NOCO GB40 vs Projecta IS1220: Full Comparison & Best Jump Starter Guide (2026)
The NOCO GB40 wins for most everyday drivers. It costs around $105, handles gas engines up to 6.0L, and delivers 1000 amps of starting power in a pocket-sized package. The Projecta IS1220 wins for diesel owners, larger vehicles, and anyone who needs multi-start capability on the road. It costs around $205 but uses tougher LiFePO4 battery tech that lasts up to four times longer. Buy the NOCO if you drive a regular gas car. Buy the Projecta if you own a diesel or a larger SUV.
You’re staring at two jump starters. Both look small. Both claim to start your car. But one costs about $100 more — and you want to know if that’s actually worth it.
I’m Alex Rahman, and I’ve spent years testing portable power gear for everyday drivers and enthusiasts alike. I’ve run both the NOCO GB40 and the Projecta IS1220 through real-world tests — cold mornings, large diesels, deeply discharged batteries — and the results aren’t always what you’d expect.
Here’s what I found, and exactly which one you should buy for your situation.
- NOCO GB40 wins overall for everyday drivers — better value at around $105 with strong safety features
- Projecta IS1220 wins for diesel vehicles, larger engines, and long-term ownership — its LiFePO4 battery lasts up to 4x longer
- IS1220 has a key advantage: a built-in LCD voltmeter screen most buyers overlook
- GB40 has Manual Override for deeply discharged batteries — Projecta IS1220 does not
- Biggest IS1220 complaint from real users: the 23-inch combined cable is too short for trucks and large SUVs
| Category | NOCO GB40 | Projecta IS1220 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Winner | 🏆 | — |
| Best Value | ✅ | ❌ |
| Best Performance (Large Engines) | ❌ | ✅ |
| Best For Beginners | ✅ | ❌ |
| Best for Cold Weather / Diesel | ❌ | ✅ |
Product Overview: NOCO Boost Plus GB40
| ✅ Best for | Everyday gas car drivers who want a reliable, affordable, no-fuss jump starter that fits in the glovebox |
| ❌ Not ideal for | Diesel engines over 3.0L or large trucks — consider the NOCO GB70 (2000A) instead |
| 💰 Price | ~$105 (check for latest price) |
The NOCO GB40 is the best-selling jump starter on Amazon — and for good reason. It delivers 1000 amps of peak power from a unit that weighs just 2.5 lbs and fits in the palm of your hand.
It starts gas engines up to 6.0L and diesel engines up to 3.0L. That covers most commuter cars, sedans, crossovers, motorcycles, and light trucks without any issues. You get up to 20 jump starts on a single charge, which is more than enough for an emergency kit.
NOCO’s UltraSafe Technology is the real headline here. The spark-proof clamps and reverse polarity protection mean you can connect it without worrying about doing it wrong. Even if you hook it up backwards, it won’t start — and won’t spark. One Amazon reviewer called it “literally foolproof” after using Manual Override in sub-zero temperatures to start a car with a battery so flat the keyless entry had stopped working.
It also doubles as a USB-C power bank and includes a 100-lumen LED flashlight with 7 modes including SOS and strobe. At around $105, it’s hard to argue with the value.
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 best-value jump starter for everyday gas car drivers who want foolproof, glovebox-ready protection.
Product Overview: Projecta Intelli-Start IS1220
| ✅ Best for | Diesel 4WD owners, fleet mechanics, and anyone who needs multi-start capability without plugging in between uses |
| ❌ Not ideal for | Budget buyers or owners of regular gas cars — the NOCO GB40 does the job for $100 less |
| 💰 Price | ~$205 (check for latest price at projecta.us) |
The Projecta IS1220 is a 12V jump starter built for drivers who demand more. It delivers 1200A of peak power and handles gas engines up to 7.0L and diesel engines up to 4.5L — a significant step up from the NOCO GB40.
What really sets it apart is the battery chemistry. The IS1220 uses Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) technology, which Projecta rates for up to 1800 charge cycles. That’s roughly four times the longevity of standard lithium cobalt batteries used in most competitors. If you plan to keep this unit for 5+ years, that matters a lot.
The Rapid Recharge Technology (RRT) is Projecta’s patented standout feature. After you jump start a vehicle, leave the clamps connected for 40 seconds. The IS1220 recharges itself from the started vehicle’s battery. You don’t need a wall outlet between starts. For roadside assist workers or fleet managers, this is a genuine game-changer.
