Back in the day when high-tech portable jump starter technology didn’t exist, a neighbor, friend or relative had to be summoned when your car or truck wouldn’t start because of a drained car battery. You needed another running car engine to jump-start yours with starter cables.
Let’s face it: it was not an ideal situation, help had to be available and you would always lose a lot of valuable time. It’s a fact that these annoying breakdowns always occur at the most inconvenient moments too… Murphy never sleeps…
Those days are over! With a good jump starter pack you will be able to jump-start your engine within minutes all by yourself.
These are the ones we can recommend with confidence,
Let’s “jump” right in:
What is a Jump Starter?
A jump starter is a small battery-powered device used to jump-start a dead car battery by simply connecting its jump cables to the dead battery’s terminals. It does not charge the dead car battery, it starts the engine immediately by delivering a power boost. After initial startup, the car’s alternator will charge the dead battery. A jump starter eliminates the need for another vehicle to jump start your car, making it a very convenient device to keep in your car’s glove box or trunk. It’s much easier and safer than the two-car method because a portable jump starter has several built-in safety features that simple jump start cables don’t.
How Do I Use a Jump Starter?
A jump starter is very easy and safe to use. Simply connect the jump starter’s red clamp to the dead battery’s positive (red / “+”) terminal, then connect the black clamp to the dead battery’s negative (black / “-”) terminal. No need to worry about sparks or shorts, a jump starter has built-in safety features to ensure safe operation. Some jump starters have a “start” or “on” button you need to push or a combination of buttons to switch it on, others are automatically switched on and ready. You want to check your jump starter’s manual to make sure. Without any delay, you can now start your car. Once started, disconnect the jump starter and you’re ready to go! It’s recommended to drive for at least 30 minutes before switching your engine off to give your alternator enough time to charge your dead battery.
Things to Consider When Buying a Portable Jump Starter
A good quality jump starter pack is always ready and stays charged for when you need it. Beware of the cheap dodgy ones out there though…Like with all things in life: what you pay is what you get.
Most “bargain” jump starters have crappy battery packs that will run flat by the time you need them. Some even overheat, start smoking and catch fire! Consumer tests also show that they often only deliver about half the Amps they promise… Buy a crappy one and you’ll be praying your neighbor is home to help you out… again…Yep, walk of shame, some beer, an IOU and apologies.
Our advice is to pay a couple of bucks more to get a reliable pack… After all, if your backup tool doesn’t work when you need it, what good is it?
When you set out to buy a portable jump starter, you’ll want to consider several things:
- Which vehicles you’re going to use it for: car, truck, SUV, Heavy-Duty vehicle,… Make sure that the portable jump starter is up to the job. Check the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Safety features: It’s important to choose a jump starter that is safe. The most important safety features are:
- Spark-Proof Technology: This means that the battery clamps won’t spark when you connect them to the battery. That prevents the ignition of hydrogen gas that is formed inside the car battery. This invisible, highly explosive gas vents out with a potentially dangerous explosion as a result.
- Reverse-Polarity Protection: When the jump starter clamps are connected incorrectly, the jump starter will automatically shut off and display an error message. This prevents damage to the battery, jump starter and the car’s electrical circuit.
- Internal Safety Features: It’s equally important that automated safety features like over-current, high-temperature and overload protection are in place to protect the internal Lithium battery pack from catastrophic failure which can cause it to catch fire and explode.
- Charging speed: If you’re looking for fast-charging capabilities, a USB-C charging port is a must. It charges much faster.
- Versatility: If you want to use your portable jump starter as a power bank too, you want to check that it has multiple USB-A and USB-C power outlets, more is better. Extras like a built-in led flashlight with strobe and SOS-mode might be handy too. There’s even one with an air compressor.
- Extreme climate capability: If you live in an extremely hot or cold climate, make sure the portable jump starter can cope. If you’re going to use it in extreme temperatures, better check its temperature range.
- Included Accessories: You want to check what’s included and what’s optional. Besides a charging cable and jumper cables, you might need a protective storage bag or case and a USB-C fast charger.
