Finding yourself needing a jump without anyone around to help you can be a very stressful situation. You know that it can cost you a great deal to have someone come to assist you, especially if you happen to be far from a town or city. In some cases, it may even take many hours for a company to reach you, depending on how busy they are and how far you are from their location. It is ideal to have a jump starter for your vehicle on hand in case of such an emergency.
However, many options are available on the market, and they are by no means all the same. Some have the capability to jump-start an average vehicle, while others come with added features that can increase your safety or enable them to be used for other things as well. To make the right purchase decision, you will want to learn about all of the possible features and consider how they might be beneficial to you. In addition, it is ideal for taking some time to research the various products and brands to be sure that you are getting a good value for the money that you spend and will have the confidence that the product will work properly when the time comes to put it to use.
Recommended Portable Jump Starters:
With a weight of nearly 20 lbs, STANLEY J5C09 isn't precisely the tiniest jumpstarter in this list. However, it's among the most robust. With a staggering 500 starting amps and a peak of 1000 amps, this jumper can begin trucks and other big vehicles.
Apart from its impressive output, the STANLEYJ5C09 has several beneficial features that could help you. The most prominent one is the built-in air compressor that can inject air into your bike, tires, or other equipment for sports. It also comes with a backlight gauge and an LED flashlight that pivots, which can be used to jump your car at night, along with the charging port (USB and 12-volt DC) to ensure your devices are fully charged while on the move.
If you want to add bells and whistles for an easy-to-use jumper (and you've got enough room in your vehicle), The STANLEY J5C09 is an excellent choice.
- Amps: 500
- Peak amps: 1000
- Capacity: 19 Ah
- Weight: 18lbs
Pros
- Suitable for Bigger Cars and Trucks
- High-starting amps and peak amps
- It includes an integrated air compressor
- Has a reverse polarity detection system
- USB and DC charging ports are included
Cons
- A bit more expensive than many other portable jump starters
- It is recommended to recharge the device after every use
- Bulky design
The NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000 is an excellent option if you're searching for an easily portable one. You can use a jump starter on occasions when your battery goes out. It's compact enough to fit in your car's trunk or glove compartment and has enough power to allow for 20 jump starts in one charge. This particular model can generate 1000 peak amps. However, NOCO also offers other models with more outputs.
This gadget might be the best choice if you've never tried an electronic portable jumper. It's because it has NOCO's UltraSafe technology that will notify you when the clamps aren't correctly connected. We consider it an outstanding safety feature, particularly for those who haven't experienced drivers or don't like traditional jumper cables.
Alongside the jump starter options, you'll also get the USB charging port, LED flashlights with various lighting settings, and the SOS option.
- Amps: 1000
- Peak amps: 1000
- Capacity: 12 Ah
- Weight: 2.4lbs
Pros
- Compact, lightweight design
- Safety features like UltraSafe as well as emergency lighting
- Water-resistant and rubberized casings to avoid damage
Cons
- Not as robust as other jump starters
- The USB output for charging could be more powerful
- Short cable length may make it difficult for some users to use
With a peak amp of 800, this Tacklife T8 has a smaller output than other portable jump starters on this list, yet it has the features you require to start your car.
Tacklife T8 will provide 30 jump-starts before needing to recharge. You can turn off the device between uses, ensuring it has a battery for 12 months. (To determine the remaining battery, look at the LCD at the device's front.) Be aware that charging could take as long as 4.5 hours.
Regarding additional extras, the T8 includes most of the modern features of its rivals. It has an emergency lightbulb (with warning signals for emergencies), two USB chargers, a 12-volt DC port, and an excellent compass for hiking and camping.
- Amps: 800
- Peak amps: 800
- Capacity: 18 Ah
- Weight: 1.21lbs
Pros
- Affordability
- The compact shape makes it simple to carry
- When used wrongly, a built-in safety alert is activated
Cons
- Not as powerful as comparable portable jump starters
- Long time to recharge
- Incompatible with huge vehicles
The GOOLOO GP1500 is a smaller portable jump starter that is simple for you to transport. It has a peak output of 1500 amps. This is needed to kick-start the gasoline engine of 8-litre or a diesel engine that's 6-litre in size. Additionally, if you're not using jumper cables, you can use 2 USB ports to ensure your devices are powered up.
To help you start your car in the dark, the GP1500 comes with an inbuilt flashlight. If you're stuck or require urgent assistance, change the light to SOS or strobe mode. This may seem insignificant, but it's a great way to gain additional peace of mind during an emergency.
As you'd expect from a jump starter of this size, the cables of the GP1500 are a bit short, which means it's probably not the best choice for those with a larger vehicle. It's a good choice for those with medium-sized automobiles who wish to use this device to charge their tablets, smartphones, and other electronic devices.
