#1
Best Overall
Jump Starters
The Best Jump Starters for Cold Weather & Diesel Trucks of 2026
Five jump starters for pickup owners who face cold mornings and big engines, with a plain account of what has been tested and what is only claimed.
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Cold weather and diesel engines are the hardest combination a jump starter faces. Diesels need long, high-current cranks, and batteries of every kind give less when temperatures fall.
This guide covers five packs, from a premium lithium unit rated for 8.0L diesels to an 18 lb lead-acid shop box. One caveat applies to all of them: no independent freezer test exists for any pick here. Where cold performance is a manufacturer rating rather than a test result, we say so.
Pick for your engine first, then for your storage situation. A pack that lives in a heated shop or inside the cab gives you far better odds on a bad morning than one left in an unheated truck bed.
Quick picks
Our top recommendations
#2
Best Cold-Used All-in-One for Pickups
WOLFBOX MV24A (MegaVolt 24Air)
View on Amazon Read full review →#3
Best Value
GOOLOO GT4000S
View on Amazon Read full review →#4
Best for Shop & Ranch Diesels
Clore Automotive JNC660
View on Amazon Read full review →#5
Best Pre-Heated Pack for Gas Trucks in Deep Cold
HULKMAN Alpha85S
View on Amazon Read full review →Compare picks
Compare our recommendations
Key specifications and differences across our recommended products.
| Product | Award | Score | Peak Current | Max Gas Engine (rated) | Max Diesel Engine (rated) | Battery Chemistry | Rated Capacity | Weight | Lowest verified price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOCO GBX155 | Best Overall | 7.8/10 | 4,250 A | 10 L | 8 L | Lithium-ion | 99 Wh | 5.8 lb | $369.95 |
| WOLFBOX MV24A (MegaVolt 24Air) | Best Cold-Used All-in-One for Pickups | 7.5/10 | 4,000 A | 10 L | 6 L | Lithium (cell type not stated) | 88.8 Wh | 5.3 lb | $139.99 |
| GOOLOO GT4000S | Best Value | 7.3/10 | 4,000 A | — | — | Lithium polymer | — | 2.3 lb | $99.96 |
| Clore Automotive JNC660 | Best for Shop & Ranch Diesels | 6.6/10 | 1,700 A | — | — | Sealed lead-acid (AGM) | — | 18 lb | $126.02 |
| HULKMAN Alpha85S | Best Pre-Heated Pack for Gas Trucks in Deep Cold | 6.5/10 | 2,000 A | 8.5 L | 6 L | Lithium polymer | 74 Wh | 3.6 lb | $299.99 |
Head-to-head
Compare two picks side by side
NOCO GBX155 vs WOLFBOX MV24A (MegaVolt 24Air)
NOCO GBX155 vs GOOLOO GT4000S
NOCO GBX155 vs Clore Automotive JNC660
NOCO GBX155 vs HULKMAN Alpha85S
WOLFBOX MV24A (MegaVolt 24Air) vs GOOLOO GT4000S
WOLFBOX MV24A (MegaVolt 24Air) vs Clore Automotive JNC660
WOLFBOX MV24A (MegaVolt 24Air) vs HULKMAN Alpha85S
GOOLOO GT4000S vs Clore Automotive JNC660
GOOLOO GT4000S vs HULKMAN Alpha85S
Clore Automotive JNC660 vs HULKMAN Alpha85S
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#1
Best Overall
NOCO GBX155
The best-tested power for big diesels, if you keep it warm
Full product review →
7.8
/10
Lowest verified price
$369.95
at Amazon
NOCO's 4250A flagship is rated for 10L gas and 8L diesel engines and has a 99 Wh battery. It adds 60W USB-C PD.
Why we like it
TechGearLab ranked it first of 13 units (86 points) and named it Best for Big Engines. It delivered 86.1 Wh of its claimed 99 Wh, the only measured capacity among our picks. With 4,250A and an 8.0L diesel rating, it has the strongest tested big-engine credentials here.
It is a power pick, not a cold pick. No independent cold test exists, and it is rated to operate only down to -4°F.
What to know
Skip it if the pack will sit in an unheated truck all winter or if you are on a budget. It is rated to operate only to -4°F and to charge only between 32°F and 104°F.
