In our last review, we looked at the 2000-Amp beast, the NOCO GB70. But for 90% of drivers on the road, 2000A i s complete overkill. That's where its smaller, more popular, and more practical sibling comes in: the NOCO Boost GB40 1000A Jump Starter.
This is one of the best-selling lithium jump starters on the planet, and for good reason. It promises to solve the "dead battery" problem in a compact, safe, and affordable package. But is it powerful enough for your car? Let's find out.
1. The Power: What Can 1000A Actually Start?
The 1000-Amp rating is the peak current. What matters to you is the engine size rating. NOCO rates the GB40 for:
- Gasoline Engines: Up to 6.0 Liters
- Diesel Engines: Up to 3.0 Liters
What this means in the real world: This device can reliably start almost every standard car, crossover, SUV (like a Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, or Ford Explorer), motorcycle, and ATV on the road. Unless you're driving a heavy-duty diesel truck, this 1000A unit has all the power you will ever need.
2. The "UltraSafe" Technology: NOCO's Signature Feature
The single biggest reason this product is a best-seller is its safety. Many people are terrified of traditional jumper cables—the sparks, the risk of connecting them backward, the potential for battery damage. The GB40's "UltraSafe" technology eliminates all of that fear.
- Spark-Proof Clamps: You can touch the clamps together, and nothing will happen. No sparks, no short-circuits.
- Reverse Polarity Protection: If you accidentally connect the red clamp to the negative terminal and the black to the positive, the device simply won't send power. A warning light will flash, telling you to fix the connection.
This foolproof design makes it genuinely safe for anyone—from a professional to a teenager—to use without any risk or guesswork.
3. Secondary Features: Power Bank & Flashlight
Like its bigger brother, the GB40 is also a multi-tool. It features a built-in USB port, turning the device into a portable power bank. It holds enough charge to recharge a dead smartphone 2-3 times, which is critical in an emergency.
It also includes a 100-lumen LED flashlight with 7 modes, including SOS and emergency strobe. This is incredibly useful for jump-starting your car in the dark or signaling for help on the side of the road.
Final Verdict: GB40 vs. GB70 (Which One to Buy?)
This is the most important question. Both are excellent, but they are for different users.
- Buy the NOCO GB40 (this one) if: You drive a standard car, SUV, or small truck (under 6.0L gas). It's smaller, cheaper, and has all the power you need for daily driving emergencies.
- Buy the NOCO GB70 (the 2000A version) if: You drive a heavy-duty truck (like an F-250), a large V8 SUV, an RV, or you are a professional who needs to jump multiple vehicles a day.
For the vast majority of drivers, the NOCO Boost GB40 is the perfect, sensible choice. It's the ideal balance of power, portability, safety, and price, and it's an essential piece of any roadside emergency kit.
Don't let a dead battery ruin your day.
The NOCO Boost GB40 is the #1 best-selling, foolproof solution for most drivers. Get the peace of mind of an "UltraSafe" jump starter in your glove box.