Best Supercapacitor Jump Starter review

January 29, 2021

Earlier, a jump starter was just a set of confusing cables a professional could use to start your car. You would need to call for assistance and wait for them, potentially ruining all your plans.

Then, there were options with batteries that were bulky and difficult to use if you're not a professional. But now, thanks to technological progress, there are lightweight, portable, and incredibly powerful options on the market. They are so small you can put them in an emergency kit. Not to mention such a device can start your car in minutes.

To familiarize you with the topic, we've prepared not 3, not 5, but 7 best supercapacitor jump starter options for you. Some are better for freezing or hot temperatures, while others are on the TOP list for their overall value. To get an insight into the benefits of supercapacitor jump starters, proceed to the Buyer's Guide right after the list. There, we answer some popular questions by buyers and talk more about the specifics of such devices.

Jump to: Product reviews Buyer's Guide FAQ

autowit SuperCap 2 Jump Starter – Best Super Capacitor Car Jump Starter - Check price

autowit SuperCap 2 Jump Starter

A problem with your vehicle's engine can occur at any time. Quite often, it's a flat battery, but it's not an issue anymore because you can use this easy, lightweight supercapacitor jump starter. This Autowit model doesn't need internal batteries to work; it's safe and doesn't produce sparks that can lead to an explosion.

This supercapacitor jump starter is a relatively new Kickstarter project introduced in June, 2020

It has a mistake-proof design, so even a complete beginner can use it with ease.

Safe Use

The SuperCap 2 model protects you from sparks and wrong terminal connections. When in a hurry, it's easy to connect the starter in the wrong way, but this one will still charge and help you get back on the road. The reverse polarity function will do everything for you.

The device is also protected from overload, overvoltage, and overcurrent. It doesn't need internal batteries to work, which improves its safety and eliminates hazards connected to lithium-ion batteries. There's no cracking, swelling, or explosion hazard.

Long Life and Wide Temperature Range

The device will work well in temperatures from -40F to 158F. No blizzard or snowstorm will affect its effectiveness negatively. Besides, the supercapacitors used in the design are of very high quality, lasting for over 10 years and 100,000 charging cycles.

You don't need to recharge the device at home or maintain it in any other way. It absorbs the energy that's left in your car battery and amplifies it to jump start the vehicle.

Wide Range of Use

You can use the device for:

Any vehicle that has a 12 V battery and a gas (up to 7l) or diesel (up to 4l) engine can be jump-started with this supercapacitor device.

What You Get in the Package

Here's what you get for the money:

You also get a 1-year warranty for the device from the manufacturer.

How to Use

The company provides detailed instructions on the use of the device in the user guide. Here's a short version:

  1. Charge the starter with your car battery or any other device:
    1. Car battery - 3 minutes;
    2. Cigarette lighter - 5 minutes;
    3. Power bank - about 45 minutes.
  2. Attach the clamps to the terminals of the battery (Red is +, Black is -);
  3. Wait for a short buzz; this means the device is charging;
  4. Wait for a longer buzz; this means the device is charged;
  5. Press the Discharge button; it will start a 10-second countdown;
  6. Wait for the continuous buzz and jump start the vehicle.

Recommendation

Reviewers say it works as advertised, which isn't a frequent statement. There are certain limitations, like difficulties or impossibility of jump-starting completely dead batteries, but buyers know about this before the purchase.

The unit is very safe and sturdy, suitable for beginners and professionals alike. It's powerful, durable, and portable, which are the three main qualities you have to consider before making the final choice.

Pros:

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Schumacher DSR ProSeries DSR108 – Great Value – Check price

Schumacher DSR ProSeries DSR108

If you're looking for the best combination of functions for a reasonable price, this starter might be your best choice. It's suitable for both diesel and gas engines and packed with functions. Controlled by a microprocessor, it doesn't need internal batteries, which also means no maintenance.

It's safe and easy to use, providing a long service life and a minimum margin of mistake.

Wide Range of Functions

This device has an override mode to start your engine without a mounted battery. This makes sure you can get back on the road in any situation. Cold starts are also available via the glow mode.

The starter incorporates short circuit and reverse polarity protection, so you don't have to worry about connecting it wrong. There's no fire hazard; just keep the device in your car for emergency situations.

