The 10 Best Portable Car Jumpstarters
A dead car battery is never fun, and needing to call in help is less fun. If you have one of these top portable vehicle jumpstarters handy, you’ll be self-reliant and can bring your car back to life quickly and easily.
We’ve rounded up the 10 best portable car jumpstarters so you can say goodbye to the days of being stranded for hours with a dead battery. The beauty of a portable jumpstarter is you no longer need traditional jumper cables and another vehicle to get your car battery up and running again.
With a portable jumpstarter, you can easily get your car running in a few easy steps. We think it is one of the most important things you should keep in your vehicle, along with your emergency kit.
Benefits of Portable Car Jumpstarters
First and foremost, having a portable car jumpstarter allows you to jumpstart your car without anyone else’s help! No need to flag down a car or call roadside assistance — just correctly hook up the portable jumpstarter to your car battery using the attached cables, and you’re golden. Carrying a portable jumpstarter with you will make you feel safer and more prepared at all times.
Besides the main benefit of effectively jumpstarting your car with no assistance, these modern units are useful for several other things. Most act as power supplies and will charge other devices. If you need to plug in a mobile device or power a laptop on the go, you can often plug it right into the portable car jumpstarter pack, offering a convenient way to charge mobile devices without running your vehicle.
When purchasing a portable car jumpstarter, consider other possible features. Some portable car jumpstarters also double as tire inflators, have integrated flashlights, and more.
Key Features of Portable Car Jumpstarters
Size
The size range for portable car jumpstarters varies from small lithium-based jumpstarters that you can stow in your glove box to larger power stations that are about the size of a grocery bag. Depending on where you store the jumpstarter and how portable you want the device to be, you’ll want to consider the overall size and weight when making your purchase.
Power
To determine the power output of a portable car jumpstarter, pay attention to the peak power and starter current measured in cold cranking amps (CCA). CCA measures how many amps a battery can successfully produce within 30 seconds at zero degrees Fahrenheit.
Generally speaking, 400 to 600 amps should be enough to jumpstart a battery on an average passenger car, truck, or SUV. If you have a larger battery or are operating a heavy-duty truck or commercial vehicle, you may need a more powerful jumpstarter.
Reverse Polarity Protection
Spark-proof and reverse polarity protection are safety features you should look for when purchasing a portable car jumpstarter. Reverse polarity protection will alert you if the jumpstarter isn’t hooked up properly to the battery terminals.
This crucial feature will alert you when incorrectly connecting the jump leads and temporarily disable the jumpstarter. That said, always double-check and verify that the positive and negative leads are connected to the right battery posts before beginning this process.
Additional Features
A number of portable car jumpstarters have USB ports for charging, LED flashlights, radios, compasses, and sometimes air compressors. If a portable car jumpstarter has numerous additional features, it’ll generally be larger and heavier. Whether or not you will benefit from these extra features largely depends on personal preference.
The 10 Best Portable Car Jumpstarters on the Market Today
Below, we’ve outlined the 10 best car jumpstarters available. After our extensive guide on the best portable jumpstarters, we’ve also answered all of your most frequently asked questions surrounding portable jumpstarters for cars. With that, let’s get started and find the one that best fits your needs!
Best Overall Choice: Tacklife T8 Pro Portable Car Jumpstarter
Though the Tacklife T8 Pro is compact, it is mighty. Able to start V8 engines up to 7.5L or diesel engines as large as 6.0L, it can be used on motorcycles, boats, or just about anything with an engine and 12-volt battery. And it measures about 10 by 4 inches, so you can easily keep it in your glove compartment or center console.
The T8 Pro comes with spark-proof battery cables, an AC power adapter, 12-volt DC charging cable, a USB to Micro USB cable, and a sturdy storage case.
Along with the main feature of jumpstarting your car as many as 30 times on a single charge, its 18,000mAh power supply can also fast-charge your other devices. It meets safety standards with complete protection circuitry to protect your devices from reverse polarity and overcharging.
Because it is designed with a lithium battery, it can hold its charge for up to 12 months between uses. Thanks to its compact design and rugged IP65 water-resistant body, you can easily bring this jumpstarter along on every adventure for added peace of mind.
