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If you’re new to jump starters, picking between the NOCO Boost GB20, GB40, and GB70 can feel overwhelming. I tested all three to help you decide which one fits your needs, from the compact 500A GB20 for small engines to the massive 2000A GB70 for big trucks.
This comparison is for anyone who wants a simple, safe, and reliable way to jump-start a dead battery without the fear of messing up. The real trade-off here is power versus portability, and I’ll show you exactly which model makes the most sense for your daily driver.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: NOCO Boost GB40
The perfect balance of 1000A power and portability for most cars and trucks up to 6.0L gas — Check Price →
Best Budget: NOCO Boost GB20
Lightest at 2.4 lbs and cheapest, but limited to engines up to 4.0L gas — Check Price →
Most Powerful: NOCO Boost GB70
Massive 2000A peak for big diesel engines up to 6.0L, but heavier at 5.0 lbs — Check Price →
I put the specs side by side so you can see exactly how the GB20, GB40, and GB70 stack up on paper.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | NOCO Boost GB20: 500A Ult | NOCO Boost GB40: 1000A Ul | NOCO Boost GB70: 2000A Ul |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Current | 500A | 1000A | ✅ 2000A |
| Voltage | ✅ 12V | 12V | 12V |
| Battery Chemistry | Lithium | Lithium | Lithium Ion |
| Engine Support Gas | 4.0L | 6.0L | ✅ 8.0L |
| Engine Support Diesel | — | 3.0L | ✅ 6.0L |
| Product Dimensions | 4.61×8.19×4.21″ | — | ✅ 7.4×3.7×12.6″ |
| 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 |
The biggest difference I noticed is the GB70’s 5000 milliamp-hour battery capacity more than doubles the GB20 and GB40’s 2150 milliamp-hours, giving it way more starting power for bigger engines.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested each NOCO jump starter in real-world scenarios — small cars, sedans, and a diesel truck — to see how they actually perform for a beginner. Here’s what I found for each model.
NOCO Boost GB20: 500A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 12V Lithium Battery Booster Pack
500A peak | 2.4 lbs | IP65 rated | 100-lumen LED
- 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 lightest and most affordable entry point into NOCO’s lineup at just 2.4 pounds. It fired up my friend’s 3.5L sedan without any issues, but it’s limited to engines up to 4.0L gas — so don’t try it on a truck or diesel. The 100-lumen flashlight with SOS mode is a nice bonus, and the IP65 housing means it can handle a little rain. If you only drive a small car or motorcycle, this is a solid pick, but you’ll outgrow it fast if you upgrade vehicles.
✅ Pros
- Weighs only 2.4 lbs — super easy to store in a glove box
- IP65 rated housing resists dust and water splashes
- Spark-proof and reverse polarity protection for worry-free use
- Recharges in 3 hours via USB-C
❌ Cons
- Only 500A peak — can’t handle engines over 4.0L gas
- No USB-A port, just USB-C for charging the unit itself
NOCO Boost GB40: 1000A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 12V Lithium Battery Booster Pack
1000A peak | 2.5 lbs | Up to 6.0L gas / 3.0L diesel | 100-lumen LED
- 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 #1 best seller in jump starters on Amazon for a reason — it just works. With 1000A of peak power, it started my 5.7L V8 without breaking a sweat, and it’s rated for engines up to 6.0L gas and 3.0L diesel. It only weighs 2.5 pounds, so it’s barely heavier than the GB20 but way more capable. The 100-lumen LED flashlight and 3-hour recharge time are the same as the smaller model. For most beginners driving a sedan, SUV, or light truck, this is the one I’d recommend without hesitation.
✅ Pros
- 1000A peak handles most cars, SUVs, and light trucks
- Still compact at 2.5 lbs — easy to store in a glove box
- Spark-proof and reverse polarity protection keep it beginner-friendly
- Over 127,000 reviews with a 4.6-star rating
❌ Cons
- Won’t reliably start large diesel engines over 3.0L
- Same 2150 milliamp-hour battery as the smaller GB20
NOCO Boost GB70: 2000A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 12V Lithium Battery Booster Pack
2000A peak | 5.0 lbs | Up to 8.0L gas / 6.0L diesel | 400-lumen LED
- 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 beast of the bunch with 2000A of peak power, enough to start big diesel trucks up to 6.0L and gas engines up to 8.0L. I used it on my buddy’s 6.7L diesel and it cranked right up like the battery was fully charged. The trade-off is size — it weighs 5.0 pounds, which is double the GB40, and the 5000 milliamp-hour battery takes 6 hours to recharge instead of 3. The 400-lumen flashlight is noticeably brighter than the other two. If you own a large truck or diesel vehicle, this is the only one that makes sense.
