There’s rarely something more frustrating than car troubles when you’re on the road. What if your car battery dies in the middle of nowhere, and there’s no one around to give you a boost? You would have to wait forever for a tow truck to arrive and get your vehicle to the mechanic.
But wait. There’s a perfect solution for this kind of a challenging situation.
A portable jump starter.
Since you’re reading this, you must be aware of incredibly useful car jump starters. You may have just heard about them and have no idea how they work, but you understand that you should definitely have one in your car.
Perhaps you’re looking for one to make sure you don’t end up waiting on the side of the road with a dead car battery ever again.
Also Read: The Best Car Batteries
Whichever the case, you’re right to be here. This is the place to be if you want to learn how to choose the best jump starter for your needs. Here you’ll find trusted reviews of some of the top jump starters currently available on the market, together with some useful tips on picking the right one.
But first things first.
Dive into the primary reasons why you should get a jump starter, before checking out the reviews of the top products to choose from.
Reasons You Should Get A Car Jump Starter
There are several reasons why you would need a jump starter.
No Need To WaitFor Help
Jump starters are designed for one purpose: to provide your car battery with a kick necessary to crank up your engine and start the vehicle.
Therefore, this is a product that literally everyone should carry in their car. You simply can’t predict when your car battery will die and leave you stranded.
With a portable jump starter at your disposal, you’ll never again have to wait for a friend or a tow truck service to drive out to assist you. You can jumpstart your car in minutes, and get back on the road before you know it.
And let’s not forget that carrying a portable jump starter makes you a good Samaritan as well.
Charging Your Car Battery And Electronic Devices
There are some jump starters that can even charge your car battery, so it’s definitely handy to have one around. You can give your battery a quick boost on the road and get your car up and running in no time.
Additionally, some jump starters can charge your electronic devices as well, since they double as power banks.
Need to charge your smartphone or tablet while driving? Simply connect it to your portable jump starter with a USB cable.
Cost-Effectiveness
If you can give your own car a boost, without having to call for a tow truck service, you can save a lot of money.
But would purchasing a jump starter burn a hole in your wallet?
Definitely not.
Jump starters are incredibly affordable. You can find a high-quality one at a very reasonable price, and you can be sure that it will be the smartest investment you will ever make.
Without further ado, here are the reviews of some of the best jump starters out there.
1. Arteck A7
This lightweight, multi-purpose, very compact jump starter is excellent for boosting your car’s battery in a matter of seconds. It’s designed for 12V vehicles with up to 4.0L gasoline and 2.5L diesel engines and provides 400 peak amps.
With the Arteck A7 jump starter, which comes with built-in heavy-duty clamps and cables, you can jumpstart your vehicle up to 20 times on a single charge.
You can also charge all your electronic devices on the go, as this portable jump starter doubles as a power bank with a Lithium-ion battery of 12000mAh capacity. It has a USB-C port and comes with a quick charge 3.0 USB cable.
This model also features a handy built-in LED light, which you can set as a LED flashlight, a strobe light, or an SOS signaling light that can last up to 120 hours on one full charge. This can truly be a lifesaver in cases of emergency.
Key Features:
- Premium circuitry
- 400A peak current at 12V
- 12000mAh battery capacity
- Built-in heavy-duty clamps and cables
- USB-C port and quick charge 3.0 USB-C input charging cable
- Ultra-bright built-in LED light with 3 modes
The Pros:
- Very compact and lightweight
- Doubles as a power bank
- Very fast charging time (4 hours)
- Excellent safety features
- Very affordable
- 2-year warranty
The Cons:
- 400A peak power may not be sufficient for bigger engines and heavy-duty vehicles
2. Beatit G18 QDSP
Beatit G18 QDSP jump starter is designed for 12V batteries and up to 8.0L gas and 6.5L diesel engines. It can jumpstart a dead battery in seconds, thanks to its 2000A peak current. It can do it up to 30 times on a single charge.
This compact model comes with an integrated voltmeter, excellent reverse-polarity protection, and smart jumper cables, which are extendable for much better convenience. Its advanced Lithium-ion battery chip features QDSP technology, which enables it to quickly and safely jumpstart any vehicle in extreme weather conditions in just a matter of seconds.
