5 Best Portable Jump Starters in Canada | 2022 Detailed Buyer’s Guide
This guide looks into TOP-5 best portable jump starters, the main features you should look for when buying a product. Take a look at a comparative chart that will help you choose the right device. Learn how these units work and what safety precautions need to be taken. What benefits they offer and what kind of technologies they use.
A device is intended to mitigate worry and afford quick relief in the event of a dead battery, drained smart device, or deflated tire emergency. Its primary purpose is to take the place of a second vehicle you would normally call to jump-start your dead battery.
They are generally less expensive and more readily available when you need help than emergency roadside services tend to be. And as is often the case, your smartphone does not get a signal, or you have jumper cables but no second vehicle, in the place where you’re broken down! Have a device as backup gets you on the road again. They are also very useful to keep your devices charged during power outages.
Portable jump starters add peace of mind as well as general convenience. It is important to purchase the size (cranking and peak amp output) and features that best-suit your anticipated need(s) and types of vehicles, devices, inflated items, etc. it will service.
How Do Portable Jump Starters Work?
To revive your dead battery, you must make a connection between it and a charging source. When no second vehicle and/or charging cables are handy, it is convenient that a portable jump starter is! Using a portable jump starter is easy to do.
- Attach the alligator clamps to your battery terminals the same as you would charging cables.
- Turn on the jump starter (some jump starters turn on automatically).
- Check to ensure the charging wires and jump starter unit are not near any moving engine parts.
- Start your vehicle and disconnect the jump starter. The jump starter only provides a peak charge to start your vehicle. It does not charge your battery.
Advantages
The obvious advantage of having a portable jump starter is the convenience and ability to start your vehicle’s dead battery without needing a second vehicle or traditional jumper cables.
Portable jump starters do not require clear and easy access to the vehicle and engine compartment to connect and jump the battery (i.e.: a second vehicle must have room to park close to your vehicle to connect the cables, which are typically not terribly long).
They also provide peace of mind that loved ones won’t be stranded and put in a danger situation in addition to having a dead car battery.
Technologies
Technology is quickly making jumper cables a thing of the past. The first major advancement is a lead-acid battery that allows portable jump starters to be portable. The drawback is, it tends to be heavy and can make the jump starter more cumbersome than desired. Portable lithium-ion (handheld) battery-powered jump boxes are lightweight and have an energy density that boosts 12V. engines and USB ports like lead-acid battery models. Ensuring you have the correct terminal polarity is still required. Portable jump starters offer reverse polarity protection and many have built-in warning alarms.
Price and Functionalities
Many portable jump starters are multi-functional and can include 12V. charging, a built-in air compressor, and USB component charging port(s). Prices vary, but the price is not necessarily an indication of the jump starter’s overall performance. In general, the more expensive the portable jump starter is, the greater is its peak charging capacity is and the more functions it includes. For example, handheld/pocket-sized jump boxes are less expensive but you must make sure they have the capacity to charge your intended type and size of the vehicle.
Types and Their Differences
There are lightweight, compact, handheld portable lithium-ion-powered jump boxes and heavier lead-acid battery portable jump starter units. Capacity varies, but both types of portable jump starter capably start most 12V cars/trucks, motorcycles, and boats. They typically include reverse terminal polarity protection, flashlight/hazard lights, and USB port(s). Heavier lead-acid battery units offer compressor and other features.
What To Look For When Buying A Product?
Size/Power Output
Size matters when choosing a portable jump starter. Compact lithium-ion jump boxes are 80% lighter than lead-acid battery starters. Choose one that provides your needed capacity and functions, as well as one that is easy to use.
A jump starter’s size is also measured by its amp rating, which is designated as its “cranking amps” and “peak amps”. Diesel vehicles need more power than gas-powered vehicles and require more cranking amps.
For example, 6-cylinder gas-powered vehicles need 200 - 250 cranking amps and 8-cylinder gas-powered vehicles need 250 - 300 cranking amps. Larger portable jump starters are required to successfully start diesel engines that require more power. Six-cylinder diesel engines need 400 - 500 cranking amps and 8-cylinder diesel engines need 600 - 700 cranking amps.
