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Power outages are never fun, but with a portable generator, you can keep your appliances running and lights on even after a storm or blackout. A portable generator isn’t limited to just emergency preparation, though—it can also provide a steady power source for RVs, campsites, and tailgating.
“It is important to understand what you want to power/charge when picking a generator. You should look at the wattage needed and pick a generator that can handle that wattage,” says Daniel Majano, program manager at the Electric Safety Foundation International (ESFI). “In most cases, generators should only be used to power essential devices and never be plugged directly into a home’s outlet. Make sure to always purchase a generator with a transfer switch or have a transfer switch installed before using a portable generator without one.”
To find the best portable generators, we researched top options and considered factors like type, wattage, fuel, size, and weight. We also spoke to Majano for his expert insight and safety tips.
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If you want a compact portable generator that won’t take up too much space in the garage or trunk of your car, opt for the Honda EU2200i. This inverter generator has a 2,200-watt power output and weighs just 47.4 pounds, making it ideal for camping or RV trips.
Because it’s an inverter generator, it creates stable, continuous power, which is especially beneficial for sensitive electronics like laptops and smartphones. It’s also more fuel-efficient compared to standard generators.
With a decibel range of 48 to 57, you can expect this generator to run quietly without disturbing your household or campsite. It also can run for up to eight hours on a single tank of fuel. We love the connected app that monitors and controls many functions, including remote shutoff, which comes in handy when maneuvering in an emergency without lights. Just be prepared to pay a premium for this model, as it is one of the more expensive options.
Type: Inverter | Wattage: 2,200 watts | Fuel Type: Gasoline | Size: 16.7 by 11.4 by 20 inches | Weight: 47.4 pounds
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The Wen 56235i is a budget-friendly option for emergency backup power at home or the next family camping trip. At around 50 decibels, the quiet motor is barely noticeable, placing it at about the same noise level as your typical air conditioning unit.
An automatic shutoff system stops the engine once it runs out of fuel, and the built-in carbon monoxide sensors turn the generator off if they detect harmful fumes. With a gallon of gas, you get about five hours of power on a quarter load, which is slightly shorter than other similar generators. This model has an eco-mode switch that saves fuel by adjusting the engine intensity based on the power output. Because it’s only 2,350 watts, it’s probably best if you don’t use many appliances while running it. But if you need more power, you can buy another Wen generator and a parallel kit to connect them.
Type: Inverter | Wattage: 2,350 watts | Fuel Type: Gasoline | Size: 17.7 by 11.5 by 17.3 inches | Weight: 39 pounds
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During a blackout, storm, or hurricane season, you want a beast of a generator, like this model from Ryobi. Its impressive wattage keeps appliances like refrigerators, TVs, and air conditioning units running smoothly without tripping the power.
This heavy-duty machine has a sturdy handle and 10-inch wheels so you can move it around more easily, making it especially well suited for construction or job sites. Like many other portable generators, it has a built-in carbon monoxide sensor to keep you safe. It also has a range of outlets for small appliances and power-hogging items like furnaces and air compressor units. When full, the fuel tank can hold 6 gallons, with enough power for 10 hours.
Type: Standard | Wattage: 6,500 watts | Fuel Type: Gasoline | Size: 24.5 by 29 by 35 inches | Weight: 195 pounds
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If you need a backup power source you can easily lift and move, the Champion 2,000-Watt Inverter Generator is worth considering. Weighing just 39 pounds, this model is not only one of the lightest portable generators on our list but also one of the lightest options you can find on the market, period.
If you don’t like loud generators, you’ll appreciate the relatively quiet 53-decibel motor, which is equivalent to running a dishwasher in another room. This generator also has a recoil start button that kicks on quickly in frigid weather.
We appreciate that this pick is EPA-compliant and CARB-compliant, which means it meets regulatory standards that are better for the environment. This portable generator is perfect for your next camping trip, RV adventure, or tailgate party, but is probably too small to be an emergency backup in a storm or blackout.
Type: Inverter | Wattage: 2,000 watts | Fuel Type: Gasoline | Size: 17.7 by 11.5 by 17.3 inches | Weight: 39.5 pounds
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This dual-fuel Westinghouse portable generator runs on gas and propane, so you never need to worry about being unable to find a fuel source. While you have to pay more for the propane fuel upfront, you get more out of it because it burns longer and won’t degrade as fast as gas.
This 4,500-watt model provides up to 18 hours of runtime on a 3.4-gallon gas tank, and because it has an inverter, it kicks into high or low gear as necessary to save fuel. Though it weighs over 100 pounds, it comes with wheels and a plastic handle to move it around. Plus, it has an electric start and a wireless remote to turn it on.
