NOCO GBX45 vs GB50 (2026): Which One Should You Buy?
Quick Answer: Buy the GBX45 if you want modern USB-C fast charging and a more compact design. Buy the GB50 if you need maximum raw cranking power (1500A) for larger engines up to 7.0L gas or 4.5L diesel.
I’m Alex Rahman. I review vehicle safety and recovery gear. If you are looking at the NOCO lineup, the GBX45 and GB50 look almost identical at first glance. But they are built for different drivers.
One offers bleeding-edge charging tech. The other offers brute force. Buying the wrong one means you either overpay for power you don’t need or end up stranded because your jump pack wasn’t strong enough. Let me help you pick the right one today.
- The GB50 offers higher peak current (1500A vs 1250A) for larger 7.0L gas engines.
- The GBX45 features a modern USB-C port with 60W Power Delivery for ultra-fast recharging.
- The GBX45 uses the newer ‘Boost X’ platform, while the GB50 uses the older ‘Boost XL’ chassis.
- Neither has a built-in voltmeter, but the GBX45 has a digital battery level display.
- The GB50 is heavier and bulkier, while the GBX45 is a pound lighter and easier to store.
| Category | GBX45 | GB50 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Winner | — | 🏆 |
| Best Value | ✅ | ❌ |
| Best Performance | ❌ | ✅ |
| Best For Beginners | ✅ | ❌ |
| Best for Diesel / Cold Weather | ❌ (4.0L only) | ✅ (4.5L max) |
Product Overview: NOCO Boost X GBX45
The NOCO Boost X GBX45 is the newer “Extreme Series” model. It is designed for ultra-fast performance and modern compatibility. It delivers 1250 peak amps. This is enough for 6.5-liter gas engines or 4.0-liter diesel engines.
What sets the GBX45 apart is the USB-C port. It supports 60-watt Power Delivery. You can fully recharge the unit in under an hour. It also acts as a powerful power bank for your laptop or phone. It weighs just 1.3 pounds (0.59kg). Everything about it screams modern efficiency. On Amazon, the current live price for the GBX45 is approximately $119.95.
| ✅ Best for | Modern car owners, tech lovers, and people who want the fastest recharge speeds. |
| ❌ Not ideal for | Large diesel trucks. If you need more than 4.0L of diesel power, look at the NOCO GB70. |
| 💰 Price | ~$119.95 (check for latest price) |
NOCO Boost X GBX45, 1250A Portable Lithium Jump Starter
This is the right buy if you want future-proof USB-C charging and lighter portability for your 6.5L gas vehicle or smaller SUV.
Product Overview: NOCO Boost XL GB50
The NOCO Boost XL GB50 is the workhorse of the lineup. It has been on the market longer, but it delivers raw power. It packs 1500 peak amps. That is enough to turn over 7.0-liter gas engines and 4.5-liter diesel engines. It offers 35 watt-hours of capacity.
The trade-off is the old-school Micro-USB charging port. It takes over 4 hours to charge fully with the standard cable. However, you get a very bright 200-lumen flashlight. It is heavier at 1.65 pounds (0.748kg). The Amazon live price for the GB50 is currently around $149.95. It is often on sale.
| ✅ Best for | Large SUVs, V8 trucks, heavy diesel pickups, and fleet vehicles needing raw cranking force. |
| ❌ Not ideal for | Budget buyers or compact car owners. The GB40 (1000A) is cheaper and lighter for standard sedans. |
| 💰 Price | ~$149.95 (check for latest price) |
NOCO Boost XL GB50, 1500A UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter
This is the tool you buy when you absolutely need the engine to start, regardless of the weather. It is for power users only.
Full Spec Comparison: GBX45 vs GB50
| Spec | NOCO GBX45 | NOCO GB50 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Current | 1250A | 1500A | GB50 |
| Gas Engine (Max) | 6.5L | 7.0L | GB50 |
| Diesel Engine (Max) | 4.0L | 4.5L | GB50 |
| Battery Capacity | 31 Wh | 35 Wh | GB50 |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (unit only) | 1.65 lbs (unit only) | GBX45 |
| Jump Starts Per Charge | ~20 | ~30 | GB50 |
| LED Lumens | 100 Lumens | 200 Lumens | GB50 |
| Charging Port | USB-C (60W PD) | Micro-USB | GBX45 |
| Fast Charge Time (0-100%) | ~48 min (60W) | ~4.5 hours | GBX45 |
| Built-in Voltmeter | No (LED bars only) | No (LED bars only) | Tie |
| IP Rating | IP65 | IP65 | Tie |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 1 Year | Tie |
| Current Price (Amazon) | ~$119.95 | ~$149.95 | GBX45 |
Head-to-Head: Performance & Raw Power
The GB50 wins this category hands-down. It delivers 1500 peak amps. This is a 20% power increase over the GBX45’s 1250 amps. You feel this when starting a heavy V8 truck on a cold morning. The GB50 is rated for 7.0L gas and 4.5L diesel engines. The GBX45 caps out at 6.5L gas and 4.0L diesel.
If you own a full-size SUV like a Suburban or a diesel pickup, you need the GB50. The GBX45 will struggle with a fully drained 5.0L V8. It is a simple math of displacement.
Winner: GB50. More amps equal more starts. The GBX45 is good for 90% of cars, but the GB50 is for the big boys.
Head-to-Head: Portability & Design
The GBX45 is the clear winner here. It is a “Boost X” redesign. It measures 6.8 x 3.3 x 2.1 inches and weighs only 1.3 lbs. The GB50 is a brick. It measures 7.6 x 3.2 x 1.9 inches and weighs 1.65 lbs. It feels fat in your glove box.
