Why Cheap Jump Starters Fail (And What To Buy Instead)

When I first started collecting tools and setting up my garage, I always went for the cheapest options. Instead of expensive, good-quality tools, I'd go for the cheapest alternative. Instead of the best, I'd choose based on price.

Years later, the one thing I've learned is that pretty much all the cheap tools I bought have been replaced with better-quality ones.

The point is that bargain shopping isn't always the best choice, especially when you're buying tools and supplies that keep you safe.

When it comes to jump starters, there are plenty of cheaper and more "affordable" models on the market. But they're usually the ones that wear out, break down, and stop working sooner than their more expensive, better quality counterparts.

Thinking about buying a cheap jump starter? Wondering what to buy instead of the cheapest jump starter on the market?

Keep reading, and we'll explain all the reasons why cheap jump starters fail, and what to buy instead.

When Cheap Jump Starters Don’t Work

Imagine waking up late for work one day and getting ready to hit the road on a cold January morning.

It snowed all night. The temperature is a bone-chilling -4°F. You dig your car out of the snow, shovel the plow bank that’s blocking your driveway, then go to start the car’s engine, and NOTHING.

The battery is dead!

“No problem!” you tell yourself, “I’ll just give myself a boost with my handy jump starter.”

So you dig it out, connect the clamps, and try the key… STILL NOTHING! The jump starter fails to start engines or perform a successful car jump, leaving you stranded.

You may have used the device dozens of times before to jump-start your car. But today, at the worst possible time, your cheap jump starter chose to stop working, on the coldest day of the year.

This story perfectly illustrates just how frustrating it can be when cheap tools malfunction.

And that’s the big problem with cheap tools... That cheap portable jump starter won’t fail on day one. It might even work for a few months or a year.

But eventually, as all cheap tools do, it will stop working, and it may fail when you need it most.

Pro Tip: Need help using your jump starter to jump-start a dead battery? Click here to read our list of helpful blogs and guides on how to use a jump starter.

The Real Reason Cheap Jump Starters Exist

For every Dewalt or Milwaukee jump starter on the market, there are a dozen no-name Temu alternatives that cost half as much.

The reason these cheap jump-starters exist is solely to undercut the competition.

They're designed for price, not quality or reliability. Cheap brands also typically focus on marketing numbers (peak amps) rather than real performance or cold-cranking amps.

Another problem is that cheap jump starters often prioritize "cool" designs over practical features. 

So instead of safety features like reverse polarity protection or spark-proof clamps, you get flashy designs.

Instead of a solid, durable emergency tool, you get a flimsy housing and fragile cable clamps that are likely to break the first time you use them.

Cheap jump packs are built for occasional use — not emergencies! 

There's absolutely nothing wrong with buying a cheap or affordable jump starter if that's what you're after.

But if you want a jump starter that's safer than jumper cables, built to last year after year of real-world use, and worth every extra dollar you spend, you really do want to shop for quality, not just price.

The Most Common Reasons Cheap Jump Starters Fail

Cheap jump starters can break down for any number of reasons.

Low-quality batteries, misleading power ratings, cheap housings and internal electronics, and a lack of waterproofing are some of the most common reasons cheap jump starters fail.

You're also more likely to find yourself with a device that has short cables or small clamps, which limit use and make it more likely you'll break it. 

Low-Quality Battery Cells

Every battery is made with a specific number of charge and discharge cycles, which represents the estimated lifespan of a jump starter. Cheap jump starters often have lower-quality battery cells with fewer recharge cycles.

That rapid capacity loss means your cheap jump starter eventually won’t deliver enough power to start your car, sometimes even after just a few months of use.

Cheaper batteries also perform considerably worse in cold weather. In colder climates, vehicles require higher Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) to start. So it's important to avoid devices with weak outputs, and to always choose a jump starter with an adequate CCA rating for your vehicle.

Misleading Power Ratings

Most cheap jump starters are marketed based on peak amp output. Some manufacturers even exaggerate their peak amp numbers, even though this rating isn’t helpful for knowing how many amps you need to jump-start your vehicle.

The real number to look for is the cold-cranking amps a jump starter provides, which is the sustained power output needed to start a vehicle’s dead battery.

Sure, that cheap jump starter might work fine in warmer, more ideal conditions.

But when it comes to boosting a car in the middle of winter, you’ll wish you had paid more attention to cold cranking amps.

