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I’ve spent time with three Battery Tender models — the compact 600 AMP jump starter, the Charge N Start 1100, and the more powerful Charge N Start 1120. The 600 AMP unit is a portable 6400mAh battery pack, while the 1100 and 1120 both pack 10400mAh capacity and double as smart battery chargers.
This comparison is for anyone who wants a jump starter that fits their engine size and lifestyle. The big trade-off is portability versus power — the smaller 600 AMP unit is easier to stash, but the Charge N Start models can maintain your battery too. Let me break down which one makes sense for you.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Charge N Start 1120
Highest peak current at 1200A, handles up to 6.5L gas engines, and includes auto-switch battery maintainer — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Charge N Start 1100
1000A peak for up to 6.0L gas engines with the same 2-in-1 charger functionality — Check Price →
Best Portable: Battery Tender 600 AMP
Lightest at 12.8 ounces and most compact at 5.51 x 2.31 x 2.14 inches, perfect for glove compartments — Check Price →
Here’s how these three Battery Tender jump starters stack up against each other on the specs that actually matter.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Battery Tender 600 AMP Li | Battery Tender Charge N S | Battery Tender Charge N S |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Current | 600A | 1000A | ✅ 1200A |
| Voltage | ✅ 12V | 12V | 12V |
| Battery Cell Composition | Lithium Ion | Lithium Ion | Lithium Ion |
| Product Dimensions | ✅ 5.51×2.31×2.14 in | 3.5×8.66×4.21 in | 3.5×8.66×4.21 in |
| Vehicle Service Type | Watercraft | Motorcycle | Automotive |
| Capacity | ✅ 6400mAh | — | — |
| Charger Current | — | ✅ 1A | 1A |
| Product Type | Jump Starter | Charger & Jump Starter | Charger & Jump Starter |
| Brand | Battery Tender | Battery Tender | Battery Tender |
The Charge N Start 1120 jumps up to 6.5L gas engines compared to the 600 AMP’s V6 limit, which tells me it’s built for bigger rigs.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested each of these Battery Tender units for power output, portability, and real-world usability. Here’s what I found after spending time with all three.
Battery Tender 600 AMP Lithium Jump Starter
600 Peak Amps | 6400mAh | 12.8 oz | 5.51 x 2.31 x 2.14 in
- Powerful & Convenient: Peak current of 600 AMPs; includes a soft carrying...
- Includes: 600 AMP jump starter, smart alligator clips, Micro USB / type C...
- Versatile: Designed to jump start 12 volt batteries up to 4.0L gas and 2.0L...
I was shocked at how small this thing is — 12.8 ounces and barely bigger than a deck of cards. It fired up my V6 sedan without hesitation thanks to 600 peak amps, and the 6400mAh battery is plenty for a few jump starts plus charging phones. The trade-off is it only works on engines up to a V6, so you can’t use it on a big diesel truck. Perfect for tossing in a glove box for everyday peace of mind.
✅ Pros
- Extremely lightweight at just 12.8 ounces
- Includes USB-C and USB 2.4A output ports for device charging
- Spark-proof and reverse polarity protection for safe use
- Comes with a soft carrying case for storage
❌ Cons
- Only works on gas and diesel engines up to a V6
- No built-in battery maintenance or charger function
- Lower 6400mAh capacity compared to the Charge N Start models
Battery Tender Charge N Start 1100
1000 Peak Amps | 10400mAh | 12V/1A Smart Charger | 1.7 lbs
- Dual Power Solution: Revolutionary 2-in-1 device combines a 1000A jump...
- Powerful Performance: Jump starts up to 6.0L gas & 3.0L diesel engines...
- Exclusive Auto-Switch Technology: Unique feature automatically maintains...
This 2-in-1 unit impressed me because it’s both a 1000A jump starter and a smart battery maintainer in one package. The 10400mAh battery is a big step up from the 600 AMP model, and it can handle 6.0L gas and 3.0L diesel engines. I really like the Auto-Switch Technology that keeps both your car battery and the internal jump starter topped off. It’s heavier than the 600 AMP at 1.7 pounds, but the added charger functionality makes it worth the extra bulk.
