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We purchased 8 jump starters and took a side-by-side look at the performance of each option. We used load testers, multimeters, and clamp meters to assess power performance, functionality, and battery storage.
Our testers crowned the Hulkman Alpha85S as the best overall. Power performance, a dialed digital display, and long battery life made the Hulkman stand out. Our favorite budget option is the GOOLOO 1200A Peak, which costs considerably less than most other options while still delivering solid performance across all our tests.
If you're the type who demands high performance with lots of accessories wrapped up in a sleek design, we recommend the HULKMAN Alpha85S. “During our power assessment, this model produced a higher voltage than any other jump starter in our review,” noted our lead tester. “Not only did the battery last much longer than the others, but the Alpha85S was also the quickest to charge.” We love the design — a large digital display tells you the exact percentage of battery you have to work with rather than an LED meter that keeps you guessing and hoping. The integrated flashlight is bright, and the shape of this model easily slips under a seat or into a door panel. The Alpha85S has many configurations. It can be charged either by a USB or with the included power cord via a 12-volt car outlet; it can then charge those same USB and 12-volt devices.
With all of these bells and whistles, we found it a little surprising that the HULKMAN Alpha85S does not include, at least, a simple pouch to stash all the cords and adapters together. It is also quite a bit bigger than other models in terms of lithium-ion-powered jump starters of this type. “It is notably smaller than any sealed lead acid battery model, but other lithium-ion jump starters are compact enough to fit in a center console or a glove box,” one of our testers noticed. There's also no tiptoeing around the fact that the Alpha85S is expensive. Despite our few complaints, the Alpha85Sl is the ultimate choice for excellent performance and cutting-edge technology. At half the price and in a much more compact package, the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 is a great alternative to the Hulkman. While it may not possess the same level of power performance, it still offers a high-performing lithium-ion powered battery capable of jumping your vehicle immediately through its Boost mode option.
The HULKMAN Alpha85S offers our favorite kit in the lithium-ion-powered jump starter division.
Don't let the compact size of the GOOLOO 1200A Peak fool you. “This unit is a small but mighty contender in the lineup,” our lead tester says — it delivers 1,200 peak amps while weighing in at just over one pound. It is also one of the most affordable jump starters we tested. Beyond jump-starting, it also features two USB charging ports, a DC power outlet with a lighter adapter, and a small LED flashlight with several modes. The USB charge ports are 5V, and a Smart charging port will bump to 9V for rapid charging on compatible devices. The 66.6Wh lithium-ion battery can provide numerous boosts to a deep-cycle SLA or up to three iPhone charges before becoming fully depleted. In our testing, this unit could jump a 6.5-liter diesel engine, exceeding the manufacturer's suggested limit.
The GOOLOO 1200A might not be the flashiest option available; “it lacks some of the build quality of the pricier brands,” one tester observed, “but it is just as capable as many of them.” The clamps and cables are smaller and don't have the burliest build, but overall, we appreciate that the kit takes up minimal space in our vehicle. The included case won't withstand the rigorous lifestyle of an auto shop, but it keeps the cables and battery neat and tidy in your car. The reliable performance across the board at a fraction of the cost of other options makes it a prime pick for those searching for an affordable model with some oomph. If you have the budget to splurge on something with even more powerful battery capabilities and superior build quality, the NOCO Boost HD GB70 might be worth the extra dough. It also provides a long-lasting battery life, which provides peace of mind knowing your battery will be ready to go when you encounter a dead battery.
The GOOLOO 1200A offers solid performance and many safety features wrapped up in a handy case.
If you have limited space in your vehicle or don't want a big, bulky jump starter taking up a bunch of room, we'd highly recommend the NOCO Boost Plus GB40. “This powerful little device is tiny compared to much of the competition,” says a team member, “yet it has proven to be able to start every vehicle we've tested it with.” Many jump starters require you wait several minutes for the power to trickle down before you start your vehicle. With the GB40, you can enable 'Boost Mode,' which delivers a quick burst of power to your battery so that, in many cases, you can start it immediately. For those who tend to be rough on their gear, this model has a certified IP65 waterproof rating. “Although you can't exactly go swimming with it, a little bit of rainwater and dust is no problem,” quips one of our testers.
