A portable jump starter is one of the easiest pieces of roadside equipment to justify owning. Instead of finding another vehicle and positioning jumper cables, a charged lithium jump pack can get many dead batteries started in minutes.
The important part is buying enough starting capacity for your engine without paying for far more jump starter than you need.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: NOCO Boost X GBX45
- Best for Larger Trucks: NOCO Boost X GBX75
- Best Heavy-Duty Choice: NOCO Boost X GBX155
- Best for Most Cars and SUVs: NOCO Boost X GBX45
- Best Multi-Purpose Roadside Option: NOCO Boost Air Series
Best Overall: NOCO Boost X GBX45
The NOCO GBX45 is rated at 1,250 amps and designed for 12-volt lead-acid batteries. NOCO rates it for gasoline engines up to 6.5 liters and diesel engines up to 4.0 liters, which covers many everyday cars, crossovers, SUVs, and light trucks.
It supports USB-C Power Delivery for faster recharging and can function as a portable power bank. It offers enough capability for most households without becoming unnecessarily large or expensive.
Best for: Cars, SUVs, light trucks, and drivers wanting one general-purpose emergency jump starter.
Best for Larger Trucks: NOCO Boost X GBX75
The GBX75 steps up significantly in starting power. It is a logical choice when engine size and cold-weather starting demands increase. Truck owners should buy for their actual engine rather than simply choosing the cheapest jump pack that claims to work on a vehicle.
Best for: Larger pickups, SUVs, diesel vehicles within the unit’s rated range, and drivers wanting more starting reserve.
Best Heavy-Duty Choice: NOCO Boost X GBX155
At the upper end of the Boost X family, the GBX155 is designed for much larger engines and more demanding starts. It is more jump starter than a typical commuter needs, but it becomes appropriate for larger trucks, commercial-style equipment, and households with several vehicle types.
Best Multi-Purpose Roadside Option: NOCO Boost Air Series
NOCO’s Boost Air series combines a lithium jump starter with an air compressor. One unit can address two common roadside problems: a weak battery and a low tire. Combining emergency tools reduces the number of separate devices you have to charge, store, and remember.
How to Choose a Jump Starter
Do not buy based only on the largest amp number. Start with engine displacement, gasoline versus diesel, climate, vehicle size, and frequency of use. Diesel engines generally demand more starting power than similarly sized gasoline engines.
A jump starter sitting dead in the trunk is not useful. Check its state of charge periodically and recharge it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. A good habit is checking it at the beginning of summer and winter.
Our Bottom Line
For most cars, SUVs, and light trucks, the NOCO Boost X GBX45 is our strongest overall choice. Drivers with larger trucks or more demanding engines should move up the Boost X range rather than buying purely on price. For roadside preparedness, carrying both a jump starter and jumper cables is inexpensive insurance.
Related guide: Best Portable Tire Inflators for Cars and Trucks in 2026.
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