The lightweight Beatit G18 jump starter can also serve as a 21000mAh power bank or a 10W wireless charger. It has a dual USB output – quick charge 3.0 and USB-C In/Out (5V/3A).
It also features a built-in indicator LED light that can also serve as an SOS signal, and superb safety and protection features for preventing power surges and short circuits.
This 3-in-1 portable jump starter that’s perfect for high-displacement vehicles, and you can safely use it on any car, van, SUV, truck, motorcycle, lawnmower, boat, and other vehicles that use 12V batteries.
Key Features:
- 2000A peak current at 12V
- 21000mAh power bank or 10W wireless charger
- Smart jumper cables
- Reverse-polarity protection
- Dual USB output
- 3rd generation QDSP technology battery chip
- Built-in LED light with SOS features
The Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- Great power performance
- Fast charging time (4 hours)
- Can serve as a power bank and wireless charger
- Excellent safety features
- Great value for the
- price
- 2-year warranty
The Cons:
- Some users reported problems with durability and reliability
- The battery drains quicker when charging auxiliary electronic devices
3. Potek Car Jump Starter
This Potek jump starter is heavier and not as compact as the previous ones, but it packs quite a punch. It delivers 1000 peak and 500 cranking amps to help you power up a 12V battery. It enables two ways for charging: 120V AC charging (perfect for home) and 12V DC charging.
It can also charge various portable electronic devices at up to 2.4A via its USB port, as well as work as a power inverter to charge various 12V home appliances.
This model also features a 150 PSI air compressor that you can use to inflate your tires in minutes. It takes about 6-8 minutes for it to inflate a regular tire to 30 PSI. It’s perfect for camping, hiking, and long drives, although it is a bit noisy.
This high-performance jump starter also comes with a built-in LED light for showing battery status and helping you work in the dark. It also has a reverse-polarity LED indicator. If polarity reverses, the LED light will turn on to warn you not to switch on the jump starter.
Key Features:
- 1000A peak and 500A instant power at 12V
- 150 PSI air compressor
- 2.4A USB charging
- AC/DC charging capability
- Heavy-duty cables and clamps
- Built-in LED light
- Reverse-polarity LED indicator
The Pros:
- High-performance jump starter
- Power-inverter features
- Multiple high-quality safety features
- Multiple tools in one
The Cons:
- Air compressor is a bit noisy
- Air pressure gauge could be bigger
- Lacks short-circuit protection
- A bit expensive
4. NOCO Genius G7200
NOCO Genius G7200 is so compact that you can easily fit it into your car’s glove compartment. It’s a Lithium-ion jump starter for powering up 12V batteries for vehicles with up to 6.0L gas and 3.0L diesel engines. It can jumpstart a car up to 20 times on a single charge, and it can hold its charge for up to a year.
It can deliver 1000A peak power and between 150-200A of crank power, which doesn’t make it a great choice for heavy-duty trucks or big engines. It can also charge electronic devices like smartphones and tablets on the go, as it comes with a USB charging port.
This is an ultra-safe, mistake-proof model that features spark-proof technology and reverse-polarity protection, making it perfectly safe for anyone to use. On top of that, it features two high-output LED lights that deliver 100 lumens and have 7 light modes, including an emergency strobe light and SOS.
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This may not be a very cheap model, especially given its compact size. However, it’s a great choice for users with small cars and engines, and its design and power performance more than make up for its price.
Key Features:
- 1000A peak power at 12V
- USB charging port and micro USB cable
- HD battery clamps
- Spark-proof design and reverse-polarity protection
- Ultra-bright LED light with 7 modes
- 1-year limited warranty
The Pros:
- Very compact and lightweight
- Excellent safety features
- Great value for the price
The Cons:
- Not very suitable for heavy-duty vehicles
- Limited warranty
5. JACO BoostPro
The JACO BoostPro is a very reliable jump starter designed for all any vehicle or device that runs on a 12V battery. With its 300A crank power and 600A peak power, it can jumpstart any vehicle with up to 6.5L gas and 5.2L diesel engine up to 30 times on a single charge.
