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The 5 best portable jump starters in 2026, by engine size
Updated
Short version: most gas cars and small SUVs are covered by the NOCO Boost GB40, which the maker rates for gas engines up to 6.0 liters. For a V8 truck or a midsize diesel, step up to the NOCO Boost GBX75. If you also want a tire inflator in the same box, look at the GOOLOO A3.
Quick comparison
| Jump starter | Headline amps | Maker gas rating | Maker diesel rating | Amps per gas liter | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOCO Boost GB20 | 500 | 4.0L | None listed | 125 | Small gas engines |
| NOCO Boost GB40 | 1000 | 6.0L | 3.0L | 167 | Most cars and small SUVs |
| NOCO Boost GBX75 | 2500 | 8.5L | 6.5L | 294 | Trucks, fast recharge |
| GOOLOO A3 | 3000 | 9.0L | 6.5L | 333 | Combo with inflator |
| GOOLOO GP4000 | 4000 | All gas engines | 10.0L | Not stated | Big diesels |
Look at the last number column. If amps were measured one way, amps per liter would be about the same on every row. It runs from 125 to 333. That is why we sort by the maker's engine rating and treat the amp number as a label. More on peak amps here.
The picks
Specs and owner feedback checked on Amazon September 18, 2026.
NOCO Boost GB40
Get this one if you drive a gas car, crossover or small SUV and want a small pack from a well-known brand. Skip it if you drive a diesel pickup or live where winters are harsh and your engine is big. The headline is 1000 amps, but the useful line on the listing is this: gas engines up to 6.0 liters and diesel up to 3.0 liters.
Key specs (from the manufacturer listing)
- Maker rating: gas engines up to 6.0L, diesel up to 3.0L. Headline is 1000 peak amps
- Maker claims up to 20 starts per charge and a 3 hour recharge
- Spark-proof and reverse polarity protection
- IP65 rated housing, 100 lumen flashlight with 7 modes
- Listed at about 2.4 pounds. USB-C cable in the box. 1 year warranty
Recurring themes in owner feedback
- They like: Owners call it easy to use and handier than jumper cables. They like the power for its size and say it is small enough to travel with.
- They complain about: Battery life gets mixed reports. Some say it holds a charge for a long time, and others say their unit would not recharge.
Good
- The listing gives a clear gas and diesel limit
- Small enough for a glove box, according to the maker
- Doubles as a phone power bank
Watch out for
- Diesel rating stops at 3.0L, so it is not for diesel trucks
- The bullets we read did not name a manual override mode or a storage temperature range. Check the manual
- 1 year warranty is shorter than the GOOLOO picks
NOCO Boost GB20
Get this one if you drive a compact or midsize gas car and you live where winters are mild. Skip it if you own anything diesel. The listing gives a gas rating of up to 4.0 liters and no diesel rating at all.
Key specs (from the manufacturer listing)
- Maker rating: gas engines up to 4.0L. No diesel rating on the listing. Headline is 500 peak amps
- Maker claims up to 20 starts per charge and a 3 hour recharge
- Spark-proof and reverse polarity protection
- IP65 rated housing, 100 lumen flashlight with 7 modes
- USB-C cable in the box. 1 year warranty
Recurring themes in owner feedback
- They like: Owners say it is strong enough to start most vehicles, with a Honda Pilot named as one example. They like how small it is and call it a must-have for every car.
- They complain about: Battery life gets mixed reports. Some say it still had plenty of charge when needed, and others say their unit would not recharge.
Good
- Same spark-proof and reverse polarity protection claims as the GB40
- Modest amp number with a plain engine limit next to it
Watch out for
- Little headroom. With our cold weather margin it only covers gas engines up to about 2.6L
- No diesel rating
- The listing shows two different weights, so we do not quote one
GOOLOO A3 (jump starter plus tire inflator)
Get this one if you want one box in the trunk for a dead battery and a low tire. Skip it if you only need a jump starter, since some owners report the compressor stopped working after a few uses. The maker rates it for gas engines up to 9.0 liters and diesel up to 6.5 liters.
