The Weego 22s package includes a USB-AtoMicro-USB cable to charge the device itself using any USB charger, plus a small carrying bag that holds the battery pack and clamps and fits in a glove box. The Schumacher Red Fuel SL161 was the least expensive jump starter we tested, and the second cheapest on our initial 40-model list. For the first version of this guide, published in spring 2017, we chose nine of the most promising ones to test based on their brand reputation, their claimed ability to start at least a midsize SUV, their price, and their reviews. Still, we hope that future versions of the 22s switch to a USB-C port so that we can continue to benefit from the convenience of universal charging and enjoy the faster charging speeds that USB-C offers. (For this test, our car battery wasnt installed in a vehicle and wasnt near any conductive or combustible materials, and we wore protective gear just to be on the safe side.). Because the ignition systems in todays cars are so efficient, you may not get a warning before finding out your cars battery is run down. The best models not only stopped the connection and prevented any sparks from occurring, but also issued visual and audible alertsthe louder the betterto warn us that wed done something wrong. Want a battery booster with a built-in air compressor so you can fill up your raft at the lake or a low tire before you head home from the airport? As evidenced by the price and the chintzy storage sack, this model isnt meant to be a top-of-the-line choice, but our top pick doesnt cost that much more money, and we think it will be the more reliable jump starter over the long run. We also had a few people try out the clamps to get a feel for their strength, resistance, and build quality. If your car wont start because of a dead battery, having a portable jump starter handy can put you back on the road a lot more quickly than getting a jump from another car or waiting for roadside assistanceand youre not dependent on finding an available friend or Good Samaritan to help you out. And if you're in charge of a fleet of vehicles, you may have to replace the battery somewhat frequently. If you need to jump-start a larger engine than our top pick can handle, or if the Weego 22s isnt available or costs more than about $80 when youre shopping, we recommend the PowerAll Deluxe PBJS12000-R for its combination of power, safety features, build quality, and value. Eleven of the 12 models we tested have reverse-polarity protection, and eight of them give some sort of audible alert that something is wrong. Its a real concern, because, just as below-freezing temperatures are hard on your cars battery, they can also affect a lithium batterys ability to deliver a full charge. Where we did see lots of variance was in the units abilities to charge devices, such as tablets and laptops. Reset your password. This unit is a small but mighty contender in the lineup it delivers 1,200 peak amps while weighing in at just over one pound. (Always connect the positive clamp to the positive post and then attach the negative clamp to the negative post.) It is fully capable of bringing mid-size batteries back to life but doesn't quite have the gusto to manage larger engines and higher cranking amps. Thicker wire is better at delivering more power, which can be important if youre trying to jump-start a vehicle with a bigger battery. Its safety features protect you and your car. As of February 2023, we are no longer maintaining this guide. The fourth test had the batteries cooled to 0 degrees with the jump starters at room temperature. Generally, it's worth buying something from an established brand instead of a newer company without a track recordnot only because the product will likely work better, but also because the company may offer a better warranty in case the device doesnt work as expected. Overall, if you think you'll need the STANLEY J5C09 1000's extras and you have the space in your vehicle for it, it's a reasonable buy. The portability outweighs the downside of having to keep the device charged up. But, once everything was set up, the NOCO jumped the car immediately, even with the cars battery drained down to 10 volts. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. This one violates the spirit of this list because it's only a jump starter -- no LED flashlight, USB charge port or anything else. If you cant start your car even with your jump starter attached, unhook the device and warm it up for a few minutestake it inside, or even just sit on it. Prices for jump starters range depending on what features they have, but it should be possible to find a decent option for $50 or $60. We've based our best jump starter recommendations on testing labs such as Consumer Reports, user ratings at popular shopping sites and hands-on experience. And although this model started our SUV as easily as our picks did, it failed to start the larger V8 engine in our pickup truck, likely due to the starter battery having a voltage below this Anker models safety threshold. Jump-N-Carry Automotive Chargers and Jump Starters, DYNA POWER Car and Truck Charging and Starting Systems, Power Banks Car & Truck . The TackLife T8 Pro was another high-quality power pack, using durable materials and a very secure carrying case that is also fire and water-resistant. Most companies offer a one-year warranty on their portable jump starters, but Weego backs its models for 18 months. We liked this one because its a jack