Introduction
There is perhaps no more helpless feeling on the road than turning the key in the ignition and hearing nothing but a weak click or a slow, struggling crank. A dead battery is one of the most common roadside emergencies, striking at the most inconvenient moments—early mornings, late nights, or in remote locations far from help. Traditional jumper cables, while effective, depend entirely on the presence of another vehicle and a willing stranger. Portable jump starters have emerged as a practical solution, empowering drivers to handle battery emergencies independently. The NOCO Boost GB20 is designed for drivers of smaller vehicles—motorcycles, ATVs, lawn mowers, jet skis, and compact cars—who need a compact, reliable, and affordable jump starter that can fit in a glove compartment or tool kit. This article provides an educational overview of this device, exploring its features, design, and practical considerations for those thinking about adding it to their vehicle’s emergency kit.
Product Overview
The NOCO Boost GB20 is a portable lithium-ion battery jump starter that delivers 500 amps of peak current for starting a dead 12-volt battery in seconds. It is part of NOCO’s Boost Sport series, which is positioned as the most accessible entry point into the brand’s jump starter lineup. The GB20 is designed for a wide range of small to medium vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, RVs, lawn mowers, snowmobiles, and more, with compatibility for gasoline engines up to 4.0 liters. It is not recommended for diesel engines.
The device is built around a 24-watt-hour lithium-ion battery, which provides sufficient power for up to 20 jump starts on a single full charge. The GB20 weighs just 2.4 pounds (1.1 kg) and measures approximately 6.7 inches in length, 3.2 inches in width, and 1.7 inches in height, making it small enough to fit in a glove box, under a seat, or in a motorcycle pannier. It is available at various retailers with a price ranging from approximately $100 to $150, depending on the region and retailer.
Beyond its primary function as a jump starter, the GB20 also serves as a portable power bank with a 2.1A USB output for charging smartphones, tablets, and other devices. It includes an integrated 100-lumen LED flashlight with seven light modes, including SOS and emergency strobe. The device is housed in a rugged, water-resistant enclosure with an IP65 rating and comes with a 1-year warranty. With over 12,000 customer ratings on Amazon, the GB20 has established a strong reputation among users.
Key Features
500 Amps of Peak Power
The defining feature of the GB20 is its 500-amp peak current output. This power is designed to jump-start gasoline engines up to 4.0 liters quickly and reliably. This compatibility covers a wide range of vehicles, including compact cars, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, lawn mowers, snowmobiles, and more. The device uses high-discharge lithium technology for safe operation in any climate. Users have confirmed that the GB20 “easily starts my 12V vehicles with engines up to 4.0L gas without hesitation” and can even handle a V8 4.0L Land Rover “without any issues”.
Up to 20 Jump Starts Per Charge
The GB20’s 24-watt-hour lithium-ion battery can deliver up to 20 jump starts on a single full charge. This capacity makes it a dependable tool for occasional emergencies and light regular use. For those who frequently help others or ride motorcycles, this capacity is a significant advantage.
UltraSafe Technology
Safety is a primary focus of the GB20’s design. The device is equipped with NOCO’s UltraSafe technology, which provides multiple layers of protection. Key safety features include:
- Spark-Proof Technology: Designed to prevent sparks during connection, reducing the risk of ignition.
- Reverse Polarity Protection: Prevents damage from incorrect connection of the clamps to the battery terminals. An error LED illuminates red if reverse polarity is detected.
- Manual Override: Designed for rare situations when a vehicle’s battery is below 2 volts. This mode should be used cautiously, as it disables safety protections.
These features are intended to make jump starting safe and straightforward, even for users with limited experience.
Portable Power Bank
The GB20 includes a 2.1A USB output port that can charge smartphones, tablets, and other USB-powered devices. This feature can be useful for topping up a phone during a long journey or when access to a wall outlet is limited. The device can be recharged in approximately 3 hours via the 2.1A micro USB input.
100-Lumen LED Flashlight with 7 Modes
The GB20 is equipped with a built-in 100-lumen LED flashlight with seven light modes. The flashlight features various brightness settings, including low, medium, high, flashing, strobe, and emergency SOS. This can be useful for roadside inspections, signaling for help, or improving visibility when working on a vehicle in the dark.
