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The Best Car Jump Starter 2021

Car Jump Starter

Jumping into your car and discovering that the battery is flat can be extremely frustrating. However, thanks to the advancements in automotive technology, you can use a portable car jump starter to get it up and running in minutes.

The best car jump starter is the NOCO Genius Boost Pro GB150, which is a powerful 4,000 amp device that’s capable of performing up to 80 jump starts from a single charge.

Unlike using jumper cables that require an additional car or a battery charger that takes times, a car jump starter is instant and you can use it by yourself. They come in several forms but the lithium ion jump starters are the most desirable and easiest to use.

Table of Contents

Car Jump Starter Comparison

Jump StarterAmp OptionsType
NOCO Genius Boost Pro400 to 20,000Lithium Ion
DBPOWER600Lithium Ion
Jump-N-Carry JNC6601,700Lead Acid
STANLEY FATMAX J7CS600 to 1,000Lead Acid
ABOX TrekPow1,500Lithium Ion
Audew1,000Lithium Ion

Lithium-ion jump starters are the most popular type as they are lightweight and much smaller, which means they can be easily stored inside of your car. They also don’t require any maintenance when compared to the larger lead-acid alternatives.

However, opting for a lithium-ion example usually come with a much larger price tag, which some people may not be willing to pay.

Below is a list of the best car jump starters that provide a large amount of power and cranking amps for dealing with a dead car battery.

The Best Car Jump Starter


1. NOCO Genius Boost Pro Lithium Ion Jump Starter

NOCO Genius Boost Pro Lithium Ion Jump StarterNOCO are the market leaders when it comes to jump starters and other charging equipment. The Boost Pro GB150 is their flagship product and it’s an ultra safe lithium ion jump starter which comes in a range of power options that range from 400 to 20,000 amps.

Other features of the NOCO Genius Boost Pro include:

  • Designed for both gas and diesel engines up to 10 liters
  • Can charge other personal devices via USB output
  • 12V input and output
  • Integrated voltmeter for battery diagnostics
  • The 4,000 Amps is capable of 80 jump stars via 1 charge
  • Ultra bright 100 Lumen LED flashlight
  • 7 Light modes
  • Compact at 3.2 x 6.7 x 1.7 inches

There are many amperage options that NOCO offer but for jump starting a car battery, we recommend at least 1,000 amps. Out of all the devices they offer, the best bang for a buck is the 4,000 amp model, which is suitable for 99% of all vehicles on the road.

The NOCO Genuis Boost PRO GB150 is the best lithium ion jump starter that’s packed full of functionality and power. Although expensive, the compact size, features, power and the one year warranty make it a worthwhile investment that won’t disappoint.

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2. DBPOWER 600A Lithium Car Jump Starter

DBPOWER 600A Lithium Car Jump Starter
If the NOCO Genius above is too pricey for your budget, the DBPOWER alternative may be the better option. It isn’t as powerful but it’s capable of powering up to 6.5 liter gas and 5.2 liter diesel vehicles. It can also do this up to 30 times per charge with a peak current of 600 amps.

The clamps used to connect to the battery feature advanced safety and thicker cables. The benefit of this is that it prevents short circuits, overloading, over voltage and more. Considering its cheap price tag, it’s an impressive device when compared to similar priced alternatives.

Other features of the DBPOWER 600A include:

  • Heavy duty clamps and cables
  • Compact enough to fit in glove box
  • Excellent safety and protection
  • LCD screen and compass
  • Smart charging port with 2 USB ports
  • LED flashlight
  • DC input and output

Overall, the DBPOWER 600A is the best cheap jump starter that even comes with three years warranty for complete peace of mind. Lithium ion jump starters are known for being pricey but the DBPOWER is far from that.

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3. Jump-N-Carry Portable Jump Starter

Jump-N-Carry Portable Jump StarterThe JNC660 is a portable car battery jump starter that’s built with durability in mind. Examples of this can be seen by the heavy duty 46 inch 2 AWG cables that are copper insulated. Another great feature of this jump starter is that it also doubles up as a charger.

Jump-N-Carry also provide the option of a lithium ion jump starter but compared against the NOCO genius above, it’s simply not as good. The JNC660 is the far better option and although larger, it’s still very portable with an ergonomic handle located at the top.

Other features of the Jump-N-Carry JNC660 include:

  • 1,700 peaks amps and 425 CCA
  • DC outlet to power 12 volt accessories
  • DC input for recharging internal battery
  • Industrial grade hot jaw clamps
  • Heavy duty case
  • Built in voltmeter

Overall, it’s the best charger and jump starter for the money that has been built to last. The heavy duty design also provides peace of mind that it can withstand any harsh environments.