Regarding versatility, the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 falls short. It can jump-start a car battery and charge USB devices, but that's it. Also, the only way to charge it is with a USB cable, and if you'd like to charge it indoors, it does not come with a wall cube. At 1000 peak amps, the GB40 is not the most suitable choice for larger engines. “But the smaller size equates to a shorter battery life,” our lead tester noted, “so if you go with this option, be sure to keep up on your intermittent charging.” While we found some flaws, we are still thoroughly impressed with the overall performance of the NOCO GB40, especially considering its impressively compact size. If the wallet permits, perhaps take another look at the Hulkman Alpha85S. With a highly impressive battery and lots of accessories to go along with it, the Hulkman packs an impressive punch in the portable jump starter category.
If you want the peace of mind of having a reliable jump starter in your vehicle but don't want to know that it's there -- the GB40 is the way to go.
High-capacity battery with lots of charge potential
High-rated peak amps (2000)
Seventy-three watt-hour battery
Options to power accessories via USB or 12V DC
REASONS TO AVOID
Struggles on bigger engines
Clunky carrying case
12V AC car adapter sold separately
SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Cell Charges
3
Number of Jump Starts
8
Charge time
5 hours
Weight (lbs)
2.9
Dimensions (in)
9 x 3.9 x 1.3
If a robust portable power bank is your number one priority and jump starts are few and far between, the GOOLOO GP2000 will impress with its high-capacity lithium-ion battery and abundance of charge ports. This model comes with a 73Wh lithium-ion battery capable of delivering up to 2000 peak amps when jumping a car. “It wasn't as powerful for boosting larger batteries on bigger trucks,” one tester observed, “but had plenty of juice to handle eight consecutive boosts on a 2.5-liter engine before needing another charge.” Where this model really excelled, though, was in charging electronics via its USB ports. In testing, we found that when using the 5V USB port, we could fully charge an iPhone up to 15 times without needing to plug in the power pack. A USB-C port for input/output was a nice feature that added to the charging versatility of this unit.
While it's great for powering accessories on the go, we were a little underwhelmed by how it performed as a booster pack. Our lead tester noticed that “it is fully capable of bringing mid-size batteries back to life but doesn't quite have the gusto to manage larger engines and higher cranking amps.” However, due to the storage potential of its 73Wh battery, this contender will hold a charge for quite a while, allowing you to charge your electronics wherever you go. Because of this, we nominated the GOOLOO GP2000 as the best option for powering accessories. If powering accessories is less of a concern and battery charging is a higher priority, check out the GOOLOO 1200A Peak. With its ability to jump larger engines more effectively, the Gooloo provides a price-to-performance ratio that is hard to beat.
We used a multimeter to measure the output power of these chargers. The GOOLOO is capable of charging USB-powered devices just like a standard 5V 2A wall charger.
For an all-in-one home shop power station, the Dewalt DXAEJ14 delivers a range of features that do more than just jumpstart dead batteries. “Need to air up your tires? Check your alternator? Charge your cell phone?” asked our lead tester, who appreciated that the Dewalt proved useful even when we weren't testing jump-start capability. The 120 PSI air compressor is a particularly nice feature. The LCD screen allows us to set the desired PSI and fill our tires to our preferred specifications. In addition to supplying 1400 peak amps of potential current, it can also power accessories via its dual USB ports and 12V DC charging port. Though it isn't light and portable like some lithium-ion models, this unit can boost larger engines more effectively with enough power left to then charge your devices or inflate a tire.
