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Everybody knows that winter months are hard on car batteries. At cold temperatures, cold engines could require twice as much current to operate, while car batteries could lose up to 60 percent of their strength. In this cases, a car jump starter is extremely useful. If it is used properly, your car battery problem can be solved in a couple of minutes with this car accessory. This type of starter is extremely useful and it comes in handy in an emergency, especially if you have more than one car. It will allow you to jump-start your car easily and effortless on your own.
In order to help you make the best decision, we have gathered some of the best models available. Read more about them, as well as about the leading brands in this industry. By comparing the models you will be able to get the one that suits your needs.
Protection: Over-Current, Short Circuit, Overload, Over-Voltage & Over-Charge
This is a versatile jump starter that works for cars, motorcycles, trucks, boats, and so on. With a 600A peak current, the unit can start up to 5.2L diesel and 6.5L gas engines.
A full-charge can deliver no less than 20 jump starts. And this is not all, as you can use it to charge your personal devices, being able to switch the output voltage between 12V, 16V, and 19V.
When it comes to clamps, these ones are all-metal spray gold, so they are highly durable. Besides this, the clamps come with various safety features including over-discharge, over-charge, over-temperature, reverse polarity, reverse-charge, and short-circuit protection.
It has a compact size and is lightweight, occupying less space than other jump starters. It features a semi-hard case for more durability and a wrist carry strap for more convenience.
It has a built-in LED flashlight that can be also as a strobe or as an SOS mode. There is also a red light for emergency situations and a nice compass in case you need it.
Unlike the other models, this one features an LCD screen that shows you the output power and the power percentage indicator.
PROS
Features intelligent protection clamps
Long 3-year warranty
Can be used as a portable charger for your personal devices
Built-in LED light with 3 functionalities: flashlight, strobe, and SOS
Compact and powerful
CONS
The battery drains pretty fast
Verdict
Nice option if you’re looking for a compact jumper that costs less money. It comes with many built-in safety features and a versatile LED light. The compass is a great addition although you may never use it. All the other models come with the standard 1-year warranty but this one is covered by 3 years. Nevertheless, according to some customers, the battery doesn’t last for a long time.
This model is suitable for vehicles with gas engines of up to 7.0 liters and diesel engines of up to 5.5 liters. It also works with motorcycles, ATVs, mowers, and so on. This is possible due to the 800-amp peak current and the vehicle won’t need more than 30 seconds to start.
The lithium-ion polymer battery cell has a capacity of 18,000 mAh and when fully charged it can start the engine up to 20 times. The starter also features high-quality clamps and cables that are very durable.
The clamps come with multiple safety features to prevent overload, surge voltage, high voltage, over discharge, reverse connection, and so on. The jump starter comes with multiple certifications among which CE, FCC, or MSDS.
Just like many similar models, the starter is very versatile in terms of usage. Therefore, you can also use it to charge your phone, tablet, or laptop via the included USB cable.
The built-in LED flashlight features an SOS and strobe function in case of emergency. Besides the wall charger, you will also receive a car charger with this model.
Your purchase will be warranted for a period of 1 year with an extra warranty of 6 months. Also, if you’re not satisfied with the results, you can return it within 30 days after purchase and receive your money back.
PROS
Comes with a lithium ion polymer battery cell that lasts up to 20 starts
Works as a portable charger for your personal devices
It is equipped with a LED flashlight that emits SOS lighting signals
Comes with multiple safety features
Includes a USB cable and a car charger
CONS
The USB charger is rather short
Verdict
With plenty of safety features and multiple uses, this jump starter is a nice option. It has a compact design, comes with a rechargeable battery, and can be used to send SOS lighting signals. Additionally, it includes an extended warranty. Unfortunately, the USB charger is pretty short.
Protection: Over-Current, Short Circuit, Overload, Over-Voltage & Over-Charge
The Jump-N-Carry JNC660 is a reliable car jump starter that definitely won’t disappoint you. It is considered to be one of the best options on the market, the proof being its great performance and popularity.
