NOCO GB40 vs Lokithor JA301: Which Jump Starter Should You Actually Buy?

The short answer: the Lokithor JA301 wins on raw power and features. It delivers 2000A peak current, handles diesel engines up to 6.0L, and includes a built-in tire inflator — all for about $40 more than the NOCO GB40. But the NOCO GB40 is the smarter buy if you drive a standard car, want the lightest possible unit, and trust a well-established American brand. Read on to see exactly which one fits your situation.

Dead Battery at the Worst Possible Time

You walk out to your car on a cold morning and nothing happens. That silence is one of the most frustrating sounds a driver can hear. A portable jump starter in your trunk changes everything.

Here’s the problem: too many jump starters look the same on the surface. The NOCO GB40 and the Lokithor JA301 sit in the same general price range. Both are compact lithium jump starters. Both get strong reviews. So which one is actually right for you?

I’m Alex Rahman, and I’ve spent years testing and comparing automotive tools. I’ve dug into both products — the specs, the real-world limits, and what actual Amazon buyers say after owning them. By the end of this comparison, you’ll know exactly which one to buy.

Product Overview: NOCO Boost GB40

The NOCO GB40 is the best-selling jump starter on Amazon for a reason. It’s compact, reliable, and dead-simple to use. You get 1000A of peak current — enough to start most passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks with gas engines up to 6.0L.

The 24Wh lithium battery provides up to 20 jump starts on a single charge. It also doubles as a USB-C power bank and includes a 100-lumen LED flashlight with seven modes. NOCO’s patented UltraSafe Technology means the clamps won’t spark when you connect them in the wrong order. That’s a genuinely useful feature for anyone who’s ever panicked at a parking lot dead battery.

It weighs just 2.45 lbs and measures 7.72″ × 3.16″ × 1.71″. It fits in a glove box, a backpack, or a small side pocket in your trunk. The rubberized over-molded casing is IP65-rated — that means it handles rain, dust, and the odd splash without a problem.

One thing NOCO buyers consistently mention in Amazon reviews: the 23″ clamp cables can feel short when working in large engine bays. One reviewer wrote they had to position the GB40 awkwardly just to reach the terminals on their full-size pickup. It’s worth knowing before you buy.

Product Overview: Lokithor JA301

The Lokithor JA301 is a 4-in-1 roadside emergency tool. It combines a 2000A jump starter, a 150 PSI air compressor, a USB 3.0 fast-charge power bank, and a 300-lumen LED flashlight in one unit. That’s a lot of function for roughly $150.

The internal battery holds 74Wh — three times the capacity of the NOCO GB40. You get up to 40 jump starts on a single charge. The peak current of 2000A means it can reliably start gas engines up to 8.0L and diesel engines up to 6.0L. That’s a massive step up for truck and fleet owners.

Here’s where the JA301 pulls ahead in a way most comparison articles miss: it has a built-in real-time voltmeter. You can check your battery voltage before you even start jumping. That kind of instant diagnosis helps you understand whether you’re dealing with a dead battery, a weak battery, or something else entirely. One Amazon reviewer actually called out this specific feature, saying it was something they looked for after owning a NOCO that didn’t have it.

The tradeoff is size. At 3.9 lbs and 10″ × 5.59″ × 4.06″, the JA301 is noticeably bigger. Some buyers mention on Amazon that it’s heavier than they expected from product photos. It still fits in most trunks easily — just not in a glove box.

Full Spec Comparison: NOCO GB40 vs Lokithor JA301

Spec	NOCO GB40	Lokithor JA301	Winner
Peak Current	1000A	2000A	Lokithor JA301
Engine Capacity (Gas)	Up to 6.0L	Up to 8.0L	Lokithor JA301
Engine Capacity (Diesel)	Up to 3.0L	Up to 6.0L	Lokithor JA301
Battery Capacity (Wh)	24 Wh	74 Wh	Lokithor JA301
Jump Starts Per Charge	Up to 20	Up to 40	Lokithor JA301
Weight	2.45 lbs	3.9 lbs	NOCO GB40
LED Lumens	100 lm (7 modes)	300 lm (3 modes)	Lokithor JA301
Built-in Voltmeter	No	Yes	Lokithor JA301
Air Compressor	No	150 PSI / 35L/min	Lokithor JA301
IP Rating	IP65	IP63	NOCO GB40
Standby / Charge Retention	~12 months (70%)	900 days (30 months)	Lokithor JA301
Charging Time (Standard USB)	~3 hours at 2.1A	~4–5 hours (USB-C)	NOCO GB40
USB Output	5V / 2.1A (USB-C)	5V–9V / 3A (USB 3.0 QC)	Lokithor JA301
Warranty	1 year	12 months	Tie
Price (approx.)	~$109.95	~$149.99	NOCO GB40

Performance: Which One Actually Starts More Engines?