Compact and Lightweight Design
The GB20’s compact dimensions and light weight are among its most significant advantages. Weighing just 2.4 pounds and measuring approximately 6.7 inches by 3.2 inches by 1.7 inches, it is small enough to fit in a glove box, under a seat, or in a motorcycle pannier. This portability makes it a practical choice for those who want emergency power always within reach.
IP65 Weather-Resistant Design
The GB20 is housed in a rugged enclosure with an IP65 rating, meaning it is protected against dust and water splashes when ports are closed. A rubberized over-molded casing helps prevent scratching or marring of surfaces. This weather-resistant design adds to its suitability for life in a vehicle and for use in various outdoor conditions.
Powersport Precision Clamps
The GB20 includes Powersport Precision Clamps with integrated eyelet connectors. The narrow clamps easily reach terminals of powersport batteries and have detachable eyelets as an option when connecting to the battery. This makes the GB20 particularly well-suited for motorcycles, ATVs, and other powersport applications.
Long Standby Time
The GB20 holds its charge up to four times longer than other jump starters, extending battery power life and reducing the frequency of charging.
Materials and Design
The NOCO GB20 is constructed with a focus on durability and user convenience. The exterior features a rugged, rubberized over-molded casing that provides impact protection and a secure grip. The device’s IP65 rating indicates it is resistant to dust and water splashes, adding to its suitability for life in a vehicle.
The control interface is designed for simplicity. The unit includes a power button and a manual override button. The USB output port is located on the device, with a rubberized cover to prevent dust and debris ingress. The overall design is consistent with NOCO’s signature black and grey color scheme.
The product dimensions are approximately 6.7 inches in length, 3.2 inches in width, and 1.7 inches in height. It weighs about 2.4 pounds (1.1 kg). The GB20 comes with a microfiber storage bag, a USB charging cable, and a 12V car charger.
Performance
The GB20 is designed to provide quick and reliable jump starts for a wide range of smaller vehicles. In real-world testing, the device has been shown to start vehicles with dead batteries quickly and efficiently. One reviewer noted that the GB20 “easily starts my 12V vehicles with engines up to 4.0L gas without hesitation”. Another user reported that it “effortlessly jumpstarted my motorcycle over 15 times on a single charge” and even started a V8 4.0L Land Rover “without any issues”.
The device’s manual override feature allows it to work on batteries with extremely low voltage (below 2 volts). One user reported successfully using this feature to start a 2000 BMW E39 528i with an AGM battery that was “too low (less than 2V showing)”.
The GB20 has received positive feedback from users, with a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from over 12,000 reviews on Amazon. Users have described it as “essential” and “inexpensive insurance” for their vehicles. It has been praised for its ability to hold a charge, with one user noting that it “appeared to have lost minimal charge” after being stored.
Common Uses
Emergency Jump Starting for Small Vehicles
The primary use of the GB20 is as a roadside emergency tool for jump-starting smaller vehicles with dead or weak batteries. The process is designed to be simple and safe: connect the clamps to the battery terminals, power on the unit, and start the vehicle. The device’s UltraSafe technology is designed to prevent common mistakes, such as reverse polarity connections, that could damage the vehicle’s electrical system or cause sparks.
Motorcycle and Powersport Use
The GB20 is particularly well-suited for motorcycles, ATVs, and other powersport vehicles. Its compact size and light weight make it easy to store in a pannier or under a seat, and the Powersport Precision Clamps are designed to reach the narrow terminals common on these vehicles. One user noted that they “leave it in one the bike’s panniers” for peace of mind.
Portable Power Bank
The GB20’s USB output allows it to charge smartphones, tablets, and other USB-powered devices. This feature can be useful for topping up a phone during a long journey or when access to a wall outlet is limited.
Roadside Safety and Illumination
The built-in 100-lumen LED flashlight with seven light modes, including SOS and emergency strobe, can be used for roadside inspections, signaling for help, or improving visibility when working on a vehicle in the dark.
