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Jump Starters

Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Jump Starters

Dead battery, empty parking lot, no one around—this is why you own a jump starter. We compared compact lithium units that fit in your glovebox and actually work.

Last updated: January 28, 2026
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Best Overall Our top recommendation
Best Overall
Boost Plus GB40 1000A Jump Starter

NOCO

Boost Plus GB40 1000A Jump Starter

4.7 (78,901 reviews)

The jump starter that idiot-proofs jump starting. Connect it wrong? It just won't work—no sparks, no damage. This is the one to keep in your trunk and forget until you need it.

Peak Amps

1000A

Battery

6000mAh lithium

Engines

Up to 6L gas

USB

Yes, power bank

Pros

  • Spark-proof technology
  • Reverse polarity protection
  • Ultra-compact

Cons

  • Not for diesel trucks
  • Battery slowly drains
  • Premium price

Head-to-Head Comparison

ProductRatingPrice Action
Boost Plus GB40 1000A Jump Starter
Boost Plus GB40 1000A Jump Starter Best
NOCO
4.7
$106 View
Alpha85 2000A Jump Starter
Alpha85 2000A Jump Starter Value
HULKMAN
4.6
$100 View
A28 Jump Starter 4000A Peak
A28 Jump Starter 4000A Peak
AVAPOW
4.5
$80 View
BF11 800A Jump Starter
BF11 800A Jump Starter
BEATIT
4.3
$55 View
Boost X GBX75 2500A Jump Starter
Boost X GBX75 2500A Jump Starter
NOCO
4.8
$250 View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall
Boost Plus GB40 1000A Jump Starter

NOCO

Boost Plus GB40 1000A Jump Starter

4.7 (78,901 reviews)

The jump starter that idiot-proofs jump starting. Connect it wrong? It just won't work—no sparks, no damage. This is the one to keep in your trunk and forget until you need it.

Peak Amps

1000A

Battery

6000mAh lithium

Engines

Up to 6L gas

USB

Yes, power bank

Pros

  • Spark-proof technology
  • Reverse polarity protection
  • Ultra-compact

Cons

  • Not for diesel trucks
  • Battery slowly drains
  • Premium price
Best Value
Alpha85 2000A Jump Starter

HULKMAN

Alpha85 2000A Jump Starter

4.6 (23,456 reviews)

Twice the power of most compact jumpers. If you drive a truck, SUV, or anything with a bigger engine, the extra amps provide that critical starting power in cold weather.

Peak Amps

2000A

Battery

20000mAh

Engines

Up to 8.5L gas/6L diesel

Display

LCD screen

Pros

  • 2000A for big engines
  • Smart clamps
  • Large LCD display

Cons

  • Larger size
  • Heavier
  • Clamps are bulky
Premium Pick
A28 Jump Starter 4000A Peak

AVAPOW

A28 Jump Starter 4000A Peak

4.5 (12,345 reviews)

The kitchen-sink approach: jump starter plus tire inflator plus flashlight plus power bank. If you want one device that does everything, this is it—but it's bulkier than single-purpose tools.

Peak Amps

4000A (claimed)

Engines

All gas/7L diesel

Extra

Air compressor, light

Charging

USB-C PD

Pros

  • 4000A peak power
  • Starts anything
  • Built-in air compressor

Cons

  • Marketing inflates specs
  • Bulky all-in-one
  • Complex features
Budget Pick
BF11 800A Jump Starter

BEATIT

BF11 800A Jump Starter

4.3 (45,678 reviews)

The budget option that actually works. 800A is enough for most 4-cylinder and V6 cars. Not fancy, but starts your car when you're stuck—which is the whole point.

Peak Amps

800A

Battery

8000mAh

Engines

Up to 5L gas

Extras

Flashlight, case

Pros

  • Very affordable
  • Compact size
  • Gets the job done

Cons

  • Lower power
  • Basic features
  • Build quality okay
Boost X GBX75 2500A Jump Starter

NOCO

Boost X GBX75 2500A Jump Starter

4.8 (8,765 reviews)

The professional-grade jump starter. Works reliably down to -4°F—critical if you live somewhere that actually gets cold. Waterproof, USB-C charging, built to last.

Peak Amps

2500A

Battery

Lithium

Temperature

-4°F to 140°F

Features

USB-C, waterproof

Pros

  • Premium build quality
  • Works in extreme cold
  • USB-C charging

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Overkill for small cars
  • Waiting for prices to drop

Buying Guide: How to Choose Jump Starters


How to Choose a Jump Starter

Dead battery, empty parking lot, phone at 5%, it's starting to rain. This is why you own a jump starter. It's not a matter of if your battery dies—it's when.

Understanding Amp Ratings

Manufacturers love big numbers. "4000 Peak Amps!" sounds impressive until you realize peak amps aren't what starts your car.

Peak Amps: Maximum momentary output. Marketing number.
Cranking Amps: Sustained power that actually starts engines. The real number.

A good rule: whatever the peak amps claim, the real cranking amps are 25-50% of that.

### What Size Engine?

  • 800-1000A peak: 4-cylinder, small V6 (Honda Civic to Camry)
    - 1500-2000A peak: Large V6, V8 gas engines (trucks, SUVs)
    - 2000A+ peak: Diesel engines, extreme cold conditions

    Buy for your biggest vehicle. Using a truck? Get more amps.

    ### Features That Matter

    Safety protection: Spark-proof and reverse polarity protection prevent explosions. Not optional.

    USB charging: Most double as power banks. Handy during power outages too.

    LED flashlight: You'll be using this in the dark. Built-in light helps.

    Battery life: Lithium batteries hold charge for months. Check yearly anyway.
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Jump Starters

    How long do jump starters hold their charge?

    Quality lithium jump starters hold charge for 6-12 months. Check and top off every few months. Store in moderate temperatures—extreme heat or cold reduces battery life. Most will beep when charge is low.

    Can I use a small jump starter on a big truck?

    Technically yes, but it may not have enough power. Diesel engines and V8s in cold weather need more cranking amps. Using an undersized unit repeatedly without success can damage it. Match the jump starter to your engine.

    Why does mine say "error" when I connect it?

    Usually means the dead battery is too discharged (below 2V). Some jump starters have a "boost" or "override" mode for extremely dead batteries. Check your manual—it's usually holding a button for 3 seconds.

    Jump starter or jumper cables?

    Jump starter: works alone, no second car needed, safer (no spark risk if properly designed), compact. Jumper cables: simpler technology, no batteries to maintain, requires another vehicle. Both have value—a jump starter in your car, cables in your garage.

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