11 best car launchers

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

One of the annoying disappointments that happens at the most inopportune moment is when, when you turn the ignition key, you hear a weak crankshaft rotation by the starter, unable to start the engine. All plans for a trip immediately collapse and the question arises of how to start the car. In the case of “mechanics”, you can push the car, but you need outside help. This method is not applicable with automatic transmission.

The best alternative to protect against a suddenly discharged car battery is a starter. It will help you to adequately get out of the situation when the car battery has been discharged by severe frost or alarm operation. The starter provides the energy needed by the starter to start the engine. Then the battery itself will replenish the capacity from the generator during operation. Let's figure out how to choose such a device and which models are the best according to experts and users.

Tips for choosing a starter for your car

Before buying, it is important to remember a few key parameters that will help you choose the right starter for your own car, so that its power is enough at the right time. Since such devices have a number of additional functions, you also need to know about them.

Starting current

This is the most important criterion by which buyers are guided. The starting current depends on the characteristics of your own battery. For example, the engine of a passenger car with a volume of 1.3-1.5 liters starts up from a current of 450-600 A. The higher the number, the stronger the torque.

The device for emergency starting the car is selected according to the starting current 1: 1 in the case of a gasoline engine and 1: 1.5 for diesel engines. It is worth considering that in cold regions where the oil in the crankcase thickens strongly from frost, more torque is required to crank the crankshaft than in areas with a warm climate. Also, remember that the launcher will remain with you even after changing the car. Therefore, the current that was enough for a 1.5 liter ICE may be small for a crossover or SUV with a 2.5-5.0 liter engine. Therefore, many buyers prefer to choose a starting one with a maximum current margin of up to 800-1000 A.

Mains voltage

The starters are available for 12 or 24 V onboard networks. The first option is suitable for all types of cars, SUVs, jeeps, minibuses, minivans and even light trucks. The second type is needed to start the internal combustion engine of large trucks, tractors and other agricultural equipment.

Dimensions and weight

The launcher can be the size of a tablet, a small case, or a huge machine on wheels. If you plan to carry the device with you in the car, then look for compact options with a weight of 1-2 kg. For a garage or a service station, a more powerful unit with increased dimensions is suitable.

Charging capability

If the starter is capable of not only starting, but also recharging the car battery, then it is called the starting and charging. In this case, pay attention to the output voltage of 12 or 24 V. If the starting and charging is not mains, then the capacity of the device's own battery is important (800-30000 A / h), which determines the number of starts.

Additional functions

The launcher may have additional functions. With them, the device is more expensive, but more effective. Here's what manufacturers offer:

  1. Desulphitation. When the battery is discharged, salts settle on the plates, separating distilled water and acid. Charging such a mixture is difficult, so some launchers have the ability to send short-term impulses that destroy the dense layer of salt.
  2. Automatic charging. It does not require charge control, since the device itself monitors the state of the electrolyte and voltage.
  3. Timer. Terminates the process after the specified time interval has elapsed. Practical when there is no way to keep track of charging.
  4. Reverse polarity protection. Protects the device and the battery of the machine from user errors.

Now let's take a look at the best products selected by the experts, dividing them into standalone and networked categories.

Rating of the best launchers for a car

Nomination a place Name of product price
Best Standalone Car Jumpers 1 BERKUT Specialist JSC-800C RUB 17,300
2 HUMMER H1 11 190 RUB
3 RoyPow J301 RUB 13,900
4 Wester Zeus 600 RUB 6,999
5 CARKU E-Power Elite RUB 5,990
6 ReVolter Nitro RUB 7,990
The best mains powered car starters 1 Wester BOOST240 RUB 8,999
2 AURORA START 55 RUB 7 640
3 Pennant 80 4 349 RUB
4 Fubag Force 220 RUB 4 807
5 Auto electrician Т-1012А RUB 5,950

Best Standalone Car Jumpers

The main advantage of autonomous launchers is the ability to carry them with you in the car. If it turns out that there is not enough energy, they can be used on the track and even in the field.

