I need to jump my car battery. What's the best portable jump box to keep in the trunk?

For keeping a reliable jump box in your trunk, modern lithium-ion portable jump starters have largely replaced the heavy, bulky lead-acid bricks of the past. They are compact, hold a charge for months in fluctuating trunk temperatures, and double as phone chargers.

The top-performing portable jump boxes categorized by what you might need include:

Best Overall / Most Versatile: NOCO Boost HD GB70 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (2000 Amp)

• Why it's great: Delivers 2,000 peak amps, capable of handling gasoline engines up to 8.0 liters and diesel engines up to 6.0 liters. It features foolproof spark-proof technology, reverse-polarity protection, and can hold enough juice for up to 40 jump-starts on a single charge.

Best Value / Budget Pick: Gooloo GP2000 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (2000 Amp)

• Why it's great: At around 1.2 lbs, it's remarkably compact yet packs 2,000 peak amps—plenty for most standard cars, SUVs, and light trucks (up to 8.0L gas / 6.0L diesel). It includes robust safety features and an impressive standby battery life for a fraction of the cost of premium brands.

Best Heavy-Duty / Powerhouse Value: Wolfbox Mega Volt 24 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.

• Why it's great: A 4,000 peak amp beast designed for larger engines (up to 10L), stubborn project trucks, or extreme weather. It boasts massive reserve power, a clear percentage-based LCD screen, 65W USB-C fast charging for laptops, and a rare lifetime warranty.

Best All-In-One Emergency Station: EverStart Maxx J5CPDE Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (1200 Peak Amps)

• Why it's great: If you prefer a traditional heavier-duty station rather than a pocket-sized lithium pack, this traditional unit integrates a 120 PSI digital air compressor for flat tires, a 500W household power inverter, and robust jumper cables.

Crucial Trunk Storage Tips

• Temperature Warning: Extreme summer heat or deep winter freezes can degrade lithium-ion batteries over time. While most good jump boxes operate safely between -4°F and 140°F, check on your jump box every 3 to 6 months to ensure it remains topped off at 75%–100% battery capacity.
• Smart Clamps: Always buy a unit with "smart" or "ultrasafe" clamps that won't spark or send power unless they detect a proper connection to a 12V battery.

If you share your vehicle make, model, and engine size (e.g., V4 sedan vs. V8 full-size truck), I can recommend the exact amperage rating you need.

If you want one jump box to throw in the trunk and forget about until you need it, I’d buy the NOCO Boost Plus GB40.

• NOCO Boost Plus GB40 - $99.95 (NOCO)

My picks

• Best for most cars: NOCO GB40 — 1,000A, compact, about 2.7 lb, and has spark-proof/reverse-polarity protection. It’s rated for up to 6.0L gas / 3.0L diesel. Current listings are around $100.

• Best if you have a V8, large SUV, or diesel: NOCO GB50/GB70 — I'd step up in power rather than relying on the smallest pack. The GB50 is 1,500A and rated for larger engines.

• Best heavy-duty/value option: GOOLOO GP4000 — 4,000A advertised peak output and substantially more capacity, though it's bulkier than the NOCO.

• NOCO GB40 - $99.99 (AutoZone)

• NOCO GB50 - $149.95 (Best Buy)

• GOOLOO GP4000 - $119.99 (GOOLOO)

• NOCO GBX55 - $174.99 (AutoZone)

One important tip: don't choose solely by the biggest "peak amps" number on the package. Engine size, the unit's actual starting capability, clamp quality, and safety circuitry matter more.

Also, keep it charged. I'd check it every few months and top it off; a jump box sitting in your trunk at 20% isn't much of an emergency backup.

If you tell me your car's year, make, model, and engine size, I can tell you exactly which one I'd buy for it.

The NOCO Boost Plus GB40 (1000 Amp)Go to product viewer dialog for this item. is widely considered the best overall compact portable jump box to keep in your trunk due to its reliability, safety features, and small size.

