8 min readPublished 10 March 2025
Portable jump starters provide a convenient way to start your car when the battery is flat, without needing another vehicle or jumper cables. Modern jump starters are compact, powerful, and include useful features like USB charging ports and built-in flashlights.
This guide covers the best portable jump starters available in the UK, explains key features and specifications, and helps you choose the right jump starter for your vehicle type and needs.
Quick Answer
Best jump starters come from NOCO, CTEK, and Ring brands with 1000-2000 peak amps for most cars. Choose higher capacity (2000+ peak amps) for diesel engines and larger vehicles. Look for safety features, USB charging, and compact design. Expect to pay £50-£200 depending on power and features.
Common causes
- -Choosing jump starter with insufficient power for vehicle engine size
- -Not maintaining jump starter battery charge
- -Using jump starter incorrectly (wrong connection or procedure)
Typical fixes
- -Choose jump starter with adequate peak amps for your engine (1000+ for petrol, 2000+ for diesel)
- -Keep jump starter charged - recharge monthly or after use
- -Follow manufacturer instructions for safe jump starting procedure
- -Select jump starter with safety features (reverse polarity protection, spark-proof)
Jump Starter Quick Guide
Petrol car with standard engine
Likely cause: 1000-1500 peak amp jump starter sufficient
Next step: Choose compact jump starter with 1000+ peak amps
Diesel engine or large vehicle
Likely cause: Need higher power jump starter
Next step: Select jump starter with 2000+ peak amps
Need portable emergency power
Likely cause: Jump starter with USB ports useful
Next step: Choose jump starter with USB charging and built-in flashlight
Occasional use or emergency backup
Likely cause: Compact jump starter sufficient
Next step: Select lightweight, portable option with good battery life
What Is a Portable Jump Starter?
Portable jump starters are compact battery packs that can start your car when the battery is flat, without needing another vehicle. They contain a lithium battery, jumper cables, and safety features to provide emergency starting power.
Modern jump starters are lightweight, rechargeable, and include additional features like USB charging ports, built-in flashlights, and digital displays showing battery status.
Best Jump Starter Brands
Leading jump starter manufacturers offer reliable, safe options with good warranties and customer support.
- NOCO: Industry leader, excellent safety features, reliable performance, wide range of power options, £80-£200
- CTEK: Premium brand, high-quality construction, good for commercial use, £100-£250
- Ring: Reliable UK brand, good value, decent features, £50-£150
- Halfords: Budget-friendly options, basic features, acceptable for occasional use, £40-£80
Understanding Jump Starter Power Ratings
Jump starter power is measured in peak amps (or cranking amps). Higher ratings provide more starting power for larger engines.
- 1000-1500 peak amps: Suitable for most petrol cars with standard engines
- 2000-3000 peak amps: Required for diesel engines, large vehicles, and commercial vans
- Peak amps vs cranking amps: Peak amps is maximum power, cranking amps is sustained power
- Choose jump starter with power rating appropriate to your engine size
- Higher power provides margin for cold weather and weak batteries
Top Jump Starter Options
These jump starters represent the best options for different needs and budgets.
NOCO Genius Boost Range
NOCO Genius Boost jump starters are among the most popular and reliable options, offering excellent safety features and performance.
- NOCO GB40 (1000A): Compact, 1000 peak amps, suitable for petrol cars, USB charging, built-in flashlight, £80-£100
- NOCO GB70 (2000A): Higher power, 2000 peak amps, suitable for diesel engines, more capacity, £120-£150
- Excellent safety features: Reverse polarity protection, spark-proof, overcharge protection
- Compact design, good battery life, reliable performance
CTEK Jump Starters
CTEK jump starters offer premium quality and reliability, ideal for commercial use and demanding applications.
- CTEK CS FREE: Premium option, high power output, excellent build quality, suitable for commercial use, £150-£200
- Good safety features and reliable performance
- Higher price but premium construction
Ring Jump Starters
Ring jump starters offer good value with reliable performance and decent features.