The Lokithor JA301 wins this category — and it’s not even close.

Peak Amps: What the Numbers Mean in Real Life

Peak amps measure how much current the jump starter can push during a crank. The NOCO GB40 delivers 1000A. The Lokithor JA301 delivers 2000A — exactly double.

For a small sedan with a 2.0L engine, 1000A is more than enough. The GB40 handles that easily. But as your engine gets bigger, it needs more cranking current to turn over — especially in cold weather when motor oil thickens and batteries lose capacity.

A large V8 pickup truck with a 5.7L engine sits close to the GB40’s comfort zone. It may start, but it may also not — depending on how cold it is and how discharged the battery is. With the JA301’s 2000A, that same truck cranks reliably every time.

Diesel Engines — This Is Where the Gap Gets Serious

Here’s the number most buyers overlook: the NOCO GB40 only handles diesel engines up to 3.0L. That covers small diesel cars — not trucks.

A Ford F-250 with a 6.7L Power Stroke diesel? The GB40 won’t reliably start it. A Ram 2500 with a 6.4L diesel? Same problem. These engines need more current, and the GB40 simply isn’t rated for them.

The Lokithor JA301, at 2000A with a 6.0L diesel rating, handles the most popular diesel trucks on the road today. If you drive a diesel, there’s only one choice here.

Portability and Design: NOCO GB40 vs Lokithor JA301

The NOCO GB40 wins on portability — and it’s not a minor difference.

Size and Weight — Does It Fit in Your Glove Box?

The NOCO GB40 weighs 2.45 lbs and measures 7.72″ × 3.16″ × 1.71″. That’s smaller than most smartphones side-by-side. It slides into a glove box, a door pocket, or a small backpack compartment without trouble.

The Lokithor JA301 weighs 3.9 lbs and measures 10″ × 5.59″ × 4.06″. The built-in air compressor adds bulk. It lives in your trunk, not your glove box. That said, it’s still far lighter than old lead-acid jump starters, and most buyers are fine with it.

If you drive a compact car and want something invisible in the cabin, the GB40 is the clear winner. If you drive a truck or SUV where trunk space isn’t a concern, the JA301’s size is a non-issue.

The Tire Inflator Advantage — A Feature That Changes Everything

The Lokithor JA301 includes a 150 PSI air compressor. That might sound like a bonus feature — but think about how often you actually deal with a flat or low tire versus a dead battery.

Flat tires are far more common. Having a device that handles both problems means you only carry one tool. The JA301 fills a standard 195/65/R15 tire from 0 to 35 PSI in about 5 minutes. It supports preset pressure values and stops automatically — no overinflation risk.

The NOCO GB40 has no air compressor at all. If you get a flat, you’ll still need a separate inflator. That’s a real-world gap the specs alone don’t fully capture.

Price and Value: Are You Getting What You Pay For?

The NOCO GB40 wins on sticker price. But value is a different question.

NOCO GB40 Price Breakdown

The NOCO GB40 lists at approximately $109.95 on Amazon. It frequently goes on sale in the $79–$99 range, especially around Prime Day and major holidays. You get a 1000A jump starter, USB-C power bank, LED flashlight, and NOCO’s industry-leading warranty support.

Lokithor JA301 Price Breakdown

The Lokithor JA301 lists at approximately $149.99. That’s about $40 more than the GB40. For that extra $40, you get 2x the peak amps, 3x the battery capacity, a built-in 150 PSI tire inflator, a real-time voltmeter, and a 300-lumen flashlight.

Which One Gives You More Per Dollar?

On pure feature-per-dollar math, the Lokithor JA301 wins easily. A standalone 150 PSI portable tire inflator costs $30–$60 by itself. The JA301 includes that — plus doubles the jump start power.