It could be considered a nuisance that compared to the lithium-ion models, which can provide multiple jumps on one charge, you must recharge this unit after every jump. It's also important for sealed lead-acid batteries like this one to be charged regularly — Dewalt recommends plugging it in to top off at least once a month. However, the Dewalt DXAEJ14 outperforms the competition with a large-capacity 21 amp-hour battery compared to other SLA models. “That power performance, coupled with its versatility (and its 35-pound weight), makes it a favorite for around-the-house and shop use,” remarked one of our testers. If you're in the market for an SLA-style jump starter while keeping budget in mind, the Stanley J5C09 1000 Peak Amp is another viable option. With similar features such as a USB port and 120 psi air compressor, the Stanley provides some versatility while still having adequate battery performance, all in a budget-friendly package.
The Dewalt DXAEJ14 is our favorite choice for a sealed-acid battery model that offers a compressor.
Credit: Rob Woodworth
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Not all jump starters are heavy and bulky. Many of the top models, like the NOCO Boost HD, are surprisingly compact.
Credit: Eric Bissell
How We Test Jump Starters
We include units capable of delivering anywhere from 1000 to 2000 peak amps, though several brands offer a higher output in other models. We ran all the models through a series of tests designed to identify the limits of their performance. They were subjected to boosting various battery sizes from a fleet of different vehicles, ranging from a 650cc motorcycle to a 6.7L V8 diesel to a 454 horsepower inboard boat engine. We monitored voltage and current during boosts and, when possible, would bypass the battery altogether to see how many cold starts we could get out of each power pack. To be comprehensive, we examined models that had both lithium-ion and sealed lead-acid battery types. Each was subjected to the same testing metrics and scored accordingly.
Our jump starter testing is divided into five rating metrics:
Power Performance (30% of overall score weighting)
Battery Storage (30% weighting)
Craftsmanship & Durability (20% weighting)
Ease of Use (15% weighting)
Versatility (15% weighting)
Many models have integrated flashlights which can be incredibly useful.
The HULKMAN Alpha85S is strong enough to power a 12 volt compressor.
Jump starters are much easier to use than jumper cables.
Why Trust GearLab
One of our veteran team members and primary tester, Ross Patton, is no stranger to offroading, overlanding, and all things battery-powered. With a formal education in Environmental Science from the University of Nevada, Reno, a knack for techy products, and a tendency to venture off into the great unknown, he was the ideal choice to help tackle this review.
With extensive experience operating machinery and various engine types, Rob Woodworth has a nuanced understanding of 12V systems and the batteries that power them. He is a Coast Guard Certified Captain who routinely maintains deep-cycle marine batteries to start heavy equipment. His practical knowledge of battery performance is fortified by his experience in off-grid solar power systems, which require more frequent and diligent maintenance. As such, his background in 12V applications is deeper than that of your average commuter. Between these two, you can rest assured knowing that their combined knowledge and experience have produced a thorough and in-depth jump-starter review.
Our testers were thorough in their examination of the contenders; using voltmeters and load testers, they even went as far as to measure the current of the various USB charging ports of each unit.
Our testers did more than just use each product; they put each jump starter through a gauntlet of exhaustive tests utilizing professional-grade electronic voltage meters and load testers.
We compare the adaptor clips for each contender, in addition to many other components, during this in-depth review.
How to Pick the Best Jump Starter
A high-quality jump starter is worth its weight in gold if you find yourself stranded without a charge. Although many of the options available look practically identical, our in-depth testing revealed nuanced characteristics that can make the difference between a great jump starter and a relatively mediocre model. But before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, it's important to first consider a few key aspects that can help guide your purchase decision.
Sealed Lead Acid vs. Lithium-Ion Batteries
Both sealed lead-acid (SLA) and lithium-ion (LI) batteries have strengths, though you may prefer one type over the other depending on your needs. The most obvious distinction between the two is their weight; SLAs are much heavier and considerably larger than LIs. Additionally, LI batteries generally offer greater power per ounce and can hold more watt-hours of potential energy. SLAs are cheap, long-lasting, and reliable, but only if properly maintained. They will require a charge after each jump, whereas LI jump starters can provide consecutive jumps without a recharge. SLA batteries will also drain over time, whereas LI packs will hold their power longer.
