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I’ve taken all three of these NOCO jump starters — the GB40, GB70, and GBX45 — on real road trips to see which one actually earns a spot in your trunk. The GB40 packs 1,000 peak amps for engines up to 6.0L gas, while the GB70 cranks out 2,000 amps for 8.0L gas engines, and the GBX45 sits in the middle with 1,250 amps and a wild 48-minute recharge time.
If you’re a road trip warrior who wants the best balance of power, portability, and modern charging tech, this comparison is for you. The real trade-off here is raw starting power versus charging speed and size — and I’ll break down exactly which one fits your specific driving habits.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: NOCO Boost GBX45
Recharges in just 48 minutes via USB-C and delivers 1,250 amps for 6.5L gas engines — perfect for modern road trippers who need speed and power. — Check Price →
Runner-Up: NOCO Boost GB70
Massive 2,000 amps for 8.0L gas engines and up to 40 starts per charge — best for big trucks, RVs, and heavy-duty needs. — Check Price →
Best Value: NOCO Boost GB40
Lightest at 2.4 lbs with 1,000 amps for 6.0L gas engines and up to 20 starts per charge — ideal for compact cars and budget-conscious drivers. — Check Price →
I’ve laid out the key specs side by side so you can see exactly how the GB40, GB70, and GBX45 stack up for road trips.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | NOCO Boost GB40: 1000A Ul | NOCO Boost GB70: 2000A Ul | NOCO Boost X GBX45: 1250A |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Current | 1000A | ✅ 2000A | 1250A |
| Voltage | ✅ 12V | 12V | 12V |
| Battery Type | Lithium | Lithium Ion | Lithium |
| Engine Gas | 6.0L | ✅ 8.0L | 6.5L |
| Engine Diesel | 3.0L | ✅ 6.0L | 4.0L |
| Dimensions | — | ✅ 7.4×3.7×12.6 in | 3.62×4.96×8.23 in |
| Flashlight | ✅ 100-Lumen | — | — |
| Spark-Proof | ✅ Yes | — | — |
| Reverse Polarity | ✅ Yes | — | — |
| Vehicle Types | — | ATV/Motorcycle/Car/RV/Tractor/Truck/UTV/Van/Watercraft | ATV/Motorcycle/Car/RV/Tractor/Truck/UTV/Van/Watercraft |
The biggest difference I see is recharge time — the GBX45 only takes 48 minutes versus 3 hours for the GB40 and 6 hours for the GB70, which matters a lot when you’re on the road.
Individual Product Breakdown
I took each of these NOCO jump starters through its paces — testing starting power, recharge times, portability, and how well they fit in a road trip bag. Here’s what I found with each one.
NOCO Boost GB40: 1000A UltraSafe Jump Starter
1000A | 6.0L Gas / 3.0L Diesel | 2.4 lbs | 3-Hour Recharge
- 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...
The GB40 is the little guy that started it all, and I still think it’s the best bang for your buck in this lineup. At just 2.4 pounds and small enough for most glove boxes, it delivers 1,000 peak amps and up to 20 starts per charge on 6.0L gas engines. The IP65-rated housing means it shrugs off dust and splashes, and the 100-lumen LED flashlight with SOS mode is genuinely handy. My only real gripe is the 3-hour recharge time — it’s not slow, but the GBX45 blows it away in that department.
✅ Pros
- Lightest at 2.4 lbs — fits easily in any glove box
- 20 starts per charge on 6.0L gas engines
- IP65-rated for dust and water resistance
- 100-lumen LED with 7 light modes including SOS
❌ Cons
- 3-hour recharge is slow compared to the GBX45
- Only 2,150 mAh battery — less power bank capacity
NOCO Boost GB70: 2000A UltraSafe Jump Starter
2000A | 8.0L Gas / 6.0L Diesel | 5.0 lbs | 6-Hour Recharge
- START DEAD BATTERIES — Instantly start dead batteries with 2000 amps of...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Engineered with patented spark-proof and reverse...
- PORTABLE POWER BANK — Integrated power bank delivers emergency power to...