- Voltage: Most are 12V but some can switch to 6V and 24V if needed. If that’s important to you, you want to take that in account.
- Size and weight: Pictures can deceive. Check the portable jump starter’s dimensions and weight before clicking that buy button. If you don’t, you might be in for a big surprise. Depending on the internal battery composition, accessories and protective sleeve or case, the device you chose based on a picture may turn out to be much larger and bulkier than expected.
How we did our review
Over the years we’ve tried and tested a lot of different portable jump starters for our vehicles and equipment with mixed results. Some are too bulky for comfort, some are dead when you need them. That wide experience gave us a head start to begin our real-world research.
For this review we dove deep in the manufacturer specifications and looked at customer reviews to see what their experiences were. We only recommend portable jump starters that worked great for us and the vast majority of other car enthusiasts. Depending on your specific goals, you might be focused on size, value, budget, Heavy-Duty capabilities or versatility, so that’s what we focused on in our “Top 6” too. After all, it has to serve your purpose, right?
We put in our time to line up the 6 best portable jump starters out there so you don’t have to. We’ve only selected jump starters which are easy and safe to use. As usual, we didn’t list second-bests, only winners.
CCM’s Top 6 Best Portable Jump Starters
Best Overall Portable Jump Starter
|
Best Overall
|
|
- Vehicle Type: up to 6.5L gas and 4L diesel engines
- Safety features: Yes
- Fast Charging Capability: Yes
- Versatility: Doubles as a USB-A and USB-C power bank, 100 lumens LED light, strobe, blink or SOS
- Temperature Range: -4°F to +122°F
- Included Accessories: Heavy-Duty jumper cables, USB-C charging cable, microfiber storage bag
- Voltage: 12V
- Weight: 1.30lbs
- Size: 6.8” x 3.3” x 2.1”
For anyone familiar with car jump starters, the NOCO brand which was founded in the USA as Nook & O’Neill in 1914, is a trusted high-quality brand. Insiders have nick-named it “the Iphone of jump-starters”.Their latest “Boost X” series is an upgrade from the best-selling “Boost” series. It has even more power and more advanced features than its predecessor, NOCO’s long-time Nr.1 best-selling GB40. With its UltraSafe 2.0 technology, NOCO raises the bar even more: it’s completely safe because of its built-in spark-proof and reverse-polarity protection. It’s monkey-proof, basically.
Although the GBX45 is the smallest, most affordable model in the range, it packs a punch nonetheless. Peak current is 1250 amps, which is suitable for cranking engines up to 6.5-liter gas or 4.0-liter diesel. This is sufficient to jump-start most vehicles.
It completely recharges in just 48-minutes, or goes from 0% to jump starting in just 5-minutes of charge.
The internal battery, a 31 Wh Lithium-Ion cell, can also charge various electronic devices, from laptops to smartphones using its 10W USB-A or 60W USB-C ports.
You can recharge the GBX45’s battery in about four hours using a standard USB-A connector or fast-charge it in approximately 40 minutes using the USB-C port. A fast charger is not supplied and must be bought separately.
The compact casing is tough as nails and carries a waterproof rating of IP65 with the port covers closed. It’s also drop-resistant. For your ease-of-use and safety, there’s a powerful 100 lumen LED light with adjustable brightness on one end of the casing to help you safely connect your booster in darkness. This portable jump starter also has a strobe, red SOS or blink function to warn oncoming traffic.
Because of its intelligently balanced price-, size-, quality-, functionality- and power- ratios it’s arguably the best choice overall.
We’ve been using our NOCO Boost for a couple of years now and it has never let us down. It’s plugged in twice a year for a top-up and that’s it. It’s always there when we need it. Customers like the safety features that prevent sparks and shorts so they’re not afraid to use it. They say every car should have one in its trunk.
