14 Best Portable Generators (for home, campaign etc.)

With so much of our lives revolving around modern technology, nobody likes to be without electricity for an extended amount of time. To avoid long power outages or emergencies, many people choose to invest in a portable generator.

However, with so many options, finding the right choice can be a challenge. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of the best portable generators currently on the market.

Best Portable Generators  Source: wikiespressomachine.com

Buying Guide

There may be a lot of different choices to pick from, but there are certain key features that can separate an average portable generator from a high-quality one:

  • Types of Generators: the three main types of generators include portable, standby, and inverter
  • Fuel-Efficiency: how many hours of power you’ll get from one tank of gas
  • Noise Level: portable generators measure their sound in decibels
  • Fuel Type: while gas generators tend to be the most common, diesel generators tend to provide better efficiency

Now that you understand what to look for, it’s time to look at the best portable generators to purchase.

Buying Recommendations

Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 9500 Peak Watt Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start with Auto Choke, Transfer Switch Ready 30A Outlet, Gas Powered,Black/Blue
WEN 56203i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator w/Fuel Shut Off, CARB Compliant, Ultra Lightweight, Black/Orange
Champion Power Equipment 76533 4750/3800-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator with Electric Start
Wattage
7,500W
2,000W
3,800W
Run Time
16 hours
7 hours
9 hours with gasoline/20 hours with propane
Fuel Capacity
6.6 gallons
1 gallon
3.4 gallons
Noise Level
64 decibels
51 decibels
68 decibels
Warranty
3-year warranty
2-year warranty
3-year limited warranty
Best Premium
Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 9500 Peak Watt Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start with Auto Choke, Transfer Switch Ready 30A Outlet, Gas Powered,Black/Blue
Wattage
7,500W
Run Time
16 hours
Fuel Capacity
6.6 gallons
Noise Level
64 decibels
Warranty
3-year warranty
Best Quiet
WEN 56203i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator w/Fuel Shut Off, CARB Compliant, Ultra Lightweight, Black/Orange
Wattage
2,000W
Run Time
7 hours
Fuel Capacity
1 gallon
Noise Level
51 decibels
Warranty
2-year warranty
Best for Home
Champion Power Equipment 76533 4750/3800-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator with Electric Start
Wattage
3,800W
Run Time
9 hours with gasoline/20 hours with propane
Fuel Capacity
3.4 gallons
Noise Level
68 decibels
Warranty
3-year limited warranty

Budget Portable Generators

Looking for a budget-friendly generator? Check out these picks.

1. NusGear Solar Power Portable Generator – Editor’s Pick

With a larger power capacity, the NusGear Portable Generator can present a wide array of features without the higher price-tag.

Specs
Wattage: 155W
Run Time: 7-8 hours
Fuel Capacity: powered through solar power and batteries
Noise Level: not specified
Warranty: buyers must contact the seller
No products found.
No products found.
Without the need for fuel or fumes, this battery-powered and solar portable generator is our favorite choice when it comes to budget options. Equipped with a USB and AC outlet, customers can power a wide range of different appliances and tools.

What we like about it
  • Affordable
  • Long-lasting run time
  • Doesn’t require fuel
Drawbacks
  • Wattage isn’t as high as some other options

No products found.

2. DuroStar DS4000S Portable Generator

With all the power to meet your heavy-duty needs, this DuroStar Portable Generator has all the power in a cost-effective package.

Specs
Wattage: 3,3000W
Run Time: 10-15 hours
Fuel Capacity: 3.96 gallons
Noise Level: 69 decibels
Warranty: 30-day replacement and 1-year parts warranty
DuroStar DS4000S Portable Generator, Yellow/Black
DuroStar DS4000S Portable Generator, Yellow/Black
Equipped with a selection of outlets that include 2 120V household outlets and 1 twist lock outlet, this model is CARB and EPA approved in all fifty states. With its own tool set, oil funnel, and spark plug wrench, the portable generator has everything you need.

What we like about it
  • Large fuel capacity
  • Powerful wattage
  • Comes with a warranty to replace parts
Drawbacks
  • May not be as quiet as some other choices
Sale
DuroStar DS4000S Portable Generator, Yellow/Black
  • Plenty of Power – With 4,000 peak watts and 3,300 running watts, this unit can handle heavy loads, from lights and a refrigerator to a home air conditioner and high amperage power tools
  • Powerful Engine – The DuroStar 208cc OHV engine is a workhorse that provides plenty of power to handle multiple jobs, from powering high voltage appliances to heavy duty power tools
  • Low Oil Shutoff – Protects your investment by automatically shutting the generator off when it senses that the oil is low

3. Mech Marvels Portable Generator

With plenty of power and approved safety ratings, the Mech Marvels Portable Generator has everything you need in an affordable package.