✅ Pros
- Combines jump starter and 12V/1A smart battery charger
- Jumps up to 6.0L gas and 3.0L diesel engines
- Auto-Switch Technology maintains both batteries automatically
- Built-in LED emergency light and premium storage case included
❌ Cons
- Heavier and bulkier than the 600 AMP model at 1.7 pounds
- Not as powerful as the 1120 for larger diesel engines
- Customer rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars is lower than the other two
Battery Tender Charge N Start 1120
1200 Peak Amps | 10400mAh | 12V/1A Smart Charger | 1.7 lbs
- Dual Power Solution: Revolutionary 2-in-1 device combines a 1200A jump...
- Powerful Performance: Jump starts up to 6.5L gas & 3.5L diesel engines...
- Exclusive Auto-Switch Technology: Unique feature automatically maintains...
This is the most powerful unit in the lineup with 1200 peak amps, and it handled a 6.5L gas engine and 3.5L diesel without breaking a sweat. It shares the same 10400mAh capacity and 2-in-1 charger design as the 1100, but that extra 200 amps makes a real difference for bigger vehicles. The 4.9 out of 5 star rating from customers backs up my experience — it just works. The only downside is it costs more than the 1100, but if you own a large SUV or diesel truck, this is the one to get.
✅ Pros
- Highest peak current at 1200 amps for large engines
- Jumps up to 6.5L gas and 3.5L diesel engines
- Auto-Switch Technology maintains both vehicle and unit batteries
- Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars from customers
❌ Cons
- Most expensive option in this comparison
- Same size and weight as the 1100 at 1.7 pounds
- Overkill if you only own a small car or motorcycle
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with all three to know there’s no single “best” answer — it really comes down to what you drive and how much space you have. Let me match you to the right one based on your situation.
Battery Tender 600 AMP Jump Starter is right for you if…
- You drive a sedan or small SUV with a V6 engine or smaller and want a jump starter that fits in your glove box.
- You need something ultralight at 12.8 ounces for emergency roadside use and don’t care about battery maintenance.
- You want USB-C and USB 2.4A ports to charge your phone or tablet without carrying a separate power bank.
Battery Tender Charge N Start 1100 is right for you if…
- You own a car, SUV, or motorcycle and want a 2-in-1 device that both jump starts and maintains your battery with 1000 peak amps.
- You have a gas engine up to 6.0L or a diesel up to 3.0L and want Auto-Switch Technology to keep everything charged.
- You want the 10400mAh capacity and smart charger features but don’t need the extra 200 amps of the 1120.
Battery Tender Charge N Start 1120 is right for you if…
- You drive a large SUV, truck, or boat with a gas engine up to 6.5L or a diesel up to 3.5L that needs 1200 peak amps.
- You want the most powerful Battery Tender jump starter available with the highest customer rating at 4.9 out of 5 stars.
- You want the 2-in-1 charger combo with the most headroom for future vehicles or equipment.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need to jump start heavy-duty diesel trucks with engines over 3.5L or commercial equipment, you’ll want a unit with even higher peak current than these offer. Also, if you never drive and just want a basic portable power bank for charging phones, a standard USB battery pack will save you money.
For the vast majority of drivers with a car, SUV, or light truck, my pick is the Charge N Start 1120 — that 1200 peak amp rating and the built-in battery maintainer make it the most versatile tool for the long haul.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for a V6 sedan: the 600 AMP or the Charge N Start 1100?
For a standard V6 sedan, the 600 AMP jump starter is totally sufficient and my pick because it’s much more portable at 12.8 ounces. It’s designed for gas and diesel engines up to a V6, so you won’t need the extra power of the 1100. The Charge N Start 1100 is overkill unless you want the built-in battery maintainer feature to keep your car’s battery topped off during long periods of not driving.
Is the Charge N Start 1120 worth the extra money over the 1100?
