Noco Boost XL (GB40, GB50 & GB70) Portable Jumpstarter Review

One cold winter morning, I got up late and needed to pick up some things at the grocery store about seven (7) kilometers away from my residence at the time.

With the utmost confidence and assurance, I picked up the keys to my 1987 W124 Mercedes Benz classic and opened the driver’s door, got into the vehicle, inserted the ignition key, turned same, and expected the engine to roar into life.

Unfortunately, the inline-four naturally aspirated M102 engine was quiet; as if nothing had happened.

I turned the key again, after removing it and inserting the same again, just to make certain that it was contacting properly and/or I was turning it in the correct manner intended.

Nothing happened; just dead silence.

Now, there were only two (2) things that could have gone wrong on that classic: the battery or the starter to warrant such a reaction – nothing more.

I took a good look at the instrument cluster and discovered that the illumination on the dash was faint. Very faint as a matter of fact.

I tried honking and I could barely hear the sound the vehicle was attempting to produce.

Without a doubt further (and coupled with the fact that the starter of the W124 is known for outlasting most of the units it is merged on), I knew what the culprit was: the starting battery.

My wife wasn’t around at the moment so it was a challenge getting a spare battery. I knocked on the doors of two of my neighbors, eager to get their batteries so that I could start the Merc.

Nothing; no one responded. The cold was super bitter and it was easy to forgive them for curling up in their blankets, given that it was already the weekend and the town was still very much sleepy and hazy.

Frustrated, I called out to my inlaw who was visiting and was upstairs in bed to see if we could push the vehicle to start (the Mercedes was powered by a manual tranny).

Unfortunately, two of us were no match for the nearly two tons of now dead weight the W124 classic was sporting.

Try as we did, the vehicle didn’t start.

With the weather biting hard and the vehicle completely hopeless as regards the possibility of starting, we had to abandon the task and wait for my wife to return from her errand so that I could remove the battery in her Camry and power the Mercedes.

That was the longest wait in my entire life, given the fact that I desperately wanted to get groceries and begin the process of making my daughter her preferred meal.

However, as I waited, an idea formed in my mind: what if I had some sort of spare battery, in the vehicle, all the time?

That, clearly, would have made all the difference and in my usual characteristic manner, I set out to make certain that I never faced such a challenge again.

Ever.

That was the day too, that, the Noco Boost XL portable jumpstarter review was born.

Technically.

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Instead Of A Portable Jumpstarter, Why Don’t You Simply Get An Extra Battery In The Trunk?

Frustrated, I called my wife on the phone and asked her to make a detour and pick up what I had initially outlined at the grocery store.

After sending the list to her on WhatApp,  I proceeded upstairs and engaged my brother-in-law about the possibility of buying and keeping a spare battery in the trunks of both vehicles (the W124 and the Camry).

However, my brother-in-law (who has some background in battery technology) wasn’t impressed. Naturally, I was curious and asked “why not?”

The reasons he gave were simple, concise, and straight to the point:

1. Storing lead-acid batteries in the trunks wasn’t a great idea. They may be well useless before I had the opportunity to try them.
2. They were large and bulky. This, according to him, would add dead weight to the vehicle and negatively impact MPGs.Then again, after buying one (or two), I would need to buy the jumper cables and would routinely need to swap the existing battery in the hood with the spare in the trunk in order to keep the spare in top shape or may need to expend money on a dedicated battery charger.
3. A 75AH battery was expensive and would set me back around $300 for a great unit. He said, he knew a cheaper and better option; one that wouldn’t be so heavy, need extra space, or ring as pricey.

He had my full attention at that point. And, this is where my lectures into the world of smart, portable jumpstarters began.

Why I Chose The Noco Boost XL Portable Jumpstarter Over The Competition

Immediately after my brother-in-law was done with the lectures, I launched on Amazon and started taking a look at the different options that were offered there while trying to figure out my needs. Not long after, I discovered that:

1. I needed something that was small enough to fit into the glove box of a vehicle; both present and future cars were in focus here.
2. I needed an option that could power an inline 4, a straight or V6, and a V8 without any challenges. While at this, I also wanted it to be powerful enough to power a decent diesel engine, should the need arise.
3. A lithium-ion battery that could stay without need or attention in the trunk or glove box for a whole year without needing a charge and still perform when called upon in an emergency was a must.
4. Finally, while not very important, I also wanted an option that could power a smartphone/tablet and while at this, have strobe lights. While I was certain these were functions I may never need or use, one never knew and it was always better to be safe than sorry, as regards these things.

