When your car battery is dead, you only have so many options. The usual method for reviving it is hoping a kind stranger will stop and give you a jump using a set of cables. You could also call a tow truck, though this means finding a ride for yourself and could be costly. Jump starting a car yourself is another option. Jump starters are powerful batteries with attached jumper cables that can spark your battery back to life without the need for another car.
In this article: Gooloo Upgraded Jump Starter, Avapow Jump Starter and Stanley Jump Starter
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Jump starters have one of two types of batteries inside them.
Jump starters typically have the same voltage as most car batteries: 12. The range of amps is much wider, though, to fit the gulf of requirements among all types of cars. For example, a small sedan doesn't need much of a boost to get its battery going again, while a huge diesel engine needs quite a bit of a boost.
However, amps are listed in several types, and they all mean different things. The most important types of amps you can find are peak, cranking and cold-cranking amps.
If a jump starter lists peak amps, look for at least 600 on a lithium-ion starter and at least 1,000 for a lead-acid starter.
If a jump starter lists cranking or cold-cranking amps, you'll need to meet various thresholds to power your car battery.
If you don't want to consult charts and can afford them, you could just get the most powerful starter you can find. Having more power will start the vehicle and won't hurt your battery, but not having enough means you're still stuck on the road.
A low-cost jump starter that's just powerful enough to revive a basic sedan usually costs around $50. A more powerful starter that can handle larger cars typically tops out around $100, though the very best in this category can cost up to $150. The strongest starters with all the best extra features can cost $200 to $400.
This Avapow jump starter has a peak amp rating of 2,000 and can hold a charge for up to 40 starts. It has several USB ports of different types so it can charge multiple devices at once.
This portable car jump starter has a peak amp rating of 1,000. It features a high-powered LED light so you can use it even in the dark. It's lightweight and compact, making it easy to stash in your car.
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AstroAI S8 Car Battery Jump Starter
This compact jump starter packs a ton of power, starting up to 6.0L gas or 3.0L diesel engines. Its smart boost feature detects low voltage and helps you get back on the road quickly, while heavy-duty metal clamps and built-in safety protections keep everything secure. It's lightweight and easy to store with five-in-one capability that works as a power bank and LED flashlight with emergency modes.
DeWalt Digital Portable Power Station Jump Starter
This DeWalt jump starter provides 1,600 amps at peak power, an air compressor and USB-A and 25W PD power ports. With a larger temperature range compared to other units, it's ideal for use in extreme temperatures.
GOOLOO A3 Jump Starter with Air Compressor
This Gooloo jump starter has a peak amp rating of 3,000, providing instant restarts for your vehicles with 12V batteries. Thanks to its compact size, it's one of the best portable jump starter options if you have limited space in your car or garage. The unit has seven-in-one capability, allowing you to jump a car battery, inflate a tire and charge USB devices. It can also act as an LED flashlight, bike pump, ball pump or digital pressure gauge.
Hulkman Alpha85 Smart JumpStarter
Another conveniently compact option, this Hulkman jump starter has a peak amp rating of 2,000. It can power up to three devices with the included USB ports and has a built-in LED light.
Schumacher DSR ProSeries Rechargeable Pro Jump Starter
This powerful, professional-grade Schumacher jump starter boasts an amp rating of 4,400. It's capable of jump starting even heavy-duty trucks, with two accessory ports and a rapid-charging feature.
HALO Bolt Air+ 1750 Portable Car Battery Jump Starter
Jump your vehicle, inflate your tires and charge USB-powered devices with this portable battery jump starter. Feel confident jumping any 12-volt car, SUV, truck or marine battery with 6L gas and 3L diesel engines.
Dbpower Portable Car Jump Starter
Another affordable unit, the Dbpower jump starter has a peak amp rating of 1,600. It comes with a charging port, compass and LED light.
Noco Boost Plus GB40 Car Battery Jump Starter
Last but not least, the Noco jump starter has a peak amp rating of 1,000, providing up to 20 starts on a single charge. It has a USB port for charging devices, as well as a built-in LED flashlight.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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