Best Portable Generator 2023

The Best Portable Generator: Your Guide to the Top Products & Brands

Portable generators have become an essential tool for homeowners, business owners, emergency preppers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. A source of supplemental electricity, portable generators can be a lifesaver during power outages, and can provide a backup power source for everything from large events like conferences or weddings to smaller gatherings like tailgates, camping trips and RV excursions.

But even if you’ve already decided you could use a portable generator, choosing the best option can be a daunting task. There are several different types of portable generators on the market today, each with its own unique benefits and limitations. In this post, we’ll help you determine the best option for you based on your specific needs and budget. So whether you’re looking to find out which is the best portable generator for home use, what is the best solar generator, or which is the best portable generator for camping, we’ve got you covered.

Best Portable Generators by Type

Best Portable Solar Generator

Solar generators harness the power of the sun and convert it to usable energy, making them an eco-friendly and efficient choice. The Patriot Power Generator 2000X is a high-capacity solar generator that is powerful, easy-to-use, silent and fume-free. It provides enough continuous power to support multiple devices simultaneously, and can run bigger appliances with high power consumption. It’s also a great choice for campers, RVs and tailgates—at 60 pounds, it’s fairly lightweight and compact, plus it can power griddles, speakers and more. The Goal Zero Yeti 3000X 120V Solar Kit with Boulder 200BC is also a solid choice—it’s got five power ports, and can power everything from lights, fridges and air conditioners to electric bikes and wood-fired grills. The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 is another excellent option for those shopping for a solar generator. It provides a reliable and clean power source for campers, RVs and homes experiencing power outages.

Best Portable Inverter Generator

An inverter generator is a special type of generator that inverts electricity in order to provide cleaner, safer power. These types of generators tend to be more compact, quiet and energy efficient than traditional generators, but typically cost a bit more. The Champion Power Equipment 200961 2500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator is a powerful and versatile choice. It features Dual Fuel, which means it can run on gasoline or propane, and it’s extremely quiet—its about the same noise level as a dishwasher. At just 39 pounds, it is also one of the lightest generators of its kind on the market today, making it an excellent choice for campers or tailgaters. Another great choice is the Wen 56235i Portable Generator, which is also reliable, powerful, lightweight and very quiet.

Best Dual Fuel Portable Generator

Dual fuel generators can run on both gasoline and propane, which is advantageous since there are several benefits to each fuel type. Gasoline typically provides slightly more power than propane and, depending on where you live, it could also be more readily available than propane. Propane, however, tends to be more fuel efficient and cost effective. It’s also a cleaner-burning fuel—it produces less carbon monoxide then gasoline. Setup tends to be easier with propane and, unlike gasoline, which sometimes becomes viscous in the cold, it works very well in the winter. Plus, propane tanks can be stored indoors and don’t tend to be impacted by the climate. If the versatility of a duel fuel generator appeals to you, the DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator is an excellent choice. With a maximum of 12,000 watts of power, it is one of the most powerful portable generators on the market today. It can handle heavy loads, including lights and appliances as well as air conditioning units, and it’s got a sturdy, weather-resistant frame making it an effective and durable choice. The Champion Power Equipment 200961 2500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator is also a great option. In addition to the option to use gas or propane, it delivers all the benefits of an inverter generator—it’s quiet, lightweight, safe and energy efficient. It also comes with perks like a smart Economy Mode, which monitors the electrical load to reduce engine speed, noise and fuel consumption, and it’s got a low oil shut-off sensor.

