Best Jump Starter of 2021

Best Overall Jump Starter

NOCO Boost HD GB70

Battery: 56 Watt-Hour Lithium-Ion | Peak Amps: 2,000

Securing our coveted top honors, the NOCO Boost HD GB70 is the favorite model in our test lineup. This top-shelf jump starter power-pack combination unit performs exceedingly well in every category and is one of the most compact and easy-to-use. Designed and engineered in the US, this portable contender has been around longer than nearly every other model we tested. NOCO has more than 100 years of experience making consumer electronics, and as evidenced by our testing, this model showcases a remarkable degree of craftsmanship and performance. Rated at 2000 peak amps and utilizing a 56Wh battery, this jumper packs plenty of capacity and peak amperage to kick over an eight-liter gasoline engine (and six-liter diesel). Our testing proved it capable of cold starting an eight liter engine up to ten times before needing a charge, though the spec sheet from NOCO claims up to 40 jump starts per charge. Aside from being able to cold crank 2000 amp batteries, it has a 2.1A USB outlet for charging accessories, a ridiculously bright tactical LED light, and several built-in safety features, including protection against reverse polarity, spark-proof technology, over-charging, and over-heating.

Our only substantial gripes are the lack of an additional USB port and no USB to AC power outlet adapter. The USB charge cord is included, but you will have to provide your own USB wall outlet brick. Overall, the NOCO GB70 is a high-performing and reliable option for motorists who need power when it counts.

Best Bang for the Buck

GOOLOO 1200A Peak 18000mAh

Battery: 66.6 Watt-Hour Lithium-Ion | Peak Amps: 1,200

Don't let the compact size of the GOOLOO 1200A fool you. This unit is a small but mighty contender in the lineup, this unit delivers 1,200 peak amps while weighing in at just over one pound. It also happened to be one of the most affordable jump starters we tested. Beyond jump-starting, it also features two USB charging ports, a DC power outlet with a lighter adapter, and a small LED flashlight with several modes. The USB charge ports are 5V and a Smart charging port that will bump to 9V for rapid charging on compatible devices. The 66.6Wh lithium-ion battery can provide numerous boosts to a deep-cycle SLA or up to three iPhone charges before becoming fully depleted. In our testing, this unit was capable of jumping a 6.5-liter diesel engine, exceeding the manufacturer's suggested limit.

Though it isn't the flashiest option out there, we found that this jump starter was just as capable as many of the high-end models. It lacks some of the build quality of pricier brands, but it delivered on performance. The clamps and cables are a little small and aren't the burliest build, but we do appreciate that overall, the kit takes up minimal space in our vehicle. The provided case won't stand up to the rigors of life in an auto shop but keeps the cables and battery neat and tidy in your car. Because of its reliable performance across the board at a fraction of the cost of other models, we think this is an excellent option for those seeking an affordable model that still has some oomph.

Best for Home or Shop Use

Dewalt 1400 Peak Amp Professional

Battery: 21 Amp-Hour Sealed Lead-Acid | Peak Amps: 1,400

For an all-in-one home shop power station, the Dewalt DXAEJ14 delivers a range of features that do more than just jumpstart dead batteries. Need to air up your tires? Check your alternator? Charge your cell phone? We appreciated that the Dewalt proves useful even when we aren't testing jump start capability. The 120 PSI air compressor is a particularly nice feature. The LCD screen allows us to set the desired PSI and fill our tires to our preferred specification. In addition to supplying 1400 peak amps of potential current, it can also power accessories via its dual USB ports and 12V DC charging port. Though it isn't light and portable like some lithium-ion models, this unit can boost larger engines more effectively with enough power left to then charge your devices or inflate a tire.

It could be considered a nuisance that compared to the lithium-ion models, which can provide multiple jumps on one charge, you must recharge this unit after every jump. It's also important with the sealed lead-acid batteries like the Dewalt that you charge it regularly. Dewalt recommends plugging it in to top off at least once a month. However, the Dewalt DXAEJ14 outperforms the competition with a large-capacity 21 amp-hour battery compared to other SLA models. That power performance, coupled with its versatility (and its 35-pound weight), makes it a favorite for around the house and shop use.

Best for Motorists

TackLife T8 Pro 1200A

Battery: 67 Watt-Hour Lithium-Ion | Peak Amps: 1,200

Performing respectably across all categories and for a great price, the TackLife T8 Pro 1200A is an excellent option for day-to-day automobile use, at a great value. We are impressed by the attention to detail and overall build quality of the TackLife Pro; from the carrying case to the cables to the unit, everything was well designed and manufactured. A digital readout gave battery percentage levels, and three output ports (two USB and one 12V DC) added versatility. A small compass on top of the unit suggests the "rugged" nature of the TackLife audience. Dust and water-resistant construction make this a great off-roading companion. The displays and controls are user-friendly, and the included "intelligent" cables include a boost feature.