Pros
- Highest-scoring unit in TechGearLab's test
- Rated for 10L gas and 8L diesel
- 86.1 Wh measured usable battery
- Spark-proof and reverse-polarity protection
- Sold directly by Amazon
Cons
- Premium price
- Heavy at 5.8 lb, with no storage case
- Buttons and indicators are less clear than rivals'
- No air compressor
Score breakdown
Starting Power
9.3
Battery Capacity & Standby
9.0
Ease of Use & Safety Features
7.0
Build Quality & Durability
7.5
Versatility
7.5
Battery Safety & Sustainability
6.0
Value
5.5
Where to buy
Prices are checked periodically. Older amounts are labeled with their last verification date.
| Retailer | Price | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Lowest | $369.95 $439.95 | In Stock | View deal |
| Walmart |
$369.95
Last verified Oct 27, 2026 — price may have changed |
Check at retailer | Check at retailer |
| Best Buy |
$369.95
Last known price — verified Oct 25, 2026; may have changed |
Check at retailer | Check at retailer |
#2
Best Cold-Used All-in-One for Pickups
WOLFBOX MV24A (MegaVolt 24Air)
A 4,000A pack with a 160 PSI inflator and some real 0°F use behind it
Full product review →
7.5
/10
Lowest verified price
$139.99
at Amazon
A 4,000A, 88.8 Wh lithium jump starter with a built-in 160 PSI air compressor and 65W USB output. It is aimed at truck and SUV owners who want one device for starts and tires.
Why we like it
It is the only pick with independent real-world use in the cold. Popular Science's reviewer attests to it working at 0°F in Upstate New York and also started a long-sitting diesel F-350 shop truck with charge to spare. That is one reviewer's experience, not a controlled freezer test.
The F-350's engine was not named, and a modern 6.7L diesel would exceed the official rating. Do not read it as proof of heavy-duty diesel capability. The inflator and a mid-range price add day-to-day value.
What to know
HD-diesel owners should skip it. WOLFBOX and Amazon rate it for only 6L diesel, though Popular Science states 10L. Treat 6L as the official figure.
Pros
- Documented use at 0°F
- Built-in 160 PSI inflator
- 4,000A and 88.8 Wh
- Moderate price for the power
- Manufacturer states UL 2743 and a 2-year warranty
Cons
- Official diesel rating is only 6L
- Charging adapter not included in the Amazon listing
- Inflator hose can be short for large wheels
- Rated operating floor is -4°F
Score breakdown
Starting Power
7.5
Battery Capacity & Standby
7.5
Ease of Use & Safety Features
7.0
Build Quality & Durability
7.0
Versatility
8.5
Battery Safety & Sustainability
6.5
Value
8.0
Where to buy
Prices are checked periodically. Older amounts are labeled with their last verification date.
| Retailer | Price | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Lowest | $139.99 $184.99 | In Stock | View deal |
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#3
Best Value
GOOLOO GT4000S
A budget 4,000A pack that Outdoor Life picked for diesel trucks
Full product review →
7.3
/10
Lowest verified price
$99.96
at Amazon
A light 4,000A lithium-polymer jump starter with IP65 protection and 100W USB-C power delivery. It costs about a quarter of the NOCO's price.
Why we like it
Outdoor Life named it Best for Diesel Trucks, saying it has enough juice to turn even the biggest diesel engines in a 3/4 ton pickup. Popular Science picked it for best design. Neither ran a cold test, and Outdoor Life's test vehicles were an Escape and a 6.0L Yukon.
At around $100 with a 2.3 lb body, it is easy to keep in the cab where it stays warmer. GOOLOO's page lists both 12L gas/10L diesel and 10L/8L, so treat the diesel ceiling as 8 to 10L.
What to know
Skip it if you need documented cold performance or a published capacity. It is rated only to -4°F and no independent cold test exists.
Pros
- Very low price for 4,000A
- Light at 2.3 lb
- IP65
- 100W USB-C power delivery
- Outdoor Life's pick for diesel trucks
Cons
- Conflicting engine ratings on the maker's page
- No Wh figure or certifications published
- FAQ advises recharging every 3 months
- Some owners report units that stopped charging
Score breakdown
Starting Power
7.5
Battery Capacity & Standby
6.0
Ease of Use & Safety Features
7.5
Build Quality & Durability
6.5
Versatility
7.5
Battery Safety & Sustainability
5.0
Value
8.8
Where to buy
Prices are checked periodically. Older amounts are labeled with their last verification date.
| Retailer | Price | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Lowest | $99.96 $139.99 | In Stock | View deal |
#4
Best for Shop & Ranch Diesels
Clore Automotive JNC660
An 18 lb lead-acid box built for long diesel cranks
Full product review →
6.6
/10
Lowest verified price
$126.02
at Amazon
A sealed lead-acid jump starter with 1,700 peak amps, 425 cranking amps and 46-inch #2 AWG cables. It charges from 120V AC only.