Poor Safety Electronics

Another big reason cheap jump starters fail is that they’re just poorly made. They’re built with cheap, inferior components and use outdated or limited electronics.

Cheaper or older jump starters with lead-acid batteries also often lack safety features such as reverse-polarity protection, spark-proof clamps, or controlled power output.

And since a good connection between the jump starter and the battery is essential for safe and effective operation, a lack of safety features increases the risk of improper use, sparks, and accidental discharge.

Water Resistance (Not Waterproof)

Many popular jump starter models aren't fully waterproof. Many, such as NOCO Boost, are IP65-rated or water-resistant. They're designed to withstand dust and low-pressure water exposure, but not full submersion.

When your jump starter isn't fully waterproof, moisture can seep into the housing, causing damage and corrosion to internal components. 

Cheap jump starters often fail after being used in the rain or snow, or after prolonged exposure to humidity. 

No Recharge Reminder

The most common cause of jump-starter failure is users forgetting to charge their devices.

This is obviously not a mechanical or design failure. But it’s a common problem we’ve experienced ourselves and have heard about from other users.

Most cheap jump-starters don’t offer automated recharge reminders. They rely on the user remembering to maintain and recharge their devices.

So it’s not uncommon for users to find their jump starter with a dead battery after storing it for a few months.

Image courtesy of Michelle Kraemer @ Unsplash.com

Why Cheap Jump Starters Fail When You Need Them Most

Cheap designs, faulty components, and poor customer service are just a few of the reasons cheap jump starters fail. But cheap jump starters are also likely to fail at the time when you need them most because hey’re designed to look good, not to withstand real-world conditions:

• Cold mornings - Freezing cold temperatures, icy winds, snow… Cheap jump starters are far less reliable on a cold morning in the middle of winter.

• Rain or snow - Most cheap jump starters aren’t rated for use in wet environments, which means boosting a dead battery in the rain or snow can damage your device.

• Long storage periods - Cheap jump starters also tend to lose their output capacity after being stored for lengthy periods of time.

• High electrical load vehicles - Bigger cars, trucks, SUVs, or other large vehicles require more cold cranking amps than smaller vehicles. So, using a small or cheap jump starter for an RV or other larger vehicle can lead to failure.

The Hidden Cost of Buying Cheap Jump Starters

Let’s imagine you’ve found a jump starter for $25 less than the leading competitor. That’s great! That’s $25 more you get to keep in your pocket.

On the downside, from my own personal experience, most cheap jump starters I've used only provided a handful of reliable jump starts before failing. So, even if you saved $25. A few months later, you'll need to buy a completely new device. 

Now, to illustrate the hidden costs of buying a cheap jump box, let’s imagine the cost implications in a few different real-world scenarios.

Image courtesy of Igal Ness @ Unsplash.com

The Nightmare Roadside Assistance Bill

Imagine taking a cross-country road trip with your family. You charged and packed your jump starter. But then, when your car battery dies on the side of the highway at 1 am, your jump starter just happens to die, too.

Roadside assistance can be a lifesaver in situations like this. But memberships cost anywhere from $100 to several hundred dollars per year. And if you're not part of a program, calling for assistance can cost $500 or more, depending on where you are.

Having a reliable jump starter on hand could have saved you the cost of calling for a tow truck.

That $25 you saved has now ballooned into hundreds of dollars in roadside assistance costs.

Plus, you'll need to replace that cheap, broken jump starter, too! 

The Time You Got Stranded With A Dead Car Battery

Imagine being stranded on US Route 50, which is known as the "Loneliest road in America."

Your battery is dead, there's nobody around, and the nearest service center is hundreds of miles away.

Your first thought is how much this is going to cost.

But the real problem is that it could take hours for help to arrive, leaving you stranded until somebody shows up.

So sure, you saved $25. But now you're stuck waiting for hours before help arrives! 

With a good quality jump starter, on the other hand, you'd be able to boost your battery and be back on the road in minutes.

The Worried Parent

Every parent with a teen knows how stressful it is when their teenager asks to borrow the family car.

Thankfully, parents can find peace of mind by stocking their vehicle with the best car accessories, tools, and emergency devices, like a reliable jump starter.

With a cheap jump starter, you'll always be worried your teen might end up stranded. Not to mention the higher risk of misuse, injury, and vehicle damage.