Cranking Amps & Peak Amps
The “cranking amp” rating stated on the portable jump starter indicates the initial charge the unit sends to your dead battery. It is lower (less power) than the peak amp rating.
The “peak amp” rating refers to the amount of quick-boost power the unit provides when you turn your engine over. One-thousand to 2000 peak amps start most engine sizes. The peak amp declines as your vehicle’s battery takes overcharging.
It is important to know how much of each type of power the unit provides. If your engine fails to start (on the first or second try) the only power you have going to your battery is the cranking amp power.
TOP-5 Best Portable Jump Starters
Below, you will find a review of the products within the price range from $70 to $140. Some products provide 1000 amps of peak current and are capable to hold a charge up to a year. The most expensive product provides as much as 1,700 peak amps and ensures an extra-long service life. There are more lightweight and portable options while being powerful enough to charge cars and boats.
1. 1700 Peak Amp Jump Starter | Clore Automotive
The Clore portable jump starter is a durable, high-powered, 18-lb. unit with an extended cranking capability. It provides 425 cranking amps and 1,700 peak amps. The powerful performer battery technology ensures an extra-long service life.
This jump starter features 46-in. long, heavy-duty, industrial-grade, #2AWG copper-insulated alligator clamps that make contact over corroded terminals. Its DC outlet powers 12V. accessories. The DC input recharges the unit’s internal battery. It has a dual-light LED charge indicator and a voltmeter that indicates the onboard battery’s charge status. The built-in automatic charger allows you to leave the unit plugged in.
Recommendations:
The Clore portable jump starter’s battery technology is designed to charge all passenger and light commercial vehicles. Recharge the unit every 30 days for best performance. It also includes a 1-yr. warranty.
Clore Automotive: Check the current price
2. 1000 Amp 12V UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter | NOCO
The NOCO Genius Boost Plus GB40 12V. portable jump starter is a popular, compact, lithium-ion battery that starts gas (up to 6.0L.) and diesel (up to 4.5L.) engines. It provides 1000 amps of peak current and holds a charge up to one year. It may be used 20 times without recharging.
This jump starter features heavy-duty battery clamps, spark proof technology, and reverse polarity protection. It has dual LED lights with low/med./high, strobe, flashing, and SOS emergency light modes. Its USB port powers up your smart devices.
Recommendations:
This lightweight NOCO Genius Boost Plus GB40 comes with its own microfiber storage bag and fits in your glove box. It is powerful enough to charge cars, boats, lawnmowers, and more. It comes with a USB charging cable and USB car charger. A 1-yr. “Hassle-Free” limited warranty and free lifetime customer support are also included.
NOCO: Check the current price
Best-Selling Portable Jump Starters in Canada | Comparison Table
Most Popular
NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000 Amp 12-Volt UltraSafe by Amazon.ca
- Start Dead Batteries - Safely jump start a dead battery in seconds with this compact, yet powerful, 1000-ampere portable lithium car battery jump starter pack - up to 20 jump starts on a single charge and rated for gasoline engines up to 6 liters and diesel engines up to 3 liters
- UltraSafe - Safe and easy to use car battery jump starter pack without the worry of incorrect connections or sparks. Safely connect to any 12 volt automotive car battery with our mistake proof design featuring spark proof technology and reverse polarity protection
- Multi Function - It's a car jump starter, portable power bank and LED flashlight. Recharge smartphones, tablets and other USB devices. It's easily rechargeable from any powered USB port in 3 hours at 2.1-ampere. Plus, an integrated 100 lumen LED flashlight with seven light modes, including emergency strobe and SOS
STANLEY J5C09 JUMPiT Portable Power Station Jump Starter: 1000 Peak/500 Instant Amps, 120 PSI Air Compressor, USB...