With what I outlined and have come to believe to be the very basics and foundation of an awesome portable jump starter, there was just one unit staring me straight in the face: the Noco XL Jumpstarter.

Now, after using the product for about two (2) years now, I know firsthand that what attracted me to it initially (as a naive first-time buyer) remains its classic best selling points and as a matter of fact, top pros.

What I did not figure out then (but which hit me in the face like a hard slap) was that there would also be some cons – right, following the pros! 🙂

Highs And Lows Of The Noco Boost XL Jumpstarter

No matter how great a product may be, there are always some cons to it. Again, no matter how bad a product is, there would always also be some great parts or pros to it. This portable jump starter is no exception.

Highs

• A powerful lithium-ion battery that is capable of holding a charge for an entire year.
• A perfect size that fits into the glove box or if you prefer the trunk and while at it, takes no space there at all.
• Reverse polarity protection to ensure that misconnections or mishandling don’t prove dangerous.
• A flashlight with a strobe function for those days when you may be lost in the middle of nowhere.
• The addition of a power bank feature is a smart move; you can charge your devices on the go when you do not need the jumpstarting function of the unit.
• An impressive ‘power boost’ function that is capable of powering completely dead batteries back to life (and function).

Lows

• The sleeve that comes with the unit is completely useless no matter which angle you look at it. It is better to buy the dedicated protective case if you’re interested in having the unit remain scratch-free for as long as possible. The dedicated case can also prevent ‘premature death’ in the event of a harsh fall.
• During the harsh summers, this jumpstarter is useless, if stored in the glove box or trunk. It must first be allowed to cool down for at least ten (10) minutes before use. While this is clearly a safety measure, you may be delayed by the minutes it takes it to cool down from the harsh heat before it is ready to use (after exposure to extreme heat).
• The internal lithium-ion battery, by jumpstarter standards, is huge: 7,000 mAh rated at 35Wh. However, if you have a tablet with a large battery or a smartphone with a monster battery, one full charge from flat to 100% and you’re out of juice.

Quick Verdict

The Noco GB series of portable jumpstarters are awesome little pieces of tech for users who love a well-designed, reliable product. It is also a perfect fit for minimalist folks who don’t appreciate too many features on their products and can shell out good money for a great product.

For users who have ‘feature anxiety’ and practically love to play with their products, this won’t be a perfect fit. I also see the higher-than-average price tag as an issue for users who are on a strict budget or those who will do anything to save a cent.

Overall, however, no product in the market currently beats the Noco GB series, especially for the price they are offered (not even the newer line, the GBX).

You can take a quick look at the Noco GB 50 on either Amazon or Walmart right away.

Specs Of The Noco Boost Portable Jumpstarter 

Special Note:

I chose the GB50 model for my need as it was a perfect fit.

However, there are the GB 40 and GB 150 also, the former less powerful and the latter, more powerful than my model, used as a case in point for this review.

If you’re using a regular sedan user like me, then, the popular GB 50 is all you need. However, if your application is going to be hovering around mowers, smart for twos, or compacts, then, the GB 40 will do just fine.

Living and swimming in the world of diesels, twin-turbo V8s, V10s, V12s, or large trucks? The top-of-the-line GB 150 is worth having around though in most instances, the GB 50 is all that you would actually need.

First Impressions

When I ordered the Noco Boost XL GB50, I couldn’t wait for it to arrive from Amazon.

I was practically over myself to see the little piece of tech do its thing and power a dead vehicle. I even debated within myself at length the best place to put it: in the glove box or the trunk.

When the order finally arrived, I was super excited and couldn’t wait to open it. Immediately I tore it open, here are the things that popped out of the parcel:

1. The GB50 portable jumper itself.
2. A pair of super sturdy clamp cables.
3. A flimsy storage bag.
4. A rather voluminous user guide that detailed the operations and best practices when using the unit (in about 5 different languages, if I remember right).
5. A rather lengthy USB A to USB B (micro) cable for AC charging.
6. A  12V cigarette lighter adapter for charging things via DC, on the move.

I was impressed with everything, right on the spot, and believed I had made an excellent purchase, one that would serve me down the years.

Now, after over two years of that initial decision, I believe I was 100% correct. 

Everything that was ‘solid’ and looked super durable then is still solid and durable; everything has also held up amazingly well, giving no room for regrets at all.

All, except one thing.

