Any time you’re on the road, whether it’s a quick trip or a lengthy journey, having backups is always smart. Think about stowing a spare tire, some antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, a road hazard kit, and importantly, a quality portable tire inflator and jump starter. Cold weather, leaving the dome light on by accident, or just an old battery can leave you stranded. A reliable portable jump starter can get your car running again even if no one else is around to help. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best portable jump starters for 2024.
The Noco Boost HD GB70 tops our list as the most versatile portable jump starter. It’s a powerhouse, offering up to 2,000 amps and handling up to 40 jump starts on a single charge. It’s compatible with up to 8.0-liter gasoline engines and 6.0-liter diesel engines. Plus, it can charge smaller gadgets like smartphones and tablets and even includes a built-in flashlight. It’s handy for pretty much all roadside emergencies, including quick phone charges on the go.
The Clore Jump-N-Carry might not take the top spot, but it deserves recognition. It’s on the bulky side, weighing in at 18 pounds, which stretches the definition of “portable.” However, it’s packed with features like 46-inch heavy-duty cables, a voltmeter for checking the battery charge status, and a DC outlet for 12-volt accessories. It also offers various bundles, allowing you to add items like a rechargeable work light or a battery system tester based on your needs.
For those familiar with power tools, the DeWalt portable jump starter might catch your eye. It delivers a peak output of 1,400 amps and 700 instant starting amps. This makes it not just a jump starter but also an essential garage or construction site tool. Besides jump-starting your car, it features a 120 PSI digital compressor for tire inflation and a built-in USB port for charging electronic devices.
The Craftsman CMXCESM262 is another big name in the tool world that deserves a mention. Despite weighing just 4.59 pounds, this portable starter offers up to 50 jumps per charge. It works well with 10.0L gas and 8.0L diesel engines even in freezing temperatures. Additional features include a built-in LED area light, smart battery clamps, a 24-inch booster cable, a battery status indicator, and integrated cable storage.
If you’re on a budget but still need a reliable jump starter, the Yaber jump starter is worth considering. It provides a peak output of 1,500 amps and can start gasoline engines up to 7.0 liters and diesel engines up to 5.5 liters. It’s lightweight and easy to carry around. This starter includes a built-in light with multiple modes and acts as a portable power bank for charging phones, tablets, cameras, and other devices via USB.
We drew from our real-life experiences with dead batteries and portable jump starters to choose the best ones. Quality was the top priority because you don’t want a jump starter failing you when you’re already in a jam. Trust in the brand and positive user reviews played major roles in our selections.
Portability was another critical factor. A jump starter should be lightweight and easy to handle, making it convenient to use and transport. We also looked for jump starters that could consistently provide the necessary power, ensuring multiple jump starts before needing a recharge. Bonus points were given to devices with ports for charging other electronics.
Additional features also mattered. Many of the best portable jump starters double as power packs or chargers for other devices, depending on their outputs and ports. We valued those with built-in LED flashlights, air compressors, cable management, and other useful features for emergencies.
While brand names aren’t everything, quality matters a lot. We advise against going too cheap, as it could harm your vehicle’s battery. Avoid products with few reviews or unknown brands, as they may be unreliable in emergencies.
Maintaining your portable jump starter is crucial. Even when not in use, it’s good practice to recharge it periodically to ensure it’s ready when you need it. This way, you avoid being stuck with both a dead car battery and a dead jump starter.
Lastly, it’s unsafe and ineffective to attempt jump-starting a vehicle with just any power pack. Use only jump starters designed specifically for this purpose.