- Delivers serious jump-starting power with 1000 peak amps and 500 instant starting amps
- Reverse polarity alarm alerts when there is an improper connection; Connect the clamps to the battery, turn on the switch and start your vehicle
- Features a 120 PSI air compressor to help inflate tires with low pressure; High-powered LED light rotates 270 degrees to help you work in the dark
- Built-in 12V DC outlet and USB port provide portable power for electronic devices; Includes a limited 1 year manufacturer warranty
- Jump starter should be charged every 30 days when not in use; Charges using a standard household extension cord (sold separately)
DEWALT DXAEJ14 Digital Portable Power Station Jump by Amazon.ca
- Delivers serious jump-starting power with 1400 peak amps and 700 instant starting amps
- Reverse polarity alarm alerts when there is an improper connection; Connect the clamps to the battery, turn on the switch and start your vehicle. Onboard cable and clamp storage keeps clamps safely stored
- Built-in USB port provides portable power for electronic devices
Schumacher SJ1332 1200A Jump Starter
- Industry standard for energy efficiency
- Built in 2a USB port for faster charging for all USB devices, including smartphones, tablets, etc
- Includes 2 120 VAC power outlets 400w peak, 200w continuous, for small appliances
- Digital display monitors charge level of internal battery and voltage of vehicle battery
- Built-In ultra-bright light with on/off switch for sports balls, car and bike tires
Products with 5 star rating
Testing & Customers Reviews
We found reviews from real YouTube bloggers about the products from our article.
The Snap-On Tool Review: "NOCO Genius Boost GB40 has got a good little solid weight to it. It takes approximately somewhere around two hours to get it fully charged up. You do have a flashlight with a couple different levels of brightness and a couple of different features. You have SOS. Being stuck on the side of the road this is definitely going to get someone's attention in the middle of the night. It also has a USB out which you can charge your devices your cell phone your computer laptop whatever. You can charge that as well. So you take it on a trip. You have the kids in the backseat. Their iPad dies or their Nintendo dies or whatever. You just hook it up to that little USB output there and you have some juice for the next couple of hours.
One of the features I love about this is its size. You can fit this in your pocket and fit it in your glove compartment in your center console underneath the spare tire or wherever you need. Just fully charge it up throw it in the car and just forget about it. So anytime you ever are in a need for it maybe someone on the side of the road needs a jump you need to jump and you don't want to be caught needing a jump so especially when there's nobody around. That's what this is perfect for. Another feature is its reverse connection error. If you hook it up black to black to positive and red to negative it's not going to let your boost vehicle. So even a salesman at your local dealership can use it. You guys know what I'm talking about.
It also has a manual override for batteries that are below 2 volts. So this thing does like to see voltage in a battery before it goes ahead and boosts it for you. However if you have no battery at all or the battery is so dead that it doesn't read anything on it you just push and hold the red button there wait a couple of seconds and it goes into manual override boost mode hooking it up. Simple. Just poke it up like that and you're ready to go. I think it's a pretty great product especially for personal use."
The Car Flip with Justin Carper: "One of the most essential things you could possibly need when it comes to car flipping is a way to jump off a vehicle. We've got a lot of cars so we eventually have a lot of dead batteries which is where this comes in. This is the Jump-N-Carry JNC770R. This is what I use on my lot and I have with me when I go to auctions. One of the reasons I use this one in particular it's because it has longer cables. JNC makes another that is almost identical. It's blue. It doesn't have the digital readout which really doesn't do much. It has a gauge. It's really the exact same power. Essentially JNC770R has longer cables so you can actually leave it on the ground and also I like that it has the bent head. So sometimes if you have one that's hard to get to this allows you to get into a place you might not be able to otherwise get to. The other one's going to be straight. They're both just as useful. The Jump-N-Carry JNC660 is just as good. So if you are in need of a jumper box I would recommend JNC770R or the JNC660."