The top portable jump boxes fit for different needs vary by power and extra features:

Watch this overview to see how top portable jump starters compare in real-world power tests:

6:53 5 Best Car Jump Starters 2026 – Top Portable Jump Starters 4.4K views  · 2 months ago YouTube · HowMuchTech

Key Features to Look For

• Peak Amps: Match the amp rating to your engine size. 1,000 amps works for most standard cars and V6 engines, while 2,000+ amps is better for large trucks and diesel engines.
• Safety Protection: Look for spark-proof technology and reverse-polarity protection so it will not damage your car or shock you if clamps are attached backward.
• Manual Override: A feature that allows you to force a jump on a completely dead (zero-voltage) battery that standard smart clamps might fail to detect.
• Extra USB Ports: Most double as portable power banks to charge your phone during roadside emergencies.[1][2][3]

If you tell me the make, model, and year of your car (or engine size), I can recommend the exact minimum amp rating you need.

For a keep-it-in-the-trunk emergency jump box, I’d prioritize reliability, safety, size, and charge retention over chasing the biggest amp number.

My picks

• NOCO Boost Plus GB40 - $99.95 (NOCO)

Best for most cars: NOCO Boost Plus GB40. It’s compact, about 2.7 lb, has 1,000A peak output, and is rated for gas engines up to 6.0L and diesel up to 3.0L. It also has spark-proof connections and reverse-polarity protection. Independent testing found it successfully started a completely drained 4.0L V6.

• NOCO Boost HD GB70 - $199.95 (The Home Depot)

Best if you have a V8, truck, or diesel: NOCO Boost HD GB70. It bumps output to 2,000A and is rated up to 8.0L gas / 6.0L diesel. It's heavier at about 5 lb, but I'd choose it if you want one box that gives you plenty of headroom.

• GOOLOO GP2000 - $59.99 (Best Buy)

Best budget option: GOOLOO GP2000. It's currently around $60 in the shopping results and claims 2,000A with coverage up to 8.0L gas / 6.0L diesel. I'd still take the NOCO for maximum confidence, but this is compelling if price matters.

What I'd buy

If you drive a normal 4-cylinder/6-cylinder sedan, crossover, or SUV → GB40. It's small enough that you'll actually leave it in the car and has the safety features I want in an emergency device.

If you tell me your car's year, make, model, and engine size, I can tell you exactly which one I'd buy—and whether the GB40 is enough.

If you want one jump box to throw in the trunk and forget about until you need it, I’d buy the NOCO Boost Plus GB40.

• NOCO Boost Plus GB40 - $99.95 (The Home Depot)

My picks

• 🥇 Best for most cars — NOCO GB40: 1,000A, compact, about 2.8 lb, and rated for gasoline engines up to 6.0L (3.0L diesel). Its big advantage is the excellent spark-proof/reverse-polarity protection. Car and Driver also found it the most compact unit in its 2026 testing.

• 🚙 For a truck/SUV or diesel — NOCO GB70: 2,000A and substantially more capable for larger engines.

• 💰 More power for the money — GOOLOO GP2000: 2,000A and currently around $60 in the product results I found. It's a good value if you don't mind going with a less established brand.

• 🛞 Jump starter + tire inflator — GOOLOO A5: 4,000A plus a 160-PSI compressor, around $120 currently. Nice if you want one emergency device to handle both a dead battery and a low tire.

• NOCO GB40 - $99.95 (The Home Depot)

• NOCO GB70 - $199.95 (Walmart)

• GOOLOO GP2000 - $59.99 (Best Buy)

• GOOLOO A5 - $119.99 (Best Buy)

For an ordinary sedan/crossover, I'd spend the ~$100 on the GB40. Don't get too hung up on enormous 3,000–6,000A numbers; matching the jump pack to your engine and having good clamps/safety circuitry matter more than the headline peak amperage.

One important tip: charge it before putting it in the trunk and check it every few months. A jump box that's sitting at 8% when your battery dies isn't much help.

If you tell me your car's year/make/model (and engine if you know it), I can tell you exactly which size I'd buy.