BERKUT Specialist JSC-800C

Rating: 4.9

BERKUT Specialist JSC-800C

In the first place is the product from “Berkut”, built on the basis of new supercapacitors capable of ultra-fast charge accumulation. The device produces 12 V and a starting current with a force of 800 A, which is enough for an internal combustion engine with a volume of up to 5.0 liters. The device weighs 1.84 kg and comes in a compact case for easy transportation.

The feature of this launcher is the ability to recharge from a “dead” car battery, the residual charge of which is 10%. To do this, the terminals of the device are connected to the battery for 5 minutes, the high-capacity supercapacitors quickly fill up (all green bars light up) and the device immediately starts the car engine. In practice, this looks like a trick. If your car has no energy left at all, then you can replenish the starting capacity from the cigarette lighter of another car (15 minutes) and even from a laptop (2 hours). The drivers in the reviews are satisfied with the ability of the starter to take energy from the already discharged car battery, which does not require monitoring the capacity of the booster.

Advantages

  • convenient case for transportation and storage;
  • flashing diodes make orientation easier;
  • thick wires and reliable crocodiles;
  • charges from the terminals in 5 minutes and is ready to work.

disadvantages

  • no backlit digital display;
  • high price;
  • self-discharge in a couple of months.

HUMMER H1

Rating: 4.8

HUMMER H1

The Hammer brand offers a starting H1 with a capacity of 15000 Am / h, designed for cars with an on-board network voltage of 12 V. The starting current is regulated within 400-800 A. As a power source, the device can last up to 12 hours. A flashlight is provided on the side of the case, which is useful when trying to start the engine at night. The manufacturer claims on the official website that one charge will be enough to launch up to 15 cars. The device is delivered in a cloth bag and is equipped with three options for its own recharging (cigarette lighter, 220 V socket or USB port from a computer).

This autonomous launcher is famous for its ability to start a car at temperatures down to -60 ° C. This property is confirmed by users in reviews. But, however, the device must be stored in a heated room, for example at home, otherwise it will be discharged.

Advantages

  • comfortable handbag;
  • three charging options;
  • well-insulated crocodiles;
  • built-in flashlight.

disadvantages

  • high price;
  • cheap plastic case;
  • lithium-ion technology helps to discharge capacity in winter when storing the device in the trunk.

RoyPow J301

Rating: 4.7

RoyPow J301

And here is a more powerful representative of launchers, made in a rectangular case with a handle. The model weighs 1.5 kg and does not take up much space in the trunk. On the front side there is a flashlight that helps in winter in the dark. The rubberized case resists shock well. The voltage of its own battery is 12 V. Judging by the reviews, buyers like the fact that the device can serve as an additional source of energy for mobile devices (Powerbank), if the phone or tablet runs out on a long trip with an overnight stay in nature. There are 2 USB outputs, so it is allowed to connect two gadgets at once.

We put the product in the list of the best due to the rather high starting current – 1600 A. This is almost twice the values ​​of the devices described above and is suitable for starting the internal combustion engine of even powerful trucks. Reviews show that a 3.5 liter diesel engine starts up with half a turn. The device also has a huge own capacity of 30,000 mAh, which is enough for 30 episodes of use in a row.

Advantages

  • there is a powerful built-in flashlight;
  • can serve as a Powerbank;
  • light weight 1.5 kg;
  • comfortable handle for transportation.

disadvantages

  • high price;
  • short crocodile wires.

Wester Zeus 600

Rating: 4.6

Wester Zeus 600

The review continues with a starting with a voltage of 12 V and a maximum current of 600 A. An autonomous device can serve as a power source not only for a car starter, but also for mobile phones. The manufacturer includes several wires with popular connectors in the kit. The device's own battery has a capacity of 16,000 mAh. A flashlight is provided from the end, giving a good light in the dark. You can replenish the charge from a 220 V outlet, car cigarette lighter or laptop. Judging by the reviews, this starting-charger is capable of starting a car engine even with a “dead” battery.

Our experts found the model the best in terms of ease of use. The launcher weighs just 480g and can fit in a jacket pocket. On the side it has a digital display showing the number of amperes and the remaining capacity. This way you can more accurately control the operation of the device and calculate how many starts it will last.

