Having a dead car battery when you need to get somewhere is one of the most frustrating situations for any driver. Thankfully, portable jump starters provide a convenient way to get your engine started and get back on the road quickly.
Two of the most popular portable jump starter brands are NOCO and NOCO Boost X. But what exactly sets these two models apart?
In this detailed comparison guide, we’ll examine the key features, pros and cons of the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 and Boost X GBX40 jump starters to help you determine which is the best option for your needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | NOCO Boost Plus GB40 | NOCO Boost X GBX40 |
| Jump Starting Amps | 1000 Amps | 1500 Amps |
| Battery Charge Time | Under 2 hours | 1 hour |
| Jump Starts Per Charge | Up to 20 | Up to 40 |
| Gas Engine Size | Up to 6L | Up to 8L |
| Diesel Engine Size | Up to 3L | Up to 6L |
| USB Charging | Standard USB 2.1A | Quick Charge 3.0 3A |
| LED Light Modes | 1 mode | 7 modes with SOS |
| Accessory Plugs | 12V socket | 12V, 2 x USB |
| Safety Features | Spark-proof, reverse polarity, mistake-proof | Adds overcharge protection |
| Dimensions | 7.25 x 3.2 x 8.5 inches | 7.7 x 3 x 6.1 inches |
| Weight | 2.4 lbs | 2.4 lbs |
| Price | Around $100 | Around $150 |
Overview Of NOCO Boost Plus GB40
The NOCO Boost Plus GB40 is one of NOCO’s best-selling portable lithium jump starters. It provides 1000 amps of starting current with up to 20 jump starts on a single charge.
Some of the key features and specs of the Boost Plus GB40 include:
- 1000 amps of starting current
- Recharges in under 2 hours via the included microUSB cable
- Built-in LED flashlight with 7 light modes
- USB output to charge mobile devices
- 12V accessory socket for powering gear
- Spark-proof technology and mistake-proof design
- Works on gas engines up to 6 liters and diesel engines up to 3 liters
- Dimensions: 7.25 x 3.2 x 8.5 inches
- Weight: 2.4 pounds
The GB40 is designed to be safe and easy to use even for beginners. It has features like reverse polarity protection, so it won’t damage your car’s battery if connected incorrectly. The mistake-proof design includes spark-proof technology and integrated cable storage so the cables are never loose.
Multiple accessory plugs and a USB output allow you to use the GB40 as a portable power source for phones, tablets, and other electronics when not jump starting your vehicle.
Overall, the compact size combined with 1000 amps of starting power make the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 one of the most versatile lithium jump starters available from a leading brand.
Overview Of NOCO Boost X GBX40
The Boost X GBX40 is NOCO’s upgraded model designed to provide even faster jump starting. It packs 1500 amps of starting current in an ultra-compact design.
Here are some of the notable features of the Boost X GBX40:
- 1500 amps of starting current
- Up to 40 jump starts on a single charge
- Quick charge lithium battery can be recharged in only 1 hour
- Built-in LED light with SOS mode
- USB Quick Charge 3.0 port for rapid device charging
- 12V accessory plug and 2.4A USB ports
- Works on gas engines up to 8 liters and diesel up to 6 liters
- Dimensions – 7.7 x 3 x 6.1 inches
- Weight – 2.4 pounds
With 50% more starting amps than the Boost Plus GB40, the Boost X can jump start larger displacement engines. The advanced lithium battery charges in just 1 hour and provides up to 4X more jump starts per charge than the Boost Plus model.
Like all NOCO jump starters, the Boost X GBX40 is designed for safety with spark-proof technology, reverse polarity, and overcharge protection. The cables provide exceptional reach for access to battery terminals while the compact design is great for storage in your vehicle.
Key Feature Comparison
Now that we’ve provided an overview of each model, here’s a more detailed look at how the key features and specifications compare between the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 and Boost X GBX40:
Jump Starting Amps:
- Boost Plus GB40: 1000 amps
- Boost X GBX40: 1500 amps
The Boost X provides 50% more starting power, making it better suited for larger engine sizes.
Battery and Charge Time:
- Boost Plus GB40 battery charges in under 2 hours
- Boost X GBX40 battery charges in just 1 hour
The Boost X charges quicker thanks to advanced lithium battery technology.
Jump Starts Per Charge:
- Boost Plus GB40: Up to 20 jumps per charge
- Boost X GBX40: Up to 40 jumps per charge
You’ll get more jumps between charges with the Boost X.
Engine Size:
- Boost Plus GB40 starts gas engines up to 6 liters, diesel up to 3 liters
- Boost X GBX40 starts gas engines up to 8 liters, diesel up to 6 liters
The extra amps of the Boost X allow it to jump larger engine sizes.
