NOCO Boost GB40 Jump Starter Power Pack Review: Worth It?
We put the NOCO Boost GB40 to the test after waking up to a totally dead battery on a chilly morning. It fired up the car right away—huge relief, honestly, since waiting for roadside assistance is never fun. We also gave it a go on a friend’s diesel van, and it handled that just fine. It’s small enough to stash in the glove box, and the built-in torch was actually useful when we had to mess around in the dark.
The GB40 feels sturdy and is straightforward to use, even if you’re not exactly a jump starter pro. The clamps have a solid grip, and the safety bits make it tough to mess up. If we had to nitpick, the cables could be longer, and charging it back up does take a while. But honestly, for its size, it’s a reassuring thing to have in the car.
Bottom Line
The NOCO Boost GB40 is one of those gadgets you hope you’ll never need, but you’ll be glad you have it. Reliable, compact, and tough—pretty much what you want in a jump starter and backup power bank. Click here to buy the NOCO Boost GB40 on Amazon.
Overview of the NOCO Boost GB40: 1000A UltraSafe Jump Starter Power Pack
We gave this little jump starter a shot after a cold snap left our battery totally drained. It’s surprisingly small but still packs enough punch to get the engine turning. Feels well built, and the rubberized shell shrugs off bumps and a bit of rain.
The built-in safety stuff is great—no sparks, no drama, and you can’t really connect it the wrong way. The LED light is handy for early-morning mishaps, though it’s not going to light up the whole driveway. The USB port came in clutch for charging a phone while waiting for help.
Pros:
- Fires up most small and mid-size engines
- Safety features make it hard to mess up
- Fits anywhere—glove box, backpack, you name it
Cons:
- Flashlight is just okay, not super bright
- Needs a few hours to recharge
Key Features
Instant Dead Battery Starting
We tried the GB40 on a totally dead car battery, and it started the engine straight away. The 1000-amp output is enough for most cars and even bigger petrol or diesel engines.
It holds several jumps per charge, which is great if you’re helping out other drivers or just forgetful about charging. But yeah, it does take a while to recharge, so don’t leave it empty for weeks.
Pros:
- Strong, reliable starts
- Handles a mix of engine sizes
Cons:
- Recharging isn’t fast
UltraSafe Technology
We really appreciated the safety features. The spark-proof and reverse polarity protection gave us peace of mind. Even if you’re half-asleep and put the clamps on wrong, it just won’t do anything dangerous.
The safety lights are pretty clear, too. Makes it a good option for folks who usually avoid car batteries.
Highlights:
| Safety Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Spark-Proof | Prevents accidental sparks |
| Reverse Polarity Protection | Stops power flow if connected incorrectly |
Portable Power Bank Function
We used the GB40’s USB port to charge a phone and tablet on the road. It’s not as quick as a wall charger, but it’ll keep your phone alive if you’re stuck somewhere.
Its compact size means you can just toss it in a bag or glove box. The power bank is a nice bonus for travel or emergencies.
Pros:
- Charges small devices when you need it
- Super portable
Cons:
- Slow for bigger gadgets
Integrated LED Flashlight
The built-in torch made it easier to see what we were doing when hooking up cables at night. It’s not the brightest thing ever, but it’s got a bunch of modes—standard, flashing, SOS, and so on.
Not a replacement for a proper flashlight, but you won’t complain about having it if you’re stranded in the dark.
Light Modes Include:
- Standard beam for visibility
- Flashing for attention
- SOS for emergencies
Compact and Rugged Design
First thing you’ll notice: this thing is tiny. Fits in your hand, glove box, or just about anywhere. It’s light, but the casing feels tough.
Rubberized edges help you grip it and keep it from getting dinged up. We used it on a damp morning, and moisture wasn’t an issue at all.
Pros:
- Easy to stash
- Feels solid and protected
Cons:
- Smooth parts can get scratched up
Ease of Use
Setup is a breeze. The clamps bite down nicely, and the indicator lights tell you what’s going on. You don’t really need the manual, but it’s there if you want it.
