10 Best Portable Jump Starters in 2023 – Reviews and Buying Guide

A portable jump starter is an absolute must if you’re a vehicle owner to save precious time and avoid dicey situations. It’s an excellent tool you hope not to need but is necessary to have.

No vehicle is perfect, and yours can refuse to start without your consent. However, a portable jump starter will save you the need to call a towing car or inconvenience a stranger. The best jump starters ship with a portable battery to give your vehicle the juice to get you about your day.

Moreover, there’s been a rise in the purchase of portable jump starters due to these products’ multiple functionalities. You can use the device as a portable charger for your smartphone or laptop.

Some brands have flashlights to help you see in the dark, while others have built-in AC inverters to enjoy your favorite radio stations.

Inbuilt air compressors and USB type-C ports come standard with current portable jump starters, and the products on our list have excellent functionalities that are worth their weight in value.

The Best Portable Jump Starters in 2023

Let’s look at the best portable jump starters, and if our choices do not convince you, there’s a buyer’s guide right after this article.

Moreover, you’ll need only 20% of that juice to start your vehicle. Unlike many competitors, the HULkMAN Alpha85 can jump your car with extremely low voltage or even without a battery! The HULKMAN Alpha85 is a workhouse that can jump-start all vehicle types.

HULKMAN Alpha85 can jump-start cars that require little juice (think Toyotas and Hondas) and vehicles that require massive power to start up (think Mercedes and RVs). The product is suitable for commercial use and can Jump-start a minimum of 10 cars per day.

The compactness of HULKMAN Alpha85 hardware belies its power, and it’s not uncommon to find shocked users who couldn’t believe their vehicles would start. Moreover, it’s easy to use on your car with color-coded jumper leads that you can connect to your battery.

The Special Mode sets HULKMAN Alpha85 apart from the competition with the ability to jump-start dead cars. One complaint is the HULKMAN Alpha85 doesn’t ship with a bag or case. However, it does have an LCD Display that shows the battery power and other relevant information.

HULKMAN Alpha85 has sturdy clamps, and while the cables could be longer, they’re of a heavier wire gauge than many competitors. Its compactness makes it easy to store, and while the work light isn’t the brightest in the industry, it lights up well enough to get the job done.

Most importantly, it works well in highly frigid conditions up to -40C. The only real downside is that HULKMAN Alpha85 requires at least a 25% charge to jump-start a completely dead battery.

That said, HULKMAN Alpha85’s a superior product and hands-down better than anything else in the market.

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You’ll love the extra-long cables that make it easy to use, and unlike the HULKMAN Alpha85, Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry JNC770R ships with a case. The Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry JNC770R is suitable for users who work on vehicles or do roadside. Interestingly, the battery is specially designed to jump-start dead vehicles and repeatedly too!

This Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry JNC770R portable jump starter will read your vehicle battery voltage and alert you with the LED display and tone when you hook it up wrongly. However, we recommend putting it in the off position when you don’t plan to use it for an extended time.

One thing with Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry JNC770R is its need to recharge when not in use for a longer time. The Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry JNC770R isn’t ideal for users who only need to jump-start their vehicle once or twice annually.

As expensive as it is, the Jump-N-Carry JNC770R pays for itself, and you won’t need external help or wait for the engine to get enough juice. Once you hook it up and turn the ignition, it’s ready to go.

Additionally, the equipment has a. LED light with flash mode, two external USB ports, and a digital display to see the voltage level.

One thing is sure. The Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry JNC770R will never leave you stranded. It has a power cord that allows you to charge in the house, including other accessories that help you charge it up while on the road.

The rubber bottom is a thoughtful feature that prevents slipping and ensures Jump-N-Carry JNC770R’s more shock absorbent when you leave the booster upright on the ground.

However, Jump-N-Carry JNC770R has a few niggling issues that wouldn’t be considered a deal-breaker. Firstly, the cables can be tricky to loop through the housing, and the case quality could be better. It’s still an excellent product worth buying for your vehicle.