PROS:
- Will jump-start most vehicles
- For up to 6.5L gas and 4L diesel engines
- Spark-Proof technology
- Fast charging capability
- Doubles as a USB-A and USB-C power bank
- 100 lumens LED light with strobe, blink and SOS setting
- Heavy-Duty, drop-resistant casing
- IP65 waterproof rating
- Latest, upgraded tried-and-trusted NOCO battery technology
- Powerful 31 Wh Lithium-Ion cell
- 5-year limited warranty
CONS:
- Fast charger not included
- Protective case not included
- Not for heavy-duty trucks or busses
- Premium price because of well-established brand reputation
Best Value Portable Jump Starter
|
Best Value
|
|
- Vehicle Type: up to 8.5L gas and 6L diesel engines
- Safety features: Yes
- Fast Charging Capability: Yes
- Versatility: USB-A and USB-C charging capabilities, 400 lumen LED light with strobe and SOS-mode
- Temperature Range: -5°F to 113°F Working Temperature
- Included Accessories: booster clamps, SPEED CHARGE wall charger, USB-C cable, DC 12V cigarette lighter adapter
- Voltage: 12V
- Weight: 2.57 lbs
- Size: 8.8”x 4.0” x 1.8”
Hulkman is the new kid on the block and the louse in the fur of big guns like NOCO. When we say that this newbie means business, this is by no means an overstatement. Competitors have reason to worry: the Hulkman Alpha series really hits the ball out of the park…
For starters (pun intended), the sleek futuristic design with its integrated 3.3” digital display that only becomes visible when it’s lit has a huge wow!-factor.
But it’s not just a pretty face: it’s the “Alpha” in its price category when it comes to power too. This 20.000mAh good-looking power brick packs 2000A peak current, which is plenty to jump-start any engine up to 8.5L gas or 6L diesel.This portable jump starter has a rugged design for greater durability even in the toughest conditions.
Safe as can be: over 9 types of built-in safety protections ensure ultra-safe operation. Hulkman Alpha 85 can be fast-charged to 20% in only 5 min and to 100% in less than 90min. If it’s not used, it will stay charged for up to 18 months!
Equipped with USB-A and USB-C ports, it can also power any battery-powered electronic device that needs juice. Packing a 400 lumen LED Light that has a flashlight, strobe and SOS-mode you’ll see, be seen and be safe. Despite the designer looks, its rugged casing is IP65 rated which means that it’s water and dust resistant.
Well, if you’re a front-runner and a sucker for good-looking things, I bet Alpha’s got your attention…
For people that deal with extreme cold, there’s the Hulkman Alpha 85S which basically is identical to the 85, but has an internal heater that enables it to work in temperatures as low as -40°F / -40°C. Hulkman also builds Heavy-Duty jump starters that can even revive most semi’s in -40°: the larger Hulkman Alpha 100. It spews 4000A peak current and has 32000mAh of battery capacity to keep you truckin’.
Customers like the fact that it is powerful and reliable. They love the sleek casing design and the neat display too. They think it’s a great deal considering that it comes complete with all the stuff you’ll need.
PROS:
- Wow!-factor: sleek futuristic design with integrated 3.3” digital display
- Ultimate safety: 10 Built-in Protections
- Powerful: 20.000mAh 2000A peak current (Alpha 85-85S) / 32000mAh 4000A (Alpha 100)
- Will start up to 8.5L gas or 6L diesel engines (Alpha 85-85S) / up to 10L gas or diesel engines (Alpha 100)
- 400 lumens LED light (Alpha 85-85S) / 600 lumens (Alpha 100)
- USB-C 65W speed charge: 5 min > 20%, 90 min > 100%
- Well-equipped: speed-charge wall charger, booster clamps, USB-C cable, DC 12V cigarette lighter adapter
- Working temperature: 5°F to 113°F (Alpha 85) / -40°F to 113°F (Alpha 85S-100)
- IP65 rating: dust-tight, rain- and drop-resistant
- 24 months of hassle-free warranty and lifetime technical support
CONS:
- Newbie, has yet to prove its durability in the long run
Best Budget Portable Jump Starter
|
Best Budget
|
|
- Vehicle Type: up to 7L gas or 6.5L diesel
- Safety features: Yes
- Fast Charging Capability: N/A
- Versatility: quick charge 3.0 USB port, LED work light with 3 modes: flash light, strobe light, and SOS light
- Temperature Range: -4°F to +140°F
- Included Accessories: Heavy-Duty battery clamps, USB-C charging cable, user manual, delicate carrying case, 15W adaptor
- Voltage: 12V
- Weight: 2.2 lbs
- Size: 9” x 3.4” x 1.2”
Most bang for your buck probably says it all. Nexpow’s compact portable jump starter is the most powerful you can find that’s cheap but still well-built and reliable.
