The best option if you need to be completely sure that you can start a dead car battery.
Works up to 80 times between charges. LED flashlight. Charges devices via USB or 12V connections. Helpful voltmeter. Rugged design. Mistake-proof cables.
Bulkier than other models, which can make it more difficult to operate for some.
This charger holds up to 20 jumps and doubles as a flashlight and strobe light when you need it most.
It works on a wide scope of cars, trucks, boats, and RVs. It's filled with safety features to keep the power where you need it. The quick-charging battery works with any 3.0 USB Port. You get cables and a charging cord, too.
The results are inconsistent for some chargers.
A mid-sized model with enough power for almost all passenger vehicles.
1700 peak amps. Includes voltmeter to display charge status on onboard battery. Cables, case, and clamps are heavy-duty and built to last. Contains a great handle that makes it easy to move. Works on some larger batteries.
No lights or mobile device charging ports.
This portable device holds up to 20 jump starts most engines up to 6.0L with every charge.
It's safe and easy to use and won't be a problem to store when you're not using it. Not only is it a jump starter, but it's also a power bank and charger with an SOS strobe, too. You get a charger, cable, clamps, and a bag in the box.
Some buyers reported inconsistent jumping results.
A compact, durable option for SUV owners.
Small and lightweight, but boasts 300A for 6-cylinder engines up to 3.5L. Charges devices via dual 5V USB ports. Built-in LED flashlight with SOS mode. LED battery indicator.
Must be charged at least twice each year.
We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.
A traditional jump-starter combines a pair of jumper cables and another car for the times when your vehicle’s battery dies. Compared to this old alternative, contemporary jump-starters are small and portable enough to keep out of the way until those unexpected emergencies, meaning they are a smart investment to stay safe and prepared.
The right jump-starter depends on the type of vehicle you drive and its engine. Since smaller vehicles will require less current for a jump-start, you can choose something with a lower power level and smaller footprint. SUVs and trucks, on the other hand, will require more power to get up and running. This will increase the size and price of the jump-starter depending on the battery type.
There are three ways to get juice into a flat battery:
A battery charger that you plug into the household electrical supply. Some can give a boost in half an hour or so that might get your car started. Generally, they provide a trickle charge over 12 to 24 hours. They work fine, but they're slow.
Jumper cables consist of a bunch of wires wrapped in an insulating rubber or plastic sheath, with crocodile clips on each end. Cheap, simple, and can be very effective. The drawback is that you need another vehicle to piggyback off of. Even then, starting isn't guaranteed. If that vehicle is smaller or its battery isn't in top condition, it might not provide enough current.
Jump-starters, for all their apparent complexity, are basically quite simple. A powerful battery wrapped in a case, with jumper cables attached. They provide instant current without the need for a donor vehicle. You can start your car or truck yourself in just a few minutes.
So, we know what a jump-starter does, but why are there so many to choose from? In essence, there are two reasons:
The smaller the vehicle, the less current the jump-starter has to supply. That leads to models with a wide variety of different power levels. This is fine because not everyone needs to start a V8 pickup.
Manufacturers try to tempt you with a variety of extras. Control technology, built-in safety features, and a host of useful (and not so useful) options.
These elements impact performance and price, so let's look at each in turn.
In order to get your vehicle going, a jump-starter has to supply sufficient current (measured in amps) to get the starter motor cranking over. That, in turn, fires the engine. The jump-starter feeds current through the battery – temporarily taking its place. As soon as the vehicle is running, the jump-starter is disconnected and, if all is working properly, the vehicle begins charging its own battery.
Inside the jump-starter is one of two types of battery: lead-acid (the same kind as in your vehicle) or lithium (the kind you would usually associate with power tools).
Lead-acid versions have been around for decades. They are proven, effective, reliable, and durable. The downside is that they're bulky and heavy – anything from 15 to 30 pounds.
Lithium versions are much more compact; many would fit in a glove box. They weigh a couple of pounds or less. They also have smart microprocessor control, so they not only start your car, they can charge your phone, tablet, or laptop. The drawback with lithium models is lower performance. Though high-performance models are becoming more widely available, they tend to cost more.
With the exception of smaller models (used to start garden tractors and that kind of thing), the battery inside a jump-starter is the same voltage as your vehicle: 12 volts. However, what's more important is the current it supplies, in amps.
The motor in the average family compact needs far fewer amps to turn it over than the one in a sports car or big SUV. If you've ever bought batteries for different vehicles, you probably know that some need a higher ampere-hour (Ah) rating than others.
So, if you have a small car, you don't need a big, expensive jump-starter. On the other hand, if you've got a rumbling V8, then a cheap, low-output jump-starter isn't going to make it hiccup, let alone run.
So, the solution is easy, right? Choose a jump-starter with the same ampere-hours as your car.
Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. Amps and ampere-hours aren't quite the same things. Also, jump-starter manufacturers usually report peak amps, which doesn't really mean a lot except as a comparison. What you really want are cranking amps (CA) or cold cranking amps (CCA).