For keeping a dependable jump box in your trunk, modern compact lithium-ion jump starters have largely replaced the heavy, bulky lead-acid boxes of the past. They are small enough to store easily, hold a charge for months on end, and feature safety protections against reverse polarity and sparks.[1]

The top-rated portable jump boxes to keep in your trunk include:

Add to list Widely regarded as an industry gold standard for reliability. It delivers 2,000 peak amps—enough to safely jump-start gas engines up to 8.0 liters and diesel engines up to 6.0 liters. It features foolproof spark-proof technology, reverse-polarity protection, and a rugged housing, plus it doubles as a power bank for USB devices. If you want a smaller/cheaper option for a compact sedan, the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 (1000A)Go to product viewer dialog for this item. is also a massive community favorite. You can check details on the NOCO Boost HD GB70 Jump Starter.[1]

Add to list Highlighted by The New York Times Wirecutter as a top staff favorite for everyday passenger cars and SUVs. It is exceptionally lightweight, highly reliable, features a clear indicator for low-voltage batteries, and is simple enough for anyone to operate without stressing over mistakes.

Add to list A powerhouse option if you drive a larger truck, large SUV, or need extra cranking muscle. It provides 3,000 peak amps, revives bigger engines (up to 9L gas / 7L diesel) in seconds, and comes packed in a tough EVA protective case that handles trunk storage well.

A quick tip for trunk storage: Lithium-ion batteries do not love extreme, prolonged freezing or baking heat. While most quality units are rated to function between -4°F and 140°F, bringing the unit inside to top off the charge every 3 to 6 months ensures it's always ready when an emergency strikes. [1][2][3]

To help narrow down the ideal size, what make, model, and year is your vehicle , and do you also experience harsh winter freezing temperatures where you live?

If you want one jump box to leave in the trunk and forget about until you need it, I’d buy the NOCO Boost Plus GB40.

• NOCO Boost Plus GB40 - $99.95 (The Home Depot)

My picks

• Best for most cars: NOCO GB40 — 1,000 peak amps, compact lithium design, spark-proof/reverse-polarity protection, and rated for up to 6.0L gas / 3.0L diesel. It's currently around $100. Independent testing found it reliably started a completely dead 4.0L V6 multiple times.

• Best if you have a big truck/SUV or diesel: NOCO GB70 — 2,000 amps and substantially more reserve power. I'd choose this if you have a V8, large SUV, or diesel rather than trying to get by with the GB40.

• Best if you want maximum capability for the money: GOOLOO GP2000 — 2,000 amps and rated up to 8.0L gas / 6.0L diesel. It's currently about $50, making it a compelling value.

• NOCO GB40 - $99.95 (The Home Depot)

• GOOLOO GP2000 - $49.99 (GOOLOO)

• NOCO GB50 - $149.95 (Walmart)

One caveat: don't obsess over the advertised peak-amp number. Engine size, actual cranking capability, battery capacity, and cold-weather performance matter more than a giant number on the box.

For a normal sedan/crossover, I'd spend the ~$100 on the GB40. It's small enough that you'll actually keep it in the car, and the safety features make it particularly good for occasional emergency use.

If you tell me your car's year, make, model, and engine, I can tell you exactly which size I'd get.

Having a portable lithium jump starter in your trunk is a total game-changer—no flagging down strangers or waiting an hour for roadside assistance.[1][2]

Top-performing portable jump boxes fall into a few clear categories depending on what you drive and what features you want:

• The Gold Standard for Reliability: NOCO Boost X GBX55 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ($175–$180)
  • Why it's great: NOCO is famously dependable. The Boost X series features USB-C fast charging that can juice the pack back up in just over an hour (or give you a quick jump-start after a 5-minute charge). It’s rugged, fool-proof (spark-proof and reverse-polarity protected), and handles most standard passenger cars and mid-size SUVs easily.[1][2][3][4][5]
• The Best Value/Budget Pick: GOOLOO GP2000 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (around $80–$100)
  • Why it's great: If you want massive peak amperage (2,000A) without spending a fortune, GOOLOO Go to product viewer dialog for this item. is a crowd favorite . It’s compact enough to slide into a glove box or corner of the trunk, holds a charge for up to 24 months on standby, and packs enough power to turn over V8 gas engines or smaller diesels. [1][2][3][4]
• The Ultimate Multi-Tool (With Air Compressor): WOLFBOX MegaVolt 24Air / 3000A with Compressor Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (approx. $110–$140)
  • Why it's great: This 4-in-1 beast doesn't just jump-start your car (up to massive 10L gas/diesel engines); it also includes a built-in 160 PSI air compressor to top off low tires in minutes. It doubles as a heavy-duty power bank with 65W USB-C fast charging for laptops and phones. [1][2][3][4][5]

To help narrow down the ideal pick, tell me:

• What make, model, and year is your car?
• Do you want a bare-bones jump starter or an all-in-one unit with extras like a tire inflator?

