A dead car battery can be an unexpected and unpleasant situation. Awkward, hefty jump starters are easy to leave behind at home, and when trouble strikes while out-and-about, those jump starters don’t help very much.
However, portable jump starters are lightweight and multifunctional enough to be kept inside of – and charged inside of – almost any modern vehicle. Not all jump starters work for all vehicle types, and some are more capable than others.
Let us guide you through the purchasing process to ensure that you find a portable jump starter that matches your car and your lifestyle!
Source: thewirecutter.com
Buying Guide
- Types of Jump Starters: There are several types of jump starters. Some provide just enough juice to restart a vehicle’s battery, while others are designed to recharge that battery completely. Some only act to jump start a vehicle, and others have additional features such as LED flashlights, the ability to be used as a power bank for electronic devices such as smartphones, and powered air compression capabilities.
- How Jump Starters Work: Jump starters store massive amounts of energy, and by using either a set of jumper cables or an internal 12v input, these devices transfer that energy to your vehicle’s battery in order to get it started, allowing you to start your car.
- Things to Consider When Choosing a Jump Starter: One of the most important things to consider when choosing a jump starter is vehicle type. Some jump starters are designed to work optimally with sedans, while others may provide enough power to jump-start an SUV or pick-up truck.
- Different Jump Starters for Different Vehicles: There are various jump starters for smaller cars, larger ones, ones that have electric engines, and vehicles that use diesel fuel. Being aware of which type of vehicle your preferred jump starter is designed for is crucial. Otherwise, you may find that your new portable jump starter is incompatible with your vehicle.
- Features to Look For in Jump Starters: Some of the most important features to look for when shopping for a new jump starter include peak amplitude, power capacity, and weight. Additional features such as flashlights are not nearly as important as these three aspects.
Buying Recommendations
We compiled the best of the best in portable jump starters to help assist you in making the greatest, most informed purchasing decision possible.
The Best Budget Portable Jump Starters
In need of a budget-friendly jump starter? Check out our picks.
1. DBPOWER DJS60 Jump Starter – Editor’s Pick
Capacity: 18000mAh
Weight: 1.32 pounds
With multiple inputs, including a USB port, this nifty gadget can be used to charge dying laptops or smartphones when not jump-starting your car.
- Most affordable option
- Multifunctional
- Simple design, easy to use
- Somewhat low peak amplitude and capacity
2. STANLEY FATMAX J7CS Power Station Jump Starter
Capacity: Undisclosed
Weight: 10.2 pounds
However, the undisclosed capacity can make this option a little risky. Only time and trial can tell.
- Functions as an air compressor
- Moderate peak amplitude
- Heavy
- Undisclosed capacity prevents proper power estimations
- JUMP STARTER POWER - 700 peak amps and 350 instant starting amps.Fit Type: Universal
- SAFE JUMPER - Reverse polarity alarm alerts when there is an improper connection; Connect the clamps to the battery, turn on the switch and start your vehicle
- AIR COMPRESSOR - Features a 120 PSI air compressor to help inflate tires with low pressure; High-powered LED light rotates 270 degrees to help you work in the dark
The Best Premium Portable Jump Starters
Check out our premium picks.
1. DBPOWER G15 Jump Starter – Editor’s Pick
Capacity: 21800mAh
Weight: 2.6 pounds
With a three-mode flashlight and a multitude of safety features such as over-voltage protection, this device is a delightful premium option.
- Superior peak amplitude
- Small, lightweight design
- A multitude of safety features built-in
- Compatible with many types of vehicles
- Adapter sold separately
- 【 2750A JUMP STARTER 】 The DBPOWER G15 car jump starter provides up to 2750A peak current, it can start 10.0L gasoline engines and up to 8.0L diesel engines in just a few seconds. This lithium battery booster designed with heavy-duty clamps and cables, can quickly jump start all 12V dead car battery for up to 50 jump starts on a single charge. It is suitable for cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, RVs, tractors, and more. You can easily and quickly solve problems by yourself!
