Best Portable Generator

Best Portable Generators: How We Picked the Winners

A portable generator is a compact, mobile device that provides temporary or backup power during a power outage, or in locations where grid electricity isn’t available.

Portable generators can benefit many different people and situations. Whether you live in a storm-prone area of the country, rely on medical devices like a CPAP machine or oxygen concentrator, or are looking for a way to enjoy a few creature comforts during off-grid adventures like RV trips, camping, outdoor festivals, fishing or tailgating, a portable generator is a necessity, and likely high on your to-buy list.

And good news—there are tons of options out there. Models vary in power output, size, weight, features and more. And while variety is great, it makes the market more difficult to navigate as a consumer, since you’re likely trying to get the best bang for your buck and wondering which features to prioritize (and which ones you even need in the first place).

So let’s get on with the real reason you’re here: How we came up with our list of the best portable generators, and what you should consider to figure out which option is best for you.

Our Criteria

To narrow down the field and find the best portable generators out there, we relied on a specific set of criteria to guide us. We’ve thoroughly researched brands, read through customer reviews and ratings and carefully considered all the latest tech, features and trends to help better inform your decision.

Tech Specs

When it comes to bigger equipment like a portable power generator, the top of our list of criteria is always going to be technical specifications. This is where you can really find out whether a particular model will be able to meet your needs as a user. So what do we look for in this category? Let’s get right into it.

Power Output

Also known as wattage, power output refers to the amount of electrical power that a generator can produce in order to run your devices and appliances. Typically measured in watts (W), or kilowatts (kW), power output is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a generator, because it will determine how many and what types of devices you’re able to power simultaneously.

In the generator world, there are running watts (rated watts) and starting watts (surge watts), the former being the amount of continuous power that a generator can supply steadily without overloading, and the latter being the extra power a generator is capable of providing for a short period (about two to three seconds) when starting appliances that require more power to start up, like refrigerators and air conditioners. We call out both of these specs in our individual portable generators, because they’re both important considerations.

Power output matters because it helps you determine what size generator is appropriate for your needs, and will help you avoid overloading your system, which can damage the generator as well as any connected devices.

One more note on output: Another term you’ll see when shopping for portable power generators is output waveform. Bear with us while we get a little “techy”—this refers to the shape of the electrical signal that the generator produces.

Waveform is important because it determines the quality and stability of the power provided by the generator, which can affect the safety of the devices and appliances you’re powering. 

There are two main types of output waveforms in portable generators:

• Pure Sine Wave: Sometimes referred to as Clean Sine Wave, this is a smooth, continuous wave that provides the cleanest and most stable form of alternating current (AC) power, similar to the power you receive from the grid that powers your home. Pure Sine Wave is safe for sensitive electronics like laptops, phones and medical equipment, has a quieter operation and is more energy efficient, resulting in less wear and tear on appliances with motors like air conditioners and refrigerators. Most inverter generators produce pure sine wave power.
• Modified Sine Wave: This waveform approximates a pure sine wave but is not as smooth or continuous. Most traditional (non-inverter) generators produce modified sine wave power. Modified sine wave generators are generally less expensive and will work for many basic devices, but are not ideal for powering sensitive electronics since this waveform can cause certain devices to behave erratically or overheat over time.

Battery

When seeking out a battery-powered or inverter generator that uses a built-in battery, it’s important to consider several aspects relating to the specifications of the battery, specifically battery type, battery capacity and battery lifecycle. We include these specs in all of our portable generator reviews, as well as the comparisons here in our run-down of the best portable generators. 

Here’s what you need to know:

• Battery Type: Common batteries for portable generators include lithium-ion or lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, sealed lead-acid batteries (SLA) and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. In general, the lithium-ion or LiFePO4 batteries have a longer lifespan, faster charging time and are more lightweight and compact than the other battery types.
• Battery Capacity: This refers to the total amount of energy a generator can store and deliver before needing a charge. If this measure is presented in watt-hours (wh), it tells you how much energy a battery can provide for one hour at a specific power level. If measured in amp-hours (Ah), it represents how much current the battery can supply over time. The higher the battery capacity, the longer the generator can run on a single charge. Powering lighter devices like phones and laptops draws less energy than larger appliances. For example, a 500Wh to 1,000Wh battery would be sufficient for powering light devices, while you may need something in the 1,500WH to 2,000Wh range for powering large appliances, or even higher for longer-duration usage.
• Battery Lifecycle: This refers to how many charge and discharge cycles a battery can go through before its capacity significantly starts to degrade. One cycle typically means a full discharge and recharge of the battery. A generator with a longer battery lifecycle will maintain more of its original capacity over time, resulting in better performance for a longer period of time. Lithium-ion batteries typically have a longer lifecycle than lead-acid batteries, lasting somewhere between 2,000 to 3,000 cycles before it starts to degrade. Many companies measure how many lifecycles their generators are guaranteed to have before the battery degrades to 80 percent of its original capacity.

