Jumper cables aren’t the only solution when your car battery is dead; you don’t need another vehicle to get the car moving. There are portable jump starters that can charge your car battery and give you a window till you get the new car battery.
Jumpstarters are getting popular among car owners due to its super convenient way of resurrecting the dead battery and other benefits such as charging your laptop or smartphone.
If you are to buy the best portable car battery charger, you no longer need to waste time to find the right one. I have rounded up the top 8 portable jump starters from which you can find the right one that meets your needs.
Best Portable Car Battery Chargers Review
In terms of portability, power, safety, and other important aspects, these batteries are worth considering that come with a wide price range.
1. DBPOWER 800A 1800mAh Portable Car Jump Starter
Even though this jump starter seems pretty small, it got enough power to give your vehicle battery a serious boost to be able jump starting your car. With its 800 amps of peak current, you can effortlessly jump-start up to 7.2L gas or 5.5L diesel engine.
The starter pack isn’t just great at its power; there are heavy-duty clamps and cables that you can rely on, regarding powering up the engine again. With a capacity of 18000mAh battery, you can jump-start the engine up to 20 times on a single charge.
You can rely on this jump starter when it comes to safety as well. It features high-quality spray gold jumper clamps that provide overcurrent protection. In addition to that, short-circuit protection makes sure there are no accidental firings whatsoever.
Even when you use it for multiple devices, it got your back with the overload protection. The over-voltage and over-charge protection make sure the charger doesn’t overcharge it; thus, it prolongs the overall lifespan of the battery pack.
Apart from boosting your car battery, you can also use it for charging your laptop, smartphone, and other devices with a USB charging port. The charging rate is much faster compared to the conventional ones.
This car jump starter features an LCD screen that shows how much battery is left. If you decide to go traveling and pack it in your backpack, you can also use it for viewing compass to get the right direction of where you are heading. You will never get lost in the wilderness.
There are a convenient LED flashlight and SOS lighting that add more to its functions.
Pros
- Compact yet heavy-duty jump starter
- High power input
- Overcharging, short-circuit protection
- Boosts vehicles battery up to 20 times on a single charge
- Useable as a battery power bank for other electronic devices
Cons
- Difficult to figure out how to jump-start car batteries initially
- Lacks performance when it’s on a low charge
2. STANLEY J5C09 JUMPiT Portable Power Station Jump Starter
Compared to the typical portable car jump starters, this one is a bit different. There are some other functions that distinguish it from the conventional ones. If you get this power station for your car, you will no longer need to dread roadside emergencies as far as the issue is with the battery and tires.
With its 1000 peak jump-starting power, you will be able to power up a car, SUV, RV, truck, motorbike, tractor, and other vehicles without any issue. In addition to that, its 500 instant starting amps come handy when you need a quick solution and get the wheels moving.
Apart from its powerful peak and instant jump-start, you will find the tool useful for your tires as well. The power station features a 120 PSI air compressor that allows you to inflate tires with low pressure.
So, even if the air pressure of the tires runs out in the middle of nowhere, you got nothing to worry about if it’s in the car.
It does share some common functions that are available in most portable battery chargers. There is a built-in 12V DC outlet as well as a USB port for you to charge your laptop, smartphone, and other electrics with great convenience.
Also, it features a rotatable powerful LED light that allows you to adjust the angles to be able to work in the dark without any struggle.
As far as the build quality is concerned, the power station feels pretty sturdy. There is an ergonomic handle for comfortable holding. LED battery level indicators tell you how much battery is left.
When you connect the clamps to your vehicle battery incorrectly, it will give you a polarity alarm so that you reconnect them correctly.
Pros
- Among the powerful heavy-duty portable jump starters
- Air compressor to inflate tires
- Built-in DC outlet and USB port
- High-quality rotatable LED light
- Reverse polarity alarm for improper connection
Cons
- Bigger and heavier option
- No protection on this portable charger
3. GOOLOO 800A Peak 18000mAh SuperSafe Car Jump Starter with USB Quick Charge 3.0
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You no longer need to struggle to start the car at low temperatures if you have this one in the car. Whether the battery is dead or exhausted in the cold, this portable jump starter will be able to start the car engine without any jump-starting help from other vehicles.
With its 800Amp peak current, this portable battery charger can start the engine of cars, motorbikes, SUVs, lawnmowers, watercraft, and many vehicles. This one is able to jump-start vehicles up to 7L gas or 5.5L diesel engines. It takes about 5 hours to charge fully.
You will get multiple protections while connecting the clamps to your car battery. The charger comes with overload, overcharge, overvolt, overcurrent, and high-temperature protection to ensure your safety while using it.