Keeping a portable lithium jump box in your trunk is one of the best modern car hacks—no flagging down strangers or wrestling with tangled jumper cables. The current market standard leans heavily toward compact, high-output lithium-ion packs featuring robust safety protections (like spark-proof tech and reverse-polarity safeguards).

The top portable jump boxes to keep in your trunk, broken down by category, include:

• The Gold Standard (Best Overall): [NOCO Boost X GBX45 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ](https://www.bestbuy.com/product/noco-boost-x-gbx55-1750a-ultrasafe-jump-starter-12v-portable-lithium-battery-booster-pack-7-5l-gas-5-0l-diesel/J7GRLJ8ZC5/sku/10364999?ref=212&loc=marketplace) (or the punchier NOCO Boost X GBX55 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. ). NOCO is heavily trusted for a reason. The Boost X series features USB-C turbo-charging (recharges fully in over an hour or gives you a quick-start charge in 5 minutes), an IP65 weather-resistance rating, and foolproof UltraSafe tech. The 1,250A to 1,750A range easily handles most standard sedans, crossovers, and mid-size SUVs. [1][2][3]
• The Best Value/Budget Pick: AstroAI S8 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. or GuluGP2000 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. . If you want solid reliability without spending over $100, these budget-friendly units punch way above their weight. Delivering around 2,000 peak amps, they easily revive larger gas engines and standard SUVs while staying small enough to toss into a glove box or corner of the trunk. They feature basic heavy-duty smart clamps and multi-mode flashlights without the higher price tag of premium fast-charging features.
• The Heavy-Duty Road-Trip Powerhouse: Wolfbox 4000A Go to product viewer dialog for this item. . If you drive a large truck, a hefty diesel vehicle, or just want an absolute beast of an emergency power bank that can charge devices multiple times and handle massive engines (10L gas/diesel), an all-in-one heavy-duty unit like the Wolfbox 4000A Go to product viewer dialog for this item. is a phenomenal option, though it takes up a bit more physical space.

To help narrow down the exact size and power you need, tell me:

• What make, model, and year is your vehicle?
• Is it a gasoline or diesel engine?

If you want one jump box to throw in the trunk and forget about until you need it, I’d buy the NOCO Boost Plus GB40.

• NOCO Boost Plus GB40 - $99.95 (NOCO)

My picks

• Best for most cars: NOCO GB40 — ~$100. 1,000A, compact, rugged, spark-proof/reverse-polarity protection, and rated for gasoline engines up to 6.0L. Multiple 2026 tests put it among the top choices, particularly for portability.

• If you have a large truck/SUV or diesel: step up to the NOCO GB50 (1,500A) or GB70 (2,000A). You don't need this much capacity for an ordinary sedan, though.

• Best value if you want more power for the money: GOOLOO has several 2,000–4,000A models that are considerably cheaper. The tradeoff is that I prefer NOCO's established build quality and safety features for something that's essentially emergency equipment.

• NOCO Boost Plus GB40 - $99.95 (NOCO)

• NOCO Boost GB50 - $149.95 (Best Buy)

• NOCO Boost GB70 - $199.95 (Walmart)

• GOOLOO GP2000 - $59.99 (Best Buy)

One important tip: don't buy based solely on the giant "4,000A!" number on the package. For a normal car, a quality 1,000–1,500A unit is plenty. More important are good clamps, reverse-polarity protection, and a battery that will still have charge when you need it.

And whichever you buy, check/recharge it every few months—a jump box that's been sitting dead in the trunk isn't much help.

If you tell me your car's year, make, model, and engine size, I can tell you exactly which one I'd put in your trunk.