Jump Starters for Beginners Guide

How to choose

Match the engine rating, not just peak amps

A pack rated for 6.0-litre petrol and 3.0-litre diesel engines covers most family cars, but it is not the right choice for a 6.7-litre diesel truck. Read the petrol and diesel ratings separately, because diesel engines need far more cranking current. If your engine sits above a pack’s rating, move up a size rather than hoping a peak-amp number will save you.

Check the safety protections

Beginners should only buy packs with spark-proof connections and reverse-polarity protection, which stop the pack from delivering current when the clamps are backwards. Look for a manual override or boost mode only as a last resort for a fully flat battery, and learn how it works before you need it at night in the rain.

Think about size and storage

A glovebox-size pack is the one you will actually carry, while a larger pack may live in the boot. Check the weight and whether a case is included, and store the pack where it will not bake in summer heat. Recharge it every few months, because a flat jump pack helps nobody.

Count the jump starts per charge

Maker ratings for starts per charge assume a healthy battery and a short crank. Cold weather, repeated cranks and old batteries all cut that number down. A pack rated for 20 starts still deserves a recharge after you use it, and a pack rated for 60 starts is the safer choice for a household with several vehicles.

Use the USB power bank honestly

Most jump packs double as phone chargers, which is handy on a road trip. Do not drain the pack charging tablets all weekend and then expect a full-power jump start on Monday. Keep the pack above half charge whenever you can, and top it up after any jump start.

Learn the clamp order before you need it

Red clamp to the dead battery positive terminal, black clamp to an unpainted metal ground away from the battery, then start the vehicle and remove the clamps in reverse order. Read your vehicle handbook for the recommended ground point, and never lean over the battery while cranking.

Which pick fits your job

By budget

Types compared

Detailed reviews

Below, each pick gets a full review: why it made the list, its key specifications, who it fits, its pros and watch-outs, what owners report, who should skip it, and what to pair it with.

Best Overall: NOCO Boost Plus GB40

Best Overall

Why the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 is our pick

The GB40 is the beginner pick because its ratings are clear, its protections are strong, and its size means it actually travels with you. It is rated for petrol engines up to 6.0 litres and diesel engines up to 3.0 litres, which covers most cars, motorcycles and ATVs. Up to 20 jump starts per charge gives a household room for more than one rescue before a recharge.

NOCO Boost Plus GB40 key specs

• Peak current: 1,000 amps (maker rating)
• Petrol rating: up to 6.0 litres
• Diesel rating: up to 3.0 litres
• Jump starts per charge: up to 20
• Battery type: 12-volt lithium
• Safety: spark-proof, reverse-polarity protection
• USB output: power bank for phones and devices
• LED flashlight: 100 lumens, multiple modes
• Part number: GB40
• In the box: pack, clamps, USB cable, case
• Warranty: Not published in listing summary
• Weight: Not published in listing summary

NOCO Boost Plus GB40: fits and best for

Best for first-time buyers with a petrol car, a motorcycle, an ATV or a small SUV. It also suits households that want one pack shared between two cars, provided both engines sit inside its ratings. It is not the pick for large diesel trucks.

NOCO Boost Plus GB40 pros and watch-outs

NOCO Boost Plus GB40: what owners report

• Owners praise the compact size and the confidence the protections give first-time users. (Retailer owner reviews)
• Buyers report it starting family cars and bikes without fuss when kept charged. (Retailer owner reviews)
• Owner discussion notes the value of recharging after use rather than leaving it flat. (Independent buying guide)

Who should not buy the NOCO Boost Plus GB40

Skip it if your diesel is larger than 3.0 litres; the GBX55 below is the next step up. If that sounds like you, consider the NOCO Boost X GBX55 instead:

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Pair it with

NOCO GENIUS1 Smart Charger

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Tip: see also our guide to Best Jump Starter With Tire Inflator for the wider market.

Best for Larger Engines: NOCO Boost X GBX55

Best for Larger Engines

Why the NOCO Boost X GBX55 is our pick

The GBX55 is the step-up pick for drivers whose engines outgrow the GB40. It is rated at 1,750 amps for petrol engines up to 7.5 litres and diesel engines up to 5.0 litres, and it adds 60-watt USB-C power delivery for faster recharging and device charging. The IP65 rating and 200-lumen flashlight make it a stronger all-weather emergency tool.