No wonder choosing a jump-starter is confusing!
If you can find cranking amp figures, the following is a useful guide, albeit approximate:
For gas engines, you’ll need:
150 to 200 amps for a 4-cylinder.
200 to 250 amps for a 6-cylinder.
250 to 300 amps for an 8-cylinder.
For diesel engines, you’ll need:
250 to 400 amps for a 4-cylinder.
400 to 500 amps for a 6-cylinder.
500 to 700 amps for an 8-cylinder.
Peak amps may be the only figure you can compare across several manufacturers.
Look for 600 to 1,000 amps from a lithium-based jump-starter, and 1,000 amps or more from a lead-acid model.
Bottom line? If you can afford it – and certainly if you have multiple vehicles – go big. As our automotive expert says, you can have too few amps, but never too many!
Lead-acid jump-starters, being larger, have room for features that wouldn't fit in the compact case of lithium models.
Compressors are popular, useful for inflating tires in an emergency.
12-volt DC outlets can power suitable accessories.
A 120-volt inverter might be included, feeding power to ordinary household power outlets.
A worklight is common, and sometimes detachable. Very useful if you're trying to start a car in the dark.
A USB port is also common.
Voltmeters and charge indicators are useful additions, so you can see when your jump-starter needs charging.
Long cables make it easy to clamp to battery terminals while keeping the jump-starter on solid ground.
Strong clips help make a good connection, biting through the corrosion that often forms on battery terminals.
Cases are usually robust, built to take everyday knocks and scratches.
Most have overload protection that prevents damage to your vehicle.
The compact size of lithium jump-starters doesn't allow for 120-volt outlets. Instead, they concentrate on providing power for your electronic devices.
At least one, and often two USB ports (Smart technology adapts current to the device being attached.)
12 volt DC outlet
LED worklight (may have multiple brightness settings or emergency strobe)
LCD screen giving a variety of useful info
Compass
Microprocessor control (prevents overloads on vehicles and digital devices)
Polarity sensors (warn if you've attached jumper cables to the wrong terminals)
Cables are usually shorter, though the size of case makes it easy to position in the engine bay.
Regardless of type, always bear in mind that the more features you use, the faster you'll drain your jump-starter. Though most provide excellent performance and multiple vehicle starts between charges, it's basically a battery in a case, not a portable generator.
There is a huge variety of jump-starters available, with something to fit any budget. Of course, you usually pay more for extra bells and whistles, so it's worth considering whether you'll actually use those enticing options very often.
There are some very cheap jump-starters around, but durability might not be what you hope. That said, a good, basic model, capable of starting the average compact, shouldn't cost more than about $50.
Something that will handle sedans, station wagons, and small trucks will be between $70 and $120. In this price range, you'll find everything from lead-acid jump-starters with lights and compressors to smart lithium models that will start your car and charge all your electronic gadgets.
Many of these models claim to start powerful gas and diesel engines. They'll certainly handle the vast majority of family vehicles. However, jump-starter performance depends on the time since it was last charged, the temperature, and the state of the engine being started. If you want something you can guarantee will start your muscle car, you'll need a high-end jump-starter. For one of those, you'll be paying around the $200 mark.
If you have several vehicles of different sizes, you need a jump-starter for the most powerful. There's no need to worry about delivering too much current for smaller vehicles; the jump-starter will only provide what the motor draws from it.
You might want to consider a small lithium jump-starter even if you've already got a big lead-acid one. Lithium models are great for charging your electrical gadgets, and one makes a very useful addition to your camping gear or RV.
Many jump-starters have on-board storage for cables and safe areas for clips. Use them, or disconnect cables from your jump-starter after use – even when the machine is switched off. Accidental discharge can cause extremely painful shocks. Sparks could start a fire.
A. It's not really a question of which is better; it's which is most suitable for you. Lithium jump-starters are small enough to keep in a glove box, but many lack the power to start big motors. Traditional jump-starters pack more punch, but are a lot larger and heavier. Our jump-starter report gives a complete picture. Reading through should help you decide which is right for you.
A. It depends on the model. Some arrive fully charged, others need anywhere from 4 to 24 hours. It's not difficult – they just plug into an ordinary household outlet – but you must check the manufacturer's instructions.
A. Peak amps are the maximum current available. Manufacturers love to quote it because it's the biggest number! Cranking amps is the current available at 32°F (0°C). It must be supplied for 30 seconds, at 7.2 volts minimum. Cold cranking amps is the current available at 0°F (-18°C). Again, it must be supplied for 30 seconds, at 7.2 volts minimum. The cold makes engines more difficult to start, so more current is needed.
There is no direct conversion, but a jump-starter with peak amps of 1,500 might only produce 400 cranking amps, which is roughly 320 cold cranking amps. If you can compare CCA ratings, that's when the jump-starter is working hardest, but often makers don't give figures. Peak amps is a reasonable alternative.
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