Every responsible driver should carry a set of jumper cables in their car. You never know when you’ll need to jumpstart your car or someone else’s car. Plus, jumper cables are relatively cheap, so there is no excuse not to stock up. They’re one of those things that you don’t need until you REALLY do.
We reviewed dozens of jumper cables to find the best of the best. We considered the price, length, customer reviews, accessories, durability, versatility, and warranty when rating each product.
In the end, the Cartman Booster Cables came out on top. This cable fits most batteries and comes in a large carry bag. It has a 5-year warranty that applies to most damages. They are quite durable as well, with a low-temperature immunity of -13 degrees Fahrenheit. We also liked that they were made with sufficient CCA, meaning that they are plenty durable for most consumers
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Jumper Cables
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Cartman Boost Cables | 4.8 |
| Best 4 Gauge Jumper Cables | Energizer 4-Gauge Jumper Battery Cables | 4.8 |
| Best Budget Buy | Cartman Booster Cables 10-Gauge 12-Feet | 4.5 |
| Best 30 Foot Jumper Cables | Energizer 1 Gauge Jumper Battery Cables | 4.8 |
| Best Jumper Cables with Overvoltage Protector | YANTU 13-Feet Jumper Cable | 4.5 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Jumper Cables Overall: Cartman Boost Cables
These Cartman Boost Cables are some of the highest-rated cables on the market. They have a surface shield, which prevents them from shirt circuiting and making accidental contact. They can also fit most types of batteries, including side terminal and top-post batteries. We particularly liked that they were very durable and can withstand low temperatures. They are approved to remain flexible down to -1 degrees Fahrenheit, making them suitable for most locations. The cables themselves are made with a no-tangle material and have a T-Prene coating for flexibility and secure storage. You won’t have to worry about wrestling them out of knots when you just want your car to turn on. The cables are also resistant to motor oil, rain, and chemicals.
Customers loved how inexpensive these cables were for their quality. They’re a pretty good length as well – not too long, but plenty long enough to connect two cars. They come with a quality bag to store them in, as well as gloves and a metal brush for cleaning the terminals if you need to. The #6 gauge carries plenty of power to start more significant engines as well as your average automobile engine. The vast majority of customers didn’t report any malfunctions or problems with the cables.
Cartman Boost Cables Key Features:
- Low-temperature immunity
- Made of Sufficient CCA
- Fits most batteries
- Comes with a carrying bag and other accessories
Best 4 Gauge Jumper Cables: Energizer 4-Gauge Jumper Battery Cables
The Energizer 4-Gauge Jumper Battery Cables are 16ft long. They come in a 4-gauge option as well as a few other options. There are also various cable lengths available, though the 4-gauge is only available in 16ft or 20ft. It is UL listed and includes a strong spring. The handle is quite comfortable and ergonomic, making positioning very easy. It can fit both top and side post batteries. The clamp is coated in shelled vinyl, protecting it from rust and corrosion. A travel bag is included for secure storage and transport.
The cables are copper-clad aluminum. This means they are aluminum wrapped in copper. Because of this, they will not carry current as well as pure copper wires. However, they also aren’t nearly as dense and are less prone to breakage than pure aluminum wires. They are tangle-free due to their outer coating and can remain flexible down to -40 degrees Celsius.
Many customers reported that the clamp itself was quite strong. While we specifically reviewed the 16ft cable, the 20ft is exceptionally similar. If you think a few extra feet are essential for your situation, feel free to purchase the slightly longer cable.
Energizer 4-Gauge Jumper Battery Cables Key Features:
- Various size cords available
- Coated in a protective shelled vinyl
- Comes with a travel bag
- Tangle-free cord
Best Budget Jumper Cables: Cartman Booster Cables 10-Gauge 12-Feet
It is possible to get away with an inexpensive jumper cable, like the Cartman Booster Cables 10-Gauge 12-Feet. However, when it comes to jumper cables, you often get what you pay for. Still, these jumper cables by Cartman are a pretty good value. They are shorter than most jumper cables, which is where they cut their cost. But, if you don’t need a long jumper cable for whatever reason than these are a solid choice. They are ideal for smaller cars or those that don’t think they’ll need jumper cables all that often.
