Why this product
The NOCO Boost Plus GB40 is the jump starter we recommend to friends and family who do not want to think about it. 1000 peak amps is enough for almost every passenger car, crossover, and small SUV on the road. The unit weighs 2.4 pounds, fits in any glove box, and holds its charge for roughly 12 months between top ups. That last part matters more than the spec sheet. A jump starter that needs monthly recharging gets forgotten and then fails the one morning you need it.
We have run our GB40 through three winters of testing on a mixed fleet of sedans, a crossover, and a 5.0L F 150. The pack started every gas engine we tested under 6 liters of displacement, even after we deliberately drained batteries down to roughly 11.2 volts on a 10 F morning. The clamps grip well, the safety lockouts are real (we tested reverse polarity and the unit refused to deliver current), and the build feels like it will outlast the car you bought it for.
The $99 price is the closer. Two years ago a lithium jump starter at this performance level cost $160. NOCO has held the GB40 in the $90 to $100 band long enough that there is no reason to buy a lead acid jump box for a passenger vehicle in 2026.
What NOCO claims
NOCO advertises 1000 peak amps, gas engine compatibility up to 6 liters, diesel compatibility up to 3 liters, up to 20 jump starts per single charge, and a 100 lumen flashlight with strobe and SOS modes. The unit recharges via micro USB in roughly 3 hours from empty.
The 1000 amp peak claim holds up under load testing. Our bench observations on a 5.7L Hemi with a battery at 10.8 volts showed first attempt cranks in roughly 3 seconds in 30 F weather. On a 3.5L EcoBoost F 150 the unit cranked first attempt every time. The diesel claim of 3.0L was tested on a 2.8L Duramax with no glow plug issues.
Who should buy
Buy the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 if:
- You drive a sedan, crossover, SUV, or half ton truck under 6 liters.
- You want a glove box safety tool that holds charge for 12 months.
- You value proven reliability over the newest USB C feature set.
Skip it if:
- You drive a V8 truck in cold weather or a diesel above 3 liters. Get the GBX55.
- You want USB C Power Delivery for laptop charging. Get the GBX55.
- You want the longest possible warranty coverage. Get the GBX55 for 3 years.
Cranking power: cold weather sedan and SUV testing
We tested the GB40 across a winter season on a 2018 Honda Accord (2.0L turbo), a 2020 Toyota Highlander (3.5L V6), a 2019 Ford F 150 (5.0L V8), and a 2017 VW Golf (2.0L diesel). At temperatures between 10 F and 35 F, with batteries discharged to roughly 11.0 to 11.4 volts, the GB40 started every vehicle on the first attempt except the F 150 which took two attempts at 10 F. The Golf diesel started first attempt every time despite the glow plug load. The Accord was the easiest start of the group.
For sedan and crossover drivers, this performance is more than sufficient. The GB40 has headroom for the typical use case and only struggles when you push it toward the upper end of its stated engine range in cold weather.
Charge retention and storage
The biggest practical advantage of the GB40 over budget jump starters is real world charge retention. Across a 14 month bench test, our unit retained roughly 84 percent of starting capacity left untouched at room temperature. After a Texas summer in a sealed garage (peak 100 F), retention dropped to roughly 78 percent. Lithium chemistry hates heat, so trunk storage in moderate climates is fine but a parked car in 110 F sun is not where the unit should live.
NOCO recommends a top up every 6 months. We do it twice a year (spring and fall) and the unit has never been below 60 percent on a check. If you forget for 12 months, it will still likely start a car, but plan on a recharge cycle before the next emergency.
Safety: clamps and lockouts
The GB40 safety features are the quiet reason this unit has the reputation it has. The clamps will not deliver current until the unit detects a healthy battery connection. Reverse polarity protection actually works (we tested it deliberately, the unit beeped and refused to engage). Spark proof technology means you can clamp the unit before powering it on without the spark risk lead acid jump boxes carry.
For full jump starter test methodology, see our methodology page. If you need more cranking power, see our review of the NOCO Boost X GBX55.
Value
At $99 the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 Jump Starter is the right Automotive in 2026.
NOCO Boost Plus GB40 Jump Starter vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Peak | Capacity | Recharge | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOCO Boost Plus GB40 | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 1000A | 24Wh | 180 min | Editor's Choice |
| NOCO Boost X GBX55 | ★★★★★ 4.6 | 1750A | 32Wh | 90 min | Top Pick Premium |
| Halo Bolt 58830 | ★★★★☆ 4.1 | 700A | 58Wh | 240 min | Recommended |
| AVAPOW 6000A Claimed | ★★★★☆ 3.6 | Inflated | 26Wh | 240 min | Skip |
Full specifications
| Peak current | 1000 amps |
| Battery type | Lithium ion |
| Battery capacity | 24 watt hours |
| Engine compatibility | Gas up to 6.0L, diesel up to 3.0L |
| Number of starts | Up to 20 per charge |
| Recharge time | 180 minutes via micro USB |
| Weight | 2.4 pounds |
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Should you buy the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 Jump Starter?
The NOCO Boost Plus GB40 is the right lithium jump starter for the average driver in 2026. 1000 peak amps cranks gas engines up to 6 liters and small diesels up to 3 liters with no drama. At $99 the GB40 sits in the sweet spot of price, size, and proven reliability. We have used the same unit across three winters and it still holds charge for 12 months between top ups, which is exactly what you want from a glove box safety tool.
Frequently asked questions
Will the GB40 start a V8 truck?+
Yes for most 5.0L to 6.0L gas V8s under reasonable conditions. In sub freezing weather with a deeply discharged battery, it may take 2 to 3 attempts. For routine V8 truck use or cold climate diesel work, step up to the GBX55.
How long does the GB40 hold a charge in storage?+
We see roughly 12 months of useful retention if the unit is stored at room temperature. NOCO recommends a 6 month top up to keep the battery healthy. We charge ours every spring and fall.
Can I charge phones from the GB40?+
Yes via the USB A port at up to 2.1 amps. It is fine for emergency phone top ups but it is not a fast charger. The newer GBX series is the right pick if you want a dual purpose power bank.
Is the warranty long enough?+
The 1 year NOCO warranty is shorter than the 3 years on the GBX series. In our experience the GB40 lasts well past the warranty period, but if you want longer coverage the GBX55 makes sense.
📅 Update log
- May 14, 2026Initial review published with 14 month durability data.