The 1700 peak amps can easily provide enough starting power to a disabled vehicle, allowing you to avoid any unpleasant situations. Furthermore, the Clore PROFORMER battery delivers great cranking power – 425 Amps, this type of battery being very durable and offering exceptional results for a long time.
For increased convenience, the 46-inch cable can easily reach the starting points of various vehicles, while the industrial-grade clamps provide the optimal electrical connection. A great feature of the Jump-N-Carry JNC660 is the built-in automatic charger that gives you the possibility to leave the starter plugged in for using it anytime you want.
Additionally, the included 12V power output can charge a wide range of accessories such as inverters, lights, and so on. Also, it features an automatic circuit protection in order to avoid any possible overloads. At the same time, in case you want to know the battery status, you just need to press a button and the voltmeter will show you battery level.
PROS
Heavy duty case
Voltmeter
Clore PROFORMER battery technology
Automatic circuit protection
Built-in automatic charger
CONS
Rather heavy
Verdict
Jump-N-Carry JNC660 is a little bit heavier but this is also because it is made from high-quality materials. It is compatible with many vehicles and it can charge various devices. Featuring an automatic circuit protection for increased safety and a built-in automatic charge, this model is definitely worth considering.
Protection: Reverse Polarity and Spark-Proof Protection
Dealing with a dead battery is a real pain but with the right tool, you can solve this problem without too much hassle. Every driver should have on hand a jump starter to avoid any unpleasant inconveniences and our first recommendation is the GB70 made by NOCO Genius. Its impressive performance and great features make it a reliable option every time the vehicle’s battery dies.
Performance
With a powerful 2,000 aps jump start, this unit is ideal for a wide range of vehicles, including trucks and boats. It was made to jump start both gas and diesel engines up to 8 liters, and 6 liters, respectively. It comes with a lithium-ion battery that is very durable.
Around 40 jump starts per charge : a single charge is enough to rely on it for an entire year. The battery life is rated for more than 1,000 charges.
Fast charging: with XGF, the unit won’t need more than 3 hours to fully charge.
Quick jump start: the 15,700 Joules3S help it start your vehicle in 1 to 3 seconds, so you can reach your destination without delay.
Convenience
This is a multi-function jump starter that can be used for multiple purposes. Besides jump starting a discarded vehicle battery, the unit can also charge your personal devices. Also, it has a rechargeable LED flashlight that features multiple modes.
USB port: you can use it to power your USB devices – smartphone, laptop, camera, and so on.
400-lumens LED flashlight: the flashlight has 7 light modes. Therefore, you can use it as a SOS and emergency strobe. Also, you can adjust the luminosity according to your preferences.
Compact and portable design: the GB70 is 8.8 inches long, 6 inches wide, and 2.5 inches tall for a convenient storage. Also, it is very lightweight as it weighs only 5 pounds. For an easy transportation, it comes with a comfortable handle.
Safety
This model comes with multiple safety features in order to prevent any incidents. The spark-proof connections provide protection against short circuits and overvoltage. Also, it features a reverse polarity protection, so in case you don’t connect the cables correctly, a warning light will announce you about this. When using a car jump starter, safety is very important, so paying attention to the safety features should be your first concern.
PROS
Hand-held design
Very powerful
400 lumen LED flashlight
USB out port for recharging personal devices
Compact size
CONS
Verdict
NOCO Genius Boost HD GB70 is a powerful jump starter that won’t disappoint you. This model is very versatile as it can work not only with cars, but also with trucks, boats, and so on. Besides this, it can also power your personal devices and help you in emergency situations. The unit is compact, easy to use, and durable, being the first choice of many customers.
Unlike most jump starters that have rechargeable batteries, this one has a superccapacitor that doesn’t require pre-charging. It uses the power left in the battery and it is ready to use in several minutes. The maximum voltage is 15.5V and the peak current is 700A. With this unit you can jump start the car, motorbike, or any other diesel engine up to 3.0 liters and gas engine up to 5.0 liters.
However, if the battery is completely dead, you can charge it from a cigarette lighter or a USB charging port. When plugged in a 12V socket it requires maximum 3 minutes to charge while a USB charging needs between 20 and 40 minutes.