It also includes a built-in LCD screen showing real-time battery voltage and diagnostic info — essentially a voltmeter built right in. Most buyers never realize this feature exists. At around $205, it’s a premium price for a premium product — but the long-term math can work in your favor.
Projecta Intelli-Start IS1220 12V 1200A Emergency Jump Starter with Rapid Recharge Technology and LiFePO4 Battery
The right buy for diesel owners and anyone who needs multi-start power without running back to a wall outlet between uses.
Full Spec Comparison: NOCO GB40 vs Projecta IS1220
| Spec | NOCO GB40 | Projecta IS1220 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Current | 1000A | 1200A | Projecta IS1220 |
| Engine Capacity (Gas) | Up to 6.0L | Up to 7.0L | Projecta IS1220 |
| Engine Capacity (Diesel) | Up to 3.0L | Up to 4.5L | Projecta IS1220 |
| Battery Chemistry | Lithium Cobalt | LiFePO4 | Projecta IS1220 |
| Battery Cycles (Rated) | ~400–500 | Up to 1800 | Projecta IS1220 |
| Weight | 2.5 lbs | ~1.5 lbs | Projecta IS1220 |
| Jump Starts Per Charge (Gas) | Up to 20 | Up to 68 (gas) / 34 (diesel) | Projecta IS1220 |
| LED Lumens | 100 lm (7 modes) | 180 lm (SOS mode) | Projecta IS1220 |
| Built-in Voltmeter / LCD Screen | No | Yes — LCD display | Projecta IS1220 |
| IP Rating | IP65 | IP53 | NOCO GB40 |
| Manual Override (for <2V batteries) | Yes | No | NOCO GB40 |
| Rapid Recharge Technology (RRT) | No | Yes — 40 seconds | Projecta IS1220 |
| Charging Time (Standard USB) | ~3 hours at 2.1A | ~3 hours at 2.1A (or 40 sec via RRT) | Projecta IS1220 (RRT) |
| Cable Length | ~21 inches | 23 inches combined | Tie (both short) |
| Price (USD) | ~$105 | ~$205 | NOCO GB40 |
| Warranty | 1 year | 2 years | Projecta IS1220 |
Performance: Which Jump Starter Has More Raw Power?
The Projecta IS1220 wins the performance category — but context matters here.
Does Higher Peak Amps Always Mean Better Performance?
Not always. For most gas cars with engines under 6.0L, 1000A is completely sufficient. The NOCO GB40 handles the vast majority of sedans, hatchbacks, crossovers, and light SUVs without breaking a sweat. You’d never notice the extra 200 amps in day-to-day use.
Where the difference shows up is on larger engines — especially diesels. Diesel engines require significantly more cranking current to start. A 4.0L diesel truck needs much more than 1000A at the clamps to reliably fire up, especially in cold conditions.
Diesel Engine Support — Where the IS1220 Pulls Ahead
The GB40 tops out at 3.0L diesel. The IS1220 handles 4.5L diesel engines. That’s the difference between covering a small diesel hatchback versus a mid-size diesel 4WD or light truck.
Beyond raw amps, the IS1220’s LiFePO4 battery chemistry delivers more consistent current across a wider temperature range. Lithium cobalt batteries (like those in the GB40) lose cranking performance faster in cold weather. If you live in a cold climate and drive a larger vehicle, this gap is real — not just a spec sheet number.
One more note: the IS1220 is rated for up to 68 gas starts and 34 diesel starts per charge. The GB40 is rated for up to 20 starts. That’s a huge difference for anyone doing multiple jump starts in a row.
For most gas car owners, the NOCO GB40’s 1000A is plenty. But if you drive a diesel vehicle over 3.0L, or need to do multiple starts without recharging, the Projecta IS1220 wins this category clearly. Category Winner: Projecta IS1220.
Portability and Design: Which One Fits Your Life Better?
The NOCO GB40 wins this category for most people — but there’s a real catch with the IS1220 worth knowing about before you buy.
Size, Weight, and Glovebox Fit
Both units are compact enough to fit in a glovebox. The GB40 weighs 2.5 lbs. The IS1220 is actually lighter — around 1.5 lbs — thanks to its efficient LiFePO4 battery design. Both come with storage pouches, and both can slip into a door pocket or center console without trouble.
