Detecting your vehicle has a lifeless battery is disturbing at best and a safety risk in the worst winter conditions. The best portable jump starters can be literal lifesaver.
You don’t need jumper cables or a second vehicle. And the latest lithium-ion battery models are small enough to easily carry in your car and much lighter than traditional lead-acid battery jumpers.
One of the biggest problems with needing a jump start using just cables is needing someone else (and their car) there with you. That’s not always possible, so a portable jump starter puts you (back) in the driver’s seat.
Below are five different kinds of jump starters recommended for people with different needs.
Best Overall: NOCO Genius Boost HD GB70 2000A Jump Starter
The NOCO Genius Boost HD GB70 2000A is a small jump starter, but not glove-compartment small. This type of jump starter actually comes in two sizes. The 3000A which is for bigger vehicles, but most folks will find the 2000A meets their needs.
The jump starter as a USB port on the charger for gadgets like your cellphone, but according to the reviews, it doesn’t charge a phone on time. It also as a built-in light to help you discover something inside your vehicle, however, it won’t brighten the side of the road, for example. While this jump starter is on the more expensive side, we still think it’s the one most people should get.
Peak Amps: 2000 | Dimensions: 6×2.5×8.6 inches | Weight: 5 lbs.
Best for Versatility: Black + Decker Portable Power Station PPRH5B
The Black + Decker Portable Power Station gives the most versatility of any jump starter. However, it is useful but heavy, it consists of an air compressor and more than types of power connections. Specs: 1,200 peak amps for jump starts 17 amp hours of stored capacity19.6 pounds
Advantages
- Built-in 120 air compressor
- Includes two 120 volt A/C outlets and a USB portAble to power small electronic appliances
Disadvantages
- Large and heavy, weighing almost 20 pounds. Does not include a power cord for charging
With a built-in air-compressor and LED work light, The Black + Decker Portable Power Station gives everything you could need in a portable power source, it lives up to its name with jumper cables, a USB port, and two 120 volt outlets. It will start most vehicles and includes a reverse-polarity alarm for safety.
The Black + Decker Portable Power Station has weight than most portable chargers at 19.6 pounds, Measuring 15.25 inches with the aid of using 6 inches by 13 inches, it won’t suit in a glove however it won’t take up much trunk room.
It gives 450 amps of non stop electricity and 17 amp hours of saved capacity and will run small electronic devices. The one drawback is a power cord is sold separately, but the Power Station can be charged with a regular extension cord.
Best Portable Jump Starter and Air Compressor: STANLEY J5C09
Additionally, There it also as a rotating LED light that makes it easier to jump a vehicle at night, and the JC509 also doubles as a power bank to charge electronics via the USB-A port.
This multi-function device can’t yet drive your vehicle on autopilot or change your oil, but we’ll see what Stanley comes up with in next year’s model.
The J5C09 is a flexible alternative for any kinds of vehicle maintenance. The main downside is that it’s bulky, at 17.2 pounds and 11.3 x 8.0 x 3.5 inches. I’m addition, the air compressor cable is quite short, making it awkward to use in some situations.
Advantages
- It has a built-in air compressor
- Jump start car, refill tires, and recharge devices
- 1000 peak amps
- Improper connection alarm
- Rotating LED light
Disadvantages
- Bulky
- Air compressor hose too short for comfortable use
Most Compact: Scosche PowerUp 700 Portable Jump Starter
Scosche PBJ700-1 PowerUp 700 Portable Car Jump Starter includes 15,000 mah 700A Portable Battery, Dual USB Ports and Built-in LED Flashlight
Peak Amps: 700 | Dimensions: 9.8×6.9×3.6 inches | Weight: 2.5 lbs.
Best Versatility: Audew 2000A Upgraded Car Jump Starter
The cost we’re talking about is needing to recharge your jump starter every 30 days. And if you forget just one time, you might be stuck in a parking lot.
Peak Amps: 2000 | Dimensions: 8.7×3.5×1.1 inches | Weight: 1.3 lbs.