The built-in supercapacitor extends the lifespan of this unit. It can withstand 50,000 charges and discharges, making it last for up to 20 years. Also, it can deliver the same performance in extreme weather conditions – from -40 degrees to 158 degrees Fahrenheit.
Impressive lifespan – it can hold up to 50,000 charges and discharges
Features LED light indicators to let you know if there’s enough voltage to use it
Works with a wide range of vehicles including trucks, snowmobiles, or SUVs
CONS
If the car’s battery is completely dead and you don’t have access to a voltage source, the unit is useless
Verdict
With a compact and lightweight design, this unit is perfect for your emergency toolkit. It charges directly from the car’s battery, so you don’t have to worry about charging it before you leave for a road trip.
Powerful and versatile, this model will help you start your car’s dead battery without difficulty. It works with gas engines up to 8 liters and diesel engines up to 6 liters. The 1000A peak also makes it suitable to start tractors, ATVs, snowmobiles, and so on. A single charge allows you to start the car for up to 30 times.
For safety operation, it comes with multiple protection features including short circuit protection, high-temperature protection, overcharge protection, and so on. The clamps feature a bigger design in comparison to the previous models, so they are easier to attach.
It can also be used as a power charger as it features 2 USB ports to charge your personal devices when you’re on the go. Additionally, it has a built-in LED flashlight with 3 different modes – high, strobe, and SOS.
PROS
You can check the battery status on the large LCD screen
Built-in USB for quickly charging your phone or laptop
Includes a storage case
A single charge can be used to start the car for 30 times
Boost function in case the battery is dead
CONS
The boost button is very small which makes it difficult to press
It scratches pretty easily
Verdict
With multiple built-in functions, this car jump starter can also be used as a flashlight or a portable charger. It is well made and safe to use. The built-in battery has a long lifespan.
The JNC300XL model is not as powerful as the JNC660 but it won’t have any difficulties in starting the car’s battery. The 900 peak amps and 225 cranking amps make it a really nice option if you want a portable jump starter that can rapidly power a dead car battery.
The unit is pretty lightweight – weighs only 9 pounds – so you can handle it with ease. The clamps come in full size just to make sure they penetrate battery corrosion. After using the clamps, you can conveniently store them in the grip-locks located on each side of the jump starter.
Furthermore, the unit features a LED display that indicates the status of the battery. Whenever the battery is low, you can recharge the unit with the included wall charger. You also have the possibility to recharge any 12-volt device as it comes equipped with a DC outlet.
PROS
Features a LED flashlight
Has full size clamps
Indicator for the battery status
Features grip-locks to store the clamps
Lightweight design
CONS
The flashlight is rather small
The cable is pretty short – only 27 inches long
Verdict
Small yet powerful, this is the best description for the JNC300XL. It is very easy to use and very convenient to store in the car’s trunk. Also, it is not very expensive.
The STANLEY J5C09 is a useful jump starter that does a great job for most small trucks, boats, tractors or sedan. It is compact and highly portable, so you can easily bring it with you when you are in need. It features 500 Amp instant starting power with 1000 peak battery amps.
It is equipped with a 120-PSI air compressor. One of the most interesting features of this unit is the alarm that sounds if something goes wrong. If the clamps are placed incorrectly, the alarm will sound.
Additionally, the device comes with charging plugs for DC and USB. There is also a high-powered LED light, which can be rotated 270 degrees. Like any other product, this one also has a few drawbacks. Therefore, before making a purchase, keep in mind that the power switch of the air compressor which is on the back is not protected and some issues may occur. However, this is a great model that you should definitely consider.
PROS
All metal powder coated clamps
It includes an air compressor and other small devices
Powerful and affordable
CONS
Lack of overcharge protection for the battery
Verdict
If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, then you can opt for STANLEY J5C09. Even though is not as powerful as the first models in our list, it’s still worth considering because it does an excellent job when you need it the most. The great thing is that whenever you place the clamps the wrong way, you will be immediately notified by a sound alarm.