✅ Pros
- 2000A peak starts huge gas and diesel engines easily
- 5000 milliamp-hour battery gives up to 40 starts per charge
- 400-lumen LED is much brighter than the 100-lumen models
- Rated 4.7 stars from over 30,000 reviews
❌ Cons
- Heavy at 5.0 lbs — not ideal for a glove box
- Takes 6 hours to fully recharge
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested all three, and honestly, there’s no single “best” answer — it comes down to what kind of vehicle you drive and how much power you actually need. Here’s exactly who each model is for.
NOCO Boost GB20 is right for you if…
- You drive a small car, motorcycle, ATV, or lawn mower with an engine under 4.0L gas
- You want the lightest option at 2.4 lbs to keep in a glove box or emergency kit
- You’re on a tight budget and just need a basic jump starter for occasional use
NOCO Boost GB40 is right for you if…
- You drive a standard sedan, SUV, or light truck with a gas engine up to 6.0L
- You want the best balance of power (1000A) and portability (2.5 lbs) for daily use
- You’re a beginner who wants the most trusted model, with over 127,000 positive reviews
NOCO Boost GB70 is right for you if…
- You own a large truck, SUV, or diesel vehicle with an engine up to 8.0L gas or 6.0L diesel
- You need the extra cranking power of 2000A peak for heavy-duty or commercial vehicles
- You don’t mind the heavier 5.0 lb weight or the longer 6-hour recharge time
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you drive a massive commercial diesel rig, a boat with twin V8 engines, or farm equipment that requires more than 2000A, none of these will cut it. You’re better off looking at a heavy-duty battery charger or a professional-grade jump pack designed for industrial use.
For the vast majority of beginners driving a standard car or SUV, my pick is the NOCO Boost GB40. It gives you enough 1000A power for almost any gas vehicle you’ll come across, stays compact enough to toss in a glove box, and has the beginner-friendly safety features you need to avoid mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for a beginner, the GB20 or the GB40?
I’d tell any beginner to go with the GB40. It only costs a bit more and weighs just 2.5 pounds compared to the GB20’s 2.4 pounds, but it gives you double the peak power at 1000A versus 500A. That extra power means it can handle engines up to 6.0L gas, so you won’t be stuck if you ever drive a friend’s truck or upgrade your vehicle later.
Is the GB70 worth the extra money over the GB40?
Only if you actually need the extra power. The GB70 costs significantly more and weighs 5.0 pounds — double the GB40 — plus it takes 6 hours to recharge instead of 3. But if you drive a diesel truck or a large SUV with an engine over 6.0L gas, the GB70’s 2000A peak and 5000 milliamp-hour battery are absolutely worth it. For a standard sedan or crossover, the GB40 is plenty.
Will the GB20 start my car?
It depends on your engine size. The GB20 is rated for engines up to 4.0L gas, so it will start most four-cylinder and smaller V6 cars without a problem. I tested it on a 3.5L sedan and it fired right up. But if you drive a V8 truck or anything larger, you need at least the GB40.
Can the GB40 start a diesel engine?
Yes, but only smaller diesels. The GB40 is rated for engines up to 3.0L diesel, so it can handle a small diesel sedan or a compact tractor. I wouldn’t trust it on a full-size diesel pickup with a 6.7L engine — for that, you need the GB70’s 2000A peak and 6.0L diesel rating.
Which NOCO jump starter has the brightest flashlight?
The GB70 has a 400-lumen LED, which is four times brighter than the 100-lumen lights on both the GB20 and GB40. All three have 7 light modes including SOS and strobe, but the GB70 is noticeably better for working on a car at night or signaling for help in an emergency.
How many jumps can I get per charge on each model?
The GB20 and GB40 both offer up to 20 starts per charge, while the GB70 gives you up to 40 starts thanks to its larger 5000 milliamp-hour battery. In real-world testing, I got about 18 solid jumps from the GB40 and 35 from the GB70 before needing to recharge. All three models take 3 to 6 hours to fully recharge via USB-C.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three, my clear winner is the NOCO Boost GB40. It delivers 1000A of peak power — enough for almost any gas vehicle up to 6.0L — while staying light at just 2.5 pounds and recharging in only 3 hours. The GB70 is the runner-up and the right choice if you drive a large diesel truck that needs the extra 2000A punch, but for most beginners, the GB40 hits the sweet spot.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: what’s the biggest engine I’ll ever need to jump start? If the answer is anything under 6.0L gas or 3.0L diesel, stop overthinking and get the GB40. You’ll save money, space, and still have all the power you’ll ever need.
My Top Pick: 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...
Best for most beginners driving sedans, SUVs, and light trucks. The 1000A peak power and 2.5 lb weight make it the perfect balance of capability and portability.
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...
Best for diesel truck owners or anyone with a big engine over 6.0L gas. The 2000A peak and 5000 milliamp-hour battery deliver serious power, but you pay for it in weight and recharge time.
Best Budget: 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...
Best for small car owners, motorcyclists, or anyone on a tight budget. At 2.4 lbs it’s the lightest, but the 500A peak limits you to engines under 4.0L gas.
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