The 8 Best Portable Jump Starters of 2023

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If you just need a simple starter, our experts say you should buy the NOCO Genius Boost HD GB70 2000A starter. Testers claim that the NOCO Genius Boost not only gets your car started, but can blast dozens of others (or your own car over and over if you just want to keep the headlights on) before needing a charge.

The best portable launchers can literally save your life. Of course, they all restart your car when the battery dies, but many of them have accessories that can be just as useful. One of the biggest problems with just cables is that someone else (and their car) is with you. This is not always possible, so place a portable (rear) emergency starter on the driver’s seat.

If you need to start your car, here is a step-by-step guide to starting your car safely.

 

 

1. The best package: NOCO Genius Boost HD GB70 2000A Jump Starter

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The NOCO Genius Boost HD GB70 2000A is a small (but not small glove box) available in two sizes. The 3000A (see our review) is for larger vehicles, but most people will find that the 2000A will suit their needs.

The charger has a USB port for items like your phone, but our reviewer found it charged the phone slowly. The car also has a built-in light that helps you find something in the car, but it doesn’t light up, for example, on the side of the road. Although this starter is more expensive, we still think it’s what most people should get.

As we tested

I tested the NOCO Genius Boost Pro GB150 on a 2011 Hyundai Elantra with a dead battery. It is a large device with large clamps, which makes it somewhat difficult to connect to a car battery. But once everything was installed, NOCO jumped right into the car, even though the car’s battery was down to 10 volts. The gray-black case contains the device’s buttons and shows the charge level and voltage. You can charge it from a 12V outlet or USB, although the latter method can take anywhere from two to eleven hours depending on the charger you use. Weight and USB charging issues aside, this is one of the best starters on the market. – Tony Mitera, Product Tester

2. Best for big cars: STANLEY J5C09 1000 Amps Peak Jump Starter

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When you weigh 18 pounds, you may wonder, “What am I getting out of this?

The STANLEY J5C09 1000 is heavy because it’s also an air compressor, so if you find your tires are running low, you can instantly fill them up. Now in our tests it turns out that the connection cables are quite short (not long enough to ground the jump starter) and the air compressor hose is also short, but the unit jumped over the test car every time it tried. Apart from the cables, there was no lack of performance.

As we have tested

The STANLEY J5C09 1000 has provided a reliable jump every time I’ve tried it. The connectors were easy to place on the battery, even in relatively tight spaces. The air compressor is a useful feature, but the pressure gauge is small and difficult to read and almost unreadable in the dark. The included USB port ensures fast charging speeds, although connecting the cable to it is a bit difficult. Meanwhile, the included flashlight attaches to the case with a ball joint and lets you illuminate your workspace, but it also has some drawbacks. The joint isn’t incredibly flexible, but it has just enough range to make it a useful feature. All in all, if you think you need accessories for the STANLEY J5C09 1000 and you have room for it in your car, it’s a smart buy. – Tony Matera, Product Tester.

3. Best Power Bank: Tacklife T8

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The Tacklife T8 can start your car, charge your phone, illuminate your car interior and even point you in the right direction with a built-in compass (assuming you know which way to go).

A separate switch on the device ensures that it can be charged for up to a year. The trade-off with this device is that if the charge drops below 50 percent, it probably won’t start the car.

4. Most Compact: Scosche PowerUp 700 Portable Jump Starter

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This starter is as small as they come, so why not toss it in your portable emergency kit? It can’t start your car dozens of times before it needs a charge, but hopefully you only need it once to start your car, right?

There are a few USB ports to charge the baby’s soothing devices and a flashlight to see exactly who is touching whom.

5. Best Design: Jump-N-Carry JNC660 1700 Peak Amp 12V Jump Starter

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The Jump-N-Carry JNC660 really lives up to its name as a compact starter with storage space and a beautiful design. An integrated handle and cable clips keep this starter neat and tidy in your garage or trunk. On the front is a meter that indicates how much power you are using and even a built-in plug to charge the battery with a power cord.

And if you are responsible for a fleet of vehicles, the battery may need to be replaced regularly. When it is necessary to charge, the plug is integrated.

But what is missing are the accessories that we usually see in a launcher. It has no flashlight, no USB port for your phone and no air pump. The starter pieces are great, but we really like the versatile gear here, so the lack of accessories is disappointing.

6. Best Heavy Duty: Schumacher DSR115 ProSeries

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When it comes to jump starters, you get a variety of shapes and sizes. The Schumacher DSR ProSeries is another starter that lives up to its name. The Pro Series can launch a car, truck, boat, large rig and just about anything without wings.

The device reports battery and charger performance and notifies you when service is required. The cables themselves are more than 1.5 meters long, so they go everywhere in vehicles of all sizes.

All of this is great, but it comes with an exceptionally high price tag of over £40. It’s not unusual considering the power of this launcher. While we wouldn’t want to see any extra weight on this frame, the wheels would have been a nice addition. This is not the type of starter that you put in the trunk of a Toyota Camry. This is the type of starter you use to start the truck your Camry tows.

7. Best Versatility: Audew 2000A Upgraded Car Jump Starter

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The versatility of the upgraded Audew 2000A automotive jump starter is paying off. You may find the price worth it because it’s a handy device for charging everyday appliances and starting your car, and it’s small enough to fit in your pocket, purse, or glove compartment.