Apart from boosting your battery, it offers you other functions as well. There is a 12V DC power source that can be used for car refrigerator cooler, vacuum cleaner, tire inflator air compressor, and other 12V DC devices.
To charge your smartphone, tablet, and other smart devices, it also features one USB 2.1A and one USB 3.0 quick-charging port. The charging rate is much faster than what is found in other battery chargers.
For convenience, there is an LED flashlight that you can use in 3 different ways. Whether you are out for camping or other outdoor activities, you will find this multi-purpose flashlight very useful.
Pros
- Powerful 800A peak current
- Comes with DC power outlet
- This is one of the best portable jump starters
- 2 USB charging ports including 1 USB 3.0 fast charging
- A number of advanced protection mechanism
- Multi-purpose flashlight
- Compact and lightweight design
Cons
- Doesn’t seem to hold up the charge for long
- Jump starting reliability isn’t great
4. Topvision 2200A Peak 20800mAh Portable Car Power Pack with USB Quick Charge 3.0
This power pack for car battery offers you great power to jump-start the engine whether the battery is exhausted due to extreme cold or it’s dead. Also, it comes with a handful of features that you shouldn’t miss.
With this portable vehicle battery charger, you can jump-start your 12V vehicle within seconds. It delivers 2200A peak current to boost up to 7L gas or 6.5L diesel engine. Whether you are applying it on a car, truck, motorbike, boat, RV, and other vehicles.
According to the manufacturer’s claim, its powerful lithium battery can boost a car battery up to 50 times on a single charge. Its upgrade UDSP technology enhances battery performance 3 to 5 times better than the previous generation.
So, the next time your car shows any battery issue, you no longer need to ask for help from another vehicle; rather, other vehicles might need your help. To ensure your safety, it comes with spray gold clamps that are made of high-quality materials with short-circuit, overload, overvoltage, and overcharge protection.
Other than just jump-starting, this battery pack offers you some useful features as well. It comes with a USB 3.0 charging port that can charge your smartphone and tablet at a faster rate. There is another regular USB port for convenience.
Its super bright LED light has 3 different modes that will come handy for dark situations whether you need to quickly fix something under the hood, or you are in outdoor adventures. During an emergency, the light will give an SOS lighting signal to get you help.
Pros
- Powerful peak current
- Enhanced current with safety
- USB ports include 1 USB 3.0
- Bright LED light with 3 modes
- Protection from overload, overvoltage, overcharge, and short-circuit
- Compact design
- High-quality clamps
Cons
- Short jumper cables
- Battery capacity is less than advertised
5. BEATIT G18 2000Amp Peak 12V Portable Jump Starter
The dead car battery isn’t an issue once you get this powerful portable jump starter from BEATIT. Compared to its competitors, it provides enhanced peak current and comes with a handful of advanced features that make it the best portable battery charger for cars as well as other vehicles.
If you are in a situation when the car has lost all its electric power, including the ability to start the engine, this car charger can fix it within seconds if the issue is with the battery. Its 2000Amp peak current is able to start up to 8L gas or diesel engine.
This battery pack assures you of overcurrent, overcharge, and overvoltage protection. It also smartly handles high-temperature issues. Even in extreme conditions, the battery seems to perform great. With the same 21000mAh battery capacity, the jump starter performs three times better than its competitors.
Unlike the conventional ones, this power pack sports extended clamp cables so that you can boost the battery without hassle. It also features reverse polarity protection in case you incorrectly connect the cables to the battery.
Besides, you can use it as a fast-charging power bank to charge your smartphone and other smart devices. It’s packed with dual USB 3.0 ports with 10W wireless charging. So, even if you forget the cable at home, its wireless charging technology will provide your devices enough power to last a few days.
With its Type-C quick charging compatibility, you can charge it with much less time. There is an LCD that displays the remaining power and battery voltage information of your car’s battery so that you can diagnose the battery without any additional tools.
Like most portable car chargers, this one also comes with an LED light that can send SOS light signals for emergencies.
Pros
- Safe and powerful 2000A jump start
- Better capacity to to fully charged itself
- Advanced technology enhances battery performance
- USB 3.0 ports with Type-C fast charging
- LCD display shows the remaining power and battery status
- Safety protection
Cons
- Low-quality cables
- Battery drains quicker
6. Schumacher SC1281 6/12V Fully Automatic Battery Charger and 30/100A Engine Starter
Although this one looks a bit different than the previously reviewed ones and doesn’t come with fancy features, when it comes to giving some serious boost to your car battery of bad health, it’s hard to beat.