Although we found the T8 performed above its class, it may not be enough juice for the largest engines out there. We found that the battery was moderately depleted after jumping batteries in excess of 800 cranking amps. The T8 Pro will hold its charge for many months at a time (up to a year, according to the manufacturer), making it an excellent choice for the emergency "get it and forget it" item in your car trunk.

Best for Powering Accessories

GOOLOO 2000A

Battery: 73Wh Lithium-Ion | Peak Amps: 2,000

If a robust portable power bank is your number one priority and jump starts are few and far between, the GOOLOO 2000 will impress with its high capacity lithium-ion battery and abundance of charge ports. This model comes with a 73Wh lithium-ion battery capable of delivering up to 2000 peak amps when jumping a car. It wasn't as powerful for boosting larger batteries on bigger trucks but had plenty of juice to handle eight consecutive boosts on a 2.5-liter engine before needing another charge. Where this model really excelled, though, was in charging electronics via its USB ports. In testing, we found that when using the 5V USB port, we could fully charge an iPhone up to 15 times without needing to plug in the power pack. A USB-C port for input/output was a nice feature that added to the charging versatility of this unit.

While it's great for powering accessories on the go, we were a little underwhelmed by how it performed as a booster pack. It is fully capable of bringing mid-size batteries back to life but doesn't quite have the gusto to manage larger engines and higher cranking amps. However, due to the storage potential of its 73Wh battery, this contender will hold a charge for quite a while, allowing you to charge your electronics wherever you go. Because of this, we nominated the GOOLOO 2000 as the best option for powering accessories.

Compare Products

Compare select up to 5 products to compare

	Score	Product	Price	Our Take
	83	NOCO Boost HD GB70	$251	A reliable jump starter that boasts durable construction and long battery life
	77	TackLife T8 Pro 1200A	$110	Capable and well-designed, with an economical price point and convenient carrying case
	73	GOOLOO 2000A	$100	Impressive battery storage that is capable of fully charging a variety of electronics
	73	GOOLOO 1200A Peak 18000mAh	$70	A well-built and reasonably-priced unit that has everything you need and nothing more
	71	Clore JNC660 1700 Peak Amp 12 Volt	$130	A dependable, straightforward design that can also power a variety of accessories
	70	Dewalt 1400 Peak Amp Professional	$150	A reasonably priced unit, particularly when considering its power output, features, and durability
	67	TOPVISION 2200A Peak 20800mAh Portable	$90	Offers less boosts than comparable models but has a great cost to current ratio
	66	Stanley JumpiT Portable Power Station	$130	This model is constructed well, but can only be charged with an extension cord

Why You Should Trust Us

With an eclectic experience of operating machinery and various engine types, our primary tester, Rob Woodworth, has a nuanced understanding of 12V systems and the batteries that power them. He is a Coast Guard Certified Captain who routinely maintains deep-cycle marine batteries and other sealed lead-acid batteries used to start heavy equipment. His practical knowledge of battery performance is fortified by his experience in off-grid solar power systems, which require more frequent and diligent maintenance. As such, his background in 12V applications is deeper than that of your average commuter.

After researching more than 50 different jump starters, we narrowed our selection down to the models found in this review. We chose to include units capable of delivering anywhere from 1000 to 2000 peak amps, though several brands offer a higher output in other models. We ran all the models through a series of tests designed to identify the limits of their performance. They were subjected to boosting various battery sizes from a fleet of different vehicles, ranging from a 650cc motorcycle to a 6.7L V8 diesel to a 454 horsepower inboard boat engine. We monitored voltage and current during boosts and, when possible, would bypass the battery altogether to see how many cold-starts we could get out of each power pack. To be comprehensive, we examined models that had both lithium-ion and sealed lead-acid battery types. Each was subjected to the same testing metrics and scored accordingly.

Analysis and Test Results

We purchased the best models available on the market for a head-to-head analysis of performance in the field. We chose to examine products that utilized both sealed lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries to comprehensively understand each type's functional capabilities. Not only did we test how quickly each contender could revive a dead battery, but we also examined the various features of each model, including USB power ports, AC adapters, and air compressors.

Value

Jump starters often sit in the trunk of your car, out of sight and out of mind, until you find yourself stranded with a dead car battery. Electric jump starters eliminate the need for another car to get you back on the road. Every motorist should have the peace of mind that they will be able to start their car without trouble or the need to call for help. All of the units we tested could jump a car, but some of these models provide a much higher value to the consumer relative to their price. The GOOLOO 1200, though small and affordable, does everything you might realistically need for any roadside emergency. The NOCO Boost HD GB70 though on the pricey side, is worth the money. With a long last battery and a compact design, you will have one less thing to worry about with this model tucked away into your car.

Power Performance

In this metric, we considered the energy output of each model when used to boost a 12V battery. Electrical current is measured using amperes or amps, usually distinguished by each unit's "peak amps" rating.

However, a jump starter that is rated to 1000 peak amps won't necessarily perform at 1000 amps under various loads. Thusly, we sought to test how well each contender held up to several different boosting scenarios.