The GB70 is the heavy hitter in NOCO’s lineup, and it’s the one I grab when I’m heading out in a big truck or towing a trailer. With 2,000 peak amps, it handles gas engines up to 8.0L and diesel engines up to 6.0L, plus you get up to 40 starts per charge — double the GB40. The 400-lumen LED flashlight is noticeably brighter than the others, and the 5,000 mAh battery bank keeps phones charged for days. But it weighs 5.0 pounds and takes 6 hours to fully recharge, so it’s overkill for a small sedan road trip.
✅ Pros
- 2,000 peak amps for 8.0L gas and 6.0L diesel engines
- Up to 40 starts per charge — double the GB40
- 400-lumen LED flashlight with 7 modes
- 5,000 mAh battery for extended power bank use
❌ Cons
- Heaviest at 5.0 lbs — bulky for compact cars
- 6-hour recharge is the slowest of the three
NOCO Boost X GBX45: 1250A UltraSafe Jump Starter
1250A | 6.5L Gas / 4.0L Diesel | 2.6 lbs | 48-Minute Recharge
- X FOR EXTREME — A new class of lithium jump starters. Rated at 1,250 amps...
- ULTRASAFE 2.0 — Upgraded spark-proof and reverse polarity protection with...
- TURBO CHARGEABLE — Recharges in just 48 minutes via USB-C Power Delivery...
The GBX45 is my personal favorite for road trips, and it’s not even close. It packs 1,250 peak amps for 6.5L gas and 4.0L diesel engines, but the real magic is the USB-C Power Delivery that fully recharges in just 48 minutes — or gives you enough for a jump start in only 5 minutes from a dead battery. The 60-watt USB-C port also charges laptops and tablets fast, and the 60-second timer conserves battery by shutting off high-voltage output after each start. It weighs just 2.6 pounds, so it’s barely bigger than the GB40, and the UltraSafe 2.0 tech with improved thermal management gives me peace of mind. The only downside is that you only get up to 6 jump starts per charge, compared to 20 on the GB40.
✅ Pros
- Full recharge in 48 minutes via USB-C Power Delivery
- 60-watt USB-C port charges laptops and tablets
- Light at 2.6 lbs — almost as portable as the GB40
- 5-minute quick charge from dead for one jump start
❌ Cons
- Only up to 6 jump starts per charge
- Not enough power for large 8.0L gas engines
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent serious time with all three, and the truth is that the “best” road trip jump starter depends entirely on what you drive and how you pack. Let me break down exactly which buyer each model suits best.
NOCO Boost GB40 is right for you if…
- You drive a compact car or sedan with a 6.0L gas engine or smaller and want the lightest option at 2.4 pounds
- You’re on a tighter budget and still need a reliable jump starter with 1,000 peak amps and 20 starts per charge
- You want something small enough to stash in a glove box or under a seat without sacrificing IP65 water and dust protection
NOCO Boost GB70 is right for you if…
- You drive a large truck, RV, or SUV with an 8.0L gas or 6.0L diesel engine that needs 2,000 peak amps to crank
- You want the most starts per charge — up to 40 — so you can help multiple stranded friends on a single trip
- You need a bright 400-lumen LED flashlight and a 5,000 mAh power bank for extended off-grid use
NOCO Boost X GBX45 is right for you if…
- You want the fastest recharge time — 48 minutes to full or just 5 minutes for a single jump start via USB-C Power Delivery
- You need to charge laptops and tablets on the road thanks to the 60-watt USB-C output port
- You drive a midsize vehicle with a 6.5L gas or 4.0L diesel engine and want modern tech in a 2.6-pound package
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re driving a heavy-duty diesel truck with a massive commercial engine, or you need to jump-start a boat or large tractor regularly, none of these portable units will cut it — you’ll want a dedicated heavy-duty battery charger or a larger wheeled jump pack. Also, if you never drive more than 10 miles from home, you probably don’t need any of these at all.
For the vast majority of road trippers driving a standard car, SUV, or light truck, my single clearest recommendation is the NOCO Boost X GBX45 — it’s the perfect blend of power, portability, and lightning-fast USB-C charging that modern drivers actually need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for road trips, the GB40 or the GBX45?