With its 100A jump start, you will be able to boost a car, tractor, SUV, boat, motorbike, and other large vehicles without much struggle. Even if the battery is refusing to provide power due to freezing cold temperatures, still this jump starter will be able to start the engine swiftly.
In addition to that, it also features 30A of quick boost to various types of vehicles.
The manufacturer implemented some great safety engineering technology to make sure you charge batteries with safety. It comes with reverse hook-up protection that prevents the charge from transferring when you incorrectly connect the clamps to the battery – eliminating the chances of short-circuit and firings.
More so, the car charger unit features multi-stage charging that ensures the ampere is transferred with great precision while not wasting the battery life for added safety.
Unlike most other battery charger, this one is microprocessor controlled that adjusts the amperage rate automatically to charge the battery effectively. It automatically detects the volt of the batteries and initiates the charging accordingly.
Apart from charging the battery, you can use the unit as a battery and alternator tester that tells you about the correct charge level and helps you to diagnose the battery problem. There are an LED display, push-button controls, and indicators for ease of use.
Pros
- Convenient 100A peak with 30A quick boost
- Compatible with various types of batteries
- Diagnoses the battery health and status
- Precisely charges the battery with safety
- Doesn’t charge when the clamps are improperly connected
- LED display, push-buttons, and indicators
Cons
- Flimsy connectors and power leads
- Doesn’t hold up great against dead batteries
Best Small Portable Car Battery Charger
There are some even compact car battery chargers available that provide great value for the money. If you are interested in getting a smaller one for your car, be sure to check the reviews below as well.
7. NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000 Amp 12-Volt UltraSafe Portable Lithium Jump Starter Pack
This compact battery charger can safely jump start your car battery within seconds. With its powerful 1000Amp peak, you can boost your dead battery even during extreme weather with ease. The pack is capable of jump-starting engines up to 6L gas or 3L diesel.
Using this power pack, you can start your car up to 20 times on a single charge with great convenience.
As it has to deal with current and voltage, safety is a thing that you must make sure while using such a device. Even if you connect its clamps incorrectly, the charger will not provide charge unless you do it correctly.
This mistake-proof reverse polarity protection ensures you can boost a battery while not countering any sparks and short-circuit whatsoever. These Lithium polimer batteries are more compact as well as better in capacity and holding charges than normal lead acid batteries.
As far as the design goes, this is pretty hard to beat. Its rugged housing features a water-resistant enclosure that is rated at IP64. There will be no scratch issues on its rubberized over-molded casing at all. Weighing only 2.4 pounds, the power pack feels pretty lightweight in hand compared to its competitors.
You can conveniently use it as a portable power bank to charge your devices. There are two USB ports to charge your smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and other devices. You need to charge it through its USB input port. With 2.1A, it charges really fast.
Also, it features a 100-lumen LED flashlight that has seven light modes. You can use it as an SOS signaling light, and strobe light as per the situations require. With all that this power pack comes with, it’s the perfect small portable battery charger in its class.
Pros
- Good boosting power
- Holds charge better than lead acid batties
- This jump starter is very safe to use
- Spark-proof
- USB ports, USB charging
- 100-lumen LED flashlight
- Lightweight design, solid build
Cons
- Sometimes it fails to start the engine
8. Tacklife T6 800A Peak 18000mAh Car Jump Starter
Last but not least, this smaller size portable vehicle battery charger can help to safely jump-start your vehicle without much struggle. Some conventional power packs fail to jump-start vehicles during the extreme cold; this is not going to happen with this one.
It has enough power to start your 12V battery vehicle, whether it’s a car, truck, motorbike, watercraft, etc. With 800A peak jump-start, you can easily get your vehicle moving even in the extreme cold temperature of –4 degrees Fahrenheit. It is capable of jump-starting an engine up to 7L gas or 5.5L diesel.
Even though it takes around 5 hours to charge this power pack, you can jump up to 30 times, as per the manufacturer’s claims. Also, you can power the tire inflator machine and other auto products with great convenience. To ensure you deal with voltage safely, this portable charger for car’s battery features eight protection mechanisms.
Its high-quality jumper cable with spark-proof technology and audio-visual prompt will give you a signal when you connect the clamps incorrectly. This makes it among the best portable jump starters that you can trust.
You can charge your smartphone, tablet, and other devices using its dual USB ports. One of them is compatible with USB 3.0 quick charge that charges at a faster rate than usual.
It can be your ideal companion even when you are on outdoor adventures. The 3-mode LED flashlight is bright enough to deal with dark outdoor situations. Apart from the basic light illumination, you can use the light as an SOS and strobe light.
