The built-in battery boasts the ability to jump-start a vehicle for up to 40 times from one full charge. Conversely, the charging will only take around 6 hours (via 2.1 A USB port) or 2 hours (via 12V XGC cable).
The charging time is comparatively long.
With its peak current of 3000 A, the NOCO Genious Boost Pro can easily handle virtually any engine. Actually, no engine is too big for it and no task is impossible, ultimately allowing it to start vehicles with completely flat batteries in a matter of seconds.
3000 A
7300 mAh
Ultra-safe™ spark-proof and reverse polarity protection
No
1 x USB output (2.1A)
Built-in dual LED flashlight (7 lighting modes), Battery indicator, XGC Male and Female connectors, XGC cable, Charging micro USB cable and microfiber storage bag included
1 year
This semi-professional jump starter is equipped with a 22000 mAh lead-acid battery and a built-in LED lamp. Allowing you to start commercial vehicles' engines on the first try, this reliable unit is worth every penny it costs.
It's somewhat heavy.
Equipped with a lead-acid battery with absorbent fibreglass, the Maxtools Portable Jump Starter is able to jump-start both petrol and diesel engines in a matter of several minutes. Great for individual and professional use.
2200 A
22000 mAh
Reverse polarity protection
No
1 x USB output (2.1A)
Built-in LED flashlight, Battery indicator, Built-in carry handle
30 days
The LED flashlight has a tremendous brightness of 100 lumens that can light up even the pitch-black roads, while the additional 7 flashing modes will allow you to choose the required brightness, depending on the situation.
The housing of the device tends to get hot with prolonged use.
Despite the small size and relatively lightweight build, this jumpstarting device is capable of delivering a vital level of charge to the petrol and diesel vehicles of up to 6 and 3 litres, respectively. Definitely a must-have for owners of gas-powered vehicles.
1000 A
2150 mAh
Ultra-safe™ spark-proof and reverse polarity protection
No
1 x USB output (2.1A)
Built-in dual LED flashlight (7 lighting modes), Battery indicator, Charging micro USB Cable, Microfiber storage bag
1 year
The built-in fuse of the starter reduces the risk of its malfunction in case of overload or undervoltage, which will come in handy in case you plan on using the device for more than one season. Similarly to other modern appliances, RAC has also equipped this model with reverse polarity protection.
Lacks a flashlight function.
The RAC HP082 is designed specifically for low-capacity diesel and petrol engines including compact cars, ATVs, bikes, snowmobiles, and other utility vehicles that have 6V and 9V batteries. Fairly compact and light, it is one of the best options for the price.
400 A
7000 mAh
Reverse polarity protection
No
2 x 12 V ports, 3V/6V/9V outputs
Battery indicator, Built-in carry handle
1 year
The sides of the power pack feature compartments that you can use to store battery clamps. The clamps, in turn, are rugged and long enough to jump-start both small vehicles and trucks.
The USB power output is limited to only 1 Amp.
This multi-functional car battery charger is based on the lead-acid component that can hold the charge from many months to years on end, making it a great long-term investment. Great for emergency cases, it can revitalise two batteries simultaneously, owing to two 12-V power sockets.
900 A
18000 mAh
Reverse polarity protection
No
1 x USB output (1A), 2 x 12 V ports
Built-in LED flashlight, Battery indicator, Built-in carry handle
1 year
Enormous Capacity
The NOCO Genius Boost Pro GB150 is one of the most versatile portable battery revitalisers available today, however, you wouldn’t be able to tell just by looking at it, and so let’s break down its core features.
To start things off, this particular jump-starter model features a capacious built-in Lithium-ion battery with 7300 mAh onboard, which should be more than enough to last for quite a while before it needs to be recharged. Given that you would be mostly using this portable device for starting your vehicle, you won’t have to charge it too often.
Thanks to its versatile design, this jump starter can be used for more than just getting your car up and running. Aside from the standard clamp cable connectors, this model also features a USB port that can be used to power and recharge other gadgets like phones or tablets, which is a nice addition, considering that the built-in battery just screams to be used as a portable power bank.
Owing to the peak output current that reaches 3000 Amps you can easily jump-start vehicles, cars, motorcycles with a swept volume of up to 10 litres as well as diesel engines with the same fuel displacement rates.