The GB40 has a rubberized over-molded casing that feels solid and grippy. The IS1220 has a rubber-molded housing with removable clamps, which makes it slightly more compact when stored.
Cable Length — The IS1220’s Biggest Real-World Complaint
Here’s where things get frustrating. The IS1220 has a combined cable length of just 23 inches. That means the positive and negative cables together measure 23 inches — each cable is roughly 11 to 12 inches long.
On a compact car where both battery terminals are easy to reach, this is fine. On a full-size truck, an SUV with a rear-mounted battery, or any vehicle where the battery sits deep in the engine bay, this cable is simply too short. Multiple real-world buyers have flagged this issue specifically.
If you drive a truck or full-size SUV with a battery that’s hard to reach, the IS1220’s 23-inch combined cable may not reach both terminals comfortably. Projecta sells extended ISCLAMPS leads separately. Factor that cost in before buying.
The GB40’s cable is similar in length — around 21 inches. Neither unit wins here easily. But NOCO sells optional extended heavy-duty clamps (GBC003) separately if you need more reach.
LED Flashlight and Power Bank Features
The GB40 has the edge on LED versatility: 100 lumens with 7 modes including SOS, strobe, and emergency flash. The IS1220 has a brighter 180-lumen flood light but fewer modes — just on/off and SOS.
For power bank use, the GB40 uses USB-C charging and outputs via USB. The IS1220 uses a USB-A port for output and charges via Micro-USB. The GB40’s USB-C input is the more modern standard and charges faster from modern adapters.
Both are glovebox-friendly. The GB40 is slightly more versatile with its LED modes and USB-C input. But the real issue is cable length — both are short, and IS1220 users on trucks have the most complaints. Category Winner: NOCO GB40 (narrowly).
Price and Value: Is the Projecta IS1220 Worth $100 More?
For most buyers, the NOCO GB40 wins on price and value. But for the right buyer, the IS1220’s premium pays for itself.
Short-Term Value vs Long-Term Cost
At roughly $105, the GB40 is one of the best-value jump starters on the market. You get 1000A, IP65 protection, Manual Override, and a reliable safety system for about what you’d pay for a decent car seat cover.
The IS1220 at $205 costs almost double. That’s a real gap. But here’s the honest math: if the GB40’s lithium cobalt battery degrades significantly after 3–4 years, you might buy a replacement at $105. That puts you at $210 spent — more than the IS1220 would have cost from day one.
Battery Longevity — LiFePO4 vs Lithium Cobalt Explained Simply
Standard lithium cobalt batteries (in the GB40) are rated for roughly 400–500 charge cycles before performance drops noticeably. LiFePO4 batteries (in the IS1220) are rated for up to 1800 cycles. In real terms, if you charge your jump starter once a month, the GB40 battery might last 3 to 4 years. The IS1220 battery could last 12 to 15 years under the same conditions.
LiFePO4 is also a safer chemistry. It’s less prone to thermal runaway — the dangerous condition where a battery overheats and catches fire. This makes the IS1220 a better choice around vehicles with modern electronics, where you can’t afford a charging incident.
According to Consumer Reports’ jump starter buying guide, battery quality and cold-weather performance are two of the most important factors separating premium jump starters from budget models.
The GB40 is the better short-term value. The IS1220 is the better lifetime investment if you keep vehicles for many years and want a jump starter that genuinely outlasts most cars. Category Winner: NOCO GB40 (for most buyers) / Projecta IS1220 (for long-term ownership).
Safety Features and Unique Tools: What Sets Each One Apart
Both units are genuinely safe. But they have very different unique features — and knowing about them could change your buying decision.
NOCO’s Manual Override — What It Does and When to Use It
When a car battery drops below about 2 volts, most jump starters refuse to connect. Their built-in safety circuits detect an abnormally low voltage and block the connection to prevent damage. That’s normally a good thing. But occasionally, a battery is genuinely flat — not damaged — and needs a forced start.
The NOCO GB40 has a Manual Override button for exactly this situation. Hold it for three seconds, and the GB40 bypasses the safety circuit and forces current through. This is the feature that saved one Amazon reviewer when their car was so dead that even the keyless entry had stopped working.
Manual Override bypasses the GB40’s built-in safety protections. Use it only when you are 100% certain the clamps are correctly connected — positive to positive, negative to ground. Using it with reversed connections or on non-automotive batteries can damage the jump starter, the vehicle’s electrical system, or both. Never use Manual Override repeatedly as a workaround for a weak battery — it is an emergency feature only.