The only drawback is that it may be too bulky to be stored in most passenger cars, which makes it only suitable for garages or dealerships.

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4. STANLEY FATMAX J7CS Battery Jump Starter

STANLEY FATMAX J7CS Battery Jump StarterThe Stanley Fatmax is the best alternative to the Jump-N-Carry and it also comes with a cheaper price tag. The brand offer it in three power options that include 600, 700 and 1,000 peak amps. However, the best are the 700 and 1,000 models as they include a 120 PSI air compressor.

Other features of the Stanley Fatmax include:

  • Three 3.1 amp USB ports
  • 12V power outlet
  • DC input for charging the internal battery
  • High power 270 degree LED light
  • Reverse polarity led indicator
  • Audible alarm
  • Heavy duty case

Stanley are a huge brand in the construction industry and this jump starter follows the same build quality and durability. The large brand backing this jump starter is the main reason why its so popular in the USA and it also provides you with peace of mind when buying it too.

If you require a jump starter with an integrated air compressor, the Stanley Fatmax is the best option. It isn’t as powerful as some of the alternatives but it packs plenty of power to jump start the majority of dead car batteries and offers great value for the money too.

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5. Trekpow G22 Portable Car Jump Starter

Trekpow G22 Portable Car Jump Starter
Another affordable option that carries a large amount of power is the TrekPow car jump starter. It’s suitable for 6.5 liter diesel or gasoline engines and unlike many of the cheap alternatives, the Trekpow looks and feels high quality.

Other features of the TrekPow Lithium Jump Starter include:

  • 1,500 amps
  • Doubles up as a power bank
  • Includes 2 USB ports and 1 Type C port
  • Spark proof technology and reverse polarity protection
  • Able to perform 30 jump stars on a single charge
  • Includes a 3 year warranty and 90 day guarantee
  • 3 flashlight settings

Along with the impressive amperage of this lithium ion jump starter is the QSDP technology. This advanced functionality provides 3 to 5 times more jump starting current. The benefit of this is that it makes jump starting a car far easier, especially within low temperature climates.

Overall, the TrekPow Jump Starter is an excellent all-rounder that offers great value for money.

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6. Audew 1000A Peak Car Jump Starter

Audew 1000A Peak Car Jump Starter
If you are looking for a cheap jump starter for emergency situations that can be stored in your car, the Audew brand have the answer. Their device is powerful, compact, budget friendly and suitable for jump starting most passenger cars.

Other features of the Audew Car Jump Starter include:

  • 1,000 amps and can be used 30 times on 1 charge
  • LED Flashlight
  • Portable charger
  • USB quick charge
  • Upgrade and safe clamps
  • Storage case
  • LED indicator
  • 1 year warranty

By using this Audew lithium ion jump starter, you are able to jump start gas engines up to 8 liters and diesel engines up to 7 liters. This covers the majority of passengers cars on the road and considering it’s a cheap devices, it performs very well.

Overall, if you are looking for an affordable option that’s reliable and has enough power to start your engine, then the Audew alternative is a great option.

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Car Jump Starter Buying Guide

You can have the best car battery on the market but if you were to leave an electrical device on for long periods, it will eventually become flat. Once your battery becomes flat, you won’t be able to start your vehicle without a “jump start”.

There are various methods of jump starting a car with many people using a set of jumper cables, which will do the job. However, an alternative is a jump starter, which usually contains a power pack and a negative and positive battery connector.

The occasional jump start is great to get you up and running quickly but it shouldn’t be used all the time. A low charged battery causes stress on the alternator and they aren’t cheap to replace when they go wrong.

To help you gain knowledge regarding jump starters, we have compiled a detailed buying guide that features everything you need to know.

Performance

The two metrics that you should look out for are cranking power and peak power. The term cranking power refers to the amount of amps that can be delivered by the jump starter. Peak power is the maximum amount of power that the device can output.

Around 1,000 amps is seen as powerful and will be more than enough to power up most vehicles so that they can start the engine.

Of course, there are many manufacturers that produce huge power devices. For those with large engines, you will want a higher amperage jump starter so that you can get enough electrical power to begin the process of starting the car.

In terms of the components that require the initial power, the crankshaft sensor and the ignition itself requires the most amount of electrical power. If you are using a jump starter that lacks power, you will be putting more stress on these components as they will have limited power to use.

