It always comes at the worst possible time. You are already ten minutes late for that job interview, or maybe you have just finished packing up the kids after a long day at your remote campsite. You turn the key or push the “Start” button and, instead of the comforting sound of an engine coming to life, you get nothing but a gut-wrenching click-click-click.
Your car battery is dead.
Traditionally, that has meant one of two things: waving down a stranger with dirt-covered cables and praying they knew what to do with them, or ringing a tow truck and waiting two hours for an expensive jump start. However, today, the roadside emergency environment is different. Today’s portable jump starters are more reliable and high-tech than ever — an emergency power supply in the palm of your hand.
Picking the right one is not just a matter of convenience — it is about safety. Below, we have selected five portable jump starters that are saving lives on the road right now.
- Instantly start dead batteries with 2000 amps of peak lithium power. Up to 40 starts per charge on engines up to 8.0L gas and 6.0L diesel.
- recision-engineered 400-lumen LED with 7 light modes, including SOS and strobe. Illuminate repairs, emergencies, or low-light environments.
If you are looking for something that looks like it was made for a tactical rescue mission, check out the NOCO Boost HD GB70. Marketed as 2,000 amps, this pack does not care whether you are in a little compact or a honking great gas motor.
- Why it saves lives: It has “UltraSafe” technology, meaning it is spark-proof and reverse-polarity protected. “If you’ve never jumped a car in your life and stuck the clamps on backwards, you won’t even get a spark — that’s how stupid-proof it is,” said one.
- Best for: Long and large SUVs, full-size trucks, and those who are willing to pay for the best build quality and safety ratings they can get.
- The 3000 amp portable car battery jumper starter provides instant restart for your 12V dead vehicles, supporting engines up to 9.0L for gas and 6.5L for diesel.
- The A3 is not only a portable car battery charger jump starter and a tire inflator, but also a portable power bank, an LED flashlight, a bike pump, a ball pump, and a digital pressure gauge.
The GOOLOO A3 is one of the most reliable portable jump starters among those used by daily drivers. It’s a perfect size to power ratio, providing enough juice to be able to start most 12V cars multiple times on a single charge.
- Why it saves lives: It’s designed with multi-protection features, including over-current and over-load protection. Its compact size means it’s always there when you need it, fitting easily into a glove box so you’re never tempted to leave it at home to save space.
- Best for: Daily commuters and small to mid-sized car owners who need a “set it and forget it” emergency solution.
- The JNC660 delivers 1700 peak amps using a 22Ah Proformer battery. It features a voltmeter and status gauge for precise power monitoring in any emergency.
- Equipped with 46-inch heavy-duty cables, this unit includes a DC outlet for 12V accessories. For peak performance, store this rugged lifesaver at 68°F.
- This item is not for sale in Catalina Island.
Most of today’s portable jump starters are manufactured using lithium batteries, but as an exception, Jump-N-Carry JNC660 features a high-power lead-acid battery. This is the model you will frequently see in the toolboxes of professional tow truck drivers and garage mechanics for its heavy-duty cranking power.
- Why it saves lives: With 1,700 Peak Amps of power, this car jumper is known for being long-lasting. Its heavy-duty cables and industrial-grade clamps guarantee a rock-solid connection, even on rusty old battery terminals; that is the difference between making it home safely or remaining helpless at your roadside refuge spot.
- Best for: Pros and hobbyists with older cars, and anyone who wants a heavy-duty, no-nonsense shop tool.
- The JNC660 delivers 1700 peak amps using a 22Ah Proformer battery. It features a voltmeter and status gauge for precise power monitoring in any emergency.
- Equipped with 46-inch heavy-duty cables, this unit includes a DC outlet for 12V accessories. For peak performance, store this rugged lifesaver at 68°F.
- This item is not for sale in Catalina Island.
The DEWALT DXAEJ14 is not just a regular portable jump starter; it’s a fully functional digital power centre. This portable jump starter has 1600 Peak Amps and makes it easy to start engines, but it offers additional support during emergency situations.
- Why it saves lives: This unit can actually save your life when you need to jumpstart your vehicle. In addition to being able to jumpstart your vehicle, it has a 120 PSI digital air compressor built in. This means that if you are stranded somewhere, and your battery goes dead, or you have a flat tire you can use the compressor to inflate the tire as well. The digital display allows you to easily determine how much pressure/power you have available.
- Best for: Users of the DEWALT DXAEJ14 include families who travel frequently, campers and others who want a multi-purpose, portable device that will provide ultimate peace of mind when on the road.