- 【 SAFETY PROTECTION SYSTEM 】 This portable car jump starter is very safe and easy to use. The all-metal jumper clamps are designed to be sturdy and durable, it provides versatile protection systems including low/high voltage, over-temperature, short-circuit, reverse polarity and jump starter time out protection, without the worry of incorrect connections or sparks. The excellent conductivity and durability can start your battery quickly and safely, even in extreme temperatures (-4°F~140°F).
- 【 76.96Wh POWER BANK 】 You can use this car jump starter as a 76.96Wh power bank. It designed with 2 USB outputs (5V/9V/12V 18W and 5V/2.1A), 1 DC output (12-16V/10A) and 1 Type-C in(out) port (5V/3A). Can be compatible with almost all USB charging devices, such as smartphones, tablets, cameras, GPS systems, and more. It also can be used to power any DC devices and car accessories, like tire inflator, car vacuum cleaner, car refrigerator, etc.
2. Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry JNC660
Capacity: 28000mAh
Weight: 18 pounds
- Massive capacity
- Moderate peak amplitude
- Quite heavy for a portable jump starter
- Must be re-charge in the home
- 1,700 Peak Amps; 425 Cranking Amps
- 22Ah Clore PROFORMER Battery
- 46" Heavy-Duty #2 AWG Cables
The Best Multi-Purpose Portable Jump Starters
These are ideal options if you’re looking for a multi-purpose jump starter.
1. BEATIT G18 – Editor’s Pick
Capacity: 21000mAh
Weight: 1.47 pounds
This jump starter can be used to charge all sorts of electronic devices, and it recharges in as little as six hours. A lithium ion battery chip helps the BEATIT G18 avoid issues stemming from extreme cold or heat.
- Moderate peak amplitude, but impressive capacity
- Compatible with a variety of vehicles
- Can jump-start a battery 30 times before needing a recharge
- Recharges from 0% to 100% in approximately six hours
- Wirelessly charges phones
- More expensive than similar models
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2. DBPOWER DJS50
Capacity: 18000mAh
Weight: 1.33 pounds
An included 12v car charger is a convenient alternative to AC/DC charging. However, a traditional wall-charger is included as well for those who prefer in-home charging.
- Display screen keeps users informed of charging levels
- Included accessories provide an overall positive experience
- Small and easy to handle/store
- Relatively low peak amplitude and capacity
- POWERFUL & COMPACT: Jump start your vehicle (up to 7.2L gas or 5.5L diesel engine) up to 30 times with 2000 amps of peak current and heavy-duty clamps and cables. Compact enough to store in your glovebox.
- SMART CHARGING PORT: With 18000mAh capacity and smart USB port, it can fully charge your smartphones, tablets, and other devices at the fastest speed as possible.
- FULL PROTECTION: The high quality and spray gold intelligent jumper clamps have over current protection, short circuit protection, overload protection, over-voltage protection, over-charge protection.
The Best Portable Jump Starters With USB Ports
We recommend these jump starters with USB Ports.
1. TACKLIFE T8 – Editor’s Pick
Capacity: 18000mAh
Weight: 1.21 pounds
The enormous capacity of this portable jump starter ensures that it can be used dozens of times before requiring a recharge. The additional features, including a built-in compass, only help to make this model a more attractive option.
- Superior compatibility, amplitude, and capacity
- Dual USB ports
- Friendly user interface
- Holds charge for up to twelve months
- Prone to encountering problems after coming into contact with high humidity or moisture
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2. BASAF JX12
Capacity: 5180mAh
Weight: 1.2 pounds
The additional functions of the BASAF JX12 can certainly make it an attractive option for someone looking for a portable power bank that can also function as a jump starter. Also, the high-powered flashlight can come in handy in a pinch.
- Phenomenal peak amps
- Can be used for many purposes, including device charging
- Inferior capacity – shorter battery life
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Final Thoughts
The best portable jump starter is one that matches your budget, vehicle type, and personal preferences. Most portable jump starters cost less than $100, ensuring that nearly anyone can afford to invest in this time-saving, and possibly life-saving invention.
Whether you’re seeking a multifunctional jump starter with USB charging capabilities, or a more traditional cable-base device, there’s a device that’s ideal for your needs and desires. We hope that this guide is able to help you in making the best, most educated purchasing decision.
Last update on 2024-10-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API