We all know the feeling, and it’s not a good one: you try to start your vehicle, only to be greeted with silence instead of the purr of the engine. The battery is dead, and now you have to flag down some random stranger to give you a jump, or call for assistance. Or do you?
As it turns out, you can solve your own problem with the use of a portable jump starter. These little devices can be as small as a paperback book, yet pack enough juice to start a standard vehicle several times. Heavy-duty models can even jumpstart trucks and boats.
These gadgets connect to your vehicle’s battery in the same way that traditional jump cables do. The difference, of course, is that the other end is occupied by an judgement-free electronic device, rather than a stranger in the grocery store parking lot.
The best portable jump starters also hold their charge for a long time (up to 18 months or more,) meaning you can keep them in your vehicle until they’re needed. Just be sure to check the battery level every once in a while: most have an onboard display to make this easier.
There are dozens of solid models available, but certain types are better for particular purposes or types of vehicle. Below, find our recommendations for the best portable jump starters on the market today.
- Peak amps: 2000
- Dimensions: 9.1 x 4.1 x 1.8 inches
- Weight: 2.0 pounds
- Ports: USB-A, USB C, 12v
- Output voltage: 12v
- Other features: Flashlight
- Peak amps: 1700
- Dimensions: 16.3 x 14.1 x 5.1 inches
- Weight: 18 pounds
- Ports: 12v
- Output voltage: 12v
- Other features: Flashlight
- Peak amps: 1000
- Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.0 x 3.5 inches
- Weight: 17.2 pounds
- Ports: USB-A, 12v
- Output voltage: 12v
- Other features: Flashlight, air compressor
- Peak amps: 4400
- Dimensions: 14 x 10 x 8 inches
- Weight: 41.2 pounds
- Ports: USB-A, 12v
- Output voltage: 12v, 24v
- Other features: None
- Peak amps: 700
- Dimensions: 7.0 x 3.3 x 1.0 inches
- Weight: 2.5 pounds
- Ports: USB-A
- Output voltage: 12v
- Other features: Flashlight
Best Portable Jump Starter: HULKMAN Alpha85
The HULKMAN Alpha85 is a powerful yet portable jump starter that’s capable of jump starting most standard passenger vehicles. Its 2000 peak amp rating is suitable for gas engines of up to 8.5l, and diesel engines of up to 6l.
In plain English, this means the Alpha85 can start almost every car, van, and pickup truck (even heavy-duty trucks), but it’s not suitable for semi trucks or boats.
The Alpha85 hits all the right notes, and it’s our pick as the best portable jump starter overall. It’s compact (9.1 x 4.1 x 1.8 inches), lightweight (two pounds), safe, and simple to use. It also has a built-in LED flashlight with three modes of operation: flashlight, strobe, and SOS.
With a capacity of 20,000mAh, this model can theoretically jump start a small vehicle up to 60 times on a single charge. It also doubles as a power bank, with ports to charge devices via USB-A, USB C, and 12V DC.
The battery is designed to hold its charge for up to 18 months. In case you ever find it dead, the quick-charge feature gives it a full charge in around 90 minutes, or enough for a single jump in about five minutes.
The device works down to -5°F, but if you live or travel in particularly cold climates, it’s worth considering the Alpha85S model instead: this has a pre-heating feature that lets it function in temperatures as low as -40°F.
Bundles are available for both the Alpha85 and Alpha85S that also include a carry case with space for the jump starter, cables, and charger.
Buy on AmazonBest High-End Portable Jump Starter: Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry JNC660
The Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry JNC660 is our runner-up pick for the best car jump starter. It’s an extremely reliable, versatile, and durable product that has become the favorite of tow truck drivers and rescue vehicles, due to its unmatched reliability.
First off, the bad news: This is a big boy, weighing in at 18lbs and measuring 16.3 x 14.1 x 5.1 inches. The capacity and peak output is around the same as the much smaller and lighter HULKMAN model above, so what gives?