- Amps: 1500
- Peak amps: 1500
- Capacity: 18 Ah
- Weight: 2.57lbs
Pros
- Design that is sleek and easy to carry
- Reverse polarity detection to avoid injuries and damages
- Tree colors are available (yellow, red and green)
Cons
- It may not be suitable for larger cars
- Less expensive solutions available if you do not require USB charging functionality
If you plan to use your portable jump starter to serve as a smartphone energy source, you'll require an item that can be recharged quickly. So, it's always positioned to jump-start your car and keep your smartphone charged. In this regard, we'll focus on the HULKMAN Alpha85 Jump Starter with the company's trademarked Speed Charge 65 watt that can fill the battery from 0 percent to 100% in just 1.5 hours. In addition, the company claims just 20 percent of energy is enough to begin your car if required.
The starter's capacity is the capacity of 2000 cranking amps at the peak, which allows it to jump-start vehicles that have the size of an 8.5-liter gasoline engine or 6.0-liter diesel engine. HULKMAN states that this model can jump-start 60 times with just one charge! Inside, it's a 20000 mAh battery bank. Additionally, it comes with the added benefit of a 12-volt port that can provide power to all of your DC-powered devices, such as the portable tire inflator. It also has a built-in flashlight with three modes and a 3.3-inch screen that shows status information.
This is housed inside a rugged enclosure with IP65 resistance, making it impervious to dust, rain, and drops. HULKMAN also comes with a 24-month warranty and a lifetime of technical support.
- Amps: 2000
- Peak amps: 2000
- Capacity: 20 Ah
- Weight: 4.58lbs
Pros
- Speed Charger with 65 watts of power
- Rugged and IP65 resistant
- Internal battery with a capacity of 20,000 mAh
Cons
- Doesn't have a carrying bag or storage case
- Might not be able to function in extremely cold temperatures
The Clore Auto Jump-N'Carry Starter. It has 425 cranking amps as well as 1,700 maximum amps. This compact starter comes with PROFORMER battery technology created to offer the highest power output, long cranking power, as well as an extended duration of use. The charger comes with 46-inch, high-end, 2 AWG copper-insulated cables with industrial-grade Hot Jaw clamps.
Although it's not as sleek as the other jump starters listed and does not have a USB output on it, there's also a voltmeter at the front to verify the state of the battery within the starter.
This jumper is perfect for car owners who require something more durable. It's contained in a heavy, robust case impervious to shop fluids and built to meet the demands of professional use. It also has a comfortable handle that makes it simple to transport around.
- Amps: 425
- Peak amps: 1700
- Capacity: 22 Ah
- Weight: 18lbs
Pros
- One of the most well-designed jump starters
- A battery that can be replaced
Cons
- Warranty coverage is extremely restricted
Viking has battery packs that allow you to jump one car starting at 1,700 amps to a 3,400 amp model. However, battery jumpers get bigger and, most importantly, heavier the more powerful they are, and unless you are looking to start massive engines powered by diesel, this will be the only jump starter you require. It's listed at 555 cold-cranking amps, comparable to automobile batteries. They can help turn a large engine to full speed for an extended duration.
It's housed in a rugged case with a top-carrying handle. The Viking Portable Jump Starter and Power Pack weigh an impressive 26 pounds due to its vast 22,000 mAh lead-acid battery. However, it's a small unit to power up at 14 inches across with a height of 16 inches and just four inches deep.
Alongside the weight comes large power and features like 55-inch leads, 2AWG with ultra-bright five-mode, a six-LED array, the DC (cigarette lighter) power port, and a USB port. We like the power port in the recess to charge the box from a wall outlet and the master disconnect switch to ensure no power supply to the jump leads if you don't want to. If you're planning on driving a car through frigid temperatures or need to make sure that you can run any engine, this Viking Portable Jump Starter and Power Pack is a fantastic option.
- Amps: 555
- Peak amps: 1700
- Capacity: 22 Ah
- Weight: 26lbs
Pros
- V8 gasoline and V6 diesel engines can be started
- Clamps with extra-heavy duty 55 in. 2 AWG cables
- LED light with five modes of operation
- Socket for DC output
Cons
- Too large to transport in a car on a regular basis
- Pricier than light-duty units
The main feature of a portable jump starter is how many amps of electricity it can provide during a jump start. Most vehicles require at least 400 amps of power in order to get enough life in the battery to start. However, if you have a larger vehicle, such as a truck, SUV, or certain vans, you may need more power. 1000 amps are usually sufficient to start any personal vehicle on the market, but it is best to take a look at your owner's manual to be sure that you know exactly what it is that you will need. Of course, the more power than you will need, the more expensive the product will likely be. There is no harm in having more power than is necessary, but not having enough power will mean not being able to jump-start your vehicle in an emergency.
