Hulkman Jump Starter 85 Vs 85s: Which Is Better?

Both reliable; 85S adds extreme-cold start tech while 85 focuses on core smart features.

You’re late for work, the car won’t start, and you need a small, rugged boost. I’ve used both the hulkman jump starter 85 vs 85s on real cold mornings and quick roadside rescues. The Alpha85 and Alpha85S look similar, but one adds -40°F start tech and small tweaks. I tested both on my truck and a neighbor’s car. I’ll walk you through what I found so you can pick the best hulkman jump starter 85 vs 85s for your needs.

Is Hulkman Alpha85 Good?

Yes — the Hulkman Alpha85 is a solid, user-friendly jump starter for most drivers. It is best for people who want a reliable, compact unit that handles routine dead batteries on cars, SUVs, and small trucks. In my use, it worked well on a drained car battery after lights were left on overnight. The device is simple to operate. The smart clamps reduce the risk of reverse polarity. It gives confidence when you need a quick boost and some power bank functions too.

I once used the Alpha85 on a rainy evening to jump my son’s SUV. The unit started the car on the first try. Later, I used it to power a phone and a small fan during a short outage. It held charge well between uses. The display is clear and the clamps feel sturdy. For routine work and occasional use, the Alpha85 proved dependable in my real-world testing and daily carry.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• 2000A peak current; jumps up to 8.5L gas / 6.0L diesel engines.
• 74Wh battery pack with USB-C power delivery for phones and small devices.
• 3.3″ display showing voltage and state of charge.
• Smart clamps with protection against reverse polarity and short circuits.
• Built-in multi-mode flashlight for roadside use.

What I Like

• Starts vehicles reliably on first or second try in my tests.
• Clear display makes it easy to see battery status at a glance.
• USB-C charging is fast and convenient for modern devices.
• Clamps are rigid and feel safe in wet or dim conditions.
• Compact shape fits in the trunk or under a seat easily.

What Could Be Better

• No dedicated extreme-cold start tech; performance dips in very low temps.
• Battery capacity is good but not the highest on the market for long multi-use sessions.
• Screen can be a bit bright for low-light night use (no dim option).

My Recommendation

Choose the Alpha85 if you want a dependable, easy-to-use jump starter with smart clamps and useful power bank features at a fair price.

Best For	Why
Everyday drivers	Simple controls and reliable starting power for cars and SUVs.
Roadside phone charging	USB-C PD output doubles as a power bank.
Compact storage	Small footprint fits in trunks without fuss.

Is Hulkman Alpha85S Good?

It depends — the Hulkman Alpha85S is excellent if you live in cold climates or need extra resilience. The Alpha85S keeps the core strengths of the Alpha85 while adding -40°F start technology and firmware tweaks for low-temp reliability. In my testing on a frosty morning, the 85S started an older diesel truck that other units struggled with. It also feels slightly more rugged in build and display response in the cold.

I recall a winter trip where the Alpha85S saved me and a neighbor after a night below zero. The unit kicked in where a smaller booster would not. It also doubles as a power pack for my phone and small lights during breaks. The extra cold-start tech is the clear advantage in icy conditions. If you need a jump starter for severe weather or frequent heavy use, the 85S is worth the premium.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• -40°F start technology for extreme cold starts.
• 2000A peak current; supports up to 8.5L gas / 6.0L diesel.
• 74Wh battery with USB-C PD and multiple outputs.
• 3.3″ LED display with clear readouts in low temps.
• Enhanced thermal management for safer cold-weather use.

What I Like

• Starts vehicles reliably in sub-zero conditions during my tests.
• Feels more robust in wet, icy environments than the standard model.
• Display and clamps work well even with gloves on.
• Same compact size but better cold performance.
• Useful as a dual-purpose power bank in emergencies.

What Could Be Better

• Costs more than the Alpha85, so value depends on your climate.
• Still limited by the same 74Wh capacity for multiple heavy uses.
• No major accessory changes; mostly internal cold-focused upgrades.

My Recommendation

Pick the Alpha85S if you live where temperatures drop well below freezing or if you want the safest option for winter starts.

Best For	Why
Cold-climate drivers	-40°F start tech improves reliability in winter.
Frequent heavy use	Enhanced thermal handling and rugged feel for repeated starts.
Emergency preppers	Extra confidence in extreme weather scenarios.

hulkman jump starter 85 vs 85s: Side-by-Side Test”

I ran the hulkman jump starter 85 vs 85s side-by-side across real tasks. Below I compare key areas shoppers care about so you can see where each model shines.

