The Best Jump Starters of 2026

Match the engine rating to your vehicle

Check the gas and diesel liter ratings, not peak amps. A pack rated 6L gas suits most cars and small SUVs. Large V8s and diesels need 8L to 10L ratings. Diesel ratings are lower than gas ratings for the same pack.

Usable battery capacity

Claimed watt-hours and measured watt-hours can differ. The MV24 delivered 82.3 Wh of a claimed 88.8 Wh in TechGearLab's test, while the GB40 managed 15.57 Wh. More usable energy means more attempts and better phone and laptop charging.

Clamps and cables

Long, thick leads and full-size clamps make connection easier, especially if the battery is hard to reach. Very short leads, like the GB40's roughly 6 inches, mean the pack must rest on the engine.

Safety features

Look for reverse-polarity and spark-proof protection. A named safety certification such as UL 2743 is a plus, but check it yourself if it matters to you.

Extras and weather

USB-C power delivery, a work light and an air compressor add value. An IP rating helps if the pack lives in a truck bed or a cold garage. Avoid leaving lithium packs in a hot car, and recharge them every few months.

All six picks use lithium-ion or lithium batteries, which are lighter than lead-acid but need sensible storage. WOLFBOX lists a storage range of -4°F to 140°F for the MV24, so avoid leaving any pack in a hot parked car.

Our search of CPSC results found no recall or warning for WOLFBOX, NOCO, GOOLOO or Clore jump starters.

Certification is the main gap. The Clore JNC325 is the only pick whose maker states a third-party certification, SGS to UL 2743, and we found no registry record to confirm it. WOLFBOX lists no safety certification, and none is confirmed for the GOOLOO or the NOCO GB40. The NOCO GBX155 has built-in spark-proof and reverse-polarity protection, and its 99 Wh rating is just under the 100 Wh threshold commonly used for lithium transport limits.

For repairability, Clore offers replacement charging kits and cable and clamp sets for the JNC325. Retail listings for the NOCO GB40 carry California Prop 65 notices, which are common on battery products.

GOOLOO GT4000S

We dropped it because we could not read the test that supported it. CNN Underscored's load-test page was unavailable, and the other recommendations were based on mechanics' advice or older articles. We will reconsider it if that test becomes readable.

NOCO GB70

TechGearLab scored it 71/100, with one 10W USB port and no measured capacity. The MV24 offers more power and capacity for less.

GOOLOO GT6000

Car and Driver's large-engine pick, but it has no measured capacity and Car and Driver flagged glare and bulk. The GBX155 is lab-measured for big engines.

Hulkman Alpha85 and Alpha85S

Outdoor Life named the Alpha85 its Best Overall, but it gave no specific test results. TechGearLab scored the Alpha85S 80, but its live Amazon price is far above its typical price, which looks like a third-party markup.

Clore JNC660, DEWALT DXAEJ14 and STANLEY J5C09

These lead-acid units are heavy. The JNC660 is the most repairable, with OEM replacement parts, but it is an 18 lb shop booster. The DEWALT and STANLEY ranked low, and the MV16 Air covers the compressor job lighter.

AstroAI S8 Ultra, TOPDON JS3000 and S-ZEVZO ET03

Car and Driver found the S8 Ultra's clamps unreliable. The JS3000 lacks readable test evidence. TechGearLab measured the ET03 at 42 Wh of a claimed 74 Wh.

How many amps do I need?

Engine size matters more than peak amps. Look for a rating of at least the liters of your engine, and favor higher ratings for diesels.

How often should I recharge a jump starter?

Check it every few months and top it up before long trips or cold weather. Lithium packs lose charge slowly, but a depleted pack cannot help you.

Can I leave it in my car?

Most makers allow it, but avoid extreme heat. WOLFBOX lists a storage range of -4°F to 140°F for the MV24, and a closed car can exceed that in summer.

Can a jump starter charge my laptop?

Some can. The MV24 and MV16 Air have 65W USB-C, and the GBX155 has 60W. The GB40's USB-C is limited to 10W.

What is the boost or override button for?

It forces power out when the pack cannot detect a battery, such as a fully dead one. Use it carefully, as the usual reverse-polarity protection is bypassed.

Are lithium packs better than lead-acid?

For most drivers, yes. They are far lighter and easier to store. Lead-acid units can be easier to repair, but they are heavy and tend to rank lower in tests.

For most drivers, the WOLFBOX MegaVolt24 is the pack to buy: strong measured power and capacity at a mid-range price. Choose the NOCO GBX155 if you run big diesels and can pay a premium, the MegaVolt16 Air if you also want a tire inflator, and the GOOLOO GP2000 if budget comes first. Whatever you buy, charge it every few months and keep it out of a hot car.