NOCO Boost X GBX55 key specs

• Peak current: 1,750 amps (maker rating)
• Petrol rating: up to 7.5 litres
• Diesel rating: up to 5.0 litres
• USB-C output: 60 watts power delivery
• Flashlight: 200 lumens, multiple modes
• Ingress rating: IP65
• Safety: spark-proof, reverse-polarity protection
• Battery type: 12-volt lithium
• Weight: 2.58 lb (maker data sheet)
• Part number: GBX55
• Jump starts per charge: Not published in listing summary
• In the box: pack, clamps, USB-C cable, case

NOCO Boost X GBX55: fits and best for

Best for larger petrol SUVs and trucks and for mid-size diesel owners who want one pack for the whole driveway. It suits drivers who also want fast USB-C charging on the road. It is more pack than a small hatchback needs, but that is not a drawback.

NOCO Boost X GBX55 pros and watch-outs

NOCO Boost X GBX55: what owners report

• Owners value the stronger diesel rating for SUVs and light trucks. (Retailer owner reviews)
• Buyers note the USB-C fast charging as a real everyday benefit. (Retailer owner reviews)
• An independent guide rates it the best all-round pick for most drivers. (Independent buying guide)

Who should not buy the NOCO Boost X GBX55

Skip it if your diesel exceeds 5.0 litres; the GOOLOO GP4000 below is rated further. If that sounds like you, consider the GOOLOO GP4000 instead:

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Pair it with

NOCO GENIUS1 Smart Charger

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Tip: see also our guide to Avapow Jump Starter Review for the wider market.

Best for Big Diesel: GOOLOO GP4000

Best for Big Diesel

Why the GOOLOO GP4000 is our pick

The GP4000 is the big-diesel pick in this guide, rated for all petrol engines and diesel engines up to 10.0 litres. Its 88.8 watt-hour capacity and claim of up to 60 starts per charge suit households with several vehicles and drivers who want a deep reserve. A 15-volt, 10-amp output also runs 12-volt accessories such as a tyre inflator.

GOOLOO GP4000 key specs

• Peak current: 4,000 amps (maker rating)
• Petrol rating: all petrol engines
• Diesel rating: up to 10.0 litres
• Capacity: 88.8 watt-hours
• Jump starts per charge: up to 60
• USB: dual ports with quick charge, USB-C in and out
• DC output: 15 volts, 10 amps for 12-volt devices
• Flashlight: LED with solid, strobe and SOS modes
• Part number: GP4000
• Service life: over 1,000 cycles (maker claim)
• Standby: maker advises recharge every 1 to 3 months
• In the box: pack, smart cables, USB-C cable, case

GOOLOO GP4000: fits and best for

Best for diesel truck owners, farm vehicles and multi-car households that want one heavy-duty pack. It also suits drivers who want the pack to double as a power source for 12-volt gear. It is heavier than a glovebox pack, so plan on boot storage.

GOOLOO GP4000 pros and watch-outs

GOOLOO GP4000: what owners report

• Owners report it starting large diesel engines that smaller packs could not crank. (Retailer owner reviews)
• Buyers like the long standby between top-ups for seasonal vehicles. (Retailer owner reviews)
• The maker manual stresses the boost procedure for very low batteries. (Maker manual)

Who should not buy the GOOLOO GP4000

Skip it if you only drive a small petrol car; the GB40 is lighter and easier to carry. If that sounds like you, consider the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 instead:

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Pair it with

Battery Terminal Cleaning Brush

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Tip: see also our guide to Gooloo Vs Avapow Jump Starter for the wider market.

Best Heavy-Duty Spare: AVAPOW A68

Best Heavy-Duty Spare

Why the AVAPOW A68 is our pick

The A68 carries the largest engine rating in this guide: all petrol engines and diesel engines up to 12.0 litres, with a 6,000-amp peak claim. It suits the buyer who wants the deepest reserve for the biggest diesel in the driveway and does not mind a larger pack. Dual USB quick-charge outputs and a bright LED light keep it useful beyond jump starts.

