Key Considerations for Choosing the Best Car Jump Starter & Top Recommendations

Being stranded with a dead car battery is a driver's nightmare. Thankfully, jump starters have emerged as a convenient alternative to traditional jumper cables. They offer the freedom to be your own hero, without relying on another vehicle or assistance. Yet, another challenge arises: how do you select the best jump starter from the multitude available? In this comprehensive buyer's guide, we'll walk you through key considerations for choosing the perfect jump starter. By the end of this guide, you'll have the knowledge to make an informed purchase. Let's dive in.

What to consider when choosing the best jump starter?

Battery Type

The three most common battery types generally used in jump starters are Traditional lead acid battery style, Lithium-ion battery style and supercapacitor style jump starters. They all come in different sizes and capacity designs.

• Traditional Lead-Acid Batteries: These are cost-effective and offer high energy and power. However, they are heavy and can be bulky, making them less convenient for storage and transportation between vehicles. Additionally, they are susceptible to permanent damage if their voltage drops below 9 volts due to chemical reactions.

• Lithium-Ion Batteries: Lithium-ion batteries are popular for their compact and lightweight design, making them highly portable and convenient for vehicle storage. They provide an excellent power-to-weight ratio, ideal for charging devices and running appliances. These batteries are relatively easy to maintain with periodic recharging, although they can degrade over time due to chemical reactions.
• Supercapacitor Style Jump Starters: Supercapacitor-style jump starters do not rely on traditional batteries. Instead, they use supercapacitors, which can deliver a significant amount of power with minimal energy. They have the advantage of maintaining their charge even over extended periods at 0 voltage without damage. However, they may not provide sufficient energy for powering devices and appliances.

Please make sure the compatibility of the jump starter with your vehicle's battery type when purchasing.

AUXITO suggests: Choose a portable jump starter with a high-quality lithium-ion battery for a balanced combination of performance and portability.

Battery Capacity

A higher capacity allows for more jump starts before recharging the unit. Focusing on the mAh rating of the starter battery allows us to estimate the amount of energy the battery can hold and how long the unit will run before the battery is drained. Generally speaking independent of other factors, the higher the mAh, the longer the battery will last.

AUXITO suggests: Choose a jump starter with a battery capacity of at least 10,000 mAh.

Battery Voltage and Compatibility

Different models have different battery voltages. Most cars, trucks, SUVs, etc. use 12-volt batteries; smaller vehicles such as motorcycles use 6 volts; most of regular jump starters will work. However, some medium and large trucks require an industrial-grade starter that provides 24 volts. If you use a jump starter that doesn't match the voltage of your vehicle's battery, you may not be able to start the car and may even damage the electrical system, so it's important to ensure that the jump starter is compatible with your vehicle.

AUXITO suggests: Choose a jump starter to match your vehicle's battery voltage.

Power Output

The starter you require should possess sufficient power to initiate your vehicle, ensuring a swift charge and start even in the event of a completely depleted car battery. The commonly referenced specification is "peak amperage" or "current," denoting the maximum power discharge capability of the jumper. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that numerous manufacturers may embellish peak amperage values for promotional purposes, which might not accurately reflect actual performance.

So, what else should you consider? In addition to peak amps, it's equally vital to pay attention to "cranking amps" (CA) or "cold cranking amps" (CCA), particularly if you live in regions with cold winters. These two values measure the jump starter's power output under different conditions:

normal weather conditions (around 32 degrees Fahrenheit) and cold weather conditions (0 degrees Fahrenheit).

But it's worth noting that Cranking amp ratings were originally developed for lead-acid batteries. Lithium-ion jump starters are designed to provide ample cranking power, making them suitable for starting vehicles. In practical terms, when shopping for the right jump starter for your vehicle, look for one that meets the specific peak amps, cranking amps, or CCA requirements of your car. For most common vehicles with 4- or 6-cylinder engines, a jump starter with around 400-600 amps of cranking power should suffice. By focusing on these values, you'll ensure that your chosen jump starter can reliably start your vehicle, even in adverse conditions.

(Tips: For more information about the three key measures of jump starters’ performance, please check out: PEAK AMPS VS. COLD CRANKING AMPS VS. CRANKING AMPS IN JUMP STARTERS)

AUXITO suggests: Choose a jump starter to meet your vehicle's needs in terms of peak amps and cranking amps.