Quick Charge and Durability

The starter charges in 2 minutes maximum in one of the following ways:

Keep in mind that charging from a power bank may need more time.

The device is 10 times more durable than conventional jump starters; it's smarter, safer, and easier to use. You'll need around 10 minutes for the whole operation if the charging is longer than 2 minutes. The device will charge even from a nearly dead battery (2-3 V left).

What You Get in the Package

Here's what you will receive:

Recommendation

The model is highly portable and lightweight. The user manual is very detailed and suitable for beginners. This device's durability is impressive, and if it's your first supercapacitor jump starter, you'll be pleasantly surprised. It saves time and worries in emergency situations.

Compared to conventional battery-powered jump starters, it's extremely fast and requires no maintenance whatsoever. Over 10 years of life and 10,000 and more cycles of use sound like a solid #1 choice.

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Rezervo Jump Starter RZ-300mini – Best Lightweight Option

Rezervo Jump Starter RZ-300mini

If you're looking for a lightweight, easy-to-use, safe supercapacitor jump starter, this might be it. The Rezervo RZ-300 mini requires no maintenance; it's durable, temperature and damage-resistant, and requires only 3 steps to jump start your car.

Safe and Weather-Resistant Design

The device operates without losing its effectiveness in temperatures from -30F to +140F. The rubber casing around the starter protects it from falls, hits, and other kinds of damage. It also has a safe short circuit and reverse polarity, so if you connect it to the wrong terminal, it won't break or damage the vehicle (and yourself).

No Maintenance and Instant Recharging

The device requires no maintenance. You don't have to recharge it at home; just make sure you have it in the car when a problem occurs. Supercapacitors don't hold power for a long time, so charging it at home beforehand makes no sense.

When needed, connect it to the vehicle battery or another power source, and it will recharge in a minute or two, depending on the source you're using. You don't have to wait for hours for a full charge like with regular batteries.

Ease of Use

There are three steps to perform before you're ready to go:

  1. Connect the clamps included in the package to the terminals of your car battery;
  2. Switch the charger on and wait until the 14 V LED indicator stops blinking;
  3. Jump start the car.

The starter is very simple to understand, suitable for beginners and professionals alike. It's great for cold starts and has an LED light that will help you find the right terminals on the battery.

There's also an alarm that will buzz when the charge is full, or you need to use an override function. A convenient LCD display shows you what the battery voltage is, how much the device is charged, whether reverse polarity or override functions are in use.

Recommendation

This is a great mini version of a batteryless jump starter with a few improvements like an LCD screen. It's convenient and easy to use, which is a major advantage for regular drivers. Unfortunately, the manufacturer doesn't state the estimated number of cycles you can perform, but the device is quite durable.

Keep in mind that you'll need some power to use the device, so make sure the battery has at least 5 V left, or you have a laptop, phone, etc. to recharge the supercapacitor. It's really convenient as you don't have to remember to recharge it at home or predict if there's going to be a problem with your car. Just leave the device inside the vehicle and use it whenever needed.

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Rezervo Jump Starter RZ-550 – A More Powerful Extreme Weather Option

Rezervo Jump Starter RZ-550

This is a more powerful alternative to the previous mini version of a jump starter. It has an average of 550 A and is ready to get all the energy left in your battery to jump start the vehicle. The device is suitable both for DIY and professional car service use. With proper storage, you can expect it to serve you for 10+ years.

No Maintenance and Ease of Use

This Rezervo supercapacitor jump starter is maintenance-free. You don't need to remember to recharge it since it's easily charged from anything with a power output you have nearby. The device recharges in less than a minute if you have sufficient power or a couple of minutes if the power source is weak. It will get electricity from all corners of your battery to successfully jump start the vehicle.

Extreme Temperatures and Damage Resistance

The device is drop-resistant due to its tough rubber casing. It can also work well in extreme temperatures of -30F to +140F. Don't worry about being stuck during a snowstorm or in the middle of a desert.

The starter is also very safe due to its short circuit and reverse polarity. Even if you mistake a terminal and connect the device to the wrong one, there will be no damage done to it, yourself, or the vehicle.