A hard-shell enclosure, cooling fans, and mufflers make this a surprisingly quiet option at 52 decibels. The convenient digital LED screen displays essential data such as runtime, remaining fuel, load, and voltage. While this is undoubtedly a high-quality generator, it’s not the most budget-friendly option.
Type: Dual fuel | Wattage: 4,500 watts | Fuel Type: Gasoline, Propane | Size: 20 by 17.5 by 24.5 inches | Weight: 105.8 pounds
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This generator is an eco-friendly alternative powered by the sun. It delivers 1,000 watts of steady power and is best suited for outdoor camping or RVs (or anywhere you’ll be outside). You can plug in up to eight devices, including laptops, hair dryers, coffee makers, or refrigerators. And with a 46-decibel level, it’s much quieter than most traditional portable generators.
The 1000 Pro has two 80W solar panels, an AC power cord, and car charging cables. Charging it is easy—just connect it to the panels or a wall outlet, and it’ll be fully charged in under two hours. It weighs less than 30 pounds and has a foldable handle and carrying case, so you can bring it anywhere you need power.
We also like the LED light on the side with three brightness settings, so if your power goes out, you don’t have to fumble in the dark to turn your generator on. The Jackery has a long life cycle and can last up to 1,000 charges. While it isn’t the most powerful option on our list, we still think this pick is handy for camping and 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
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For camping trips, RV journeys, and beyond, this DeWalt model is the way to go. You don’t have to worry about using this generator on your next outdoor adventure because the outlets are covered, so they won’t get damaged in wet or snowy weather. That said, you may need more power if you have many appliances or want to use them at home during big emergencies.
This portable option has a motor enclosed in a hard case for a noise level of just 60 decibels—plus it can run for 11 hours straight on 1 gallon of gas, which is more than enough for a night in the great outdoors. And because it’s an inverter, it has an extra economy mode that saves fuel by automatically adjusting engine speed and noise level based on the energy load.
You can easily control the power with a knob rather than a cord pull, and it comes with LED indicator lights to alert you when the generator is overloaded, the oil is low, or if it’s ready to use. This portable generator is safe for devices like computers and phones and even has a USB outlet on the body to charge them.
Type: Inverter | Wattage: 2,200 watts | Fuel Type: Gasoline | Size: 19 by 13 by 21.5 inches | Weight: 52.5 pounds
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Propane stores longer than gas, which makes a propane generator like this one appealing, especially if propane tanks are easily found in your area. For its low price, not only did we find this generator to be reliable, but it also worked better than expected. It’s even CARB-compliant, so it has fewer harmful emissions.
This 3,500-watt model can run for 12 hours straight on a 4.7-gallon gas tank. Plus, it comes with a display panel that shows voltage, run time, and frequency rating (hertz) while it’s on. It was easy for us to set up and came with a range of safety features such as covered outlets and an oil shut-off sensor, which made it safe for home use.
During testing, we used it to power several household appliances in our 3,500-square-foot home, including a microwave, standard-size fridge, coffee maker, laptop, TV, space heaters, and a deep freezer for up to 24 hours without a hitch.
Feel free to bring it along on RV trips, too—it’s packed with enough power to run a large 15,000 BTU air condition unit. At 68 dBA, it’s fairly noisy compared to other generators we tested. Another downside is that it doesn’t come with wheels, which is needed because it’s so heavy. That said, you can buy it separately from Champion to make it more mobile.
Type: Portable | Wattage: 3,500 watts | Fuel Type: Propane | Size: 23.2 by 18.5 by 19.9 inches | Weight: 103.4 pounds
Final Verdict
Our top pick is the Honda EU2200i Super Quiet Inverter Generator for its compact size, fuel efficiency, and moderate noise level. If you want a more affordable portable generator that’s priced under $500, the Wen 56235i Super-Quiet Portable Inverter Generator is lightweight with a quiet motor and built-in carbon monoxide sensors.
More Portable Generators to Consider
Generac GP8000E COsense 50ST Portable Generator 7676: Featuring an electric start, the Generac GP8000E quickly turns on at the flip of a switch. We found that this generator worked well—at 8,000 watts, it packed plenty of power to run different home appliances, including a microwave, dehumidifier, mobile device charging, lights, two refrigerators (mini and regular sized), a TV, and a coffee maker. You can get up to 11 hours of runtime at 50% load on a single tank of gas. Our sole issue with it was that we wished it were quieter.
Powermate 4500W Portable Generator: This Powermate 4,500-watt generator features an extended 19-hour run time on a 5-gallon fuel tank, making it a great backup generator in case of a power outage or other emergency. It is also a CARB-compliant generator that is specially designed to protect your home from poisonous carbon monoxide fumes. We rated its performance average at best—unless you are looking for a bargain, consider investing a little more money and upgrading to a higher-quality inverter generator. On the plus side, we enjoyed that it came with wheels, which made it much easier to move around.