Specs
- Capacity: 18,000mAh
- Peak power: 1,200A
- Starting power: 500A (3s), 300A (5s)
- Jumpstart engines: up to 7.5L gas / 6.0L diesel
- Operating temperature: -4F to 140F
- Dimensions: 10″ x 4″
- Weight: 1.1 lbs.
- Warranty: 2 years
Best Budget Portable Car Jumpstarter: Audew 1000A
This portable jumpstarter from Audew is powerful enough to start V8 engines up to 6.0L. Moreover, it also doubles as a power supply and emergency flashlight. The Audew 1,000A can jumpstart 12-volt cars, SUVs, trucks, and vans. On a single full charge, it can start a vehicle battery up to 20 times.
When not in use, the Audew will go into standby mode and can hold its charge for up to 12 months. It also has LED bars that show the remaining power, so you know how much juice you have left.
Conveniently, it weighs less than one pound and is compact enough that it can be stored just about anywhere in your car. If you incorrectly attach the jump leads to your car’s battery, the jumpstarter will automatically notify you of the issue with an audible buzz and flashing lights.
Every Audew 1,000A comes with battery terminal cables, USB-A and USB-C cables, and a carrying case. Using the included USB cables, you can quickly charge your cellphone or tablet.
Specs
- Capacity: 10,800mAh
- Peak power: 1,000A
- Starting current: N/A
- Jumpstart engines up to: 6.0L gas / 4.5L diesel
- Battery standby time: 6-12 months
- Operating temperature: -4F to 140F
- Dimensions: 6.5″ x 3.5″ x 1.5″
- Weight: 0.88 lb.
Best Premium Portable Car Jumpstarter: GOOLOO GT3000
The GOOLOO GT3000 packs a powerful punch for starting anything from a lawn mower to a 10L gas engine. With all of its integrated features, safety and ease of operation were foremost. A sizable 3.2-inch LED display tells you its battery status, and eight built-in smart protection properties make it safe for anyone to use.
What’s unique about the GOOLOO GT3000 portable jumpstarter is that it’s a 100-watt bidirectional fast charger. In nontechnical terms, the unit can fast charge from multiple sources that can go from empty to 100% in less than an hour and jumpstart your vehicle with lots of power at hand.
Charging the GT3000 for a few minutes is enough to quickly start your car if pressed for time. Use a 100-watt USB-C fast charger or a car’s 12-volt DC power port to plug in and recharge the unit’s battery.
The 22,800mAh battery bank will jumpstart up to 60 cars on a single charge and store that power for a year before you have to think about recharging it. Moreover, the power bank, wrapped in an IP65 water-resistant and 94 V-0 flame-retardant ruggedized enclosure, is suitable for running a laptop, tire inflator, and recharging mobile devices.
Specs
- Battery capacity: 22,800mAh
- Peak current: 3,000A
- Starting current: 600A (3s)
- Jumpstart engines up to: 10.0L gas / 8.0L diesel
- Operating temperature: -4F to 140F
- Dimensions: 9.0″ x 3.9″ x 2.1″
- Weight: 2 lbs.
- Charging time: Approximately 1 hour (PD100W)
- Note: USB-C 100W charger and hard case are sold separately
Best of the Rest
NOCO Boost Plus GB40 Portable Lithium Jumpstarter
The NOCO GB40 is a 12-volt lithium-powered jumpstarter that comes with heavy-duty battery clamps, a micro-USB charging cable, a 12-volt car charger, and a microfiber storage bag. It can jumpstart gasoline engines up to 6.0L and diesel engines up to 3.0L. In terms of safety, this jumpstarter comes equipped with spark-proof and reverse polarity protection.
On top of this being an incredibly powerful portable car jumpstarter, it also doubles as a portable power bank and LED flashlight. It can charge any USB device and has a 100-lumen LED flashlight with six modes, including SOS and an emergency strobe.
When it comes to prepping for rugged adventures, the NOCO GB40 is a perfect match. It is designed to operate safely in any climate and has a water-resistant enclosure.