Because the GBX45 uses USB-C, it charges with the same cable as your phone. The GB50 forces you to carry a separate Micro-USB cord. The GBX45 also has a cleaner, matte finish versus the GB50’s glossy plastic.
Winner: GBX45. It is smaller, lighter, and uses modern USB-C. It wins the “throw it in your daily driver” test.
Head-to-Head: Price & Value
Value depends on what you drive. The GBX45 costs around $119.95. The GB50 costs around $149.95. That is a $30 difference. For the average 4-cylinder sedan, the GBX45 is better value. You are paying less for a modern charger.
However, for a heavy diesel owner, the GB50 is better value. Saving $30 is pointless if the unit cannot turn your engine over. Real user reviews on Amazon consistently say the GBX45 holds charge well but the GB50 is the “peace of mind” buy for big engines.
Winner: Tie. GBX45 wins for compact cars. GB50 wins for trucks/SUVs. Do not buy the GBX45 just because it is cheaper if you drive a V8.
Head-to-Head: Safety Features & Unique Tools
Both units have UltraSafe technology. This means spark-proof connections and reverse polarity protection. You cannot mess up the connection. Both come with a 100-lumen (GBX45) and 200-lumen (GB50) flashlight with SOS modes.
A major feature is the Manual Override. Both have it. This forces the unit to output power when a battery is under 2-3 volts (completely dead). However, a serious warning exists.
Manual Override Mode disables ALL safety protections. If you reverse the clamps while in override, you will cause sparks, damage the unit, or injure yourself. Only use it for batteries below 2 volts. Holding the button for 3 seconds enables Override.
A common complaint for both units is cable length. Several Amazon reviews mention the cables are too short for modern cars with batteries in the trunk or odd mounting points. You may need the NOCO GBC007 extension cable if you have a large truck.
The GBX45 lacks a built-in voltmeter. Neither unit tells you the exact voltage of your battery. They only display LED bars for their internal charge level. This is a downside for DIY mechanics who want to see the exact state of their car battery.
Winner: Tie. Both share identical safety tech. The GB50 has a brighter light, but neither has a numeric voltmeter.
Real-World Use Cases: Which One Wins?
- Daily Commuter (Sedan/Hatchback): GBX45 Wins. It is smaller and faster to recharge.
- Full-Size V8 Truck (Gas): GB50 Wins. You need the extra 250 amps for cold starts.
- Diesel Pickup (Ram 2500 / F-250): GB50 Wins. Diesel requires high compression. Stick to the 1500A rating.
- Cold Winter Climate (Below Freezing): GB50 Wins. Cold thickens oil. Raw power (1500A) matters more than tech.
- Fleet / Commercial Use: GB50 Wins. The higher cycle count (30 vs 20 starts per charge) keeps you working longer.
- Motorcycle / ATV / Small Boat: GBX45 Wins. The GBX45 is overkill. The GB50 is massive overkill. Get the lighter one.
Who Should Buy The NOCO GBX45?
- You drive a modern 4 or 6 cylinder. Prius, Civic, RAV4, or similar. You will never need 1500 amps.
- You hate carrying old cables. If your phone uses USB-C, you want a jump starter that uses the same wire.
- You want to keep it in a glove box. The GBX45 is significantly smaller and lighter.
- You need a power bank for a laptop. The 60W USB-C output can charge MacBooks and high-end tablets.
Who Should Buy The NOCO GB50?
- You own a large SUV or full-size truck. F-150, Silverado, Tahoe, or any 5.0L+ V8.
- You have a diesel engine. Even a 3.0L diesel. Diesels need high-cranking amps.
- You live in a very cold climate. North Dakota, Canada, Alaska. Winter robs battery power.
- You are helping neighbors with heavy vehicles. If you are the “reliable guy” with tools, get the overkill GB50.
Who Should NOT Buy Either (And What To Buy Instead)?
- You own only a small motorcycle or lawn mower: Buy the NOCO GB20. It costs ~$70 and is half the size.
- You have a massive diesel pickup (6.6L+ Duramax/Powerstroke): Skip both. Buy the NOCO GB70 (2000A). The GB50 will drain quickly on those big diesels.
- You are on a tight budget under $80: Skip these and look at the NOCO GB40. It gives 1000A for $99, but drives the same small cars perfectly.
How To Maintain Your NOCO Jump Starter
Lithium batteries die if you ignore them. NOCO units are not magic. If you leave them in a hot car for a year, they will turn into a brick. Here is how to make yours last 5+ years.
Set a calendar reminder. Charge your jump starter on the first of every month. This single habit prevents 90% of battery failures.
- Charge every month: Even if you never use it. Lithium self-discharges. A dead lithium battery is permanently destroyed.
- Avoid extreme heat: Do not store it on your dashboard in summer. Heat above 40°C (104°F) degrades the cells rapidly.
- Never deep discharge: If the unit dies, recharge it within 24 hours. Do not leave it on 0% for “months.”
- Manual Override is emergency-only: Using it repeatedly causes the system to overheat. It bypasses safety thermals.
- Recharge after big starts: If you start a large V8 or diesel, plug the unit in immediately. It takes a huge voltage hit.
Final Verdict
The NOCO GB50 is the overall winner for sheer capability. If you drive any V8 or diesel, the extra $30 is a no-brainer for 1500 amps. It is a brute force tool.
However, if you drive a standard gas sedan or crossover, the NOCO GBX45 is the smarter buy. It offers modern USB-C flexibility, 1250 amps (plenty for 6 cylinders), and a lighter frame.
Don’t buy power you don’t need. I am Alex Rahman. If you have a 4-cylinder commuter, get the GBX45. If you have a truck, get the GB50. You are now ready to buy with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.