Best portable jump starters for your car emergency kit (2026)

Ready.gov says to keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car in case you're stranded. A portable jump starter is the item that most often gets you moving again: no second car, no cables to a stranger's engine. Here are the leading models compared.

By PreparedStates editors · Updated October 22, 2026 · 5 products, prices indicative

Our picks

Our top pick 4.5

NOCO GB40

1,000 A · 2.5 lb · Recharges in about 3 hours

The glovebox jump starter for most cars

Researched

Check price →

Runner-up 4.0

NOCO GB70

2,000 A · 5 lb · Recharges in about 6 hours

For trucks, SUVs and bigger engines

Researched

Check price →

Also good 4.0

TOPDON JS2000Pro

2,000 A · Up to 8L gas / 6L diesel; works 14-104°F

Strong value for larger engines

Researched

Check price →

All 5 compared

Jump starter	Peak amps (maker)	Weight	Notes	Price
1. NOCO Boost GB40 1000A Lithium Our top pick 1,000 A · 2.5 lb · Recharges in about 3 hours The glovebox jump starter for most cars 4.5	1,000 A	2.5 lb	Recharges in about 3 hours	Check price →
Our verdict Our verdictResearched A 2.5 lb lithium pack that starts most car engines and lives in the glovebox, from the brand most often recommended for jump packs. Best for The glovebox jump starter for most cars Good Small and light Trusted brand Worth knowing 1,000 A may struggle with big diesels Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you drive a large diesel truck: look at the GB70.
2. NOCO Boost HD GB70 2000A Lithium Runner-up 2,000 A · 5 lb · Recharges in about 6 hours For trucks, SUVs and bigger engines 4.0	2,000 A	5 lb	Recharges in about 6 hours	Check price →
Our verdict Our verdictResearched Double the GB40's peak current for larger gas and diesel engines, at twice the weight. Best for For trucks, SUVs and bigger engines Good 2,000 A Bigger engines Worth knowing 5 lb Longer recharge Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if a compact car is all you drive.
3. TOPDON JS2000Pro 2000A Also good 2,000 A · Up to 8L gas / 6L diesel; works 14-104°F Strong value for larger engines 4.0	2,000 A	—	Up to 8L gas / 6L diesel; works 14-104°F	Check price →
Our verdict Our verdictResearched 2,000 A for engines up to 8 L gas or 6 L diesel, with USB charging for phones. TOPDON states an operating range of 14°F to 104°F. Best for Strong value for larger engines Good Covers big engines Charges phones Worth knowing Lesser-known brand than NOCO Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want the most established brand.
4. Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry JNC660 1700 Peak Amp 1,700 A · Pro-style unit with heavy cables The pro-style box mechanics use 4.0	1,700 A	—	Pro-style unit with heavy cables	Check price →
Our verdict Our verdictResearched A heavier, traditional jump box from a garage-equipment maker: rugged clamps and long cables. Too big for a glovebox. Best for The pro-style box mechanics use Good Rugged clamps and cables Pro-grade build Worth knowing Heavy and bulky Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you need something for the glovebox.
5. AVAPOW 6000A Car Battery 6,000 A · Peak figure is the maker's own Big numbers, budget price 3.5	6,000 A	—	Peak figure is the maker's own	Check price →
Our verdict Our verdictResearched Claims 6,000 A peak. Peak-amp figures aren't measured to one standard, so treat big numbers with caution and compare engine-size ratings instead. Best for Big numbers, budget price Good Low price for the claimed output Worth knowing Peak-amp claims aren't standardized Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you trust only well-known brands.

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The honest bit

Peak-amp numbers aren't measured to one standard, so a 6,000 A label doesn't mean three times a 2,000 A unit. Compare the engine sizes each maker says it will start, and favor brands with a long track record.

Before you buy

Check the engine size it's rated for (gas and diesel are listed separately) against your vehicle.

Lithium packs are small enough for a glovebox; classic jump boxes are bigger but rugged.

Recharge it every few months: a flat jump starter is no help.

Many double as a USB power bank for your phone.

Follow the maker's connection order and safety instructions exactly.

How we choose

We verify every product's specifications against at least two independent sources, re-check its US price and stock on a schedule where we can track it automatically, and cross-check safety-relevant claims against official guidance. Every review is labelled Researched or Used and reviewed by us: where we've bought a product, or been sent it free, and used it ourselves, its review says which; where we haven't, our verdict is a considered spec-and-evidence comparison, not a hands-on test — and commissions never change a ranking either way. Read our full methodology →

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Guides that go with this

Winter car emergency kit: what to keep in your car and what to do if you're stranded

What to keep in your car for winter and what to do if you get stranded: stay with the car, clear the exhaust p…

Read the guide →

Common questions

What size jump starter do I need?

Match it to your engine: the maker lists the largest gas and diesel engines it will start. Small cars are fine with around 1,000 A from a good brand; trucks and diesels need more.

How long does a jump starter hold its charge?

Months, but check and top it up every few months, and before winter.

Are lithium jump starters safe?

From established brands with built-in protections, yes. Follow the instructions, and don't leave one in direct summer sun on the dashboard.

Can a jump starter charge my phone?

Many can, through a USB port, like the TOPDON here.