of all trades. Got feedback? The PowerAll Deluxe also performed well in our early-2017 tests with the larger 5.7L V8 engine in one of our Ram 1500 pickups. When comparing boost ability, the NOCO Boost HD GB70 provided as many or more jumps when compared to competitors. Ive regularly used a portable jump starter over the past couple of years, ever since we first picked one for our Best Gear for Your Road Trip guide. The lead-acid jump starter offers 950 peak amps for cranking over large diesel engines, as well as reverse hookup protection to avoid damaging the expensive electrical components that are. In general, the newer starter motors and engine designs in more recent car models will need less of a kick to get going, so keep that in mind if you have a 20-year-old beast in the garage. Other models like the NOCO Boost HD GB70 and the TackLife T8 Pro were straightforward in application but came standard with certain safety features that may have a learning curve. On a single charge, a portable car battery pack or charger can power your high-draw laptop computer several times longer than its own built-in battery. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Technology, performance and design delivered to your inbox. Not the Weego 44: We found its clamps easier to open than all the others, and this pair opened wider. The HULKMAN Alpha85S offers our favorite kit in the lithium-ion-powered jump starter division. Weegos clamps are the best of any jump starter we tried. And the clamps dont twist or flex like the generic design used by every competitor except for PowerAll. The USB charge ports are 5V and a Smart charging port that will bump to 9V for rapid charging on compatible devices. Capacity: Many companies brag about the overall capacity of their jump starters, which they generally list in mAh (milliamp hours) just as the makers of USB battery packs do. These power pack devices are basically the ultimate power bank. If you screw up, youll get an alert and a chance to try again. Credit: Ross Patton. Warranty Use And Care Manual Electrical current is measured using amperes or amps, usually distinguished by each unit's "peak amps" rating. PowerAll says that its modelsincluding the PowerAll Deluxe, one of our pickscan retain about 50 percent of their rated capacity for up to a year, but the company recommends that they be fully charged every three to six months. Meanwhile, an included flashlight attaches to the case on a ball joint and lets you illuminate your work area, but it also has some flaws. If battery fortitude is on your mind, this is the one. Most weigh around a pound and are roughly the size of a paperback novel. With 1100 Peak Amps this jump-starter is powerful enough to start 4, 6 and 8-cylinder gasoline engines, up to 40 times per charge. Peak Amps: 4400 | Dimensions: 14x10x8 inches | Weight: 41.2 lbs. Jump starters come in both portable and plug-in varieties. Finding relatively little data and few up-to-date comparative reviews, however, I developed my own tests to size up the various models. We definitely recommend buying a jump starter with emergency lights of some kind, especially considering the fact that they could end up saving your life. Like the STANLEY J5C09 1000 above, this one will jump-start the car, fill up tires that are low on air, charge up portable devices, and let you see what you are doing with its built-in light. The downside is that Weego continues to offer only Web and email support options. Since jump starters are electronics meant for use near oily engines in any weather condition, we consider even these relatively minor touches to be important to the devices longevity. From there, start driving, and your car's alternator will charge the battery as you go along. It wasn't as powerful for boosting larger batteries on bigger trucks but had plenty of juice to handle eight consecutive boosts on a 2.5-liter engine before needing another charge. Do you have a big truck or a smaller car? Portable jump starters offer a benefit for other drivers, toohaving one can turn you into a roadside superhero. Look for starting or cranking amps, and don't worry much about the peak amps. The only other included accessory is a small lanyard and hook for hanging the device from your hood. The 22s uses a smaller version of the same clamp, with handy needle-nose tips instead of the blunt nose on the clamps of the 44. While it's great for powering accessories on the go, we were a little underwhelmed by how it performed as a booster pack. No ads. Some jump-start packs have only a small error light to warn you of a reverse connection, but the best ones, including our picks, have both a light and an audible alarm that you wont miss. *At the time of publishing, the price was $70. If it's really cold out, warm the portable battery indoors or inside a car first and keep it as warm as possible before you use it to jump a vehicle. The designers of the HULKMAN Alpha85S thought to include an emergency red color into the flashlight function. After collecting the data, we compare each product to give you an in-depth overview, finding unique uses and caveats for the models that stand out; all to help you in your buying decisions. POLISH. The Weego 22s has about half the charge capacity of the average jump starter, just 20Wh when full. Other jump starter kits are overloaded with redundant or unnecessary features, and have higher prices because of them. Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day.