NOCO vs Schumacher Jump Starter: Which Is Better in 2026?
The NOCO Boost Plus GB40 is the better jump starter for everyday drivers who want something compact and lightweight. The Schumacher SJ1332 wins if you own a diesel truck, need an air compressor, or want AC power on the go. The GB40 fits in your glovebox. The SJ1332 belongs in your trunk or garage. Both cost around $99, but they do very different jobs.
You need a jump starter. You’ve narrowed it down to two solid options. But here’s the problem — they look similar on paper, and it’s hard to tell which one actually fits your situation.
I’m Alex Rahman, and I’ve tested and reviewed jump starters for years. I know what separates a great jump starter from a frustrating one. The NOCO Boost Plus GB40 and the Schumacher SJ1332 are two of the most popular options on Amazon — but they’re built for completely different buyers. One is a pocket-sized powerhouse. The other is a heavy-duty, multi-tool power station.
Let me break down exactly which one you should buy — and why.
- The NOCO GB40 wins on portability — it weighs just 2.4 lbs and fits in a glovebox.
- The Schumacher SJ1332 wins on raw power and features — it covers 8.0L gas and 6.0L diesel engines.
- The SJ1332 includes a built-in air compressor and AC outlets; the GB40 does not.
- The GB40 uses lithium-ion; the SJ1332 uses AGM lead-acid — a big difference in weight and shelf life.
- Both cost around $99, making the SJ1332 a better value for truck owners and garage users.
| Category | NOCO GB40 | Schumacher SJ1332 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Winner | — | 🏆 |
| Best Value | ❌ | ✅ |
| Best Performance | ❌ | ✅ |
| Best For Beginners | ✅ | ❌ |
| Best for Cold Weather / Diesel | ❌ | ✅ |
Product Overview: NOCO Boost Plus GB40
| ✅ Best for | Commuters, motorcyclists, and travelers who want a compact jump starter for cars up to 6.0L gas |
| ❌ Not ideal for | Diesel trucks over 3.0L or anyone needing a built-in air compressor — consider the NOCO GB70 or Schumacher SJ1332 instead |
| 💰 Price | ~$99.95 (check for latest price) |
The NOCO Boost Plus GB40 is one of the most popular compact jump starters on the market. It delivers 1,000 peak amps from a lithium-ion battery that weighs just 2.4 pounds. That’s less than a water bottle.
It’s rated for gas engines up to 6.0 liters and diesel engines up to 3.0 liters. That covers most passenger cars, SUVs, motorcycles, and small trucks. The GB40 delivers up to 20 jump starts on a single charge — an impressive number for its size.
NOCO’s UltraSafe Technology makes it nearly foolproof. You can’t get sparks. You can’t hook it up backward. The clamps detect the polarity and won’t activate unless connected correctly. That’s a huge deal for first-timers. It also includes a 100-lumen LED flashlight with seven modes, including SOS and emergency strobe.
The GB40 also doubles as a USB power bank. You can charge your phone in a roadside emergency. It charges via USB-C input and outputs via USB-A. The IP65-rated enclosure protects against rain and dust — a rare feature at this price point.
NOCO Boost GB40: 1000A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 12V Lithium Battery Booster Pack, Portable Jump Box, Power Bank & Jumper Cables – for 6.0L Gas and 3.0L Diesel Engines
The GB40 is the right choice if you want a lightweight, reliable jump starter that fits in your glove box and works on most passenger cars and SUVs.
Product Overview: Schumacher SJ1332
| ✅ Best for | Truck owners, campers, and DIYers who need a jump starter plus air compressor and AC power for up to 8.0L gas and 6.0L diesel engines |
| ❌ Not ideal for | Anyone who wants something lightweight to keep in a glovebox — at 18.9 lbs, it’s a trunk unit, not a pocket tool |
| 💰 Price | ~$89.99–$99.99 (check for latest price) |
The Schumacher SJ1332 is a 6-in-1 power station — and that description barely does it justice. It’s a jump starter, air compressor, AC power inverter, 12V power source, USB charger, and LED work light all in one unit.
It delivers 1,200 peak amps from a sealed lead-acid AGM battery. It covers gas engines up to 8.0 liters and diesel engines up to 6.0 liters. That’s nearly every vehicle on the road — including heavy-duty trucks, diesel vans, and large RVs. The GB40 can’t touch those numbers.
The built-in 150 PSI air compressor is a genuine highlight. You can inflate a flat tire roadside, fill sports equipment, or pump up an air mattress at camp. A separate inflator/deflator hose handles air mattresses and pool toys. The 200W continuous / 400W peak inverter powers two 120V AC outlets — enough to run a lamp, charge a laptop, or power a small appliance.