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Unlike other products that use lithium-ion batteries, the Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry JNC660 has a lead-acid battery. This feature is essential because if the jump starter is left inside a vehicle in frigid conditions, many Lithium-ion units will lose charge at around 20F.

Lead-acid batteries tend to fare better in frigid conditions where extreme cold can deplete your battery. However, unlike the Jump-N-Carry JNR770,Jump-N-Carry JNC660 doesn’t have a Master Off/On switch, which isn’t ideal for safety.

Therefore, it’s vital to ensure the Clamps don’t touch and store in the holsters correctly. Although the clamps feature external insulation to prevent accidental contact from careless storage, it’s still essential for you to avoid any electrical connection.

The Jump-N-Carry JNC660 also ships with a DC power port to charge any portable device. Additionally, a DC plug extension helps charge the Jump-N-Carry JNC660 through the vehicle while in transit. Moreover, a charge status gauge lets you know when to charge and when it’s filled up.

At 4 feet, there have been complaints the cables are short. While Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry JNC660 doesn’t have the most extended wires, it’s long enough to jump-start any vehicle from the ground. Besides, the small size makes it convenient to rest inside the engine bay if you try.

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Where the NOCO Boost XL GB50 shines is its safety. NOCO uses an UltraSafe technology that allows newbies to connect to dead car batteries without worrying about placing the clamps incorrectly.

The NOCO Boost XL GB50 portable jump starter features spark-proof technology, including reverse polarity protection, inside a mistake-proof design.

Moreover, NOCO Boost XL GB50 has multiple features, including a USB port that you can use to recharge your smart devices. The LED flashlight has 200 lumens and multiple light modes, including SOS and emergency strobe. The high-quality and rugged housing is water-resistant and rated IP65.

You’ll love the high-discharge lithium technology that makes NOCO Boost XL GB50 safe to use, no matter the climate.

NOCO Boost XL GB50 is powerful enough to turn over a dead fire truck engine. This portable jump starter features an “override” button that makes it think the device is connected to a vehicle if your battery can’t get a read. It’s a fantastic tool that’s safe to use and lightweight enough to carry without issues.

The NOCO Boost XL GB50 is versatile and useful for any situation. It can turn up any vehicle with batteries, including 4-wheelers and jet skis. One thing to note: you might need to turn off the safety features for this product to work, especially when your battery is deader than a doornail.

However, there are some issues worth pointing out. NOCO Boost XL GB50 costs more than many brands out there. Besides, the cables are short and can be challenging to connect. Finally, the manual print is tiny and hard to understand. All the same, it’s still a fantastic portable jump starter to have in your time of need.

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STANLEY J5C09’s overall power is 1000 peak amps while offering 500 cranking amps, significantly higher than the HULKMAN Alpha85. If you take a closer look, you’ll see the sturdy bulky design is mainly because of the 120 PSI in-built air compressor to help inflate low-pressure tires.

It isn’t challenging to understand this STANLEY J5C09 portable jump starter is designed for heavy-duty trucks with monster engines.

However, STANLEY J5C09 does share similar features with other brands on this list with a 12 Volt DC outlet that expands its functions. You can juice up other devices like smartphones and rechargeable lamps.

Moreover, you can work in the dark thanks to STANLEY J5C09’s high-performance LED light that revolves 270 degrees. STANLEY recommends a full charge every 30 days to maintain core battery life. While bulky, it still features an ergonomic handle that makes it easy to carry.

You’ll love the reverse polarity warning indicator and alarm that alerts you when you make a wrong connection. The heavy-duty clamps and cables are built to work with large, powerful vehicles.

Interestingly, the air compressor may be far handier, and it’s a thoughtful addition to an already exceptional product. It’s worth mentioning you’ll need to switch off the compressor to change this model.

The STANLEY J5C09 would have been the best overall if it charged much faster. It will take 10 hours to charge up this baby, and you can tell it’s full by the green indicator light.