Engine Size and Type

• Engine Size: Smaller Engines (e.g., 4-cylinder): Smaller engines generally require less power to start. A jump starter with a lower cranking amp rating may suffice for these vehicles.
• Larger Engines (e.g., 6-cylinder, 8-cylinder, or larger): Larger engines need more power to crank, so you should opt for a jump starter with a higher cranking amp rating.
• Engine Type: Gasoline Engines: Gasoline engines typically require less power to start compared to diesel engines. A jump starter with moderate cranking amps may work well for gasoline-powered vehicles.
• Diesel Engines: Diesel engines require more power to start due to their higher compression ratios. You should choose a jump starter with a higher cranking amp rating, specifically designed for diesel engines.

It's essential to check your vehicle's owner's manual or specifications to determine the recommended cranking amps required for your particular engine. Choosing a jump starter with the appropriate power output ensures that you can effectively start your vehicle, especially in cold weather conditions or if the battery is severely depleted.

AUXITO suggests: Check your car's engine size and type and choose a jump starter for meeting your vehicle's engine's starting amperage requirements or is more powerful.

Charging Options

Consider how you plan to charge your jump starter. There are some starters that are designed to only be charged using a regular AC outlet, while others are designed with multiple charging options that allow for charging through your car's cigarette lighter socket or even solar panels.

AUXITO suggests: Choose a jump starter with multiple output ports.

Portability

Apart from the common jumper cables, there are two other ways to solve the problem of a dead car. It's important to distinguish between the two, as they serve different purposes. Battery chargers require a connection to an electrical outlet and are primarily used for recharging a dead battery. In contrast, portable jump starters are designed to eliminate the need for an external power source. They can be used anywhere and anytime, making them ideal for starting a vehicle in an emergency. Additionally, portable jump starters often offer various additional features, allowing you to choose one that suits your preferences and needs.

(Tips: For a further detailed comparison between battery chargers and portable jump starters, you can refer to this article to help you make a wise choice: PORTABLE JUMP STARTER VS. CAR BATTERY CHARGER: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE & WHICH ONE DO YOU NEED?)

AUXITO suggests: Choose a jump starter with small and portable size.

Safety

Safety should be a top priority. Ensure your chosen jump starter has built-in safety features like overcharge protection, overcurrent protection, short circuit protection, reverse polarity protection, low temperature protection, high temperature protection, overvoltage protection, overload protection, reverse charging protection, anti-spark protection, etc. The provision of multiple protection methods can effectively ensure safe use and extend the service life of the product.

AUXITO suggests: Choose a smart jump starter with multiple protection settings.

Cable and Clamp Quality

Quality cables and clamps are crucial for a successful jump start. Longer cables make connections easier, and clamps with metal components are more durable. When I browsed many buyer reviews of jump starters, I found that the most common complaint was that the length of the cable was too short, which made it inconvenient to connect the car's starting battery. Moreover, some starter clamps are made of plastic and do not contain metal components. It is difficult to clamp the battery and will break after a few uses.

AUXITO suggests: Choose cables that are long enough and clamps with metal components such as copper-plated clamps.

Additional Features

Most portable jump starters come with different additional features such as charging indicators, digital pressure gauges, LED lighting, air compressors, etc. A charging indicator light allows you to determine whether the jump starter started successfully, and a digital gauge (any pressure testing device that uses an electronic display to indicate pressure digitally) allows you to further regulate charging and inflation values, making it smarter and safer. LED lighting allows you to operate better in the dark and can be used as a rescue signal at critical moments. As you know, sudden car battery failure often occurs in the dark.

An air compressor can give you one more opportunity to inflate your vehicle's tires, saving time and cost and providing you with an additional response plan for emergencies. In this point, if you are looking for the best jump starter with an air compressor, then the air pressure value of the inflator should also be something you want to consider. Most vehicle tires require just 30 to 40 psi. And a quality air compressor can provide air pressure values up to 100 psi or more.

AUXITO suggests: Choose a jump starter that has as many additional features as possible.