Routine Maintenance and Preparation
The GB20 can be kept in a vehicle as a preventive measure, providing peace of mind for drivers who may encounter a dead battery. It can be particularly useful for vehicles that are parked for extended periods or for those who frequently travel in remote areas.
Lawn and Garden Equipment
The GB20 is also suitable for starting lawn mowers, tractors, and other garden equipment with petrol engines up to 4.0 liters.
Advantages
Compact and Lightweight
The GB20’s small size and light weight (2.4 pounds) are among its most significant advantages. It can fit in a glove box, under a seat, or in a motorcycle pannier, making it a practical choice for those who want emergency power always within reach.
Affordable Entry Point
The GB20 is the most affordable model in NOCO’s jump starter lineup, typically priced between $100 and $150. This makes it accessible for budget-conscious consumers who still want the quality and reliability of a NOCO product.
UltraSafe Technology
The spark-proof and reverse polarity protection features make the GB20 safe and easy to use, even for those with limited experience.
Versatile Functionality
The GB20 functions as a jump starter, a portable USB power bank, and a 100-lumen LED flashlight with emergency modes. This multi-functionality adds significant value, making the device useful for more than just emergency jump starts.
Powersport-Ready
The Powersport Precision Clamps with integrated eyelet connectors make the GB20 particularly well-suited for motorcycles, ATVs, and other powersport applications.
Long Standby Time
The GB20 holds its charge up to four times longer than other jump starters, extending battery power life and reducing the frequency of charging.
Positive Customer Feedback
The GB20 has received strong ratings from users, with a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from over 12,000 reviews on Amazon.
Things to Consider
Limited to 4.0L Gas Engines
The GB20 is designed for gasoline engines up to 4.0 liters only. It is not suitable for larger engines, diesel engines, or commercial vehicles. Users with larger vehicles should consider the GB40 or GB50 instead.
No Diesel Support
The GB20 is not recommended for diesel engines. Users with diesel vehicles should look at higher-capacity models like the GB40 (3.0L diesel) or GB50 (4.5L diesel).
Manual Override Required for Below 2V Batteries
For batteries that are completely drained (below approximately 2 volts), the GB20’s safety features may prevent it from delivering power automatically. In such cases, the unit includes a manual override mode that can be activated by pressing and holding a button. This feature is useful but requires consulting the manual.
Micro USB Charging
The GB20 uses a micro USB input for charging, rather than the newer USB-C standard. This may be a consideration for those who prefer the convenience of USB-C.
Power Bank Output
The USB-out port provides a relatively low-amperage charge. While sufficient for smartphones, it may not be ideal for larger devices like tablets.
Microfiber Storage Bag
The GB20 comes with a microfiber storage bag, which some users have found less durable than they would prefer. A sturdier canvas bag or a protective case is available as an additional purchase.
Warranty
The GB20 comes with a 1-year warranty. Extended warranties are not available from NOCO directly.
Comparison With Similar Product Categories
NOCO GB20 vs. NOCO GB40
The GB40 is a more powerful model offering 1,000 amps for gasoline engines up to 6.0 liters and diesel engines up to 3.0 liters. The GB20 is limited to 4.0L gas engines with its 500A peak. The GB40 is better suited for those with larger vehicles or who want additional capacity, while the GB20 is a more budget-friendly option for smaller cars and powersport vehicles.
NOCO GB20 vs. NOCO GB50
The GB50 offers 1,500 amps for gasoline engines up to 7.0 liters and diesel engines up to 4.5 liters. It also provides 30 jump starts per charge compared to the GB20’s 20. The GB50 is heavier and more expensive, making it suitable for those who need more power and capacity.
Portable Jump Starters vs. Traditional Jumper Cables
Traditional jumper cables are simple, inexpensive, and do not require charging. However, they depend on the availability of another vehicle with a functional battery. Portable jump starters like the GB20 offer self-sufficiency, allowing a driver to start their vehicle without assistance. They are also safer, with built-in protection against sparks and reverse polarity. The GB20’s additional features, such as the power bank and flashlight, further distinguish it from basic cables.