The clamps fit the top and side post batteries. A small carry bag is included for storage and transportation, though this bag is not as good quality as some of the other more expensive options. The cable is rated to remain flexible at temperatures down to -13 degrees Fahrenheit. The twice grip helps get better tension and conductivity. Plus, it is easier to position them.
Like many jumper cables today, this one is made with sufficient CCA, which stands for copper-coated aluminum. This is lighter, but not nearly as powerful as full copper wire. It is also more durable than pure aluminum wire, though not as durable as full copper wire. It is a compromise between the two extremes.
Cartman Booster Cables 10-Gauge 12-Feet Key Features:
- Low-temperature immunity
- Carry bag included
- 12-feet cords
- Fits nearly all types of batteries.
Best 30 Foot Jumper Cables: Energizer 1 Gauge Jumper Battery Cables
Sometimes, you just need an extremely long jumper cable. Luckily, these Energizer 1 Gauge Jumper Battery Cables are a great solution. These jumper cables are designed for tow trucks but might be useful in other situations too. They can be permanently installed on your vehicle, allowing you to boost a battery from behind a car. They also come with quick-connect plugs for easy use and installation. The clamps are heavy-duty and professional-grade. The cables are CCA and designed to be tangle-free. They remain flexible down to -40 degrees Celsius. They are intended to be used in all weather, including rain.
These cables are rated for 800 amps. However, it is likely they would only be able to withstand that high of amperage for a short period. With that said, they are more than powerful enough to jumpstart any vehicle. The clamps are designed to fit any car battery, and the cables are just under 30 feet. These are genuinely professional-grade jumper cables, so you should expect them to be very durable and suitable for most vehicles. They do come with a carrying bag, though if you permanently install them, you may not need the bag all that much.
Energizer 1 Gauge Jumper Battery Cables Key Features:
- Professional grade
- Very long
- One gauge
- Rated up to 800 amps
Best Jumper Cables with Overvoltage Protector: YANTU 13-Feet Jumper Cable
The YANTU 13-Feet Jumper Cable is four gauges and rated heavy-duty use. It comes in both 13-feet and 20-feet options. We mainly looked at the 13-foot model, but the 20-foot is very similar and comes with nearly the same features. The cable comes with a 1-year warranty and features a smart charge protector that prevents it from short-circuiting. When the connection is successful, an LED light will light up. If you plug it up incorrectly, an alarm will sound. The cords are covered in a tangle-free coating, and they can stay flexible in weather down to -40 degrees Celsius.
Like most, they are made with CCA, making them lightweight and durable. They have a thick inner core, which is designed to make them carry a stronger current. It is suitable for most vehicles and is intended for everyday car-owners. It is not professional-grade but is quite helpful for those who want some cables just-in-case.
Many customers reported that these cables were durable and sturdy. Most did not have any problem using the smart charge protector feature. Overall, they are quite straightforward to use.
YANTU 13-feet Jumper Cables Key Features:
- Suitable down to -40 degrees Celsius
- 1-year warranty
- Made with CCA
- Easy to use
Who Should Buy Jumper Cables
If you drive a car for any period, the vehicle should be stocked with jumper cables. You never know when your car’s battery is going to die and need to be jumped off. In this situation, if you don’t have a pair of jumper cables, you’re stuck calling a tow truck or contacting your friends and family to see if someone is close enough to give you a hand. With a pair of jumper cables, it can be as easy as flagging down a car and taking five minutes to turn your vehicle back on.
With that said, some people specifically should have jumper cables in your car. If you’re a tow truck or similar professional, it only makes sense to have a set of quality, professional-grade jumper cables handy in case one of your customers need them. If you’re driving a particularly old car or you already know that your car has issues, then the odd of your battery dying are much higher. Therefore, you should have jumper cables stored in your vehicle.
If you find yourself jumping your car more than you’d like, you may be interested in The Best Car Batteries.
Important Features to Consider
A jumper cable should do several things well. Heres what to consider when selecting a jumper cable for your car:
- Length. The length of the wires is vital and has a massive effect on how the jumper cables work. A longer cord means you’ll be able to reach other vehicles more efficiently. You won’t have to deal with trying to get the two cars as close together as possible. However, the longer the cord, the more the power dissipates between vehicles. This means the cable might end up not having enough energy to jumpstart the dead car. In this situation, it is really about give-and-take.