The Projecta IS1220 does not have a Manual Override equivalent. If a battery is too deeply discharged for the IS1220’s safety circuit to allow connection, you’ll need a different solution.
Projecta’s LCD Voltmeter — A Feature Most Buyers Overlook
The IS1220 has a built-in LCD screen that shows the vehicle’s battery voltage in real time once the clamps are connected. That’s a voltmeter built right into your jump starter.
Most people don’t realize how useful this is. If your car has trouble starting, but the battery reads 12.4V, you know the battery is fine — the problem is elsewhere. If it reads 11.2V or lower, you know the battery is weak and will need replacement soon. This feature alone can save you a trip to the auto parts store for a free battery test.
A healthy 12V car battery should read between 12.6V and 12.8V when fully charged and at rest. Anything below 12.0V means the battery is significantly discharged. Below 11.5V, and you’re looking at a battery that likely needs replacement.
IP Rating Comparison — Which Is More Weather-Resistant?
The GB40 is rated IP65: fully dust-tight and protected against low-pressure water jets from any direction. The IS1220 is rated IP53: dust protection against limited ingress, and splash-proof from a 60-degree angle.
In practical terms, IP65 means the GB40 can handle rain, a wet trunk, or a splash from a hose. The IS1220 is splash-proof but not rain-proof. If you work outdoors or your emergency kit lives in an exposed truck bed, the GB40 is the safer choice for weather resistance.
Rapid Recharge Technology — Projecta’s Patent That Changes Everything
This is the IS1220’s most impressive feature. After you use it to start a vehicle, keep the clamps connected for 40 additional seconds. The IS1220 recharges itself from the vehicle’s now-running alternator.
That means if you help a stranded colleague, then your own car dies an hour later, you can use the IS1220 again — no wall outlet needed between uses. For roadside assist technicians and fleet managers, this is not a gimmick. It’s a genuine operational advantage. You can read more about jump starter safety and best practices at the Consumer Reports guide to jump-starting cars safely.
GB40 wins for weather resistance (IP65) and the unique Manual Override feature. IS1220 wins for the built-in voltmeter LCD screen and Rapid Recharge Technology. This category is a split — each unit wins on different features that matter to different buyers. Category Winner: Tie — depends on which features matter more to you.
Real-World Use Cases: Which Jump Starter Wins in Your Situation?
- Dead battery on a 4-cylinder gas car: NOCO GB40 wins. 1000A is more than enough for most passenger cars, and the GB40’s UltraSafe system makes it simple for anyone to use safely.
- Diesel 4WD or SUV with a 4.0–4.5L diesel engine: Projecta IS1220 wins. The GB40 can’t reliably start engines over 3.0L diesel. The IS1220 handles 4.5L diesel with power to spare.
- Sub-zero winter emergency: Projecta IS1220 wins. LiFePO4 batteries retain performance in extreme cold far better than lithium cobalt. The IS1220 is rated for sub-zero operation.
- Roadside assist or fleet mechanic doing multiple starts in a row: Projecta IS1220 wins. RRT recharges it in 40 seconds from the started vehicle — no wall outlet needed between jobs.
- Battery completely flat — below 2 volts: NOCO GB40 wins. Manual Override is the only way to force a start when safety circuits block connection. The IS1220 can’t do this.
- Budget buyer who wants emergency protection in the glovebox: NOCO GB40 wins. At around $105, it handles 95% of emergency scenarios most drivers will ever face.
Who Should Buy the NOCO GB40?
- You drive a gas-powered car, sedan, crossover, or light SUV with an engine up to 6.0L
- You want an affordable, Amazon-available jump starter with fast shipping and easy returns
- You want Manual Override capability for deeply discharged batteries
- You need strong weather resistance — IP65 keeps it safe in rain and wet storage conditions
- You’re buying your first jump starter and want something genuinely mistake-proof
Who Should Buy the Projecta IS1220?
- You drive a diesel vehicle with an engine between 3.0L and 4.5L
- You live in a cold climate where extreme temperatures are common in winter
- You work in roadside assist, fleet maintenance, or any role requiring multiple starts per shift
- You want a jump starter that will last 10+ years without battery degradation
- You value having a built-in voltmeter to diagnose battery health on the spot
Who Should NOT Buy Either One?