Compact Jump Starters vs. Larger Models
Compact jump starters like the GB20 prioritize portability and affordability over raw power. They are ideal for smaller vehicles and occasional use. Larger models offer more power, more jump starts per charge, and diesel compatibility, but they are heavier, bulkier, and more expensive. The choice depends on the types of vehicles being driven and the user’s specific needs.
Maintenance and Care
Regular Charging
The GB20 should be recharged periodically, even when not in use, to maintain battery health. The device can be recharged from any powered USB port in approximately 3 hours at 2.1-amps. The GB20 holds its charge up to four times longer than other jump starters, extending battery power life and reducing the frequency of charging.
Storage
The unit should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from extreme temperatures. The GB20’s operating temperature range is -20°C to +50°C (-4°F to +122°F).
Cleaning
The device can be wiped clean with a soft, damp cloth. The rubberized casing and water-resistant design make it resistant to dirt and moisture, but it should not be submerged in water. The clamp terminals should be kept clean and free from corrosion.
Battery Health
The GB20 uses a 24-watt-hour lithium-ion battery. To maintain battery health, it is recommended to recharge the device every few months, even when not in use.
Manual Override Usage
The manual override feature should be used cautiously, as it disables safety protections while enabled. It is designed for rare situations when a vehicle’s battery is below 2 volts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vehicles can the NOCO GB20 jump-start?
The GB20 is rated for gasoline engines up to 4.0 liters. This covers compact cars, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, lawn mowers, snowmobiles, and more. It is not recommended for diesel engines.
How many jump starts can I get on a single charge?
The GB20 can deliver up to 20 jump starts on a single full charge. The actual number may vary depending on the battery’s condition and the ambient temperature.
How long does it take to charge the GB20?
The GB20 can be recharged from any powered USB port in approximately 3 hours at 2.1-amps.
Is the GB20 safe to use?
Yes, the GB20 is designed with UltraSafe technology, including spark-proof connections and reverse polarity protection.
Does the GB20 come with a charger?
The GB20 includes a USB charging cable and a 12V car charger. It does not include a USB wall adapter, so users will need to provide their own.
Can the GB20 charge my phone?
Yes, the GB20 includes a 2.1A USB output port that can be used to charge smartphones, tablets, and other USB-powered devices.
Does the GB20 have a flashlight?
Yes, the GB20 features a 100-lumen LED flashlight with seven light modes, including standard flashlight, strobe, and SOS signals.
What is the manual override feature?
The manual override feature is designed for rare situations when a vehicle’s battery is below 2 volts. It allows the GB20 to deliver power in these situations but should be used cautiously as it disables safety protections.
Is the GB20 waterproof?
The GB20 has an IP65 rating, meaning it is protected against dust and water splashes when ports are closed. It is not fully waterproof.
What is the warranty on the GB20?
The GB20 comes with a 1-year warranty.
What is included in the box?
The GB20 typically includes the jump starter unit, heavy-duty leads, a USB charging cable, and a microfiber storage bag.
Is the GB20 suitable for motorcycles?
Yes, the GB20 is particularly well-suited for motorcycles. Its compact size and light weight make it easy to store, and the Powersport Precision Clamps are designed to reach the narrow terminals common on motorcycles.
Final Thoughts
The NOCO Boost GB20 500A UltraSafe Jump Starter offers a compelling combination of portability, affordability, and safety features for drivers of smaller vehicles who need reliable emergency starting capability. Its 500-amp peak output is designed to start gasoline engines up to 4.0 liters, covering everything from compact cars and motorcycles to ATVs, boats, and lawn mowers. The up to 20 jump starts per charge provides ample capacity for occasional emergencies and light regular use. The UltraSafe technology provides multiple layers of protection, including spark-proof connections and reverse polarity protection. The additional functionality as a USB power bank and 100-lumen LED flashlight with emergency modes adds practical value, making the device useful beyond its primary role.
While the limited engine compatibility, lack of diesel support, and micro USB charging may be considerations for some users, the GB20’s strong reputation, proven performance, and affordable price point make it a compelling option for those seeking a dependable, compact jump starter. For drivers of compact cars, motorcycles, ATVs, and other smaller vehicles who want the peace of mind of being prepared for a dead battery, the NOCO Boost GB20 presents a practical option worth considering.