A portable jump starter is one of the highest-ROI purchases you can make for a US car. For $100–$150, you get a device that can jump your car 5–20 times on a single charge — saving you a $100+ tow bill the first time you use it, and giving you total independence from other drivers.
But not all jump starters are created equal. We evaluated the top US models of 2026 based on three things that actually matter: real cranking power, safety protections, and cost per jump over the device's lifetime. Here are our top 5 picks.
Our Top Pick: NOCO Boost Plus GB40
Typical price: $100 – $125 on Amazon, Walmart, or AutoZone.
The GB40 is the gold standard for drivers. It's small enough to fit in a glove box, powerful enough to start a V8 truck, and smart enough to protect your car's electronics. If you're buying one jump starter and never want to think about it again, this is it.
Quick Comparison: 2026 US Prices
| Rank | Jump Starter | Peak Amps | US Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NOCO Boost Plus GB40 | 1,000A | $100 – $125 | Most US drivers |
| 2 | HULKMAN Alpha 85 | 2,000A | $150 – $200 | Trucks & diesels |
| 3 | NOCO Boost GB70 | 2,000A | $180 – $220 | Heavy-duty use |
| 4 | Audew 2000A | 2,000A | $60 – $90 | Budget buyers |
| 5 | GOOLOO GT4000 | 4,000A | $130 – $170 | Multi-function use |
1. NOCO Boost Plus GB40 — Best Overall
US Price: $100 – $125
Peak Amps: 1,000A
Engine Range: Gas up to 6.0L, Diesel up to 3.0L
Battery: Lithium-ion, holds charge 12 months
Where to Buy: Amazon, Walmart, AutoZone, O'Reilly
The GB40 is the most recommended jump starter in the US for good reason. It's compact, powerful, and safe. NOCO's built-in protections (reverse polarity, overcharge, overcurrent, spark-proof) mean you can't hurt yourself or your car — even if you connect the clamps wrong.
Why we recommend it:
- Starts gas engines up to 6.0L and diesel up to 3.0L
- Reverse-polarity protection — mistakes won't damage anything
- Holds a charge for up to 12 months (charge it twice a year)
- USB charging port for phones and tablets
- Built-in LED flashlight with strobe and SOS modes
- Compact size — fits in a glove box
Drawbacks:
- Only 1,000A peak — not enough for large diesel trucks or 4x4s
- Smaller battery capacity than the GB70
- Clamps feel less premium than HULKMAN's
2. HULKMAN Alpha 85 — Best for Trucks & Diesels
US Price: $150 – $200
Peak Amps: 2,000A
Engine Range: Gas up to 8.0L, Diesel up to 6.5L
Battery: Lithium-ion, holds charge 18 months
Where to Buy: Amazon, HULKMAN.com
If you drive a full-size truck, diesel SUV, or heavy-duty vehicle, the HULKMAN Alpha 85 is the jump starter to buy. It packs 2,000A of cranking power — double the GB40 — and can start engines that would laugh at smaller units.
Why we recommend it:
- 2,000A peak — enough for F-250, Silverado 2500, diesel SUVs
- Starts gas engines up to 8.0L and diesels up to 6.5L
- Holds a charge for 18 months (best in class)
- IP64 water resistance
- USB-C fast charging (60W) and 100W USB-A output for laptops
- 5-year warranty — longest in this comparison
Drawbacks:
- Most expensive option after the GB70
- Heavier than the GB40 (about 2 lbs)
- Overkill for standard sedans and small SUVs
3. NOCO Boost GB70 — Best Heavy-Duty NOCO
US Price: $180 – $220
Peak Amps: 2,000A
Engine Range: Gas up to 8.0L, Diesel up to 6.0L
Battery: Lithium-ion
Where to Buy: Amazon, Walmart, AutoZone
The GB70 is the big brother to the GB40. It doubles the peak amps (2,000A), adds USB-C charging, and can handle diesel engines up to 6.0L. If you want NOCO quality but need more power than the GB40 delivers, this is the answer.
Why we recommend it:
- 2,000A peak — handles diesel engines and V8 trucks
- Same NOCO safety protections (reverse polarity, overcharge)
- USB-C in/out for faster charging and device power
- Built-in LED flashlight with multiple modes
- Widely available at US retailers
Drawbacks:
- More expensive than the HULKMAN with similar specs
- Larger and heavier than the GB40
- HULKMAN beats it on warranty (5 yrs vs. 1 yr)
4. Audew 2000A — Best Budget
US Price: $60 – $90
Peak Amps: 2,000A
Engine Range: Gas up to 8.0L, Diesel up to 6.0L
Battery: Lithium-ion
Where to Buy: Amazon
If you want a capable jump starter at the lowest possible price, the Audew 2000A is the best value on the market. It offers the same peak amps as the GB70 and HULKMAN for half the price. The trade-off is fewer safety certifications and a shorter warranty.
