NOCO GB40 vs GB70: Small vs Powerful — Which Jump Starter Wins?

The NOCO GB70 is the overall winner for truck owners, diesel drivers, and anyone dealing with cold winters. It delivers 2,000 amps and 56 Wh of power — double the GB40’s capacity. But the GB40 wins for everyday car owners who want a lightweight, affordable jump starter that fits in a glove box. Buy the GB40 if you drive a standard gas car. Buy the GB70 if you own a truck, diesel vehicle, or want the peace of mind of serious power.

Your battery dies. It’s 7 a.m. You’re late. That’s not the moment to wonder if your jump starter has enough power. I’m Alex Rahman, and I’ve used both the NOCO GB40 and GB70 in real-world conditions. These two look almost identical at first glance. Same brand, same design, same safety tech. But there’s a $100 gap between them — and the difference is bigger than most people realize. Let me show you exactly which one you need.

Product Overview: NOCO Boost Plus GB40

The NOCO Boost Plus GB40 is the most popular jump starter on Amazon. It’s been a bestseller in the automotive category for years, and for good reason. It packs 1,000 amps of peak power into a unit that weighs just 2.4 pounds.

It fits in a glove box. It handles gas engines up to 6.0 liters and diesel engines up to 3.0 liters. That covers the majority of sedans, crossovers, and small to mid-size SUVs on the road.

The GB40 uses NOCO’s UltraSafe Technology. That means spark-proof clamps and reverse polarity protection. You can’t connect it wrong and cause damage. For first-timers, that’s a huge confidence boost.

Its 24 Wh lithium-ion battery delivers up to 20 jump starts per charge. It also doubles as a USB power bank and a 100-lumen LED flashlight with SOS and strobe modes. It charges via USB in about 3 hours at 2.1A. At roughly $99.95, it’s hard to beat for a daily driver setup.

Product Overview: NOCO Boost HD GB70

The NOCO Boost HD GB70 is built for the heavy stuff. It pumps out 2,000 amps of peak power from a 56 Wh lithium-ion battery. That’s more than double the energy reserve of the GB40. It handles gas engines up to 8.0 liters and diesel engines up to 6.0 liters.

Here’s the thing that most people miss. The GB70 does up to 40 jump starts on a single charge. That’s not just useful for big engines — it means you can help stranded friends and family without worrying about running out of juice. Fleet techs love it for exactly this reason.

The GB70 also has a 12V XGC port that the GB40 completely lacks. You can use this port to power tire inflators, power inverters, or even a portable coffee maker. You can also use it to fast-charge the unit itself via a 12V car outlet — going from dead to full in about 3 hours. That’s a massive real-world advantage when you’re on the road.

The 400-lumen flashlight is four times brighter than the GB40’s. It’s genuinely useful for roadside repairs at night. At ~$199.95, the GB70 costs more. But for truck owners and cold-weather drivers, every extra dollar earns its keep.

Full Spec Comparison: NOCO GB40 vs GB70

Spec	GB40	GB70	Winner
Peak Current	1,000A	2,000A	GB70
Gas Engine Capacity	Up to 6.0L	Up to 8.0L	GB70
Diesel Engine Capacity	Up to 3.0L	Up to 6.0L	GB70
Battery Capacity (Wh)	24 Wh	56 Wh	GB70
Jump Starts Per Charge	Up to 20	Up to 40	GB70
LED Flashlight Lumens	100 lumens	400 lumens	GB70
LED Light Modes	7 modes	7 modes	Tie
12V XGC Output Port	❌ No	✅ Yes (15A)	GB70
12V Fast Charge Input	❌ No	✅ Yes (3A, ~3 hrs)	GB70
Charging Time (USB Standard)	~3 hrs at 2.1A	~7+ hrs at 2.1A USB	GB40
Charging Time (Fast/12V)	N/A	~3 hrs via 12V XGC	GB70
Built-in Voltmeter	❌ No	❌ No	Tie
IP Rating	IP65	IP65	Tie
Weight	2.4 lbs	~4.2–5 lbs	GB40
USB Input	Micro-USB	USB-C	GB70
Manual Override	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Tie
Warranty	1 Year	1 Year	Tie
Price (Retail)	~$99.95	~$199.95	GB40

Performance & Raw Power: GB40 vs GB70 — Who Starts More Engines?

The GB70 wins this category — clearly. It delivers 2,000 amps of peak power against the GB40’s 1,000 amps. But the number that matters even more is watt-hours.

The GB40 carries 24 Wh of energy. The GB70 carries 56 Wh. Watt-hours measure actual stored energy, not just peak burst. A bigger energy bank means more reliable starts, especially when a battery is deeply discharged or the engine is cold.