Other Popular
STANLEY J509 JUMPiT Portable Power Station Jump by Amazon.ca
- Delivers serious jump-starting power with 1000 peak amps and 500 instant starting amps
- Reverse polarity alarm alerts when there is an improper connection; Connect the clamps to the battery, turn on the switch and start your vehicle
- Features a high-powered LED light that rotates 270 degrees to help you work in the dark
Schumacher SJ1330 1000A Jump Starter Portable Power with Air Compressor
- Microprocessor controlled to automatically adjust the rate to charge and maintain battery to charge and maintain
- Microprocessor controlled to automatically adjust the rate to charge and maintain battery
- Features multi-stage charging and auto-voltage detection for added precision, safety and battery life
- Auto voltage detection for 6 or 12 volts
- Reverse hook-up protection ensures charger will not operate if clamps are reversed led will flash
DEWALT DXAEPS14 Jump Starter/Power Station
- Gain an all-in-one power station ideal for camping trips, tailgating, and roadside emergencies; Includes a 120 PSI digital compressor, 500 watt AC inverter, USB power and an ultra-bright LED work light
- Provides serious jumpstarting power with 1400 peak battery amps; Instantly starts most cars and trucks up-to and including large V8-powered vehicles
- Includes an easy to use, autostop compressor for inflating tires and sports equipment; Just attach the brass-tipped SureFit nozzle to the tire's valve stem, select desired air pressure, and the compressor will automatically shut off when finished
- Designed for safety, featuring true reverse polarity protection; High-intensity LED work light for roadside repairs and emergencies
- Built tough with impact-resistant polymer housing, delivering the quality and reliability DEWALT is known for
NOCO Boost Sport GB20 500 Amp 12-Volt UltraSafe Portable Lithium Jump Starter Box, Car Battery Booster Pack, And...
- Start dead batteries with a compact, yet powerful lithium jump starter rated at 400 Ampere up to 20 jump starts on a single charge
- Connect to any lead acid battery safely with our ultra safe, mistake proof design featuring spark proof technology and reverse polarity protection
- An integrated LED flashlight with seven light modes, including low, medium, high, flashing, strobe and emergency SOS; plus 6 hours of continuous run time
- Recharge smartphones, tablets and other USB devices when you need them most; plus, recharge from any powered USB port
- Safely jump start a dead battery in seconds on most gasoline engines up to 4 liters for motorcycles, ATVs, lawn mowers, cars and more (Not recommended on diesel applications)
- Fit Type: Universal Fit
- Included Components: GB20 Portable Lithium Jump Starter Booster Pack Precision Battery Clamps Micro USB Charging Cable Microfiber Storage Bag User Guide for Jump Starter 1 Year Limited Warranty
CAT CJ3000 Professional Jump Starter: 2000 Peak/1000 Instant Amps, Built-in Power Switch, Battery Clamps
- Delivers 2000 peak amps and 1000 instant amps; Quickly powers most 12V batteries; Starts multiple vehicles on a single charge
- AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) internal battery delivers superior performance, even in extreme heat and cold weather environments
- Industrial-grade metal clamps are powder-coated and spark-proof; Equipped with a built-in power switch to ensure safe operation
- Tough, rugged housing offers increased durability; 48" of heavy-duty, 4 gauge battery cables provide better power transfer and longer reach
- Features 12V DC accessory outlet, a reverse polarity alarm and indicator light, an emergency flasher, and a LED area light
3. Jump Starter Battery Charger Cables Portable 20000 Mah 900 Amp
Compact Design with High Power - Jump start most of the vehicles (Up to 8.0L Gas, 7L Diesel Engine) up to 30 times on single charge, 20,000 mah with 900 amp peak is more than enough to jump start RVs, cars, vans, trucks, motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATV, UTV, lawn mowers, yachts and heavy duty vehicles.
Jump Starter: Check the current price
4. Power Station Jump Starter | Stanley
The ETL-listed Stanley FatMax J7CS portable jump starter is a durable, high-powered unit that is ideal to keep for everyday roadside emergencies. It has the power to jump-start cars, trucks, RVs, motorcycles, and boats. This Stanley model provides 350 cranking amps and 700 peak amps. To ensure the best performance, the unit should be recharged approximately every 30 days (cord sold separately).
This jump starter features all-metal, powder-coated alligator clamps as well as accessory outlets (three 3.1A USB ports and a 12V. outlet), reverse polarity protection alarm, and safety switch. The LED light rotates 270 deg. for wider visibility. It also has a backlit 120 PSI air compressor w/brass-tipped Sure Fit nozzle for tires, toys, sports equipment, and more.
Recommendations:
The Stanley FatMax J7CS jump starter is designed to charge passenger vehicles, boats, motorcycles, tractors, and more. It offers a 90-day Satisfaction Guarantee (refund) and includes a 1-yr. warranty.
