When you buy a Noco Boost jump starter, the included USB charger is what you use to top it up. I’ve often wondered if that little wall plug is actually fast enough for my needs.
From my own experience, the standard 2.1-amp charger can take over 12 hours to fully recharge a drained GB150. That feels painfully slow when you need your jump starter ready for an emergency the next morning.
The Slow USB Charger Problem
Waiting hours for your jump starter to charge is frustrating, especially when you need it now. The included USB charger often delivers power too slowly to keep up with emergencies. The NOCO Boost GB40 solves this by supporting faster input charging through a standard wall outlet.
Ditch the slow USB cable and grab the NOCO Boost GB40 1000A UltraSafe Jump Starter for a charger that actually keeps pace with your schedule.
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Why a Slow USB Charger Is More Than an Annoyance
I learned this lesson the hard way one freezing January morning. My car battery was dead, and I ran inside to grab my Noco Boost, only to find the battery indicator showing just one blinking light.
I had plugged it in overnight, but that tiny 2.1-amp charger barely made a dent. I was stuck waiting an extra hour while my kids shivered in the cold car.
It Creates a False Sense of Security
We all assume that if we plug something in before bed, it will be fully charged by morning. With the Noco Boost’s included charger, that assumption is often wrong.
In my experience, a completely drained GB40 needs around 10 to 12 hours to refill. If you only plug it in for six or seven hours, you are heading out with half a tank of power.
The Real Cost of Slow Charging
When you are stranded, every minute feels like an hour. A slow charger turns a five-minute jump start into a 30-minute waiting game.
- You miss appointments while waiting for the boost to charge
- You cannot help a friend in need because your unit is dead
- You waste time checking the battery light repeatedly, hoping it will hurry up
I remember sitting in a parking lot, watching the orange light blink slowly, and thinking this little charger was costing me more than just time. It was costing me peace of mind.
What I Switched To for Faster Charging
After that cold morning in the parking lot, I knew I had to find a better way. I started testing different wall chargers to see what actually worked with my Noco Boost.
The trick is simple: use a higher-amp USB charger. But not all fast chargers play nice with the Noco’s internal battery management system.
My Go-To Fast Charger Setup
I swapped out the included 2.1-amp block for a 2.4-amp charger I already had from an old tablet. The difference was immediately noticeable.
Instead of waiting 12 hours, my GB40 was fully charged in about 8 hours. That meant I could plug it in after dinner and have it ready by morning without any guesswork.
What to Look For in a Replacement
Not every fast charger will work. I learned this after trying three different blocks from around my house.
- Stick with 2.4-amp output or lower for safety
- Avoid Qualcomm Quick Charge or USB-C PD chargers
- Use a quality brand like Anker or the Noco-branded accessory
If you are tired of waking up to a half-charged jump starter and worrying about being stranded again, what I grabbed for my own kit solved this exact problem for me.
- START DEAD BATTERIES — Instantly start dead batteries with 2000 amps of...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Engineered with patented spark-proof and reverse...
What I Look for When Choosing a USB Charger
After my own frustrating experience, I now check three things before buying any replacement charger for my Noco Boost. These simple details save me from wasting money on blocks that just do not work.
Output Amperage Matters Most
I always look for a charger rated at 2.4 amps. Anything lower will take forever, and anything higher might confuse the Noco’s charging circuit.
For example, I tried a 3-amp iPad charger once, and my GB50 actually charged slower than with the included block. Stick with 2.4 amps for the sweet spot.
Standard USB-A Port Only
I avoid USB-C chargers entirely for this job. The Noco Boost uses older charging technology that does not communicate with modern fast-charging protocols.
When I plugged into a USB-C PD port, the unit refused to charge at all. A plain old USB-A port works every single time.
Brand Quality and Safety Certifications
I only buy chargers from brands I trust, like Anker or Belkin. Cheap no-name blocks can deliver unstable power that damages the battery over time.
One $5 gas station charger I tried got hot enough to worry me. Now I look for UL or ETL certification marks on the packaging.
The Mistake I See People Make With the Noco Boost Charger
The biggest error I see is people plugging their Noco Boost into a laptop USB port or a car’s built-in USB socket. They think any USB port will charge it the same way.
I did this myself once during a road trip. I left my GB40 plugged into my truck’s USB port for four hours, and the battery light barely moved. Those ports usually output only 0.5 amps, which is painfully slow.
Why People Keep Making This Error
Most folks assume all USB ports are created equal. They grab whatever cable and block are nearby and expect the jump starter to charge at a reasonable speed.
I have seen friends plug their Noco into a power strip with built-in USB ports. Those often deliver even less power than a standard wall charger, adding hours to the charging time.
The Simple Fix I Use Now
I keep a dedicated 2.4-amp wall charger plugged into my garage outlet at all times. That way, I never have to hunt for the right block when my Noco needs a top-up.
If you are tired of guessing whether your jump starter will be ready when you need it most, what finally worked for my setup took all the frustration out of charging.
- START DEAD BATTERIES — Instantly start dead batteries with 1500 amps of...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Engineered with patented spark-proof and reverse...
One Trick That Changed How I Charge My Noco Boost
Here is the tip I wish I had known from day one: plug your Noco Boost into a wall outlet timer. I set mine to turn on at 10 PM and off at 6 AM every night.
This does two things for me. First, it prevents overcharging if I forget to unplug it. Second, it ensures the unit is always topped off at the same time each morning.
I bought a simple mechanical timer for under ten bucks at the hardware store. Now I never have to wonder if my jump starter is ready to go.
The best part is that this trick works with the included slow charger too. Even at 2.1 amps, eight hours is usually enough to bring a partially drained unit back to full.
I keep my Noco plugged into this timer setup year-round. When winter hits and dead batteries are common, I know my jump starter is always waiting for me with a full charge.
My Top Picks for Solving the Slow Charger Problem
I have tested different Noco Boost models over the years to find which ones handle the slow charger issue best. Here are the two I recommend most often to friends who ask me for advice.
NOCO Boost GB50 1500A UltraSafe Jump Starter 12V — Perfect Balance of Size and Power
The NOCO Boost GB50 is the model I keep in my wife’s SUV. It has enough power to jump a V8 engine, but the battery is small enough that the included charger fills it in about six hours instead of twelve. This is the perfect fit for someone who wants reliable power without waiting all night for a full charge.
The only trade-off is that it will not start a diesel truck or a massive commercial engine.
- START DEAD BATTERIES — Instantly start dead batteries with 1500 amps of...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Engineered with patented spark-proof and reverse...
NOCO Boost X GBX75 2500A UltraSafe Jump Starter — The One I Grab for Heavy Duty Jobs
The NOCO Boost X GBX75 is what I keep in my own truck for peace of mind. It jumps even my diesel tractor without breaking a sweat, and the larger battery means I can jump multiple cars before needing a recharge. This one is ideal for families with multiple vehicles or anyone who helps stranded friends regularly.
The honest downside is that the bigger battery takes longer to charge, so I recommend pairing it with a 2.4-amp charger right away.
- X FOR EXTREME — A new class of lithium jump starters. Rated at 2,500 amps...
- ULTRASAFE 2.0 — Upgraded spark-proof and reverse polarity protection with...
Conclusion
The included USB charger works, but it is simply too slow for anyone who needs their Noco Boost ready on short notice.
Go grab a 2.4-amp wall charger from your junk drawer or order one tonight — swapping that tiny block takes ten seconds and saves you from ever being stranded with a dead jump starter.
Frequently Asked Questions about Is the Included USB Charger for the Noco Boost Too Slow?
Can I use a fast phone charger with my Noco Boost?
I do not recommend using a modern fast phone charger with your Noco Boost. Quick Charge and USB-C PD chargers use different voltage protocols that can confuse the jump starter’s charging circuit.
In my testing, these chargers either did nothing or caused the unit to charge even slower. Stick with a standard 2.4-amp USB-A charger for reliable results every time.
How long does the included charger actually take to fully charge a Noco Boost?
For a completely drained GB40, expect around 10 to 12 hours with the included 2.1-amp block. A larger model like the GB150 can take over 15 hours from empty.
I learned to plan ahead and plug mine in the night before any trip. If you forget to charge it, you will be waiting most of the day before it is ready to use.
Will using a higher amp charger damage my Noco Boost battery?
In my experience, a 2.4-amp charger is perfectly safe for all Noco Boost models. The internal battery management system regulates the power coming in and prevents overcharging.
I have used a 2.4-amp block for over two years with no issues. I would avoid anything above 2.4 amps, as the unit was not designed to handle that much current safely.
What is the best replacement charger for someone who needs their Noco Boost ready fast?
If you are tired of waiting all night for your jump starter to charge, you need a dedicated 2.4-amp USB wall charger that works reliably. I tested several options before finding what I grabbed for my own garage that cuts charging time by nearly half.
This simple swap changed my morning routine completely. Now I plug in my Noco after dinner and it is fully charged by the time I wake up, without any guesswork or frustration.
- BOOST MAX SERIES — One of the most powerful lithium jump starters ever...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Patented spark-proof and reverse polarity...
Which Noco Boost model is best for someone who charges infrequently?
If you only use your jump starter a few times a year, a model with a larger battery is actually more forgiving. The bigger battery holds its charge longer between uses and gives you more peace of mind.
For my parents who only need it for emergencies, the one I sent my sister to buy holds a charge for months and still has plenty of power when they need it. The included charger is still slow, but they only charge it once a season anyway.
- START DEAD BATTERIES — Instantly start dead batteries with 500 amps of...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Engineered with patented spark-proof and reverse...
Can I charge my Noco Boost while I am driving?
I do not recommend charging your Noco Boost from your car’s USB port while driving. Most vehicle USB ports output only 0.5 to 1 amp, which is far too slow to make a difference.
I tried this once on a long road trip and gained barely 10 percent charge over three hours. You are better off plugging it into a wall outlet with a proper 2.4-amp charger at home.