The cost we are talking about is to reload the launcher every 30 days. And if you just forget one, you can get stuck in a parking lot. If he can’t start your car, at least he’ll keep you company (and your phone charged) while you wait for help. You see? Versatile.

8. Best Combo: Wagan EL7552 Jumpboost V8 Air Jump Starter with Air Compressor

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We liked it because it is the all-rounder. Like the STANLEY J5C09 1000 above, it starts the car, fills the punctures, charges portable devices and shows you what you’re doing with the built-in light. Neither device will cost you any taxes, nor while we don’t deduct points, do we think it’s too much to ask.

Be in a hurry? Here’s our verdict

Final verdict

Part of being a car owner is being a responsible car owner. And the responsible car owner will feel good having the Noco Boost HD GB70 charger (see on Amazon) in case of an emergency. It is a great value for its versatility. Whether you maintain a fleet or load multiple (non-flying) vehicles, the Schumacher DSR 115 ProSeries (see Amazon) is the right choice.

FAQ

What is a jump starter?

When your car’s battery is low, the jump starter kicks it in so you can start the car. Start driving from there and your car’s charger will charge the battery on your way.

How do you use the launcher?

First, connect the positive starter wire to the positive terminal of the battery and connect the negative wire to the engine block. Then place the inflatable box in a safe and secure place and try to start your car. With the car running, disconnect both cables and connect them to the inflatable box.

How much does the starter cost?

Starters vary in price depending on their features, but you should be able to find a decent option for $50 or $60. If you decide you want a more advanced model, you’ll pay around $150 or more.

Why do I need a starter?

There aren’t many worse feelings than when you’re driving your car in the morning, you turn the key and you realize that the battery is dead.

Even if you can only rely on jumper cables, you can keep a jump starter in your car that allows you to easily start your car without wasting more than a few minutes of your day.

How does the launcher work?

The auxiliary starter does not charge the car battery itself. Instead, it gives the battery enough power to start the car – you have to drive the car to start it. In other words, it might be the best choice, but if you can avoid starting the car quickly, it’s probably the best option.

Should I also buy a charger?

Unlike a starter, a charger charges your car’s battery, which is useful in many situations. Chargers take at least a few hours to charge a car battery, which means they are not ideal for those who need to move quickly. They also have to be plugged in, which means they’re not as portable. They can also come in handy if you have a faulty charger as they allow you to get your car back up and running without having to worry about the charger charging the battery.

Our recommendation? It can be useful to have both a starter and a battery charger. A charger is best if you have access to an outlet and enough time to charge the battery, while a jump starter is best in an emergency for those who need to get out right away.

What to consider in a portable starter?

There are a few factors to consider when choosing the right starter for you. Do you have a big truck or a smaller car? Do you have equipment to maintain? Do you have storage space in your car or garage? Where do you need the starter the most: at home or on the road? How much space do you have to use on a device you’ll hopefully never need? Whatever your situation, our experts have found a starter for you.

Jump starters are available in both portable and plug-in versions. Portable jump starters have a built-in battery so they can be used on the go when you need them. The only downside is that they need to be recharged after use, which can take several hours. Instead of a decent-sized built-in battery, you have to plug it in, which means if you’re in a car park with a dead battery, you’re largely out of luck. We generally recommend buying a portable launcher instead of a plug-in. Portability overcomes the downside of charging the device.

Other features to look for

Cables

Jumper cables are an important part of any starter. You might think that jumper cables are all the same, and to some extent this is true: they are copper wires that provide power. However, some cables are better than others.

For example, the cables may have different lengths. They usually range from about 10 to 35 feet. Don’t think you need extra-long cables, though — 15 feet is fine for most people. Another distinguishing factor is the wire gauge of the cable, which refers to the thickness of the wire inside. A thicker cable provides more power, which can be important if you want to start a vehicle with a larger battery. For smaller vehicles, such as most cars, at least an 8-gauge cable is fine, although larger batteries may require a 6- or 4-gauge cable.

Air Compressor

An air compressor is what you would use to pump a flat tire on your car if it is punctured. A built-in compressor may not matter when you start your car, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be useful.

If you are short on money, you can avoid a built-in compressor, but if you have the money to buy a unit with an air compressor, we recommend that you do.

Emergency lights

Standing by the side of the road at night is never a recommended situation. Poor visibility and distracted drivers can easily end up in a dangerous place. That’s where the hazard lights can come in. When the jump starter is equipped with hazard lights, you can place them close to your car to alert other drivers of your presence.

We strongly recommend that you buy an emergency lighting starter, especially as they can save your life.

Radio

Some starters have built-in emergency radios to help you stay informed about local events in the event of an emergency or natural disaster, such as an earthquake or hurricane. If you live in an area prone to these types of events, this feature can be very useful.

Brands to consider

In general, it is better to buy something from an established brand rather than a newer company with no experience, not only because the product is likely to perform better, but also because the company can offer a better warranty if the device does not perform as well planned. .

When it comes to starters, well-known brands include Noco, Stanley, Beatit, and Jump-n-Carry, all of which offer slightly different aspects of the starter.

Learn more about our trusted experts

Taylor Clemons has over three years of experience in game writing and consumer technology. Taylor also previously worked at MTD Products, where he assembled and repaired robotic, walk-behind and walk-behind mowers.

Tony Mitera has a passion for helping people make informed decisions based on his knowledge of how things work. Tony is a computer geek and car mechanic and enjoys tinkering with both computers and cars. When not writing, Tony is the director of entries for the SCCA Nebraska region and attends autocross events.