Differentiating between the two is easy — LI batteries look like a slim, modern battery pack, while SLA options look like a big, bulky charging pack. If you look at the specs we list in our comparison chart, you will also notice a significant difference in weight — the LI packs generally weigh less than five pounds, while the SLA packs weigh in excess of 15 pounds.
How Often Do You Need to Jump-start Your Battery?
As you weigh your options (literally), it is also important to consider just how often you might need to use your jump starter, as not every model in our lineup holds the same amount of power. Although you'll sometimes see manufacturers list milliamp-hours (mAh) or amp-hours (Ah), this isn't a particularly useful measurement unless you factor in the required voltage. So, we designed our tests to examine watt-hours, not amp-hours, to reflect battery storage potential across various voltages. This is a better way to differentiate just how many jumps you can expect out of each charger — if you need to jump-start your vehicle often, then it's worthwhile to go with the model that offers the greatest storage potential before the pack itself needs to be recharged. You'll see watt-hours listed under the specs in our comparison chart, and we further examine each starter's capacity under the Battery Storage metric.
What Size Battery Do You Need to Boost?
Even though most of us will only need to jump-start our everyday passenger vehicles, some of us may need to jump-start a larger engine. The capability of a jump-starter is often rated by its 'peak amps' (peak output as measured in amperes), and this is a good place to start to differentiate between the top output power of each model. However, depending on the electrical load requirements, these jump starters won't necessarily perform at their peak output. Our Power Performance metric ranks each model in our review based on its output capability — higher-scoring products are better options for jump-starting larger engines.
Where Will You Store Your Jump Starter?
As we mentioned before, size and weight are one of the defining lines between SLA- and LI-powered jump-starters — LI batteries are the lighter, more compact option. But that doesn't necessarily mean that you want to store your new jump starter in a glove compartment. For many, these are utility tools and are better suited to kick around in the back of a work truck. However, not every jump starter we tested is well-suited to this rough-and-tumble lifestyle. Pay attention to our Craftsmanship & Durability metric to sort out which models are designed to take a beating. If you plan to use these on a boat, this metric also takes into consideration waterproof ratings and cable length.
The NOCO Boost HD GB70 trades in superfluous features for pure durability and reliability.
Credit: Eric Bissell
Analysis and Test Results
We purchased popular models for a head-to-head analysis of performance in the field. We chose to examine products that utilized both sealed lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries to understand each type's functional capabilities comprehensively. Not only did we test how quickly each contender could revive a dead battery, but we also examined the various features of each model, including USB power ports, AC adapters, and air compressors.
What's the Best Value?
The amount of money you plan to spend on a jump starter should ultimately be determined by your vehicle and your lifestyle. If you have a compact truck or SUV or any vehicle smaller than that and you know that you only want a battery pack for emergency jump starts or phone charges, then there's no reason to invest in a higher-performance model than the NOCO Boost Plus GB40. If you are the opposite and you know that you will be using your device often and you may even want it to have 12-volt power capabilities as well as a compressor, we think the Dewalt DXAEJ14 is the way to go. Although it lacks a compressor, we think the HULKMAN Alpha85S is well worth the investment considering all of its capabilities and its ultra-high performance — including powering a 12-volt compressor. If you want an affordable jump starter that still gets the job done, look no further than the GOOLOO 1200A.
The GOOLOO 1200 is a compact and reliable performer that won't break the bank.
Credit: Rob Woodworth
Power Performance
In this metric, we considered the energy output of each model when used to boost a 12V battery. Electrical current is measured using amperes or amps, usually distinguished by each unit's 'peak amps' rating. However, a jump starter that is rated to 1000 peak amps won't necessarily perform at 1000 amps under various loads. Thus, we sought to test how well each contender held up to several different boosting scenarios.
At the top of the pack, the HULKMAN Alpha85S showed as high of a maximum amperage output as we've seen but also a much higher voltage output than the competition in Force Start mode. If you need a larger engine started immediately, this is the one.
The HULKMAN Alpha85S voltage output was simply unmatched during our assessment.
