A car battery booster, commonly known as a portable jump starter or jump box, is a compact device designed to provide the necessary power to start a vehicle when its battery is dead or too weak to crank the engine. These devices typically use lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries to deliver a high burst of current to the car battery, enabling the engine to start without needing another vehicle for a jump start
Key Features of Car Battery Boosters:
- Portability: Most modern jump starters are ultra-portable, lightweight, and compact, making them easy to store in the car’s center console, trunk, or toolbox
- Power Output: They come with various cranking amp ratings, commonly ranging from 500A to over 8000A, suitable for different engine sizes, including gasoline and diesel engines
- Additional Functions: Many models include USB ports for charging electronic devices, built-in LED flashlights, and some even feature air compressors for inflating tires
- Rechargeability: They can be recharged via USB or AC power, and a single charge can provide multiple jump starts (often 20 or more)
Popular Models and Options:
- NOCO Boost series offers a range of lithium jump starters from 500A to 3000A, priced between $80 and $300, known for reliability and compact design
- Other brands tested in 2024-2025 offer features like high cranking amps (up to 8000A), large battery capacities (20,000 to 32,000 mAh), fast tire inflation, and multiple USB ports
- Some jump starters combine jump-starting with additional power bank functions and air compressors, making them versatile emergency tools
Where to Buy:
- Home improvement stores like The Home Depot offer various jump starters with features like wireless charging pads and 1000A power
- Auto parts retailers such as AutoZone provide jump boxes with AC adapters and multiple safety features
- Online marketplaces like Walmart stock a wide range of car battery chargers and jump starters suitable for different budgets and needs
In summary, a car battery booster is a portable, rechargeable device that can quickly start a car with a dead battery, often including extra features like USB charging and tire inflation, with many reliable models available for purchase online and in stores