NOCO Boost Plus GB40 Review
The best-selling jump starter in the world for good reason — 1,000A, glovebox-sized, and it starts every four- and six-cylinder car on the road.
The verdict
The GB40 is the default answer for sedans, crossovers, and anything with a gas engine up to 6.0L. It's small enough to live in a glovebox, has the same UltraSafe spark-proof clamps as NOCO's bigger packs, and holds a charge for months. It's not the pack for a cold V8 truck or a diesel — that's the GB70 — but for the majority of commuter cars it's exactly enough, at the right price.
$99.95on Amazon
Price as of Aug 23, 1:20 AM ET — subject to change.
What we like
- +1,000A rating starts gas engines up to 6.0L and diesels up to 3.0L
- +Compact and 2.4 lb — fits a glovebox or door pocket
- +UltraSafe spark-proof, reverse-polarity-protected clamps with manual override
- +100-lumen LED flashlight with 7 modes; USB-A out charges a phone a few times
- +Excellent long-term owner reliability record; NOCO support is responsive
What to know
- −Marginal for V8s and any engine at deep sub-zero temperatures — size up if that's you
- −Micro-USB charging input on most units; slow recharge
- −Short clamp leads mean you'll need to set it on the battery or engine cover
- −Price premium over 1,000A-class budget packs
Full review
If you've ever wondered which jump starter to just buy, it's this one. The GB40 has sold in enormous numbers for the better part of a decade, which means its weak points are thoroughly documented — and they're minor: the micro-USB charge port is dated, and the clamp leads are short. What you get in return is a pack that starts a 2.0L four-cylinder with an entirely dead battery without drama, starts a 3.5L V6 on a cold morning with a little patience, and sits in the glovebox for six months without losing meaningful charge.
The clamps are the quiet star. UltraSafe means the pack verifies the connection before it delivers power, so reversing the clamps or touching them together does nothing; the manual override handles the fully dead (sub-2V) batteries that auto-detect can't see. The flashlight is a useful 100 lumens with strobe and SOS, and the USB-A port will recharge a phone two or three times — not a power bank replacement, but enough for a roadside wait.
Be honest about the sizing. NOCO rates it to 6.0L gasoline, and it'll do that at 60°F. At 5°F, with thicker oil and a weak battery, a big V8 is a coin flip on the first attempt, and it may need a rest between tries. If you drive a truck, a big SUV, or live where -10°F is routine, spend the extra on the GB70. For everyone else, the GB40 is the most useful $100 you'll spend on the car this year.
Best for: Sedans, hatchbacks, and four- or six-cylinder crossovers — the commuter car that needs one reliable pack in the glovebox.
Specifications
| Peak amps | 1,000A |
|---|---|
| Engine rating | Gas up to 6.0L / diesel up to 3.0L |
| Battery | Lithium-ion, 12V systems only |
| Ports | USB-A out (2.1A), micro-USB in (check current revision) |
| Flashlight | 100 lumens, 7 modes incl. SOS |
| Safety | Spark-proof, reverse polarity, over-charge, short-circuit; manual override |
| Operating temp | -4°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C) |
| Ingress rating | IP65 |
| Weight | ~2.4 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Ready to get one?
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$99.95on Amazon
Price as of Aug 23, 1:20 AM ET — subject to change.
Head-to-head comparisons
Alternatives in Jump Starters
Best Overall
NOCO Boost HD GB70
2,000 amps, rated for V8 gas and 6.0L diesel, with the safest clamps in the business — the one jump starter that covers almost every driveway.
Premium Pick
NOCO Boost X GBX155
4,250 amps for big diesels, plow trucks, and RVs — with 65W USB-C charging that makes it a serious power bank too.
Budget Pick
GOOLOO GP4000
A lot of cranking power and a big power bank for the money — the best of the budget packs, if you understand what the '4,000A' means.