When it comes to a child's safety, a cheap jump starter only adds to your worries. That $25 in savings now costs you sleep and a whole lot of worry while the kid is out with the car. 

Meanwhile, with a good, reliable jump starter, you always know they're in good hands.

The Frustrated Tool Guy (Or Gal)

I've been there. I've done it, regrettably. I've purchased the cheapest jump starter alternative, thinking it would work just as well as the more expensive option.

But then, within a few months, I was already on my way back to the hardware store to purchase the more expensive option that I'd cheaped out of buying. All because my cheap jump starter suddenly stopped working.

Tired of replacing broken tools and jump starters? Stop buying cheap. Cheap jump starters don't last, which means you'll have to replace them more often.

When you think about all the headaches and frustration that come with buying cheap tools, it's easy to see why it's worth spending a bit extra for a jump starter you can rely on.

Instead of disappointment, anger, and frustration, dead batteries become mere inconveniences.

What to Look for Instead of a Cheap Jump Starter

If you’re ready to replace your old, broken, or cheap jump starter with something that’ll last, you’ll want to look for jump starters with the following features:

• High-quality battery cells - You might be considering buying a cheaper jump starter with a lead-acid battery instead of a lithium-ion one. The problem is that lead-acid jump starters often have only about 150 to 300 charge cycles, whereas lithium-ion batteries are designed for better overall performance and 300 to 500 recharge cycles.

• Real-world tested output - Always look for jump starters that provide the right amount of cold cranking amps to match your vehicle. Peak amp output is just a marketing number that won’t help you when you need to boost a battery in frigid temperatures.

• Advanced safety protections - The best jump starters come with advanced safety features, such as reverse-polarity protection, spark-proof clamps, and controlled power output. They may also include features such as a power bank, USB ports, a built-in LED light for emergencies, or even a tire inflator.

• True waterproofing - Good quality jump starters are fully waterproof and rated as IP66 or higher, which means they’re fully protected against dust and temporary water immersion, typically up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes

• Smart recharge reminders - Reliable jump-starter brands offer extra perks and features, such as reliable customer service and automated recharge reminders. You should also look for brands that offer warranties or satisfaction guarantees.

• Designed for long-term storage - Cheap jump starters discharge their batteries and run out of energy faster due to inferior technology. Look for jump starters that are designed to hold a charge for 3 to 6 months.

Pro Tip - Thinking about a jump starter with a built-in compressor? Think again! Combo units seem convenient. But they wear out faster than dedicated jump starters due to the vibration and heat generated by the compressor. 

What to Buy Instead: A Jump Starter Built for Emergencies - JUMPFORCE PRO

If you’re tired of cheap, faulty, or disappointing jump starters, say hello to JUMPFORCE by TOOL TROOPERS.

It’s our answer to all the problems left behind by the cheap and inexpensive jump starters we’ve used over the years.

JUMPFORCE was built for people who are tired of unexpected surprises, people who live in the real world, and people who need a reliable option, not just another cheap tool.

Our premium jump starter is part of a new generation of jump boxes that combine portability with power, and a top-tier design with real-world use, making it a smart choice for anyone who wants dependable performance.

Here’s a look at what makes JUMPFORCE stand out:

• Fast-charging battery - Our jump starter can be fully recharged in just over an hour. Plus, it’s designed to work, even after 3 to 6 months of storage.

• Engineered for real emergencies - We’ve built JUMPFORCE for real people, which is why it has a solid, durable housing that’s protected against shocks and impact.

• Advanced safety features - Reverse polarity protection, spark-proof clamps, and controlled discharge prevent sudden power surges and come in every model.

• Waterproof construction - JUMPFORCE is designed to be fully waterproof, not just water-resistant.

• Automated recharge reminder - You can sign up for our automated recharge reminders to help you remember to recharge your device periodically.

• Reliable performance across vehicles - JUMPFORCE is designed for small vehicles like motorcycles and ATVs, as well as cars, mid-size sedans, and larger vehicles like trucks, SUVs, RVs, and boats.

• Compact and portable - Its compact design allows you to store JUMPFORCE in your car trunk or glove box for easy access during roadside emergencies.

No matter how you look at it, JUMPFORCE provides far more features and reliability than any cheaper jump starter alternatives on the market.

Who Should Avoid Cheap Jump Starters?

