A jump starter can make or break your day when your car battery dies, especially in cold winter weather. After testing both the CAT Lithium Cube Jump Starter 1750A (Costco) and the NOCO Boost GB40 (1000A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 12V Lithium Battery Booster Pack) from Amazon, I can confidently say there’s a big difference in performance.
Here’s my hands-on experience, how the NOCO compares to the CAT Lithium Cube Jump Starter, and why I stuck with it after returning the CAT.
Buy the NOCO Boost GB40 here (CA) | Buy the NOCO Boost BG40 here (US)
CAT vs NOCO Jump Starter: Which one should I buy?
II first bought the CAT Lithium Cube 1750A from Costco. On paper it seemed like the better unit with higher advertised peak amps at 1750A.
At first I really liked it. The CAT was compact, easy to store in the trunk, and it did not take up much space. It had multiple little outlet ports so I could plug in accessories or charge devices, and it was multifunctional beyond just being a jump starter. Because of that versatility I thought it would be a great all around unit to keep in the car.
But when winter rolled around reality set in. A friend’s car had a dead battery and I was confident the CAT would do the job but it did not. It also could not start my own 2015 VW Passat 2.0L TDI diesel. To really push it I even tried it on a 2023 Mercedes G Wagen G63 with a dead winter battery and again it failed completely. In the end it just was not worth it. Luckily Costco’s return policy saved me (since I had it for a few months already).
After that I picked up the NOCO Boost GB40. I had seen it on sale at Canadian Tire and Best Buy, but the price on Amazon was actually twenty dollars cheaper, so I ordered it there. When it arrived it even came in an extra manufacturer’s cardboard box that I had not seen in store, which gave it a nicer presentation. The unit itself is not as compact as the CAT, but it comes with a small carrying bag to keep everything organized and it includes a built in flashlight that is useful if you are stuck at night. Most importantly it worked without any trouble. The NOCO jump started my car right away and that reliability made all the difference.
Check out the CAT Jumper Starter here (Amazon CA)
Why I chose the NOCO Boost GB40
After the CAT failure, I ordered the NOCO Boost GB40 on Amazon during a sale. Even though it’s “only” rated at 1000A peak current, the GB40 started my Passat diesel on the first try.
What I noticed:
- Reliable for small diesels like my Passat
- Compact and glovebox-friendly
- Sturdy clamps and safe design
- Works as a power bank with USB charging
- Not designed for larger high-performance vehicles (for that, see GB70/GB150)
Which NOCO Boost model do you really need?
| Model | Peak Amps | Engine Size Support | Approx. Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB20 | 500A | Up to 4.0L gas | $80–100 | Small sedans, compact cars |
| GB40 | 1000A | Up to 6.0L gas, 3.0L diesel | $130–150 | Daily drivers, light diesels |
| GB50 | 1500A | Up to 7.0L gas, 4.5L diesel | $180–200 | Larger SUVs, small trucks |
| GB70 | 2000A | Up to 8.0L gas, 6.0L diesel | $250–300 | Heavy-duty SUVs, performance cars |
| GB150 | 3000A | Up to 10.0L gas, 8.0L diesel | $450+ | Commercial vehicles, RVs, big diesels |
Buy the NOCO Boost GB40 here (CA) | Buy the NOCO Boost BG40 here (US)
Tip: If you have something like a G-Wagen G63 or other high-performance V8, don’t even consider the GB40. You’ll want the GB70 or GB150.
NOCO Boost GB40 vs CAT Lithium Cube: The real difference
| Feature | NOCO GB40 | CAT Lithium Cube 1750A |
|---|---|---|
| Passat Diesel Test | Started immediately | Failed |
| G-Wagen G63 Test | Too small (would need GB70+) | Failed completely |
| Portability | Very compact | Bulkier but compact |
| Price | ~$130–150 (Amazon) | ~$180–200 (Costco) |
| Reliability | Proven with small diesels | Struggled in real-world use |
Even though the CAT claims more peak amps, the NOCO GB40 actually outperformed it where it mattered.
Final verdict: Is the NOCO Boost GB40 good?
For everyday drivers with sedans, small SUVs, and light diesels, the NOCO GB40 is an excellent choice. It’s compact, safe, and reliable—something the CAT Lithium Cube couldn’t prove in my testing.
But if you drive a luxury SUV or performance car like a G-Wagen, the GB40 isn’t enough. Step up to the GB70 or GB150.
Buy the NOCO Boost GB40 here (CA) | Buy the NOCO Boost BG40 here (US)
