Best Portable Jump Starters UK 2026 — Tested & Ranked
It’s 7am on a January morning, it’s minus three degrees, and your car won’t start. If you’ve got a portable jump starter in the boot, you’re back on the road in two minutes. If you haven’t, you’re looking for jump leads, a willing stranger, and the right parking position — assuming anyone stops at all.
Modern lithium jump starters have transformed the market. The old lead-acid battery packs the size of a briefcase have been largely replaced by compact lithium units that fit in a jacket pocket, deliver impressive cranking current, and often double as a phone charger. We’ve tested the best options available in the UK in 2026, from budget picks to the benchmark NOCO Boost units, so you know exactly what to buy.
Quick picks: The NOCO Boost Plus GB40 is the gold standard for most petrol cars. The NOCO Boost HD GB70 handles larger engines and diesels. The AVAPOW 4000A offers the most capacity for less money.
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1. NOCO Boost Plus GB40 — Best Jump Starter for Most Cars
The NOCO GB40 is the jump starter we recommend to most people. At 1,000A peak current and 12V, it handles petrol engines up to 6 litres and diesel engines up to 3 litres — which covers the vast majority of UK passenger cars, estates and smaller SUVs. It’s the size of a thick paperback and weighs around 340g, so it lives happily in the glovebox or boot bag without taking up meaningful space.
What distinguishes NOCO from cheaper alternatives is the build quality and the safety system. The spark-proof technology and reverse polarity protection mean you physically cannot connect it incorrectly and damage your vehicle’s electronics — a genuine concern with the cheap units that don’t include this. The integrated LED torch is bright and actually useful. Battery capacity holds well in cold weather, which is exactly when you need it.
The USB charging output is handy for keeping phones topped up. It holds charge for up to a year in storage — leave it in the car and forget about it until you need it. At around £90–£110, it’s not the cheapest option, but the engineering quality and the peace of mind justify the price. We’ve seen cheap jump starters fail in cold weather when they’re needed most — the GB40 doesn’t.
Pros: Compact, safe reverse-polarity protection, holds charge well, cold weather reliable
Cons: Price is higher than budget alternatives
Best for: Most UK passenger cars — the safe, reliable default recommendation
Check NOCO GB40 price on Amazon UK →
2. NOCO Boost HD GB70 — Best for Diesel and Larger Engines
If you drive a larger diesel, a van, an SUV or a performance petrol with a big displacement engine, you need more cranking current than the GB40 provides. The NOCO GB70 delivers 2,000A peak current and handles petrol engines up to 8 litres and diesel engines up to 6 litres — which covers everything from a Ford Transit to a Land Rover Discovery.
It’s built on the same quality platform as the GB40 with the same spark-proof safety system, but in a larger form factor. Still pocketable at around 480g, but noticeably bigger than the GB40. The extra capacity is also useful if you need to jump start multiple vehicles or if the battery has been completely flat for some time.
At around £140–£170, it’s a significant outlay. If you drive a standard passenger car, the GB40 is the right call. If you drive anything larger, this is the one.
Check NOCO GB70 price on Amazon UK →
3. AVAPOW 4000A — Best Value High-Capacity Jump Starter
AVAPOW has made a strong impression in the portable jump starter market with units that deliver impressive specs at prices well below the NOCO equivalent. The 4000A peak current unit handles up to 10 litre petrol and 8 litre diesel engines — beyond what most UK drivers will ever need, but useful if you’re covering multiple vehicles.
Build quality is good for the price, the safety features (reverse polarity, over-current, short circuit protection) are present and functional, and the included USB-C output charges phones and tablets quickly. It’s bulkier and heavier than the NOCO units, and cold-weather performance hasn’t been tested as extensively — a consideration for British winters.
At around £55–£75, it offers a compelling spec for the money. If you’re budget-conscious and willing to accept a less refined product than NOCO, this is the best of the alternatives we’ve tested.
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want high peak current at a lower price
Verdict: Good value, does the job. Not as polished or cold-weather-proven as NOCO, but a genuine step above the cheapest imports.
Check AVAPOW jump starter price on Amazon UK →
4. Halfords Lithium Jump Starter 800A — Best High Street Option
If you’d rather buy from a UK high street retailer with a physical returns desk, Halfords’ own lithium jump starter range is a solid choice. The 800A unit handles most petrol cars up to 4 litres and smaller diesels, comes with a good quality carry case and jumper cables, and benefits from Halfords’ nationwide store network for returns or exchanges.
It’s not as compact or as powerful as the NOCO GB40, and Halfords’ own-brand electronics aren’t quite at the same quality level. But the retail availability, included accessories and peace-of-mind returns policy make it a sensible choice for many buyers. Expect to pay around £60–£80.
Check Halfords jump starters on Amazon UK →
What to Look for in a Portable Jump Starter
Peak current — The headline figure. Most standard petrol cars need 400–600A to start. Large diesels can need 1,500A or more. Choose a unit rated well above what you need — lithium units often fall short of peak ratings in very cold weather.
Safety features — Reverse polarity protection (connecting cables wrongly won’t damage the car’s electronics) is essential. Spark-proof connection is a bonus. Avoid units that don’t list these clearly.
Cold weather performance — Lithium batteries lose capacity in cold temperatures, which is precisely when you need a jump starter most. NOCO’s units are specifically designed to perform in cold conditions. Cheaper units may not start your car at -10°C.
Battery retention — How long will it hold a charge sitting in the boot? Good units hold charge for 6–12 months. Charge yours every 6 months as a habit, or when you notice the battery indicator has dropped.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a portable jump starter damage my car?
A quality unit with reverse polarity and surge protection cannot damage your car if used correctly. Cheap units without these protections can damage sensitive electronics if connected wrongly. Always buy a unit with protection circuitry and follow the instructions — red to positive, black to negative, always.
How many times can I jump start from one charge?
A fully charged NOCO GB40 can typically start a standard petrol car 20+ times. In practice, each jump start uses a fraction of the stored capacity — more if the battery is deeply discharged. Always recharge your jump starter after use.
Will it work on my diesel van?
Check the peak current rating against your engine’s requirements. For diesel vans (Transit, Sprinter, etc.), you typically need at least 1,500–2,000A peak current. The NOCO GB70 is the safest choice for most UK diesel vans and 4x4s.
Should I keep a jump starter or jump leads?
Both have their place. Jump leads are reliable and cheap but require another vehicle — which isn’t always available. A portable jump starter works independently, which is invaluable in a car park or remote location. We’d recommend a compact jump starter for the boot and a set of leads as a backup.
Our Verdict
The NOCO GB40 is the jump starter we’d recommend to anyone driving a standard UK car — compact, safe, reliable in cold weather, and built to last. If you have a larger diesel, van or 4×4, step up to the NOCO GB70AVAPOW is a solid budget alternative if the NOCO price is a stretch. Buy one, keep it charged, and you’ll never be stranded by a flat battery again.