The best portable jump starters: Expert tested for winter and beyond
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A dead car battery in the middle of the winter can leave you stranded at the worst possible moment. Sure, traditional jumper cables work in a pinch, but they rely on the kindness of a passing stranger. What if nobody is around? This is where a portable jump starter comes in.
A portable jump starter gives you the power to revive your battery anytime, anywhere. Today's portable jump starters go beyond just a quick boost, however. Some models are compact and lightweight so that you can toss them in your glove compartment. Others pack extra features such as built-in air compressors, USB charging ports, and AC outlets.
Also: The best dash cams you can buy
What is the best portable jump starter right now?
To help you find the best portable jump starter for your car, I've researched and compared different models for peak amps, size, weight, price, and additional features like flashlights and air compressors. My top pick for the best portable jump starter is the Everstart Maxx 1200A since it can be used for different types of vehicles and has a built-in air compressor to help you fill your tires. Read on for the rest of our jump starter choices to find the one that will be right for you.
The best portable jump starters of 2025
The Everstart Maxx 1200 amp portable charger is one of the best for your roadside emergency kit. I have one for my 2021 Chevy Trailblazer, and it fits nicely in the trunk's sidewall well compartments when I need to keep it out of the way for groceries or potting soil and plants. The 1200amp peak output is plenty of juice to jumpstart just about any commuter vehicle with a gas or diesel engine; it's even enough for V8 engines to get a kickstart when needed.
It also has an integrated 120psi tire inflator with an auto-stop for when you need to quickly top up your tires before work or while on a road trip. It even has a 500W inverter with 3 USB ports and a 120V plug for charging devices in an emergency.
Everstart Max 1200A features: Peak amps: 1200 amps | Weight: 15 pounds | Dimensions: 14.5 x 11 x 9 inches | Max engine size: V8
The Noco Boost Plus GB40 is an excellent and affordable addition to any garage toolkit or roadside emergency kit. It offers up to a 1000A peak, which is plenty of power for up to 6L gas or 3L diesel engines. Its compact, lightweight design makes it easy to keep in your trunk, glove box, or toolbox until you need it.
With spark-proof clamps and reverse polarity protection, you can quickly and safely attach the GB40 to any compatible vehicle battery for a quick jump or charge. The body of the GB40 is IP65-rated for water resistance, which means that the delicate electronics inside will be protected even in wet and rainy conditions.
Stanley J5C09 specs: Peak amps: 1000 amps | Weight: 7.94 ounces | Dimensions: 4.61 x 8.19 x 4.21 inches | Max engine size: 6L gas, 3L diesel
If you've got commercial vehicles, construction equipment, or large pickup trucks, the Avapow 6000A portable jump starter is a must-have for your tool kit. It's designed specifically for large vehicles with up to a 12L diesel engine, so anyone driving vehicles ranging from farm trucks to long-haul semis can have peace of mind while on the road. It provides up to 6000 amps and has several safety features like reverse polarity alarms and a silicone case to prevent damage and injury.
The unit also acts as a portable power bank with built-in USB ports to keep your phone and other devices charged in an emergency. The clamp cables measure 26 inches long, giving you a bit more leeway when working within large engine compartments where batteries might not be reached easily. While many customers who bought the Avapow 6000A portable jump starter said they love its compact size and simplicity of use, some reported mixed results when trying to jump-start larger diesel vehicles.
Avapow 6000A portable jump starter specs: Peak amps: 6000 amps | Weight: 2.75 pounds | Dimensions: 10.98 x 6 x 5.63 inches | Max engine size: All gas, 12L diesel
This may technically be a portable power station, if you opt to purchase the additional jumper cables you can also use it to start your car, truck, or SUV if you're out camping. And with a variety of ports, you can keep up to 12 devices charged in an emergency.
Review: Vtoman FlashSpeed 1500
ZDNET expert Adrian Kingsley-Hughes got to test the Vtoman FlashSpeed 1500 himself, noting that the jump starting feature is unique among portable power stations and could be vital in an emergency. He also praised the fast recharge time, which means you'll be able to take advantage of even brief periods of restored power.
Vtoman FlashSpeed 1500 specs: Peak amps: 1500 amps | Weight: 41.5 pounds | Dimensions: 15.6 x 10.5 x 11 inches | Max engine size: Not specified
The AstroAI 2000A might be a compact unit, but it can provide up to 2,000 amps of output as well as store enough charge for over a dozen jump starts. The integrated display provides a bright, clear image that's easy to read. There are also two different modes for jump-starting your vehicle: the standard jump and boost mode for when your battery is severely depleted.
Review: AstroAI 2000A
ZDNET's resident expert on portable power Adrian Kingsley-Hughes ran the AstroAI 2000A through its paces and praised its integrated USB ports for keeping portable devices like smartphones charged during a roadside emergency. It also has an integrated flashlight with multiple modes.
AstroAI 2000A specs: Peak amps: 2,000 amps | Weight: 2.24 pounds | Dimensions: 7.72 x 5.2 x 3.78 inches | Max engine size: 7L gas, 4L Diesel
What is the best portable jump starter?
