Top 8 Portable Generators for Every Need

Our Top Pick

For a compact portable generator that won't consume too much space in your garage or car trunk, the Honda EU2200i is an excellent choice. With a 2,200-watt power output and weighing just 47.4 pounds, it’s perfect for camping or RV adventures.

As an inverter generator, it delivers smooth, stable power, making it ideal for powering delicate electronics like laptops and smartphones. It also boasts better fuel efficiency than traditional generators.

With a noise level ranging from 48 to 57 decibels, this generator operates quietly, ensuring it won’t disturb your household or campsite. Plus, it can run for up to eight hours on a single tank of fuel. The accompanying app is a great feature, allowing you to monitor and control various functions, including remote shutdown—a useful tool during emergencies when the power’s out. However, be prepared to pay a higher price for this model, as it is one of the more costly options.

Type: Inverter | Wattage: 2,200 watts | Fuel Type: Gasoline | Dimensions: 16.7 by 11.4 by 20 inches | Weight: 47.4 pounds

Top Pick for Budget-Conscious Buyers

The Wen 56235i is a cost-effective choice for home emergency backup power or for your next family camping getaway. Operating at about 50 decibels, the quiet motor is unobtrusive, producing noise similar to that of a standard air conditioner.

This generator is equipped with an automatic shutoff system that halts the engine when the fuel is depleted. Additionally, carbon monoxide sensors will stop the unit if harmful fumes are detected. One gallon of fuel provides roughly five hours of power at a quarter load, which is slightly less than what similar generators offer. The eco-mode feature helps save fuel by adjusting the engine's performance based on the required output. As it offers 2,350 watts of power, it’s best suited for minimal appliance usage. However, if more power is needed, you can pair it with another Wen generator using a parallel kit to boost capacity.

Type: Inverter | Wattage: 2,350 watts | Fuel Type: Gasoline | Dimensions: 17.7 by 11.5 by 17.3 inches | Weight: 39 pounds

Top Large-Scale Option

When dealing with a blackout, storm, or hurricane season, a powerful generator like this Ryobi model is essential. Its high wattage ensures that appliances such as refrigerators, televisions, and air conditioning units run smoothly without overloading.

This robust unit is equipped with a durable handle and 10-inch wheels for easier mobility, making it ideal for construction or job sites. Like many portable generators, it includes a built-in carbon monoxide sensor for safety. It also offers a variety of outlets, capable of powering both small appliances and larger, high-demand items like furnaces and air compressors. The 6-gallon fuel tank ensures up to 10 hours of runtime when full.

Type: Standard | Wattage: 6,500 watts | Fuel Type: Gasoline | Dimensions: 24.5 by 29 by 35 inches | Weight: 195 pounds

Best for Portability

For those seeking a compact and portable backup power solution, the Champion 2,000-Watt Inverter Generator is an excellent choice. Weighing just 39 pounds, it is among the lightest options available, making it a great pick for anyone who needs a generator that’s both easy to move and reliable.

For those who prefer a quieter generator, this model runs at just 53 decibels—comparable to the sound of a dishwasher running in another room. Additionally, it features a recoil start that works effortlessly, even in cold weather.

This generator is both EPA-compliant and CARB-compliant, ensuring it meets eco-friendly standards. It’s an ideal choice for camping, RV trips, or tailgate parties, but its smaller capacity makes it less suitable as an emergency backup during power outages or storms.

Type: Inverter | Wattage: 2,000 watts | Fuel Type: Gasoline | Dimensions: 17.7 by 11.5 by 17.3 inches | Weight: 39.5 pounds

Best Dual Fuel

The Westinghouse iGen4500DFc is a dual-fuel portable generator that can run on either gas or propane, ensuring you always have a reliable fuel source. Although propane costs more upfront, it burns more efficiently and lasts longer than gasoline.

This 4,500-watt generator offers up to 18 hours of runtime on a 3.4-gallon gas tank. With an inverter, it automatically adjusts its power output for better fuel efficiency. Despite weighing over 100 pounds, it includes wheels and a plastic handle for easier mobility, along with an electric start and a wireless remote for convenient operation.

A durable hard-shell case, paired with cooling fans and mufflers, helps keep this generator surprisingly quiet at just 52 decibels. The digital LED display provides useful information, such as remaining fuel, runtime, load, and voltage. While this generator is undeniably top-tier, it may not fit every budget.

Type: Dual fuel | Wattage: 4,500 watts | Fuel Type: Gasoline, Propane | Size: 20 by 17.5 by 24.5 inches | Weight: 105.8 pounds

Best Solar Powered

This solar-powered generator offers an eco-friendly solution for outdoor adventures. It provides 1,000 watts of reliable power and is ideal for camping, RVs, or any outdoor activity. You can connect up to eight devices, including laptops, coffee makers, refrigerators, and more. Plus, at 46 decibels, it's quieter than many traditional portable generators.