Also, the rubberized molding protects it from scratching your vehicle. Weighing less than 2.5 pounds, it is highly portable and easy to store. The GB40 jumpstarter comes with a one-year limited warranty.
Specs
- Capacity: 10,800mAh
- Peak power: 1,000A
- Starting current: 1,000A
- Jumpstart engines up to: 6.0L gas / 3.0L diesel
- Battery standby time: 6-12 mo.
- Operating temperature: N/A
- Dimensions: 7.7″ x 3.2″ x 1.7″
- Weight: 2.45 lbs.
Samuraiuno Portable Car Jumpstarter
The Samaraiuno 4-in-1 emergency jumpstarter and power supply features an integrated air compressor for airing up tires quickly. Most 12-volt portable air compressors are pretty slow. The cordless digital high-capacity air pump built into the Samaraiuno will swiftly inflate larger tires. The unit has max tire-pressure detection, preset stopping values, and unit switching (psi, bar, spa, kg/cm²) in addition to a max pressure of 150 psi.
This 1,800-amp device can safely jumpstart any 12-volt vehicle with a gas engine up to 8.0L in seconds. The safety features are designed to protect against overheating and reverse polarity.
As an added safety measure, the unit won’t power on unless it is correctly attached to the battery. This starter has a 300-lumen LED flashlight, strobe, and SOS modes. The 14,800mAh power bank is good for about 40 jumpstarts or numerous charges of mobile devices.
If you’re looking for a jumpstarter with all the bells and whistles, the Samaraiuno is smart and loaded with extra features.
Specs
- Battery capacity: 14,800mAh
- Peak current: 1,800A
- Starting current: 800A
- Jumpstart engines up to: 8.0L gas /6.0L diesel
- Charging time: approximately 8 hrs.
- Operating temperature: -4 deg. F to 140 deg. F
- Dimensions: 9.61″ x 6.65″ x 4.17″
- Weight: 3.87 lbs.
- Max inflatable output pressure: 150 psi
- Inflation efficiency: 45L/min.
TopVision G26 Portable Car Jumpstarter
Coming from TopVision, this third-generation quick-discharge jumpstarter can operate in a wide range of temperatures making it great for year-round use. It can jumpstart 12-volt vehicles in seconds thanks to its 2,200 amp peak current.
The lithium battery makes it lightweight and portable, so you can easily stash it in your trunk or glovebox. The large battery capacity is good for up to 50 jumpstarts on a single charge. When it comes time to recharge this portable car jumpstarter, you can simply plug it into any USB power adapter.
The multi-functional jumpstarter also comes with a quick-charging USB port for on-the-go charging, a powerful LED flashlight, and an SOS lighting signal. It is ideal for any excursions or road trips.
And you don’t need to worry about using this jumpstarter as it comes with built-in over-current, short-circuit, over-load, over-voltage, and over-charge protection.
Specs
- Battery capacity: 21,800mAh
- Peak current: 2,200A
- Starting current: 1,000A
- Jumpstart engines up to: 7.0L gas / 6.5L diesel
- Operating temperature: -40 deg. F to 140 deg. F
- Dimensions: 9.84″ x 5.28″ x 4.29″
- Weight: 2.79 lbs.
Imazing IM27 Portable Car Jumpstarter
This portable car jumpstarter from Imazing can jumpstart as many as 30 vehicles on a single charge. With its 2,000 amp peak current, this device can turn over gas engines up to 8.0L or diesel engines as large as 7.5L. It has heavy-duty clamps and cables but is compact enough to store in your glovebox.
In addition, this device comes equipped with smart-charging ports so you can use it to quick-charge laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices. The lithium jumpstarter has an easy-to-read LED display where you can see the remaining power. The device also has a bright LED flashlight.
The jumper clamps are built for safety with reverse connection, over-current, short circuit, and reverse charge protection. Every Imazing IM27 portable jumpstarter comes with a two-year warranty and a 30-day full refund guarantee.