- Instantly start dead batteries with 1000 amps of peak lithium power. Up to 20 starts per charge on engines up to 6.0L gas and 3.0L diesel.
- Engineered with patented spark-proof and reverse polarity protection for foolproof connections to any 12V vehicle - no sparks, no wrong connections.
Wait, another NOCO? Yes. The GB40 is the “big brother” …outdoor and people who don’t travel as much – NOCO Boost Plus GB40 Arguably the most popular portable jump starter on this planet. It offers 1,000 amps of starting power in a package that is ridiculously lightweight.
- Why it saves lives: It is almost impossible to get wrong. Just like its big brother, it is spark-proof and safeguards against reverse polarity. Its 100-lumen LED flashlight with seven light modes (including SOS and Emergency Strobe) that will allow you to see what you are doing and be seen by others during a midnight breakdown.
- Best for: Gift-giving, beginner drivers, or anyone in the market for convenient premium safety credentials, all wrapped up in one extremely petite package.
Why You Can No Longer Rely on Jumper Cables?
For decades, the tool has been jumper cables. But they are also outdated for several key reasons in 2026:
- Dependency: The cables also need a second car. If you are in an empty parking lot at night, it’s just a waiting game until a new friend comes to help.
- Safety: Today’s car ECUs are very sensitive. Even from a “donor” car, a power surge can fry thousands of dollars in electronics. Today’s portable jump starters modulate the electric flow to safeguard your car’s battery.
- Human Error: Hooking up wires in the dark is a recipe for arcing. This is not possible with portable devices due to the internal chips that it holds.
What to Look for Before You Buy?
Shop for portable jump starters based not only on the sticker price. Consider these three factors:
- Peak Amps: The amount of energy the unit “bursts” with. A tiny 4-cylinder car may even only require 400-600 amps, whereas a huge truck or completely “flat” battery may as well need you to go up to 1500+.
- Battery Capacity (mAh): Sets how many times you can jump a car (or charge your phone) before it is time for you to recharge the unit.
- Multi-Purpose: Do you want something that also works as an air compressor like the DEWALT, or just a basic kick ass jump and go tool like the NOCO?
Looking for more ways to prep for your next trip? Check out our list of the car accessories for long drive travelers.
Quick Comparison: Top 5 Portable Jump Starters
To help you navigate this world of cream-of-the-crop jump starters, I have compiled a side-by-side based on their specs. Whether you will need only raw power, multi-function tools, or professional-grade quality, with this table, you will find the right contender for your car.
| Product Model | Peak Amps | Engine Rating (Up To) | Key Bonus Feature | Battery Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOCO Boost HD GB70 | 2,000A | 8.0L Gas / 6.0L Diesel | 12V Accessory Port | Lithium-Ion |
| GOOLOO A3 | 3,000A | 9.0L Gas / 6.5L Diesel | 150 PSI Air Compressor | Lithium-Ion |
| Jump-N-Carry JNC660 | 1,700A | Heavy Duty / Fleet | Performer AGM Battery | Lead-Acid (AGM) |
| DEWALT DXAEJ14 | 1,600A | Large V8 Engines | 120 PSI Digital Pump | Lead-Acid (SLA) |
| NOCO Boost Plus GB40 | 1,000A | 6.0L Gas / 3.0L Diesel | Ultra-Portable Design | Lithium-Ion |
Which One Should You Choose?
- For the Buyer Seeking Peace of Mind: The NOCO Boost Plus GB40. It is the easiest to use and most compact, which is ideal for the average commuter.
- For the Road Trip Warrior: Tie between the GOOLOO A3 and DEWALT DXAEJ14. When you have a built-in air compressor as part of the jump starter, it is one less phone call for help if your battery dies at home.
- For the Daily Driver/Highest Quality: The Clore Jump-N-Carry JNC660 is designed for everyday use. It is heavier but has a lead-acid battery that is better at delivering “cranking” power than lithium-ion batteries for recalcitrant engines sitting around for long periods.
- For the Truck or RV Owner: With enough amperage rise to turn over big engines, but small enough to store under a seat, NOCO Boost HD GB70.
Pro Tip for 2026: The "Maintenance" Rule
Despite the fact that these portable jump starters are supposed to retain a charge for months, heat and cold can leach power from them.
Final Thoughts
A dead battery is an inconvenience, but being stranded without a way to fix it is a danger. Investing in one of these portable jump starters is effectively buying insurance for your time and safety. For less than the cost of a single tow, you can ensure that you—and your loved ones—are never truly stuck.
