NOCO GB50 vs GB70: Which Jump Starter Wins?

Quick Answer: The NOCO GB70 is the better jump starter overall — it packs 2000A of peak power and handles engines up to 8.0L gas and 6.0L diesel. But the GB50 is the smarter buy for most everyday drivers. It delivers 1500A, covers engines up to 7.0L gas, and costs $50 less. Buy the GB50 if you drive a standard car or SUV. Buy the GB70 if you own a truck, diesel, or large V8 engine.

Which NOCO Jump Starter Do You Actually Need?

Picture this. You walk out to your car on a cold morning. You turn the key. Nothing. Dead battery — and you’re already late.

A portable jump starter fixes that problem in under two minutes. No jumper cables. No waiting for another driver. You just clip it on and go.

But here’s where it gets confusing. The NOCO GB50 and GB70 look almost identical. Same design. Same brand. Same UltraSafe technology. So which one do you actually need?

I’m Alex Rahman, and I’ve tested and reviewed portable power gear for years. In this guide, I’ll break down every real difference between the GB50 and GB70 — and tell you exactly which one matches your vehicle.

What Is the NOCO GB50?

The NOCO Boost HD GB50 is a 1500A lithium jump starter designed for everyday drivers. It handles gas engines up to 7.0 liters and diesel engines up to 4.5 liters. That covers the vast majority of passenger cars, crossovers, and standard SUVs on the road today.

It weighs just 2.4 pounds. It fits easily in a glovebox or center console. The built-in LED flashlight, USB charging port, and UltraSafe clamps make it a complete roadside emergency kit in one compact unit.

The GB50 carries a 15,000 mAh internal battery. That gives you enough charge for multiple jump starts on a single full charge. It’s built for the driver who wants reliability without paying for power they’ll never use.

If you drive a Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, or any standard car or mid-size SUV — the GB50 is matched to your needs.

What Is the NOCO GB70?

The NOCO Boost HD GB70 is a 2000A lithium jump starter built for larger engines. It handles gas engines up to 8.0 liters and diesel engines up to 6.0 liters. That opens the door for full-size trucks, heavy-duty SUVs, and diesel-powered vehicles.

It weighs 3.0 pounds — just 0.6 pounds more than the GB50. That’s barely noticeable in your hand. But inside, it packs a 20,000 mAh battery and 500 more amps of peak starting power.

The GB70 uses the same UltraSafe technology and identical clamp design as the GB50. The extra investment buys you more raw power and wider vehicle compatibility — not a different product experience.

If you drive a Ford F-150, Ram 1500, Chevy Silverado, or any diesel truck — the GB70 is the one you need. It’s also the smarter choice for fleet managers who service multiple vehicle types.

Full Spec Comparison: NOCO GB50 vs GB70

Spec	NOCO GB50	NOCO GB70	Winner
Peak Amps	1500A	2000A	GB70
Battery Capacity	15,000 mAh	20,000 mAh	GB70
Max Gas Engine Size	7.0L	8.0L	GB70
Max Diesel Engine Size	4.5L	6.0L	GB70
Weight	2.4 lbs	3.0 lbs	GB50
USB Charging Port	Yes (2.1A)	Yes (2.1A)	Tie
LED Flashlight	Yes	Yes	Tie
UltraSafe Technology	Yes	Yes	Tie
Charging Input	USB-C	USB-C	Tie
Price Range	~$99–$120	~$149–$180	GB50

Power and Performance: GB50 vs GB70 — Which Starts More Engines?

The GB70 wins on raw power. It delivers 2000 peak amps versus the GB50’s 1500. That 500-amp difference is what separates a jump starter for regular cars from one that handles trucks and diesel engines.

But what does 500 extra amps actually mean at 6 AM on a cold morning? For a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, it means nothing — the GB50 handles those engines easily. For a Ford F-250 with a 6.7L diesel, it means everything. The GB50 simply won’t have enough power for that engine.

Here’s the real-world picture. Both units deliver multiple jump starts on a single charge. The GB50 handles roughly 20 jump starts per charge on a standard car battery. The GB70’s larger 20,000 mAh capacity gives it more staying power for back-to-back starts on bigger vehicles.

Cold weather makes this gap even more noticeable. Batteries lose cranking power in freezing temperatures. The GB70’s extra amperage gives it a meaningful edge when temperatures drop below 20°F. The GB50 still performs well in cold weather for cars, but the GB70 has more headroom for deeply discharged batteries in extreme cold.

Portability and Design: Is the Size Difference Worth It?

The GB50 wins on portability. At 2.4 pounds, it’s lighter and easier to slip into a glovebox, gym bag, or backpack. The GB70 weighs 3.0 pounds — only 0.6 pounds more, but enough to feel different if you’re carrying it daily.

Both units share the same overall design shape. Same rubber housing. Same clamp design. Same LED indicator lights. If you set them side by side, you’d barely notice a visual difference. The GB70 is slightly bulkier — but it’s not dramatically larger.