Think of it this way. Peak amps is like a sprinter’s top speed. Watt-hours is their endurance. A weak or frozen battery needs both. In real-world tests, the GB70 consistently starts engines where the GB40 gives up — particularly large V8s and 6-liter diesels in cold conditions.

The GB40 is rated for gas engines up to 6.0 liters and diesel up to 3.0 liters. That handles most cars and small trucks comfortably. The GB70 pushes that to 8.0 liters gas and 6.0 liters diesel — covering everything from a Ram 2500 Cummins to a Ford 7.3L Power Stroke.

Portability & Design: GB40 vs GB70 — Which Is Easier to Carry?

The GB40 wins on portability — and it’s not close. It weighs 2.4 pounds and measures just 6.6″ x 3.2″ x 1.7″. It fits in most glove boxes and even some jacket pockets.

The GB70 weighs roughly 4.2 to 5 pounds and measures 8.74″ x 5.98″ x 2.76″. That’s more than double the size. It won’t fit in a glove box. You’ll store it in your truck’s center console, tool box, or cargo area.

Both share the same rugged rubberized over-molded casing and IP65 water and dust resistance. Both include a microfiber storage bag. Both can handle rain, dust, and the occasional drop.

One honest complaint from Amazon users applies to both models: the jumper cables are short. Several reviewers mention struggling to reach terminals in trucks with deep engine bays or batteries mounted in unusual spots. An extension cable accessory from NOCO helps — but it’s an added cost either way.

Price & Value: Is the GB70 Worth $100 More Than the GB40?

The GB40 retails at ~$99.95. The GB70 retails at ~$199.95. That $100 gap is real, and it matters — but only to certain buyers.

If you drive a Honda Civic, a Toyota Camry, or any standard gas-powered sedan, the GB40 is all you need. Paying $100 more for the GB70’s extra diesel capacity and larger battery would be wasteful. The GB40 does its job perfectly for everyday cars.

But if you own a truck, a diesel, or drive in serious winters? The GB70’s premium pays off quickly. One failed start on a frozen diesel morning — where the GB40 can’t deliver enough sustained power — is all it takes to wish you’d bought the bigger unit.

Safety Features & Unique Tools: What Each One Brings Beyond Jump Starting

Both the GB40 and GB70 share NOCO’s core UltraSafe Technology. That includes spark-proof connections and reverse polarity protection. Connect the clamps wrong, and the unit simply won’t activate. It won’t spark. It won’t damage your battery. That’s a major reason why both are so beginner-friendly.

Both have IP65 protection — fully dust-tight and protected against water jets. Both include a Manual Override button for deeply discharged batteries. And both carry the same 1-year limited warranty.

Here’s where they split. The GB70 adds a 12V XGC output port that the GB40 simply doesn’t have. This lets you power 12V devices like tire inflators, power inverters, and portable compressors directly from the unit. That’s a genuine emergency-preparedness upgrade — not a gimmick.

The GB70’s 400-lumen flashlight is also far more useful than the GB40’s 100-lumen light. One Amazon reviewer put it well: the GB70’s light “actually lit up the whole engine bay.” The GB40’s light is fine for reading clamp markings in the dark, but that’s about it.

Real-World Use Cases: Which Jump Starter Wins in Your Situation?

• Sedan or compact car battery dies in a parking lot — GB40 wins. 1,000A handles 4- to 6-liter gas engines easily. Fits in your glove box so it’s always there.
• Ford F-150 or RAM 1500 won’t start in the driveway — GB70 wins. Large V8 gas trucks need sustained power. The GB70’s 2,000A and 56 Wh handle it without breaking a sweat.
• Diesel pickup truck on a cold winter morning — GB70 wins. Diesels demand more cranking power in cold weather. The GB70’s double energy reserve makes the difference when a diesel battery is partially discharged and temperatures are below freezing.
• Fleet mechanic jumping multiple vehicles in a shift — GB70 wins. 40 starts per charge means less time stopping to recharge. For commercial or fleet use, the GB70 is the practical choice.
• Motorcycle or ATV breaks down on a trail — GB40 wins. Lighter, easier to carry in a backpack or saddlebag. Small engines don’t need 2,000A.
• Camping trip or off-road adventure with power needs — GB70 wins. The 12V output port lets you run tire inflators, small inverters, and other 12V accessories directly from the jump starter. The GB40 can’t do this.

Who Should Buy the NOCO GB40?

• You drive a standard sedan, crossover, or compact SUV with a gas engine under 6.0L
• You want the most affordable NOCO jump starter that still covers everyday needs
• You need something small enough to live in your glove box year-round
• You’re buying a jump starter for the first time and want something simple and foolproof
• You own a motorcycle, ATV, or boat and need a lightweight portable option

Who Should Buy the NOCO GB70?

