverse-polarity protection
- Compact enough to live in a glovebox
Limitations
- Lower peak amps than the GB70
- Premium price for the size
- No built-in air compressor
| Peak current | 1250 amps |
|---|---|
| Engine rating | Up to 6.5L gas, 4.0L diesel |
| USB output | 60W USB-C Power Delivery |
| Safety | Spark-proof, reverse-polarity protected |
| Rating | IP65 water and dust resistant |
Best for: Drivers who want NOCO reliability in a smaller, lighter pack.
Skip if: You need to start large diesel trucks regularly.
Best max cranking power
Gooloo GT4000S
4000 amps for the biggest gas and diesel engines.
The Gooloo GT4000S pushes 4000A peak current, rated for 10.0L gas and 8.0L diesel engines, the highest ceiling in this roundup. Ten-protection smart cables and a 100-lumen LED with SOS make it the brute-force choice for the biggest trucks.
Strengths
- 4000A peak current handles up to 10.0L gas and 8.0L diesel
- Smart jumper cables with 10 safety protections
- 100-lumen LED with strobe and SOS modes
- USB quick-charge output for devices
Limitations
- Larger and heavier than compact starters
- Overkill for small cars
- Display is basic
| Peak current | 4000 amps |
|---|---|
| Engine rating | Up to 10.0L gas, 8.0L diesel |
| Safety | 10-protection smart cables |
| Light | 100-lumen LED with SOS |
| USB output | Quick-charge USB ports |
Best for: Truck and large SUV owners, including big diesels.
Skip if: You drive a small car and want the lightest pack.
Best combo with compressor
Stanley J5C09
Jump starter, 120 PSI compressor, and USB in one box.
The Stanley J5C09 combines 1000 peak amps with a 120 PSI digital compressor that auto-stops at the set pressure, plus three USB ports. It is the only pick here that fixes both a dead battery and a low tire from one box.
Strengths
- 1000 peak amps for V8 engines
- 120 PSI digital compressor with auto-stop
- Three USB ports charge devices
- Reverse-polarity alarm prevents hookup mistakes
Limitations
- Lead-acid battery is heavy to carry
- Needs regular charging to stay ready
- Bulky for small trunks
| Peak current | 1000 peak amps |
|---|---|
| Compressor | 120 PSI with auto-stop |
| Power outlets | Three USB ports |
| Battery type | Sealed lead-acid |
| Safety | Reverse-polarity alarm |
Best for: Drivers who want one unit for dead batteries and low tires.
Skip if: You need lithium lightness; this is a lead-acid unit.
Best value high-amp
AstroAI S8 Ultra
3500 amps with smart-cable protection.
The AstroAI S8 Ultra offers 3500A peak current for up to 8.0L gas and 6.0L diesel engines with 8-protection smart cables, at a mid-range price. It is the cheapest way to get genuinely high cranking amps with real safety circuitry.
Strengths
- 3500A peak current for up to 8.0L gas and 6.0L diesel
- Smart cables with 8 safety protections
- Bright LED with steady, strobe, and SOS modes
- Doubles as a power bank for devices
Limitations
- Bulkier than compact lithium models
- No digital percentage display on the base trim
- Brand support is thinner than NOCO or Clore
| Peak current | 3500 amps |
|---|---|
| Engine rating | Up to 8.0L gas, 6.0L diesel |
| Safety | 8-protection smart cables |
| Light | LED with steady, strobe, and SOS |
| USB output | Device charging ports |
Best for: Drivers who want high peak amps without the premium price.
Skip if: You need the absolute smallest pack.
Best budget
NOCO Boost GB20
500 amps of UltraSafe lithium starting for gas engines up to 4.0 liters.
The NOCO Boost GB20 gives 500A peak current for gas engines up to 4.0L, spark-proof UltraSafe clamps, and a USB power bank function, at a budget price. For everyday gas cars, it covers the job that strands most drivers.
Strengths
- 500A peak current rated for gas engines up to 4.0L, with up to 20 jump starts per charge
- UltraSafe design is spark-proof with reverse polarity protection
- Doubles as a USB power bank for phones and devices
- 100-lumen LED flashlight built into the housing
Limitations
- Not rated for diesel engines
- Lower peak amps than premium rivals
- Compact 1 lb body is sized for cars, not large trucks
| Peak current | 500 amps |
|---|---|
| Engine rating | Gas up to 4.0L |
| USB output | USB power bank with USB-C cable included |
| Light | 100-lumen LED flashlight |
| Recommended use | Everyday gas cars and SUVs |
Best for: Budget buyers with small to mid-size gas engines.
Skip if: You need diesel or V8 starting power.
Best all-season lithium
Schumacher SL1672
1000-amp lithium jump starter and power bank from a shop-trusted brand.
The Schumacher SL1672 delivers 1000A peak current in a rugged lithium housing from a brand shops trust, and doubles as a power bank between starts. It is the set-it-in-the-trunk-and-forget-it pick for year-round readiness.
Strengths
- 1000A peak current for confident starts on cars, SUVs, and trucks
- Doubles as a power bank for phones and other devices
- Rugged housing survives trunk and garage life
- Schumacher service network backs the warranty
Limitations
- Lower peak output than 2000A-class rivals
- No built-in compressor
- Display is simpler than premium rivals
| Peak current | 1000 amps |
|---|---|
| Battery | Lithium-ion |
| Function | Jump starter and power bank |
| USB output | Device charging ports |
| Build | Rugged impact-resistant housing |
Best for: Drivers who want shop-grade cranking in a lithium pack.
Skip if: You need maximum peak amps for oversized diesel engines.
How we chose
We ranked jump starters on peak current, honest engine-displacement ratings for gas and diesel, safety protections (spark-proof, reverse-polarity), low-temperature operating range, clamp and cable quality, and battery self-discharge behavior. Units with inflated amp claims and no-name brands with no safety certifications were excluded.
Questions, answered
How many peak amps do I need?
1000 peak amps covers most 4 and 6-cylinder gas cars. Large V8s and diesels want 2000 or more. Match the unit's engine rating to your vehicle, not just the amp number.
Are lithium jump starters safe?
Quality units from established brands include spark-proof and reverse-polarity protection that prevent the classic mistakes. Avoid unbranded units with no listed safety features.
How long does the charge last in storage?
Lithium models hold charge for 6 to 12 months; check and top up twice a year. Lead-acid models like the JNC660 self-discharge faster and want more frequent charging.
Can a jump starter damage my car?
A quality unit with correct polarity protection will not. The risk comes from reversed clamps on unprotected units, which is exactly what spark-proof designs prevent.