Best Portable Gas Generator

Gas generators can supply backup power to your home during emergencies like a power outage, or they can be used to power your next family camping trip. Gas generators typically provide the wattage required to power most essential home appliances and devices, plus they keep the noise to a minimum. For homes, we like the Westinghouse WGen1200 Ultra Duty Portable Generator. It produces a whopping 12,000 watts of power—enough to support your whole house, and it’s about as quiet as a vacuum cleaner. It can run for 16 hours at 25 percent capacity, and includes automatic idling, which saves fuel. At more than 350 pounds, this generator isn’t exactly easy to lift, but it comes with wheels for transport. If you want something smaller and quieter, or you’re looking for a generator that will power your outdoor adventures, the WEN 56200i Inverter Generator is a great choice. It offers 1,600 watts of running power, and is extremely quiet. It’s less than 50 pounds and about the size of a shoebox, making it a great choice for those who wish to bring extra power on the go. The Champion brand also offers gas generators that are reliable, powerful and quiet.

Best Portable Battery Generator

Battery backup systems tend to be better for the environment, easy to install and cost-efficient. Plus, they traditionally have longer warranties than standby generators. For this category, the BLUETTI Portable Power Station is an excellent choice. It’s lightweight and compact, but generates enough power via a rechargeable battery to run a smaller fridge or comparable appliance for about three hours, power up multiple phones multiple times, or keep a computer going for hours. Its bright screen provides real-time information on its battery life and energy output, so you can plan accordingly. We also love the Geneverse HomePower ONE 1002Wh Lithium-Ion Solar Generator. It’s a lightweight backup power station that also includes solar panels. It is convenient and reliable, and provides enough power to keep your home appliances running— at full capacity, Geneverse power stations hold a charge for up to a year.

Best Portable Propane Generator

While there are some propane-only generators available (the ALP Generator 1000W is a solid choice), we recommend opting for the more versatile, dual-fuel options, which enable you to choose between gas or propane, depending on your circumstances and needs. The DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator and the Champion Power Equipment 200961 2500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator are both powerful options that offer that choice.

Best Portable Natural Gas Generator

There are many advantages to using a natural gas generator. Natural gas is a cleaner, odorless and more reliable, efficient and cost-effective fuel source than most other options. There are, however, some drawbacks to using natural gas as a power source. For example, natural gas is highly explosive, and since natural gas generators are typically connected directly to natural gas pipelines, they can be a fire hazard if the connecting pipeline happens to burst. Also, they are susceptible to disruptions from natural disasters like earthquakes. If you’re interested in a natural gas generator but you’re nervous about these possibilities, you may be pleased to know that there are many options that offer the option to use natural gas, regular gasoline or propane. So you can choose which power supply makes most sense for your circumstances. Leading portable generator brand DuroMax offers a variety of powerful and reliable generators that offer users the option to choose propane, gas or natural gas as its fuel source. The products range in size and price point, which means they have something for every need and budget. The Champion Power Equipment 100416 10,000/8,000-Watt TRI Fuel Portable Natural Gas Generator is also a solid pick. It can operate on natural gas, but also has the option to run on propane or gasoline. It maxes out at 8,000 watts, making it a versatile and extremely powerful option.

Best Diesel Portable Generator

The primary benefit of a diesel generator is its superior fuel efficiency. These generators tend to last longer than other generator types, and owners tend to spend less on fuel overall. The Generac 6864 XD5000E is a strong contender for the title of best diesel portable generator. It’s built to support heavy-duty usage and it’s got an extremely long run time of 32 hours at 50 percent load. The Power Products Sigma 7000W is another solid option. It offers 7,000 watts of surge energy and 5,500 watts of running power, which is enough to support air-conditioning systems and primary household appliances like water pumps, refrigerators, freezers and electric stoves. The DuroStar DS7000Q diesel-powered generator is another excellent choice. With 6,500 peak watts of power and a constant of 5,500 watts, it’s a powerful generator that is also quiet and efficient—it includes an advanced direct fuel injection system that optimizes fuel consumption.