How to Choose Portable Jump Starters
Additional Features in Portable Jump Starters
They can both be useful and increase safety when needing to use it.
Addition of safety lights
This is great if you find yourself stuck on the side of the road at night. For example, if you are experiencing car trouble and a jump start is not going to get your vehicle running, but you do not want to waste the battery in your vehicle running the hazard lights, you could use your jump starter instead. It is always ideal to have some hazard lights running to help reduce the chances that another vehicle will hit yours. This can also alert other drivers that you are in need of assistance or make it easier for a tow truck driver to find you.
Charge your device with your vehicle
Of course, the key is to use this feature before you find yourself needed a jump. Being able to charge it in your vehicle ensures that you do not accidentally forget it at home while charging it so that it is always in your vehicle when you need it. There isn't much use in having something of this nature if there is a risk of not having it when you need to put it to use.
Equipped with a radio
This is a good option to have if you find yourself in a weather emergency such as a snowstorm or extreme wind and rain. There are times when it just becomes too dangerous to continue driving, but using your car battery for the radio and other features could put you at risk of becoming stranded. Radio can help you to stay informed about the weather conditions and whether or not it is necessary to seek better shelter, such as a risk of a tornado or hurricane.
Has USB or power plug connections
If you enjoy going camping or spending a lot of time traveling, you may want to consider a product that allows you to use the power source for other things such as charging your cell phone or other small devices. Some allow for USB or power plug connections so that you can have the option to use it as a small generator. Of course, it is essential not to use all of the power it supplies before you charge it up again.
Various sizes and weights
One way in which these products can differ a great deal is their size. In the past, they were very large due to the amount of power that was needed. However, with the advancement of battery technology, you can find products that are so small that they can fit in your hand. These smaller options can cost more since they are a newer option, but there are benefits. The main one being that they do not have to take up a large amount of space to be taken with you wherever you might go. In some cases, these smaller versions can also have additional features as well, such as being a power source for other needs that you might have when you are away from home. Of course, it is still important to be sure that you keep it charged for emergencies, just like you would a larger model.
Decide what features are necessary
Now that you know about the various features that are available and have considered exactly what it is that you would like to get from your portable jump starter, you are ready to investigate your options. Many different brands are available on the market, and they are not all of the same quality. For example, some will last for many charges and jumps, while others are known to have a shorter lifespan.
Read reviews
The best way to do this is to take the time to find products that match the features that you are looking for. Take note of the product name and model. Then find quality sites that provide reviews that have been left by previous customers. Read through as many of the reviews as you find to be reasonable. Specifically, look for both positive and negative reviews. Take notes so that you can remember the information about each product later when you are ready to make your purchase. Also, note the price and the website that you found it so that you can easily find it if it is the one that you decide to purchase.
Watch product testing videos
You can also learn a lot by looking for videos of people personally testing out the product. This can show you just how well the features work and give you some information that you wouldn't be able to get without personally trying the product yourself. Of course, you want to check to see if they were paid to provide the information or got the product for free. This does not mean that the information provided isn't valuable, but it is something that you want to take into consideration.
Compare Your Options
You want to compare at least 3 portable jump starters across all of the features that they offer, price and quality. Of course, learning about more options is ideal, but can be somewhat time-consuming. After you have taken the time to learn about each option, you are ready to make your final decision. Of course, it can be tempting to purchase the option that has all of the features that you want for the lowest price, but that is not always the best choice. Quality is a huge factor when it comes to these products. You want to be sure that what you purchase will be there for you to use when you need it. In many cases, it is necessary to pay more to get the quality that you need.
While the whole process of buying an excellent portable jump starter for your car can take some time, it is well worth the effort. You want something that you can trust will work when you need it to. Taking the time to follow the steps above will help to ensure that you will get a quality product at a reasonable price.
FAQs
Are portable jump starters the equivalent to jumping cables?
No. With a portable jump starter, you can start your car with a rechargeable battery and cables. Booster cables (also known as jumper cables) transfer power from an external source (like another car or battery).
What are the reasons you would need a portable jumper starter?
Someone living or traveling in a distant region will need a backup plan in case their car battery dies, and they can't get help. They're also faster than standard cables and don't require you to ask someone else for a jump. Finally, many portable starters have USB and DC charging outlets, so you can keep your phone charged while traveling.
How to use a jump starter?
Refer to your manufacturer's instructions when utilizing a jump starter, but here's a broad summary.
- Turn off your automobile and your jump starter.
- Open the hood and look for the battery's positive and negative connectors.
- Attach the positive clamp (red) on the positive terminal of the battery.
- Ground the negative clamp (black) to a metal surface, like the engine or body of your car.
- Lay the jump starter flat and turn it on
- Get your car started.
- Turn off the jump starter.
- Remove the negative and then the positive clamps.