If you’re looking for a jump starter to rely on in virtually any real-world scenario the world might throw at it, you should avoid wasting money on a cheap jump starter.

Here are a few other examples of who should avoid wasting their money on a cheap jump starter:

• Families - Whether you're driving with young children in the car or you’ve got a teen who’s always borrowing the family sedan, having a good quality portable jump starter provides you with peace of mind, knowing you’ll never be stranded, waiting for a boost.

• RV owners - RV owners and camper haulers spend a lot of time on the road. So they’re more likely to need a boost from a jump starter than other commuters. And it’s that exact need for reliability that highlights why they should avoid cheap jump starters.

• Cold-climate drivers - Even the best quality lithium-ion batteries don’t perform as well in cold weather. So if you live in an area that gets snow, ice, and cold winter weather, it’s best to avoid cheap jump starters that aren’t reliable when the temperature drops.

• People who drive at night or alone - Whether you drive for work, commute long distances, or just spend a lot of time alone on the road, it’s smart to have a good quality portable jump starter, which makes it easy to boost a dead battery, even when there’s nobody around to help.

Ultimately, anyone who doesn’t want to “test” their luck should avoid the temptation of buying a cheap or “affordable” jump starter.

Cheap jump starters may be adequate for occasional use. But they’re less reliable overall and don’t perform well across a broad range of real-world conditions and scenarios.

Image courtesy of Karan Shiwalkar @ Unsplash.com

Pro Tip - Wondering about the difference between a battery charger and a jump starter? Click here to learn the difference between these two devices and when to use each for your depleted car battery.

Final Verdict - Why Cheap Jump Starters Always Fail 

In the end, cheap jump starters fail because they’re built to draw people in with their "affordable" prices, not premium designs or features.

You'll feel like you're getting a good deal.

But real-life situations demand reliability. And your cheap jump starter? Well, it's definitely not the most reliable option. 

On the other hand, buying once and buying right... That saves money and stress, every time! 

You're less likely to need to replace a good-quality jump starter, and you can rest assured it'll always be ready to provide a boost, no matter what the weather is like that day.

Just remember: A jump starter may not be something you use often — But it’s something you need to trust completely, every time you need it! 

Pro Tip - Check our JUMPFORCE PRO for yourself to see just why our jump starter outshines the competitions. It's loaded with premium features, rugged and waterproof, and backed by our Trust Your Gear Guarantee.

FAQ Section - Why it's better to avoid cheap jump starters

Good jump starters aren't cheap, and cheap jump starters... Well, they're just not good. That's something my father once told me, and I think about it whenever I'm buying new tools for the garage or accessories for my car.

Still not convinced it's worth paying more for a good quality jump starter?

Here are a few more frequently asked questions we hear from readers on why it's better to avoid cheap jump starters.

Why did my cheap jump starter stop working?

Cheap jump starters may stop working for several reasons. The most common reason a jump starter won’t work is that the battery isn’t charged or has failed. Lower-quality batteries often lose their ability to hold a charge within a few months of usage. 

Are expensive jump starters really better?

Yes, more expensive jump starters are generally better than cheap jump starters. They're not necessarily better because of the price. They just usually provide higher cold cranking amps, better safety features, and more durable designs that keep water and dust out.

Can a cheap jump starter damage my car?

Yes, if the device is faulty or if it lacks basic safety features like reverse polarity protection, there is a possibility that a cheap jump starter can damage your car. Faulty devices may produce unintended power surges that can fry your car's computer or other electronics.

How long should a jump starter last?

Depending on the brand, battery, and quality of your jump starter, many modern models last anywhere from 2 to 3 years or about 500 charge cycles. A jump starter's lifespan depends on the number of charge-and-discharge cycles the battery undergoes. 

Is waterproofing important for a jump starter?

Waterproofing is an important feature to look for in a jump starter, especially if you plan on using your jump starter in a marine environment, or anywhere else where water, rain, ice or snow are common occurrences. Even if you don't plan on using your jump starter near water, you may one day need a boost during a rainstorm.

What’s the safest jump starter to buy?

JumpForce Pro was designed to be one of the safest and most durable jump starters on the market. It's designed with safety features, including reverse-polarity protection, spark-proof clamps, and controlled power output. It's also 100% waterproof and features a durable, shock-proof housing that can withstand real-world abuse.