It’s very popular and gets a 4.6/5 customer rating, which is pretty impressive considering its low price. It has most features the more expensive competitors have. It’s spark-proof and protected against reverse-polarity, over-current, high-temperature and overload.
The specially designed indicator notifies you of incorrect use with an audible buzz and flashing lights. Nexpow 2000 has a capacity of 18000mAh and 2000A of peak current.
With its heavy-duty clamps and cables, it can jump-start a car or truck with an engine of maximum 7L gas or 6.5L diesel for up to 20 times. The same goes for motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATV’s, UTV’s, lawnmowers and yachts even in extreme temperatures (-4°F to 140°F).
Equipped with 2 USB-A outputs (5V/3A) and (5V/2.1A), the quick-charge 3.0 USB port can fully charge your smartphone, tablet and other mobile devices at the fastest speed possible.
The built-in LED worklight has 3 modes: flashlight, strobelight and SOS-light. Also included are Heavy-Duty battery clamps, a USB-C charging cable, a carrying case and a 15W adaptor.
PROS:
- Budget-friendly but still well-built and reliable
- Popular with an impressive customer rating
- Spark-proof and protected against reverse-polarity, over-current, high-temperature and overload
- Has most features the more expensive competitors have
- Well-equipped: comes with Heavy-Duty battery clamps, a USB-C charging cable, a carrying case and a 15W adaptor
- High capacity of 18000mAh and 2000A of peak current
- Jump-starts cars, trucks, snowmobiles, ATV’s, UTV’s, lawnmowers, and yachts even in extreme temperatures (-4°F~140°F)
- Also for larger engines up to 7L gas or 6.5L diesel
- Equipped with 2 USB charging outputs (5V/3A) and (5V/2.1A)
- Built-in LED worklight has 3 modes: flashlight, strobelight and SOS-light
- Audible buzz and flashing light fault notifications
CONS:
- Looks cheap
- Starter cables have awkward dongle with old-tech mini display
- No USB-C port
- Not IP65 waterproof rated
- Disappointing flashlight
Best Heavy-Duty Portable Jump Starter
|
Best Heavy-Duty
|
|
- Vehicle Type: up to 10.0-liters gasoline and 8.0-liter diesel engines
- Safety features: Yes
- Fast Charging Capability: Yes
- Versatility: USB-C power delivery, 500-Lumen LED flashlight with various brightness modes, SOS, and emergency strobe
- Temperature Range: -4°F to +122°F
- Included Accessories: battery clamps, 24” USB-A to USB-C cable, 24” 12V to USB-C cable, microfiber storage bag
- Voltage: 12V
- Weight: 5.82 lbs
- Size: 6.9” x 12.03” x 2.72”
In this case, “X” truly stands for extreme. This high-end portable jump starter is armored by a Heavy-Duty, drop-resistant casing with IP65 waterproof rating.
NOCO Boost X GBX155 has Noco’s all-new design that can handle the most extreme use.This isn’t just an upgrade from the popular “Boost” series. It’s a whole new series – the “Extreme” series. And this one is the most powerful of the bunch.
Rated at a whopping 4250 Amps, this portable 6750mAh lithium battery car jump-starter can start all vehicle types, including cars, motorcycles, trucks, ATVs, boats, RVs, vans, SUVs, tractors, and more for up to 10.0-liter gasoline and 8.0-liter diesel engines.
All the Boost X models are equipped with USB-C technology which gives you lightning-fast recharges. The GBX155 completely recharges in well under 3 hours, or goes from 0% to jump starting in just 5 minutes of charge.
