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Image this, you are running late for work, rushing around your house trying to gather all of your things. You hurry out to your car, only to turn you key and nothing happens! Your battery is DEAD!
Now You have a few options. (1) You could call for roadside assistance and have them come and jump-start your car, but that could take hours for them to arrive. (2) You drag out an extension cord and battery charger, if You have one, and wait for Your battery to get enough juice to start. (3) If you have a set of jumper cables, and another vehicle that You can get close enough, You could jump-start your car. Or the best option, (4) You walk to your trunk grab your portable jump starter and get yourself back on the road with just a couple minute delay.
So now here’s the next question.
What is a jump starter and how do I know what one is right for me?
A jump starter, also referred to as a booster pack or jump pack, is a convenient and portable device that is used to start a vehicle with a dead battery. It includes alligator clips to attach to the battery and when turned on, creates the peak amps required to start your vehicle.
There are numerous options to pick from when choosing a jump starter pack and the biggest considering factor is how many amps you require. For instance, a 1.3L car would require somewhere around 400 Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) to start. But a larger vehicle, like an SUV or Pickup truck, could between 650 – 800 CCA. And if you throw a diesel engine into the mix, you could need close to 1000 or more CCA.
Some of the factors that you will want to consider when looking to purchase a Jump Stater are peak Amps, alligator clip quality, and what options are included. Such as inflators, 120v plugins, lights, etc. Of course, the more expensive the jump pack the more reliable and more peak amps you will get, as well as more options.
If you are looking for a particular Jump Starter, check out the Table of Contents to jump ahead. Otherwise, let’s start at the top with the Antigravity XP10 HD Micro Start
Contents
Antigravity XP10HD Micro Start (Affiliate Link)
Pros
- 650 Peak Amps
- Built-in Protections
- Small, lightweight design
- USA Company
Cons
- Larger HD clamps don’t work well with smaller batteries
The Antigravity XP10 HD is a Heavy Duty jump starter that comes in a compact design. While it is powerful enough to be used in a commercial setting, such as automotive shops, it is an excellent choice for daily use. Because it’s small design packs such a large punch, it is perfect for people to bring along with them in their cars, trucks, boats, offroad vehicles, etc.
The XP 10 HD is 9 x 3 x 1.2 inches and weighs just over 1 pound. It has 650 peak amps, perfect for starting larger vehicles. From personal experience, I can say that this jump starter will start a completely dead 5.9 Cummins diesel motor in the dead of winter.
This jump starter has tons of features that you are going to love.
- Rechargeable lithium battery – The XP 10 HD is rechargeable via a 110v wall outlet or a 12v vehicle outlet.
- Automatic power shutoff – no need to worry about whether you shut it off or not.
- Built-in Protections – The included Smart Clamps protects the device from reverse polarity connections, which could damage both the jump starter and your battery, over-charging, short circuits, and back charging.
- Lighted Battery Capacity indicator – with a simple press of a button you can check the capacity of the battery remaining.
- Built-in Flashlight – 3 mode LED flashlight ( steady, strobe, SOS)
- Charge Ports – 19v, 12v, and USB capable, the XP10 HD includes several charge cords allowing you to charge all of your devices while out with its 18000mAh capacity.
Check it out on Amazon!
Beatit G18 PRO QDSP (Affiliate Link)
Pros
- 2000 Amps
- Built-in Protections
- Wireless charging base for phones
Cons
- Not USA made
- Could have longer cables
Another great option for a portable jump starter is the Beatit G18 Pro QDSP. It is suitable for both gasoline and diesel engines as it has a 2000A starting capacity. Also works well to throw in the boat or cubby in your SxS before headed out for the day.
It is small in size at just 7.6 x 3.5 x 1.5 inches and 1.5 pounds. One user even stated that they were able to jump-start their 6.6L Duramax Diesel. And it is claimed to be able to jump-start a vehicle 30 times before needing a charge.
The G18 Pro is packed full of features. This isn’t just a jump pack, it’s a portable power bank as well.
- 21000mAh Capacity – Capable of charging cellphones, tablets, and anything else with a USB charger.
- 10 Watt Wireless Charging base – fully charge your compatible phone in 3 hours
- Built-in protections – Never worry about hurting this device as protections are built in against reverse polarity, short circuits, overcharge, and extreme temperatures
- Integrated Volt Meter – an easy to read digital screen shows the voltage of the vehicle’s battery when connected.
- LED Flashlight – four mode flashlight featuring SOS functions.
Check it out on Amazon!
NOCO Boost Plus GB40 (Affiliate Link)
Pros
- 1000 Amps
- Simple user interface
- Built in protections
- 23” span booster cable clamps
Cons
- Possible defects from the manufacturer
The Noco GB40 is another compact, yet powerful portable jump starter that is rated at 1000 Amps. It is a lithium battery pack that is capable of 20 jump starts before needing to be charged.
