At some point during your driving experience, you’re likely to encounter the inconvenience of a dead battery, often at the most inconvenient times.
Fortunately, the advent of portable car jump starters, coupled with instructional videos, has made dealing with this issue less daunting.
To assist you in choosing the best portable jump starter from the multitude available on the market, we’ve compiled a list based on user ratings and reviews, covering various categories and price points.
1. AVAPOW Portable Jump Starter – $47.99 at Amazon
- Delivers 1,500 Peak Amps
- Suitable for cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, and boats with up to 7L gas and 5.5L diesel engines
- Operates in temperatures from -4°F to 140°F
- Features 8 safety protection systems
- USB 3.0 and USB-C connection ports included
- Built-in flashlight, strobe, and SOS light modes
2. NEXPOW Portable Jump Starter – $59.48 at Amazon
- Delivers 2,000 Peak Amps
- Jump starts vehicles with up to 7.5L gas or 6.5L diesel engines
- Up to 20 jumps on a single charge
- Works in temperatures from -4°F to 140°F
- Charges USB devices
- Includes clamps, cables, and a carrying case
3. Portable Jump Starter with 2500 Peak Amps – $69.99 at Amazon
- Delivers 2,500 Peak Amps
- Jumps most 12-volt vehicles with up to 8.0L gas and 8L diesel engines
- Suitable for motorcycles, watercraft, ATVs, UTVs, lawnmowers, snowmobiles, and more
- Holds a charge for more than 3 months
- Built-in LED emergency flashlight
- Charges USB devices
4. NOCO Boost Plus GB40 – $99.95 at Amazon
- Delivers 1,000 Peak Amps (for vehicles with up to a 6.0L gas and 3.0L diesel engine)
- Up to 20 jump starts on a single charge
- “Mistake-proof” design, spark-proof technology, and reverse polarity protection
- Built-in LED flashlight with seven light modes
- USB ports for charging electronic devices
- Water-resistant (rated at IP65)
5. AVAPOW Portable Jump Starter – $58.72 at Amazon
- Delivers 2,000 Peak Amps
- Jumps cars, SUVs, and boats with up to 8.0L gas or 6.5L diesel engines
- Rated at IP65 water resistance
- Functions as a portable power pack for USB devices
- Built-in LED light with SOS mode
- Includes jumper cables, USB-C charging cable, and storage case
6. Stanley J5C09 JUMPiT – $105.35 at Amazon
- Delivers 1,000 Peak Amps and 500 Starting Amps
- Built-in reverse polarity alarm
- Includes a built-in 120 PSI air compressor for tire inflation
- High-powered rotating LED light
- Built-in 12V DC outlet and USB port for charging electronic devices
- Charges with a standard extension cord (not included)
7. Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry – $149.94 at Amazon
- Delivers 1,700 Peak Amps with 425 Cranking Amps
- 12V, 22Ah Clore Proformer Battery
- Starts all passenger and light commercial vehicles
- Built-in 46″ heavy-duty #2 AWG Cables
- Built-in DC outlet powers 12V accessories
- Built-in DC input for recharging the internal battery
What is a portable jump starter?
A portable jump starter is a device used instead of a second car and jumper cables to quickly jump-start a vehicle with a dead battery.
Why do you need a portable jump starter?
A portable jump starter provides self-sufficiency in jump-starting a vehicle with a dead battery, eliminating the need to rely on others for assistance. The convenience it offers makes it a valuable tool.
How do portable jump starters work?
Portable jump starters work similarly to traditional jumper cables but use a built-in battery pack as the power source instead of another vehicle.
What size portable jump starter do you need?
The size of the portable jump starter needed depends on the vehicle’s engine size. Most jump starters provide information on the maximum engine size they can effectively jump-start.
How do you use a portable jump starter?
Using a portable jump starter is straightforward. Ensure the device is charged and assembled, connect the positive and negative cables to the corresponding battery posts, and attempt to start the vehicle.
Pros and cons of using a jump starter?
Pros include convenience, affordability, and the ability to be self-sufficient. However, not all jump starters are equal, and considerations such as power capacity and cable length should be taken into account.