The Schumacher PSJ-2212 DSR is another great option if you look for a top quality car starter. The powerful starter features 2200 peak amperes and 330 cranking ampere, meaning that it can easily start a wide range of disabled vehicles.
Additionally, the 275 cold-cranking amps will conveniently take care of your car during the cold months, so there’s nothing to be worried about. Furthermore, the heavy-duty clamps feature replaceable copper jaws, while the 50-inch cables are long enough to make things easier for you.
Besides the basic function, it can also power up any 12V devices, being a real helper on the road. Other impressive features that caught our attention are the 3 amp built-in automatic charger and the sound alarm that notifies you whenever you hook up the cables wrong.
For an increased safety level, the Schumacher PSJ-2212 DSR is made of a strong polypropylene vented case, while the base contains a high impact rubber. The 22 Ah professional-grade, high-output AGM battery offers excellent power whenever you need it most, which makes it one of the most reliable choices.
PROS
Heavy duty clamp with replaceable copper jaws
3 amp built in automatic charger
Sound alarm
Powerful
Digital display
CONS
Not very lightweight
Verdict
We particularly like Schumacher PSJ-2212 DSR because it has a built-in alarm that lets you know when you don’t hook up the cables propely and an automatic charger. Moreover, the case is very sturdy, so it can resist to high impacts, while the digital display is a great addition. Last but not least, this model is also very powerful.
Another great option to consider is this model made by iClever. With a peak current of 600 amp, we can say that this jump starter is powerful enough to power most dead batteries. It is compatible with both diesel engines up to 4 liters and gasoline engines up to 6 liters. A single charge delivers up to 20 or 30 jump starts (depending on the engine type).
Furthermore, it only needs 3 hours to fully recharge – with a qc 3.0 car charger – or 6 hours if you use a standard charger. The unit can also be used as a portable charger, allowing you to juice up your personal devices up to 75% faster in comparison to other charging devices.
This is possible because it is compatible with qualcomm qc 2.0. Furthermore, the unit has a built-in LED flashlight with multiple uses, including emergency situations. When it comes to safety, the clamps feature short circuit protection, overload protection, reverse connection protection, and so on.
PROS
Comes with a carrying case to store the unit and the accessories
Needs only 3 hours to fully charge
It is compatible with qualcomm qc 2.0 which means that your devices will be charged very fast
Multiple safety features to prevent any possible accidents
Versatile LED flashlight
CONS
Cables are not very long
The included instructions are not very comprehensive
Verdict
The unit features a small and compact design. It is versatile and easy to use, so you don’t have to be an expert to start a car. Moreover, it is available at a nice price and the company offers a lifetime support.
This is among the most popular starters you can currently go with. Unlike other models, it features a stylish design. Besides the nice encasing, it boasts an impressive performance, making it your reliable companion on the road.
The 1200 amps of peak current allow you to start both gas and diesel engines. The heavy-duty cables feature anti-rust cooper clamps and protection in case temperatures gets over 131 degrees Fahrenheit.
The system comes with many safety technologies. Some of them include short circuit protection, overcharge and discharge protection, or reverse polarity protection. It comes with a wall and car charger, as well as a USB cable. It features multiple uses including a portable charging station and SOS lightning.
There are 2 USB ports, each of them having a maximum current of 2.1A. This allows you to conveniently charge your personal devices when you’re traveling. The LED flashlight activates by pressing the button for 3 seconds.
The SOS mode and the emergency strobe mode can be used by pressing the LED light button once, respectively twice after the light is on.
PROS
Can start your engine up to 30 times
Works for 6.5L gas and 5.2L diesel engines
Multiple safety features
LED display with battery level indicator
Includes a compression case
CONS
Verdict
This portable car jump starter comes with many positive reviews and it quite budget-friendly. It is powerful and comes with a beautiful design. It is easy to use and very safe. The cables are highly durable, as well as the overall construction of the unit.
The PowerAll PBJS12000R is also a portable power bank. It comes at a reasonable price and you can count on it whenever you need to start your car battery. It features 400 Amp, being able to handle more than 20 jump starts on a full charge.