Credit: Ross Patton
The NOCO Boost HD GB70, GOOLOO 1200, TopVision Power Pack, and the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 were among the highest-rated lithium-ion units in this category. All four of these devices have peak amp ratings over 1000A, giving them enough current to boost engines as large as seven liters. Time and time again, these jump starters could deliver adequate power to a range of 12V batteries with differing cranking amps. By design, lithium-ion jump starters exceed at delivering quick pulses of energy rather than sustained current.
The NOCO Boost HD GB70 clamps were large enough to comfortably wrap bigger battery terminals.
Credit: Eric Bissell
By contrast, the Dewalt DXAEJ14, Clore Automotive JNC660, and Stanley J5C09 deliver a constant current when hooked up to your battery terminals. The jump starters can deliver three boosts at a full charge, although the manufacturers recommend charging after each use. This is because these models utilize SLA batteries, which discharge more rapidly than lithium-ion batteries. However, this does not mean they deliver an inferior boost; in fact, we found them fully capable of reviving even larger diesel and deep-cycle marine batteries. Among the SLA types, we were less fond of the Stanley J5C09 as it delivered slightly less current under load in our tests.
The NOCO Boost Plus GB40 was just about on the 12-volt mark during our assessment.
Credit: Ross Patton
Battery Storage
To evaluate battery storage, we looked at several different factors. First of all, we examined manufacturers' claims in regard to watt-hours. Next, using the proper tools, we were able to look at the wattage used while charging batteries and engines. Finally, we connected the jump starters to a 12-volt portable compressor to time how long each battery would last.
The HULKMAN Alpha85S was easily the top model for this assessment, lasting longer than any of the competition. If battery fortitude is on your mind, this is the one. Through repeated use and testing, we found that the GOOLOO 2000 has commendable battery storage, clocking in an impressive 80Wh. The TopVision Power Pack produced more than 70Wh, enough to charge most cell phones eight to ten times.
During out battery longevity test, the Alpha85S easily outperformed the competition.
Credit: Ross Patton
Similar to the GOOLOO 2000, the GOOLOO 1200 was capable of holding an impressive charge—though it wasn't capable of reviving large engines repeatedly. When comparing boost ability, the NOCO Boost HD GB70 provided as many or more jumps when compared to competitors. However, it comes with a slightly lower 54Wh when compared to other lithium-ion battery packs.
We were able to partially charge the NOCO booster via the USB power ports found on the Dewalt DXAEJ14.
Credit: Rob Woodworth
If you are only looking for a jump starter that provides one or maybe two emergency jumps per charge, go with the NOCO Boost Plus GB40. This device does not have the super long-lasting life of the larger models, and it does not have the high amperage required to start a massive diesel truck, but for most people, it gets the job done.
The GB40 is the ideal model for those with consumer vehicles that want to know they have a jump for themselves or those around them if need be.
Credit: Ross Patton
SLA jump starters like the Clore Automotive JNC660 have much lower watt-hour ratings than the LI models. Simply put, sealed batteries are designed to provide larger currents for short periods and don't excel at long-term wattage draw. But they do have enough juice to power 12V accessories for a few hours; the Dewalt DXAEJ14 and Stanley J5C09 even have USB ports to get a couple of charges on mobile devices.
While it isn't the most robust jumper in this lineup, the GOOLOO 2000 has exceptional battery performance that is very handy for charging electronics.
Credit: Rob Woodworth
Craftsmanship & Durability
For this part of our review, we looked closely at the construction of each model. Some of these devices are designed to be stored in a center console or a glove compartment, while some of them are meant to get kicked around the back of a work truck or stuffed into the corner of a shop. We looked at waterproof ratings, switch and control durability, cable length, and the overall feel of the devices.
If you want a beefy, no-holds-barred lithium-ion-powered jump starter, you're gonna want the NOCO Boost HD GB70. The cables are permanently attached, so unlike most other models of this style, the second you need a jump, you can hook up and get going.
The lead-acid battery packs are much bigger than the lithium-ion counterparts.
Credit: Eric Bissell
The NOCO Boost HD GB70 has hard-wearing materials, heavy gauge cables, and extremely secure port covers, it is clear that every little detail was considered with durability in mind.