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Like the GB50, NOCO Boost Plus GB40 also features UltraSafe technology, making it safe to connect without causing a shock hazard. The NOCO Boost Plus GB40 is designed to jump-start vehicles, but it also functions as an LED flashlight and portable power bank.

Besides, you can fully charge up NOCO Boost Plus GB40 in three hours. It also has a flashlight worth 100 lumens that includes seven light modes.

NOCO Boost Plus GB40 shares similar functions with the GB50, except for the lower peak power and cranking amps. It uses identical housing that’s rated IP65 and is water-resistant to boot.

Some car models are notorious battery drains. The NOCO Boost Plus GB40 is the tool you need when buying a new battery, isn’t practical. It’s a must-have for long road trips or using an older battery.

NOCO Boost Plus GB40’s also handy for car owners who drive at night and works perfectly for emergency phone charging. However, it would be best if you don’t charge your smaller devices too often, or you might need it to jump-start your vehicle someday and find out you’ve got no juice.

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Imazing Portable Car Jump Starter 2000A’s a powerful and versatile tool that can turn any equipment and automobile with an internal combustion engine. This includes lawnmowers, ATVs, snowmobiles, and boats. You can get up to 30 jumps with this beast, far higher than many other brands.

Moreover, this Imazing Portable Car Jump Starter 2000A portable jumper is certified UL2743 with advanced safety protection that safeguards against overload, over-discharge, over-charge, over-voltage, etc.

But the standout feature of Imazing Portable Car Jump Starter 2000A is the fast charging capability with a Type-C USB 3.0 Port that offers incredible charging speeds. The charging port is compatible with most devices, including tablets, phones, and cameras.

The LED flashlight is a lifesaver for outdoor activities like camping and can make a difference in an emergency. You’ll love the LCD screen that displays the battery percentage. Additionally, Imazing Portable Car Jump Starter 2000A has smart jumper cables with an LED display that shows errors and instant voltage. However, the cables aren’t very long, and you’d need to place the battery closer to get your vehicle to start. It’s also a pleasant surprise the battery indicator displays a number and not the four strokes indicator.

That way, you don’t need to guess your battery level. Imazing Portable Car Jump Starter 2000A also ships with a case to protect the jumper and comes with various accessories.

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Interestingly, the DEWALT DXAEJ14 has a similar design to the STANLEY J5C09. Both products have an air compressor to re-inflate flat tires. The battery is acid lead which is most effective in a colder climate.

The backlit screen makes it easy to use in low-light conditions. Let’s be clear; DEWALT DXAEJ14 is excellent for keeping in your vehicle for emergency purposes. However, suppose you need a high-quality product to jump-start cars commercially. In that case, you’re best advised to look elsewhere.

And while DEWALT DXAEJ14 doesn’t come with a charger, it has two USB ports that allow you to plug in multiple devices. As with any product, there will be drawbacks.

Firstly, the finish isn’t the best out there. However, the price makes DEWALT DXAEJ14 easy to ignore this minor failure. We’d have loved for the battery to ship with its power cord, but this isn’t a deal-breaker.

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Two thousand peak amps is a lot of power. You’d expect the NEXPOW 2000A to turn over vehicles up to 6.5L diesel and 7.5L gasoline-powered engines. It’s a versatile, rugged unit that can turn over different equipment, including trucks, lawnmowers, ATVs, and UTVs.

Interestingly, this NEXPOW 2000A portable jump starter uses disruptive technology to reduce start-up temperature, extending the battery’s life cycle. The portable jump starter also includes many safety features like reverse polarity, high temperature, and overload protection to keep you safe.

Moreover, an indicator alerts you when it’s appropriately connected to the battery. Unlike many units, NEXPOW 2000A has two USB outlets with a quick-charge 3.0 Port for charging tablets and smartphones at the fastest speeds. There’s also a multipurpose flashlight handy in the outdoors or for travel. Besides, there’s an LED work light for when your vehicle is in trouble.