How to Use

The manufacturer provides very clear guidelines as to the use of their supercapacitor jump starter:

  1. Connect the starter to a 12 V battery or another power source using the clamps provided in the package. The device will turn on by itself and show you the voltage of the battery;
  2. Switch it on, and it will start recharging, showing you its voltage;
  3. Wait for the "Ready to Start" status as the 14 V indicator stops blinking;
  4. Start the engine.

That's it! Leave the starter in your vehicle and don't worry about recharging it at home. There are no batteries and no explosion hazard. The batteryless construction offers very fast charging and works well for cold starts.

Recommendation

Again, there's no information as to the number of cycles you can perform with the device. However, Reservo jump starters have proven to be durable, so this shouldn't be a major issue. This one is quite powerful, very easy to use, and understandable even for a complete beginner.

It really works well in cold and hot weather, so if you need a rugged ally to save you during tough times, this might be the one.

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OzCharge RescueMate Super Capacitor Jump Starter – Best batteryless Jump Starter

OzCharge RescueMate

While all supercapacitor jump starters are quite easy to use, when you're a beginner, an extra convenient model is needed. This OzCharge RescueMate starter was awarded as the 'Best New Safety Product of 2018' In Vegas at the AAPEX / SEMA annual show. You don't need batteries for it, as well as no recharging, so it's a zero-maintenance model.

No Maintenance

The supercapacitors in this model store large amounts of energy and are ready to discharge it quickly to your vehicle. To charge, the device uses super-low voltages, so even if your car battery is almost dead, there will be enough power for charging. There are other ways to charge the device, so you don't need to remember to recharge it at home.

This is a great option for travelers as you can leave the jump starter in the car 365 days a year. It has an amperage of 750 A and charges in 1 minute.

Ease of Use and Functionality

Even a flat battery contains some energy. It's not enough to start the car, but oftentimes, it's enough to charge a supercapacitor. This particular model is super-easy to use. All you have to do is to charge it from:

Then, press the "Run" button and wait for the countdown. When time runs out, you'll hear the buzzer, and the device will burst all the energy it has accumulated into the vehicle for you to jump start the car.

The device is suitable for both gas and diesel engines with a capacity up to 8l.

What You Get in the Package

The package is full, so you won't need to buy anything separately:

Recommendation

As with the two previous models, we couldn't find any definitive information on the number of cycles the device can perform. However, you can expect durability and safety from the device. It's very easy to use and has a 100% success rate if you have something to charge it from.

The manufacturer offers a 3-year warranty for the product and encourages buyers to contact them if there are any questions or concerns.

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SP Tools SP61074 Ultra Capacitor Jump Starter – Great Multifunctionality

SP Tools SP61074

Several ways of charging, high protection, Hi-power LED flashlight, both gas and diesel engines operation. These are only a few benefits you can get with this SP Tools ultracapacitor. It's portable and easy to use.

High Functionality

The device is suitable for:

No worries about the use in different vehicles; just find out their engine types and capacities beforehand.

This ultracapacitor charges completely in 45 seconds, given the electricity current is suitable. The process may take longer, but not more than a couple of minutes. Besides, there are 4 sources you can use to charge the device, including USB connection to any other device, car cigarette lighter, etc.

Intelligent Display

The model comes with an intelligent LCD display that provides information about the status of the battery and its voltage.

You can also benefit from a protective rubber sleeve that improves damage resistance of the device, as well as a powerful LED flashlight for successful work at night.

Ease of Use

If your battery has 5 V left, you won't need any additional power sources. This will be enough to charge the supercapacitor inside the device and jump start your car.

The use is very simple:

  1. Connect the device to your vehicle battery;
  2. Check the health status of the battery to see how much power it has left and whether it will be enough for the supercapacitor jump starter;
  3. Charge the device;
  4. Jump start the car with a short, powerful burst of energy.

Recommendation

The supplier offers high-quality automotive tools in the US, including such great supercapacitor jump starters. This model comes at a reasonable price, and it's very functional. We loved the display; it's easy to understand and always visible. The flashlight is a sweet bonus that becomes quite important when you're stuck in the dark.

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ZHIGAY C-158 1000A Jump Starter – Best Power for the Money

ZHIGAY C-158 1000A

The most powerful version on the list, this supercapacitor jump starter offers operation at 1000 A peak current. The manufacturer guarantees advanced cranking power with a longer duration than that of a regular device. Perform multiple jumps per one charge without worries about the lack of power.

