We’ve all had the experience, and it’s not pleasant. When you try to start your car, you are met with stillness rather than the purr of the engine. The battery has died, and you must either find a random stranger to give you a jump or phone for help. Or maybe you don’t. As it turns out, a portable jump starter can help you solve your own problem.
These tiny gadgets are about the size of a paperback book, but they have enough power to jumpstart a conventional vehicle battery multiple times. Trucks and boats can be jumpstarted with heavy-duty versions. Traditional jump start cables are used to connect these devices to your vehicle’s battery.
The difference is that instead of a stranger in the grocery store parking lot, the opposite end is occupied by an indifferent, judgment-free electronic equipment. The best portable jump starters also last a long time (up to 18 months or more), so you may keep them in your vehicle until you need them.
Just keep an eye on the battery level from time to time; most phones feature an internal battery level monitor to make this easy. There are many of good models out there, but some are superior for specific uses or vehicle kinds. Our picks for the best portable auto jump starters on the market are listed below.
1.Best Portable Jump Starter: HULKMAN Alpha85
The HULKMAN Alpha85 is a powerful yet lightweight jump starter that can jump start most regular passenger vehicles. Its peak amp rating of 2000 is appropriate for gas engines up to 8.5 litres and diesel engines up to 6 litres. In layman’s terms, this implies that the Alpha85 can start practically any passenger car and pickup truck (including heavy-duty trucks), but not semi trucks or boats.
The Alpha85 strikes all of the right notes, and we think it’s the best portable jump starter out there. It’s small (9.1 x 4.1 x 1.8 inches), light (two pounds), and easy to operate. A built-in LED flashlight with three modes of operation (flashlight, strobe, and SOS) is also included.
This device, which has a capacity of 20,000mAh, can theoretically jump start a compact vehicle 60 times on a single charge. It also functions as a power bank, with USB-A, USB-C, and 12V DC charging connectors. The battery is designed to last up to 18 months on a single charge. And if it ever dies, the quick-charging feature will give it a full charge in roughly 90 minutes, or enough for a single leap in around five minutes.
Pros
- Long standby time
- Fast charging: enough power to jump a car after five minutes
- Doubles as a power bank with multiple port types
- 2000 peak amps
Cons
- Can be difficult to contact HULKMAN support
2.Best High-End Portable Jump Starter: Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry JNC660
Our runner-up option for best car jump starter is the Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry JNC660. It’s a dependable, adaptable, and long-lasting device that’s become a favourite among tow truck drivers and rescue vehicles due to its unequalled dependability. The bad news first: he is a huge boy, weighing 18 pounds and measures 16.3 x 14.1 x 5.1 inches.
What gives is that the capacity and peak output are around the same as our considerably smaller and lighter pick above. The key distinction is that the Jump-N-Carry makes use of a large lead-acid battery that is intended exclusively for jump starting. Despite its weight, this battery has great cranking power and a long service life.
Furthermore, the internal battery is changeable if it ever fails (you can buy the replacement battery on Amazon). With a heavy-duty case covering the internal components from wear and tear, this device is significantly more tough and durable than our top selection.
Extra-long 46” cables with industrial-grade clamps on the end penetrate rust on battery connectors make it simple to connect to batteries in any vehicle. The Jump-N-Carry JNC660 has a built-in 12V outlet for powering accessories, but no USB ports for charging mobile devices. The battery is charged by a built-in cable that may be yanked out when needed.
It can also be left plugged in if desired, ensuring that it is always fully charged when needed. To summarise, if you’re searching for a tough, professional-grade jump starter, the Jump-N-Carry is the way to go. Do you want a smaller, consumer-grade option with additional features? Take a look at the HULKMAN above.
Pros
- Built-in charging plug
- Internal battery is replaceable at a low cost
- Long, heavy-duty cables
- 1,700 peak amps
Cons
- No USB charging ports
- Bulky
3.Best Portable Jump Starter and Air Compressor: STANLEY J5C09
Have you ever had a flat tyre and a dead battery at the same time?
No? The Stanley J5C09 is the saviour for those miserable individuals out there who have. This jump starting has a built-in air compressor that produces 120 PSI (enough to refill vehicle tyres) and a 1000 peak amp jump starter.
The JC509 also has a spinning LED light that makes it simpler to jump a vehicle at night, and the USB-A port may be used to charge electronics. This multi-function device can’t currently drive your car on its own or change your oil, but we’ll have to wait and see what Stanley has in store for next year’s model.
The Stanley J5C09 is a versatile tool that may be used for a variety of car maintenance tasks. The biggest disadvantage is that it is large, weighing 17.2 pounds and measuring 11.3 x 8.0 x 3.5 inches.
Furthermore, the air compressor cable is fairly short, which makes it difficult to use in various scenarios.
Pros
- Built-in air compressor
- Jump start car, refill tires, and recharge devices
- 1000 peak amps
- Improper connection alarm
- Rotating LED light
Cons
- Bulky
- Air compressor hose too short for comfortable use
4.Best Heavy Duty Portable Jump Starter: Schumacher DSR ProSeries
Do you need to jump start a huge yacht or a heavy truck? The Schumacher DSR ProSeries is the answer. This big boy has a peak amp rating of 4400, which is more than double that of our other top picks. This is more than enough power for even the most powerful vehicles, such as commercial semi trucks, garbage trucks, and even fire engines if you happen to have one in your backyard.
This is the greatest portable jump starter for trucks, as it has enough power to jump start almost any non-military vehicle. It also comes with 60-inch jumper cables that can reach deep into the engine compartments of commercial vehicles and can jump both 12v and 24v vehicle batteries.
Bulkiness (41.2lbs, 14 x 10 x 8 inches) and an above-average price are, as expected, drawbacks. This is a good alternative for people who require the heavy-duty power punch of a 4400 amp jump starter.
Pros
- 4400 peak amps
- Powerful enough for semi trucks, boats, etc.
- Compatible with 12v and 24v vehicle batteries
- 60-inch jumper cables
Cons
- Bulky
- Expensive
5.Best Compact Jump Starter: SCOSCHE PBJ700-1 PowerUp 700
The SCOSCHE PBJ700-1 is on the other end of the spectrum from the 41lb pick above. This tiny creature is only 2.5 pounds and measures 7.0 x 3.3 x 1.0 inches. It’s almost pocket-sized, and small enough to stow in your glove compartment or under your car seat.
Despite its diminutive size, this appetiser packs a powerful punch.
Vehicles with up to 8 cylinder engines can be jump started with the 700 peak amps (note: if you have a smaller vehicle, the 6-cylinder version is a good, cheaper option). The PBJ700-1 also includes two USB-A connectors for charging mobile devices, as well as a flashlight to assist you see what you’re doing in a dimly lit engine compartment.
In the event of a true emergency, the light also contains an SOS mode. The jumper wires on this gadget are pretty short, as you’d expect from a little item. The manufacturer also fails to offer a wall charger, which is required for proper charging at least a 2A (10W) model.
Pros
- Very compact and lightweight
- Powerful enough for 8-cylinder vehicles
- Two USB-A ports for charging devices
- Small enough to double as a power bank
Cons
- Very short jumper cables
- Wall charger not included