Why we like it
Outdoor Life named it Best for Pros and says it will jump everything from a tiny four cylinder to a 350 diesel engine. Its sustained cranking current and heavy cables suit long glow-plug cranks, and its PROFORMER battery is replaceable.
TechGearLab scored it only 58 overall, marking it down for weight, AC-only charging and no extras. Its power rating comes from specs and Outdoor Life's use, not a cold test. Like any battery it delivers less in deep cold, so store it in a heated shop.
What to know
Skip it if you want something for the glovebox or a USB power bank. It weighs 18 lb and has no USB port or light.
Pros
- Sustained cranking current for hard starts
- Heavy 46-inch #2 AWG cables
- Replaceable battery
- Built-in automatic charger
- Moderate price
Cons
- 18 lb and not portable
- Charges only from 120V AC
- Must be recharged after each jump
- No USB or light
Score breakdown
Starting Power
8.0
Battery Capacity & Standby
5.0
Ease of Use & Safety Features
6.5
Build Quality & Durability
8.0
Versatility
3.0
Battery Safety & Sustainability
6.5
Value
7.0
Where to buy
Prices are checked periodically. Older amounts are labeled with their last verification date.
| Retailer | Price | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Lowest | $126.02 $229.99 | In Stock | View deal |
#5
Best Pre-Heated Pack for Gas Trucks in Deep Cold
HULKMAN Alpha85S
Automatic pre-heat for gas trucks in deep cold, not a diesel pick
Full product review →
6.5
/10
Lowest verified price
$299.99
at Amazon
A 2,000A, 74 Wh lithium-polymer pack with automatic cell pre-heat. Hulkman rates it for starts down to -40°F.
Why we like it
It is the only in-stock pick with automatic cell pre-heat, which suits drivers in sub-zero climates. TechGearLab scored it 80, third of 13, on gas-vehicle testing. The -40°F rating is Hulkman's claim and no independent outlet has tested it.
It is included for gas-truck owners in deep cold and is not a diesel recommendation. AutoGuide's hands-on test found it cranked a 6.5L Silverado HD diesel only twice before overheating, and the engine did not start. Hulkman rates it for only 6.0L diesel.
What to know
Skip it if you drive a heavy-duty diesel. It is also expensive for its 2,000A output.
Pros
- Automatic cell pre-heat
- TechGearLab scored it 80 on gas vehicles
- 3.6 lb and IP65
- 65W USB output
Cons
- Failed to start a 6.5L diesel in AutoGuide's test
- Cold rating untested independently
- Expensive
- No carrying case
- Engine ratings differ between listings
Score breakdown
Starting Power
6.5
Battery Capacity & Standby
7.0
Ease of Use & Safety Features
7.5
Build Quality & Durability
7.0
Versatility
6.5
Battery Safety & Sustainability
6.0
Value
5.0
Where to buy
Prices are checked periodically. Older amounts are labeled with their last verification date.
| Retailer | Price | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Lowest | $299.99 | In Stock | View deal |
Our process
How we review jump starters
PickMetric's picks come from research across independent tests, manufacturer specs and owner feedback, not from our own hands-on testing. We drew on lab testing from TechGearLab, reviews from Popular Science, Outdoor Life and AutoGuide, spec sheets and retailer listings. We evaluated 13 products.
Seven criteria were weighted for this focus: starting power (30%), battery capacity and standby (15%), ease of use and safety (15%), value (15%), build quality (10%), versatility (10%) and battery safety and sustainability (5%). Starting power counts most because engine-size ratings, sustained cranking current and real start results decide whether a diesel turns over. Every pick was then challenged in a structured review before publication.
How We Picked
We compared 13 products using independent tests, manufacturer specs and owner feedback. Main sources were TechGearLab's lab testing, Popular Science, Outdoor Life, AutoGuide, spec sheets and retailer listings. We did not test the products ourselves.
Each pick was then challenged in a structured review before publication. Two changes came out of it. The Hulkman Alpha85S had been framed as an extreme-cold pick, but the review surfaced AutoGuide's failed start on a 6.5L diesel, so it was re-labeled as a gas-truck pick and moved to fifth. The WOLFBOX's original award centered on tire air, which is not this guide's focus, so it was rewritten around its documented cold use.