The 1000 Pro comes with two 80W solar panels, an AC power cord, and car charging cables. Charging it is straightforward—simply plug it into the panels or a wall outlet, and it will be fully charged in less than two hours. Weighing under 30 pounds, it features a foldable handle and carrying case, making it easy to transport to wherever you need power.

We also appreciate the built-in LED light with three brightness levels, so if your power goes out, you won’t have to search in the dark to start the generator. The Jackery boasts a long lifespan, with the ability to endure up to 1,000 charge cycles. While it may not be the most powerful choice on our list, it’s a great companion for camping or RV trips.

Type: Solar | Wattage: 1,000 watts | Fuel Type: Solar | Size: 12.5 by 6.1 by 9.2 inches | Weight: 25.4 pounds

Best for Camping

Perfect for camping, RV trips, and more, the DeWalt generator is your reliable companion for outdoor adventures. With covered outlets, it ensures that your connections stay safe even in rainy or snowy conditions. However, for large appliance loads or home use during power outages, a more robust generator may be required.

This portable generator is housed in a sturdy case that keeps noise levels at just 60 decibels. It’s capable of running for 11 hours on a single gallon of gas—enough for an entire night in the outdoors. As an inverter, it also features an economy mode that adjusts engine speed and noise to conserve fuel based on the power load.

With a simple knob for power control, this generator is easy to operate. It also features LED indicators to let you know when the generator is overloaded, when oil is low, or when it’s ready to start. It’s safe for charging sensitive electronics such as computers and phones, and includes a USB outlet for convenience.

Type: Inverter | Wattage: 2,200 watts | Fuel Type: Gasoline | Size: 19 by 13 by 21.5 inches | Weight: 52.5 pounds

Best Propane

Propane has a longer shelf life than gasoline, making a propane-powered generator like this one particularly appealing, especially if propane is easily accessible in your area. For its affordable price, this generator not only proved reliable but exceeded our expectations. Plus, it's CARB-compliant, meaning it produces fewer harmful emissions.

This 3,500-watt generator runs continuously for 12 hours on a 4.7-gallon gas tank. It features a display panel that provides real-time data on voltage, runtime, and frequency. We found it easy to set up and appreciate the safety features, including covered outlets and an oil shut-off sensor, which make it a solid option for home use.

In our tests, we successfully powered several appliances in our 3,500-square-foot home, including a microwave, fridge, coffee maker, laptop, TV, space heaters, and deep freezer for up to 24 hours without any issues.

It's also a great choice for RV trips, as it has enough power to run a large 15,000 BTU air conditioner. However, at 68 dBA, it is louder compared to other models we tested. Another drawback is its lack of wheels, making it heavy to move around. Fortunately, you can purchase wheels separately from Champion to enhance its portability.

Type: Portable | Wattage: 3,500 watts | Fuel Type: Propane | Size: ‎23.2 by 18.5 by 19.9 inches | Weight: 103.4 pounds

Final Thoughts

Our top recommendation is the Honda EU2200i Super Quiet Inverter Generator due to its compact design, excellent fuel efficiency, and moderate noise level. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option under $500, the Wen 56235i Super-Quiet Portable Inverter Generator is a lightweight choice with a quiet operation and built-in carbon monoxide sensors.

Additional Portable Generators to Explore

Generac GP8000E COsense 50ST Portable Generator 7676: This model boasts an electric start, making it quick to power on. The 8,000-watt capacity easily runs various household appliances, such as a microwave, dehumidifier, phones, lights, two refrigerators (mini and full-sized), a TV, and a coffee maker. It offers up to 11 hours of runtime at 50% load with one tank of gas. Our only complaint is the noise level, which could be quieter.

Powermate 4500W Portable Generator: This 4,500-watt generator delivers a generous 19-hour runtime on a 5-gallon fuel tank, making it a solid backup for power outages or emergencies. As a CARB-compliant model, it helps protect your home from harmful carbon monoxide. While its performance is average at best, we think it's a good option if you're on a budget. However, if you're willing to invest more, consider upgrading to a higher-quality inverter generator. On the plus side, the included wheels make it easy to move around.

Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Portable Generator

Types of Portable Generators

Portable generators are generally classified into three main types: standard, inverter, and standby. Standard portable generators, also known as conventional generators, are the most widely used. They typically operate using a gas or diesel engine to power an alternator that generates electricity.