Pros
- Decent jump-starting power
- Spark-proof jumper cable with an audio-visual alert
- 12V DC port
- 2 USB ports including 1 USB 3.0
- Compact and durable design
- 3-function flashlight
Cons
- Legs are bent on the plug
What to Look for in a Portable Car Battery Charger?
As not all engines are the same, and they require more or less power depending on the vehicle type, you need to get the right jump starter considering this factor. Also, there are power packs of different capacity, features, and functions where you need to focus as well.
Apart from going through the best portable battery charger reviews, be sure to look for the following key specs before you buy one.
Power
The power output of a jump starter determines how effectively it can power up your battery. Most manufacturers mention the peak amperage or current that the power pack is able to deliver; whereas, some show it in watts.
When a portable battery charger shows that it can deliver 1000A to jump-start a car, it means, this is the maximum amount of power the pack can discharge to the dead battery. The power output should be sufficient enough to power up your vehicle battery and some of the initiating mechanisms of the car; crankshaft, engine, etc.
So, there are two factors related to this power output. First, the battery charger provides power to recharge the battery itself. That means how long it will take to get the battery fully charged.
Secondly, it also delivers power to the crankshaft to make it rotate so it can fire up the engine to get the vehicle moving.
Apart from this ampere rating, you also need to consider voltage to get an overall idea of how capacity of the battery chargers.
So, now the question is, how do you know what the right power output is for your car battery and other initiating mechanisms? You will need to check the user’s manual to find out how much power your car requires to start the engine.
Be sure to check the specifications of the vehicle battery as well. If your vehicle requires a 12-volt battery, make sure the jump starter got 12-volt amperage to start the engine.
Cranking Amps Rating
This specification will tell you how capable the vehicle battery chargers are when it comes to powering up a dead battery in real-life situations. Cranking amps rating is also known as ‘cold cranking amps’ among expert car owners.
The term basically indicates the amount of power the jump starter can generate within 30 sec at a temperature of 0-degree Celsius or 32-degrees Fahrenheit. And the jump starter should be able to maintain a minimum power of 1.2-volt per cell for a 6-cell 12-volt battery.
With this amount of power, you can start the car engine even during winter. If you live in an extremely cold area, be sure to check ‘cold cranking amps,’ which is particularly rated for cold areas at –17.8-degrees Celsius or 0-degree Fahrenheit. For a 6-cell 12-volt battery, the jump starter should maintain at least 7.2 volts.
Cable Material
To be able to jump-start a car faster, you must ensure the starter power pack comes with a cable that has thicker wires inside it. Thinner wires take longer to recharge the battery.
The jumper cables should have 8-gauge wiring, at least. Lower the number, the thicker the wires are, and the faster it will jump-start your vehicle.
Other Features
Portable car battery chargers come with several useful features that make the deal worthwhile. There are USB ports that allow you to charge your smartphone and other devices. Some models feature USB 3.0 ports to charge your devices faster.
Having a powerful LED flashlight will make things easier to deal with in dark and low lights. Some flashlights can be used as an SOS and strobe light for convenience.
You can diagnose the battery and see the status if the jump starter comes with an LCD display. This feature comes very handily to acknowledge the battery condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you leave a car battery charger on charging for too long?
Ans: Overcharging can damage yourbest portable jump starters if it doesn’t have any overcharging protection. If you have to charge it for long periods, consider getting battery chargers that turns automatically off once the battery is full, or a trickle charger that charges very slowly.
Q: Is 300-amps enough to start a car as jump starters?
Ans: For most sedan cars that require less power, 300A of peak start will be enough if the temperature isn’t very low, and the battery isn’t dead for months. However, it’s recommended to buy a car jump starters with at least 400amps.
Q: Does CCA – Cold Cranking amps matter on a battery?
Ans: If you live in a cold area, CCA will matter a lot. The higher the CCA, the faster your engine will crank.
Q: Can I put a higher CCA battery in my car?
Ans: If your car requires a 500A battery, consider getting a battery of 600A or higher. Since this CCA drops over the year, it’s better to get one with a higher amount of amp.
Q: How many times can a car battery be recharged?
Ans: Under normal circumstances, the alternator can fully charge the battery thousands of times as soon as the car starts moving. However, if it’s about recharging a dead or flat battery using a jump starter, after five to six cycles, the battery is pretty much toasted.
Final Words
The best portable car battery charger will provide you a few weeks of the window until you get the new battery for the car. Before getting a charger, be sure to check what amount of power your car requires to start the engine, and the specification of the car battery so that you don’t end up buying the wrong one.
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