• You drive a truck, large SUV, or diesel vehicle with an engine over 6.0L gas or 3.0L diesel
• You live in a cold-weather region where winter starts demand more sustained power
• You want to jump-start multiple vehicles on a single charge — up to 40 times
• You want to power 12V accessories like tire inflators from your jump starter
• You manage a fleet or work in a shop and need a unit that works hard every day

Who Should NOT Buy Either One?

• If you need to jump-start 24V commercial trucks, buses, or heavy equipment — neither works. Look at the NOCO GB150 (3,000A) or the NOCO Boost Max series instead.
• If you’re on a tight budget and drive a small car, you can save money with the NOCO GB20 ($79.95, 500A) — perfectly adequate for a 4-cylinder commuter.
• If you want a built-in voltmeter or battery health display, consider the HULKMAN Alpha85 or similar units that include integrated battery diagnostics.

How to Maintain Your Jump Starter (Battery Care & Storage Tips)

Charge your unit at least once a month — even if you haven’t used it. Lithium batteries self-discharge slowly over time. A GB40 or GB70 that’s been sitting uncharged for six months may not have enough power to start your car when you need it. This is the single most common complaint on Amazon reviews for both models.

Store the unit away from extreme heat. Temperatures above 40°C (104°F) degrade lithium batteries faster than anything else. Don’t leave either unit on your rear parcel shelf or in a hot trunk during summer. A glove box or shaded storage compartment is fine.

Never let the battery stay deeply discharged for months. If the internal indicator shows low charge after use, recharge it the same day if possible. Deep discharge cycles shorten lithium battery life significantly. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s lithium battery safety guidance, improper storage and deep discharge are leading causes of premature lithium battery failure.

Do not use Manual Override repeatedly as a shortcut. It’s there for true emergencies — batteries below 2 volts that the unit won’t detect normally. Using it routinely bypasses all safety protection and increases the risk of sparking or reverse connection damage. NOCO’s own official Boost FAQ specifically warns against casual use of this feature.

After heavy use on a large engine — especially a diesel on a cold morning — recharge promptly. The GB70 can fast-charge via its 12V XGC input in about 3 hours directly from your car’s cigarette lighter port. The GB40 needs a USB adapter, which takes the same 3 hours at 2.1A. Either way, recharge before you forget.

Final Verdict: NOCO GB40 vs GB70

The GB70 is the better jump starter overall. It’s more powerful, more versatile, and built for the worst-case scenarios. If you own a truck, drive diesel, or deal with real winters, the extra $100 is worth every cent.

But the GB40 is the smarter buy for most everyday car owners. It handles everything a standard gas-powered sedan or compact SUV needs — reliably, safely, and for about half the price.

Here’s the simple rule: if your engine is 6.0L gas or smaller and you don’t live in deep cold, buy the GB40. If you own a truck, diesel vehicle, or want the peace of mind of double the power, buy the GB70. I’m Alex Rahman, and between these two, you really can’t go wrong — just match the unit to your actual vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better — the NOCO GB40 or the GB70?

The GB70 is the more powerful unit overall, but the GB40 is the better choice for most everyday car owners. If you drive a standard gas-powered sedan or SUV with an engine under 6.0L, the GB40 handles your needs at half the price. If you own a truck, diesel vehicle, or drive in cold weather, the GB70 is worth the extra $100.

What is the difference between the NOCO GB40 and GB70?

The biggest differences are peak amps (1,000A vs 2,000A), stored energy (24 Wh vs 56 Wh), and jump starts per charge (20 vs 40). The GB70 also adds a 12V XGC output port for powering devices and fast-charging the unit via your car’s cigarette lighter — features the GB40 completely lacks. The GB70 is also about twice the weight and costs roughly $100 more.

Is the NOCO GB70 worth the extra money over the GB40?

Yes — if you own a truck, diesel vehicle, or live in a cold climate. The GB70’s 56 Wh battery delivers 2x the starts and far better performance in cold weather when batteries struggle most. For everyday compact car owners, the GB40 is plenty and saves you $100.

Does the NOCO GB40 work for diesel engines?

The GB40 handles diesel engines up to 3.0 liters — which covers small diesel cars and some light trucks. It won’t reliably start a 6.0L diesel truck or a modern heavy-duty diesel pickup. For those, the GB70 (rated for diesel up to 6.0L) is the right choice.

How many times can the NOCO GB70 jump start a car before it needs recharging?

The GB70 is rated for up to 40 jump starts on a single charge, compared to 20 for the GB40. Real-world results vary by engine size and battery condition — large diesels and deeply discharged batteries use more energy per start. Recharge it monthly even if unused to keep it ready.