The NOCO Boost HD GB70, GOOLOO 1200, and TopVision Power Pack were among the highest-rated lithium-ion units in this category. All three of these devices have peak amp ratings over 1000A, giving them enough current to boost engines as large as seven liters. Time and time again, these jump starters could deliver adequate power to a range of 12V batteries with differing cranking amps. By design, lithium-ion jump starters exceed at delivering quick pulses of energy rather than sustained current.

By contrast, the Dewalt DXAEJ14, Clore Automotive JNC660, and Stanley J5C09 deliver a constant current when hooked up to your battery terminals. The jump starters can deliver three boosts at a full charge, although the manufacturers recommend charging after each use. This is because these models utilize SLA batteries, which discharge more rapidly than lithium-ion batteries. However, this does not mean they deliver an inferior boost; in fact, we found them fully capable of reviving even larger diesel and deep-cycle marine batteries. Among the SLA types, we were less fond of the Stanley J5C09 as it delivered slightly less current under load in our tests.

Battery Storage

We evaluated battery storage by looking at storage potential using watt-hours (Wh). Using the appropriate tools, we were able to look at the wattage used while charging batteries and engines. Through a series of tests, across a variety of voltages, we could assess battery potential.

Through repeated use and testing, we found that the GOOLOO 2000 has the best battery storage, clocking in an impressive 80Wh. Runners-up included the TopVision Power Pack and the TackLife T8, each producing more than 70Wh, enough to charge most cell phones eight to ten times. Similar to the GOOLOO 2000, the GOOLOO 1200 was capable of holding an impressive charge—though it wasn't capable of reviving large engines repeatedly. When comparing boost ability, the NOCO Boost HD GB70 provided as many or more jumps when compared to competitors. However, it comes with a slightly lower 54Wh when compared to other lithium-ion battery packs.

SLA jump starters like the Clore Automotive JNC660 have much lower watt-hour ratings than the LI models. Simply put, sealed batteries are designed to provide larger currents for short periods and don't excel at long-term wattage draw. But they do have enough juice to power 12V accessories for a few hours, the Dewalt DXAEJ14 and Stanley J5C09 even have USB ports to get a couple of charges on mobile devices.

Craftsmanship & Durability

To us, longevity is a necessary component of functional performance. We carefully examined each unit to determine how the various pieces would fare against long-term use and potential abuse. The NOCO Boost HD GB70 was, without a doubt, the most well-built unit in the lineup.

With hard-wearing materials, heavy gauge cables, and extremely secure port covers, it is clear that every little detail was considered with durability in mind. The TackLife T8 Pro was another high-quality power pack, using durable materials and a very secure carrying case that is also fire and water-resistant.

Though it isn't the fanciest, the Clore Automotive JNC660 was arguably the most indestructible SLA-type jump starter with welders grade cable and no extra bits to get broken. The Dewalt and Stanley models had more working components that could potentially fail and extra pieces that would quickly get lost if not stored somewhere. Among the lowest-scoring models were the TopVision Power Pack and the GOOLOO 2000. These models used thin plastic and cables, featured poor coverage on their power ports, and overall gave us the impression that they were off-brand bargain alternatives to more reputable units. Though, if you're looking for a bargain brand option that is still well-built, we were impressed with the GOOLOO 1200 craftsmanship.

Ease of Use

When rating ease of use, we gave out points for features that improved the user experience. Similarly, points were deducted if we found the interface to be confusing or inefficient.

ithout question, the Clore Automotive JNC660 was the most simple and easy-to-use model in our test. Simply connect to your battery, and you're good to go. Other models like the NOCO Boost HD GB70 and the TackLife T8 Pro were straightforward in application but came standard with certain safety features that may have a learning curve.

The Dewalt DXAEJ14 and TopVision Power Pack were less intuitive and required that we consult the manuals for proper use. Furthermore, both models tended to drain the battery if we neglected to power them down, lacking the auto-off feature that other models came equipped with.

Versatility

Are you only looking to get a jump start? Or do you look for more features in your quest for the best unit? In this metric, we take a look at a couple of factors. First, does it do its job? Second, how many fancy features does it bring to the table? Options that offer more choices and options for everyday use around the house, do better in this metric than those with a simple function.

The Dewalt DXAEJ14 has an impressive list of features, including a 120 PSI air compressor with pressure gauge, multiple power ports, working lights, and even an alternator tester, making it a great option for those who need a do-it-all power pack at home or on the job site.

For most users, models like the TackLife T8 Pro or Stanley J5C09 will provide more than enough versatility, allowing you to charge a variety of devices in addition to boosting a vehicle and providing more than one way to recharge the unit when depleted. The least versatile workhorse in our test was the Clore Automotive JNC660, which has no USB ports and can only be charged via an extension cord.

Conclusion

We hope that this review has brought light to your search for the perfect jump starter. In a market flooded with consumer electronics, we value the opportunity to help you narrow the options in picking a model that will work best for your needs. A dead car battery can happen to anyone, and we hope that our testing can help you remain assured that you'll never be stuck without power on the side of the road, out in the woods, or wherever adventure may find you.