The model also offers great longevity with up to 100,000 cycles.

Major Features

Here are a few reference points to let you know how great this device is:

The device has everything you need and even more for a completely safe and convenient operation.

Convenience of Use

C-158 is very convenient in operation and storage. High and low temperatures don't affect its performance negatively, so the device isn't very demanding when it comes to storing it.

In the package, you'll also find a 20" cable, which allows for a sufficient reach for all kinds of vehicles. The Grade Hot Jaw clams that are also included in the package are able to penetrate corrosion on the surface, providing an excellent connection.

Durable Elements

Everything in the package is highly robust and durable. You already know about the powerful clamps that can operate through corroded parts. The device is manufactured with one goal: delivering as much power to a stuck vehicle in one go as possible. This allows for 100% success in jump-starting your car.

Batteries Needed

The most important thing you have to remember is that this device needs batteries in order to work. They are not included in the package. The batteries are high-performance ones, so you shouldn't worry about the starter being dead when you need it the most. Everything in the package is designed for high performance and exceptional power density.

What's in the Package

Here's what you're getting in the package:

You also get a 2-year warranty for the device. If there are any questions, be sure to contact the manufacturer for answers.

Recommendation

The device is universal, suitable for most vehicles, no matter the shape and size. It withstands damage and high/low temperatures, which makes it even more versatile. While offering so much power and functionality, this supercapacitor jump starter comes at an affordable price.

The user manual is very detailed, which we've found very convenient.

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Best Supercapacitor Jump Starter Buyer's Guide: Benefits, Battery Vs. Supercapacitor

First of all, what is a supercapacitor jump starter?

It's a device that uses a weak current from a power bank or your car's system to jump start the vehicle. You don't need any batteries to provide the power; the device uses whatever you have in an emergency to help you out.

Battery jump starters have been around forever; they are used at car dealerships and repair services. They fit their purpose and will be used until the new tech doesn't fill the whole industry. But as we all know, technology doesn't stay still, so it's clear there's something better than a toxic, lead-acid battery.

If you need a portable jump starter, a supercapacitor type may become your best choice. It's not as bulky and dangerous and can fit in your emergency kit easily. Supercapacitor jump starters are a bit more expensive than regular ones, but their benefits make any investment justified.

We'll review all the advantages to show you why it's high time to change your regular jump starter to a new-generation one.

Benefits of a Supercapacitor Jump Starter

Let's take a ride over 9 advantages of supercapacitor jump starters.

1. A Combination of Safety and Power

A decent supercapacitor jump starter is 50-60 times more powerful than a regular battery you have in a vehicle. Such superiority allows it to charge a battery in several minutes, which leads to another benefit of time-saving.

While a lot of people consider it an unnecessary investment, just think about the hours you can spend waiting for a tow truck. Instead, it's much better to have an emergency kit in your car and be ready for anything, especially if you drive to other cities often.

Plus, the option is very safe, as there are no sparks and fire hazards if you use it properly.

2. Wide Variety of Applications

Depending on the model, you can utilize such a jump starter in a wide variety of vehicles and engine types. Most modern options are suitable for both diesel and gas engines (up to 5l, if it's a regular model).

Use it for:

3. Little to No Maintenance

The only maintenance you'll have to perform is pre-charging the starter and storing it properly when it's not used. It charges in minutes, and the storage rules are as for any other appliance: little to no humidity, around room temperature, protective case.

This is a suitable option for busy people and those who don't want a lot of hassle when using jump starters.

4. Close to Immediate Charge

Compared to calling for assistance and waiting for it to arrive and do magic tricks with your car, a supercapacitor jump starter charges almost immediately.

A minute to several minutes is needed for sufficient charge (10 to 15 A) for using the jump start mode. This is very useful when you're driving to another city, and the car stops in the middle of nowhere. Modern starters are suitable for use in very low and very high temperatures, so you're safe no matter what weather is outside.

5. Wide Working Temperature Range and Long Service Life

The larger part of modern supercapacitor jump starters' work can operate equally well in temperatures as low as -40F. You don't have to worry about being stranded somewhere during a snowstorm and have no battery power left.

Such devices are capable of working in temperatures up to 158F as well.