The main difference is that the Jump-N-Carry uses a bulky lead-acid battery that is specifically designed for jump starting. While heavy, this battery delivers exceptional cranking power and an unmatched service life. Plus, if it ever does wear out, the internal battery is replaceable (you can buy the replacement battery on Amazon).
This model is also substantially more rugged and durable than our top pick, with a heavy-duty case protecting the internal components from wear and tear. Extra-long 46” cables make it easy to hook up to batteries in any vehicle, with industrial-grade clamps on the end designed to penetrate corrosion on battery connectors.
The Jump-N-Carry JNC660 can power accessories via its built-in 12V port, although it lacks USB ports for mobile device charging. The battery itself charges via a built-in cable, which pulls out when needed. It’s also designed to be left plugged in if desired, so it will always be fully charged when it’s needed.
Long story short, if you’re looking for a rugged, professional-grade jump starter, go for the Jump-N-Carry. Prefer a more compact, consumer-grade option with extra features? Grab the HULKMAN instead.
Buy on AmazonBest Portable Jump Starter and Air Compressor: STANLEY J5C09
Ever had a dead battery and a flat tire at the same time? No? Well, for those unfortunate souls out there who have, the Stanley J5C09 is their savior.
This jump starter includes a built-in air compressor, offering 120PSI (adequate to refill vehicle tires), as well as a 1000 peak amp jump starter. There’s also a rotating LED light that makes it easier to jump a vehicle at night, and the JC509 also doubles as a power bank to charge electronics via the USB-A port.
This multi-function device can’t yet drive your vehicle on autopilot or change your oil, but we’ll see what Stanley comes up with in next year’s model.
The J5C09 is a versatile option for different kinds of vehicle maintenance. The main downside is that it’s bulky, at 17.2 pounds and 11.3 x 8.0 x 3.5 inches. Additionally, the air compressor cable is quite short, making it awkward to use in some situations.
Buy on AmazonBest Heavy Duty Portable Jump Starter: Schumacher DSR ProSeries
Need to jump start a semi truck or large boat? Look no further than the Schumacher DSR ProSeries. This bad boy can put out up to 4400 peak amps, more than twice the rating of our other top picks.
This is more than enough juice for even the largest vehicles, including class 8 vehicles such as commercial semi trucks, garbage trucks, and even fire engines if you happen to have one of those in your backyard.
This is definitely the best portable jump starter for trucks, as it packs enough power for just about any non-military vehicle out there. It also has 60-inch jumper cables, which are helpful for reaching into the deep engine bays of commercial vehicles, and supports jumping of both 12v and 24v vehicle batteries.
As you would expect, the downsides are bulkiness (41.2lbs, 14 x 10 x 8 inches) and an above-average price tag. For those who need the heavy-duty power punch of a 4400 amp jump starter, though, this is an excellent choice.
Buy on Amazon
Best Compact Jump Starter: SCOSCHE PBJ700-1 PowerUp 700
On the opposite end of the spectrum from the 41lb pick above, you have the SCOSCHE PBJ700-1. This little guy weighs just 2.5lbs, and measures 7.0 x 3.3 x 1.0 inches. It’s nearly pocket-size, and certainly small enough to throw in your glove box or under your vehicle seat.
Despite its small size, this starter packs a punch. The 700 peak amps can jump start vehicles with up to 8-cylinder engines (note: if you have a smaller vehicle, the 6-cylinder version is a good, cheaper option). The PBJ700-1 also has two USB-A ports for charging mobile devices, along with a flashlight to help see what you’re doing in a dark engine bay. The light also has an SOS mode in case of a genuine emergency.
As you’d expect with a compact device, the jumper cables on this unit are quite short. The manufacturer also doesn’t include a wall charger in the package, and it needs at least a 2A (10W) model to charge properly.
Buy on AmazonMain image via Viktollio/Shutterstock.com, product images via Amazon
About the Author