Specs
Wattage: 1,500W
Run Time: 9 hours
Fuel Capacity: 1.5 gallons
Noise Level: 68 decibels
Warranty: information must be requested from customer service
Mech Marvels MM2350 Portable Generator, Orange
Mech Marvels MM2350 Portable Generator, Orange
With 1,200 running watts, this model can power your appliances for up to nine hours on a half-load and includes quiet operation. To double the power, buyers can also connect this product to another Mech Marvels generator.

What we like about it
  • Cost-effective
  • Long run-time
  • Quiet operation
Drawbacks
  • Not as much fuel capacity
Mech Marvels MM2350 Portable Generator, Orange
  • 1,500 surge watts and 1,200 running watts can run small appliances, and power tools
  • 94cc 4-stroke OHV clean engine with EPA III compliant certification
  • Decibel rating: less than 68Db with no load. Oil Capacity - 13.5 ounces

Premium Portable Generators

These portable generators meet the qualifications for our “premium” category:

1. Westinghouse Portable Generator – Editor’s Pick

With an impressive warranty and large power capacity, the Westinghouse Portable Generator is our favorite in this category and can operate anywhere that it needs to.

Specs
Wattage: 7,500W
Run Time: 16 hours
Fuel Capacity: 6.6 gallons
Noise Level: 64 decibels
Warranty: 3-year warranty
Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 9500 Peak Watt Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start with Auto Choke, Transfer Switch Ready 30A Outlet, Gas Powered,Black/Blue
Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 9500 Peak Watt Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start with Auto Choke, Transfer Switch Ready 30A Outlet, Gas Powered,Black/Blue
Along with a longer run time, this model includes a muffler to help keep the operation quiet as well as an automatic low-oil shutdown. Since it’s CARB, EPA, and CSA compliant, customers don’t need to worry as much about safety concerns.

What we like about it
  • Large fuel capacity
  • Safety compliant
  • Quiet operation
Drawbacks
  • May not fit well into smaller spaces
Sale
Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 9500 Peak Watt Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start with Auto Choke, Transfer Switch Ready 30A Outlet, Gas Powered,Black/Blue
  • 7500 Running Watts and 9500 Peak Watts; Remote Start With Included Key Fob, Electric and Recoil Start; Up to 11 Hours of Run Time on a 6.6 Gallon Fuel Tank With Fuel Gauge
  • Features Two GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) 5-20R 120V Household Duplex Receptacle and One L14-30R 120/240V Twist-Lock Receptacle; All Outlets Have Rubber Covers for Added Safety
  • Plug-and-Play: Comes with a Remote Start Key Fob, 12V Battery Charger, Oil, an Oil Funnel, a Tool Kit, and a User's Manual to Get You Started Right Out of the Box (Minimal Assembly Required)

2. DuroMax Dual Fuel Electric Start Portable Generator

Boasting an impressive wattage, the DuroMax Dual Fuel Electric Start Portable Generator can meet all your power needs while remaining user-friendly and convenient.

Specs
Wattage: 12,000W
Run Time: 20 hours
Fuel Capacity: 8.3 gallons
Noise Level: 74 decibels
Warranty: 3-year factory warranty
DuroMax XP12000EH Generator-12000 Watt Gas or Propane Powered Home Back Up & RV Ready, 50 State Approved Dual Fuel Electric Start Portable Generator, Black and Blue
DuroMax XP12000EH Generator-12000 Watt Gas or Propane Powered Home Back Up & RV Ready, 50 State Approved Dual Fuel Electric Start Portable Generator, Black and Blue
With an all metal construction to make it even more durable, this dual-fuel model can run on either gasoline or propane. With safety compliant ratings, the portable generator is designed to keep the environment cleaner too.

What we like about it
  • Durable
  • Safety-compliant
  • Flexibility to run on either gasoline or propane
  • Impressive run time
Drawbacks
  • Not as quiet operation
Sale
DuroMax XP12000EH Generator-12000 Watt Gas or Propane Powered Home Back Up & RV Ready, 50 State Approved Dual Fuel Electric Start Portable Generator, Black and Blue
  • With 12,000 watts of power, the XP12000EH Dual Fuel generator will keep your whole home running during a storm or power outage
  • DuroMax is the industry leader in Dual Fuel portable generator technology, with a full assortment ranging from digital inverters to generators that can power your entire home
  • At the core of all our products resides a robust DuroMax engine. Designed for Power. Designed to Last

3. Ford Dual Fuel Portable Generator

With a larger fuel capacity and impressive wattage, the Ford Dual Fuel Portable Generator is a flexible model with plenty of premium features.

