The Best Portable Jump Starters of 2024 (2024)

The NOCO Genius Boost HD GB70 2000A is a small (but not glove-compartment small) jump starter that comes in two sizes. The 3000A (see our review) is for more oversized vehicles, but most folks will find the 2000A meets their needs.

There is a USB port on the charger for items like your phone, but our reviewer found it charged a phone slowly. There’s also a built-in light to help you find something inside your car, but it won’t illuminate the side of the road. While this jump starter is more expensive, we still think it’s the one most people should get.

^{Peak Amps:2000 |Dimensions:6x2.5x8.6 inches |Weight:5 lbs.}

At a bulky 18 pounds, you might ask yourself, "What kind of utility am I getting out of this?" You're in luck if you want a portable jump starter and a built-in swivel light.

The STANLEY J5C09 1000 is heavy because it's also an air compressor, so if you find your tires are low on air, you can fill them right back up. Our testing revealed that the jumper cables are short (they aren't long enough to set the jump starter on the ground), and the air compressor hose is likewise short, but the unit did jump the test car each time we tried it.

Like the NOCO Genius Boost Pro GB150, this jump starter is a bit costly, but the price is reasonable if you need both a jump starter and a compressor and don't mind the extra bulk.

_{Peak Amps: 1000 | Dimensions: 11.25x8x3.5 inches | Weight: 17.2 lbs.}

This jump starter is about as small as they come, so why not toss one into a portable emergency pack? It won't be able to jump-start your car dozens of times before it needs to be recharged, but if all goes well, you should need it only to get the car going just this one time, right?

Included are a couple of USB ports for charging devices and a flashlight.

_{Peak Amps: 700 | Dimensions: 9.8x6.9x3.6 inches | Weight: 2.5 lbs.}

The Tacklife T8 can jump-start your car, charge your phone, light up the interior of your car, and even point you in the right direction with its built-in compass (assuming you know which direction to go).

A dedicated switch on the unit will allow it to keep a charge in place for up to one year. The compromise with this unit is if it falls below a 50 percent charge, it likely won’t jump-start your car.

_{Peak Amps: 800 | Dimensions: 9.45x4.53x3.94 inches | Weight: 1.21 lbs.}

FAQ

• What is a jump starter?

  When your car's battery is dead, a jump starter gives it a jolt of power so you can turn your car on. From there, start driving, and your car's alternator will charge the battery as you go along.

• How do you use a jump starter?

  First, connect the positive jumper cable to the positive terminal on the battery and the negative cable to the engine block. Then, place the jump box in a secure, out-of-the-way location and try to start your car. Once your vehicle is running, disconnect both cables and secure them to the jump box.

• How much does a jump starter cost?

  Prices for jump starters range depending on their features, but it should be possible to find a decent option for $50 or $60. If you want a more sophisticated model, expect to pay about $150 or more.

• How does a jump starter work?

  A jump starter does not recharge your car’s battery itself. Instead, it gives the battery enough kick to turn the car on—you’ll need to drive your vehicle to power it back up again. On the other hand, most car alternators aren’t built to recharge a car’s battery fully from zero, and forcing one to do so can shorten its lifespan. In other words, it might be the way to go in a pinch, but if you can avoid jump-starting your car, it’s probably best to do so.