The initial storage bag that came with the order is one of the flimsiest things I have ever set my eyes on.

Right on the spot, I decided that I wasn’t going to use the attached bag as I was certain it wasn’t going to be of help against the elements, scratches, or accidental falls for that matter.

For me, it was COMPLETELY useless, and right there and then, I discarded it.

In its place, I ordered the NOCO GBC017 Boost XL EVA Protection Case for GB50 UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starters which arrived about a week after. Immediately I set my eyes on the case, I knew I had a permanent home for my jumper; one I could trust through thick and thin; good or bad weather.  

The case also could take the manual, the clamps, and every other accessory along with grace so that nothing was left behind.

Further, the case also put an end to one of the debates I had before their arrival: it was too big to fit in either the glove box or center console of my sedan.

It went straight to the trunk as a result!

Design, Weight, And Practicality

The design of a product is often the very first thing anyone notices about the product. So important is this factor that manufacturers often go out of their way to ensure that their products meet aesthetic appeals and evoke emotions from the consuming public.

The Noco Boost XL excels in this regard: a contoured body that makes grip easy even with sweaty hands; a design that incorporates the flashlights in such a manner as mimics a vehicle (without looking toyish or childish) and importantly, a machined exterior that is scratch resistant even when handled in a rough manner or exposed fashion.

The design exudes toughness and is the very best I have come across since I started taking a special interest in portable jumpers.

The weight is where I wish things were a little bit on the lean side. At 2.7 pounds, it isn’t the heaviest thing around and even a kid can easily carry it around.

However, the lighter, the better. Always.

However, on the bright side, it is good to note that the unit can be used as a door wedge after its time with you or, in an emergency, as a hammer to break the vehicle glass. This should offer some consolation (as it has to me).

Speaking of practicality: fewer things I have bought, have, or have had cause to use both in the past and currently are more practical than this.

If you need to jump a dead vehicle, you only need to connect the jumper cables to the unit itself, attach the cables to the dead battery, power on the unit and start the erstwhile dead vehicle!

What if the battery is ‘too dead’? Simple: press the ‘bypass’ (I call it the ‘turbo button’) and watch magic happen!

Need light? Simply press a button and that is it. Want it brighter? Press again.

Need strobe? Press (yet) again. Want to keep your smartphone powered? Simply plug it into the USB outlet.

Need to recharge the unit? Simply plug a compatible charger (supplied) into a standard power outlet and connect the charger to the unit.

Want to see how much power is left to serve for ‘jumps’ or left right before charge(s)? Simply press the power button or take a look at the bars, respectively.

It truly doesn’t get better than this!

Battery And Shelf Life

Battery technology has come a long way and the traditional lead acid battery that was standard years ago isn’t what is common today: lithium-ion is the current rave and offers many features and advantages over its predecessors such as longer cycles and a more chronic DOD that can ring right to an impressive 95% and not negatively harm the battery or affect future cycles.

Unfortunately, many manufacturers opt for the cheaper lithium polymer battery option. It was and remains a breath of fresh air to see that lithium-ion with all its advantages over both lead acid and lithium polymer is what was used in the Noco GB series.

The shelf life of the Noco XL stems directly from the battery type used for the jumper; it is also a testament to the brilliant engineering the company has executed on the product.

Personally, I have locked the jumper in all sorts of weather for six (6) months at a stretch and it has been able to lose only less than 25% of its charge during such periods – ranging from extremes of both cold and heat.

The implication is that, even if I change my recharge cycle to a whole calendar year, I won’t be stuck in a battery failure emergency if that time should come.

This gives me absolute confidence and unparalleled peace of mind. It is also an undeniable testament to the engineering efforts that were expended to reach this level of perfection by the Noco team.

Getting To Use The Portable Jumper: How Well Has It Performed?

After the challenge with the W124 and the counsel of my brother-by-law to get a portable jumpstarter and the eventual research and settling for the Noco XL GB50, I did not have the opportunity to test the product (on a failing battery) more than six (months) after I took delivery of it.

However, despite all these, I had properly charged the unit and kept it in my trunk awaiting such a time as there would be an emergency for it or a need to practically test same.

For those six (6) solid months, nothing happened: both vehicles under my control then started every morning, always delivered the driver to the assigned destination, and always also had a way of coming back without any issues.

Just a week after I removed the unit from the trunk, checked same, charged it, and put it back, my neighbor’s 2009 Honda CRV had a failing battery and wouldn’t start. Three (3) cranks and the vehicle’s battery was finally dead: it didn’t make any attempt nor did it even turn the starter when the ignition was fired.