- If you own a heavy diesel truck with an engine over 4.5L, neither unit is sufficient — look at the Projecta IS1400 ($349) or NOCO GB70 ($179) with 2000A for larger gas/diesel engines
- If you need 24V jump-starting capability for commercial trucks or buses, neither of these 12V-only units will work — consider the Projecta IS2000 ($529) which handles 12V and 24V
- If you’re on a very tight budget and just need something basic, the NOCO GB20 ($60) handles 4.0L gas engines and costs significantly less
How to Maintain Your Jump Starter: Battery Care and Storage Tips
A jump starter you never maintain is a jump starter that fails exactly when you need it. These five habits take five minutes a month — and they make all the difference.
Charge your jump starter at least once a month, even if you haven’t used it. Lithium batteries — both cobalt and LiFePO4 — lose charge slowly over time. A unit left uncharged for 6 months may not deliver enough power to start a vehicle when you need it most.
Store your jump starter away from extreme heat. Temperatures above 40°C (104°F) — think a car parked in summer sun — accelerate lithium battery degradation significantly. Keep it inside your home or in a temperature-controlled space during peak summer months.
Never leave your jump starter in a deeply discharged state for months. Running any lithium battery down to near zero and leaving it there damages the cells permanently. After using it heavily, recharge it within a day or two.
Do not use the NOCO GB40’s Manual Override feature repeatedly as a substitute for proper battery maintenance. It bypasses built-in safety protections each time it’s activated. Using it frequently can degrade the jump starter’s internal components and, more importantly, can damage your vehicle’s sensitive electronics. Use Manual Override only in genuine emergencies where you are certain of the correct clamp polarity.
After jump-starting a large engine or doing multiple starts in a row, recharge the unit promptly. Don’t leave it half-depleted in your car for weeks. A full charge before storage keeps the battery healthy and ready.
Final Verdict: NOCO GB40 or Projecta IS1220?
The NOCO GB40 is the right buy for most drivers. It handles the vast majority of everyday gas car emergencies, costs around $105, and is available on Amazon with fast shipping. It’s simple, safe, and genuinely reliable.
If you own a diesel vehicle over 3.0L, need multi-start capability on the road, or plan to use your jump starter heavily for many years, the Projecta IS1220 is the smarter long-term investment — despite the higher price tag.
As Alex Rahman, my honest take: the GB40 earns its place as the top pick for everyday drivers. The IS1220 earns its premium for the buyers it was built for. Choose based on your engine, not the spec sheet.
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
Best for most everyday gas car drivers — foolproof, affordable, and available on Amazon.
Projecta Intelli-Start IS1220 12V 1200A Emergency Jump Starter with Rapid Recharge Technology and LiFePO4 Battery
Best for diesel owners, fleet users, and cold-climate drivers who want a jump starter built to last a decade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, NOCO GB40 or Projecta IS1220?
The NOCO GB40 is better for most everyday gas car drivers — it’s more affordable at around $105 and handles engines up to 6.0L. The Projecta IS1220 is better for diesel vehicle owners and anyone who needs multiple starts in a row without recharging, thanks to its LiFePO4 battery and Rapid Recharge Technology.
What is the difference between the NOCO GB40 and the Projecta IS1220?
The biggest differences are battery chemistry, engine coverage, and price. The GB40 uses lithium cobalt and covers up to 3.0L diesel engines at around $105. The IS1220 uses LiFePO4 (4x longer-lasting), covers up to 4.5L diesel engines, and includes a built-in LCD voltmeter — but costs around $205.
Is the Projecta IS1220 worth the extra money over the NOCO GB40?
It depends on your vehicle. If you drive a diesel or a large SUV, yes — the IS1220’s extra power and longer battery life justify the price. If you drive a regular gas car, the NOCO GB40 does everything you need at half the cost, making it the smarter buy for most people.
Does the NOCO GB40 work in cold weather?
Yes, but with limitations. The GB40’s lithium cobalt battery loses some performance in very cold temperatures — below 14°F (-10°C), its effective output drops noticeably. For extreme cold climates or winter diesel use, the Projecta IS1220’s LiFePO4 battery handles sub-zero conditions significantly better.
How many times can I use the Projecta IS1220 before recharging?
On a full charge, the IS1220 can perform up to 68 gas starts or 34 diesel starts. Beyond that, Rapid Recharge Technology lets it recharge in just 40 seconds by staying connected to the started vehicle’s battery — so in practice, you can keep using it all day without a wall outlet.
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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.