One thing that users really enjoy about this jump pack is the simple user interface. Buttons and LED indicators are clearly identified, making this an excellent option for people that aren’t familiar with jump starters or vehicles in general.
The best thing about this jump starter is that it is virtually fool-proof. The features on the NOCO GB40 make this a user-friendly device.
- Built-in protections – Reverse polarity protection and spark proof cables make it almost impossible to hurt this jump pack
- Portable Power Pack – capable of charging USB devices, such as phones, tablets, etc.
- Dual LED flashlight – 100 Lumen LED light that features 7 modes of luminosity settings, including an SOS and emergency strobe.
Check it out on Amazon!
Rugged Geek RG1000 (affiliate link)
Pros
- 1000 Amps
- LED Digital Display
- Durable tire tread design
Cons
- Limited manufacturer information
- Possibly could fail in cold temperatures
Much like the compact portable jump starters list above the Rugged Geek RG1000 is another excellent option. It is a 1000 peak amp jump starter, with USB and Laptop charging ports for charging all of your tech. Also included is a multi-mode LED Flashlight and Digital LED Display for output levels and voltage.
Although the manufacturer’s information on this jump starter is pretty vague on details, it didn’t sway people from taking the risk of purchasing the Rugged Geek RG1000. There are hundreds of reviews stating how impressed with the jump starter people were and several recommended it.
Check it out on Amazon!
Tacklife T8 (affiliate link)
Pros
- 800 Peak Amps
- Built-in Protections
- Multi-functional use
Cons
- Issues with reliability and charging
The Tacklife T8 is is a powerful yet compact jump pack that is capable of starting cars, SUVs, and light trucks up to 30 times before recharging. It has 800 peak amps and a manually ON/OFF switch, to slow down the battery’s discharge and hold a charge up to 12 months.
The T8 is also a 18000mAh capacity power bank. This allows you to be able to charge your USB devices with the dual USB ports. A 12V 10A DC port can also power any 12V accessories you might have for your car as well.
The Unique and stylish design is just one of the vast features you are going to love about the T8
- All-Metal battery clamps – ergonomically designed for easy opening
- User-Friendly extras – including a multi-function, LED light, built-in compass, digital LCD display
- Smart Protection Systems – ensure that you are using the jump pack correctly to ensure no damage comes to your vehicle or jump pack.
Check it out on Amazon!
Stanley J5C09 Power Station Jump Starter (Affiliate Link)
Pros
- 1000 Peak Amps & 500 Cranking Amps
- Built-in 120 PSI air compressor
- Reverse Polarity Alarm
Cons
- Needs to be charged every 30 Days
- No digital display for battery voltage
Now we have the Stanley J5C09. While this is still considered a compact, portable jump starter, it is considerably larger than the previous jump packs on this list. It is
11.2 x 8 x 13.5 inches and weighs 17.5 pounds. But don’t let its size sway you, the Stanley J5C09 still packs a serious punch with 1000 Peak Amps and 500 Cranking Amps.
The J5C09 is simple to use, by connecting the 26” cable leads to the appropriate battery terminals and turn the On/Off switch. A Reverse Polarity Alarm will sound if you have the connections backward.
Other features of the Stanley J5C09 include:
- 120 PSI air compressor – built-in with a 19” air hose, in the event you have a flat tire.
- LED light – rotates 270° for working in low light conditions.
- Built-in 12v and USB port – for charging your electronic devices.
Check it out on Amazon!
DieHard 71688 Jump Starter (Affiliate Link)
Pros
- 1150 Peak Amps
- Built-in Air Compressor w/ attachments
- Energy Efficient AC, DC, and USB Power source
- Built-in LED Light
- Reverse Polarity Protections
Cons
- Low Cold Cranking Amps (200 CCA)
Much like the previous jump starters listed above, the DieHard 71688 Jump Starter is packed full of features that you are going to love. While it is not a compact power pack, 11.5 x 10.6 x 11.9 inches and 21.1 pounds, the DieHard 71688 is still a portable power station. It offers 1150 Peak Amps for jump-starting and a large capacity battery with digital display for charging your devices.
A must-have for your jump starting and charging needs, the DieHard 71688 also comes with a built-in air compressor. You’ll never have to worry about getting stranded because of a flat tire again. Its 100 PSI digital air compressor will effectively inflate a flat tire in approximately 5-6 minutes.
Other Features the Diehard 71688 Jump Starter includes are:
- Hook-up Safeguards – with alarms if clamps are improperly connected.
- 4-gauge, 24” cables with color-coded clamps
- Energy efficient AC, DC, or USB Power source – capable of 400 Watts of AC power and 54 hours of 12V DC power.
- Built-in LED light – allowing work in low light conditions.