Here’s one thing most reviewers miss: the SJ1332 has a built-in digital display that shows you the vehicle battery voltage. That’s a built-in voltmeter. You can diagnose whether your battery is dying before you even try to jump it. Amazon reviews consistently praise this feature, with buyers saying it “saved me multiple times.” The 24-inch cable length is a complaint for some large truck owners, though.
Schumacher Electric 1200A Car Battery Jump Starter and Portable Power Station, 6-in-1 Solution for 12V Batteries, 150-PSI Air Compressor, 200 Continuous/400 Peak Watt Inverter, SJ1332
The SJ1332 is the right buy for truck owners, campers, and DIYers who want one tool that replaces a jump starter, air compressor, and portable power station combined.
Full Spec Comparison: NOCO GB40 vs Schumacher SJ1332
| Spec | NOCO GB40 | Schumacher SJ1332 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Current | 1,000A | 1,200A | SJ1332 |
| Engine Capacity (Gas) | Up to 6.0L | Up to 8.0L | SJ1332 |
| Engine Capacity (Diesel) | Up to 3.0L | Up to 6.0L | SJ1332 |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion | Sealed Lead-Acid (AGM) | GB40 (for storage) |
| Battery Capacity | ~24 Wh | ~144 Wh (12V, 12Ah) | SJ1332 |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs | 18.9 lbs | GB40 |
| Jump Starts Per Charge | Up to 20 | Not rated | GB40 |
| LED Light | 100 lumens, 7 modes | LED area work light | GB40 |
| Built-in Voltmeter | No | Yes (digital display) | SJ1332 |
| Air Compressor | No | Yes — 150 PSI | SJ1332 |
| AC Power Outlets | No | Two 120V AC (200W/400W peak) | SJ1332 |
| IP Rating | IP65 | Not rated | GB40 |
| Charging Time | ~3 hrs (2A) / ~6 hrs (1A) | 7–8 hrs | GB40 |
| USB Charging | USB-A out / USB-C in | 2A USB-A port | Tie |
| Jumper Cable Length | Not specified | 24 inches (4-gauge) | Tie |
| Price (approx.) | ~$99.95 | ~$89.99–$99.99 | SJ1332 |
| Warranty | 1 year | Limited warranty | Tie |
Performance: NOCO GB40 vs Schumacher SJ1332
The Schumacher SJ1332 wins on raw power — and it’s not close. The SJ1332 puts out 1,200 peak amps versus the GB40’s 1,000 amps. More importantly, the SJ1332 covers 8.0L gas engines and 6.0L diesel engines. The GB40 tops out at 6.0L gas and 3.0L diesel.
That difference matters a lot if you own a heavy-duty truck. An F-250 with a 6.7L Power Stroke diesel? The GB40 won’t touch it. The SJ1332 handles it easily. A Ram 1500 with a 5.7L Hemi? Both work. A Honda Civic? Either one is overkill.
The GB40 delivers up to 20 jump starts per charge. That sounds impressive, and it is for a lithium unit this small. The SJ1332 uses an AGM battery — it holds more total energy (roughly 144 Wh versus the GB40’s ~24 Wh), but it’s not rated for a specific number of jump starts.
The SJ1332 wins this category. It delivers more peak amps, covers bigger engines, and handles diesel trucks the GB40 can’t. If you drive anything with a large gas or diesel engine, the SJ1332 is the only choice here.
Portability: NOCO GB40 vs Schumacher SJ1332
The NOCO GB40 wins portability by a landslide. It weighs 2.4 pounds. That’s it. You can hold it in one hand, slip it into a coat pocket, or tuck it in a glovebox alongside your registration.
The Schumacher SJ1332 weighs 18.9 pounds. It’s roughly the size of a large toolbox. You’ll keep it in your trunk or garage — not your glovebox. It has a handle for carrying, but nobody’s stuffing this into a backpack.
The GB40’s IP65 rating adds real value here. It’s sealed against rain and dust. Left it in your car during a car wash? Fine. The SJ1332 has no IP rating — keep it dry.
If you commute daily, keep the GB40 in your car. If you’re a truck owner or do weekend camping, the SJ1332 earns its trunk space by replacing three tools at once.
Price and Value: NOCO GB40 vs Schumacher SJ1332
The Schumacher SJ1332 wins on value — though it’s closer than you’d think. Both units sell for approximately $89–$100 on Amazon. But the SJ1332 gives you six tools in one: jump starter, air compressor, AC inverter, 12V outlets, USB charger, and work light.