It has a 16500mAh battery and comes with dual USB ports ideal for charging any portable electronic device. It comes with both home and travel chargers and features a bonus 12V power supply adapter.
Its rugged outer casing is fireproof and made to last a lifetime. Designed with military-grade SmartProtect technology, it’s perfectly safe for anyone to use, as it eliminates the risk of overcharging, short circuits, overheating, over-discharging, reverse charging, and reverse-polarity damage.
This model also has a built-in ultra-bright LED light and a shockproof, high-resolution LCD display for monitoring battery life. What’s more, it’s powered by 3 high-quality Lithium-ion cells, which means longer battery life and better efficiency.
Key Features:
- 600A peak power at 12V
- 16500mAh battery capacity
- 3 high-quality internal 3.7V Lithium-ion cell
- Jumper clamps
- SmartProtect technology
- Fireproof outer box casing
- Home and travel chargers
- 12V power supply adapter
- Dual USB ports for quick charging
- 3-in-1 USB charging cable
- High-resolution LCD display
- Ultra-bright built-in
- LED light
- 1-year warranty
The Pros:
- Very powerful and reliable
- Lightweight and compact
- Military-grade engineering
- Fireproof
- Remarkable safety features
- Long-lasting battery
- Multiple applications
- Excellent price for its huge value
The Cons:
- Not suitable for heavy-duty vehicles
6. Qinuo 400A
Designed to power up 12V vehicles with gas engines of up to 5.0L and diesel engines of up to 3.0L, Qinuo 400A jump starter delivers 400 peak amps at 12000mAh battery capacity. It can jumpstart a 12V vehicle up to 20 times on a single charge.
It comes with smart jumper cables and clamps, and great safety features that provide protection against reverse charging, overcharging, short circuits, and reverse-polarity damage. It doubles as a power bank, so it can easily charge various portable electronic devices via its USB charging port.
This jump starter also has a LED light, a red emergency light, and a compass, which makes it perfect for camping, hiking, and long drives. What’s more, its both waterproof and fireproof, and it’s quite compact and lightweight.
Key Features:
- 400A peak current at 12V
- 12000mAh battery capacity
- USB charging ports for quick charging
- Smart jumper cables
- Built-in LED and emergency light
- Compass
The Pros:
- Very compact and lightweight
- Waterproof
- Fireproof
- Great safety features
- Fast charging time (4-6 hours)
The Cons:
- Short jumper cables
- Not for heavy-duty vehicles
- A bit pricey
7. Jumtop QDSP
The Jumtop QDSP 2500A model is an incredibly powerful and reliable jump starter. It’s capable of powering up 12V-battery vehicles with a gas engine of up to 8.0L and a diesel engine of up to 6.5L.
With an amazing 20800mAh battery capacity and 2500 peak amps, it can jumpstart a car in seconds. It can do it up to 50 times on a single charge. Its cranking amps power is 1200A.
This model comes with smart jumper clamps designed to provide great protection against overcharging, over-discharging, overheating, and short circuits, including in extreme weather conditions. It also provides over-voltage, over-current, and reverse-polarity protection.
This is a multi-functional jump starter that does more than simply powering up vehicles. It can serve as a portable power bank for charging various electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, cameras, etc. It has dual USB ports, so it can charge two different devices at the same time.
It also has a built-in LED light that’s perfect for working in the dark and can serve as an SOS signaling light for emergencies. It has charging indicator lights as well.
Key Features:
- 1200A crank power and 2500A peak power at 12V
- 20800mAh battery capacity
- Dual USB ports
- Smart jumper clamps
- USB wall charger (output 5V/3A)
- USB A to Type-C
- Round-tip car charger
- Built-in LED lights
- 2-year warranty
The Pros:
- Extremely powerful
- Up to 50 jumpstarts on a single charge
- Multiple applications
- Very lightweight and compact
- Great safety features
- Excellent value for the price
The Cons:
- Jumper cables may be a bit short
8. Flylinktech Car Jump Starter
The Flylinktech car jump starter is a very powerful device for its compact size. It can deliver 1500A peak starting power to all 12V vehicles that run on gasoline, and 12V vehicles running on diesel engines of up to 7.0L. It needs only 0.2 seconds to jumpstart one of these vehicles, and it can do it up to 40 times on a single charge.