Specs
- Battery capacity: 18,000mAh
- Peak current: 1,600A-2,000A
- Starting current: 800A
- Jumpstart engines up to: 8.0L gas / 7.5L diesel
- Operating temperature: -4 deg. F to 140 deg. F
- Dimensions: 7.5″ x 3.5″ x 1.4″
- Weight: 1.14 lbs.
GOOLOO GP2000 Portable Car Jumpstarter
You can jumpstart your car, motorcycle, RV, truck, boat, or even a tractor with this top-quality portable jumpstarter from GooLoo. Besides being a highly effective and quick jumpstarter, it also supports USB Type-C charging and can serve as a mobile power bank. The quick-charge USB ports can rapidly charge any device on the go, a great option if you frequently need to charge your smartphone or laptop in transit.
The included jumper clamps are designed with safety in mind, with eight protections, including overload, over-voltage, and reverse polarity protection. Thanks to the lithium polymer battery, you get a jumpstarter that retains its charge well while still being lightweight and portable.
The LED light on this device has three modes: flashlight, strobe light, and SOS light. Along with the jumpstarter, you’ll get a 12-volt battery charger, a wall charger, a USB-C cable, a storage case, and a user manual.
Specs
- Battery capacity: 19,800mAh
- Peak current: 2,000A
- Starting current: 500A (3s), 400A (5s)
- Jumpstart engines up to: 9.0L gas / 7.0L diesel
- Operating temperature: -4 deg. F to 140 deg. F
- Dimensions: 8.97″ x 3.92″ x 1.29″
- Weight: 1.39 lbs.
Schumacher DSR132 Ultracapacitor/Lithium Ion Hybrid Jumpstarter
The Schumacher DSR132 ProSeries ultracapacitor hybrid Jumpstarter is a terrific gadget to supply your power needs. It works for gas engines and checks the status of the glow plugs before firing up a diesel engine. Store this power station under the seat or in the trunk of your car, and you’ll truly be ready for anything that life throws at you.
The advantage of using an ultracapacitor is that there’s no risk of damaging the vehicle’s electronics because the voltage of the capacitors is restricted to a range that’s safe for all types of ECUs. Moreover, if you forgot to charge the jumpstarter, a weak car battery has enough juice to pre-charge the ultracapacitor for a jumpstart and get you back on the road.
The large display will give a readout of the vehicle’s battery level, the charge level of the ultracapacitors, glow plug status, fault condition, and more. The built-in USB port allows you to charge up electronic devices on the go. And though this isn’t the smallest or lightest option, the included jumper cables wrap around the ears on the sides to keep things tidy.
Specs
- Battery capacity: 22,000mAh
- Peak current: 1,200A
- Starting current: 900A
- Jumpstart engines up to: 8.0L gas / 5.0L diesel
- Operating temperature: N/A
- Dimensions: 10.0″ x 10.5″ x 6.0″
- Weight: 7 lbs.
Clore Automotive JNC660 Portable Car Jumpstarter
The JNC660 from Clore Automotive is a powerful portable car jumpstarter. The device is capable of 1,700 peak amps and 425 cranking amps, making it more than powerful enough for jumpstarting most vehicles. The 46-inch heavy-duty AWG cables wrap neatly on each side of the unit.
In addition to being a jumpstarter, this device also serves as a power supply. If you opt to store it in your garage, you can just keep it plugged in and ready for use. It is recommended that you store the JNC660 at room temperature whenever possible. On this device, you’ll find a voltmeter to monitor the onboard battery.
The heavy-duty case and industrial-grade hot jaw clamps are designed to hold up well to years of use. With that, it’s on the heavier side, weighing in at 18 pounds. In addition, it has a 12-volt power outlet used to charge other devices.
Specs
- Battery capacity: 22,000mAh
- Peak current: 1,700A
- Starting current: 425A
- Jumpstarts engines: all passenger vehicles, light commercial
- Operating temperature: N/A
- Dimensions: 16.3″ x 14.1″ x 5.1″
- Weight: 18 lbs.
Get Your Car Running in Minutes With These Portable Car Jumpstarters
Once your car emergency kit is equipped with a portable car jumpstarter, get ready to take on all kinds of adventures. Keep it secure in your glovebox or your trunk.