Curious to help, I yanked out my sturdy GB50 and proceeded to work (much to the shock of my neighbor who did not believe, until a minute later, that such a ‘little thing’ could jump a ‘larger’ vehicle battery). A few seconds later, the 2009 CRV roared to life and my neighbor drove away as if nothing was the issue!

I was elated. I carefully packed the unit away and took it more seriously, going forward.

After helping my neighbor, my own battery became weak about three (3) months after and I was broke at the time. With confidence instilled, I jumped my 2006 ES330 Lexus more than twenty (20) times before I put myself together financially and got a replacement.

Then, something happened that nearly shattered my faith in the tough little jumper…

The Bypass (Or Turbo Function)

…one hot summer afternoon, I was out helping my wife pick up some things. At the parking lot of the supermarket was a middle-aged woman with an older Mercedes, a C Klasse which I pegged was between the model years 2003 and 2005.

She appeared to be distressed, with her hood open and her brows furrowed. Since there wasn’t any parking space vacant at that time, I killed my own engine, got out, and made inquiries. It turned out she had a dead battery and I was eager to help (as usual).

I yanked off my GB50 from the trunk and attached the clamps to her terminals and instructed her, with the utmost confidence, to power on her vehicle.

She looked at me suspiciously as if what I had in hand and now connected to her starting battery was going to blow up her engine. By her facial expression, she expected me to remove my own starting battery as she did not trust that the little device I had in my hand could help start her own vehicle.

My confidence, however, left her without an option. When I finished the clamping business and asked her to crank, she meekly obeyed. She cranked the Mercedes or rather, attempted cranking.

Nothing happened. The starter did not turn, the moto remained in its dead condition! And, I was confused.

The lady came out of the vehicle and gave me that ‘I knew it’ look.

I was unfazed. Removing the clamps, I powered off the device, reconnected the clamps, and powered the ‘damn’ thing on again, and asked her to attempt a crank. This time around too, I heard nothing and had to ask her if she had made the attempt.

She confirmed affirmed – and it was at that point that I realized that I was dealing with a completely dead, large battery.

She came out and frustration was spelled all over her face. I was also running late and needed to secure a parking space, park my own vehicle and get what I came there for.

I, however, needed to give it one last try before calling it quits. It was that that point that I remembered the bypass button, the one I had earlier called ‘the turbo button’.

When I powered on the portable jumper for the third and hopefully, the last time, I decided to press the button (as I remembered reading something in the manual when I got the unit that it gave the unit some sort of boost).

Immediately I pressed the button, the regular bars, indicating the power level on the device ceased and instead, flashes of light ran up and down where the indicator once displayed.

The unit itself made some clicking sounds every three (3) seconds or so. I asked the lady to wait for about thirty (30) seconds and right after the 31st second, I asked her to crank.

With Germanic grace, the old, powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine was turned to life by the starter as the engine bay roared to life! The woman smiled, for the first time. I also smiled, quietly – and thanked my ‘turbo button’. She drove out and I parked where her Mercedes was; rushed in, picked what I came for, and rushed back home.

Before I exited the vehicle, however, I decided to check the state of charge the device had left: I was amazed to see that from a healthy 100% prior, the unit had lost almost half of the charge and now, only indicated two (2) bars, implying about 50%, give or take!

The Strobe Lights, Hammer, And Power Bank Applications

Usually, more functions on a vehicle, piece of tech, or unit generally is a bad idea: this is usually an indication of more things that could go potentially be problematic, should things decide to go south.

This is why I do not encourage ‘all in one units’ that pose to be able to do everything thrown at them.

However, it is difficult to fault the flashlights here, especially the strobe functions: they are a healthy addition and it does not take genius to see that lost or stranded, especially at night, these lights can be a lifesaver.

Even if you aren’t stranded, the flashlight can be a nice convenient feature when you need illumination outside your vehicle at night, say to check out something in the hood or change a spare.

Regarding serving as a hammer, the unit hasn’t been expressly advertised as such.

However, it is easy to see how it can serve that function, in an emergency, especially when used to break glass. Stored in the glove box, the sturdy build of the unit will certainly be a force against any glass (on the vehicle) and will send it shattering after a forceful impact.

This would also be the reality if the unit is stored in the trunk and the vehicle is designed with a passthrough such as my current vehicle, the 2006 Lexus ES330. This brings some measure of reassurance anytime I think about it; it should be the same for you too.

