What Is the Best NOCO Jump Starter to Buy? (2026 Edition)
The best NOCO jump starter for most people is the NOCO Boost Plus GB40. It has 1000 amps of peak power. It starts most cars, trucks, and SUVs. It is small, safe, and very reliable.
I’m Alex Rahman. I have tested car gear for years. I have used NOCO jump starters in rain, snow, and heat. I know what works. Here is the honest truth about which NOCO model you should buy.
- The GB40 is the best choice for most drivers. It is affordable and powerful enough for standard engines.
- For large trucks or diesel engines, you need the GBX55 or GB70. Peak amps matter more for bigger vehicles.
- Newer Boost X models charge faster with USB-C. Older GB series hold a charge longer when stored.
- Safety features like spark-proof connections are standard across all NOCO models.
- Do not buy a jump starter based only on peak amp claims. Real-world sustained power is what starts your car.
How I Chose the Best NOCO Jump Starters
I looked at real tests from experts. I read user reviews from people who used these in emergencies. I also used my own experience with NOCO products. The goal is simple. Find the model that fits your car and your budget [citation:1][citation:4].
Here is the thing. Peak amps are not the whole story. A jump starter needs to deliver steady power for a few seconds. That is what turns your engine over. I focused on real-world performance, not just box claims [citation:4].
NOCO GB40 Boost Plus: The Best All-Around Choice
The NOCO GB40 is the most popular jump starter for a reason. It just works. It has 1000 peak amps. That is enough for most gas engines up to 6 liters. It also handles diesel engines up to 3 liters [citation:3][citation:6].
CNN Underscored tested the GB40 against other models. It delivered steady power when others failed. It held 160 amps at 7 volts for several seconds. That is enough to start a four-cylinder or V6 engine [citation:4].
The GB40 has a “manual override” mode. Use it if your car battery is below 2 volts. The safety features turn off, so connect the clamps carefully. This mode has saved many people from a tow truck [citation:4][citation:6].
The GB40 is also very small. It fits in a glove box or under a seat. It has a bright LED flashlight. It can charge your phone in an emergency. The build quality is excellent. The clamps feel strong and secure [citation:6][citation:8].
Who should buy the GB40? You drive a standard car, SUV, or small truck. You want something reliable that does not cost too much. You do not need to jump-start heavy diesel equipment.
NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000A UltraSafe Car Battery Jump Starter
This is the industry standard for a reason. It is small, powerful, and foolproof. Perfect for everyday drivers who want peace of mind.
NOCO Boost X GBX45: The Modern Fast-Charging Upgrade
The GBX45 is part of NOCO’s new Boost X series. It has 1250 peak amps. That is a bit more than the GB40. The real upgrade is the speed [citation:3][citation:8].
This unit charges fully in about 48 minutes. It uses USB-C Power Delivery. A five-minute charge can give you enough power for one jump start. That is incredible if you are in a hurry [citation:3].
Car Magazine tested the GBX45. They called it the best all-around jump starter. It started engines instantly. The 100-lumen flashlight is very bright. The build quality feels premium [citation:8].
Some users report that the newer GBX models lose charge faster in storage than the older GB series. Check the battery level every few months. A dead jump starter is just a paperweight [citation:9].
The GBX45 can handle gas engines up to 6.5 liters. It works on diesel engines up to 4 liters. It also has a 60-watt USB-C port. You can charge a laptop or tablet easily [citation:3][citation:8].
Who should buy the GBX45? You want the latest technology. You need fast charging. You might want to charge a laptop from the unit. You drive a larger SUV or a light truck.
NOCO GB70: Powerful Choice for Trucks and Diesel Engines
The GB70 is a step up in power. It has 2000 peak amps. That is serious juice. It can start gas engines up to 8 liters. It handles diesel engines up to 6 liters [citation:3][citation:10].
This model is for bigger vehicles. Think V8 trucks, large SUVs, or diesel cars. It delivers 15,700 joules of starting power. That is enough to turn over a stubborn engine in cold weather [citation:3].
The GB70 is still portable. It is larger than the GB40, but it fits in a backpack. It has a higher capacity battery. You can get multiple jumps from one charge [citation:10].
Who should buy the GB70? You own a large pickup truck. You have a diesel SUV. You live in a very cold climate. You need extra cranking power for a big engine.
NOCO GBX55: The Professional’s Compact Powerhouse
The GBX55 sits between the GB40 and GB70. It has 1750 peak amps. That is a lot of power in a small package. It uses the new Boost X fast-charging technology [citation:3].
This model is great for fleet use. The Garage Journal tested these in construction vehicles. They worked well on Chevy 5.3L and 6.0L trucks. The key is to keep them charged. The override button is clearly labeled on this model [citation:9].
The GBX55 charges in 48 minutes. It has the same USB-C power delivery as the GBX45. It is a solid choice for professionals who need reliability and speed [citation:3].
Who should buy the GBX55? You need more power than the GB40. You want the faster USB-C charging. You drive a large V8 or a smaller diesel truck.
Comparison: Which NOCO Model Fits Your Vehicle?