A fast charger must be bought separately if you want fast-charging capabilities. However, it does also charge lightning-fast with the included 12V car charger. With the built-in USB-C power port, you can charge almost everything. The internal power bank provides 60-watts of power to effortlessly charge your favorite USB-C devices like phones, tablets, laptops, cameras and more.
The next-gen “UltraSafe 2.0” technology is even more advanced than its predecessor. It’s still the simple, mistake-free design featuring spark-proof technology and reverse polarity protection, but with enhanced thermal efficiency and power management to provide better performance and longer battery life.
This portable jump starter also got an extremely bright 500 lumens LED flashlight with adjustable brightness and a strobe, red SOS or blink function to warn oncoming traffic.
With the GBX155 come Heavy-Duty jumper cable clamps, a USB-C charging cable, a 12V USB-C fast charger and a microfiber storage bag.
Power in extreme amounts… anyone?
A customer who deals with heavy equipment says that after having started 10 Heavy Duty diesel engines, the GBX155’s battery is still reading full. We’ve been using the much smaller NOCO Boost X GBX45 for a couple of years ourselves and haven’t lacked any power yet, so we can imagine this large gun is quite a beast…
PROS:
- The most “X-treme” starting power
- Can handle the most extreme (ab)use
- Heavy-Duty, drop-resistant casing
- IP65 waterproof rating
- The most powerful of the series: 4250 Amps, 6750mAh
- For any engine up to 10.0-Liter gas and 8.0-Liter diesel
- USB-C technology for lightning-fast recharges
- 0% to jump starting in just 5 minutes of charge when completely depleted
- Simple, mistake-free design featuring spark-proof technology and reverse polarity protection
- Latest, upgraded tried-and-trusted NOCO battery technology
- Effortlessly charges phones, tablets, laptops, cameras and more
- Adjustable 500 lumens LED light with strobe, red SOS or blink function
CONS:
- Fast charger not included
- Protective case not included
- Large size compared to lower-Amps jump starters
- Premium price because of well-established brand reputation
Best Mini Portable Jump Starter
|
Best Mini
|
|
- Vehicle Type: Full-size cars and SUVs
- Safety features:Yes
- Versatility: 115V AC outlet, 2x USB-A ports, wireless charging dock, LED flood light
- Temperature Range: N/A
- Included Accessories: AC wall plug, car charging adapter, charging cable (Micro-USB cable), jumper cables, carrying pouch
- Voltage: DC 12V / AC 115V
- Weight: 1.64 lbs
- Size: 3.82″ x 7.17″ x 1.6″
The cute, compact, user-friendly Halo Bolt products have only been on the market for a couple of years. Since its introduction it has opened up the jump starter market to everyone.
It has transformed a dull, professional tool to a must-have consumer gadget that daily charges your smartphone, tablet, laptop and other tech stuff but doubles as a powerful yet safe portable jump starter in emergencies too.
Along with a convenient LED floodlight function, it also features two USB-A charging ports and even a 65W / 120V AC outlet to power your laptop or other small devices! Car enthusiasts, housewives, teens, commuters,… even granny carries one in her purse. Frequent flyers take it with them on the airplane too, because it is TSA compliant.
The Halo Bolt AC/DC has built-In safety features like reverse-polarity protection, short-circuit protection and an auto power-off function. It is 100% safe for anyone to use. Jumper cables with spark protection keep you and your car from becoming a light show.
It’s one of the greatest, affordable presents you can give to your loved ones and friends to keep ‘em safe and charged. In fact, its powerful 44,400 mWh Lithium Polymer battery can hold its charge up to 2 years!
They come in fashionable colors too…
We think that what sets this portable jump starter apart from the others is that it is very small and even looks cute and fashionable (in a tech way) with its many trendy color styles. It’s also unique because it has an AC 115V outlet that can be used to power small mains devices in case of a power outage. Customers who bought one for themselves often return to buy extra units for their family and loved ones as a present. That says it all, doesn’t it?