Although it may not be the most powerful starter on the market, you will be surprised to find out that it can easily power gasoline vehicles of up to 4.0 Liters and diesel vehicles of maximum 3.0 Liters.
The 12,000 mAh high capacity battery is very durable and according to the manufacturer’s specifications, it resists up to 1,000 cycles. In what regards its capacity of charging the electronic devices, the starter comes with most of the charger adapters to make sure your smartphone, laptop, and will never run out of battery.
The PowerAll PBJS12000R comes with two 5V/2.1A USB ports for simultaneous charging and it’s smart enough to go in sleeping mode once the connected devices are fully charged.
Additionally, the car jump starter features an ultra-bright LED flashlight with 3 illumination modes: a flash light, a strobe light, and an SOS signal flash. As about the safety features it has over current protection, short circuit protection, over load protection, and over voltage protection.
PROS
Small, yet powerful
2 USB charging ports
Built-in LED flashlight
Multiple charger adapters
Very safe
CONS
Rather short and thin cables
Some owners say the vehicle must be disconnected within 10 seconds, otherwise the starter itself will be damaged
Verdict
There are many things we like about PowerAll PBJS12000R. Starting with the built-in safety features and ending with the powerful LED flashlight, this model is perfect not only for starting your car but also for charging your personal devices or send an SMS signal. Furthermore, it is available at a reasonable price, so you won’t have to spend a fortune.
How the Products Were Rated
After we selected the products, we also differentiated them in terms of jump start, power port, warranty provided, and weight. Comparing them will help you better decide which model is more suitable for your needs.
Feature
Description
Best Option
Jump Start
Not all starters have the same jump start amperage, but usually the higher the better. While some models have an amperage of 400 amps, others feature a 2,200 amps. For most cars, an amperage ranging from 400 to 600 is more than efficient. This means that all the models selected by us will help you get your job done without any hassle.
If we take a closer look, Schumacher PSJ-2212 DSR is the model with the highest amps jump start, that is 2,200 amps.
Power Port for Accessories
The models which feature a power port for accessories are very convenient. A power port allows you to recharge your electric cooler or your smartphone. Unfortunately, not all models come with a power port.
Most people want to know the weight of a product to make sure they can handle it with ease. Such is the case with a jump starter. Knowing how much it weights can help you determine if it’s the right choice for you. However, you must know that a heavier jumper is not necessarily a bad choice. On the contrary, it’s very likely to be made of resistant materials, which are automatically a little bit heavier.
The warranty is very important as it offers you peace of mind. Knowing that the manufacturer stands behind a product makes you more confident about your purchase. Therefore, in case there are any manufacturing defects, your jumper will be repaired or replaced.
Battery type: if you are planning to purchase a car jump starter, you need to take into account your vehicle battery. A small vehicle would likely have a 12-volt battery, but in the case of tractors and trucks, it might have a 6-volt battery. Therefore, before making a purchase, make sure your device matches your battery type.
Battery power: as mentioned before, it is all about the battery power. As such, keep in mind that the battery inside the device has enough cranking amps in order to start your car in an emergency situation. The higher the cranking amps, the more power it can feed in a hurry to boost your low battery for starting. However, pay heed to what type of battery is in your vehicle and make sure the cranking amps will match accordingly.
Main Advantages
It is time to upgrade your booster cables to a car jump starter if you want to quickly charge the vehicle battery. There are many reasons why such a device is a great option for car owners, but we’ll only present you the main advantages of a portable jumper. After all, it’s very important to first know the benefits of a product and only after you are convinced about its utility to actually buy it.
Ease of use: even though the process of recharging your vehicle’s battery may seem complicated when you use a jumper the things will be much easier. A car jumper doesn’t require any complicated procedure in order to use it, so it’s very convenient from this point of view. All you have to do is to carefully read and follow the instructions to make it revive your car’s battery and you will be able to continue your road faster than you think.
No other car involved: with the help of a jump starter, you will no longer need another car as a host vehicle. This is a great advantage as you will be able to resolve this situation all by yourself and with no hassle. This means that you will no longer have to wait for hours to get the help of a friend when your battery lets you down.
