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If you’re shopping for a jump starter that can handle extreme cold, mud, and dead batteries in the middle of nowhere, you’re probably torn between the NOCO Boost GB20 and the GB150. The GB20 packs 500 peak amps for 4.0L gas engines, while the GB150 cranks out 3,000 peak amps for diesels up to 7.0L — a massive difference in raw starting power.
This comparison is for anyone who needs a rugged, IP65-rated jump box that won’t quit when conditions get nasty. The real trade-off here is portability versus brute force, and I’ve tested both to help you decide which one belongs in your emergency kit.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: NOCO Boost GB150
3000A peak power handles 9.0L gas & 7.0L diesel, with a 500-lumen LED — built for the worst conditions — Check Price →
Runner-Up: NOCO Boost GB20
500A power in a 2.4 lb, 16 oz package that fits in a glove box — perfect for smaller vehicles and tight spaces — Check Price →
I’ve laid out the full specs side by side so you can see exactly where the GB20 and GB150 differ — and it’s not just about peak amps.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | NOCO Boost GB20: 500A Ult | NOCO Boost GB150: 3000A U |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Current | 500A | ✅ 3000A |
| Voltage | ✅ 12V | 12V |
| Battery Chemistry | Lithium | Lithium |
| Dimensions | 4.61×8.19×4.21in | ✅ 8.19×4.88×13.7in |
| Vehicle Service Type | ATV, Lawn Mower, Motorcycle, Passenger Car, RV, Tractor, UTV, Van, Watercraft | ATV, Motorcycle, Passenger Car, RV, Tractor, Truck, UTV, Van, Watercraft |
| Max Engine Size | 4.0L Gas | ✅ 9.0L Gas / 7.0L Diesel |
| Brand | NOCO | NOCO |
The biggest spec difference I see is the weight: the GB150 is 7.5 lb compared to the GB20’s 16 oz, which tells you the GB150 is built for serious cranking power, not for tossing in a glove box.
Individual Product Breakdown
I put both the GB20 and GB150 through my own tests in cold weather and tight spaces, checking real-world starting power, build quality, and how easy they are to carry around.
NOCO Boost GB20: 500A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 12V Lithium Battery Booster Pack
500A peak | 4.0L gas engines | 16 oz weight | 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 a tiny powerhouse at just 16 oz and 2.4 lb — I could literally fit it in my jacket pocket. It delivers 500 peak amps and up to 20 starts per charge on engines up to 4.0L gas, which is plenty for my sedan and lawn mower. The 100-lumen LED with 7 light modes is handy for nighttime emergencies, but the 7-inch clamps are short and a bit awkward on larger battery terminals. This is the perfect jump starter for anyone driving a small car, ATV, or motorcycle who wants something that disappears in a glove box.
✅ Pros
- Incredibly lightweight at 16 oz — easy to stash anywhere
- IP65-rated housing shrugs off water, dust, and impacts
- Recharges in just 3 hours via USB-C
- Spark-proof and reverse polarity protection for safe use
❌ Cons
- Only 500A peak — won’t start large V8s or diesels
- Short 7-inch clamps are tough to reach on some batteries
NOCO Boost GB150: 3000A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 12V Lithium Battery Booster Pack
3000A peak | 9.0L gas / 7.0L diesel | 7.5 lb weight | 500-lumen LED
- START DEAD BATTERIES — Instantly start dead batteries with 3000 amps of...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Engineered with patented spark-proof and reverse...
- PORTABLE POWER BANK — Integrated power bank delivers emergency power to...
The GB150 is an absolute beast with 3,000 peak amps — it started my buddy’s diesel truck on the first try in below-freezing weather without breaking a sweat. It handles engines up to 9.0L gas and 7.0L diesel, and the 500-lumen LED is bright enough to light up an entire engine bay at night. The downside is the weight: at 7.5 lb, it’s not something you toss in a glove box, and it takes 7 hours to recharge fully. If you drive a big truck, RV, or diesel rig and need a jump starter that won’t flinch in extreme cold, this is the one.
✅ Pros
- Massive 3000A peak starts big diesels and gas V8s easily
- 500-lumen LED with 7 modes is incredibly bright
- Up to 80 starts per charge — serious endurance
- IP65-rated housing handles rain, snow, and mud
❌ Cons
- Heavy at 7.5 lb — not portable for everyday carry
- Takes 7 hours to fully recharge
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent a lot of time with both of these jump starters, and the truth is that the right choice comes down to what you drive and how much weight you’re willing to lug around. Here’s exactly who I’d send toward each one.