This jump starter packs a 20000mAh battery that can charge various electronic devices via one of its two quick-charging 3.0 USB ports. Using its two USB outputs (5V/3A, 9V/2A), you can charge a portable electronic device 3 times faster than with a regular power bank.
This model also comes with IP68 waterproof protection, so it’s perfectly safe to use the device in the rain. It can even withstand underwater pressure of 1.5m for almost 30 minutes. Apart from being waterproof, the design is also dust-proof, scratch-resistant, and shock-proof.
The smart jumper clamps and cables provide excellent over-discharge, overload, short-circuit, over-current, reverse-charge, reverse-polarity, overheating, and reverse-connection protection.
On top of it all, this jump starter features charging indicator lights, and a built-in multi-purpose LED light with 3 light modes: stable LED, strobe, and SOS. You can use it as a light torch, an SOS emergency signal light, and a traffic warning light.
Key Features:
- 1500A peak power at 12V
- 20000mAh battery capacity
- Dual quick-charging 3.0 USB ports
- Smart jumper clamps and cables
- IP68 waterproof design
- Built-in LED lights
- 2-year warranty
The Pros:
- Very powerful
- Large battery capacity
- Small and lightweight
- Doubles as a power bank
- Waterproof
- Shock-resistant
- Advanced safety features
- Great value for the price
The Cons:
- Some users reported malfunctioning issues
9. Anker Roav Jump Starter Pro
Anker Roav Jump Starter Pro is a very compact device that can easily fit any car’s glove compartment, yet it packs immense power capabilities perfect even for heavy-duty vehicles.
It’s perfect for safely jumpstarting gas engines of up to 6.0L and diesel engines of up to 4.0L. It can deliver a 1000A peak output to 12V vehicles, boosting them up to 20 times on a single charge.
It provides superior safety due to its premium copper clamps and advanced safety features, including protection against low voltage, reversed connection, and backflushing. It also has a built-in sensor that prevents overheating.
This model doubles as a portable power bank capable of charging various electronic devices. It packs a 12800mAh battery and three USB charging ports – 1 USB-C and 2 USB-A ports. It also has a 72W DC power output (12V/6A) for boosting compatible car-mounted appliances.
Just like any other jump starter, this one also features a built-in emergency LED light, as well as battery-life indicator lights. Moreover, it has a battery monitor for keeping an eye on the battery status when you attach the clamps to your vehicle’s battery.
Key Features:
- 1000A peak power at 12V
- 12800mAh battery capacity
- Triple-port charging
- DC power output (DC cable not included)
- High-quality copper clamps
- Built-in temperature sensor
- Built-in LED light
- 1-year warranty
The Pros:
- Very compact design
- Powerful and reliable
- Great for heavy-duty vehicles
- Doubles as a power bank
- Large capacity
- Great value for the price
The Cons:
- A bit more expensive than other similar products
10. Gooloo 1200A
The Gooloo 1200A jump starter is excellent for all heavy-duty 12V vehicles that run on gas engines of up to 8.0L and diesel engines of up to 6.0L. It delivers a peak current of 1200A and packs a Lithium-ion polymer battery of 15000mAh capacity. It can jumpstart a vehicle up to 20 times on a single charge, and it can hold a charge more than 3 months.
It’s equipped with dual quick-charging 3.0 USB outputs, so it can charge electronic devices at lightning speed, doubling as a very handy power bank. There’s also a Type-C in/out quick-charge port (5V/3A) that you can use with the wall charger.
This model is supported by advanced SuperSafe technology that makes it absolutely safe for anyone to use. It enables protection against short circuits, overheating, reverse connection, high voltage, and over-discharging.
The Gooloo 1200A model also features a built-in LED light with 3 modes: stable, strobe, and SOS.