Versatility: besides the fact that such a device can power a dead car battery, some models also come with other helpful features such as emergency flashlights, or USB charging ports to charge your smart devices. So, whenever you go on vacations, you have the convenience of some added benefits that make the car jumper a reliable companion.
Safety: the top rated models have various safety features that make sure you won’t be exposed to any risks while using them. Therefore, you can rest assured as you will be well-protected against short-circuits and others incidents that may put your life in danger. The safety comes first, so the manufacturers didn’t neglect this aspect.
Top Brands to Consider
Finding more about the top-rated car jump starters brands currently available on the market is definitely a great advantage if you want to be sure you make the right choice. A popular brand is a guaranty that the product you buy is both performant and durable, offering you satisfaction for many years.
NOCO Genius
The NOCO Genius brand is part of NOCO company which was founded in 1914. Besides jump starters, the company also produces solar panels, flashlights, battery chargers, and many others. The main purpose of the company has always been the same, that is to design and manufacture innovative and performant products that are easy to use. All the jump starters sold under the NOCO Genius name are excellent choices for many customers worldwide.
Stanley
With an impressive history behind, more than 170 years, the Stanley brand is very well-known by all those who want to invest in reliable hammers, workbenches, electrics accessories, jump starters, and many other products. Right from the beginning, the company has focused on manufacturing well-made products that are meant to ease our lives and help us perform the job in the best way possible.
Conclusion
A car jump starter is a must-have accessory in your car. You never know when you may need it, so it’s better to always be prepared. Furthermore, some of the models above incorporate multiple functions, allowing you to use them not only to jump-start your car but to recharge your laptop or phone on the go. Nevertheless, choosing the perfect one can be a difficult job, especially when you have to pick between well-known brands, but taking a second glance at the following models may be of real help:
The number one choice of buyers, this model shines through its incredible power and versatility, as well as its compact design. It can jump-start cars with gas motors up to 7.2L and electric motors up to 5.5L, with an amperage of 800A, being suitable for a wide range of vehicles, including trucks. Furthermore, the clamps are high-quality and feature over current protection.
It can be used as a power bank as well, as it has a 18000mAh power capacity and offers a USB port, allowing you to charge your tablet and other devices even if you find yourself in an area where electric power isn’t available.
It costs under $130 and comes with superior-quality clamps, designed to ensure a safe power transfer without endangering neither the vehicle nor the starter. A built-in voltmeter was added to allow you to check the battery status and anticipate when it needs to be recharged. Furthermore, it includes a 12V power outlet, therefore you can use it to charge not only smart devices like your tablet or phone but a wide range of accessories. Not to mention that it will deliver up to 1,700 peak amperes and no less than 425 cranking amperes.
The best balance between money and performance is offered by Gooloo 800A Peak 18000mAh, a versatile starter that can be used both to jump-start a pretty large vehicle and to charge a multitude of smart devices, thanks to the 18000mAh power bank and quick-charge dual USB ports. Besides being able to transfer up to 800A and start 7.0L gas engines and 5.5L diesel engines, all within high safety standards ensured by the advanced protection technology, it can provide light for emergency cases thanks to the incorporated LED flashlight.
It can deliver 1,000 peak amperes and up to 500 instant starting amperes, and with such great power, there’s no wonder that people choose it to jump-start their trucks, SUVs, RVs, boats, and even tractors. With rugged construction, it is considered one of the most reliable models on the market, and we would add that it is one of the most complete as well. Not only that it comes with an alarm for reverse polarity that rings every time an incorrect connection is detected, but it offers a powerful flashlight, a USB port, and a 12V DC outlet, being ready to provide energy for a wide range of devices.
This is the best choice for car and truck dealers due to its huge 2000A power that can jump-start all types of vehicles, starting with small cars and ending with trucks, SUVs, and tractors. Its design guarantees an ultra-safe use, as it comes with protection against reverse polarity and uses spark-proof technology. Moreover, it charged in 2 hours and features an IP65-rated waterproof rugged enclosure, for perfectly safe use in any weather conditions.
