Best portable jump starters for 2021

Looking for the best way to jump start your car? Check out these great options

Last Updated: May 25, 2021

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At some point in your driving life, you'll most likely deal with a dead battery. More often than not, it'll happen at the worst possible moment. Luckily, this isn't as big a deal as it used to be thanks to portable car jump starters, but with so many out there on the market, we decided to compile a list of some of the "best." Of course, everyone has their own idea of what the "best" portable jump starter is, so this list is based on user ratings and reviews from all across the web. We've selected jump starters from a variety of categories and price points to meet a variety of needs. 

DBPOWER 1000A - $59.99 (14% off) at Amazon

Key features

  • Jump starts up to a 7.0L gas engine or 5.5L diesel engine
  • Compact enough to fit in your glove compartment
  • Features 12800mAh capacity with a smart USB port, able to fully charge your laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc.
  • Features over current protection, short circuit protection, overload protection, over-voltage protection, over-charge protection
  • LCD screen shows the remaining power in the device
  • Built-in LED flashlight for emergency and nighttime use

Featured five-star review:

"I bought this because my battery doesn’t handle the cold well. This jump starter was amazing, my car started up on the first try, which is a lot more convenient than finding someone willing to provide a jump start and takes far less time. I’ve used it a few times already and couldn’t be happier with my purchase." Amazon reviewer, Jennifer L.

Clore Automotive Jump-N-Carry JNC660 - $129.99 at Amazon

Key features

  • Starts all passenger vehicles and light commercial vehicles
  • Up to 40 jumps per charge
  • 1,700 Peak Amps; 425 Cranking Amps
  • 46-inch AWG Cables
  • Contains a DC outlet to power 12 volt accessories

Featured five-star review:

"I have used this a bunch of times to jump start smaller equipment like 4-wheelers, mowers, etc. But, I finally had to use it on my truck a few days ago (2011 Super Duty Diesel). Honestly I was a little worried that it would have they strength to do it because as soon as I connected it to the battery my air compressor kicked on (for train horns), I quickly shut off the air compressor and then said a prayer..... turned the key and it started right up without hesitation. It didn't even turn over slow or anything. This thing has saved me so many times! BTW, I also used it to charge my phone, my wife's phone and my kid's tablets while camping using a 12v to USB adapter." - Amazon reviewer, James L.

STANLEY J5C09 JUMPiT Portable Power Station Jump Starter - $92.65 (29% off) at Amazon

Key features

  • 1000 peak amps and 500 instant starting amps
  • Includes a reverse polarity alarm to let you know when there is an improper connection
  • Built-in 120 PSI air compressor for inflating tires
  • Built-in LED light 270° rotation
  • Built-in 12V DC outlet and USB port
  • Requires but does not include a standard household extension cord for charging

Featured five-star review:

"Purchased this unit about a year ago and it paid off this past week. While visiting Glacier National Park my in-laws rental car (a 2017 Ford Expedition) had issues starting all week. Rather than going through the hassle of moving my truck face-to-face with their car to use traditional jumper cables I simply popped the hood and jumped it. We got about 4 jumps off of one charge, but I still recommend charging every time you use it, or every 30 days as instructed in the manual. My father-in-law bought one when he got home from the trip. Additionally I have used the compressor several times in a pinch on both my F-150 and Honda Civic. It is a great tool and I highly recommend this product. One tip, the compressor switch must be completely off to charge the unit. I had an issue with this as I thought it stopped charging, but the the switch was just slightly moved from the "off" position. After discovering the issue the unit had no trouble charging back up." - Unnamed Amazon Reviewer

NEXPOW 2000A Peak 18000mAh Car Jump Starter - $69.99 (13% off)

Key features

  • Jump starts cars, SUVs, trucks, and vans (up to 7.5L Gas, 6.5L Diesel Engine) up to 20 times
  • Can jump vehicles in temperatures from -4°F to approximately 140°F
  • Features reverse polarity protection, over-current protection, high-temperature protection and over-load protection
  • Features 2 built-in USB outputs (5V/3A) and (5V/2.1A)
  • Built-in emergency flashlight with SOS mode
  • Includes heavy-duty battery clamps, USB type-C charging cable, user manual, delicate carrying case and a 15W adaptor

Featured five-star review:

"This G17 battery jumpstart is very powerful and much better than the one I [had previously]. It started my truck without a problem, [and] it has a nice light and two USB ports which are very handy to charge my computer and iPhone! It’s nice and light and the case is great to have for storage! The G17 is perfect in every way. Thank you for making such a great product!" - Amazon reviewer, Tony C.

NOCO Boost Plus GB40 - $99.95 (21% off) at Amazon

Key features

  • Provides up to 20 jump starts on a single charge, rated for gasoline engines up to 6 liters and diesel engines up to 3 liters.
  • "Mistake-proof design"
  • Built-in LED Flashlight with SOS mode
  • Recharges smart phones, tablets and other USB devices
  • Features a "rugged and water-resistant enclosure rated at IP65. A rubberized over-molded casing to prevent scratching or marring of surfaces"
  • Weighs only 2.4 lbs
  • Includes the jump starter, heavy-duty battery clamps, a 12-volt car charger, a micro USB charging cable, a microfiber storage bag, a user guide, and a 1-year warranty

Featured five-star review:

"I have had my NOCO for over a year and finally had to use it today. My model of car is notorious for being a battery-drainer and I knew there would come a day I needed it. It is Christmas Eve and today was the day that I found a dead battery (of course, on a day I am not about to go get a new battery) but it was exactly zero problem because this NOCO had me up and running in mere seconds with an instant start!

It holds a charge [for] a long, LONG time and I have only freshened up the charge every 4 months or so, whether it needed it or not since I hadn't used it. Even before I needed it I was impressed enough to give one to each of my adult daughters this Christmas and now I have 100% confidence that if they are ever stuck they can get going immediately! No more stringing jumper cables between stranger's cars on a dark night, no trying to remember the order of connection between cars, no fear of [them] just getting out there and doing it themselves. Everyone should have one of these in their emergency roadside kit!" - Unnamed Amazon Reviewer

Since we based these selections on user reviews, we'd love to hear if you have anything to add. Do you agree with our picks? Anything else you'd like to recommend? Let us know in the comments! Happy jump starting.

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