I chose the Everstart Maxx 1200A as the best portable jump starter because of its compatibility with a wide range of gas and diesel vehicles, including those with V8 engines. It also has a built-in 120PSI tire inflator for quick top-ups on the go, a 500W inverter with 3 USB ports, and a 120V outlet for charging devices in emergencies. The integrated handle makes it easy to move around, and the compact size allows you to keep it tucked away in your trunk or back seat without sacrificing a ton of space.
Best portable jump starter | Price | Peak amps | Max engine size |
Everstart Maxx 1200A | $84 | 1200 amps | 6L gas, 3L diesel |
Noco Boost Plus GB40 | $99 | 1000 amps | 6L gas, 3L diesel |
Avapow 6000A | $170 | 6000 amps | All gas, 12L diesel |
Vtoman FlashSpeed 1500 | $1,100 | 1,500W/3,000W generator capacity | Not specified |
AstroAI 2000A | $70 | 2,000 amps | 7L gas, 4L diesel |
*MSRP at time of writing. Please note that actual price may vary by retailer and available deals or promotions.
Which portable jump starter is right for you?
The best portable jump starter for your needs is one that has both a peak and sustained amperage output that is suitable for your vehicle. Smaller cars, light pickup trucks, and things like ATVs don't need as much power as a diesel engine pickup or semi. For typical drivers, a jump starter with a peak output between 1000 and 1400 amps should be more than enough power. But if you have a fleet of commercial vehicles, construction equipment, or even marine vehicles, you'll want something with an output of up to 6000 amps.
Buy this portable jump starter... | If you need... |
Everstart Maxx 1200A | A well-rounded portable jump starter. It also has a built-in tire inflator as well as USB ports for charging devices. |
Noco Boost Plus GB40 | A budget-friendly portable jump starter. The Boost Plus GB40 retails for just under $100 while still offering a 1000-amp peak and a rugged, water resistant casing. |
Avapow 6000A | A portable jump starter for large vehicles. It has an output of up to 6000 amps, which means you can use it on vehicles with up to a 12 liter diesel engine. |
Vtoman FlashSpeed 1500 | A unit that does more than jump start your battery. It's a portable generator that can power up to 12 devices at once, with 3,00W of peak output. |
AstroAI 2000A | A compact portable jump starter. It may be small, but still gives you up to 2,000 amps to start a variety of gas and diesel engines. |
Factors to consider when choosing a portable jump starter
Aside from price, there were several other factors I considered when comparing portable jump starters for this list.
- Size: Not every car or garage has the space to store large, bulky portable jump starters or battery chargers. I made sure to include compact models as well as larger ones.
- Power output: Not all portable jump starters are created equal. If you have a large truck or commercial vehicle, you'll need a jump starter with a higher amperage output than the one you would use on your grandma's ancient Crown Victoria. Conversely, if you drive an ultra-compact car or have small engine equipment like ATVs, you'll need something with a weaker output so you don't burn up your battery or alternator.
- Multiple uses and other features: Several brands like Stanley and DeWalt make portable jump starters that also act as tire inflators, power banks for charging devices, radios, and even flashlights. I made sure to include a few of these for anyone who doesn't like the idea of a single-purpose device.
How did we choose these best portable jump starters?
While testing and researching each portable jump starter on this list, I kept these criteria in mind:
- Multifunctionality: Nobody has the space or patience to maintain an arsenal of special tools and devices for their vehicle. So I made sure that each model on this list offered at least one other function, be it an air compressor, power bank, or built-in flashlight.
- Vehicle compatibility: No two people are going to drive the exact same car, or have the same power needs for all of their vehicles. Each model on this list has been verified for use in both gas and diesel vehicles as well as marine batteries and ATVs.
- Portability: The whole point of having a portable jump starter is to be able to take it with you, whether that's on a cross-country road trip or a jaunt across town to the grocery store. While each model may differ in size, each one featured on this list has been vetted for in-vehicle storage.
FAQs on portable jump starters
What's the difference between a portable jump starter and a battery charger?
A jump starter is a piece of equipment that is meant to give a short, powerful burst of energy to your battery in order to get the engine to turn over. After your battery is successfully jump-started, you should let your car run for at least 30 minutes so the alternator can recharge the battery.
A battery charger, however, is designed to deliver a slow, steady, much lower level of energy to recharge a battery from depletion safely or to perform regular battery conditioning for peak performance.
Can a jump starter damage the alternator?
Alternators are pretty resilient pieces of equipment and are built to be resistant to all kinds of outside influences. However, you can severely damage it when trying to jump start your car if you have the cables connected to the wrong battery nodes or if you have the incorrect battery type. Always make sure your cables are connected correctly and that the battery is the correct size and power for your vehicle.
Can a battery be too dead to jump start?
Absolutely. Batteries, including car and truck batteries, aren't meant to hold a charge forever. Factors such as time, temperature, and even how often you use your vehicle can affect how the battery discharges. If a battery sits for years or experiences extreme temperatures, the battery will slowly discharge energy, which can lead to it not holding enough of a charge to even be jump-started. If this happens, the only option is to replace the battery with a brand-new one. Fortunately, many places offer discounts for bringing in old batteries or recycling programs to keep dangerous chemicals from leaking batteries out of landfills.