For most people, the size difference won’t be the deciding factor. The GB50 fits more easily in compact cars with limited storage. The GB70 is still perfectly portable for a truck cab or SUV cargo area where space isn’t a concern.

If you drive a compact car or want the lightest possible kit, the GB50 is the clear portability winner. If weight isn’t a priority and you need maximum power, the extra 0.6 pounds of the GB70 is a trade-off most truck owners won’t even notice.

Price and Value: Is the GB70 Worth the Extra Money?

The GB50 wins on value for most buyers. It costs roughly $50 to $60 less than the GB70. For a driver who only needs 1500A, paying more for 2000A is wasted money.

Think of it this way. If your vehicle has a gas engine under 7.0 liters, you’ll never need those extra 500 amps. The GB50 will start your car every single time — and you’ll keep $50 in your pocket.

But the calculation flips if you own a truck or diesel. For those drivers, the GB70 is not overpriced — it’s the minimum viable tool. Spending $50 less on a GB50 that can’t start your diesel engine isn’t savings. It’s a mistake.

Long-term value is equal for both. NOCO backs both units with solid build quality. Both charge via USB-C and hold their charge for up to one year in storage. Neither unit will need replacing anytime soon under normal use.

Safety Features: Do the GB50 and GB70 Differ at All?

On safety, both units are exactly equal. Both use NOCO’s UltraSafe spark-proof technology — the same system, the same protection level. There’s no safety advantage to buying the GB70 over the GB50.

UltraSafe means the clamps won’t spark when you connect them incorrectly. Reverse polarity protection kicks in automatically. You get an error alert instead of a dangerous electrical fault. This feature works identically in both the GB50 and GB70.

Both units also have built-in protection against overcharge, over-discharge, over-current, and short circuits. These protections matter for long-term battery health — and NOCO built them into both models.

If you were hoping one model was “safer” than the other — it’s not the case. NOCO built the same safety architecture into the entire Boost HD line. Your choice here comes down to power and price, not safety.

Real-World Use Cases: Which One Wins for Your Situation?

• Dead battery on a Toyota Camry or Honda Civic: GB50 wins. 1500A easily handles a 2.5L four-cylinder engine. No need to spend more.
• Dead battery on a Ford F-150 with a 5.0L V8: GB70 wins. A 5.0L V8 gas engine sits right at the edge — the GB70 gives you confident headroom.
• Diesel truck with a 6.7L engine: GB70 wins — and it’s not close. The GB50 is not rated for this engine. Don’t risk it.
• Road trip emergency kit for a compact SUV: GB50 wins. It’s lighter, cheaper, and covers engines up to 7.0L. Perfect glovebox companion.
• Fleet manager servicing mixed vehicles: GB70 wins. One unit that covers every vehicle in the fleet — gas or diesel — is worth the premium.
• College student with a first car: GB50 wins. Affordable, easy to use, and handles any standard passenger car without any extra complexity.

Who Should Buy the NOCO GB50?

• You drive a standard sedan, hatchback, or compact car with an engine under 4.0L.
• You own a mid-size SUV like a RAV4, CR-V, Escape, or Rogue with a gas engine under 7.0L.
• You want the most portable jump starter that still packs serious starting power.
• You’re on a budget and don’t need diesel capability or large-engine support.
• You’re buying a jump starter as a gift for a new driver with a standard vehicle.

Who Should Buy the NOCO GB70?

• You own a full-size gas truck like a Ford F-150, Ram 1500, or Chevy Silverado with a V8 engine.
• You drive a diesel vehicle — any diesel engine up to 6.0L needs the GB70’s higher amperage.
• You manage a small fleet and need one jump starter that handles every vehicle type.
• You live in a cold climate where deeply discharged batteries are a regular winter problem.
• You want the best NOCO jump starter in the mid-range line without going all the way up to the GB150.

Who Should NOT Buy Either One?

• If your engine is over 8.0L gas or 6.0L diesel, neither unit is rated for your vehicle. Look at the NOCO GB150 or GB500 instead.
• If you need a jump starter with a built-in air compressor, neither the GB50 nor GB70 includes one. Consider a combo jump starter and tire inflator instead.
• If you need 12V DC power output for tools or camping gear, both units lack a 12V DC port. A different portable power station would serve you better.

Final Verdict — GB50 or GB70?

The NOCO GB70 is the more powerful and versatile jump starter. It wins on raw specs across the board. But “better on specs” doesn’t mean “right for you.”

If you drive a standard car or mid-size SUV, buy the GB50. It does everything you need, costs $50 less, and fits more easily in your vehicle. If you own a truck, diesel, or large V8 — stop reading and get the GB70. It’s the only one rated for your engine.

Still on the fence? Ask yourself one question: “Is my engine larger than 7.0L gas or 4.5L diesel?” If yes, get the GB70. If no, the GB50 is your pick — and your wallet will thank you.

I’m Alex Rahman, and I hope this breakdown made the decision easy. Check current prices on Amazon using the links above, and grab whichever one matches your engine.

Frequently Asked Questions