Choosing the right model comes down to engine size. Here is a simple breakdown.
| Model | Peak Amps | Gas Engine (Max) | Diesel Engine (Max) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB20 | 500 A | 4.0 Liters | 2.0 Liters |
| GB40 | 1000 A | 6.0 Liters | 3.0 Liters |
| GBX45 | 1250 A | 6.5 Liters | 4.0 Liters |
| GBX55 | 1750 A | 7.5 Liters | 5.0 Liters |
| GB70 | 2000 A | 8.0 Liters | 6.0 Liters |
Most people drive a car with a 4-cylinder or V6 engine. The GB40 is plenty for that. Do not overspend on a huge model you will never need [citation:4].
Understanding NOCO Safety Features (UltraSafe Technology)
All NOCO jump starters have UltraSafe technology. This is important. It makes the device foolproof.
Here are the key safety features you get:
- Spark-proof technology: You will not see sparks when you connect the clamps.
- Reverse polarity protection: The unit beeps if you mix up red and black. It will not send power until you fix it.
- Overcurrent protection: The device shuts off if it gets too hot or draws too much power.
These features make NOCO jump starters very safe. You do not need to be a mechanic. The device guides you. As automotive expert Steve Haney said, “If it sees something it doesn’t like, it won’t do it” [citation:4].
GB40 vs GBX45: Which One Should You Buy?
This is the most common question. Both are excellent. Here is how to decide.
Buy the GB40 if: You want the most proven model. You want to save money. You do not need fast charging. You store the jump starter for months at a time. The GB40 holds a charge very well in storage [citation:6][citation:9].
Buy the GBX45 if: You want the latest features. You want USB-C fast charging. You plan to use it as a power bank for laptops. You drive a slightly larger vehicle. The extra 250 amps give you a buffer [citation:8].
My take: For most people, the GB40 is the smarter buy. It is cheaper. It is proven over years of use. The GBX45 is great, but you are paying for speed you might not need.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
NOCO jump starters are reliable. But users make a few common mistakes. Here is how to avoid them.
Problem 1: Short cables. The clamps on the GB40 have short 6-inch leads. Sometimes they cannot reach both battery terminals. The fix is simple. Connect the black clamp to an unpainted metal surface in the car, not the negative terminal [citation:4][citation:6].
Problem 2: Unit won’t start a very dead battery. If your battery is below 2 volts, the safety features block power. You need the manual override mode. Press and hold the “!” button for a few seconds. Then try to start the car [citation:4][citation:9].
Problem 3: Battery drains in storage. This happens more with new GBX models. Check your jump starter every three months. Recharge it if the indicator shows 50 percent or less [citation:9].
How to Maintain Your NOCO Jump Starter
A jump starter is an insurance policy. It only works if you take care of it.
- Recharge the unit every three to six months. Put a reminder on your phone.
- Store it in a climate-controlled place. Extreme heat or cold damages lithium batteries.
- Keep it in the included carry case. This protects the clamps from dirt and damage.
- Test it once a year. Jump a friend’s car or use a load tester to be sure.
Following these steps will keep your NOCO ready for years. A dead jump starter is frustrating. A little maintenance prevents that.
Final Verdict: The Best NOCO Jump Starter
Here is the bottom line. The NOCO Boost Plus GB40 is the best choice for most people. It has the right amount of power. It is small and easy to use. It has a proven track record. It will save you from a dead battery [citation:4][citation:8].
Upgrade to the GBX55 or GB70 only if you have a large truck or diesel engine. Get the GBX45 if you really want fast USB-C charging. But for the average driver, the GB40 is the smart buy.
Do not wait until you are stuck in a parking lot. Get a NOCO jump starter now. It is cheap peace of mind. I am Alex Rahman, and I keep a GB40 in my trunk every single day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NOCO the best brand of jump starter?
Yes, NOCO is one of the most trusted brands. Experts rank them alongside CTEK and Battery Tender. Their UltraSafe technology and build quality are industry leaders [citation:1][citation:8].
How many years does a NOCO jump starter last?
A well-maintained NOCO should last three to five years. The lithium battery degrades over time. Extreme temperatures shorten its life. Replacing it every four years is a good rule [citation:4].
Can a NOCO GB40 start a completely dead battery?
Yes, but you need the manual override mode. Press and hold the override button for a few seconds. The unit will force power to a battery at zero volts. Watch the polarity carefully [citation:6].
What is the difference between NOCO GB and GBX series?
The GBX series is newer. It has USB-C fast charging. It charges fully in 48 minutes. The GB series uses micro-USB and charges slower. Some users say GB holds a charge longer in storage [citation:3][citation:9].
Can I use a NOCO jump starter on a motorcycle?
Yes, the GB20 or GB40 are perfect for motorcycles. They have safety features for smaller batteries. The GB40 will start a motorcycle many times on one charge [citation:3].
I’m Alex Rahman, a car enthusiast and automotive writer focused on practical solutions, car tools, and real-world driving advice. I share simple and honest content to help everyday drivers make better decisions.