When your car battery dies, it always seems to happen at the worst time—early morning, late night, or in freezing weather. That’s where portable jump starters like the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 come in. Compact yet powerful, the GB40 offers an impressive mix of safety features, convenience, and durability. In this review, we’ll take a deep dive into what makes this 1,000-amp jump starter such a popular pick among drivers.
What Is the NOCO GB40?
The NOCO Boost Plus GB40 is a 12V portable lithium jump starter designed to instantly bring dead batteries back to life. Rated at 1,000 amps of peak current, it can handle gas engines up to 6.0 liters and diesel engines up to 3.0 liters.
That means it works for a wide range of vehicles—from compact cars and SUVs to half-ton trucks, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, and even lawnmowers.
Beyond starting engines, the GB40 doubles as a portable power bank and features a 100-lumen LED flashlight with multiple modes for roadside emergencies.
Key Features at a Glance
- Powerful Performance: Delivers up to 20 jump starts per charge.
- UltraSafe Technology: Built-in reverse polarity and spark-proof protection.
- Portable Power Bank: Recharge phones, tablets, and other USB devices.
- Integrated Flashlight: Seven modes, including SOS and emergency strobe.
- Rugged Design: IP65-rated water and dust resistance with rubberized housing.
- Compact Size: Weighs only 2.4 pounds and fits easily in a glove box.
- Complete Kit: Comes with clamps, USB charging cable, and storage bag.
Design & Build Quality
One of the first things you notice about the GB40 is its solid construction. The housing is rubberized, impact-resistant, and IP65-rated to withstand dust and light water exposure.
The unit feels tough enough to survive regular outdoor use. The clamps are thick, heavy-duty, and designed to latch onto various battery terminals securely. While the shorter cable length can be slightly inconvenient depending on your vehicle’s layout, the compact design makes it easy to carry and store.
At just 2.4 pounds, the GB40 is light enough to keep in your glove box, trunk, or emergency kit without taking up much space.
Internal Battery & Charging
The GB40 runs on a 24-watt-hour lithium-ion battery with natural convection cooling. It recharges fully in about three hours using the included USB cable.
Once charged, the unit can provide up to 20 jump starts, depending on conditions. Many owners note that the GB40 holds its charge well even after sitting unused for weeks, making it especially useful as a reliable backup during long road trips or cold winters.
It’s also designed to operate in extreme temperatures, from -4°F (-20°C) to 122°F (50°C)—a key advantage for drivers in harsh climates.
Compatibility & Versatility
The GB40 isn’t limited to cars—it supports almost all types of 12V lead-acid batteries, including:
- Wet cell
- Gel
- AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat)
- Maintenance-free
- Enhanced flooded
This makes it useful for jump-starting cars, trucks, SUVs, boats, motorcycles, ATVs, RVs, and even lawn equipment. If you own multiple vehicles, this one device can handle them all.
Safety Features
Safety is where the GB40 truly shines. Thanks to NOCO’s UltraSafe Technology and proprietary Battery Management System (BMS), you don’t have to worry about sparks or damaging your battery with incorrect connections.
- Reverse Polarity Protection: Won’t activate if clamps are placed incorrectly.
- Spark-Proof Design: Eliminates accidental sparks when connecting to terminals.
- Adaptive Power Output: Adjusts delivery based on the battery’s size and need.
Essentially, the GB40 only delivers power when it recognizes a proper connection. This makes it foolproof for beginners and gives peace of mind to seasoned drivers.
Flashlight & Extra Features
The built-in 100-lumen LED flashlight offers seven modes: high, medium, low, strobe, and SOS. This is especially handy if you need to jump your car at night or signal for help in an emergency.
The GB40 also serves as a charging bank for devices. With its USB Out port (5V, 2.1A), you can recharge phones, tablets, or other gadgets when outlets aren’t available. This makes it useful for camping, road trips, or power outages.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Compact and lightweight.
- Rugged and durable design (IP65-rated).
- Up to 20 jump starts per charge.
- Foolproof safety features.
- Works with a wide range of vehicles and batteries.
- Extra convenience with flashlight and USB power bank.
Cons
- Jumper cables are a bit short.
- Requires periodic recharging to stay ready.
Price & Value
The NOCO GB40 typically retails for around $130, though prices may vary depending on sales and retailers. Considering its performance, durability, and safety features, it offers excellent value for money.
Compared to cheaper jump starters, the GB40 feels more reliable and rugged, which is important when dealing with something as critical as your car battery.
Final Verdict: Is the NOCO GB40 Worth It?
Yes—the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 is absolutely worth it if you’re looking for a reliable, compact jump starter with added emergency features.
It’s ideal for everyday drivers, families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who wants peace of mind knowing they can handle a dead battery on their own.
While the cables could be longer, that’s a minor tradeoff for its compact size and storage convenience. Overall, the GB40 is one of the best balance points between price, power, and safety in today’s portable jump starter market.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: NOCO
- Model: GB40
- Amperage: 1000A peak
- Battery: 24Wh Lithium-ion
- Weight: 2.4 lbs
- Dimensions: 4.61″D x 8.19″W x 4.21″H
- Cable Length: 23 inches
- Flashlight: 100 lumens, 7 modes
- Housing: IP65-rated, rubberized
- Warranty: 1 year
✅ Bottom line: If you want a durable, safe, and versatile portable jump starter, the NOCO GB40 is one of the best options available today. It’s the kind of tool you hope you’ll never need—but you’ll be glad you have it when your battery fails.