Output Ports

Output ports determine what you’re able to plug into the generator to power your devices. Portable generators typically provide 120-volt AC outlets, which are standard for most household appliances. If you’ll need to power larger appliances, you may want to look for a 240-volt outlet. Many portable generators also feature a variety of direct current (DC) output ports, to power certain camping and RV needs. Finally, USB ports can be useful for charging devices or tablets—and some generators even feature cordless charging pads for compatible devices.

Be sure to look carefully at the type and number of output ports that a generator has, as this is integral to ensuring whether it will meet your needs.

Charging

Recharging your generator is a big part of being able to use it efficiently. In choosing the best portable generators, we consider things like what type of charging inputs it has, and how long it takes to fully recharge using each method.

Typically, you’ll see several charging inputs on a portable generator, the most common being AC, DC and solar. AC inputs are a standard wall outlet plug, and is the fastest way to recharge a generator. DC charging gives you the capability to recharge the generator from a cigarette outlet in your car or RV. This is convenient (and often necessary) for road trips and camping, although it will be slower to reach a full charge compared to AC charging. Many portable generators are compatible with solar charging panels, providing an eco-friendly, off-grid method for recharging your generator. While this charging method is slower, it’s ideal for many outdoor activities.

Regarding speed, as we mentioned, the most efficient way to charge a portable generator is with an AC power plug. This charging method will be significantly faster than charging via solar panels or through a DC outlet in your car. Most people will need a variety of charging methods, so recharging time is just another factor to be aware of and consider before making your decision, as it varies from brand to brand and model to model.

Dimensions & Weight

Next, we consider the unit’s overall dimensions and weight, as this determines how portable the generator is, and impacts its overall usability. Portable generators vary in weight, with many ranging from 40 to 100 pounds, although this can be offset with the inclusion of ergonomic handles or integrated wheels, which make them easier to move around.

Build Quality

No matter what your intended use, you want to know that your generator is built to last with quality materials and craftsmanship. However, if your priority is outdoor use, you will definitely want to look for a more rugged and durable construction and features like weatherproof ports, rubberized corners and impact-resistant housing.

Features

Additional features will vary from brand to brand and even model to model, but here are some of the main features we look for that can help guide your decision in choosing the best portable generator for your needs.

• Expandability: Some portable generators allow you to increase the total power output by connecting additional units or battery packs. This option gives you the flexibility to scale your needs up, if you need more power for something like a whole-home backup system, while still having the option for a smaller, more portable unit that you can take on outdoor adventures.
• App Integration: Another optional, but helpful, feature of portable generators is smart app integration. Some brands offer an app that allows you to monitor and control your system remotely.
• Usability: We always factor in ease of use, through clear and intuitive controls, clearly labeled output and input ports and an easy-to-read display—bonus points for LCD screens and digital displays that show vital information clearly and simply, even in the dark. A nice-to-have usability feature is a remote control that allows you to control the unit from a distance.

Considerations

Here are some additional points that we take into consideration for ranking these units, and questions to ask yourself before you make a decision:

• Intended Use: Are you looking for an option that can function as a whole-home backup generator? If so, it will need to meet the power requirements of your essential appliances. Are you looking for a generator to take on outdoor adventures? If so, is it portable enough and durable enough for outdoor use?
• Power Requirements: What will you need to plug in? You’ll want to make sure that a generator can handle the wattage of everything you need to power at any given time. After you determine your wattage needs, choose a generator that provides at least 20 to 30 percent more wattage than your needs require to prevent overloading.
• Noise Level: Check the decibel rating of the generator. Depending on where and when you plan to use it, you’ll want to choose accordingly. Keep in mind that anything under 60 decibels is comparable to normal conversation level and is considered to be relatively quiet.

Cost

The price of a portable generator is driven by a few key factors, including power output, generator type, generator size and portability, build quality and durability, additional features, smart technology and brand reputation. 

We’re all about helping you make your money go further when it comes to big purchases like this, so we always weigh the cost against included features and quality, to ensure that the value for your money is where it should be.

Warranty

Warranty coverage varies between portable generator manufacturers, ranging anywhere from one year up to five years. 

Additionally, some manufacturers offer a money back guarantee period, which covers you in case you change your mind, even if the unit isn’t defective. 

We’ll always include this information in our product reviews, as well as in our considerations for best portable generators, as it’s something that gives buyers peace of mind around their investment.