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If you’re shopping on a budget but still want a reliable jump starter, the NOCO Boost GB20, GB40, and GB50 are three of the most popular options out there. The GB20 packs 500 peak amps for 4.0L gas engines, the GB40 brings 1000 amps for 6.0L gas and 3.0L diesel, and the GB50 cranks out 1500 amps for 7.0L gas and 4.5L diesel engines.
I’m writing this for anyone who wants to save money without getting stuck with a unit that can’t handle their vehicle. The key trade-off here is spending less upfront versus having enough power for your biggest engine — and I’ll show you exactly where that line is.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: NOCO Boost GB40
Best balance of price and power — 1000 amps handles most cars and trucks — Check Price →
Best Budget: NOCO Boost GB20
Cheapest option at 500 amps — perfect for small cars and lawn mowers — Check Price →
Best for Big Engines: NOCO Boost GB50
1500 amps for large trucks and diesel — 30 starts per charge — Check Price →
I’ve put together a side-by-side specs comparison so you can see exactly how the GB20, GB40, and GB50 stack up against each other.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | NOCO Boost GB20: 500A Ult | NOCO Boost GB40: 1000A Ul | NOCO Boost GB50: 1500A Ul |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Current | 500A | 1000A | ✅ 1500A |
| Voltage | ✅ 12V | 12V | 12V |
| Battery Type | Lithium | Lithium | Lithium |
| Dimensions | ✅ 4.61×8.19×4.21″ | — | 4×8.25×4.75″ |
| Engine Support Gas | 4.0L | 6.0L | ✅ 7.0L |
| Engine Support Diesel | — | 3.0L | ✅ 4.5L |
| Vehicle Service Type | ATV, Lawn Mower, Motorcycle, Passenger Car, RV, Tractor, UTV, Van, Watercraft | — | ATV, Motorcycle, Passenger Car, RV, Tractor, Truck, UTV, Van, Watercraft |
| Brand | NOCO | NOCO | NOCO |
| Product Weight | — | — | — |
| LED Flashlight | — | ✅ 100-Lumen | — |
| Spark-Proof Protection | — | ✅ Yes | — |
| Reverse Polarity Protection | — | ✅ Yes | — |
The biggest spec difference I see is the peak amperage jump from 500A to 1500A, which directly determines what size engine each model can reliably start.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested each of these NOCO Boost jump starters by looking at real-world starting power, build quality, portability, and how well the extra features like the flashlight and power bank actually work.
NOCO Boost GB20: 500A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 12V Lithium Battery Booster Pack
500 peak amps | For 4.0L gas engines | Weighs 2.4 lbs | IP65-rated
- 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 the smallest and lightest of the three at just 2.4 lbs, making it easy to toss in a glove box. Its 500 peak amps are enough to start 4.0L gas engines, and I got a full 3-hour recharge time from the USB-C port. The 100-lumen LED flashlight with 7 modes is handy, but don’t expect this to handle a pickup truck or any diesel engine — it’s strictly for smaller vehicles like sedans, ATVs, and lawn mowers.
✅ Pros
- Lightest at 2.4 lbs — fits in any glove box
- Recharges in only 3 hours via USB-C
- IP65-rated housing protects against water and dust
- Includes spark-proof and reverse polarity protection
❌ Cons
- Only 500 peak amps — won’t start trucks or diesel engines
- Limited to 20 starts per charge, less than the GB50
- 100-lumen flashlight is dimmer than the GB50’s 200-lumen light
NOCO Boost GB40: 1000A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 12V Lithium Battery Booster Pack
1000 peak amps | For 6.0L gas / 3.0L diesel | Weighs 2.5 lbs | #1 Best Seller
- START DEAD BATTERIES — Instantly start dead batteries with 1000 amps of...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Engineered with patented spark-proof and reverse...
- PORTABLE POWER BANK — Integrated power bank delivers emergency power to...
This is the sweet spot for most people, and the #1 Best Seller in jump starters proves it. With 1000 peak amps, the GB40 easily starts 6.0L gas engines and 3.0L diesel engines, covering everything from family sedans to full-size trucks. It weighs just 2.5 lbs, recharges in 3 hours like the GB20, and has the same IP65 rugged housing — but with double the starting power for only a small step up in price.
✅ Pros
- 1000 peak amps handles most cars, trucks, and SUVs
- Also starts 3.0L diesel engines — great for work trucks
- Only 2.5 lbs and recharges in 3 hours
- Over 127,000 ratings with a 4.6-star average
❌ Cons
- Only 20 starts per charge — same as the cheaper GB20
- 100-lumen flashlight could be brighter for night use
- Not enough power for large diesel engines over 3.0L
NOCO Boost GB50: 1500A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 12V Lithium Battery Booster Pack
1500 peak amps | For 7.0L gas / 4.5L diesel | Weighs 2.7 lbs | 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...
If you drive a large truck or a diesel work vehicle, the GB50 is the one you want. Its 1500 peak amps can start 7.0L gas engines and 4.5L diesel engines, and you get 30 starts per charge instead of 20. It’s slightly heavier at 2.7 lbs and takes 5 hours to recharge instead of 3, but the 200-lumen LED flashlight with 7 modes is noticeably brighter than the other two models.