Why we recommend it:
- 2,000A peak at a budget price ($60–$90)
- Starts gas engines up to 8.0L and diesel up to 6.0L
- 12V output for tire inflators and inverters
- USB charging ports for devices
- LED flashlight with multiple modes
Drawbacks:
- No reverse-polarity protection — you can damage electronics if you connect wrong
- Shorter warranty (12–18 months vs. NOCO's 2-year and HULKMAN's 5-year)
- Battery degrades faster in extreme heat
5. GOOLOO GT4000 — Best Multi-Function
US Price: $130 – $170
Peak Amps: 4,000A
Engine Range: Gas up to 10.0L, Diesel up to
10.0L
Battery: Lithium-ion
Where to Buy: Amazon
The GOOLOO GT4000 is the most powerful jump starter in this comparison — 4,000A peak, enough to start any consumer vehicle on the road in 2026. It's overkill for most drivers, but for RV owners, mechanics, or fleet operators, the extra capacity is worth every dollar.
Why we recommend it:
- 4,000A peak — the most powerful in this comparison
- Starts gas and diesel engines up to 10.0L
- 65W USB-C fast charging (charge it in 1.5 hours)
- 10W wireless charging pad for phones
- 400-lumen LED flashlight with multiple modes
- USB-A and USB-C outputs for devices
Drawbacks:
- Overkill for most US drivers
- Heavier than the GB40 (about 3 lbs)
- Longer recharge time than advertised in real-world tests
How to Choose the Right Jump Starter
Use this decision table to pick the right jump starter for your situation:
| If You... | Buy This |
|---|---|
| Drive a normal sedan, crossover, or small SUV | NOCO Boost Plus GB40 |
| Drive a full-size truck or diesel | HULKMAN Alpha 85 or NOCO GB70 |
| Want the cheapest capable option | Audew 2000A |
| Want the most powerful option | GOOLOO GT4000 |
| Want the longest warranty | HULKMAN Alpha 85 (5-year warranty) |
| Are buying for a beginner driver | NOCO Boost Plus GB40 (safest) |
Key Features to Look For
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Reverse-Polarity Protection | Prevents damage if you connect the clamps wrong. Non-negotiable for beginners. |
| Peak Amps (≥ 1,000A) | Determines what size engine you can start. 1,000A for cars, 2,000A+ for trucks. |
| Charge Retention (≥ 6 months) | How long it holds a charge when not in use. Higher is better. |
| USB-C Fast Charging | Recharges the jump starter in 1–2 hours instead of 4–6 hours. |
| Warranty (2+ years) | Indicates the manufacturer's confidence in the battery. |
| LED Flashlight | Essential for nighttime roadside emergencies. |
For how to use a jump starter safely, see our complete jump start guide. And if you're not sure your battery is the problem, see our multimeter testing guide.
Storage & Safety (US)
A jump starter is only useful if it's charged and accessible when you need it. Here's how to store and maintain it properly:
- Charge it to 100% before storing. Lithium batteries prefer to be stored at 50–80%, but for emergency readiness, keep it at 100%.
- Recharge every 3–6 months. Even when idle, lithium batteries slowly discharge. A 3-month top-up is cheap insurance.
- Keep it in the cabin, not the trunk. In extreme US heat (Arizona, Texas, Florida), the trunk can exceed 140°F and damage the battery. Store it in a shaded part of the cabin.
- Don't leave it in direct sunlight. Sun-exposed dashboards hit 160°F+ — enough to kill the battery or cause a fire.
- Check the clamps periodically. Make sure they're clean and free of corrosion. Dirty clamps reduce current flow.
- Recharge after every use. Even if you only used it for 3 seconds, put it back on the charger. Never store it below 25%.
Frequently Asked Questions (US)
What is the best portable jump starter for most people?
The NOCO Boost Plus GB40 is the best overall jump starter for most US drivers in 2026. It works on gas engines up to 6.0L and diesel up to 3.0L, costs around $100–$125, holds a charge for months, and has reverse-polarity protection. For heavy-duty trucks and diesels, the HULKMAN Alpha 85 or NOCO GB70 are better.
How many times can a jump starter jump a car?
A quality lithium jump starter can jump a car 5–20 times on a single charge, depending on vehicle size and capacity. Budget models ($50–$80) handle 3–5 jumps. Mid-range models ($90–$150) handle 10–15 jumps. Premium models ($150–$300) can handle 20+ jumps.
Can a jump starter damage my car's electronics?
Modern lithium jump starters are safe for car electronics — they have built-in surge protection, reverse-polarity protection, and overcharge protection. However, cheap or old jump starters without these protections can damage sensitive electronics. Stick to reputable brands like NOCO, HULKMAN, or Audew.
How often should I charge a jump starter?
Charge your lithium jump starter every 3–6 months if not used regularly. Even when sitting idle, lithium batteries self-discharge slowly. Most modern jump starters hold their charge for 6–12 months, but a 3-month top-up is cheap insurance. Charge to 100% after every use.
Can I keep a jump starter in my car during summer heat?
Yes, but with caution. Lithium batteries degrade faster in extreme heat (above 120°F). Keep the jump starter in a shaded area of the trunk or cabin, not on the dashboard or in direct sunlight. In extreme US states (Arizona, Texas), consider storing it indoors in summer and only carrying it on road trips.