The NOCO GB40 at $99.95 gives you one primary tool: a jump starter. It does that job extremely well. But you’re paying a similar price for far fewer features. If you already own a separate air compressor and don’t need AC power, the GB40’s simplicity is a feature, not a flaw.
Here’s the honest math: if you bought the GB40 and then a separate portable air compressor, you’d spend $150 or more. The SJ1332 bundles that for $99. That’s a compelling argument for most people — unless you truly need ultra-compact portability.
At the same price point, the SJ1332 delivers dramatically more utility. For most truck owners and home garage users, it’s the smarter buy dollar for dollar.
Safety Features and Unique Tools: NOCO GB40 vs Schumacher SJ1332
Both jump starters include reverse polarity protection. But the safety and unique tool differences between these two are significant — and often ignored by other reviewers.
NOCO GB40 — UltraSafe Technology and Manual Override
The GB40’s UltraSafe Technology is a genuine innovation. The clamps are spark-proof and won’t activate unless they detect a proper 12V connection. This makes it nearly impossible to cause damage through improper use. It’s a major selling point for first-time users.
The GB40 also has a Manual Override mode. This activates the unit even when a battery is so deeply discharged that the clamps can’t detect it (below about 2 volts). It’s a useful feature — but here’s the warning most reviews skip.
Manual Override bypasses all of the GB40’s built-in safety protections. In this mode, sparks can occur. Reverse polarity damage is possible. Only use Manual Override when you’re sure the clamps are connected correctly and you understand the risk. Never use it routinely — it’s an emergency-only feature.
Schumacher SJ1332 — Digital Voltmeter and Cable Length
The SJ1332’s digital display does something the GB40 can’t: it shows the voltage of your vehicle’s battery. That’s a built-in voltmeter. A 12V battery reading below 11.5V is seriously discharged. A reading below 10V suggests a bad cell. This lets you diagnose your battery health before you even attempt a jump start.
Most competing VS articles skip this feature entirely. It’s a practical, real-world advantage — especially for mechanics, fleet managers, or anyone who works on multiple vehicles.
One real user complaint worth noting: the SJ1332’s 24-inch jumper cables are too short for some large trucks. If the battery is tucked in the bed or at the back of the engine bay, you may struggle to reach it. A few Amazon reviewers specifically called this out. Consider an extension cable if you own a large truck.
The SJ1332 also connects to UL 2743 portable power pack safety standards, the governing certification framework for jump starter safety in the US.
The GB40 wins on connection safety for beginners. The SJ1332 wins on diagnostic tools and real-world utility. If you want to know your battery’s health before jumping, the SJ1332’s voltmeter is a genuine advantage. For safe, foolproof connections, the GB40’s UltraSafe system is the best in class.
Real-World Use Cases: Which One Wins?
- Daily driver (sedan, SUV, compact truck): NOCO GB40 wins. It lives in your glovebox and works instantly when you need it. No bulk, no setup complexity.
- Heavy-duty diesel truck (F-250, Ram 2500, Silverado HD): Schumacher SJ1332 wins. The GB40’s 3.0L diesel limit rules it out. The SJ1332 handles 6.0L diesel easily.
- Camping trip or tailgate: Schumacher SJ1332 wins. The AC outlets power lights or a small cooler. The compressor inflates your air mattress. The GB40 can’t do any of that.
- Motorcycle, ATV, or small watercraft: NOCO GB40 wins. Compact, lightweight, and more than enough power for small engines.
- Cold winter morning flat tire: Schumacher SJ1332 wins. You need both a jump start and tire inflation. One tool, two problems solved. Note: lithium batteries (GB40) lose some capacity below freezing — always warm a lithium jump starter before use in extreme cold.
- Commercial fleet or garage: Schumacher SJ1332 wins. The built-in voltmeter, wider engine coverage, and multi-tool functionality make it the go-to for professional use.
Who Should Buy the NOCO Boost Plus GB40?
- You drive a passenger car, crossover, or smaller SUV with a gas engine up to 6.0L.
- You want something small enough to keep permanently in your glovebox or bag.
- You’re a first-time jump starter user and want foolproof, spark-safe connections.
- You ride a motorcycle, ATV, or personal watercraft.
- You want a jump starter that also doubles as an emergency USB power bank.
Who Should Buy the Schumacher SJ1332?
- You own a heavy-duty truck, diesel van, or large SUV with an engine over 3.0L diesel or 6.0L gas.
- You want one tool that replaces a jump starter, air compressor, and portable generator.
- You camp, tailgate, or need AC power away from outlets.
- You work on multiple vehicles and want to diagnose battery voltage before jumping.
- You want the best value at the $99 price point in terms of total features.
Who Should NOT Buy Each One?
