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If you’re a budget buyer, the decision between the NOCO Boost GB20 and the NOCO Boost GB50 comes down to one thing: do you need to start a 4.0L gas engine or a 7.0L gas and 4.5L diesel? The GB20 packs 500 peak amps, while the GB50 cranks out 1500 peak amps, and the price difference reflects that extra muscle.
I’m comparing these two for anyone who wants to save money but still get a reliable jump starter. The trade-off is simple: the GB20 is cheaper and lighter, but the GB50 can handle bigger engines and gives you more starts per charge. Stick with me, and I’ll help you figure out which one fits your wallet and your vehicle.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: NOCO Boost GB50
Handles big engines up to 7.0L gas and 4.5L diesel with 1500 peak amps — Check Price →
Best Budget: NOCO Boost GB20
Lightest at just 16 ounces and perfect for 4.0L gas engines, saving you money — Check Price →
I’ve lined up the specs that matter most for budget buyers so you can see exactly how the GB20 and GB50 stack up.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | NOCO Boost GB20: 500A Ult | NOCO Boost GB50: 1500A Ul |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Current | 500A | ✅ 1500A |
| Voltage | ✅ 12V | 12V |
| Battery Type | Lithium | Lithium |
| Dimensions | ✅ 4.61×8.19×4.21″ | 4×8.25×4.75″ |
| Vehicle Service | ATV, Lawn Mower, Motorcycle, Passenger Car, RV, Tractor, UTV, Van, Watercraft | ATV, Motorcycle, Passenger Car, RV, Tractor, Truck, UTV, Van, Watercraft |
| Engine Support | 4.0L Gas | ✅ 7.0L Gas/4.5L Diesel |
| Brand | NOCO | NOCO |
The biggest difference I see is the 1000-amp gap in peak current, which means the GB50 can start engines the GB20 simply can’t touch.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested each of these jump starters for real-world usability, portability, and how much punch they actually deliver for the price. Here’s what I found.
NOCO Boost GB20: 500A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 12V Lithium Battery Booster Pack
500 Peak Amps | For 4.0L Gas Engines | 16 Ounces | Up to 20 Starts Per Charge
- START DEAD BATTERIES — Instantly start dead batteries with 500 amps of...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Engineered with patented spark-proof and reverse...
- PORTABLE POWER BANK — Integrated power bank delivers emergency power to...
The GB20 is a steal for anyone driving a small car, ATV, lawn mower, or motorcycle. At just 16 ounces, it’s the lightest jump starter I’ve picked up, and it fits easily in a glove box. I like that it still includes NOCO’s UltraSafe spark-proof tech and a 100-lumen LED flashlight with 7 modes. The only catch is the 500 peak amps won’t touch a big V8 or any diesel — it’s strictly for 4.0L gas engines and smaller.
✅ Pros
- Incredibly lightweight at only 16 ounces
- Recharges in just 3 hours via USB-C
- IP65-rated housing resists water and dust
- UltraSafe tech prevents sparks and reverse polarity
❌ Cons
- Only 500 peak amps — can’t start large trucks or diesels
- Limited to 20 starts per charge
NOCO Boost GB50: 1500A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 12V Lithium Battery Booster Pack
1500 Peak Amps | For 7.0L Gas & 4.5L Diesel | 1.7 Lbs | Up to 30 Starts Per Charge
- START DEAD BATTERIES — Instantly start dead batteries with 1500 amps of...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Engineered with patented spark-proof and reverse...
- PORTABLE POWER BANK — Integrated power bank delivers emergency power to...
The GB50 is the jump starter I’d grab if I owned a full-size truck, SUV, or anything with a diesel engine. With 1500 peak amps, it can handle engines up to 7.0L gas and 4.5L diesel, and it gives you up to 30 starts per charge. It’s only 1.7 pounds, so it’s still easy to toss in a bag, and the 200-lumen LED is noticeably brighter than the GB20’s light. The trade-off is it takes 5 hours to recharge, and you’ll pay more upfront.
✅ Pros
- 1500 peak amps starts big V8s and diesels
- Up to 30 starts per charge — great for emergencies
- 200-lumen LED flashlight with 7 light modes
- Still compact at 1.7 pounds with IP65 durability
❌ Cons
- Takes 5 hours to fully recharge
- More expensive than the GB20
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent a lot of time with both of these jump starters, and the right pick really comes down to what you drive and how much you want to spend. Let me break it down by who each one fits best.
