Bestselling jump starters to consider during winter
A Good Car Battery Jump Starter Is a Winter Must-Have
When your car battery is dead, you only have so many options. The usual method for reviving it is hoping a kind stranger will stop and give you a jump using a set of cables. You could also call a tow truck, though this means finding a ride for yourself and could be costly. Another option is jump-starting your car yourself.
Jump starters are powerful batteries with attached jumper cables that can spark your battery back to life without the need for another car.
Jump Starter Battery Type
Jump starters have one of two types of batteries inside them:
- Lead-acid: This type of battery is the same type that’s been used in most vehicles for many years. They’re strong and reliable but large, weighing between 15 and 30 pounds.
- Lithium-ion: This type of battery is smaller and lighter. Most can fit inside your glove box and weigh no more than 5 pounds. Some can even be used to charge other devices, such as your phone. The downside is they tend to be less effective. And while they’re just as or more effective than lead-acid starters, they typically cost more.
Jump Starter Volts and Amps
Jump starters typically have the same voltage as most car batteries: 12 volts. However, the range of amps varies widely to fit the range of car types.
For example, a small sedan doesn’t need much of a boost to get its battery going again, while a huge diesel engine requires a much higher boost.
Amps are listed in several formats, each meaning different things. The most important types are:
- Peak amps: The highest possible power a jump starter can deliver under optimal conditions.
- Cranking amps: The power supplied when your battery is at 32°F (0°C).
- Cold-cranking amps: The power supplied when your battery is at 0°F (-18°C).
If a jump starter lists peak amps, look for at least 600 amps on a lithium-ion starter and at least 1,000 amps for a lead-acid starter.
If a jump starter lists cranking or cold-cranking amps, consider the following engine requirements:
- Gas four-cylinder engines: approx. 150 to 200 cranking amps or 120 to 160 cold-cranking amps.
- Gas six-cylinder engines: approx. 200 to 250 cranking amps or 160 to 200 cold-cranking amps.
- Gas eight-cylinder engines: approx. 250 to 300 cranking amps or 200 to 240 cold-cranking amps.
- Diesel four-cylinder engines: approx. 250 to 400 cranking amps or 200 to 320 cold-cranking amps.
- Diesel six-cylinder engines: approx. 400 to 500 cranking amps or 320 to 400 cold-cranking amps.
- Diesel eight-cylinder engines: approx. 500 to 700 cranking amps or 400 to 560 cold-cranking amps.
If you prefer not to consult charts and can afford it, getting the most powerful starter you can find is a safe bet. Having more power will start the vehicle and won’t harm your battery, but not having enough means you’ll still be stuck on the road.
Jump Starter Cost
A low-cost jump starter that’s just powerful enough to revive a basic sedan usually costs around $50. A more powerful starter that can handle larger cars typically costs up to $100, with the best in this category reaching up to $150. The strongest starters with all the best extra features can range between $200 and $400.
Best Jump Starters
Avapow Jump Starter
This jump starter has a peak amp rating of 2,000 and can hold a charge for up to 40 starts. It features several USB ports of different types, allowing you to charge multiple devices simultaneously.
Stanley Jump Starter
This portable car jump starter has a peak amp rating of 1,000. It includes a high-powered LED light for use in the dark. Its lightweight and compact design make it easy to store in your car.
EverStart J509E 1000 Peak Amp Jump Starter
This car battery jump starter offers a peak amp rating of 1,000 and comes equipped with a pivoting LED work light, 12V DC and USB ports, plus an LED battery indicator.
DeWalt Digital Portable Power Station Jump Starter
With a peak power output of 1,600 amps, this DeWalt jump starter also includes an air compressor and USB-A and 25W PD power ports. It supports a wide temperature range, making it ideal for extreme conditions.
Gooloo Upgraded Jump Starter
Providing a peak amp rating of 3,000, this compact jump starter offers over 50 starts per charge. It doubles as a power bank with three USB ports and can withstand extreme temperatures. It also features a built-in LED light.
Hulkman Alpha85 Smart JumpStarter
This compact jump starter delivers 2,000 peak amps. It can power up to three devices via USB ports and includes a built-in LED light.
Schumacher DSR ProSeries Rechargeable Pro Jump Starter
A professional-grade unit with an impressive 4,400-amp rating. It is capable of jump-starting heavy-duty trucks and includes two accessory ports and a rapid-charging feature.
Halo Bolt Portable Charger Car Jump Starter
An affordable option for small- and medium-sized cars, this 500-amp jump starter doubles as a portable charger with two USB ports.
Dbpower Portable Car Jump Starter
This budget-friendly jump starter offers a peak amp rating of 1,600 and includes a charging port, compass, and LED light.
Noco Boost Plus GB40 Car Battery Jump Starter
Offering a peak amp rating of 1,000, this jump starter can provide up to 20 starts on a single charge. It also has a USB port for charging devices and a built-in LED flashlight.
Prices listed reflect the time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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