Best portable car battery jump starters

Top pick: NOCO Boost Plus GB40. It's the one to buy if you want a jump starter you can trust and forget about: 1,000 amps, rated for gas engines up to 6.0L and diesels up to 3.0L, up to 20 jumps per charge, and a huge track record of owner ratings. Small enough to live in the trunk.

Who the others suit:

• NOCO Boost X GBX45 — same brand, newer design, more starting current and USB-C charging; pick it if you want the latest NOCO.
• NOCO Boost GB20 — the light, cheap option for small cars and motorcycles.
• Wolfbox 4000A — big peak power and fast recharge for larger engines on a tighter budget.
• Schumacher 1800A / Schumacher 1000A — old-school brand, high jump counts, good for trucks and farm vehicles.
• Lokithor J401X — doubles as a power bank with a clear display.
• AstroAI S8 Ultra / BRPOM / QUIKRA / tire-inflator combos — budget all-in-ones; handy if you also want a compressor, but less proven.

Whatever you pick, look for reverse-polarity protection and keep it charged every few months.