Advantages

  • there is a built-in flashlight;
  • suitable for recharging gadgets;
  • cable for phones with different outputs included;
  • compact dimensions.

disadvantages

  • the rubber cover that covers the connectors is weak;
  • Charges for about a day, although according to the instructions it should take 4-5 hours.

CARKU E-Power Elite

Rating: 4.5

CARKU E-Power Elite

This car product has a capacity of 12000mAh and outputs 400A to start the engine. The system voltage is 12 V. The device weighs 420 g. The entire interface is located on one side, where there are sockets for connection, a power supply button and a scale of 5 LEDs showing the level of its own charge. The launcher is realized in a branded case-book, where all adapters, crocodiles and wires are placed. A bright flashlight at the end of the case is always useful in a car in case of emergency.

The launcher is recognized by experts as the best in terms of the number of connectors. There are 13 options in total. There is even a plug for connection Apple. Another novelty is the power connector for the car refrigerator, so at a picnic with an overnight stay in nature, the products will remain fresh, which is what the owners like in the reviews.

Advantages

  • there is a USB connector;
  • light weight 420 g;
  • durable case included;
  • neat body and high-quality assembly.

disadvantages

  • if it discharges a little, then the starting current may not be enough;
  • short crocodile wires;
  • the white case is very easily soiled;
  • not capable of acting as a charger.

ReVolter Nitro

Rating: 4.4

ReVolter Nitro

Rounding out the standalone starter category is the ReVolter Nitro, which generates 600 A starting current and has its own 15,000 mAh battery. The device is suitable for all vehicles with an on-board voltage of 12 V. The product is delivered in a bag-book with a fastener. A special feature is a small backlit LCD screen for easy control of the booster parameters. In the reviews, users share that the launcher is able to replenish the capacity of a mobile phone twice as fast as from a household 220 V network, since the process is carried out at a current of 2.1 A and 5 V. There is also protection against erroneous polarity connection.

The launcher is recognized by us as the best in terms of price-quality ratio. Reviews show that it manifested itself more than once when the Mercedes ML 5.0 l, Escalider 6.2 l engines, as well as diesel Porsche Cayenne engines were started in a frost of -20 degrees, where all ICEs started up with half a turn.

Advantages

  • practical flashlight;
  • works like a Powerbank;
  • you can connect two mobile devices at the same time;
  • 8 plugs for different gadgets.

disadvantages

  • it is difficult to zip up the purse;
  • adapters dangle in the case.

The best mains powered car starters

Network starters are designed for operation in a garage or service station, where it is possible to connect to a single-phase 220 V. Such devices are used by owners of their own cars, whose batteries are discharged from cold or long idle time. At service stations, the starter will come in handy with frequent starts of the internal combustion engine, so as not to discharge the car battery.

Wester BOOST240

Rating: 4.9

Wester BOOST240

In the first place is a device that can start a car engine with a starting current of 400 A. The second function of the device is charging, performed with a current of 10-60 A. work. The capacity of the connected battery is allowed from 40 to 700 A / h. During the charging process, the device consumes 1.2 kW, but if it is used to start the internal combustion engine, the load on the network will be 8 kW, so the connection of the starting is allowed only through network wires with a cross section of 4 mm². In the reviews, the product is liked by the owners for its reliability and long crocodile cables.

This is the best ROM option for a car service, where several cars are serviced in a box at once. The device is equipped with a handle and wheels, therefore it is easy to maneuver between machines. The voltage can be switched from 12 to 24 V, which means that the starting voltage is suitable for cars and trucks as a charger. “Crocodiles” fold into a special pocket in the front and will not accidentally catch paint on the car.

Advantages

  • voltage versatility;
  • there is a built-in ammeter;
  • comfortable handle and wheels for transportation;
  • high-quality assembly.

disadvantages

  • a powerful wiring line is needed, since a voltage of 8 kW is consumed at startup;
  • there is no fast charge function.