Warranty

In addition to looking at the technical aspects. A product with a good warranty period can provide you with good protection against any problems that arise during subsequent use. Longer warranties often indicate the manufacturer's confidence in their product's quality.

AUXITO suggests: Choose a jump starter with a long warranty.

Reviews and Budgets

Lastly, read customer reviews and consider your budget. The product review can provide reliable indications of the quality and assist in a comprehensive evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of the desired unit. Additionally, there are variations in costs among different brands and performance levels of jump starters. You can also selectively screen jump starters according to your own needs and budget before, which can help you save a lot of time in purchasing.

AUXITO suggests: Choose a jump starter with comprehensive reviews.

To help you make an informed decision, here are some quality jump starter recommendations.

Best jump starters (recommendations)

NOCO Boost X GBX155 4250A 12V UltraSafe Portable Lithium Jump Starter

• Battery Cell Composition: Lithium
• Cranking amp: 4250 amps
• Battery Capacity: 82,500 mAH
• Voltage: 12 V
• Diesel Engines: Up To 10 L
• Gas Engines: Up To 8 L
• Additional Features：Fast Charger、LED lighting、Microfiber Storage Bag

NOCO Boost X GBX155 4250A 12V UltraSafe Portable Lithium Jump Starter

Ultra-safe portable lithium battery-assisted starter pack for optimal performance and battery life.

$369.95

NOCO Amazon

JF.EGWO 6000Amp Car Jump Starter with Air Compressor

• Battery Cell Composition: Lithium Polymer
• Cranking amp: 3000 amps
• Battery Capacity: 28,000 mAH
• Voltage: 12 V
• Diesel Engines: 13L
• Gas Engines: 13L
• Additional Features：LED Flashlight and SOS mode、Tire Inflator、Digital Gague、Portable Storage Bag

JF.EGWO 6000Amp Car Jump Starter with Air Compressor

High-quality Car Jump Starter, comes with a digital pressure gauge to provide precise numerical measurements.

$279.99

JF.EGWO Amazon

GOOLOO GP4000 Jump Starter Box 4000A Peak Car Starter

• Battery Cell Composition: Lithium Polymer
• Cranking amp: 800 amps
• Battery Capacity: 26,800 mAH
• Voltage: 12 V
• Diesel Engines: 10L
• Gas Engines: All
• Additional Features：LED Flashlight、EVA Storage Case

GOOLOO GP4000 Jump Starter Box 4000A Peak Car Starter

Low-budget portable jump starter that meets basic car starting needs.

$99.88

GOOLOO Amazon

Conclusion

All in all, choosing the right starter for your car involves a variety of considerations, including safety features, compatibility, current strength, functionality, brand and reviews, and more. And evaluating which is the best jump starter actually depends on what your specific needs are. When you're choosing the best jump starter, check out these considerations above and make your decision from there. When you shop for the right car jump starter, you'll be able to take a journey without worry, knowing that you're prepared for any eventuality on the road.

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between power and energy?

A: Power refers to the jump starter's ability to deliver a high level of energy quickly, ideal for starting a car. On the other hand, energy determines how long the jumpers can continue to provide power, which is suitable for equipment that runs for a long time.

Q: What to Buy a Car Jump Starter with Air Compressor For?

A: An air compressor is a multi-functional tool that meets a variety of inflation needs in addition to inflating car tires. Combining it with the car jump starter solves the need to carry a separate jumper cables and tire inflation device at the same time. You can store it in the trunk of your car and access it whenever you need it. Saves space in your car and is more convenient and practical.

Q: Why do I need a portable jump starter?

A: A car can run out of battery at any time, and it often happens when we are caught off guard. Portable jump starters are designed to provide emergency power for vehicles with dead or low batteries. Their small size and lightweight design make them perfect for placement in the car. And most of the portable jump starters in the mall are equipped with functions that are highly practical in emergencies, which can also bring convenience to daily life.

Q: Can I use a portable jump starter on any type of vehicle?

A: This depends on the compatibility of the jump starter with the vehicle. As long as the portable jump starter meets the voltage capabilities required by the vehicle's engine, it can be used.

Q: How long does it take to charge a portable jump starter?

A: This depends on the size of the battery and the technology used to design the starter's charge. Most good quality portable starters take between 1 and 4 hours to charge.