(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (57 ratings).
Car and Driver's budget pick. At 1.44 lb, it was the lightest jump starter it tested, with long 21-inch leads and a good storage bag. The clamps are small and plasticky, the screen can be hard to read, and Amazon has few ratings so far.
Top complaints
- Small, plasticky clamps
Car and Driver says the clamps are a bit too small and plasticky.
Source: Car and Driver - Hard-to-read screen
Car and Driver says the screen can be hard to read at times.
Source: Car and Driver - Stiff cable connector at first
Car and Driver had trouble connecting the cables to the unit until the connector wore in.
Source: Car and Driver
What owners love
- Very light
At 1.44 lb, Car and Driver calls it easily the lightest of the bunch, small enough to lose in a glove box.
Source: Car and Driver - Long leads and a good bag
The leads are 21 inches, and Car and Driver says the carrying bag is rigid and durable, with organizing pockets.
Source: Car and Driver - Gets the job done
Car and Driver calls it more than enough for the occasional jump. Amazon owners say it works well, with one saying it started a Honda CR-V right up.
- You want sturdy metal clamps
- You need power for big engines
- You want a long track record
- A cheap backup for the occasional jump
- The lightest, most stowable pack
- Small and midsize cars
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Car and Driver: Best budget (updated 2026-05): extremely light, with long leads and a great bag. The clamps are small and the screen can be hard to read.