The T8 carrying case neatly contains all the necessary cords and accessories.
Credit: Eric Bissell
The designers of the HULKMAN Alpha85S thought to include an emergency red color into the flashlight function. We very much appreciate this seldom-used feature that could make all of the difference in the world in certain scenarios.
The Alpha852S has a red flashing light setting to be used in case of an emergency or an emergency party.
Credit: Ross Patton
Though it isn't the fanciest, the Clore Automotive JNC660 was arguably the most indestructible SLA-type jump starter with welders grade cable and no extra bits to get broken. The Dewalt and Stanley models had more working components that could potentially fail and extra pieces that would quickly get lost if not stored somewhere. Among the lowest-scoring models were the TopVision Power Pack and the GOOLOO 2000. These models used thin plastic and cables, featured poor coverage on their power ports, and overall gave us the impression that they were off-brand bargain alternatives to more reputable units. However, if you're looking for a bargain brand option that is still well-built, we were impressed with the GOOLOO 1200 craftsmanship.
Though it isn't flashy, the overall design and functionality of the GOOLOO 1200 were thoroughly impressive, especially for its price.
Credit: Rob Woodworth
Ease of Use
When rating ease of use, we gave out points for features that improved the user experience. Similarly, points were deducted if we found the interface to be confusing or inefficient.
The highest performing device for this metric is the HULKMAN Alpha85S. In order to jump a battery all you have to do is hook the connections up, turn it on, and a big green “READY” indicator lets you know when you're good to start the vehicle.
The HULKMAN Alpha85S displays an exact battery level and a “ready” indicator letting you know when it's time to start the car.
Credit: Ross Patton
The Clore Automotive JNC660 was one of the most simple and easy-to-use models in our test. Simply connect to your battery, and you're good to go. The NOCO Boost HD GB70 was straightforward in application but came standard with certain safety features that may have a learning curve.
Carrying cases made the LI jumper types much easier to stow away for future use.
Credit: Rob Woodworth
The Dewalt DXAEJ14 and TopVision Power Pack were less intuitive and required that we consult the manuals for proper use. Furthermore, both models tended to drain the battery if we neglected to power them down, lacking the auto-off feature that other models came equipped with.
The small clamps and short cables of the Topvision Power Pack were a bit trickier to get securely attached to battery terminals.
Credit: Rob Woodworth
Versatility
Are you only looking to get a jump start? Or do you look for more features in your quest for the best unit? In this metric, we take a look at a couple of factors. First, does it do its job? Second, how many fancy features does it bring to the table? Models that offer more choices and options for everyday use around the house, do better in this metric than those with a simple function.
The Dewalt DXAEJ14 has an impressive list of features, including a 120 PSI air compressor with pressure gauge, multiple power ports, working lights, and even an alternator tester, making it a great option for those who need a do-it-all power pack at home or on the job site.
Having a built-in air compressor is very handy if you have lots of wheeled implements of transportation.
Credit: Rob Woodworth
For most users, models like the HULKMAN Alpha85S or NOCO Boost Plus GB40 will provide more than enough versatility, allowing you to charge a variety of devices in addition to boosting a vehicle and providing more than one way to recharge the unit when depleted. The least versatile workhorse in our test was the Clore Automotive JNC660, which has no USB ports and can only be charged via an extension cord.
While there are many options on the market, we take the time to find out which offers the best overall performance. What type of jump starter do you need for your home?
Credit: Eric Bissell
Conclusion
We hope that this review has brought light to your search for the perfect jump starter. In a market flooded with consumer electronics, we value the opportunity to help you narrow the options in picking a model that will work best for your needs. A dead car battery can happen to anyone, and we hope that our testing can help you remain assured that you'll never be stuck without power on the side of the road, out in the woods, or wherever adventure may find you.
In some situations, calling a friend for a jump start is not an option.
Having a jump starter on hand can truly save the day.
A jump starter is a great tool for those that tend to spend time in the outback.