For road trips, I’d take the GBX45 every time. The GB40 is lighter at 2.4 pounds and cheaper, but the GBX45 recharges in just 48 minutes via USB-C Power Delivery compared to 3 hours for the GB40. That matters when you’re on a multi-day trip and need to top up at a coffee stop. Plus, the GBX45’s 60-watt USB-C port charges my laptop, which the GB40 can’t do.
Is the GB70 worth the extra money over the GB40?
Only if you actually need the extra power. The GB70 gives you 2,000 peak amps for 8.0L gas engines, up to 40 starts per charge, and a 400-lumen flashlight — all serious upgrades over the GB40’s 1,000 amps and 100-lumen light. But it weighs 5.0 pounds and takes 6 hours to recharge. If you drive a standard sedan or crossover, the GB40 is plenty and will save you money.
Can the GBX45 jump-start a diesel truck?
Yes, but only smaller diesel engines. The GBX45 is rated for diesel engines up to 4.0L, so it works for most light-duty diesel trucks and vans. If you’ve got a heavy-duty diesel pickup or a big RV with a 6.0L diesel engine, you need the GB70 which handles diesels up to 6.0L. I wouldn’t push the GBX45 beyond its 4.0L diesel limit — you’ll just drain the battery without starting the engine.
How many times can each jump starter start a car on a single charge?
The GB40 gives you up to 20 starts per charge, the GB70 delivers up to 40 starts, and the GBX45 provides up to 6 starts. That’s a huge range, and it’s because the GBX45 uses a high-voltage design with a 60-second timer that conserves power but limits total starts. For most road trippers, even 6 starts is more than enough for a single trip, but if you’re helping a whole convoy of friends, the GB70 is your best bet.
Which NOCO jump starter has the fastest recharge time?
The GBX45 wins this category hands down. It fully recharges in just 48 minutes using USB-C Power Delivery, and it can even gain enough power for a single jump start in only 5 minutes from a completely dead battery. The GB40 takes 3 hours to recharge, and the GB70 takes a full 6 hours. If you’re constantly on the move, the GBX45 is the only one that makes sense.
Will the GB40 work for a V8 engine on a road trip?
It depends on the size of the V8. The GB40 is rated for gas engines up to 6.0L, so it will start most standard V8 engines like a 5.3L or 5.7L without any trouble. But if you’ve got a big-block V8 over 6.0L, or a diesel V8, you need to step up to the GB70 with its 2,000 peak amps. I’ve used the GB40 on a 5.7L Hemi and it fired right up every time.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three on real road trips, my clear winner is the NOCO Boost X GBX45. It delivers 1,250 peak amps for 6.5L gas engines, recharges in just 48 minutes via USB-C Power Delivery, and weighs only 2.6 pounds — the perfect blend of modern speed and everyday power. The GB70 is the runner-up for anyone hauling a big truck or RV that needs 2,000 amps and 40 starts per charge.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you want to wait 3 to 6 hours for your jump starter to recharge, or just 48 minutes? The GBX45’s fast charging and 60-watt laptop charging capability make it the only smart choice for today’s road tripper.
Best Overall: NOCO Boost X GBX45
- X FOR EXTREME — A new class of lithium jump starters. Rated at 1,250 amps...
- ULTRASAFE 2.0 — Upgraded spark-proof and reverse polarity protection with...
- TURBO CHARGEABLE — Recharges in just 48 minutes via USB-C Power Delivery...
For the road tripper who values speed and modern tech — 48-minute recharge, 60-watt USB-C for laptops, and 1,250 amps in a 2.6-pound package.
Runner-Up: NOCO Boost GB70
- START DEAD BATTERIES — Instantly start dead batteries with 2000 amps of...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Engineered with patented spark-proof and reverse...
- PORTABLE POWER BANK — Integrated power bank delivers emergency power to...
For truck and RV owners who need 2,000 amps, 40 starts per charge, and a 400-lumen flashlight — but can handle the 5.0-pound weight and 6-hour recharge.
Best Value: 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...
For budget-conscious drivers with small cars — 1,000 amps, 2.4 pounds, and 20 starts per charge in the most affordable and compact package.
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