AURORA START 55

Rating: 4.8

AURORA START 55

This is a launcher designed for stationary use in a garage or service station. The starting current is 280 A, so only the engine of a passenger car can be started. This can be done at any ambient air temperature in the range of -20 … + 40 ° C. The product is also in demand as a charger designed for capacities up to 700 A / h with a maximum charging current of 40 A. In the reviews, the owners like the clear work of protection against incorrect polarity and overload. Everyone also praises the ringing sound signal that is triggered after the end of the process of replenishing the battery capacity (it turns on when the timer expires).

We considered the launcher to be the best due to the high-quality assembly in an iron case, thanks to which the device better tolerates operation in a car workshop. The device also has a Boost function, which provides accelerated charging of the car's battery. Even if a customer comes to replace candles or high-voltage wires, the battery will have time to charge while the service is being carried out.

Advantages

  • light indication of work;
  • built-in analog ammeter;
  • handle for transportation;
  • universal in terms of current on-board network.

disadvantages

  • difficult to rearrange due to the weight of 9.2 kg;
  • maximum starting current 280 A;
  • when trying to start the car, it consumes 7 kW.

Pennant 80

Rating: 4.7

Pennant 80

This is a very tiny ROM for a car, generating 110 A for starting motors with an on-board voltage of 12 V. In charging mode, the device is suitable for batteries with a capacity of up to 70 A / h. The current in this case produces a force of 10-35 A. The user can control the process using the ammeter reading. Light indication shows whether the device is on. In booster mode, the device consumes 2 kW, so it does not load a household network with conventional wiring, which customers like in reviews.

Experts considered the ROM to be one of the best in terms of compactness. Unlike previous units, it has a small plastic case with dimensions of 30x22x13 cm, covered with rubber. The top has a convenient handle for transportation. The launcher weighs only 2 kg. If your car is stored in a very small garage, then it is ideal to always have a booster on hand for an emergency.

Advantages

  • there is an ammeter;
  • comfortable handle;
  • light indication of work;
  • easy switching between modes.

disadvantages

  • inconvenient determination of the degree of charge by the intensity of the flashing of the diode.

Fubag Force 220

Rating: 4.6

Fubag Force 220

This is a classic starter network device for cars and trucks with a voltage of 12 or 24 V. You can charge dead batteries with an output current of 25-40 A. The car's internal combustion engine is started with an indicator of 180 A. At the same time, overload and short circuit protection is in effect. Reviews show that motors with a volume of up to 2.0 liters, the unit starts easily even in winter. The device has an intuitive control panel with toggle switches for switching modes and an ammeter. There is a rubber handle on top for transportation. The metal case is assembled with high quality and does not vibrate during operation.

The starter was included in the list of the best thanks to the long wires that provide easy connection to the car battery terminals. You do not have to move the device closer to the car, and it can be permanently located on a rack or table in the garage.

Advantages

  • reverse polarity protection;
  • two modes of charging voltage;
  • two steps of regulation of the supplied current;
  • rubber grip on top.

disadvantages

  • difficult to rearrange due to the weight of 8 kg;
  • low speed at 1.4 A.

Auto electrician Т-1012А

Rating: 4.5

Auto electrician Т-1012А

The review is completed by a household starter from a Moscow manufacturer, designed for cars with a voltage of only 12 V. On the front panel, a display is simulated, which, upon closer examination, consists of icons and luminous diodes. The device produces a starting current of 100 A and replenishes the capacity of vehicles up to 210 A / h. The charging current is set automatically without user intervention and is carried out within 0.5-20 A. The maximum power consumption is 240 W, so the owner will not feel a significant increase in electricity costs.

On the official website and in the operating instructions it is indicated that this is a starting-charging and diagnostic device. In a car, he is able to determine the remainder of the battery capacity from 25 to 100%, check the operation of the generator, the regulator relay. Here, charging is also carried out in pulses, which helps to eliminate sulfation on the lead plates of the battery. So, for relatively little money, you get a multifunctional device for your car.

Advantages

  • comfortable “horns” for winding the cable and fixing the “crocodiles”;
  • iron casing;
  • perforation for accelerated temperature removal;
  • automatic current regulation.

disadvantages

  • only for machines with a current of 12 V;
  • in the cold, the wires become coarse;
  • uncomfortable handle;
  • white front and back panels quickly get dirty in the garage.


Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

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