Buying Guide
A lithium jump pack lives in your trunk and starts a dead battery without a second car or a set of cables. The trick is matching peak amps to your engine — here are the ones worth owning, by engine size and budget.
The one to buy if you're buying one. 1000 amps starts virtually any 4- and 6-cylinder car with room to spare, it's compact enough to forget in the trunk, and NOCO's spark-proof, reverse-polarity clamps mean you can't fry your electronics hooking it up wrong. Doubles as a USB power bank and flashlight.
Check price on Amazon →When you want maximum cranking power per dollar. The peak-amp rating dwarfs the name brands and it'll turn over big gas and most diesel engines, with a bright display and fast USB-C recharge. Not as polished as NOCO, but the value is hard to argue with.
Check price on Amazon →For trucks, big V8s, RVs and diesels that a small pack can't turn over. 2000 amps and thick, genuinely grippy clamps make it the confident choice when the engine is big or the weather is cold. Overkill for a commuter — exactly right for a work truck.
Check price on Amazon →Pocket-sized insurance for small cars, motorcycles, ATVs and lawn equipment. 500 amps is plenty for a small gas engine, and it's small enough to keep in a glovebox or under a bike seat. Get the bigger packs if you drive anything with a V6 or larger.
Check price on Amazon →If you want to see exactly what's happening — a clear LCD shows charge level and status instead of guessing at battery lights. 2000 amps covers most engines, and it recharges fast enough to be ready again quickly. The pick for people who like data.
Check price on Amazon →| Model | Peak amps | Best for | Extras | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOCO GB40 | 1000A | Most 4- & 6-cyl gas | USB bank, light | Amazon → |
| GOOLOO GP4000 | 4000A | Value; big gas & diesel | Display, USB-C | Amazon → |
| NOCO GB70 | 2000A | V8, diesel, trucks/RV | Heavy clamps, USB | Amazon → |
| NOCO GB20 | 500A | Small 4-cyl, moto, EDC | USB, light | Amazon → |
| HULKMAN Alpha85 | 2000A | Most engines; wants a readout | LCD, fast recharge | Amazon → |
Three things settle it:
Match peak amps to your engine: a small 4-cylinder gas engine needs roughly 400–600A, most 6-cylinders around 1000A, and V8s or diesels 1500–2000A or more. When in doubt, size up — extra amps never hurt, and cold weather raises how much current it takes to crank.
Yes, when they have reverse-polarity and spark-proof protection — which every pack we recommend does. That's what prevents sparks and electrical damage if you clamp on backwards. Store it out of extreme heat and keep it charged, and a modern lithium pack is very safe to use.
Every 3–6 months. Lithium packs slowly self-discharge on the shelf, and the worst time to discover a dead jump starter is when your car won't start. Top it off a few times a year so it's ready.
No — it delivers one big burst to crank the engine, then your alternator recharges the battery as you drive. If the battery won't hold a charge on its own, it's worn out: use a proper charger, or replace it (check the group size chart for the right fit).