USB Charging:
- Boost Plus GB40: Standard USB up to 2.1A
- Boost X GBX40: Quick Charge 3.0 up to 3A
The Boost X charges devices up to 4X faster via USB.
LED Light:
- Boost Plus GB40: Single LED mode
- Boost X GBX40: 7 modes including SOS emergency strobe
The Boost X light is more versatile with multiple modes.
Accessory Plugs:
- Both have a 12V accessory socket.
- Boost X GB40 also includes 2.4A USB-A and USB-C ports.
You get more options for powering devices with the Boost X.
Safety Features:
- Both have spark-proof tech, reverse polarity, and mistake-proof design.
- The Boost X GBX40 adds overcharge protection.
Boost X adds an extra layer of battery safety.
Size and Weight:
- Boost Plus GB40 – 7.25 x 3.2 x 8.5 inches, 2.4 pounds
- Boost X GBX40 – 7.7 x 3 x 6.1 inches, 2.4 pounds
The units are nearly identical in weight. The Boost X is slightly longer while the Boost Plus is taller.
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Pros And Cons Comparison
Here are the key benefits and limitations of each model based on the feature comparison:
NOCO Boost Plus GB40
Pros:
- Provides ample starting amps in a compact form factor
- Very affordable price point
- Fast recharge time under 2 hours
- Equipped with handy flashlight and USB charging
- Easy to use with mistake-proof design
Cons:
- Fewer jump starts per charge compared to Boost X
- Not ideal for larger diesel engines
- No advanced USB charging capabilities
NOCO Boost X GBX40
Pros:
- More starting amps for larger engines
- 2X faster recharge time
- Up to 4X more jump starts per charge
- Advanced Quick Charge USB output
- Ultra-bright LED with multiple modes
Cons:
- More expensive than Boost Plus model
- Overkill capability for small gas engines
While the Boost X GBX40 is more powerful, its advanced feature set may be overkill if you just need occasional jump starts on a mid-sized car. For buyers on a budget looking for solid performance, the Boost Plus GB40 provides excellent value.
Which Is Better For You?
So when considering the NOCO Boost Plus Vs. Boost X, which model is ultimately better? Here are some key factors to help you decide:
Engine Size
If you need to jump start larger engines, especially diesels over 3 liters, the extra power of the Boost X GBX40 is likely worth the added cost. For typical gas engines in passenger cars and light trucks, the Boost Plus GB40 has plenty of starting amps.
Budget
The Boost Plus GB40 is around $100 while the Boost X GBX40 retails for around $150. If you want advanced features like rapid charging and more jump starts without a higher price, the Boost Plus may be the better fit.
Frequency of Use
If you only anticipate occasional jump starting needs, the Boost Plus provides reliable performance at a very affordable price. For frequent use or multi-vehicle households, the Boost X’s faster recharging and extra jump capacity can be worthwhile.
Powering Devices
The Boost X can charge phones, tablets, and USB devices much faster thanks to Quick Charge 3.0. If you want maximum power for electronics, the Boost X is the better portable charger option.
For most personal and single-vehicle use cases, the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 offers the best balance of price and capability. But frequent jump starters who power large engines or devices should consider the extra power in the Boost X GBX40.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For most drivers, the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 provides an ideal blend of performance, features, and value. It has enough amps to jump start most passenger vehicles while packing handy extras like USB charging. The GB40 is the best choice for the majority of car owners needing an affordable, reliable jump starter.
NOCO is one of the most trusted brands among automotive jump starters. They pioneered many safety features and innovations that have become standard across the industry. Both their Boost Plus and Boost X models provide an excellent combination of power, recharge speed, and multi-function capabilities for the price.
NOCO Genius models are more advanced smart battery chargers for maintenance and repair use. They diagnose battery issues, charge depleted batteries, and allow programming of custom charging profiles. NOCO Boost products are simpler jump starters focused on quickly restarting a dead battery when needed on the go.
Based on expert tests and real-world customer reviews, both the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 and NOCO Boost X GBX40 rank among the most reliable lithium jump starters you can buy. They far outshine most cheaper competitors in terms of providing consistent, strong cranking power when you need it.
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Conclusion
Having a portable jump starter like the NOCO Boost Plus or Boost X can give you peace of mind that you’ll never be stuck with a dead battery again. Both models provide plenty of starting power for most vehicles along with handy features in a compact, rugged package.
The Boost X does charge faster and can jump larger engines, which may justify the extra cost for some buyers. But for general passenger car use, the Boost Plus GB40 offers very reliable performance at an unbeatable value.
Ultimately, choosing between the two comes down to your specific vehicle, budget, and needs for device charging and frequent jump starts. Either model will serve you well as your car emergency jump starter for years to come.