One limit remains. No pick has an independent freezer test, and the cold ratings here are labeled as claimed rather than tested.
What to Look For
Engine size and sustained current
Check the diesel rating in liters, not just peak amps. Peak amps are a short burst, while diesels need current sustained through a long crank. Size up for cold: a pack rated near your engine's size will struggle more on a freezing morning.
Cold ratings
Most lithium packs here are rated to operate to -4°F. Hulkman claims -40°F through pre-heating, but that is untested by independent outlets. Treat any cold figure as a manufacturer rating unless a tester has measured it.
Keep lithium warm
Store lithium packs inside the cab or a heated space, and do not charge them below 32°F. Several of these packs have a charging floor at 32°F. A pack that has sat in a cold truck all night will perform worse than one that stayed warm.
Lead-acid versus lithium
Lead-acid boxes like the Clore are heavy but deliver sustained current and have replaceable batteries. They suit a shop with an outlet. Lithium packs are far lighter and double as power banks.
Standby and upkeep
Top up any pack on a schedule. GOOLOO advises recharging every 3 months, and a pack left empty is the most common reason a jumper fails when needed.
Health, Materials & Safety
Four of the five picks use lithium batteries, which should be charged within their rated temperature range. For the NOCO GBX155 that range is 32°F to 104°F. NOCO describes spark-proof and reverse-polarity protection, but a UL 2743 listing for it is not confirmed.
WOLFBOX states UL 2743, FCC and UN38.3 certification, and these are the manufacturer's own statements. GOOLOO and Hulkman name no certifications on their pages.
The Clore JNC660 uses a sealed lead-acid battery that can go through standard lead-acid recycling. Replacement battery packs are sold, which helps repairability.
Other Jump Starters for Cold Weather & Diesel Trucks We Considered
NOCO Boost HD GB70: its 6.0L diesel rating and 56 Wh battery are undersized for heavy-duty diesels, and the GT4000S and MV24A give more for less money.
WOLFBOX MegaVolt24: out of stock on Amazon and sold out on WOLFBOX's own site at the time of checking.
GOOLOO GP4000: it overlaps the GT4000S, and its listings show conflicting specs.
GOOLOO GT Truck PRO: not in stock on Amazon until mid-November, and its -40°F and 10,000A claims have no independent test.
Lokithor J401X: its -40°F pre-heat claim has no independent test, and there is no independent power test either.
Vtoman X7: only an initial-impressions review exists, and its rated operating range is -4°F to 104°F.
DeWalt DXAEJ14: a lead-acid unit with no published engine ratings and conflicting amp figures. The Clore is better documented.
NOCO Boost Air AX65: expensive for 2,000A, a 6.0L diesel rating and 31.8 Wh. The MV24A offers more for less.
FAQ
Can a jump starter work at 0°F?
Some can. Popular Science's reviewer attests that the WOLFBOX MV24A worked at 0°F. Most lithium packs are rated to operate only to -4°F, and none of these has an independent freezer test.
Do I need a bigger jump starter for a diesel?
Yes. Diesels draw more current for longer. Match the pack's diesel rating in liters to your engine, and size up if you often start in the cold.
Should I keep a lithium jump starter in my truck overnight?
Where possible, keep it inside or somewhere warm. Cold lowers output, and most lithium packs should not be charged below 32°F.
Is the Clore a better choice for diesels than lithium?
For shop and ranch use, it can be. Its lead-acid battery delivers sustained cranking current, but it weighs 18 lb and needs an AC outlet.
How often should I recharge a jump starter?
Check it every few months. GOOLOO advises recharging every 3 months, and the Clore must be recharged after each jump.
Is the Hulkman Alpha85S good for diesels?
No. AutoGuide found it cranked a 6.5L diesel twice, overheated and did not start it. It suits gas trucks.
Bottom line
For big diesels and V8s, the NOCO GBX155 has the strongest tested credentials, provided you keep it warm. The WOLFBOX MV24A is the better buy for half-ton owners who want tire air and have some cold-use evidence behind them. The GOOLOO GT4000S is the budget route, the Clore JNC660 suits shops and ranches, and the Hulkman is for gas trucks in deep cold only. Whichever you choose, store lithium packs somewhere warm and keep them charged.