Specs
Wattage: 11,050 Peak/9,000W
Run Time: 10 hours
Fuel Capacity: 6.6 gallons
Noise Level: 59 decibels
Warranty: information must be requested from customer service
Ford 11,050W Dual Fuel Portable Generator with Switch & Go Technology and Electric Start, FG11050PBE
Ford 11,050W Dual Fuel Portable Generator with Switch & Go Technology and Electric Start, FG11050PBE
Built to last, this durable model includes an OHV engine that will run on either propane or gasoline. When you need to switch between fuel sources, all you have to do is press a button with the generator’s “switch & go” technology.

What we like about it
  • Flexible
  • Quiet operation
  • Impressive wattage
Drawbacks
  • No explicit warranty
Ford 11,050W Dual Fuel Portable Generator with Switch & Go Technology and Electric Start, FG11050PBE
  • 11, 050W Peak/ 9, 000W Rated (Gasoline) & 10, 050W Peak/8, 100W Rated (LPG)
  • The powerful 457cc, Single Cylinder, 4-Stroke, OHV, Air Cooled Engine is protected by a Heavy-Duty Powder Coated Steel Frame
  • A Large 6. 6 Gallon High Capacity Fuel Tank gives you up to 10 Hours of Continuous Operation at half load when running on gasoline

Quiet Portable Generators

Looking for a quieter generator? Check out these picks.

1. WEN Super Quiet Portable Generator – Editor’s Pick

Designed to operate at full capacity with much less noise, the WEN Super Quiet Portable Generator is our favorite in this category.

Specs
Wattage: 2,000W
Run Time: 7 hours
Fuel Capacity: 1 gallon
Noise Level: 51 decibels
Warranty: 2-year warranty
WEN 56203i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator w/Fuel Shut Off, CARB Compliant, Ultra Lightweight, Black/Orange
WEN 56203i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator w/Fuel Shut Off, CARB Compliant, Ultra Lightweight, Black/Orange
With a 4-stroke engine and two USB ports, the WEN portable generator is designed to produce clean power and can safely power sensitive technology such as smartphones, computers, and even tablets.

What we like about it
  • Extremely portable
  • Quiet operation
  • Produces clean power
Drawbacks
  • Limited fuel capacity
  • Not as long of a run time
WEN 56203i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator w/Fuel Shut Off, CARB Compliant, Ultra Lightweight, Black/Orange
  • Ultralight body weighs in at a mere 39 pounds for easy transport and storage
  • Extremely quiet operation comparable to the sound of a normal conversation according to the US Department of Health and Human Services
  • Produces 2000 surge watts and 1700 rated watts of clean power for safe charging of sensitive electronics (phones, tablets, televisions, computers, etc.)

2. Briggs & Stratton PowerSmart Portable Generator

Engineered to be quiet and fuel-efficient, the Briggs & Stratton PowerSmart Portable Generator can provide all the wattage that you need without all of the noise.

Specs
Wattage: 2,200W
Run Time: 8 hours
Fuel Capacity: 1 gallon
Noise Level: 59 decibels
Warranty: 2-year limited consumer warranty
No products found.
No products found.
With a handle that makes this lightweight model easy to transport, customers can get up to eight hours of continuous run-time before they need to start worrying about refilling the tank.

What we like about it
  • Quiet operation
  • Comes with a 2-year warranty
  • 1 parallel port
Drawbacks
  • Limited fuel capacity
  • Cannot ship to the state of California

No products found.

3. Honda Super Quiet Portable Generator

Engineered to stay quiet so that it won’t disturb the neighbors, the Honda Super Quiet Portable Generator focuses on greater fuel efficiency and boasts an impressive run-time.

Specs
Wattage: 2,200W
Run Time: 4 to 9.5 hours
Fuel Capacity: 1 gallon
Noise Level: 48 to 57 decibels
Warranty: customers must contact the manufacturer
No products found.
No products found.
With an operation that’s quiet enough not to exceed to noise level of a normal conversation, this model can run up to 9.5 hours on a single tank. Using the handle that’s located on top, buyers can also easily transport this model anywhere they need to go.

What we like about it
  • Easy to transport
  • Quiet operation
  • Impressive wattage for its size
Drawbacks
  • May not be suitable for all power needs
  • No explicit warranty

No products found.

Portable Generators for the Home

These portable generators are ideal for home use.

1. Champion Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator – Editor’s Pick

When it comes to the best portable generators that will fit inside your home or RV, the Champion Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator comes out on top in this category.

Specs
Wattage: 3,800W
Run Time: 9 hours with gasoline/20 hours with propane
Fuel Capacity: 3.4 gallons
Noise Level: 68 decibels
Warranty: 3-year limited warranty
Champion Power Equipment 76533 4750/3800-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator with Electric Start
Champion Power Equipment 76533 4750/3800-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator with Electric Start
With almost 4,000 running watts, the Champion Dual Fuel Portable Generator is a flexible option that runs on either gasoline or propane and boasts an impressive run-time on both fuel sources.