Heavyweight Champion
Despite its relatively modest size, the appliance can effectively start both small and large vehicles for up to 40 times, depending on how big their batteries are, which is quite a feat for a portable appliance. That said, the GB150 Pro is on the heavier side when it comes to carrying it around, so we don’t recommend putting it in your bag since it will probably make it weigh twice as much. Alternatively, you can always store it in your garage, car boot, or glove compartment and use it when needed.
As for the actual process of restarting your car, the GB150 Pro has got you covered. The kit comes equipped with a set of battery clamps that can be hooked up to most standard-sized connectors on automobile batteries. Likewise, the package includes a micro USB charging cable and a set of XGC cable and adapters for them. Owing to these, you can recharge the internal battery using any USB-powered source when needed, and utilize the XGC cables to extend an already great reach of the base NOCO unit.
Wrapping things up, the NOCO Genius Boost Pro GB150 has proven to be an excellent tool for jump-starting pretty much any petrol- or diesel-powered vehicle. Compact, capacious, powerful, and, most importantly - easy to use it won’t let you down when it comes to starting the car fast.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £294.95 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B015TKSSB8 |
Maximum Efficiency
Whether you drive a car or a commercial vehicle, you need a reliable jump starter to help you out in case of battery failure. Equipped with a 2200A lead-acid battery with absorbent fibreglass, this professional jump starter by MAXTOOLS is recommended for vehicles with both petrol and diesel engines. Boasting a 22000mAh capacity, it can be used several times on one charge, which makes the unit a fantastic choice for both individual and commercial use.
To jump-start your vehicle, turn off the ignition, connect the red clamp to the positive and the black clamp to the negative terminal of your car battery. Then, turn the ignition key, but not for longer than 6 seconds. If the engine has started, disconnect the device, black clamp first and then the red one and return the clamps and cables to the support posts. If the engine does not start, wait for 3 minutes and try again.
The manufacturer recommends that you recharge the device after each use without waiting for it to discharge completely. A charger is included in the box. Moreover, the unit has a recharge LED indicator that will light red when the battery runs low and green when the unit is charged. Make sure to recharge the device in well-ventilated places.
Easy to Use and Maintain
Boasting an intuitive operation, the battery booster is easy to maintain, besides, it comes with an easy-to-follow user manual. The jump starter has a dry lead battery, so it can be stored in any position. However, you should keep in mind that the unit will perform the best at 10 to 25 °C temperature. If you do not use the item for a long time, make sure to recharge it for 48 hours every 3 months. The support posts on both sides of the appliance will ensure safe and comfortable storage of the clamps.
As for the item's functionality, it has an integrated LED lamp for illuminating your workspace if you need to jump-start your car at night. Meanwhile, a USB port on its front panel allows you to recharge your smartphone and other mobile gadgets to stay connected when on the road.
In a word, the MAXTOOLS JS500UK is a functional and reliable battery booster that will easily jump-start your petrol or diesel-powered vehicle. It may be less portable than some of its rivals, but it is also more powerful.
| Last updated price | £138.39 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B089MDN58Z |
Charge It How You Want
The NOCO Genius Boost Plus is a great example of a portable car jump starter that you can put inside your bag or even in a pocket. Since the device has a relatively small size compared to other jumper models, you can store it almost anywhere as well - in your garage or even inside the glove compartment of your car.
When it comes to charging the internal battery, you can do it in two ways that will be convenient for both home and outdoor use. The gadget’s design features both 12 V and 5 V micro USB inputs so you can easily charge it from your car’s cigarette lighter, power socket, or from any USB-powered device.
Moving on, let’s take a closer look at the convenient features that this model has no shortage of. The Genius Boost Plus incorporates two built-in LED lights that will highlight everything you need even in a pitch dark environment. On top of the regular flashlight functions, the LED lights can be turned to SOS mode that will create a strobe light visible from miles away. Suffice it to say, this feature will prove to be particularly useful in all kinds of emergency scenarios.
Since you can charge the device by using both USB and car lighter inputs, the user’s manual will tell you that the best way to do so is utilise the latter method. For the most part, it is because the USB will only charge up the battery to 75% due to the limitations in voltage output, compared to the lighter charger.
Tiny Device With a Real Punch
A single full charge of the battery will provide you with up to 20 jump starts of your car, which is quite impressive for such a small device. Despite being small, the unit has a rather powerful amperage output of 1000 Amps. The output power of 1000A will be more than enough to boost the batteries of petrol cars up to 6.0 litres and diesel cars of up to 3.0 litres needed for jump starting.
