Best Portable Jump Starters Compared on Maker Specs (2026)

Three jump starters for US drivers, compared on the numbers each maker publishes. We have not tested these units ourselves.

By Car Care File Editorial Team · Updated October 27, 2026 · 2 min read

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Portable jump starters on a garage workbench (illustrative)
Illustrative image.

A portable jump starter lets you start a car with a flat battery without a second car. The NOCO GB40 suits most cars and fits in a glovebox, the NOCO GB70 covers big gas and diesel engines, and the Clore JNC660 is a heavy lead-acid pack with long cables.

Quick picks

  1. Best for most carsBoost Plus GB40 ·
    Check price
  2. Best for big enginesBoost HD GB70 ·
    Check price
  3. Best shop-style packJump-N-Carry JNC660 ·
    Check price

Side-by-side specs

CompareThree jump starters at a glance
SpecTop pickNOCOBoost Plus GB40Big enginesNOCOBoost HD GB70Shop-styleClore AutomotiveJump-N-Carry JNC660
Best forMost cars, kept in the gloveboxTrucks, SUVs and larger enginesShop-style use with long cables
Peak currenthigher is better1,000 A1000 A2,000 A★ Best2000 A1,700 A1700 A (425 cranking A)
Engine ratingGas up to 6.0 L, diesel up to 3.0 LGas up to 8.0 L, diesel up to 6.0 LNot listed
Battery24 Wh lithium-ion56 Wh lithium-ionSealed lead-acid (PROFORMER)
Weight2.45 lb (spec page); 2.4 lb with clamps (data sheet)4.18 lb18 lb
Warranty1 year1 year1 year limited
PriceCheck priceCheck priceCheck price

Specs from each manufacturer's US product page. Bars compare each spec against the best value in this table; they are not test scores. Prices change often, so we link out instead of quoting them.

The picks

01

★Best for most cars

NOCOBoost Plus GB40

Best for: Most cars, kept in the glovebox

A 1000 A peak lithium jump starter rated for gas engines up to 6.0 L and diesel up to 3.0 L, at 2.45 lb with USB charging out.

What we like

  • Smallest and lightest here
  • Charges a phone by USB
  • Spark-proof, reverse-polarity protection (per NOCO)

Watch out for

  • Lowest engine rating here
  • 1-year warranty

The GB40 is rated at 1000 A peak and for gas engines up to 6.0 L and diesel up to 3.0 L. It holds a 24 Wh lithium battery, has a 100-lumen light and a 5 V, 2.1 A USB port, and carries an IP65 rating. NOCO’s spec page lists 7.72 x 3.16 x 1.71 in and 2.45 lb, while its data sheet lists 6.7 in long and 2.4 lb. Its data sheet also quotes up to 20 jump starts per charge.

02

★Best for big engines

NOCOBoost HD GB70

Best for: Trucks, SUVs and larger engines

A 2000 A peak lithium jump starter rated for gas engines up to 8.0 L and diesel up to 6.0 L, with a 56 Wh battery and 12 V output.

What we like

  • Covers large gas and diesel engines
  • 12 V output port
  • 400-lumen light

Watch out for

  • Heavier than the GB40
  • 1-year warranty

The GB70 doubles the peak rating to 2000 A and extends coverage to gas engines up to 8.0 L and diesel up to 6.0 L. The battery grows to 56 Wh, the light to 400 lumens, and it adds a 12 V, 15 A output. NOCO lists 4.18 lb and an IP65 rating.

03

★Best shop-style pack

Clore AutomotiveJump-N-Carry JNC660

Best for: Shop-style use with long cables

A 1700 A peak, 425 cranking amp lead-acid jump pack with 46 in #2 AWG cables, a built-in automatic charger and a voltmeter.

What we like

  • Only pick here with a cranking-amp rating
  • Long 46 in heavy cables
  • Built-in charger

Watch out for

  • 18 lb
  • No engine-size rating listed

Clore markets the JNC660 to garages, dealers and tow operators. It lists 1700 A peak and 425 cranking amps, 46 in #2 AWG cables, a built-in automatic charger and a voltmeter. At 18 lb it stays in the garage or a truck bed more than a glovebox.

How to choose

  • Match the engine rating. Look up your engine size and fuel type, then pick a unit rated above it.
  • Think about where it lives. A small lithium unit fits a glovebox. A lead-acid pack needs floor space.
  • Keep it charged. Top it up on a schedule so it works when you need it.
  • Follow your owner’s manual. Some vehicles name specific jump points under the hood.

Read next: how to use a jump starter and NOCO GB40 vs GB70.

Frequently asked questions

Is a higher peak amp number always better?

Not on its own. Peak amps is a short burst figure. NOCO also lists the engine sizes each unit is rated for, and Clore lists cranking amps. Match the rating to your engine.

What size jump starter do I need for a V8 truck?

NOCO rates the GB40 for gas engines up to 6.0 L and the GB70 for gas up to 8.0 L and diesel up to 6.0 L. Check your engine size in the owner's manual.

Lithium or lead-acid?

The two NOCO units are lithium and weigh 2.45 lb and 4.18 lb. The Clore JNC660 uses a sealed lead-acid battery and weighs 18 lb, with long 46 in cables and a built-in charger.

Keep reading

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