- Gauge. This is basically how much power the cords can carry. A lower gauge means the cables can carry less energy, while a higher gauge is only suitable for smaller batteries. One gauge is typically considered professional and not necessary for most consumers – unless you’re driving a truck or similar vehicle. Most people will do fine with a four gauge or six gauge.
- Safety. When you’re jumping off a car, there is quite a bit of electricity involved. Because of this, it can be somewhat dangerous. Luckily, many jumper cables come with safety features to help you avoid electrocuting yourself. The best safety features are those that prevent overvoltage, which can hurt you and your car. This feature is a little more challenging to find, though, and often comes with a higher price tag.
- Storage. Most products come with a carrying bag for storage. Of course, the exact quality of this bag varies quite a bit. Luckily, there are third-party bags available if you need to purchase a better one. Many also come with gloves, which are essential for safety. Of course, you can buy gloves separately as well if you need to.
- Warranty. Most jumper cables come with a guarantee of some sort, which is very helpful. We particularly recommend getting cables with a warranty if you plan on using them a lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are jumper cables, and how do they work?
Jumper cables are used when a car’s battery dies, preventing the car from turning over. Generally speaking, using cables is pretty simple. You need a vehicle with a good battery parked next to the one you need to start. Then, connect the red clamp to the positive post on the dead battery and the matching end of the same cable to the working battery. Connect one of the black clamps to the negative post of the right battery, and then clamp the other end to a bare, metal surface on the engine of the dead car. This provides grounding for the jumpstart.
Finally, start the functioning vehicle and let it sit for a moment. Start the dead car next and let it sit for a while. If everything appears to be working, disconnect the cables in the following order: the black clamp on the working car, the black clamp on the dead car, the red clamp on the right vehicle, and the final clamp on the once-dad battery.
What kind of jumper cables do I need?
All jumper cables are practically the same. The only difference is the length and gauge. Of course, you want to purchase from a well-known company and avoid buying jumper cables with bad reviews. However, the average person only needs a four gauge or a six gauge cable set. The exact length or gauge doesn’t matter all that much.
Why are jumper cables so thick?
The thicker the cable, the more small wires are on the inside. These are the wires that carry the power between the batteries. They must be thick to deliver enough charge.
How many amps do I need for jumper cables?
Honestly, the amps don’t matter as much as the gauge of the cables and how long the cords are. You should purchase jumper cables that are just long enough to reach other’s successes, and then choose a four gauge or a six gauge if you have an average size car. For bigger cars, you’ll need a bigger cable.
Other Jumper Cables We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other jumper cables. Even though they didn’t make our five best jumper cable lists, they’re the best of the rest, and each is still an excellent option for your car. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- 4 Gauge Jumper Cables
- 30-foot Jumper Cables
- Jumper Cables with Overvoltage Protector
- 20-foot Jumper Cables
4 Gauge Jumper Cables
Like many jumper cables, these are made with CCA and are designed for nearly any car battery. They have a 300 amp rating and a strong spring and comfortable handle.
Key Features:
- 1-year warranty
- Color-coded clamps
- Heavy-duty
Cost: $23
This set comes with all the accessories you need, including a carry bag, work gloves, and an iron brush. They are of premium quality and have powerful clamps.
Key Features:
- 20-feet
- Multi-function clamps
- Suitable in as low as -40 degree Fahrenheit temperatures
Cost: $22
EPAuto 4 Gauge 20-feet Jumper Cables
With anti-tangle cords, these copper-plated clamps and cables are a solid choice for any vehicle. It comes with booster cables and a travel bag.
Key Features:
- Comes with safety working gloves
- Heavy-duty
- No-tangle cords
Cost: $22
Pennzoil Heavy-Duty Jumper Cable Kit
These jumper cables are rated down to -22 degrees Fahrenheit. They’re extra long at 25-feet and designed not to tangle.
Key Features:
- Compatible with most batteries
- Extra strong grip
- Color-coded
Cost: $22
TOPDC Jumper Cables 4 Gauge 20-feet
These 20-foot long jumper cables are made with CCA and built to be tangle-free. They are compatible with almost any battery and have strong clamps.