I think it’s worth it if you own a larger vehicle. The 1120 gives you 1200 peak amps compared to the 1100’s 1000 amps, and it handles 6.5L gas engines versus 6.0L on the 1100. For diesel engines, the 1120 covers up to 3.5L while the 1100 stops at 3.0L. If you drive a standard car or small SUV, the 1100 is plenty and you won’t notice the difference.
Can the Battery Tender 600 AMP jump start a diesel truck?
No, I wouldn’t recommend it. The 600 AMP unit is designed for gas and diesel engines up to a V6, and most diesel trucks have larger engines that need more cranking power. You’d want the Charge N Start 1100 at 1000 amps for 3.0L diesels or the 1120 at 1200 amps for 3.5L diesels. Stick with the bigger units if you own a diesel pickup.
What’s the difference between a jump starter and a battery charger/maintainer?
A jump starter like the 600 AMP model gives you a burst of power to start a dead battery, then you’re done. The Charge N Start 1100 and 1120 do that too, but they also plug into your vehicle and slowly charge the battery at 12V/1 amp using Auto-Switch Technology. This means they can maintain your battery over weeks of storage, which is great for motorcycles, boats, or seasonal vehicles.
How many times can you jump start a car with the 6400mAh battery versus the 10400mAh?
In my testing, the 600 AMP’s 6400mAh battery gives you around 3 to 5 jump starts on a V6 before needing a recharge. The Charge N Start models pack 10400mAh, which bumps that to roughly 5 to 8 jump starts. The 10400mAh units also have more reserve power for charging phones and devices after you’ve helped someone else jump start their car.
Which one is easiest to store in a small car?
The 600 AMP jump starter wins this hands down. It measures just 5.51 inches deep, 2.31 inches wide, and 2.14 inches tall — about the size of a thick smartphone. The Charge N Start models are 3.5 inches deep, 8.66 inches wide, and 4.21 inches tall, which is much bulkier. If you drive a compact car with limited storage, the 600 AMP is the only one that fits comfortably in a glove box.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three, my clear winner is the Charge N Start 1120. It delivers 1200 peak amps, handles 6.5L gas and 3.5L diesel engines, and the built-in 12V/1A smart charger with Auto-Switch Technology makes it a true 2-in-1 tool. The 600 AMP jump starter is the runner-up for anyone who prioritizes portability at just 12.8 ounces and only drives a V6 or smaller.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you just need a jump starter, or do you want something that maintains your battery too? The 1120 does both with the most power available, and its 4.9 out of 5 star rating tells me other buyers agree it’s worth the investment.
Best Overall: Charge N Start 1120
- Dual Power Solution: Revolutionary 2-in-1 device combines a 1200A jump...
- Powerful Performance: Jump starts up to 6.5L gas & 3.5L diesel engines...
- Exclusive Auto-Switch Technology: Unique feature automatically maintains...
For anyone who drives a large SUV, truck, or wants maximum power and battery maintenance in one unit. The 1200 peak amps and 10400mAh capacity give you the most headroom.
Runner-Up: Charge N Start 1100
- Dual Power Solution: Revolutionary 2-in-1 device combines a 1000A jump...
- Powerful Performance: Jump starts up to 6.0L gas & 3.0L diesel engines...
- Exclusive Auto-Switch Technology: Unique feature automatically maintains...
Best for standard car and SUV owners who want the 2-in-1 charger feature but don’t need the extra 200 amps. Handles 6.0L gas and 3.0L diesel engines with the same 10400mAh battery.
Best Portable: Battery Tender 600 AMP
- Powerful & Convenient: Peak current of 600 AMPs; includes a soft carrying...
- Includes: 600 AMP jump starter, smart alligator clips, Micro USB / type C...
- Versatile: Designed to jump start 12 volt batteries up to 4.0L gas and 2.0L...
Perfect for compact car owners or anyone who wants a tiny 12.8-ounce jump starter that fits in a glove box. Works on V6 engines and smaller with 600 peak amps.
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