Lithium Ion Jump Starter

Lead Acid vs Lithium Ion Jump Starter

When it comes to the types of portable jump starter devices available, there are two main options that include lead acid and lithium ion. Both are highly portable but the lithium ion jump starter is far more compact and lightweight.

Although the lithium ion jump starters are more expensive, they often come with additional power and can be easily stored inside the vehicle. NOCO Genius dominate the market for these types of jump starters and are very popular worldwide.

The lead acid alternatives offer more functionality but are slightly heavier. Many even include an air compressor that can be used as a tire inflator. They are also far more durable than the lithium ion alternatives too, which is great for using within a garage.

Additional Features

Most jump starters come with a range of additional features that make them standout. Some of these modern features include:

  • LED lighting
  • USB and 12V output
  • LCD screens
  • Indicators
  • Safety alarms
  • Voltmeters
  • … and much more

For those that travel for long periods, the lithium ion jump starters may be the best option. This is because you are able to store them in your car and use them to charge your personal belongings on road trips.

The extra features may make all the difference and it’s worth browsing each device to see what additional features are on offer.

Reliability and Durability

A reliable jump starter is a must because your flat battery has already let you down. Therefore, you will want to ensure you buy from a trusted brand that are known for their jump starters. Thicker wires, a heavy duty design and sturdy clamps are all signs of a durable jump starter.

best quick jump starter

Benefits Compared to Cables

Jumper cables are a common method of starting a car with a flat battery but using a jump starter is far more convenient. If you have ever had a flat battery and needed to ask a stranger for a jump start, it can be quite awkward to ask. Further drawbacks of using jumper cables compared with a jump starter include:

  • Jump start cables take up more room in the car
  • More connection equals more problems (i.e. sparks)
  • Potential to break other cars electric components or blow fuses
  • Damage to paintwork from cables rubbing against paintwork

However, its worth noting that with jumper cables, there is no need to check on the battery. This can be a drawback of a jump starter as the internal battery requires charging and this is something that can be easily forgotten.

Can Using a Jump Starter Cause Damage

If you find yourself constantly jump starting your vehicle because your battery is flat, you really have to ask yourself whether its time to replace it. Clearly, if you find that you are constantly jump starting the battery, there is an underlying issue.

Using a jump starter isn’t necessary healthy to the battery but if you have no alternative, it’s all you can do. If the battery is struggling to hold charge, it would be advised to replace it for a new battery. However, if you are only travelling small distances, the alternator doesn’t have enough time to charge the battery.

Therefore, we recommend that you invest into a car battery charger and fully charge the battery. If you still find yourself having to jump start the battery, this would mean that there is a heavy electrical draw coming from the car or the battery needs replacing.

car jump starter

How To Use A Jump Starter

According to Helenair, approximately 90% of people don’t know how to jump start their vehicle. However, we aim to reduce that figure with a step by step guide. When it comes to electrics, its important that safety is taken serious. To use a jump starter safely, follow the below instructions in order:

  1. Connect the positive jump starter cable to the positive terminal.
  2. Connect the negative jump starter cable to a ground location.
  3. Place the jump starter on an even and stable location.
  4. Switch the jump starter on.
  5. Try to start the car.
  6. Disconnect the negative cable of the jump starter.
  7. Disconnect the positive cable of the jump starter.

With regards to step 3, it’s important that you place it somewhere that’s stable and doesn’t move. Many people place it on top of their engines and as you start to turn over the car, the engine moves.

Many modern vehicles nowadays are hybrids or electric and the use of a jump starter isn’t advised. We strongly recommend that you check the owners manual of your vehicle before using a jump starter as it may not be safe to do so. If you own an electric car, you should really be checking the charge before unhooking it from your ev charger.

Below is a great video tutorial of using a portable jump starter for those that require additional information.

Conclusion

A flat battery is very inconvenient and happens when you least expect it. All it takes is for a powerful electronic such as a touchscreen double din stereo to drain the battery within a short period. A portable jump starter can be one of the best things you ever buy and save you spending hours waiting for recovery.

For the average driver, the NOCO battery booster is the best buy as it’s small and powers up the majority of vehicles. The Jump-N-Carry JNC660 is more sturdy and is more suited for those that want to store it within their garage.

procarreviews author

Written By Dan

About the Author

Dan is an automotive journalist and owner of over 10 cars ranging from supercars, tuned cars, classics and your good old beater cars. He always likes to get his hands dirty with nut and bolt restorations or detailing sessions using the best products on the market.

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