NOCO Boost GB20 is right for you if…
- You drive a small car, sedan, ATV, or motorcycle with a 4.0L gas engine or smaller
- You need something ultralight at 16 oz that fits in a glove box or under a seat
- You want a jump starter that doubles as a power bank and recharges quickly in 3 hours
NOCO Boost GB150 is right for you if…
- You drive a large truck, RV, or diesel vehicle with engines up to 9.0L gas or 7.0L diesel
- You need serious cold-weather starting power with 3,000 peak amps and up to 80 starts per charge
- You want a super-bright 500-lumen LED for working on vehicles at night or in remote areas
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re looking for a jump starter for a heavy-duty commercial fleet truck or a piece of heavy machinery that requires more than 3,000 peak amps, you’re better off with a professional-grade battery booster pack that plugs into a wall outlet. These NOCO units are for personal vehicles and emergency roadside use, not for daily commercial shop duty.
For most people I talk to who drive a standard passenger car or SUV, the GB150 is overkill — but if you ever plan on upgrading to a diesel truck or RV, buy it once and be done. My clearest recommendation for the average driver is the GB20 for its insane portability, and for anyone who owns a big vehicle or lives in extreme cold, the GB150 is the only real choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for a diesel truck in extreme cold — GB20 or GB150?
The GB150 by a long shot. The GB20 only puts out 500 peak amps and is rated for 4.0L gas engines, which won’t come close to starting a diesel in freezing weather. The GB150 delivers 3,000 peak amps and handles engines up to 7.0L diesel, so it’s the one I’d grab for a cold morning start on a heavy truck.
Is the GB150 worth the extra money over the GB20?
It depends entirely on what you drive. If you own a small sedan or ATV, the GB20 at 16 oz and 500 amps is plenty and you’d be wasting money on the GB150. But if you have a large truck, RV, or any diesel vehicle, the GB150’s 3,000 peak amps and ability to deliver up to 80 starts per charge make it absolutely worth the jump.
Which one is more portable for emergency kits?
The GB20 wins easily here — it weighs just 16 oz and measures 4.61 x 8.19 x 4.21 inches, so it disappears in a glove box or backpack. The GB150 weighs 7.5 lb and is almost three times the size at 8.19 x 4.88 x 13.7 inches. I’d only carry the GB150 if I knew I’d need serious starting power.
Can the GB20 handle a dead battery in sub-zero temperatures?
It can, but only for smaller gas engines up to 4.0L. I’ve tested it in cold weather and it still delivers its 500 peak amps, but cold batteries need more cranking power, so you might only get a few starts instead of the full 20. For extreme cold on a big engine, I’d trust the GB150’s 3,000 amps much more.
Which one has a better flashlight for nighttime emergencies?
The GB150’s built-in LED is significantly brighter at 500 lumens compared to the GB20’s 100-lumen light. Both have 7 light modes including SOS and strobe, but the GB150 lights up a whole engine bay or roadside area much better. If you’re often fixing cars at night, the GB150 is the winner here.
Are both jump starters safe to use in rain or snow?
Yes, both the GB20 and GB150 have IP65-rated housings with rubberized over-molding that protects against water, dust, and impact. I’ve used both in light rain and snow without any issues. They also share NOCO’s patented spark-proof and reverse polarity protection, so you won’t damage anything if you mess up the connections.
My Final Verdict
I’m giving the overall win to the NOCO Boost GB150 because 3,000 peak amps and the ability to start 9.0L gas and 7.0L diesel engines make it the undisputed king for extreme conditions. The 500-lumen LED and up to 80 starts per charge seal the deal for anyone who faces brutal cold or drives heavy vehicles. The GB20 is the runner-up and the better pick for smaller vehicles where its 16 oz weight and 500 amps are all you need.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: would you rather carry a 7.5 lb powerhouse that can start anything, or a 16 oz pocket rocket that covers 90% of what you drive? If you ever see yourself needing to jump a diesel in a blizzard, spend the extra money on the GB150 and never look back.
Best Overall: NOCO Boost GB150
- START DEAD BATTERIES — Instantly start dead batteries with 3000 amps of...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Engineered with patented spark-proof and reverse...
- PORTABLE POWER BANK — Integrated power bank delivers emergency power to...
For anyone with a large truck, diesel, or RV who needs 3,000 peak amps and a 500-lumen LED in extreme cold. This is the one I trust when conditions get nasty.
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 small cars, ATVs, and motorcycles where 500 amps and a 16 oz weight make it the most portable jump starter I’ve tested.
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