Looking for other items to build a car safety kit? Check out our guides on the top winter emergency car kits, tire chains, and first-aid kits.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Jumpstart My Car Using a Portable Jumpstarter?
Jumpstarting your car is quite simple. With that said, it is vital that you do it properly. Follow these steps to ensure a safe and easy experience.
- Set the portable car jumpstarter in a stable location in the engine compartment (or on the ground if the cords are long enough). Double-check that the device is charged.
- Connect the positive jumpstarter cable to the positive terminal on your car’s battery.
- Connect the negative jumpstarter cable to the negative terminal, the engine block, or another grounded location.
- Start the car.
- If the car starts, carefully disconnect the negative jumpstarter cable and secure it back to the portable jump box.
- Finally, carefully disconnect the positive jumpstarter cable.
Is a Portable Car Jumpstarter Worth It?
Having a portable jumpstarter in your car is a valuable asset to any emergency car kit. They are small, relatively inexpensive, easy to use, and much easier to stow away than a set of jumper cables.
Usually, you’d have to rely on another vehicle if your vehicle’s battery is too weak to turn over the ignition. With a portable unit, you have everything you need. Simply attach the portable jumpstarter to your car’s battery, fire up the vehicle, and you are all set.
How Long Does a Portable Car Jumpstarter Take to Recharge?
It generally takes a portable jumpstarter around 3-5 hours to recharge. In some rare cases, it can take up to 10 hours to fully charge a portable jumpstarter if the lithium battery is drained.
The good news is that you don’t need a full charge to jumpstart a car. Recharging the battery to at least 20% is usually sufficient to jumpstart most vehicles. With this in mind, it’s best to read your specific car jumpstarter’s user manual for the recommended charge times.
How Can You Tell if the Car Battery Is Dead?
If you put your key in the ignition to start your car and it makes a low, whirring sound, but the car doesn’t turn on, your car battery is likely dead. No sound at all and/or no dash lights come on are also good indications that you likely have a dead battery.
Warning signs of a failing battery include a weak or sluggish start and electrical components (like your dashboard) not lighting up.
Can a Portable Jumpstarter Recharge a Car Battery?
No, portable car jumpstarters are not meant to recharge a car battery. They can provide the power to start a vehicle with a tired battery, but they are not designed to repower it. The vehicle’s alternator recharges the battery while the vehicle is running or you can hook up a battery charger when stationary.
Can You Jumpstart a Car in the Rain?
Yes, you can jumpstart a car in the rain.
Nonetheless, things can feel a lot more chaotic in a downpour. Don’t let that make you hasty. Be careful, take your time, and always pay attention to the order of the cable connection — rain or not!
Is It Possible for a Portable Jumpstarter to Damage Your Car?
A portable jumpstarter can only damage your car if it is attached incorrectly, just like with regular jumper cables. Avoid damage by connecting your cables in the right order.
First, connect the positive terminals. Then, connect the negative terminals. If you are concerned about user error, purchase a jumpstarter with reverse polarity protection and an audible alarm that will alert you to any potential issues.
How High Should the Starter Current or Cold-Cranking Amps (CCA) Be for a Jumpstarter?
When it comes to a universal CCA, a portable jumpstarter with a minimum starter current rating of 400-600 amps will likely jumpstart most cars, crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks. Vehicles with larger engines require more power and a higher starting current.
Can You Overcharge a Jumpstarter?
Overcharging a properly working portable jumpstarter is highly unlikely. Modern jumpstarters have several safety protections aimed at preventing accidents, including over-charge and over-current protection.
How Many Times Can You Use a Jumpstarter?
The lithium polymer batteries used in portable car jumpstarters have enough capacity to start a vehicle several times over without having to recharge.
For example, a portable jumpstarter with a battery capacity of 10,800mAh is good for up to 20 starts. A unit with a larger 22,000mAh capacity will start up to 50 cars.
Since the batteries do an excellent job of holding a charge, they can go 6 to 12 months without having to recharge.
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