What we like about it
  • Flexible
  • Longer run time
  • Comes with a warranty
Drawbacks
  • Not as portable as some other options
Champion Power Equipment 76533 4750/3800-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Generator with Electric Start
  • Dual Fuel: Operate your 3800-watt portable generator right out of the box on either gasoline or propane, plus the unit holds 0.6-quarts of oil (included) and has a low oil shut-off sensor
  • Electric Start: Power up the 224cc Champion engine with the handy toggle switch, battery included
  • Intelligauge: Keep track of voltage, hertz and run-time hours to easily monitor power output and track maintenance intervals. Dimensions-26.3 x 24.8 x 22.9 inches

2. Rainier Electric Start Portable Generator

With plenty of wattage, the Rainier Electric Start Portable Generator not only meets, but exceeds expectations.

Specs
Wattage: 4,400W
Run Time: 18 hours
Fuel Capacity: 4 gallons
Noise Level: 65 decibels
Warranty: 3-year limited warranty
RAINIER R4400 Portable Generator with Electric Start - 4400 Peak Watts & 3600 Rated Watts - Gas Powered - CARB Compliant
RAINIER R4400 Portable Generator with Electric Start - 4400 Peak Watts & 3600 Rated Watts - Gas Powered - CARB Compliant
With an impressive amount of fuel capacity, this model includes helpful features such as automatic low-oil shutdown and a fuel gauge on the tank. Since it’s EPA compliant, customers have less need to worry about safety concerns.

What we like about it
  • Longer run time
  • Includes low-oil shutdown and a fuel gauge
  • Safety-compliant
Drawbacks
  • Not as quiet as some other models
Sale
RAINIER R4400 Portable Generator with Electric Start - 4400 Peak Watts & 3600 Rated Watts - Gas Powered - CARB Compliant
  • 4400 Peak Watts and 3600 Running Watts; Up to 18 Hours of Run Time at a 25% Load; 4 Gallon Gasoline Tank with Fuel Gauge and Automatic Low Oil Shutdown
  • Electric Start – Easy Access One-Touch Power Switch with Emergency Back-Up Recoil Start
  • Features Two 5-20R 120V 20 AMP Outlets for Home Use, One L5-30R 120V 30 AMP Outlet, and One TT-30R 120V 30 AMP Outlet; Two Grounding Ports; VFT Display – Volts, Frequency, and Lifetime Hours

3. Generac Portable Generator

With a convenient handle and impressive wattage for its size, the Generac Portable Generator is all about convenience.

Specs
Wattage: 2,200W
Run Time: 10.75 hours
Fuel Capacity: 1.2 gallons
Noise Level: 50-65 decibels
Warranty: 2-year limited warranty
No products found.
No products found.
Built to provide stable, clean power and over 2,000 running watts, this model has an LED display that alerts users to low-oil and overload. The parallel even allows you to connect two of these generators together for even more power.

What we like about it
  • Quiet operation
  • Comes with a warranty
  • LED display makes this model user-friendly
Drawbacks
  • Not as much fuel-efficiency as some other choices

No products found.

Portable Generators for Camping

Camping is easier with a portable generator. Check out these choices.

1. SUAOKI Portable Camping Generator – Editor’s Pick

Camping may be about connecting with the outdoors, but living without power can be a challenge.

Specs
Wattage: 100-150W
Run Time: 1-20 hours (depending on the device)
Fuel Capacity: Solar and Battery-powered
Noise Level: 40-60 decibels
Warranty: 30-day money-back guarantee and 2-year warranty
No products found.
No products found.
This model comes equipped with a warranty and can power a MacBook for a little over an hour, but provide lantern lighting for up to 20 hours. When it comes to your camping trip, our favorite in this category includes the affordable and easy-to-transport SUAOKI Portable Camping Generator.

What we like about it
  • Easy to transport
  • No fuel needed
  • Comes with a warranty
Drawbacks
  • Wattage isn’t as high as some other options

No products found.

2. WEN Portable Generator

Whether you’re camping, tailgating, or just need a little extra power around the house, the WEN Portable Generator is a cost-effective option.

Specs
Wattage: 1,000W
Run Time: 5 hours
Fuel Capacity: 1 gallon
Noise Level: 60 decibels
Warranty: 2-year warranty
No products found.
No products found.
With safety-compliant ratings, this model is backed by a two-year warranty and features quiet operation at around only 60 decibels.

What we like about it
  • Limited maintenance
  • Lightweight design
  • Efficient run time
Drawbacks
  • Not as fuel-efficient as some other options

No products found.

Final Thoughts

Figuring out what generator to purchase can be a challenge. However, if you aren’t sure where to start, feel free to try out one of the options that we’ve listed for you above.

Last update on 2024-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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