The design of the jump starter features just a few buttons that will let you easily turn the power and the flashlight on, as well as check the battery charge level. The battery level indicator is quite simple, including 4 low-power LED dots that represent 25% of the overall charge each. Simply put, when all of the lights are lit, the battery is fully charged, while the single blinking dot will tell you that the time of recharging has come.
Finally, the small yet highly efficient carjacker from NOCO is a go-to pick for all kinds of people who own a small vehicle or a motorcycle.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £100.86 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B015TKUPIC |
Classic Starter Model
This orange box from RAC is, perhaps, the closest thing on our list that actually resembles a jump starter, however, it’s not only the bright coloured box that makes it worth your while.
First off, the battery pack doesn’t have that huge of a punch, which enables the appliance to be quite compact and nimble. Rated at 400 A, the total amperage output should get you through cold weather and a flat battery with relative ease. However, it will only start vehicles with up to 1500 cc petrol engines. The size and moderate power output don’t make it a good pick for bigger vehicles of 1.6 litres and above, but 400 A is just ideal enough for smaller vehicles and bikes. As for the diesel-based cars, the starter will suit engines with up to 1.2-litre displacement.
As for the convenience features, the battery pack has a sturdy-looking carrying handle on top of the housing that allows for better portability. Similar to other products in the same category, this package comes equipped with a set of jumper cables, clamps, and an AC adapter needed for charging the internal battery. Additional storage for cables is provided by special cable management slots on the sides of the device, making storing the clamps a breeze. On top of that, you are getting the standard LED status indicator that will show the current charge status of the built-in battery.
Little Box for Small Engines
Moving on, the actual battery of this jump starter can hold up to 7000 mAh, which should be enough to jump-start a vehicle with a 1.5-litre engine up to 3 times from a completely flat state. The number of times you can use it on smaller engines will vary depending on their specifications, however. Aside from the standard 12V charging (dual and single modes), the battery pack also supports 9V, 6V, and 3V charging modes via the respective outputs on the front panel of the starter.
The thing that needed improvement, in our opinion, though, is the charging time. Initially, it may take somewhere between 10-16 hours to fully charge the internal battery, which may be a bit underwhelming at first. That said, considering the modest price tag for the whole package, we could forgive that quirk.
All in all, the RAC HP082 proves to be a decent budget-friendly jump starter ideal for smaller cars, ATVs, bikes and boat engines, which is where this little orange box really excels. But if you need a battery charger with a little more punch to it, we recommend getting a juicier one.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £46.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B00FB7LTO8 |
Jump-Starts Vehicles Without Breaking a Sweat
When it comes to reliability, only a handful of jump starter devices can show off a good battery that can hold the charge for several weeks, without the need of recharging every now and then. Fortunately, with Sealey RoadStart you can finally have some peace of mind.
While the peak amperage output of this model is not something truly outstanding (only 900 A), it does the job of recharging car batteries quite well. To be exact, the output amperage is just powerful enough to start a vehicle with a displacement of 3 litres and 2 litres (petrol and diesel cars, respectively). The thing that makes it good, though, is the ability to jump-start automobiles with flat batteries even in sub-freezing temperatures.
The heavy-duty battery clamps that come together with the portable battery itself are built to last and are equipped with 72.5-cm long cables that make it easier to start your vehicle according to the circumstances.
Instead of a single jumper cable port, this charger model features two 12V sockets that can be used simultaneously. Thanks to this, you can charge two car batteries at the same time, which is a great feature especially, if such an emergency situation arises.
A Perfect Car Battery Care Kit
Picking a portable battery booster that is not only slim but also useful at the same time can be quite a daunting task. That said, we think that this NOCO model might be just the right pick for users that don’t need a power station to jump-start their vehicle.
Firstly, this appliance is exceptionally small, compared to other similar products in the same price range. With dimensions of only 11.71 x 10.69 x 20.8 cm the car booster fits even the smallest glove compartments and car boots leaving enough room for other cargo.
Secondly, to make the jump-starting process a tad bit easier, the appliance is equipped with a 24 Watt-Hour (2000 mAh) internal battery that enables to jump-start small- and medium-sized petrol engine vehicles and cars up to 20 times from one full charge. The recharging process, on the other hand, will only take 2.5-3 hours, which makes GB20 Boost Sport an ideal option for both casual drivers and professionals that spend most of their working hours on the road.