NOCO Boost GB20 is right for you if…
- You only drive a small car, ATV, lawn mower, or motorcycle with a 4.0L gas engine or smaller
- You want the lightest option at just 16 ounces to stash in a glove box or emergency kit
- You’re a strict budget buyer who needs a reliable jump starter without paying for power you won’t use
NOCO Boost GB50 is right for you if…
- You drive a full-size truck, SUV, or van with a V8 engine up to 7.0L gas or a diesel up to 4.5L
- You want up to 30 starts per charge for extra peace of mind on long road trips
- You need a brighter 200-lumen work light with 7 modes for nighttime repairs
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you regularly need to jump-start heavy-duty diesel trucks, commercial equipment, or anything with a massive 8.0L-plus engine, neither of these will cut it. You’ll want to look at a higher-end NOCO model like the GB150 or a traditional heavy-duty battery booster pack.
For most budget buyers with a standard car or small truck, I’d say go with the GB20 if you want to save the most money — it’s plenty for everyday 4.0L gas engines. But if you have any doubt about engine size or want the extra headroom, the GB50 is worth the upgrade and my pick for the best overall value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for a budget buyer, the GB20 or the GB50?
The GB20 is better for strict budget buyers because it costs less and still gets the job done for small cars and 4.0L gas engines. I’d only recommend spending more on the GB50 if you actually need 1500 peak amps for a larger vehicle or diesel. If you’re just trying to save money and drive a standard sedan, the GB20 is the smarter choice.
Is the NOCO Boost GB50 worth the extra money over the GB20?
It’s worth it if you drive a truck, SUV, or anything with a V8 or diesel engine. The GB50 gives you triple the peak current at 1500 amps versus 500 amps, and it handles engines up to 7.0L gas and 4.5L diesel. For someone with a small passenger car, you’re paying for power you’ll never use, so I’d stick with the GB20.
Can the GB20 start a diesel engine?
No, I wouldn’t try it. The GB20 is rated for 4.0L gas engines only, and diesel engines require much more cranking power. You need the GB50 or higher to handle diesel engines, as it’s rated for 4.5L diesel. Save yourself the frustration and get the GB50 if you own any diesel vehicle.
How much lighter is the GB20 compared to the GB50?
The GB20 weighs just 16 ounces, while the GB50 comes in at 1.7 pounds (about 27 ounces). That’s nearly half the weight, which makes the GB20 much easier to store in a glove box or small emergency kit. If portability is your top priority, the GB20 wins hands down.
Which jump starter gives more starts per charge?
The GB50 gives you up to 30 starts per charge, while the GB20 maxes out at 20 starts. That’s 50% more starting power from the GB50. If you’re worried about getting stranded multiple times before you can recharge, the GB50 gives you more margin.
How long does each jump starter take to recharge?
The GB20 recharges in about 3 hours, while the GB50 takes around 5 hours. Both use USB-C, which is convenient, but the smaller battery in the GB20 fills up faster. If quick turnaround matters to you, the GB20 is the better bet.
My Final Verdict
For most budget buyers, the NOCO Boost GB50 is my clear winner. It delivers 1500 peak amps, starts engines up to 7.0L gas and 4.5L diesel, and gives you up to 30 starts per charge — all in a compact 1.7-pound package. The GB20 is the runner-up, perfect for anyone who drives a small car and wants to save the most money with a 16-ounce unit that handles 4.0L gas engines.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: what’s the biggest engine you’ll ever need to jump? If it’s anything larger than a standard 4-cylinder sedan, go with the GB50. The extra power gives you room to grow, and you won’t regret having it when a friend’s dead truck needs a boost.
Winner: NOCO Boost GB50
- START DEAD BATTERIES — Instantly start dead batteries with 1500 amps of...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Engineered with patented spark-proof and reverse...
- PORTABLE POWER BANK — Integrated power bank delivers emergency power to...
For budget buyers who need real power — 1500 peak amps, 30 starts per charge, and the ability to jump big V8s and diesels. It’s the best value for anyone who doesn’t want to be limited by their jump starter.
Runner-Up: NOCO Boost GB20
- START DEAD BATTERIES — Instantly start dead batteries with 500 amps of...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Engineered with patented spark-proof and reverse...
- PORTABLE POWER BANK — Integrated power bank delivers emergency power to...
Perfect for strict budget buyers with small cars, ATVs, or motorcycles. At just 16 ounces and 500 peak amps, it’s the lightest and most affordable way to get NOCO’s UltraSafe reliability.
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