Automotive · Head-to-head
NOCO Boost Plus GB40 vs NOCO Boost X GBX55
Which should you buy? Our verdict on both, pulled from our full The Best Portable Jump Starters: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) comparison.
The GB40 is the pack to buy for almost everyone: enough power for the typical car, a strong safety reputation, and a sensible price. Step up to the GBX55 only if you drive something big, live somewhere cold, or want fast USB-C recharging.
NOCO Boost Plus GB40
Buy itThe default recommendation: enough cranking power for most cars, strong safety features, and a fair price.
- 1000A rating is aimed at most 4- and 6-cylinder gas engines and small diesels
- Spark-proof design with true reverse-polarity protection helps protect you and the car
- Doubles as a USB power bank and a genuinely bright LED flashlight with SOS mode
- Compact, rugged, and well regarded in owner reports over many years
- Recharges slowly over a 5V 2.1A USB-C input rather than fast USB-C Power Delivery
- Can struggle with large V8 or diesel engines in deep cold
NOCO Boost X GBX55
Buy itThe step-up pick for bigger engines, cold climates, and anyone who wants fast USB-C recharging.
- 1750A rating handles larger gas engines and diesels the GB40 can strain against
- USB-C Power Delivery in and out means faster recharging and fast-charging phones and laptops
- Manual override mode can force a jump on a deeply discharged battery when smart detection won't engage
- Same well-earned NOCO safety reputation: reverse-polarity protection and spark-proof clamps
- Noticeably more expensive than the GB40 for power most small cars never need
- Larger and heavier than the entry unit
Side by side
The 7 criteria below are the ones our full comparison judged every product on, narrowed to these two.
| NOCO Boost Plus GB40 Our pick | NOCO Boost X GBX55 | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | The vast majority of car and small-SUV owners who want one dependable pack and no fuss. | Owners of trucks, V8s, diesels, or anyone in a cold climate who also wants a fast-charging power bank. |
| Price tier | $$ · mid-range | $$$ · premium |
| Peak cranking rating | 1000A | 1750A |
| Engine size it handles | Most 4- and 6-cyl gas, small diesel | Large gas and diesel |
| Recharge input | USB-C, 2.1A (slow) | USB-C PD |
| Safety features | Spark-proof, reverse-polarity | Spark-proof, reverse-polarity, manual override |
| Extra functions | USB power bank, flashlight | Fast power bank, flashlight |
| Size and portability | Compact | Larger, heavier |
| Value for the power | Excellent | Strong if you need the power |
Which one is right for you?
Pick the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 if
the vast majority of car and small-SUV owners who want one dependable pack and no fuss.
Know before buying: recharges slowly over a 5V 2.1A USB-C input rather than fast USB-C Power Delivery.
Pick the NOCO Boost X GBX55 if
owners of trucks, V8s, diesels, or anyone in a cold climate who also wants a fast-charging power bank.
Know before buying: noticeably more expensive than the GB40 for power most small cars never need.
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 - The default recommendation: enough cranking power for most cars, strong safety features, and a fair price. Choose the NOCO Boost X GBX55 instead if owners of trucks, V8s, diesels, or anyone in a cold climate who also wants a fast-charging power bank.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best Portable Jump Starters: 4 Compared (and One to Skip).