Power-bank-wise, it is good to know that in the event that you need some quick juice for any of your mobile devices, the portable jumpstarter will also serve as a brilliant and convenient power bank. This will bring some measure of confidence to your long road trip or off-road expeditions where you’re likely going to be away from a standard wall outlet for some time.

The above is a breath of fresh air and you’ll be grateful to note that beyond these (already covered), there aren’t any more functions, intended or accidental worth discussing again.

Charging Times And Options

Usually, I do not allow the jumper go below 50% before plugging it into a wall outlet to recharge its lost juice. Using a 2Amps wall charger, I get the unit to charge to full between 3-4 hours, when it indicates 2 bars, symbolizing about 50% of juice left (or used, depending on how you look at it).

However, after close to two (2) years of use and for the sole purpose of this review, I drained the battery completely and had it charge from zero to a hundred percent, using a 2Amps wall charger and the provided USB charge cable. The unit recharged to full capacity in about 5 hours.

Now, assuming you use a 2.1Amps wall charger (the max rated for the unit), for this purpose, you’ll achieve similar results in slightly a shorter time.

My guess is that you will knock off at least thirty (30) minutes off, leaving you with a charge time of about 4 hours, and 30 minutes.

The curious thing here is this: the portable jumper does not need all the time in the world in order to do its thing, jumping-wise. All you need to do is plug it into a wall socket for, say, 30 minutes and that is all you need to be assured that should you need to jump your vehicle, the unit will do its thing and stand by you in an awesome fashion.

In terms of charging via the DC option, I have not had the opportunity to try the DC charger via the cigarette lighter port of the vehicle or any other DC source for that matter. However, it is good to know that it is there and if the need arises, I (and soon, you) can always fall back on it.

It is difficult, however, to see an instance where you’ll need to use the DC charging option of the vehicle to boost the jumper especially since this function is reliant on the battery and when you need it, the battery is likely dead and needs a boost in the first place.

Ironic. Right?

Should You Consider The Newer X Series: The Noco GBX 45, GBX 55, GBX 75, And GBX 155?

When the Noco GB XL series of portable jumpstarters debuted around the year 2019, there wasn’t anything quite like them on the market. As a matter of fact, they were simply the very best there was if you were interested in jumping your vehicle in an easy and super convenient manner, yourself.

Down the line, there are now available good products that offer serious competition (like the Stanley and DeWalt options). However, nothing is quite as properly thought-out and as badass as these units.

Fast-forward to 2021, the company decided to improve on these products and take an already badass product to true heights of badassery in the form of the ‘X’ series. The older ‘GB’ series reviewed here remain but the newer options spot  more power, options, overall badassery, and importantly, cost more money 🙂

The most important question however is: do you need the newer GBX series?

Here are my thoughts, in summary form:

• If you are conscious of money and don’t want to shell out an extra $20-$50 for essentially the same product (think iPhone 12 and 13), then, simply stick to the older GB series.
• If you’re a heavy user and are likely to subject the jumper to more cranks before recharging it, kindly stay with the older GB models. The newer ‘X’ series, though more powerful, have a smaller battery that translates to half of the ‘cranking times’ of the older, GB series, when compared side by side, model to model.
• If you’re one who appreciates the power bank feature of these units and will need to boost your devices mostly with these units from time to time, you’re also better off with the older GB series since their internal batteries are almost twice as large as the newer GBX models, when compared model for model. If you’re bothered about the lack of a USB-C type port, you could also simply buy a USB A – USB-C adapter and you’ll be fine 🙂
• If you’re concerned about weight and would appreciate something that is as light as possible, then, the older GB series again, win. For comparison, while a GB 50 weighs only 1.6 lb (without its accessories), the GBX 55 weighs a whopping 3.37 lb – almost double what the GB 50 weighs!
• If you’re inexperienced about these jumper types, are buying for an inexperienced person or your vehicle takes more than a few seconds to crank, you will appreciate the 60-second timer inbuilt into the newer GBX series as a precaution. You should certainly opt for it.
• If you need to jump heavier and larger engined vehicles, especially diesel trucks, then, the newer X series will be a perfect fit.
• If you’re also the type of person that will likely forget to charge the unit and will need a quick boost from it when you pick it up from the garage (or wherever it is that you have decided to keep it), the GBX series will serve you better, not the GB options. The GBX series can famously get charged from 0% to 50% in just a few minutes.
• Overall, however, if you’re a regular user like me who uses a V6 engine and takes the jumper in the trunk for a whole six (6) months without actually getting to use it for most of the six (6) months cycle, then, do not bother yourself with the newer and more expensive X units. A GB50 XL is all you need. 