NEXPOW 2000A has a case that makes it easy to store, and it ships with a USB-C cable and power block, unlike some brands that don’t ship with a charger. Although there’s no way to switch off the jump starter, it powers off by itself after 30 seconds.

If there’s any drawback, it’d be the size and weight. NEXPOW 2000A’s bulky equipment but well worth the trouble to buy.

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NOCO Boost X GBX45 features a radically new design that provides maximum energy at every turn. The model is part of the Extreme Series that uses turbocharging technology for lightning-fast charges. You only need five minutes of charge time to jump-start your car, and you can change this model from 0-to 100% in less than 50 minutes.

NOCO has improved its UltraSafe technology on this NOCO Boost X GBX45 with improved thermal efficiency to optimize its effective range and prolong its battery life. The USB-C power port allows you to charge your favorite devices, including wearables and smartphones.

The NOCO Boost X GBX45 is versatile equipment that jumps most vehicle types, including tractors, SUVs, power bikes, boats, and RVs.

The only thing to complain about NOCO Boost X GBX45 is the 48 minute charge time which is only achievable with a 60W charger. And you’d be right to expect a 60W charger considering the price, but there’s no charger in the box. Other than that, it’s a well-built tool that’s easy to use.

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Before You Buy: Best Portable Jump Starter Buying Guide

Buying the best portable jump starter for your needs isn’t an easy task. You should consider the following factors before choosing a product.

Battery Type: Lead Acid vs. Lithium-Ion

Lithium-ion portable jump starters typically have a small size. Still, these versions are powerful enough to turn over a dead tractor! Besides, their battery composition offers a longer lifespan and retains better charge when in storage.

On the flip side, lead-acid portable jumpers are on the heavy side. While they may not be as portable or efficient, they are more effective in colder climates.

Battery Voltage And Size

Different vehicle models use various battery voltages and sizes. It’s therefore critical to select a jump starter that fits the hill for the vehicle you want to turn over.

Standard jump starters work for batteries between 6 – 12 volts. Meanwhile, commercial-grade portable jump starters can work for almost any equipment with an internal combustion engine, including watercraft, ATVs, lawnmowers, and snowmobiles.

If you don’t know your battery’s voltage or size, make sure you purchase a product with adjustable voltage features.

Engine Size And Type

More significant engines often require more instant amps to start, which goes for diesel engines. No matter how many times you try, your vehicle will never start if you use a jump starter that doesn’t meet the minimum power requirements.

The discharge depth also affects how many cranking amps you need. A 4-cylinder gasoline car with a dead battery will likely need more power than a 6-cylinder diesel engine with partial discharge. We recommend getting a powerful product to err on the side of caution.

Safety Features

Portable power jumpers pack a lot of power and can be hazardous when misused. You need a product with multiple safety features to safeguard you from a fire or shock hazard.

You can find intelligent power jumpers with ant-spark, overload, and reverse polarity protection to keep you safe.

Jumper Cables

Short jumper cables are a common flaw for portable jumper cable brands. Some use defective cable material and poor wires that don’t discharge power effectively. Ensure you get a model with quality wiring and a cable long enough to reach your battery without difficulty.

Other Functions

Some products add extra features to increase the functionality of the portable jump starter. These features include LED lighting, flashlight, USB-C charging, emergency hammer, and air compressor.

Ensure you purchase a product with multiple features that can make a difference when you’re in a pickle.

Wrapping Up…

Booster cables used to be the undisputed champion for turning over dead batteries. They were not the best way to do so; however, it was the only method for a long time.

However, portable jump starters are taking over the landscape, providing a more straightforward and effective method to breathe life into dead vehicles.

There’s a shift in preference with tow trucks and roadside services opting for portable power jumpers.

Portable jumpers are more versatile and easier to use; boosting your battery is almost as easy as charging your smartphone. They have innovative features that keep you safe and can be used on-demand.

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