The GB40 started a few different engines for us with no fuss. The torch is handy if you’re fumbling around at night.
Only real gripe: the cables are a bit short, so you might have to wiggle things around if your battery is tucked away. But once it’s on, it just works.
Pros and Cons
After giving it a go on several cars and vans, here’s what stood out:
Pros
- Reliable: Fires up petrol and diesel engines, even after sitting unused
- Tiny footprint: Glove box, boot, backpack—it fits
- Simple: Clamps and lights make it obvious what to do
- Extras: Torch and USB port are genuinely useful
- Tough: Rubber casing shrugs off dust and bumps
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Safety design | Prevents sparks and reverse connections |
| LED torch | Handy for roadside repairs |
| Power bank | Charges small devices on the go |
Cons
- Short cables: Only about two feet long, which can be awkward
- Takes a while to recharge: Needs a few hours plugged in
- No hard case: The soft pouch is basic
- Not for big engines: Works best for mid-size cars, not heavy-duty trucks
Customer Reviews
Most people seem happy with the GB40. We found it quick to set up and strong enough for smaller petrol and diesel engines. Plenty of reviewers say it’s worked even when their battery was completely dead, which matches our own experience.
Some folks mention the short cables, especially if their battery is hard to reach. Others would like a quicker recharge.
Highlights from customer feedback:
- Easy to use: No head-scratching setup
- Gets the job done: Starts engines when you need it
- Feels solid: Compact and well built
Conclusion
After using it a bunch, we trust the GB40 for everyday emergencies. It starts engines fast, even when the battery’s totally flat, and its small size means it’s always close by.
Pros:
- Dependable, strong performance
- User-friendly for just about anyone
- Built to last
Cons:
- Cables could be longer
- Takes a bit to recharge
It’s not flawless, but honestly, it’s a solid backup plan for dead batteries. We don’t leave home without it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the NOCO GB40 compare to the GB70 in terms of performance?
GB40 handles most small to mid-size cars well, but the GB70 packs more punch for bigger engines. The GB70 also recharges quicker and gives you more starts per charge. GB40’s lighter and easier to stash. For daily drivers, the GB40 is a nice balance.
| Feature | GB40 | GB70 |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Current | 1000A | 2000A |
| Engine Capacity | Up to 6.0L petrol / 3.0L diesel | Up to 8.0L petrol / 6.0L diesel |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Portability | Easier to carry | Less compact |
Is the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 suitable for large engine vehicles?
It’s best for smaller engines. It’ll do up to 6.0L petrol and 3.0L diesel, but for big trucks or SUVs with hefty diesels, you’ll want something like the GB70 or GBX75.
What is the typical battery lifespan for the NOCO Boost Plus GB40?
From what we’ve seen, the battery holds up for years if you treat it right. Users often get two or three years of steady performance. Just keep it topped up every so often.
How many engine starts can one expect from the NOCO GB40 before needing a recharge?
Usually, you’ll get 15 to 20 starts per charge, depending on engine size and the weather. Smaller engines use less power, but cold or repeated starts drain it faster. It recharges in about three hours over USB.
What are the key differences between the NOCO GB40 and GBX45 models?
The GBX45 is like the GB40’s tougher sibling—more power, faster USB-C charging, and sturdier clamps. But the GB40 still does the job for most folks and is a bit cheaper.
| Feature | GB40 | GBX45 |
|---|---|---|
| Charging Port | Micro USB | USB-C |
| Power Output | 1000A | Higher peak current |
| Build | Durable | More rugged |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
Are there any common issues reported by users of the NOCO GB40?
Most feedback’s pretty positive, but a few folks do mention the clamp cables are a bit short—makes it awkward if you’re working in a cramped engine bay. Some people also point out that the unit doesn’t always hold a charge if you leave it sitting for a long time without topping it up. The flashlight? Handy, sure, though honestly, the button placement could be better. It’s a little odd to find in the dark.