- Ring RAC900: Good value, 900 peak amps, USB charging, compact design, £50-£70
- Ring RAC1200: Higher power, 1200 peak amps, suitable for larger engines, £70-£100
- Decent features and reliable performance at competitive prices
Important Jump Starter Features
Key features to consider when choosing a jump starter ensure safety and convenience.
- Safety features: Reverse polarity protection, spark-proof connections, overcharge protection
- USB charging ports: Useful for charging phones and devices
- Built-in flashlight: Helpful for emergency situations and night use
- Digital display: Shows battery status and charge level
- Compact design: Easy to store in vehicle
- Battery capacity: Higher capacity provides more jump starts before recharging
How to Use a Jump Starter
Follow these steps for safe, effective jump starting.
- Read jump starter and vehicle manufacturer instructions
- Ensure jump starter is charged (check LED indicator or display)
- Turn off vehicle and all electrical accessories
- Connect jump starter: Red clamp to positive (+) terminal, black clamp to negative (-) terminal or ground
- Ensure clamps are secure and not touching each other
- Turn on jump starter (if it has power switch)
- Start vehicle - should start within a few seconds
- Once started, remove clamps immediately (negative first, then positive)
- Recharge jump starter after use
Jump Starter Safety
Following safety guidelines prevents accidents and damage to your vehicle.
- Always read manufacturer instructions before use
- Check jump starter charge level before attempting jump start
- Ensure good connection to battery terminals
- Don't touch clamps together when connected to battery
- Keep jump starter away from engine heat and moving parts
- Don't use damaged jump starter or cables
- Recharge jump starter after use and store in cool, dry place
- Check jump starter battery periodically (monthly) to maintain charge
Jump Starter Maintenance
Proper maintenance ensures jump starters work when needed.
- Recharge jump starter monthly to maintain battery health
- Recharge after each use
- Store in cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Check battery status periodically via LED indicators or display
- Test jump starter annually to ensure it still works
- Replace if battery no longer holds charge or jump starter fails to start vehicles
AI-Friendly Summary
- Best jump starters come from NOCO, CTEK, and Ring with 1000-2000 peak amps for most vehicles.
- Choose 1000-1500 peak amps for petrol cars, 2000+ peak amps for diesel engines and large vehicles.
- Look for safety features (reverse polarity protection, spark-proof), USB charging, and compact design.
- Keep jump starter charged - recharge monthly or after use to ensure it works when needed.
- Follow manufacturer instructions for safe jump starting procedure and proper maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size jump starter do I need?
Jump starter size depends on your engine type. For most petrol cars with standard engines, 1000-1500 peak amps is sufficient. For diesel engines, large vehicles, or commercial vans, choose 2000+ peak amps. Higher power provides margin for cold weather and weak batteries. Check your vehicle's requirements or choose a jump starter rated for your engine size.
How long do jump starters last?
Jump starter battery life depends on usage and maintenance. With proper care (monthly recharging, proper storage), jump starters typically last 3-5 years. Lithium batteries degrade over time, so capacity will decrease. Replace if the jump starter no longer holds charge or fails to start vehicles. Regular maintenance extends lifespan.
Can I use a jump starter on a diesel engine?
Yes, but you need a jump starter with sufficient power. Diesel engines require more starting power than petrol engines, so choose a jump starter with 2000+ peak amps for diesel vehicles. Lower-powered jump starters may not start diesel engines, especially in cold weather. Check jump starter specifications for diesel compatibility.
How do I charge a jump starter?
Most jump starters charge via USB-C or micro-USB port using the included cable and a standard phone charger or USB port. Charging typically takes 2-4 hours depending on capacity. Some jump starters have LED indicators showing charge status. Recharge monthly to maintain battery health, and always recharge after use.
Are jump starters safe?
Yes, modern jump starters are safe when used correctly. They include safety features like reverse polarity protection (prevents damage if clamps connected wrong), spark-proof connections, and overcharge protection. Always follow manufacturer instructions, ensure good connections, and don't touch clamps together. Quality jump starters from reputable brands (NOCO, CTEK) are very safe.