Q&A Of The Noco Boost XL Portable Jumpstarter 

This is one of the most badass and impressive portable jumpers on the market today. Naturally, there will be a ton of questions regarding just about everything the product line is and ultimately, stands for.

However, for the purpose of this review, I’ll focus on the two (2) most pressing and important questions about this product line.

Here:

1. Where Are Noco Boost XL Portable Jumpstarters Made?

The Noco Boost portable jump starters are designed in the US but made in China. This does not in any way impact quality though. Just so you know, Apple, HP, Dell, and many other American concerns now manufacture their products in China in order to save costs and keep prices under check.

It is a classic WIN-WIN situation for both manufacturers and consumers.

2. Can You Use The Noco Boost XL Portable Jumpstarters To Charge Your Weak/Dead Vehicle Batteries?

No. The Noco Boost GB and GBX series are portable jumpers, meant to assist you in helping a dead or weak battery crank. After the lithium battery successfully aids the motor crank, it is charged directly via the vehicle’s alternator as you drive around and carry on your duties.

If you drive for 30 minutes, especially at freeway speeds, a good alternator, working with a good battery (that just happened to run flat, for whatever reason) will be sufficiently charged, provided you refrain from using other electronics in the vehicle such as the AC, heater, radio, etc all of which will task the alternator further, prolonging this time.

If you need a dedicated battery charger, Noco has one, designed to do nothing but charge your weak or dead battery. The charger is so good that it famously even fixes dead batteries that have been dead for a long time and maybe, even abandoned: it is the Noco Genius.

Alternatives To The Noco Boost GB XL Series 

No product in the market today serves all needs; sometimes, you get an awesome option that ticks all the boxes in a spectacular manner except one. Sometimes, you’re looking for a completely different option; sometimes, you want something here and there and you’d be happy, overall.

Wherever you happen to be on the spectrum, these two options are likely to serve you and get you covered, just in case you don’t like the Noco Boost jumpers, especially the GB series.

Here are the options:

1. Imazing Portable Car Jump Starter

Imazing is an alternative to the Noco options, especially the GB series if you’re bothered about the premium price of the latter. The product is cheap (in a good way) and packs a heavy punch: its rated capacity is twice that of the Noco Boost, especially if you’re looking to use it as a power bank most of the time.

Despite being of modest price, the unit can effortlessly jump gasoline engines of up to 8 liters and diesel engines of up to 7.5 liters.

This, in the portable jumper world, is the perfect definition of ‘small, but mighty’. You should take a look at the little bad boy on Amazon here.

There’s a price to pay though: you will be getting a lithium polymer battery, as against the standard lithium-ion battery that all Noco products come standard with.

2. Stanley J5C09 Portable Power Station Jump Starter

For users who do not necessarily need to move their jumpers up and down, do not need them to be in the trunk/glove box, or generally need their devices to do an array of things, the Stanley J5C09 Portable Power Station Jump Starter provides an awesome and cheaper alternative that doubles as seductive too.

The unit comes with a compressor to pump your tires, a working light, an actual AC port (not DC or USB) for powering your devices and importantly, is a fraction of the cost of a comparable Noco Boost, GB or GBX. 

As with the prior unit, there’s a price to pay here too: the battery is lead acid (lower shelf life), and of course, the obvious one: loss of portability (as the unit is considerably larger).

In the end, it all boils down to choosing your poison carefully 🙂

Summary And Alternatives: Should You Buy The Noco Boost Portable Jumpstarter?

This actually depends on a number of factors.

1. If you have a vehicle used very infrequently, have a weak battery, or just want the peace of mind that comes with having a jumper around, just in case.
2. If your vehicle fits into the criterion of the engine size the jumpers are made for and finally,
3. If you love minimalism and want your units simple and straight to the point.

If your answer to any of the questions above is a ‘yes’, then, you need the Noco!

If you truly want the best Noco offers, go beast however – select the devil itself: the GBX 155…believe me when I call this a large ‘devil’. With it, there is no battery or vehicle that is off the charts… and, it is as simple as that!

On the other hand, if your need exceeds basic jumpstarting, you’ll be charging your devices frequently from the jumper, and importantly, if you don’t mind some bulk, the GB 250, though madly expensive, will certainly serve better.