How to Shop for Portable Generators Like a Pro
Type
Portable generators fall into three general types: standard, inverter, and standby. Standard portable generators—also known as conventional generators—are the most common. They typically use a gas or diesel-powered engine to power an alternator and generate electricity.
An inverter generator is typically smaller and lighter than portable generators. These models don’t require gasoline and are electric, with a rechargeable battery inside. However, inverter generators may have lower power output than other types of generators. This makes them ideal for powering sensitive electronics like laptops, smartphones, and TVs.
Standby generators connect directly to your electrical system and automatically start when the power goes out. They can run for thousands of hours and are common outside large homes, businesses, and hotels. “A standby generator is a permanently installed generator that instantly turns on during a power outage,” Majano says. “These generators are rated to power a house.”
If you want an eco-friendly alternative, opt for a solar generator, which harnesses the sun’s energy and converts it into electrical power.
Wattage
The wattage on portable generators varies depending on the size and model—the selections on our list go from 1,000 to 6,500 watts. Consider what you need to power and how much wattage is required to fuel it. Smaller generators like the Champion Power Equipment 2000-Watt Inverter Generator (which has 2,000 watts) are ideal for RVs, camping, or fueling a few appliances, but don’t have enough power to be an emergency backup generator. If you want a generator for your entire household, opt for a high-wattage, heavy-duty model like the Ryobi RY906500VNM 6500 Watt Generator With CO Detect.
Fuel
Portable generators typically run on fuels like diesel, gasoline, and propane. However, some portable generators don’t need fuel—they rely on rechargeable batteries or the sun instead. Factor in how long the fuel will last when buying a portable generator. If you want a fuel-efficient generator, opt for an inverter, because they can adjust their engine power based on power requirements.
Size and Weight
The size and weight of your portable generator largely depends on its type, fuel source, and dimensions. Small portable generators with a power output of 1,000 to 2,000 watts usually weigh between 30 and 60 pounds, making them perfect for powering small appliances and electronics.
Mid-sized portable generators can weigh between 100 to 200 pounds and have a power output of 3,000 to 5,000 watts. Though heavy, many of these models come with wheels and sturdy handles so you can lift and move them if needed.
Noise Level
If you’re concerned about the noise produced by your portable generator, be sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications before making a final decision. Portable generators typically have a noise level ranging from 50 decibels, which is comparable to the sound of a running refrigerator, to 60 decibels, which is about as loud as a normal conversation between two people. The WEN Portable Inverter Generator and Jackery Solar Generator 1000 PRO are some of the quietest portable generators on our list and won’t disturb your household or campsite while running.
Safety
To ensure safety while using a portable generator, follow these tips from Majano:
- Never operate a generator inside your home or in a fully or partially enclosed area, including garages.
- A generator should only be used for temporary power.
- Always use a transfer switch and never plug a generator directly into household wiring without a transfer switch.
- Make sure to always have GFCI protection.
- Make sure to have proper carbon monoxide alarms.
- Keep generators at least 20 feet from doors, windows, and vents to prevent carbon monoxide from entering your home.
Questions You Might Ask
How big of a generator do you need to run a house?
To power an entire house, including large appliances, you will need anywhere from 5,000 to 9,000 watts of electricity. If you want a generator that turns on instantly during a power outage, Majano recommends standby generators, which are rated to power a household.
How many hours a day can you run a portable generator?
Majano recommends checking with the manufacturer to see how long a generator can run. Most portable generators can run anywhere from six hours to 18 hours, depending on their power source, size, and type. You should also allow your generator to cool off at regular intervals.
What is the lifespan of a portable generator?
The lifespan of your portable generator largely depends on its type, maintenance, and amount of use. Some models, like gas-powered portable generators, may last for only a few years, while battery-powered generators can last for over 10 years. “We recommend inspecting your generator before and after every use and have a qualified electrician inspect your generator if you notice anything wrong,” Majano says.
What is the best time of year to buy a portable generator?
The best time of year to buy a portable generator would always be before severe weather occurs. If you are living in parts of the country that experience hurricanes, late winter or early spring before the storm season starts in the summer are the most ideal times to buy. For regions where extreme weather is most likely to hit in winter or spring, you should shop around for a portable generator in late summer or early fall.
Are portable generators worth having?
For homeowners, having a portable gas or propane generator as a backup power source is essential in the event there is a blackout or severe weather, like snowstorms, heavy rain, or hurricanes. Also, compared to standby generators, they are cheaper and smaller, so you can bring them along on RV trips, to tailgate parties, or camping.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Nor’adila Hepburn, a contributing writer for Real Simple. To compile this list, she spent hours researching portable generators, comparing their wattage, noise level, fuel type, size, weight, and price. She also received expert insight and shopping tips from Daniel Majano, a program manager at the Electric Safety Foundation International (ESFI).
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