Key Features:
- 1200A peak current at 12V
- 15000mAh battery capacity
- Dual quick-charging 3.0 USB ports
- Type-C in/out QC port
- Type-C to Type-C cable and AC adaptor included
- Built-in LED light
12 + 6 months extended warranty
The Pros:
- Very good power and capacity
- Excellent safety technology
- Great for heavy-duty vehicles
- Very compact and lightweight
- Doubles as a powerful power bank
- Reasonable price for its compact design and value
The Cons:
- Too short jumper cables
- Some users reported malfunctioning issues
11. STANLEY FatMax GBCPRO2
The STANLEY FatMax GBCPRO2 model is a multi-volt battery charger and maintainer for vehicles using 6V, 12V, 24V, 36V, and 48V AGM, GEL, and WET batteries. It can power up motor vehicles, motorcycles, golf carts, and boats.
There are two modes of charging with this battery charger. One includes rapid charging when the charger can deliver up to 20A of pure DC current. The other includes maintenance charging when the charger uses about 2A to slowly charge and maintain a battery.
The STANLEY FatMax GBCPRO2 also comes with built-in LED lights that indicate charging, ready charge, and battery voltage. It also enables hands-free use, as it features a built-in 360 hanging hook.
This is a very lightweight battery charger that you can connect to the desired battery with a rectangular cart connector, a round cart connector, universal O-rings, or regular clamps designed for 6V, 12V, and 24V batteries.
Key Features:
- 20A pure DC current for rapid charging
- 2A current for slow charge and maintenance
- AGM, GEL, and WET battery compatibility
- Built-in LED lights
- Built-in 360 hanging hook
- 1-year warranty
The Pros:
- Multi-volt battery charger
- Maintaining a battery
- 4 different ways to connect
The Cons:
- A bit expensive
- Doesn’t have USB charging capabilities
12. KeenPower 600A
The KeenPower 600A portable jump starter is very small and lightweight but packs great capacity and power. It has an energy-saving design and can hold a charge for more than 90 days.
It’s perfect for all 12V vehicles that run on gas engines of up to 6.0L and diesel engines of up to 3.0L. It delivers a 600A peak power and can jumpstart a vehicle up to 30 times on a single charge.
This is a very safe model, thanks to its built-in safety features and smart jumper cables and clamps that enable protection against short circuits, overcharging, over-discharging, reverse charging, overheating, and reverse polarity.
It uses high-power Li-FePO4 batteries with 12000mAh capacity and supports fast charging. It’s also equipped with a 5V/2A USB port for charging various portable electronic devices.
Just like any other car jump starter, this model features a built-in LED light with 3 light modes (stable, strobe, and SOS), and built-in LED indicator lights for monitoring battery status.
Key Features:
- 600A peak current at 12V
- 12000mAh battery capacity
- DC 12V/6A output
- 5V/2A USB output
- Built-in LED lights
The Pros:
- Very compact and lightweight
- Large capacity and power
- Great safety features
- Doubles as a portable power bank
- Very cheap
The Cons:
- Not sufficient for bigger engines and heavy-duty vehicles
Best Overall
The best of all these jump starters is the Jumtop QDSP 2500A jump starter. It delivers the most peak amps – 2500. This means it delivers the most cranking amps (1200), which is actually what you need to look for.
It’s powered by a battery of the largest capacity – 20800mAh. Moreover, it can jumpstart a 12V vehicle up to 50 times on a single charge, which none of the other jump starters can do.
There are some cheaper options, but they don’t offer the same amount of power. Also, there don’t seem to be any downsides to using this jump starter except that its jumper cables may be a bit short. When it comes to its performance, durability, and reliability, it doesn’t disappoint.
How To Select The Best Jump Starter For Your Car
Choosing a jump starter for your vehicle can be challenging since there are so many different products to choose from. Hopefully, these reviews will help you make an informed decision, but they may be a lot to take in at once.
This is why you need to take a step back and consider some important factors first.
Once you know exactly what to look for and why, it will be much easier to make the right choice.
So, what should you look for in a jump starter? Let’s take a look.
Peak Amperage and Cranking Amperage
These are the most important features to look for first because you need a jump starter than can produce enough power to boost your battery and get your vehicle up and running.
You need to look at the amps that a particular jump starter delivers.