- Don’t buy the NOCO GB40 if: You own a diesel truck with an engine over 3.0L. You need a tire inflator or AC power. Consider the NOCO GB70 (2,000A, covers 6.0L diesel) for bigger vehicles instead.
- Don’t buy the Schumacher SJ1332 if: You want something compact for a glovebox. At 18.9 lbs, it’s not a glove box tool. For a lighter multi-tool option, the Schumacher SL1562 (lithium, 1,200A with air compressor) is worth considering.
- Don’t buy either if: You need to jump-start a commercial diesel over 6.0L or a large generator. Step up to a dedicated heavy-duty unit like the NOCO GB150 (3,000A) or Schumacher DSR166 (4,400A).
How to Maintain Your Jump Starter
A jump starter you never charge is a jump starter that fails when you need it most. Build a monthly charging habit — it takes 10 minutes and could save your day.
Charge both units at least once a month — even if you haven’t used them. The GB40’s lithium battery holds charge for longer than the SJ1332’s AGM battery, but neither should sit uncharged for months. The SJ1332 especially needs regular charging to stay at full capacity.
Store both units away from extreme heat. Temperatures above 104°F (40°C) accelerate battery degradation in both lithium and AGM chemistry. Don’t leave either unit in a car during a hot summer day for extended periods. The GB40’s IP65 rating protects it from environmental exposure, but heat is its enemy.
Never leave either unit deeply discharged for months. A deeply discharged lithium battery can suffer permanent capacity loss. A deeply discharged AGM battery can sulfate, reducing its ability to hold a charge. If the unit feels dead when you grab it, charge it immediately — don’t leave it sitting.
Do not overuse Manual Override on the GB40. This feature is for emergency recovery of deeply discharged batteries only. Using it routinely exposes you to spark risk and bypasses all safety protections. Read the manual before using Manual Override — and use it only when you understand the risk.
After a hard jump start on a large engine, recharge your unit promptly. Don’t wait a week. A prompt recharge keeps both units in peak condition for the next emergency. For the SJ1332, Schumacher recommends an initial 36-hour charge when you first receive it to condition the AGM battery fully. For guidance on lithium battery safety standards, the UL Solutions battery safety certification program provides context on how devices like these are evaluated before reaching consumers.
Final Verdict
The Schumacher SJ1332 wins this comparison for most buyers — especially truck owners, campers, and anyone who wants a single tool that does more than jump-start a car. At the same price, it delivers dramatically more utility: an air compressor, AC power, a built-in voltmeter, and coverage for every engine up to 8.0L gas and 6.0L diesel.
Buy the NOCO GB40 if you drive a passenger car or small truck and want the most compact, foolproof jump starter on the market. Buy the Schumacher SJ1332 if you need more power, bigger engine coverage, and multi-tool capability for your vehicle or outdoor adventures.
Both are solid choices. Pick the one that matches your actual vehicle and situation — not the one with the most impressive spec sheet. As always, I’m Alex Rahman, and I hope this comparison saves you the frustration of buying the wrong tool for the job.
👉 Check Price on Amazon
👉 Check Price on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: NOCO GB40 or Schumacher SJ1332?
The Schumacher SJ1332 is better for most truck owners and anyone who needs a multi-tool. The NOCO GB40 is better if you want a compact, lightweight jump starter for a passenger car or small SUV. Both cost around $99, but the SJ1332 includes an air compressor and AC power — features the GB40 doesn’t have.
What is the difference between the NOCO GB40 and the Schumacher SJ1332?
The GB40 is a lithium-ion jump starter that weighs 2.4 lbs and fits in a glovebox. The SJ1332 is an AGM-powered 6-in-1 power station that weighs 18.9 lbs and includes an air compressor, AC outlets, and a built-in voltmeter. The SJ1332 also covers larger engines — up to 6.0L diesel versus the GB40’s 3.0L limit.
Is the NOCO GB40 worth it for diesel trucks?
Not if your diesel engine is larger than 3.0 liters. The GB40 is only rated for diesel engines up to 3.0L. Most heavy-duty diesel trucks run 6.0L or larger — which means you’d need the NOCO GB70 or the Schumacher SJ1332 instead.
Does the NOCO GB40 work in cold weather?
Lithium batteries lose some capacity in cold temperatures below 32°F (0°C). The GB40 will still work in cold weather, but keep it inside your vehicle overnight when temperatures drop significantly. A warm lithium battery jumps much more reliably than a cold one.
How many times can the NOCO GB40 jump start a car before recharging?
NOCO rates the GB40 for up to 20 jump starts on a single charge. That’s based on average passenger car engines — real-world results vary with engine size and battery condition. Larger engines and deeply discharged batteries use more power per attempt.
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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.