(checked 2026-10-10)
The best-known jump starter and the smallest one CNN and Car and Driver tested. It's CNN's budget pick and Car and Driver's most compact pick. Its small battery (24-30 Wh) may give only one or two jumps per charge, the leads are short, and some owners say it couldn't start a truck or stopped taking a charge.
Top complaints
- Small battery, few jumps per charge
Car and Driver measured 30 Wh, the lowest in its test. One jump on a badly drained battery took it from full to 25%, so the editors wouldn't count on more than one or two jumps per charge. CNN measured 24 Wh and needed to recharge after two heavy loads. Amazon's summary says battery life is mixed, with some owners reporting it won't recharge.
- Not enough power for some trucks and vans
Low-star Walmart reviews describe it failing to start a truck, a van and a completely dead 2024 F-150 (it only half cranked, then drained to zero). AutoGuide lists 'Only 1,000A' as a con and calls the maker's engine-size claims optimistic for larger engines.
Source: Walmart reviews (lowest rated), AutoGuide - Short leads and slow recharging
CNN found the 6-inch leads disappointingly short, and recharging takes two to three hours because the input is limited to 5 V, 2.1 A. Car and Driver also says the leads are extremely short and the clamps are hard to squeeze.
Source: CNN Underscored, Car and Driver
What owners love
- Smallest and easiest to stow
It was the smallest jump starter in both CNN's and Car and Driver's tests, and AutoGuide calls it extremely compact. Amazon owners like its size and portability.
- Steady output
On CNN's load tester, it held its output steady for longer than other models, which tended to dip after a second or two. CNN measured about 160 A at 7 V, which it says is enough for a four-cylinder or V6.
Source: CNN Underscored - Simple to use, with strong clamps
CNN says you hook it up, turn it on and start the car, and it has a boost mode for very dead batteries. CNN found its clamps the strongest it tested, opening a full 2 inches. AutoGuide calls them the best clamps in the business.
Source: CNN Underscored, AutoGuide
- You need several jumps per charge
- You drive a large truck or big V8
- You want long cables
- Glove-box storage for a car or small SUV
- Drivers who want a simple, proven brand
- Occasional emergency use
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- CNN Underscored: Best budget jump starter (published 2026-04-30). It's reliable for most cars, but has short 6-inch leads, a small 24 Wh battery and slow charging.
- Car and Driver: Most compact (updated 2026-05). It's easy to use, but the leads are very short, the clamps are hard to squeeze, and the battery is only good for one or two jumps.
- AutoGuide: Editor's pick: smaller and better built than other jump starters its size. Cons are only 1,000A and no USB-C port.