Check it out on Amazon!
Schumacher SJ1332 (affiliate link)
Pros
- 1200 Peak Amps
- 400 Watt AC converter
- 150 PSI digital air compressor
Cons
- Possible faulty air compressor
- Internal AGM Battery might not do well in cold temperatures
Next on our list is the Schumacher SJ1332. Similar in size to the Diehard 71688, it is 12 x 12 x 11.5 inches, and 23.3 pounds. It offers 1200 Peak Amps for jump starting vehicles and a 400 Peak Watt converter for operating the 2 120V outlets. There are also 2 ports of 12V accessories as well as a 2 amp USB plugin.
The Schumacher SJ1332 also includes a 150 PSI digital air compressor. Included with the compressor is a high/low flow, inflate/deflate hose and hose accessories for inflating tires, air mattresses, toys, etc.
The features of the Schumacher SJ1332 make this an easy to use portable jump pack.
- A digital LCD screen – displays the voltage of the vehicle battery as well as the charge level of the internal battery.
- Easy to use ON/OFF switch – for jump starter, USB Port, 120V inverter, and LED light
- Sure-Grip Clamps – for attaching jump starter to both top and side mount batteries.
- Built-In LED light – allowing work day or night.
Check it out on Amazon!
Clore Automotive JNC770R (Affiliate Link)
Pros
- 1700 Peak Amps/425 Cranking Amps
- Long battery cable leads – 68” #2 gauge leads
- Professional Construction and easy to use
Cons
- Possible battery drain after periods of time
- Larger in size (23 LBS, 16.2 x 15.1 x 6 inches)
The Clore Automotive JNC770R is specifically designed for your jump starting needs. With the Clore Proformer battery technology, this jump starter is designed to deliver incredible cranking power, with jumps per charge. With 1700 Peak Amps and 425 Cranking Amps, the JNC770R has been a must-have jump starter in the automotive world for 25 years.
The JNC770R includes 68” #2 gauge wire leads with the newly designed PowerJaw clamps for maximum power transfer. And a master ON/Off switch ensures the unit is inactive during transport and storage.
Other features of the Clore Automotive JNC770R include:
- 3A built-in charging system for fast recharges.
- 2 USB ports (1.1A and 2.1A) for charging USB devices
- 12 Volt Power supply for power accessories
- Digital display to monitor battery voltage
- LED Worklight for added functionality
Check it out on Amazon!
Schumacher DSR114 Pro Series (Affiliate Link)
Pros
- 2200 Peak Amps, 525 Cranking Amps
- 60” Cable Leads
- Built-in Protections
- Professional Quality and Build
Cons
- Larger in size and weight
- External charger for unit
The final jump starter that we want to tell you about is the Schumacher DSR114 Pro Series. Unlike the other’s on this list, the Schumacher Pro Series line was designed for professional use, in automotive shops, tow trucks, etc. And the DSR114 is no exception. Offering 2200 Peak Amps and 525 Cranking Amps, you will never have to worry about starting a dead vehicle again.
The Schumacher DSR114 is also slightly larger than other portable jump starters. At 24 pounds, and 20.6 x 14.5 x 6.2 inches you likely won’t be tossing this jump pack in your trunk before heading out on a road trip. But it is still portable enough to take with you if there was an emergency. The DSR114 includes heavy duty clamps with 60” #4 gauge wire output cables.
The Features of the Schumacher DSR114 are what make it stand out from others in its class.
- High Output AGM Battery
- 2.1A USB and 12V – Charging outlets for your electronic devices and vehicle accessories
- Digital Voltage display – showing both the voltage of the vehicle battery and the Voltage of the jump pack
- Reverse Polarity Warning – Alerting the user of backward connections to prevent damage to the vehicle and jump pack.
Check it out on Amazon!
What are Our Top Picks?
As far as what our recommendations are, If you are looking for a compact portable jump starter, the Antigravity XP10 HD Micro Start is our Top Pick. It is slightly more expensive than others on the list, but the quality of this jump pack is worth the extra money. It is small in size, while still packing a punch with 650 Peak Amps. And it has tons of features that put it above the rest.
On the other end of the spectrum, you have the larger, portable jump starters. Our top pick for a larger jump start is the Schumacher SJ1332. It offers 1200 Peak amps, for optimal jump starting capabilities. But it isn’t just a jump starter. It features a built-in air compressor and has additional power outlets for charging your electronic devices. All, while still being compact enough to bring along with you.
All of the portable jump starters discussed on this list are here because they met all of our criteria for what makes a good jump pack. When picking the jump pack that is right for you, be sure to consider Peak Amps, as well as the Cranking Amps of the jump starter. Also, check the cable length and accessories for what would work best for your applications.
Whatever your needs are, you can be sure to find a jump starter on this list that meets them all.