Best Portable Generators by Need

Best Portable Generator for Home

Having a portable generator at home can be a lifesaver during power outages. The DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator is an excellent choice for those seeking full home coverage. With a maximum of 12,000 watts of power, it is one of the most powerful portable generators available—it can handle heavy loads, including lights and appliances, as well as air conditioning units. It can run on either gas or propane, and it’s also quite affordable compared to other options on the market today. The only real downside to this option is that at 220-plus pounds, it’s on the heavy size. But it comes with wheels and customers rate it very favorably for maneuverability. The Patriot Power Generator 2000X is also an excellent choice for homeowners. It’s a solar generator that’s portable, quiet, fume-free and safe to use inside. Finally the Geneverse HomePower ONE 1002Wh Lithium-Ion Solar Generator is worth considering. It boasts 1002Wh capacity, which is enough to power essential devices and home appliances with a single charge and, at full capacity, it can hold a charge for up to a year. It also has eight total outlets, so you can connect all your essential appliances and devices.

Best Portable Generator for Camping

A good generator can elevate your camping experience by providing power for all the essentials. The Geneverse HomePower ONE 1002Wh Lithium-Ion Solar Generator is an excellent choice for camping since it is both portable and powerful. It boasts 1002Wh capacity, enough to power crucial devices, appliances, or camping needs on a single charge. It comes in a compact frame and only weighs 23 pounds so it’s great to take on the go. Plus, it is indoor-safe and comes with a five-year warranty making it a risk-free investment.

Best Portable Generator for RV

Having the right generator for your RV is essential to enjoy a comfortable journey. The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 is a solar solution that converts sun energy into electrical power and then stores it in a Portable Power Station for later use. It’s got a 1000W (2000W peak) output and it has multiple output ports. It’s quiet, portable and easy to use, making it an excellent choice for RV enthusiasts. It also comes with a 30-day money back guarantee so you can try it out risk-free.

Best Portable Generators by Size

Best Large Portable Generator

For those with hefty power needs, the BLUETTI AC200MAX Portable Power Station is a great option. It has an enormous capacity (2,048Wh) and it provides seven different ways to recharge. The DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Portable Generator is also a strong choice. With a maximum of 12,000 watts of power, it is one of the most powerful portable generators on the market today.

Best Small Portable Generator

A small generator is ideal for personal use and small-scale needs. The HomePower ONE Solar Generator is a great option. It includes a backup battery power station and portable solar panels, and weighs in at just 23 pounds—41 pounds with the solar panels included. Despite its compact and lightweight frame, this generator is powerful. It has a 1002Wh capacity, and it is capable of powering crucial devices, home appliances or outdoor adventures on a single charge. The Wen 56235i Portable Generator is also a small portable generator that offers a exceptional balance of power and portability. It produces up to 2350 surge watts and 1900 rated watts of power, and weighs in at just 39 pounds,

Best Portable Generators by Capacity

Best Portable Generators by Wattage

Wattage determines how much power a generator can provide. Here are the top recommendations based on wattage:

Best 12000 Watt Portable Generator: The DuroMax XP12000EH provides excellent power and flexibility.

Best 10000 Watt Portable Generator: The DuroStar DS10000E Gas Powered Portable Generator is reliable and offers great value.

Best 5000 Watt Portable Generator: Westinghouse’s WGen5300DFcv Dual Fuel Generator can run at 6500 peak watts on gasoline and 5800 peak watts on propane.

Best 2500 Watt Portable Generator: The Champion Power Equipment 200961 2500-Watt Portable Inverter Generator is a lightweight model that provides power on the go.

FAQ

What is the best portable generator?

The best portable generator for you depends upon several factors, including why you need it, where you intend to use it, and how many appliances and devices you need it to support, to name a few. The Patriot Power Generator 2000X has broad appeal, as does the Goal Zero Yeti 3000X 120V Solar Kit.

Who makes the best portable generator?

Brands like DuroMax, Champion Power Equipment, Jackery, Honda and Generac are frequently listed as the top manufacturers in the industry. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the best generator for you depends on a variety of factors including your intended use as well as how much power you need.

What is the best 10000 watt portable generator?

The DuroMax XP12000EH is a top pick that has 12,000 starting watts and 9,500 running watts. The Generac GP10000E is another popular 10,000-watt generator.