That said, if you already own a tire inflator and drive a standard car, the NOCO GB40 at ~$109 is excellent value. You don’t pay for features you don’t need.

Safety Features and Unique Tools: NOCO vs Lokithor

Both products are safe. But there are real differences in how they protect you — and one critical feature the NOCO is missing entirely.

Spark Protection and Reverse Polarity — Both Pass

Both the NOCO GB40 and Lokithor JA301 include spark-proof clamp technology and reverse polarity protection. Connect them backwards and they won’t fire. Connect them to a charged battery and they won’t surge. These are standard safety features at this price point.

The NOCO’s UltraSafe branding is well-earned — the patented system is consistently praised in reviews. The Lokithor’s short-circuit and over-current protection system is equally solid in practice. For basic safety, they’re matched.

Jump starter safety standards are regulated under UL 2743, the Standard for Portable Power Packs, which covers devices that can jump-start vehicles. Both products follow this framework for lithium-based jump pack safety.

Manual Override — Use This Carefully

Both jump starters include a Manual Override function. This lets you force a jump start on a battery that’s so deeply discharged the unit’s electronics refuse to engage normally.

One Amazon reviewer recounted using the GB40’s Manual Override successfully after their car battery was completely dead — even the keyless entry had no power. It worked, but they made sure polarity was correct before triggering it. That’s exactly how it should be used.

The Built-In Voltmeter — A Feature NOCO Doesn’t Have

The Lokithor JA301 includes a real-time voltmeter. When you connect the clamps, the digital screen shows the vehicle battery’s current voltage and alerts you if it detects an abnormal reading.

This is more useful than it sounds. A reading of 12.6V means your battery is fully charged — maybe it’s a connection or starter issue. A reading of 11.8V means the battery is weak. A reading of 10.5V or lower means it’s likely dying and needs replacement soon, not just a jump. That diagnostic context can save you from being stranded again next week.

The NOCO GB40 has no voltmeter. You jump the car, it starts — but you have no idea whether the battery is actually healthy or just temporarily boosted. Multiple Amazon reviewers specifically mentioned they wished the GB40 had a voltmeter — including one who wrote it was the only thing missing from an otherwise excellent unit.

Cable Length — The Complaint You Need to Know About

The NOCO GB40’s clamp cables measure 23 inches. For most compact cars, that’s fine. But in a full-size truck or SUV with a large engine bay, reaching both terminals can be awkward. Amazon reviewers mention this repeatedly — one noted they had to balance the GB40 on the engine block just to get the clamps to reach.

The Lokithor JA301’s cable length is similar. Neither product offers an extension cable in the box. If cable length is a concern, NOCO sells extension clamps separately (GBC003 model).

Real-World Use Cases: Which One Wins?

• Dead battery in a grocery store parking lot (compact sedan): NOCO GB40 wins. It’s the perfect glove box tool — lightweight, fast, and simple enough for anyone to use in under two minutes.
• Starting a 6.7L diesel pickup truck in winter: Lokithor JA301 wins. The GB40 is only rated to 3.0L diesel. The JA301’s 2000A and 6.0L diesel rating handle large trucks reliably.
• Roadside flat tire plus dead battery: Lokithor JA301 wins. No other unit in this price range handles both problems — the JA301’s 150 PSI compressor and 2000A jump starter cover both crises in one stop.
• Cold weather morning start (sub-20°F): Lokithor JA301 wins. Lithium batteries lose power in extreme cold. The JA301’s larger 74Wh reserve gives you more cold-weather margin than the GB40’s 24Wh.
• Fleet mechanic or multi-vehicle garage: Lokithor JA301 wins. Up to 40 jump starts per charge and 900-day standby mean it stays ready between uses without constant recharging.
• Ultralight travel or motorcycle kit: NOCO GB40 wins. At 2.45 lbs it’s the lightest option. It fits anywhere and won’t weigh down a saddle bag or carry-on.

Who Should Buy the NOCO GB40?

• You drive a compact car, sedan, hatchback, or small SUV with a gas engine
• You want the lightest, most portable jump starter that fits in a glove box
• You already own a separate tire inflator and don’t need another one
• You prefer a well-established US brand with a long track record and proven warranty support
• You’re buying a jump starter as a gift for someone who needs simplicity above all else

Who Should Buy the Lokithor JA301?