AVAPOW A68 key specs

• Peak current: 6,000 amps (maker rating)
• Petrol rating: all petrol engines
• Diesel rating: up to 12.0 litres
• Capacity: 88.8 watt-hours (listing family data)
• USB: dual USB quick charge outputs
• DC output: 12-volt accessory output
• Flashlight: built-in bright LED light
• Safety: smart clamp protections
• Part number: A68
• Battery type: 12-volt lithium-ion
• Jump starts per charge: Not published in listing summary
• In the box: pack, clamps, cables, case

AVAPOW A68: fits and best for

Best for owners of the largest diesel trucks and for fleets that want one pack to cover everything. It also suits rural drivers far from help who want maximum reserve. It is the least glovebox-friendly pick here, so treat it as a boot tool.

AVAPOW A68 pros and watch-outs

AVAPOW A68: what owners report

• Owners report it cranking large diesels after smaller packs gave up. (Retailer owner reviews)
• Buyers value it as a shared pack for trucks, tractors and boats. (Retailer owner reviews)
• Owner comparisons note its size trade-off against compact packs. (WinchInsider comparison)

Who should not buy the AVAPOW A68

Skip it if you want a pocket-size pack; the GB40 carries far easier. If that sounds like you, consider the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 instead:

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Pair it with

NOCO NCP2 Terminal Protectors

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We may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Tip: see also our guide to Best Battery Charger Under 100 for the wider market.

Spec comparison

Installation and wiring

Using a jump pack is straightforward, but the order matters. Park safely away from traffic, switch everything off, and read the pack’s manual once before you clamp anything. Connect red to positive on the dead battery, then black to a solid unpainted ground point on the engine or chassis, never directly to the dead battery’s negative post unless your handbook says so. Start the vehicle, let it run for a few minutes, then remove black first and red second. Recharge the pack as soon as you get home, and check that your clamps are clean and tight before you store it. If the engine does not crank after two short attempts, stop and look for a deeper problem such as a failed battery, a loose terminal or a starter fault, rather than hammering the pack until it is flat. Related reading: our guides to portable jump starters, battery maintainers and jumper cables explain each step in more detail.

Related how-to guides: Best Portable Jump Starter Under 100, Best Battery Maintainers Or Jump Starters, Spartan Jumper Cables Review.

Safety essentials

• Never connect the clamps backwards: use only packs with reverse-polarity protection, and double-check red to positive before you press anything.
• Keep your face and hands away from the battery while cranking, and never smoke or use open flames near a battery.
• If a battery is cracked, leaking or swollen, do not jump start it: replace it instead.
• Do not crank for more than a few seconds at a time, and let the starter rest between attempts so nothing overheats.
• Store the pack away from extreme heat, recharge it every few months, and retire any pack with a damaged case or cable.
• Remove metal jewellery before working around a battery, and wear eye protection when you connect clamps.

Three accessories worth adding:

NOCO GENIUS1 Smart Charger — A 1-amp maintainer that keeps a parked car or bike battery healthy between drives.

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Battery Terminal Cleaning Brush — Cleans corrosion from posts and clamps so a jump start gets full current.

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NOCO NCP2 Terminal Protectors — Anti-corrosion washers that help terminals stay clean after you fit them.

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Troubleshooting

Who should not buy these picks

Drivers with a failing battery. A jump pack gets you going once, but a battery that will not hold charge needs replacing, not repeated jump starts. Read our battery tester guide and have the battery load-checked. See Best Battery Tester Under 100.

Owners of 24-volt trucks. Every pick here is a 12-volt pack, so a 24-volt system needs a different solution. Check your handbook voltage before you buy anything. See Best Truck Battery Chargers Under 100.

Buyers who want a tyre inflator too. None of these four packs inflates tyres, so if you want one box for both jobs, look at a jump pack with a built-in compressor instead. See Best Jump Starter With Tire Inflator.

Anyone who will never recharge it. A lithium pack left flat for a year may not rescue you. If that sounds like you, keep traditional jumper cables as well. See Spartan Jumper Cables Review.