Key Features:
- Clamp jaw
- Easy to connect
- Flexible
Cost: $19
30-Foot Jumper Cables
Autogen Jumper Cables 1 Gauge 30ft
These professional-grade jumper cables are long enough for professionals to use and powerful enough to jump off nearly any vehicle.
Key Features:
- One gauge
- 900 amp rating
- Professional-grade camps
Cost: $56
BA Products T3-PRO30 Jumper Cables
For road service workers, these cables might be fitting. They are four gauge and tangle-free. They can be installed directly onto your vehicle.
Key Features:
- 500 amp rating
- Quick disconnects
- Four gauge
Cost: $164
FieryRed Jumper Cables 1 Gauge
These cables are powerful and designed to carry their charge consistently across all 30-feet. They come with a travel bag and a 1-year warranty.
Key Features:
- Quick connect
- 1-year warranty
- Surge protected
Cost: $70
PolePalUSA 30ft Extreme Commercial Jump Set
If you’re a professional, this is the set you need. It comes with multiple different cables for different uses and is rated at 800 amps, which is more than enough to jumpstart most cars.
Key Features:
- Multiple cords
- Strong clamps
- Professional-grade
Cost: $107
These jumper cables are designed for professionals. They are rated at 600 AMPs and features a heavy-duty jacket to protect it against the elements.
Key Features:
- 600 AMPs
- Fits most battery types
- Heavy-duty
Cost: $133
Jumper Cable with Overvoltage Protection
Horusdy Booster Cable with Reverse Polarity Protection
At a low price, you can pick up these ETL certified jumper cables. They are four gauge and 20ft long. Plus, they also come with a carrying bag.
Key Features:
- Doesn’t tangle
- 20ft
- ETL certified
Cost: $23
Tacklife T8 Peak Car Jump Starter
For a complete jumpstart system, this is one of the best options on the market. It is rated at 800 amps and is USB chargeable.
Key Features:
- 800 amps
- Long-lasting standby time
- Bright LEDs
Cost: $70
20-Foot Jumper Cables
Auto Jumper Cables 1 Gauge 1200 AMP
These cables are incredibly powerful at 1200 amps. They can be used for nearly all types of cars and trucks. They are some of the most powerful cables on the market.
Key Features:
- 20ft long
- 1200 amps
- Heavy-duty
Cost: $35
Always Prepared 20ft 4 Gauge Jumper Cables
With a 20-foot reach, this cord is suitable for most who are looking for a jumper cable “just in case.” It comes with powerful clamps and a transport bag.
Key Features:
- Exclusive hammer tool included
- Suitable for all seasons
- 400 amp capacity
Cost: $25
Iron Forge Tools Booster Cables
These inexpensive jumper cables are rated at 400 amps, which should be enough for most vehicles. They are easy-to-use and tangle-free.
Key Features:
- Color-coded
- Carry bag included
- Lifetime replacement warranty
Cost: $16
NoOne Jumper Cables 4-gauge 18-feet
With a reverse connection alarm, these cables prevent overcharges and can help you evaluate battery health. They are ideal for full-sized cars and are useable in all weather.
Key Features:
- LED light
- Cold insulated
- Useable on most vehicles
Cost: $26
With an extended 20-foot reach, these cables are suitable for the average customer. They are color-coded to prevent accidents and useable on most batteries.
Key Features:
- Four gauge
- Color-coded
- All-weather construction
Cost: $29
TOPDC Jumper Cables 2 Gauge 20 Feet
These cables are very inexpensive and suitable for nearly any vehicle. They are two gauge, though there is a four gauge option as well that we have already mentioned.
Key Features:
- Stong clamps
- Step guide included
- Brush for cleaning included
Cost: $30
This set comes with everything you need to store your cables easily and stay safe while using them. They can withstand lower temperatures as well and are made with a surface layer of PE insulation.
Key Features:
- CCA
- Suitable for most vehicles
- Alligator clip
Cost: $25
Voilamart Auto Jumper Cables 1 Gauge 20ft
With PVC insulation, these cables are very resistant to heat, oil, and acid. They are tangle-free and come with a zipped carry case.
Key Features:
- Low-temperature resistance
- Carry bag included
- Insulated handles
Cost: $31