• You drive a large truck, full-size SUV, or any diesel vehicle over 3.0L
• You want one tool that handles both dead batteries and low tires
• You want to know your battery voltage before and after jumping — not just hope for the best
• You want a unit that stays charged in storage for up to 2.5 years without maintenance charging
• You manage a fleet or multiple vehicles and need more jump starts per charge

Who Should NOT Buy Either One?

• You need to start an engine larger than 8.0L gas or 6.0L diesel — look at the NOCO GB70 (2000A, 8.0L gas / 6.0L diesel) or the Lokithor JA302 (2500A, 8.5L gas / 6.5L diesel) instead.
• You need to start a lithium vehicle battery — neither unit is designed for lithium 12V vehicle batteries. Check the NOCO GBX series for that use case.
• You want a heavy-duty commercial jump starter for large equipment — neither product is built for equipment above standard road vehicles. Look at pro-grade 3000A+ options.

How to Maintain Your Jump Starter

Charge your jump starter at least once a month, even if you haven’t used it. Lithium batteries self-discharge slowly. Leaving either unit sitting at low charge for months causes permanent capacity loss that no amount of recharging can fix.

Store your jump starter away from extreme heat. Temperatures above 40°C (104°F) accelerate lithium battery degradation fast. Don’t leave it in a closed car in summer — the interior can easily hit 140°F on a hot day. A cool, dry storage spot in your home is ideal.

Never let the unit completely discharge and sit that way for weeks. Deep discharge damages lithium cells permanently. If the LED indicator shows low or empty, charge it that day.

Avoid using Manual Override repeatedly. It bypasses safety protections and puts stress on the battery cells. Use it only as a last resort on a deeply discharged vehicle battery — not as a routine starting method. Repeated Manual Override use shortens the jump starter’s lifespan noticeably.

After a heavy-use session on a large engine — especially a diesel in cold weather — recharge the unit promptly. Large engine starts consume significantly more battery than small car starts. Don’t put the unit away at half-charge and expect it to be full next time you need it.

Final Verdict: NOCO GB40 or Lokithor JA301?

The Lokithor JA301 is the better buy for most drivers. It delivers 2x the peak amps, handles large diesel engines, includes a tire inflator, and adds a voltmeter — all for about $40 more than the NOCO GB40.

If you drive a truck, a diesel vehicle, or want a single roadside emergency tool that covers both dead batteries and flat tires — get the Lokithor JA301. If you drive a compact car, want the lightest unit possible, or prefer a long-established American brand — the NOCO GB40 is a genuinely excellent choice that won’t let you down.

Both are solid products. The right answer depends on your vehicle and how you use it. I’m Alex Rahman, and I hope this breakdown helped you make a confident decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: the NOCO GB40 or the Lokithor JA301?

The Lokithor JA301 is better for most drivers — it delivers 2000A of peak current, handles diesel engines up to 6.0L, and includes a built-in tire inflator. The NOCO GB40 is better if you want the lightest, most compact unit from a long-trusted brand for a standard car.

What is the main difference between the NOCO GB40 and Lokithor JA301?

The biggest difference is power and features. The JA301 produces 2000A versus the GB40’s 1000A, holds 74Wh of battery versus 24Wh, and includes a 150 PSI air compressor and built-in voltmeter that the GB40 doesn’t have. The GB40 is lighter at 2.45 lbs and has a better IP65 water resistance rating.

Can the NOCO GB40 start a diesel truck?

The NOCO GB40 is rated for diesel engines up to 3.0L only. Most diesel trucks like the Ford F-250, Ram 2500, or Chevy Silverado HD have 6.0L–6.7L diesel engines — well beyond the GB40’s range. For large diesel trucks, the Lokithor JA301 (rated to 6.0L diesel) is the right choice.

Does the Lokithor JA301 work in cold weather?

Yes, the JA301 works in cold weather. Its larger 74Wh battery gives it more cold-weather reserve than smaller units. Lithium batteries lose roughly 20–30% capacity below 14°F, so that extra capacity matters. For best results in extreme cold, keep the unit inside your vehicle or home until you need it.

How many times can I use the NOCO GB40 before recharging?

The NOCO GB40 provides up to 20 jump starts on a single charge under normal conditions. Smaller engines use less energy per start, so you may get more on a compact car. Larger engines closer to the 6.0L limit will use more power per crank and may reduce that count.