Stanley: Check the current price
5. 600A 18000mAh Portable Car Jump Starter | DBPOWER
The DBPOWER 600A portable jump starter is a powerful, compact, handheld battery booster that starts both gas (up to 6.5L.) and diesel (up to 5.2L.) vehicles. It has an18000mAh capacity and provides 600 amps of peak current. It may be used 20 times without recharging, but may not successfully start your vehicle if it has less than a 30% charge.
This jump starter features heavy-duty cables and intelligent clamps with overload, over-current, short-circuit, over-charge, and over-voltage protection. It has an LED light with high, strobe, and SOS emergency settings. A Smart USB port (w/8-in-1 adapters included), 12V. car and wall chargers, a compass, and an LCD screen that indicates the starter’s charge status are also featured.
Recommendations:
This compact DBPOWER portable jump starter is small enough to carry in your glove box. It charges cars, boats, motorcycles/scooters, and more. It also includes a 3-yr. warranty.
6. 600A Peak 16500mAh Car Jump Starter | TACKLIFE
The UL-certified multifunctional TACKLIFE T6 jump starter is a compact, lightweight 16500mAh lithium-ion battery that boosts gas engines (up to 6.2L.) and diesel engines (up to 5.0L.). It provides 300 cranking amps and 600 peak amps and may be used as much as 30 times without needing to be recharged. It also has an operating temperature range between – 4F. deg. and 140F. deg. which is protected by an updated over-temperature protection feature.
This jump starter features heavy-duty smart jumper cables and eight updated protections including reverse charge and reverse polarity, overload, over-current, short-circuit, over-charge, over-voltage, and over-temperature protection. Its dual LED lights are equipped with emergency strobe and SOS modes. Its dual USB ports charge your smart devices and its 12V. 10A DC adapter allows you to use the air compressor features to inflate tires, toys, sports equipment, and more.
Recommendations:
This lightweight, 2.5lb. TACKLIFE T6 jump starter comes with its own storage case, charges smart devices, and starts cars, SUVs, trucks, motorcycles, and more. It conveniently stores in your console or glove box. Wall and car chargers, USB cable, cigarette lighter adapter, User Manual, and a 2-yr. warranty is also included.
FAQ
Safety Precautions
- Before using the portable jump starter, read the instruction manual and employ safety precautions to ensure your vehicle, battery, and equipment and moving parts are protected. (Wear safety goggles if any are available).
- Turn off your vehicle and the jump starter before jumping your battery.
- Park your vehicle in “Neutral” or “Park” and remove your keys from the ignition.
- To avoid surges, unplug electrical car accessories (i.e.: mobile phone chargers)
- Connect the negative (black) cable to the engine block or other ground away from the battery. Do not connect the positive (red) and negative (black) clamps to each other or through an electrical conductor.
- Remove flammables and liquids that may be within proximity of the jump starting process.
- Disconnect the cables after the vehicle is running.
Pros & Cons of Using
Portable jump starters are convenient. Many also have additional features such as emergency LED flash/SOS lights, USB ports, 12-volt capabilities, and compressor functions. Additionally, portable jump starters:
- are affordable,
- are generally safer than high-amp battery chargers or traditional jumper cables that have two sets of alligator clamps (to both vehicles) that need to be connected,
- have built-in safety features (i.e.: reverse polarity alarms),
- do not risk damaging your vehicle or the host vehicle that may have mechanically borderline components or from cable voltage spikes, and
- they provide multiple jump starts before the unit needs to be recharged.
The primary drawback of portable jump starters is that they start your vehicle but do not charge your battery. Battery capacity may also be a drawback. Smaller units may not be able to start all types (gas or diesel) or sizes (6-8+ cylinder) of vehicles. And, the greater the capacity, the more expensive the unit will be. Portability and storage also depend on the size and weight of the unit. Not all types neatly fit into vehicle glove/storage boxes for travel access.
Conclusion
Portable jump starters are used to jump-start your dead battery without the need for a host vehicle. They may be lightweight, compact lithium-ion battery jump boxes or heavier lead-acid battery units. The size and type of engine determine what cranking/peak amp will successfully jump-start your dead battery.
Many devices are multi-functional. They have a built-in air compressor, flashlight w/emergency SOS, and USB component charging port(s). Prices vary. Portable jump boxes are less expensive and can capably charge gas or diesel engines (cars, trucks, boats, etc.) like the larger jump starter units.
