Being stranded with a flat battery is never a fun experience, but gone are the days of flagging down a passing vehicle for a sympathetic jump start or having to wait around for a roadside assistance service to come to the rescue. Just as power packs charge our phones and PCs, you can now buy versions with sufficient grunt to jump start your car.
As the morning temperatures begin to fall and the evenings draw in, we put seven mini jump packs to the test to pick the best. While most can be used straight out of the box, some need charging first – be sure to check. Whichever you go for, if you run lots of electronic kit in your car, and find yourself in remote areas, it could be a sound investment.
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How we tested them
We looked at design, number of features and usability, which included assessing how long the devices would last before they needed recharging and how long they took to recharge. We also took into account whether they came with a carry case and what additional connectors were included – this, along with prices taken from various sources as we went to press, helped us determine their value for money.
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Verdict
The Bakth product won by a small margin, but represented the best value for money on test. Although the Antigravity Batteries Microstart XP-10 is expensive, there is no faulting the quality or design, with its many extra connectors. Launch Tech’s effort is also a top-quality remote power source.
1. Bakth Car Power Mini Multi-Function Jump Starter
2. Antigravity Batteries Microstart XP-10
3. Launch Tech Mini Power Jump Start Booster Pack