PROS:
- Cute, compact, user-friendly
- Affordable
- Available in fashionable colors
- Doubles as a jump-starter and AC/DC power bank
- Safe to use for everyone
- 2x USB-A and 1x 115V AC outlet
- Small and lightweight: 7.2 x 3.8 x 1.6 inches / 1.64 lbs
- Powerful 44,400 mWh Lithium Polymer battery
- Excellent customer rating
- Awesome present
- Bright built-in LED floodlight
- Can hold its charge up to 2 years
CONS:
- No USB-C port
- Not IP65 waterproof rated
Most Versatile Portable Jump Starter
|
Most Versatile
|
|
- Vehicle Type: full-sized car or suv
- Safety features: Yes
- Fast Charging Capability: N/A
- Versatility: on-board air compressor with universal nozzle, two USB-A ports, floodlight, red emergency light, SOS flashing red light
- Temperature Range: N/A
- Included Accessories: AC wall charging adapter, jumper cables, car charger, interchangeable air nozzle kit, 24” air hose extension, USB to Micro USB cable, carrying pouch
- Voltage: 12V
- Weight: 2.54 lbs
- Size: 4.65″ x 9.52″ x 1.85″
The Halo Bolt Air can safely jump-start a full-sized car or SUV in a heartbeat. You can of course use it to start motorcycles, snowmobiles and lawnmowers too.
It’s also a power bank: two USB-A ports let you charge multiple devices simultaneously, so nothing runs out of power on the go. Should you not use it, it will still hold its power for up to a year. Just recharge it and it’s good to go again!
This portable jump starter also features a built-in air compressor with a universal nozzle. Using the included interchangeable nozzles you can quickly inflate tires, balls, air mattresses and so much more…
With the easily set, digitally adjustable pressure level there’s no more guessing when inflating. It guarantees the right amount of air each and every time.
The powerful built-in LED floodlight with red and red blinking light function won’t leave you in the dark. It’s perfect for inflating a tire on a dark road or for finding the pen at the back of your glovebox. And yes, it’s safe too: short circuit protection, reverse polarity protection, jumper cable spark protection, automated safety checks…
If it sounds too good to be true,… well, in this case it’s not! Here’s the icing on the cake: it comes in fashionable colors, too…What an awesome, versatile lifesaver! We think every car owner should have one of these in their glove box just in case.
Customers say they love the little gadget and think they are very well made and dependable. They claim that battery life is phenomenal and that it is very portable. They would recommend it to anyone.
PROS:
- Starts all full-sized cars or SUV’s, motorcycles, snowmobiles, lawnmowers,…
- Inflates tires, balls, air mattresses,…
- Compact and lightweight: 4.65″ x 9.52″ x 1.85″ and 2.54 lbs
- Powerful 58830mWh – 500A Lithium Ion battery
- Two USB-A ports to charge multiple devices simultaneously
- Holds its power for up to a year
- Bright built-in LED floodlight with red and red blinking light function
CONS:
- No USB-C port
- Larger and heavier than the Halo Bolt AC/DC
Comparison Table of the Best Portable Jump Starters
| Brand | Name | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | NOCO | Boost X GBX45 1250A UltraSafe Portable Lithium Jump Starter |
| Best Value | HULKMAN | Alpha 85 Jump Starter 2000 Amp |
| Best Budget | Nexpow | 2000A Peak 18000mAh Car Jump Starter with USB Quick Charge 3.0 |
| Best Heavy-Duty | NOCO | Boost X GBX155 4250A |
| Best Mini | HALO | Bolt AC/DC Portable Car Jump Starter |
| Most Versatile | HALO | Bolt Air Portable Emergency Power Kit with Tire Pump |
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right portable jump starter for your needs requires some self-interrogation, so let’s not jump to conclusions, pun intended…
First ask yourself:
- Will I need it often? ( short-distance commuting / cold climate / worn-down car battery / older car(s) / classic car(s))
- Will I use it for (a) family car(s) or also for Heavy-Duty vehicles and trucks?
- Does it have to be rugged and waterproof or slim, elegant and cute?
- Will I use it as a powerbank to recharge my smartphone, laptop and other tech-stuff too?
- Is a USB-C port with fast-charging capabilities a must?
If you don’t expect to need it often and it would only be a backup for one or maybe two family cars, you could consider the NEXPOW. Chuck it in one of your cars or store it in your garage and it’ll save you when your car won’t start on a cold January morning. It’s a cheap fix, but it does the job…
Have your beloved ‘68 Mustang garaged waiting for springtime and your rusty F-150 covered in snow on your driveway? Chances are you will soon need that reliable NOCO Boost X GBX45 to get you started. You’ll be saving a lot of money not yet having to buy expensive brand-new car batteries as a preventive measure too…
In case you also own Heavy-Duty equipment, a UTV or maybe a semi, go for the big gun: NOCO Boost X GBX155. It’s crazy powerful and as rugged as they come.
Like your tech sexy and sleek? Want to be wowed? HULKMAN Alpha 85 is the looker of the bunch. Has USB-C, of course…And you can rest assured: it won’t let you down.
Living in a region with extreme winter temperatures? You should get a Hulkman Alpha 85S with internal heating for temperatures as low as -40°!
There’s also the Hulkman Alpha 100 if you need twice the 85’s peak current to start that hulk of a truck at -40°…(Sorry, couldn’t resist 😉 )
Tiny, fashionable, affordable and versatile is what you’re looking for? Take a look at HALO Bolt AC/DC: a performant jump starter and on-the-go charger that is small enough to carry with you anywhere.
If you want to be able to inflate a flat tire with a super-compact jump starter/power bank too, only one fits that bill: HALO Bolt Air.
Do we think every car owner should have a good portable jump starter? Absolutely!
In our opinion every car should have one in its trunk or glove box.
Yes, we know that it’s an extra expense, but you’ll be thanking us later when you’re stranded with a flat battery late at night on a cold, rainy day.
Be safe!
FAQ’s
Is a Jump Starter the same as a Battery Charger?
No, they are completely different. A jump starter is a battery powered device designed to give a short, powerful boost to a dead car battery so you’re able to start the car immediately. It can’t be used to charge a car battery though.
A battery charger on the other hand, will charge a car battery slowly over the course of multiple hours or days, depending on its Amperage, until the car battery is full and ready to perform.
Which is Better: a Battery Charger or a Jump Starter?
Although a battery charger and a jump starter are completely different devices, both have their specific purpose and neither of them is “better”:
A jump starter is a battery powered device designed to give a short, powerful boost to a dead car battery so you’re able to start the car immediately. It can’t be used to charge a car battery though.
A battery charger on the other hand, will charge a car battery slowly over the course of multiple hours or days, depending on its amperage, until the car battery is full and ready to perform.
Can a Jump Starter Damage a Battery?
A healthy car battery won’t be damaged by an occasional jump start from a portable jump starter. In fact, if done improperly, a “classic” jump start with two vehicles and starter cables has a higher risk of causing electric or electronic damage if performed improperly.
The reason is that quality portable jump starters have multiple safety features like short circuit protection, reverse polarity protection, jumper cable spark protection, automated safety checks…
Jumper cables on the other hand, are mere copper connectors between battery poles without any safety features.
Can You Keep a Portable Jump Starter in Your Car?
Yes you can. However, extreme hot or cold temperatures will drain its power and may even damage its internal batteries permanently.
How Long Should I Drive My Car after a Jump Start?
You should drive your car about 30 minutes after jump starting it. Your alternator will have had enough time to charge your battery to an acceptable power level by then. If not, there’s most probably something wrong with your car battery or alternator.
Why You Should Trust Our Reviews And Content
All our website content and reviews are 100% unique, protected and based on our own thorough research.
They are the result of our hands-on testing, data analytics, expert consultation and customer review analysis, enhanced by our own extensive expertise.
We do not compromise: our focal point is always on you, our valued visitor.
Our website content and reviews are your unbiased, unsponsored tools to get the job done better and quicker, with less expense.
CCM is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.
Frank
CCM is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.