Even though GB20 Boost Sport is great for petrol engine cars, it is not recommended for use on diesel-powered engines. Due to the fact that the appliance’s output amperage is only rated at 500 A, it simply won’t be enough to crank the engines of diesel vehicles simply because they require a more potent current boost that this unit won’t be able to deliver. That said, the appliance is capable of effectively starting car engines with up to 4-litre swept volume without too much of an issue.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £84.29 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B06Y657D1S |
What Is a Jump Starter?
If you drive a car, having a jump starter is a must. Anything can happen on the road. Even marker lights left on overnight may drain the battery of your car and lead to its dead engine. Therefore, one of the safety considerations is to always carry with you a jump starter. This multifunctional tool can start a disabled car in a matter of minutes and eliminate the need to ask for someone's help while being on the road. Besides, jump starters are all pretty small in size and don't take up much space in a boot.
Jump starters can help prevent a lot of problems by giving you a helping hand when you need it most, and quite literally. Take it out, connect to your car, and off you go! In this review, you'll find only the top models of jump starters we've handpicked from all available, and we hope you'll find the best one for your needs.
Aside from a jump starter, you may also want to acquire a tyre pressure gauge that allows you to check the condition of your tyres and help your car run smoothly on any road or even off-road. Additionally, we recommend taking a quick look at our car battery charger reviews that are designed to keep the battery of your vehicle in a good shape, no matter the season.
What Features to Compare
Amperage
Before you choose any particular jump starter, first things first, consider the amperage required for starting a car engine. The voltage of a battery booster should not exceed the battery voltage. To put it simple, opt for a jump starter with a charging current that is 10% more than the battery's capacity. For example, if the current charge of your car battery is 400A, you should choose a jump starter that has at least 440A.
Some jump starters are more versatile than the others, allowing you to use them for charging phones, tablets and notebooks as well. They are widely popular among travellers and active users who often travel and/or go hiking and camping and need to charge their gadgets on the go. The 12V output is considered the optimal number, providing enough juice for most of the devices we usually take with us on trips.
Safety Options
All car batteries have negative and positive polarity connections. When you attach jump starters, it’s important to connect them correctly to prevent battery malfunctions. The manufacturers of jump starters have taken care of safety options, too. If something is connected the wrong way, in most cases, you can expect that the protection system will inform you about it with an alert and turn itself off. Also, there's little risk of burning the charging accumulator as the system ensures you can see its capacity and stop it at any time.
Size
As a rule, compact jump starters come packed with a cover or a special case for convenient transportation and weather protection (consider the size). Thanks to the additional adapters that come included, charging laptops, tablets or smartphones on the go is going to be very easy and convenient. Some producers ship jump starters with a torch for at night adventures.
Compressors
The models with built-in compressors are going to be perfect for pumping wheels as well as filling a ball or a mattress with the air. It can be called an all-in-one solution which takes little space in your car. If you don’t use a car every day, a jump starter without the compressor will be fine. It is convenient to bring around and use as a power source for your mobile devices, as well as for other USB-powered devices you may have.
Specifications
It's important to note that if a battery is completely discharged, it is important that your jump starter fits your car model and the swept volume of the engine, otherwise it will struggle to give a boost. With that in mind, pay attention to the output voltage and amperage of the carjacking unit. In general, the larger the numbers, the bigger the vehicle the device will be able to jump-start. So, be sure to take a closer look at specifications of outputs of the chosen device to avoid possible incompatibilities with your vehicle’s battery.
How to Jump-Start Your Car Properly and Safely
Nowadays, virtually every petrol or diesel car needs a battery in order to start the engine. And if you happen to be an owner of a car, motorcycle, ATV, or something in-between, you know how frustrating trying to start a vehicle when its battery is flat can be. The only way around this issue is to jump-start a car. That said, you’d be surprised how many drivers out there don’t know how to do it properly. There is a certain risk involved in utilising the high-powered car batteries as well as other devices that have a low voltage yet high amperage.
Even the amateur electricians and car mechanics will tell you this one thing - it is not the volts but ampers that can kill people. Thus, it is important to use such tools with caution and, at the very least, some basic knowledge of how batteries and car engines work.
Breaking Down The Process
So, what is the right way to jack your battery properly without damaging the heart of your car or, most importantly, without harming yourself? Well, the actual operation is way simpler than it may seem from the first glance. If you are done looking at dead batteries we would like to introduce you all the steps you should follow in order to start the vehicle.
