Top 6 Portable Battery Packs Tested - Start Your Car Instantly
Bottom line up front: The NOCO Boost Plus GB40 ($100) is the best portable jump starter for most people. It delivers 1000 peak amps in a compact package that fits in your glove box, and it's foolproof with spark-proof technology.
For trucks/diesels: The Clore Automotive JNC660 ($150) offers 1700 peak amps and can jump start anything up to Class 8 trucks.
On a budget: The Imazing IM23 ($70) delivers solid 2500 peak amp performance for gas engines at half the price of premium units.
| Jump Starter | Peak Amps | Engine Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| NOCO Boost Plus GB40 | 1000A | Gas 6L / Diesel 3L | $100 |
| Clore JNC660 | 1700A | Gas 8L / Diesel 6L | $150 |
| Imazing IM23 | 2500A | Gas 8L / Diesel 6L | $70 |
| NOCO Boost HD GB70 | 2000A | Gas 8L / Diesel 6L | $200 |
| DBPOWER 800A | 800A | Gas 6L / Diesel 3L | $70 |
| Beatit BT-D11 | 800A | Gas 7L / Diesel 5.5L | $90 |
~$100
What makes it great: The GB40 is the gold standard for portable jump starters. It's compact (8" x 3" x 1.7"), powerful enough for most vehicles, and has foolproof safety features that prevent sparking, reverse polarity damage, and overcharging.
Key features:
Who should buy: Anyone with a gas car, small SUV, or light truck. This is the safest, most reliable option for people who aren't comfortable working on cars. The spark-proof design means you literally cannot make a mistake.
View on Amazon →~$150
What makes it great: The JNC660 is a professional-grade jump starter designed for heavy-duty vehicles. With 1700 peak amps and industrial clamps, it can jump start anything from a sedan to a semi truck. This is the tool you'll find in mechanic shops and tow trucks.
Key features:
Who should buy: Diesel truck owners, mechanics, fleet operators, or anyone with large vehicles (F-250+, Silverado 2500+, Ram 2500+). Also great if you frequently help others jump start - the power and cable length make it easy.
View on Amazon →~$70
What makes it great: The IM23 offers impressive 2500 peak amp performance at a budget price. While it's not as refined as the NOCO, it gets the job done reliably and includes useful extras like dual USB ports, a compass, and an LCD screen.
Key features:
Who should buy: Budget-conscious buyers who need power for larger engines. Good value if you have a truck or SUV and don't want to spend $200+. Just be aware that quality control can be hit-or-miss.
View on Amazon →~$200
What makes it great: The GB70 is the heavy-duty version of the GB40. It doubles the power to 2000 peak amps, making it capable of jump starting diesel trucks, SUVs, and commercial vehicles. Same foolproof safety features as the GB40, just more powerful.
Key features:
Who should buy: Diesel truck owners (F-250, Silverado 2500, Ram 2500) or anyone with large gas V8 engines. Worth the premium if you value NOCO's foolproof design and want power for bigger vehicles.
View on Amazon →~$70
What makes it great: The DBPOWER offers solid 800A performance with a massive 18000mAh battery that can charge phones 6+ times. It's a good all-around emergency kit with jump starting, phone charging, and a bright flashlight.
Key features:
Who should buy: People with sedans, coupes, or small SUVs who also want a backup phone charger. The massive battery capacity makes this a good multi-use emergency kit, but it's underpowered for trucks.
View on Amazon →~$90
What makes it great: The BT-D11 is a solid mid-range option with 800A peak power, smart protection features, and a premium carrying case. It's well-reviewed for reliability and customer service.
Key features:
Who should buy: Anyone looking for a reliable mid-range jump starter. Not the cheapest or most powerful, but a solid all-around choice with good reviews and customer support.
View on Amazon →Manufacturers advertise peak amps (the maximum burst for 3-5 seconds), but cranking amps matters more for sustained starting power.
Rule of thumb: Cranking amps = Peak amps ÷ 2
So a "1000A peak" jump starter delivers about 500A of sustained cranking power. This is still plenty for most cars, but explains why a "2500A peak" cheap unit might not actually outperform a "1000A peak" NOCO.
Modern lithium jump starters should have:
Higher mAh = more jump starts per charge + more phone charges. Most units are 10,000-20,000 mAh.
Most jump starters double as phone chargers. Look for:
Lithium batteries lose capacity in extreme cold. Quality units work -20°F to 140°F. Budget units may fail below 20°F.
Lithium jump starters (most modern units) are small, light, and hold charge for months. But they're less effective in extreme cold.
Lead-acid jump starters (like the Clore JNC660) are heavy, bulky, and need monthly charging. But they work reliably in any temperature and deliver consistent power.
For most people in moderate climates, lithium is better. If you live in Alaska or northern Canada, consider lead-acid.
Most lithium jump starters provide 10-30 jump starts per charge, depending on battery capacity and how dead your car battery is. A typical jump uses 10-20% of the jump starter's capacity.
Quality lithium jump starters hold charge for 3-6 months when stored properly. Cheap units may lose 20-30% per month. Lead-acid jump starters need monthly charging.
Yes, but not in extreme temperatures. Lithium batteries degrade faster when stored above 100°F or below 20°F. In hot climates, store it inside your house and bring it to your car when needed. In moderate climates, trunk storage is fine.
No, if used correctly. Modern jump starters have protection circuits that prevent voltage spikes. The risk is actually lower than jump starting from another car, where alternator surges can damage sensitive electronics.
Most jump starters won't work on batteries below 2 volts (safety feature). NOCO units have a "Force Mode" that overrides this. Alternatively, use a battery charger to bring the battery up to 2-3 volts first.
Most units have LED indicators or LCD screens showing battery percentage. Recharge when it drops below 50% to maximize battery lifespan. Some units beep or flash when low.
Yes. Most jump starters work on any 12V battery (cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, ATVs, lawn mowers). For RVs and larger vehicles, you may need a high-capacity unit (2000A+). Don't use on 24V systems.
Best overall: NOCO Boost Plus GB40 ($100). The safest, most reliable option with foolproof spark-proof design. Perfect for anyone with a sedan, coupe, SUV, or light truck.
For trucks and diesels: Clore Automotive JNC660 ($150). Professional-grade power and durability. Heavy, but worth it if you have a diesel or frequently jump start others.
Best value: Imazing IM23 ($70). Solid performance at half the cost of premium brands. Good for trucks and large SUVs if you're budget-conscious.
Premium choice: NOCO Boost HD GB70 ($200). Best of both worlds - NOCO's foolproof safety with heavy-duty power. Worth the investment if you have a diesel truck and want premium quality.
Affiliate Disclosure: The Mechanic is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you purchase through our links. We only recommend products we believe will be helpful for maintaining and diagnosing your vehicle.
Step-by-step guides where you'll use a Jump Starter: