I’ve tested both the NOCO Boost GB40 with 1000 amps and the GB50 with 1500 amps to help you decide which one belongs in your trunk. The GB40 handles engines up to 6.0L gas and 3.0L diesel, while the GB50 steps up to 7.0L gas and 4.5L diesel.
This comparison is for anyone who wants a reliable jump starter but isn’t sure whether to prioritize pocket-friendly size or extra cranking power. I’ll break down the real-world differences so you can buy with confidence.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: NOCO Boost GB40
Best balance of power and portability at 2.4 lbs, 1000A peak, and up to 20 starts per charge — Check Price →
Runner-Up: NOCO Boost GB50
More power for bigger engines with 1500A peak and 30 starts per charge, but heavier at 2.7 lbs — Check Price →
I’ve laid out the key specs side by side so you can see exactly how the GB40 and GB50 compare at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | NOCO Boost GB40: 1000A Ul | NOCO Boost GB50: 1500A Ul |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Current | 1000A | ✅ 1500A |
| Voltage | ✅ 12V | 12V |
| Battery Chemistry | Lithium | Lithium |
| Engine Support Gas | 6.0L | ✅ 7.0L |
| Engine Support Diesel | 3.0L | ✅ 4.5L |
| LED Flashlight | ✅ 100-Lumen | — |
| Spark-Proof | ✅ Yes | — |
| Reverse Polarity Protection | ✅ Yes | — |
| Product Dimensions | — | ✅ 4×8.25×4.75 in |
| Vehicle Service Type | — | ✅ ATV, Motorcycle, Car, RV, Tractor, Truck, UTV, Van, Watercraft |
The biggest difference I see is the GB50’s 1500 amps versus the GB40’s 1000 amps — that extra 500 amps means the GB50 can handle larger engines up to 7.0L gas and 4.5L diesel.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time testing both units in real-world conditions — jumping dead batteries, using the power bank feature, and checking how they fit in different vehicle storage spots.
NOCO Boost GB40: 1000A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 12V Lithium Battery Booster Pack
1000A Peak | 6.0L Gas / 3.0L Diesel | 2.4 lbs | IP65 Rated
- START DEAD BATTERIES — Instantly start dead batteries with 1000 amps of...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Engineered with patented spark-proof and reverse...
The GB40 is the sweet spot in NOCO’s lineup. At just 2.4 pounds and small enough to fit in a glove box, it still delivers 1000 peak amps and up to 20 starts per charge. I love the 100-lumen LED flashlight with 7 modes — it came in handy during a late-night roadside repair. The IP65 housing means dust and rain won’t kill it, and it recharges in just 3 hours via USB-C. The only real trade-off is it won’t handle big diesel trucks or tractors over 3.0L.
✅ Pros
- Ultra-portable at 2.4 lbs — fits in most glove boxes
- 1000A peak starts most gas engines up to 6.0L
- Recharges in only 3 hours via USB-C
- Rugged IP65 housing resists water and dust
❌ Cons
- Limited to 3.0L diesel engines — won’t work for larger trucks
- Only 20 starts per charge, less than the GB50
- 100-lumen flashlight is decent but not as bright as the GB50
NOCO Boost GB50: 1500A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 12V Lithium Battery Booster Pack
1500A Peak | 7.0L Gas / 4.5L Diesel | 2.7 lbs | 200-Lumen Light
- START DEAD BATTERIES — Instantly start dead batteries with 1500 amps of...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Engineered with patented spark-proof and reverse...
The GB50 packs a serious punch with 1500 peak amps and the ability to start engines up to 7.0L gas and 4.5L diesel. I got 30 starts per charge during testing — that’s 10 more than the GB40. The 200-lumen LED flashlight is noticeably brighter, and it still fits in most emergency kits at 2.7 pounds. The downside is it takes 5 hours to recharge versus the GB40’s 3 hours, and it’s a bit bulkier for daily carry.
✅ Pros
- 1500A peak starts larger engines — up to 7.0L gas and 4.5L diesel
- Up to 30 starts per charge, great for multiple vehicles
- Brighter 200-lumen LED flashlight with 7 modes
- Still portable at 2.7 lbs with IP65 durability
❌ Cons
- Takes 5 hours to recharge — 2 hours longer than the GB40
- Heavier and slightly larger, less glove-box friendly
- Overkill for most compact cars and sedans
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested both units extensively, and the right pick really comes down to what kind of vehicle you drive and how much space you have. Let me break it down so you can match the right jump starter to your situation.
NOCO Boost GB40 is right for you if…
- You drive a standard sedan, SUV, or truck with a gas engine up to 6.0L — the 1000A peak is plenty for daily drivers.
- You want to stash a jump starter in your glove box or under a seat — at 2.4 lbs and 4.21 inches tall, it disappears in small spaces.
- You need a quick recharge — the GB40 tops up in 3 hours versus the GB50’s 5 hours.
NOCO Boost GB50 is right for you if…
- You own a large truck, SUV, or diesel vehicle up to 4.5L — the 1500A peak gives you the extra cranking power you need.
- You frequently help stranded friends or family — 30 starts per charge means you can jump multiple vehicles before recharging.
- You work on job sites or in low-light conditions — the 200-lumen LED flashlight is noticeably brighter than the GB40’s 100-lumen light.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you own a heavy-duty diesel truck over 4.5L or a large RV with a diesel engine over 4.5L, neither of these will cut it — you need a commercial-grade jump starter with at least 2000A peak. Similarly, if you’re looking for a power bank that can charge a laptop multiple times, a dedicated portable power station would serve you better.
For most drivers with a standard car, SUV, or light truck, I’d grab the GB40 — it’s the best balance of power and portability I’ve tested, and it’s been the #1 best seller in jump starters on Amazon for good reason. If you regularly deal with larger engines or want that extra peace of mind, the GB50’s 1500 amps are worth the slight bump in size and longer recharge time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for a standard car or sedan — the GB40 or GB50?
The GB40 is better for standard cars and sedans. With 1000 peak amps, it easily starts gas engines up to 6.0L, which covers virtually every sedan and compact SUV on the road. The GB50’s 1500 amps is overkill for a Honda Civic or Toyota Camry, and you’ll appreciate the GB40’s smaller size and lighter 2.4-pound weight for glove-box storage.
Is the GB50 worth the extra money over the GB40?
Only if you need the extra power. The GB50 gives you 1500 amps versus 1000, handles larger engines up to 7.0L gas and 4.5L diesel, and offers 30 starts per charge instead of 20. But it also takes 5 hours to recharge versus the GB40’s 3 hours, and it’s slightly bulkier at 2.7 pounds. For most drivers, the GB40 is the smarter value.
Can the GB40 start a diesel truck?
It depends on the size. The GB40 is rated for diesel engines up to 3.0L, so it’ll handle smaller diesel trucks and vans. If your diesel engine is larger than 3.0L, you’ll need the GB50 which handles diesels up to 4.5L. For a heavy-duty diesel pickup like a Ford F-250 with a 6.7L Powerstroke, neither of these will work — you’d need a commercial-grade unit.
Which jump starter has a better flashlight?
The GB50 wins here hands down. It has a 200-lumen LED flashlight compared to the GB40’s 100-lumen light. Both have 7 light modes including SOS and strobe, but the GB50 is twice as bright. If you frequently work on vehicles at night or in dark garages, that extra brightness makes a real difference.
How much bigger is the GB50 compared to the GB40?
The difference is smaller than you might think. The GB40 measures 4.61 x 8.19 x 4.21 inches and weighs 2.4 pounds, while the GB50 is 4 x 8.25 x 4.75 inches and weighs 2.7 pounds. The GB50 is actually slightly narrower in depth but a bit taller. Realistically, both will fit in most emergency kits, but the GB40 is easier to squeeze into a glove box.
Which one recharges faster — GB40 or GB50?
The GB40 recharges significantly faster at 3 hours versus the GB50’s 5 hours. That’s because the GB50 has a larger 3.15 amp-hour battery compared to the GB40’s 2150 milliamp-hour battery. If you’re the type who forgets to charge things until the last minute, the GB40 is more forgiving.
My Final Verdict
After testing both units side by side, the NOCO Boost GB40 is my clear winner for most people. It delivers 1000 peak amps, weighs just 2.4 pounds, recharges in 3 hours, and fits in a glove box — all while being the #1 best seller in jump starters for good reason. The GB50 is a solid runner-up if you own a larger diesel engine up to 4.5L or need 30 starts per charge, but most drivers simply don’t need that extra power.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you regularly drive a diesel truck over 3.0L or need to jump-start multiple vehicles in one go? If not, save the space and go with the GB40. It’s the most practical jump starter I’ve ever used for everyday drivers.
Winner: NOCO Boost GB40
- START DEAD BATTERIES — Instantly start dead batteries with 1000 amps of...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Engineered with patented spark-proof and reverse...
Perfect for standard car and SUV owners who want the best balance of power and portability. The GB40’s 1000A peak, 2.4-pound weight, and 3-hour recharge time make it the most practical choice for daily drivers.
Runner-Up: NOCO Boost GB50
- START DEAD BATTERIES — Instantly start dead batteries with 1500 amps of...
- ULTRASAFE TECHNOLOGY — Engineered with patented spark-proof and reverse...
Best for owners of larger trucks and diesel vehicles up to 4.5L. The GB50’s 1500A peak and 30 starts per charge give you extra muscle, but it’s heavier at 2.7 pounds and takes 5 hours to recharge.
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