- First of all, you can jump vehicles with flat batteries by using another car with a charged one or with the help of other external sources such as portable jump starter devices, for example.
- Moving on, you will need a pair of decent jumper cables since there is a certain risk involved in using poor-quality cables.
- Make sure that both vehicles’ engines are turned off to prevent electric shock.
- You will need to connect the positive cable to the positive clamp of the car battery (more often than not, it is the red one). Likewise, connect the other end of the red cable to the positive terminal of the charged battery. When you are done with the red alligator clips, it is time to connect the black cable (negative) to the good battery and the other end of it to the metal part of the hood. That part is not painted in order to prevent sudden electrical discharges.
- All you'll have to do after you're finished with the jumper cables is start the car with a healthy battery and leave it running for about 3 to 5 minutes before starting the other one, removing jumper cables in the reverse order and, finally, starting the car with a flat battery.
- Leave the engine of a car that was being charged running for at least 30-40 minutes in order for its battery to be able to recharge naturally. Otherwise, you will have to jump-start your car again next time you would want to start it normally.
Essential Tools
Alternatively, by using the jump starter devices, you won’t need a second car to recharge the battery of your own car. Moreover, the special cables that come together with such tools provide an additional level of safety when it comes to working with electricity. One way or the other, you will definitely need jumper cables at least a couple of times throughout the service life of your car, motorcycle, or truck. Which is exactly why it is important to always keep at least one pair of such tools inside your trunk alongside with the toolbox, air compressor, and other essential instruments and devices.
FAQ:
Q: What main parameters should I look at when choosing a jump starter?
A: The major spec you need to pay attention to when choosing a proper jump starter for your vehicle is the peak amperage it delivers. The higher it is, the bigger engine it will be able to start. For example, a jump starter with the peak amperage of 500 A can easily start a 3L gas engine. Of course, if you drive a large pick-up truck, you should opt for a more powerful jump starter.
Q: There are 12V and 24V jump starters. Which one do I choose?
A: Voltage is also to be taken into account when choosing a jump starter. As usual, cars have 12V batteries and, thus, require a 12V jump starter. 24V batteries are usually used on trucks and, thus, they need 24V ones.
Q: What if I connect the cables to the battery in the wrong order?
A: The majority of modern jump starters have a short circuit protection, so you won’t damage either a jump starter or a battery in case you connect the cables backwards. Most jump starters have a reverse polarity light that warns you that the cables are connected in the wrong order.
Q: What battery types do jump starters have?
A: Most jump starters have Lithium-ion batteries, similar to those used on power banks or cell phones, for example. However, some models are equipped with lead acid batteries.
Q: Do I need to disconnect the battery to jump start my car?
A: No. A jump starter is connected right to the battery of your car. Actually, your car won’t start due to a dead battery and, therefore, a jump starter is required to bring the battery back to life.
Q: How to connect a jump starter to the battery of my car?
A: It is very simple: you need to connect the RED cable to the positive (+) terminal and the BLACK cable to the negative (-) terminal. Afterwards, you can start your car.
Q: How long can a jump starter hold the charge?
A: First of all, it depends on the capacity each device has. Next, the temperature also matters. Batteries tend to lose charge quicker in sub-zero temperatures. Finally, the more often you use the jump starter, the more often you will need to recharge it.
Q: Is it possible to use a jump starter for charging portable devices?
A: If you use a jump starter with a USB port, then yes, it is possible.
Q: How to charge a jump starter?
A: Primarily, a jump starter has an AC plug for charging its battery. However, some models also provide a 12V DC plug that allows you to charge the tool from a 12V car outlet. The latter option is very convenient for people who drive a lot.
Q: Are there jump starters with a built-in air compressor?
A: Yes. Many models in the market come with a built-in air compressor that you can use to inflate tyres. The compressor will come in handy if you need to inflate a boat or another inflatable item as well.
Q: Can jump starters be used to start other vehicles but cars?
Sources:
1. Jeremy Laukkonen Choosing a Car Jump Starter, About. September 11, 2016.
2. Philip Reed How To Jump-Start a Car, Edmunds. June 19, 2016.
3. Andy Polo Top tips to choose the car battery jump starter, SlideShare. May 4, 2014.
4. Jump Starting a Car, Supercheap Auto.