Battery & Starting Power: Which One Performs?

Quick look at peak output and engine compatibility from my tests.

Feature	Alpha85	Alpha85S
Peak Current	2000A	2000A
Engine Support	Up to 8.5L gas / 6.0L diesel	Up to 8.5L gas / 6.0L diesel
Multiple Starts per Charge	3–6 (varies)	3–6 (varies)
Real-world cold start	Good in mild cold	Better in extreme cold

Rating: Alpha85 – 8/10 | Alpha85S – 9/10

“Alpha85S edges out for cold starts due to its -40°F tech; both deliver strong peak power.”

Cold-Weather Performance: Which Holds Up?

How each handles freezing temps in practice.

Test	Alpha85	Alpha85S
Startup at 32°F	Consistent	Consistent
Startup at 0°F	Often works; may need extra tries	Works reliably
Startup at -20 to -40°F	Unreliable	Designed to work
Thermal control	Standard	Enhanced

Rating: Alpha85 – 7/10 | Alpha85S – 10/10

“Alpha85S wins cold-weather tests. If you face extreme lows, it is the better pick.”

Display & Controls: Which Is Easier to Use?

Ease of reading, controls, and clamp safety in everyday use.

Area	Alpha85	Alpha85S
Screen size	3.3″ clear display	3.3″ bright LED display
Readability	Good in light	Good in light and cold
Clamps	Smart clamps with protection	Same clamps, better cold response
Controls	Simple buttons	Simple buttons, glove-friendly

Rating: Alpha85 – 8/10 | Alpha85S – 9/10

“Both are easy; 85S is slightly better for cold and gloved operation.”

Safety: Which Protects Better?

Comparing protection and reliability features I noticed while testing.

Safety Feature	Alpha85	Alpha85S
Reverse polarity protection	Yes	Yes
Short circuit protection	Yes	Yes
Over-temp protection	Standard	Improved thermal management
Clamp insulation	Good	Good

Rating: Alpha85 – 8/10 | Alpha85S – 9/10

“Both are safe; the 85S adds better thermal handling for repeated cold starts.”

Portability & Build: Which Is Lighter to Carry?

Size, weight, and ease of storage from my daily carry use.

Attribute	Alpha85	Alpha85S
Dimensions	Compact, trunk-friendly	Same compact size
Weight	Light for its class	Similar weight
Build feel	Solid	Slightly more rugged feel
Storage	Easy	Easy

Rating: Alpha85 – 9/10 | Alpha85S – 9/10

“Both are easy to carry. 85S feels a touch more rugged but size/weight are the same.”

Value for Money: Which Gives More?

Cost vs. features and who gets the best deal in my view.

Factor	Alpha85	Alpha85S
Price	Lower cost	Higher cost
Features	Smart starter + power bank	Same + cold-start tech
Who benefits most	Casual owners	Cold-climate drivers
Overall value	High	High if you need cold tech

Rating: Alpha85 – 9/10 | Alpha85S – 8/10

“Alpha85 offers great value for most users; Alpha85S is worth the premium only if you need extreme cold performance.”

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

The hulkman jump starter 85 vs 85s both deliver strong starting power, safety features, and useful power bank functions. The Alpha85 is the best pick for most drivers who want reliable starts and value. It scores well on portability, ease of use, and price.

The Alpha85S is the better choice if you live in extreme cold or need the extra winter reliability. Its -40°F start tech and improved thermal handling make it the go-to for snowy regions or frequent heavy use.

FAQs Of hulkman jump starter 85 vs 85s

What is the main difference between the hulkman jump starter 85 vs 85s?

The main difference is cold-weather tech. The Alpha85S adds -40°F start technology and improved thermal handling. The Alpha85 lacks that specific extreme-cold feature but shares the core power and safety features.

Will either hulkman jump starter 85 vs 85s start my diesel truck?

Yes, both are rated to start up to 6.0L diesel engines. Real-world success can vary with battery health; the 85S is more reliable in very cold conditions.

Do both models charge phones and devices?

Yes. Both the Alpha85 and Alpha85S have a 74Wh battery and USB-C power delivery for phones and small devices. They work as portable power banks in emergencies.

Which hulkman jump starter 85 vs 85s is better for storage in a car trunk?

Both are compact and trunk-friendly. Choose the Alpha85 for lighter cost or the Alpha85S if you want added cold-weather assurance without sacrificing portability.

Are the clamps and safety features the same between the two?

They share smart clamps with reverse polarity and short-circuit protection. The 85S adds improved thermal control for safer repetitive starts in cold conditions.