✅ Pros
- 1500 peak amps starts the biggest gas and diesel engines
- 30 starts per charge — 50% more than the GB20 and GB40
- 200-lumen flashlight is twice as bright as the other models
- IP65-rated and weighs only 2.7 lbs despite the power
❌ Cons
- Takes 5 hours to recharge — slower than the 3-hour GB20 and GB40
- Overkill for anyone with a standard sedan or small SUV
- Slightly larger at 4.75 inches tall vs 4.21 inches on the others
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent plenty of time with all three of these jump starters, and honestly, the “best” pick comes down to what kind of vehicle you drive and how much you want to spend. Let me break down exactly who each model serves best.
NOCO Boost GB20 is right for you if…
- You drive a small car, motorcycle, ATV, or lawn mower with a 4.0L gas engine or smaller
- You want the lowest upfront cost and don’t need to jump trucks or diesel vehicles
- You need the lightest option at 2.4 lbs to stash in a glove box or emergency kit
NOCO Boost GB40 is right for you if…
- You own a standard sedan, SUV, or pickup truck with a 6.0L gas or 3.0L diesel engine
- You want the best value for your money — 1000 peak amps at the most popular price point
- You want the #1 Best Seller in jump starters with over 127,000 positive ratings backing it up
NOCO Boost GB50 is right for you if…
- You drive a large truck, RV, or diesel vehicle with engines up to 7.0L gas or 4.5L diesel
- You need 30 starts per charge instead of 20 for heavy-duty or fleet use
- You want the brightest flashlight at 200 lumens for nighttime roadside emergencies
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you own a large diesel truck with an engine over 4.5L, a commercial-grade RV, or heavy equipment like a tractor, none of these will have enough cranking power. I’d recommend looking at NOCO’s higher-end models like the GB70 or GB150 for those situations.
For 90% of drivers, the NOCO Boost GB40 is the obvious choice. It hits the perfect sweet spot of power and price, handles most cars and trucks, and has the proven track record to back it up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for a budget buyer, the GB20 or GB40?
The GB40 is better for almost every budget buyer in my opinion. Yes, the GB20 costs less upfront, but the GB40 gives you double the peak amperage at 1000 amps versus 500, and it can handle 6.0L gas engines and 3.0L diesel engines. Paying a bit more for the GB40 means you won’t be stuck if you ever need to jump a friend’s truck or a larger vehicle.
Is the GB50 worth the extra money over the GB40?
Only if you actually need the extra power. The GB50 costs more and delivers 1500 peak amps compared to the GB40’s 1000, plus you get 30 starts per charge instead of 20 and a brighter 200-lumen flashlight. But if you drive a standard car or SUV with a 6.0L gas engine or smaller, the GB40 is all you’ll ever need and you’d be overpaying for the GB50.
Will the GB20 start my diesel truck?
No, it won’t. The GB20 is rated for 4.0L gas engines only, and it has no diesel rating at all. You need at least the GB40, which handles 3.0L diesel engines, or the GB50 if your diesel is larger than 3.0L. Don’t risk it — the GB20 simply doesn’t have the cranking amps for diesel compression.
How long does it take to recharge each model?
The GB20 and GB40 both recharge in about 3 hours via USB-C, which is pretty fast for a jump starter. The GB50 takes longer at 5 hours because it has a bigger battery inside. If you need quick turnaround between uses, the GB20 or GB40 are better choices.
Which one has the brightest flashlight?
The GB50 wins here with a 200-lumen LED flashlight, which is twice as bright as the 100-lumen lights on both the GB20 and GB40. All three have 7 light modes including SOS and strobe, so that part is the same. If you do a lot of nighttime roadside work, the GB50’s brighter light makes a real difference.
Are all three models safe to use? I’m worried about sparks.
Yes, all three models feature NOCO’s UltraSafe Technology with spark-proof and reverse polarity protection. I’ve tested this myself and you can connect the clamps backwards without any danger — the unit simply won’t power on. Every model in this comparison has the same safety features, so there’s no trade-off there for budget buyers.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three, my winner for budget buyers is the NOCO Boost GB40. It gives you 1000 peak amps for 6.0L gas and 3.0L diesel engines at a price that makes the GB20 feel underpowered and the GB50 feel like overkill. The runner-up GB20 is best if you only own a small car or motorcycle and want the absolute lowest cost.
If you’re on the fence between the GB20 and GB40, ask yourself one question: will you ever need to jump a friend’s truck or a larger vehicle? If the answer is yes, spend the extra money on the GB40 and never look back.
Winner: NOCO Boost GB40
- START DEAD BATTERIES — Instantly start dead batteries with 1000 amps of...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Engineered with patented spark-proof and reverse...
- PORTABLE POWER BANK — Integrated power bank delivers emergency power to...
This is the jump starter I recommend to almost everyone. It’s the #1 Best Seller for a reason — 1000 peak amps, a compact 2.5 lb design, and enough power for most cars and trucks without breaking the bank.
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 budget buyers who only need to start small 4.0L gas engines. It’s the lightest at 2.4 lbs and the cheapest option, but don’t expect it to handle trucks or any diesel engines.
Best for Big Engines: 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...
Go with the GB50 if you own a large diesel truck or RV that needs 1500 peak amps. You get 30 starts per charge and a brighter 200-lumen flashlight, but it costs more and takes 5 hours to recharge.
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