Now, you have two types of amperage rating:
- Peak amps
- Cranking amps
Peak amps are the maximum amount of power that one jump starter can deliver.
Cranking amps are the amount of constant power that a jump starter can produce for 30 seconds at 0° C. This is the amount of power necessary for jumpstarting your vehicle.
Unfortunately, manufacturers don’t always disclose the cranking power of their jump starters, only the peak power.
But you can easily get an idea of how many cranking amps a device can deliver by looking at its peak power – more peak amps also mean more cranking amps.
Size
You need to consider the size of your engine so that you can choose a compatible jump starter.
For instance, diesel engines are usually bigger than those running on gasoline, so they need a stronger system to power up their batteries.
The size of a jump starter is also important because you need to fit it into your vehicle. Luckily, most jump starters are very compact nowadays, and can easily fit into a glove compartment.
Of course, if you want a jump starter with multi-purpose features, such as an air compressor, you have to be ready for a bigger device.
The size will affect the price as well, so that’s another thing to consider.
Affordability
You definitely need to think about the price when buying a jump starter, especially if you’re on a tight budget.
Luckily, there are many affordable products that give you great value. Oftentimes, you can find a cheap jump starter offering the same features as another overpriced jump starter.
And sometimes, a bit more expensive products give you much better value.
So, don’t focus only on the price. Look at other features as well, such as reliability, durability, and safety. They are significantly more crucial.
Safety Features
Safety is absolutely paramount when it comes to selecting a jump starter for your vehicle.
Make sure the one you choose offers excellent protection against:
- Short circuits
- Overheating
- Overvoltage
- Over-currents
- Overcharging
- Over-discharging
- Reverse charging
- Reverse polarity
Auxiliary Features
Thanks to ever-evolving technology, most jump starters available these days are more than just jump starters. They have multiple auxiliary features that you should also take into account.
For starters, you should make sure that you can recharge your jump starter both using AC plugs at home and a DC charger.
It’s also quite important for a jump starter to have bright built-in LED lights that can help you work in the dark, or attract attention in an emergency.
Yet another handy feature includes a jump starter serving as a power bank as well. If you want to be able to charge your electronic devices on the go, get a jump starter that comes with USB charging ports. Most products today have 3.0 USB ports for quick charging, which is a very nice feature.
Some jump starters also have an air compressor, which can be quite useful for keeping your tires inflated and enjoying a smooth ride.
Reliability
How can you know whether or not a product is reliable if you haven’t tried it yet?
Customer reviews.
Checking what customers are saying about a product will give you a clearer insight into its reliability. They will tell you if everything works the way it’s supposed to, and if there may have been multiple returns.
This is precisely why there are trusted reviews in this buyer’s guide – to help you make an educated decision.
Durability
Durability is also a vital thing to look for in a jump starter. You don’t want to purchase something that may break quickly.
For instance, you don’t need a device with a cheap plastic casing, as it may be very vulnerable to breakage. On the other hand, a metal unit may be too heavy.
The key is to find a sturdy and shock-resistant unit that will also withstand extreme weather conditions. If it has those features, and it’s still very lightweight and compact, that’s an added bonus.
Warranty
Warranty is yet another vital factor to take into account.
You may have noticed in the reviews section above that there isn’t any warranty information about some products. This is because you need to contact their manufacturers to get that information.
Make sure you do that when there’s no warranty information about a particular product you’re considering to buy.
Most manufacturers provide a 2-year warranty, some provide a 1-year warranty, whereas others provide a limited lifetime warranty.
Be sure to carefully read the fine print before completing your purchase. Very short warranty periods usually mean that the product isn’t very high quality, so be extra careful when making your purchasing decision.
Conclusion
There are plenty of things to think about when choosing the right jump starter for your vehicle. Hopefully, this buyer’s guide has helped you better understand what to look for and why, and you now have a much clearer picture of these incredible devices.
In the end, your final decision will depend entirely on your personal preferences, and the budget you’re working with.
But don’t forget:
you need a jump starter that can provide your vehicle with enough power to get your particular engine up and running.
Therefore, don’t simply go for something cheap. Make sure it perfectly fits your engine and battery, ensures a high level of safety, and is very reliable and durable.