Inverter generators are often more compact and lightweight than standard models. They don’t rely on gasoline, instead using electricity from a rechargeable internal battery. However, they may produce less power than other types, which makes them perfect for running sensitive electronics like laptops, smartphones, and televisions.

Standby generators are directly integrated with your electrical system and automatically activate when the power goes out. Built to run for thousands of hours, these generators are commonly found in large homes, businesses, and hotels. As Majano explains, "A standby generator is a permanently installed unit that immediately powers up when an outage occurs. These generators are designed to provide power to an entire home."

For an environmentally friendly option, consider a solar generator, which captures energy from the sun and converts it into electrical power.

Generator Wattage

The wattage of portable generators can vary significantly depending on the model and size, ranging from 1,000 to 6,500 watts in the options we reviewed. Think about what appliances you need to power and the wattage necessary to support them. Smaller units, such as the Champion Power Equipment 2000-Watt Inverter Generator (2,000 watts), are perfect for RV trips, camping, or running a few appliances but lack the capacity to serve as an emergency backup. For full-house coverage, opt for a more powerful, heavy-duty generator like the Ryobi RY906500VNM 6500 Watt Generator With CO Detect.

Fuel Types

Portable generators typically run on fuels like gasoline, diesel, or propane. Some, however, don’t need fuel at all and operate on rechargeable batteries or solar energy. When selecting a portable generator, take into account how long the fuel will last. If fuel efficiency is a priority, choose an inverter generator, as these models automatically adjust engine power to meet demand, conserving fuel in the process.

Dimensions and Weight

The size and weight of a portable generator are influenced by factors like its type, fuel source, and overall design. Small generators that produce between 1,000 and 2,000 watts typically weigh around 30 to 60 pounds, making them ideal for powering smaller appliances and devices.

Mid-sized portable generators generally weigh between 100 and 200 pounds and provide a power output of 3,000 to 5,000 watts. Although these models are heavier, many come equipped with wheels and sturdy handles to help you move them with ease.

Sound Level

If noise is a concern when choosing a portable generator, be sure to review the manufacturer's noise specifications. Generators typically range from 50 decibels, about the same as a running refrigerator, to 60 decibels, which is comparable to a regular conversation between two people. The WEN Portable Inverter Generator and Jackery Solar Generator 1000 PRO are among the quietest options available and will run without disturbing your home or campsite.

Safety Guidelines

For safe operation of your portable generator, follow these expert recommendations from Majano:

• Never run a generator indoors or in any enclosed space, such as a garage, even if the door is open.
• Generators are designed to provide temporary power only.
• Always use a transfer switch when connecting your generator to household circuits, and never plug it directly into your home’s wiring.
• Ensure that your setup includes GFCI protection.
• Install carbon monoxide alarms to monitor air quality.
• Place the generator at least 20 feet away from any doors, windows, or vents to prevent carbon monoxide from entering your living space.

Common Questions

What size generator is necessary to power an entire house?

To power an entire home, including major appliances, you’ll need between 5,000 and 9,000 watts of power. If you want a generator that automatically kicks in during a power failure, Majano suggests opting for a standby generator, which is designed to handle the electricity demands of a household.

How long can a portable generator run each day?

According to Majano, it’s best to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines to understand the running time of your specific generator. On average, most portable generators can operate anywhere between six and 18 hours, depending on factors such as fuel type, size, and model. Be sure to give your generator time to cool down periodically.

What is the expected lifespan of a portable generator?

The longevity of your portable generator depends on its type, how well it’s maintained, and how often it’s used. Gas-powered models might last only a few years, whereas battery-powered units can last well over a decade. “We recommend inspecting your generator before and after each use and consulting a qualified electrician if anything seems amiss,” advises Majano.

When is the ideal time to purchase a portable generator?

The optimal time to buy a portable generator is before inclement weather strikes. If you live in areas prone to hurricanes, late winter or early spring, ahead of the summer storm season, is the best time to make your purchase. In regions where severe weather is more common during the winter or spring months, late summer or early fall is the ideal time to shop for one.

Are portable generators worth the investment?

For homeowners, owning a portable gas or propane generator is a must-have backup option during power outages or extreme weather events like snowstorms, heavy rains, or hurricanes. Additionally, they are more affordable and compact compared to standby generators, making them great for RV trips, tailgating, or camping.

Trust Us on This

This article was authored by Nor’adila Hepburn, a contributing writer for Mytour. To create this list, she dedicated extensive time to researching portable generators, analyzing their wattage, noise levels, fuel types, dimensions, weight, and cost. She also consulted with Daniel Majano, a program manager at the Electric Safety Foundation International (ESFI), to gather expert advice and valuable shopping tips.