Key specs (from the manufacturer listing)
- Maker rating: gas up to 9.0L, diesel up to 6.5L. Headline is 3000 amps
- BOOST button for a battery with very low voltage
- Inflator: 150 PSI max and 35 L/min claimed. Auto shut-off at your set pressure, 5 nozzles
- Maker claims up to 45 minutes of inflation, or 8 car tires, per charge
- Listing gives use and storage limits of -4°F to 140°F, and charging limits of 14°F to 113°F
- 10 protections listed, including reverse connection and short circuit. 3.5 pounds. 18 month warranty
Recurring themes in owner feedback
- They like: Owners call it easy to use and handier than finding a second car and cables. They say the tire inflator fills tires quickly and the unit has saved them more than once.
- They complain about: Durability is a concern. Several owners say the air compressor stopped working after a few uses. Some also report units that would not charge.
Good
- The listing states temperature limits in plain numbers
- The listing tells you to recharge at least once every 3 months in storage
- One device covers the two most common roadside problems
Watch out for
- Owners report compressors that stopped working after a few uses
- Running the inflator uses the same battery you need for a jump. Recharge after you use it
NOCO Boost GBX75
Get this one if you drive a V8 truck, a big SUV or a midsize diesel, or you know you will forget to top it up. The maker says 5 minutes on a 60 watt USB-C charger gives enough for one jump, even from empty. Skip it if you drive a small car. You would be paying for engine capacity you cannot use.
Key specs (from the manufacturer listing)
- Maker rating: gas up to 8.5L, diesel up to 6.5L. Rated at 2,500 amps
- Recharges in 1.8 hours on 60 watt USB-C Power Delivery, per the maker. A normal phone charger takes much longer
- Manual override: hold the button 3 seconds for batteries under 3 volts, which the safety sensors may not detect
- Maker claims up to 12 starts per charge. 60 second timer on each attempt
- 60 watt USB-C output for phones, tablets and laptops. 400 lumen flashlight
- Listed at 5 pounds. 1 year warranty
Recurring themes in owner feedback
- They like: Owners say it is easy to use, packs a lot of power into a small box, and starts vehicles quickly. They also like the safety features.
- They complain about: Durability is mixed, with some units failing after about two and a half years. Some point out it does not come with its own wall charger.
Good
- Fastest recharge of our picks
- Override mode is explained clearly on the listing
- Upgraded spark-proof and reverse polarity protection, according to the maker
Watch out for
- Owners note there is no wall charger in the box. You need your own 60 watt USB-C charger to get the fast times
- Some owners report units failing after about two and a half years
- Heaviest pick here
GOOLOO GP4000
Get this one if you have a large diesel pickup, an RV or a tractor and need the highest maker engine rating of our picks. Skip it if you want proof behind the amp number. The listing claims 4000 amps and all gas engines plus diesel up to 10.0 liters, but it does not say how the amps are measured.
Key specs (from the manufacturer listing)
- Maker rating: all gas engines and diesel up to 10.0L. Headline is 4000 amps
- BOOST button for a battery with extremely low voltage
- Maker claims it works from -4°F to 140°F
- USB-C port for recharging, listed at 5V/3A. Wall charger not included
- 10 built-in protections and all-metal clamps, per the maker
- Listing says to charge it every 2 to 3 months when idle. 3.94 pounds. 18 month warranty, storage case included
Recurring themes in owner feedback
- They like: Owners say it is easier than jumper cables, fits well in the car, and starts vehicles right away. One owner said it jumped a fully dead battery.
- They complain about: Battery life and durability are mixed. Some say it kept a full charge for a long time, and others say it would not hold a charge or quit after two uses. Some noted there is no wall charger in the box.
Good
- Highest diesel rating of our picks
- Case and 12V socket adapter in the box
- The listing gives a top-up schedule
Watch out for
- Owner reports on holding a charge are mixed
- The claim of more than 60 starts per charge is a maker claim for most vehicles, not for a big diesel
- 5V/3A charging means a slow refill next to the GBX75
Do these three things on day one
- Charge it to full before it goes in the car. Most packs do not ship full.
- Read the jump starter manual and the jump starting page of your vehicle manual. Find out where your car wants the clamps. Some cars have a remote post under the hood.
- Set a phone reminder to top it up every 3 months. See storage and charging.