Final verdict

Best Overall: NOCO Boost Plus GB40 — The GB40 is the beginner pick because its ratings are clear, its protections are strong, and its size means it actually travels with you.

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Best for Larger Engines: NOCO Boost X GBX55 — The GBX55 is the step-up pick for drivers whose engines outgrow the GB40.

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Best for Big Diesel: GOOLOO GP4000 — The GP4000 is the big-diesel pick in this guide, rated for all petrol engines and diesel engines up to 10.0 litres.

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Best Heavy-Duty Spare: AVAPOW A68 — The A68 carries the largest engine rating in this guide: all petrol engines and diesel engines up to 12.0 litres, with a 6,000-amp peak claim.

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Frequently asked questions

What size jump starter does a beginner need?

For most petrol cars, a pack rated to at least your engine size is enough, and the GB40 covers petrol engines up to 6.0 litres. Diesel owners should check the diesel rating separately, because it is always lower than the petrol rating. When in doubt, buy one size larger than your engine needs, since an oversized pack still works fine on a small car.

Are lithium jump starters safe for beginners?

Yes, provided you buy a pack with spark-proof and reverse-polarity protection and follow the clamp order in the manual. Those protections stop the most common beginner mistakes from becoming dangerous. Never use a pack with damaged cables or a swollen case, and keep the pack away from extreme heat.

How often should I recharge a jump starter?

Recharge it after every jump start, and top it up every two to three months if it sits unused. Lithium packs lose charge slowly in storage, and a pack at low charge may not deliver its rated current on a cold morning. A quick top-up before winter is the single best habit a beginner can build.

Can a jump starter damage my car’s electronics?

A quality pack with built-in protections is designed to work with modern 12-volt systems, and the manual will list any exceptions. The real risk comes from reversed clamps or a damaged battery, which is why protected packs and clean terminals matter. If your car has unusual electronics, check the handbook before jump starting.

Do peak amps matter more than engine ratings?

No. Peak amps are a headline number, while the engine rating tells you what the maker actually rates the pack to start. Two packs can share a peak-amp claim and carry very different engine ratings. Use the petrol and diesel ratings as your buying test, and treat peak amps as a tie-breaker only.

Can I use a car jump starter on a motorcycle?

Yes, if the motorcycle uses a 12-volt battery and the pack’s clamps fit the terminals. Smaller packs such as the GB40 suit bikes well, because they are light and easy to carry. Take care with clamp placement on small terminals, and never force a clamp that does not fit securely.

What is the difference between a jump starter and a battery charger?

A jump starter delivers a short burst of high current to crank an engine, while a charger or maintainer refills a battery slowly over hours. A jump pack gets you moving today, and a maintainer such as the GENIUS1 keeps a parked battery healthy over weeks. Many owners keep both tools.

How long does a lithium jump pack last?

Lifespan depends on use, storage temperature and how often it is fully drained. Packs kept charged, stored cool and recharged after use last far longer than packs left flat in a hot boot. When a pack no longer holds charge or cranks as it once did, replace it rather than trusting it in an emergency.

Should I keep the jump starter in the car all year?

Yes, that is the point of owning one, but avoid the hottest spots such as a dashboard in summer sun. A boot or under-seat spot with moderate temperatures is better. Check the charge every couple of months, and bring the pack indoors during extreme cold snaps if you can.

Sources

• NOCO Boost Plus GB40 listing and specifications
• NOCO Boost X GBX55 listing and specifications
• GOOLOO GP4000 listing and specifications
• AVAPOW A68 listing and specifications
• NOCO GBX55 data sheet
• GOOLOO GP4000 user manual
• Best jump starters for Australian cars and conditions (GB40 and GBX55 ratings)
• NOCO GENIUS1 maintainer listing
• Battery terminal cleaning brush listing
• NOCO NCP2 terminal protectors listing

Related guides

• Best Portable Jump Starter Under 100
• Best Battery Maintainers Or Jump Starters
• Best Portable Car Battery Jump Starter Under 100
• Spartan Jumper Cables Review
• Best Portable Jump Starter For Drivers

Browse the full subcategory archive and the parent category archive for more guides in this family.