Kind tip: Always check if the option you're going to buy has CE, FCC, and/or RoHS certification. It's also wise to check the information on the warranty beforehand. If there's none, make sure to contact the manufacturer or choose a similar model from another seller that provides fuller info.

6. Flexibility of Use

The versatility of use is a benefit because these starters aren't marketed as replacements for the lithium-ion batteries when it comes to jump-starting procedures. Supercapacitors can be successfully utilized to improve the power and functionality of those batteries by storing extra energy and providing it to the battery when necessary.

Such processes won't affect the lithium-ion batteries' longevity or functionality because supercapacitor jump starters work with high energy levels in a lower power density.

7. Quick Starter Motor Turn-On due to Low Internal Resistance

Low internal resistance is one of the most important perks of such jump starters. They can discharge very high electrical currents that are necessary for a successful jump-start of a vehicle. Such currents turn on the starter motor easily, which adds to the convenience, safety, and ease of use of such devices.

8. High Durability

A decent supercapacitor jump starter will serve you for up to 20 years. This is quite impressive compared to the longevity of lithium-ion batteries (up to 5 years). The devices don't need to charge for a long time; the materials used for their construction are sturdy and durable. So, it's an investment for ages.

9. Long-Term Cost-Effectiveness

As a consequence of the durability point, such jump starters are very cost-effective in the long run. You may buy a top-notch device for quite a sum of money, but it will pay off really fast with the ease of use and longevity.

It's very important to choose a model from a reliable manufacturer. When you find one, there will be nothing to worry about. You will get a warranty for a year or more, all necessary details in the package, and maximum durability.

Battery Vs. Supercapacitor

This information is for beginners who need a deeper understanding of the difference between a supercapacitor and a battery.

Batteries' functions are clear to most modern people. They power up electronic devices without the use of external cords. There's a battery inside your phone, remote, etc. Chemical energy within the battery is transformed into electrical energy, giving devices power for a limited amount of time.

Most common batteries are rechargeable, having a lifespan of 500 to 10,000 charging sessions.

Now, a capacitor.

A capacitor is a small device that holds a certain amount of electrical energy in a field. It's a passive element and has two terminals on the sides. It's like a microSD card, but instead of files and photos, a capacitor stores electrical energy between its plates.

A supercapacitor takes the best from both worlds. It holds a larger amount of energy and can be charged and discharged much more frequently.

Major Differences

Both options have their buyers, and both are great for their purposes. We find supercapacitors an amazing solution when it comes to jump-starting your vehicle. It's much safer than using bulky batteries; it's quick and simple.

FAQ on the Use of Supercapacitor Jump Starters

If you need more information, the following answers to the most frequently asked questions will help.

How does a supercapacitor jump starter provide power to the vehicle battery if there's no battery in the device?

The device uses power from your car cigarette lighter, a residue power left in the batter, or another source. There should be clear instructions in the user manual that comes in the package. Different models need different amounts of power from the battery or another source to jump start a car.

When using it for the first time, make sure the manual is somewhere nearby so that you can guide yourself through the process.

What USB cable should I use for charging?

It's either micro USB or standard USB. The cable often comes in the package, so there's nothing to worry about. But if it's not, find out what kind of cable you will need in advance to see if you have one or can purchase one as soon as possible.

Domestic or foreign manufacture?

Both niches have a lot of great models. However, most buyers tend to stick to domestic manufacture. Meeting the requirements, most reliable American brands use domestic materials, workforce, and locations to create such devices.

Some reviewers state that they wouldn't buy Chinese devices, thinking they are of poor quality. We haven't used a lot of China-manufactured appliances, but we understand that buying domestic products helps support the economy as well.

What is used to charge this if your battery is dead?

If the battery is fully dead, you will need another device that holds electricity to charge your jump starter. It can be anything that is connectable via USB (a power bank, etc.). You'll need it for several minutes just to jump start the vehicle.

Conclusion

All the items we've mentioned on the list have been tested and provided amazing results. The supercapacitor jump starter technology proves to be helpful time after time, buyer after buyer.

While you need to get used to it and have something to charge it with while on the go, the tech is very easy to use and provides a high level of comfort. It's time-saving and cost-effective as well!

In the future, we may see new improvements in such devices. Maybe you won't need to have a power bank with you, and it will be possible to jump start your car using solar-battery-powered jump starters. We'll see!