174 portable generators analyzed and scored

Find the right portable generator for your needs

Home backup, RV, camping or jobsite: we compare the inverter, gas, dual fuel and tri fuel generators sold on Amazon on what actually matters — running watts, runtime, noise, outlets, safety features and price per watt.

See the full ranking → Compare models
★★★★★ 6.9/10 average score Independent · no brand pays for its ranking Manufacturer specs cross-checked one by one
Portable generator running outside a house during a storm power outage Westinghouse WGen11500DFc generator Our top pick Westinghouse WGen11500DFc 11,500 W running · Dual fuel · 74 dB(A) 8.3/10 $1,200–$1,800 Read the review →
The easiest way to choose

Which generator for which use?

Compare them all →
Home backup68 models analyzed → Whole house37 models analyzed → RV84 models analyzed → Quiet generators46 models analyzed → Camping61 models analyzed → Lightweight55 models analyzed → Well pump62 models analyzed → Jobsite51 models analyzed → Remote start52 models analyzed → Electric start92 models analyzed → CO shutoff129 models analyzed → Parallel capable98 models analyzed →
Our verdict

The top three

🥈 2nd place Westinghouse WGen11500TFc generator Westinghouse WGen11500TFc 8.2/10 11,500 W · Tri fuel · $1,200–$1,800 🥇 1st place · top pick Westinghouse WGen11500DFc generator Westinghouse WGen11500DFc 8.3/10 11,500 W · Dual fuel · $1,200–$1,800 🥉 3rd place Westinghouse WGen10500TFc generator Westinghouse WGen10500TFc 8.2/10 10,500 W · Tri fuel · $1,200–$1,800
Inverter, gas or dual fuel?

Rankings by type

Inverter generators120 models · top rated: Genkins GK8000iE 8000W InverterDual fuel generators80 models · top rated: Westinghouse WGen11500DFcDual fuel inverters46 models · top rated: Westinghouse iGen8200TFcTri fuel generators25 models · top rated: Westinghouse WGen11500TFcGas (open frame)24 models · top rated: Westinghouse WGen9500c
Our reviews

The highest-rated generators

All reviews →
8.2 Best value DuroStar DS13000MX generator DuroStar · Dual fuel DuroStar DS13000MX 10,500 W 74 dB(A)209 lbCO $800–$1,200Read the review → 8.2 Best value Westinghouse WGen10500DFc generator Westinghouse · Dual fuel Westinghouse WGen10500DFc 10,500 W 74 dB(A)230 lbCO $800–$1,200Read the review → 8.2 CO shutoff Genkins GK8000iE 8000W Inverter inverter generator Genkins · Gas inverter Genkins GK8000iE 8000W Inverter 6,500 W 62 dB(A)112 lbCO $500–$800Read the review → 8.1 Best value WEN DF8000X 8000W Dual Fuel with CO Watchdog generator WEN · Dual fuel WEN DF8000X 8000W Dual Fuel with CO Watchdog 6,500 W 139 lbCO $500–$800Read the review → 8.1 Tri fuel Westinghouse iGen8200TFc inverter generator Westinghouse · Tri fuel inverter Westinghouse iGen8200TFc 6,600 W 60 dB(A)134 lbCO $1,200–$1,800Read the review → 8.0 Best value Pulsar G12KBN generator Pulsar · Dual fuel Pulsar G12KBN 9,500 W 74 dB(A)209 lb $800–$1,200Read the review → 8.0 Tri fuel Generac GP9500E Tri Fuel (8063, 49ST) generator Generac · Tri fuel Generac GP9500E Tri Fuel (8063, 49ST) 9,500 W 219 lbCO $800–$1,200Read the review → 8.0 Clean inverter power Aceup Energy AI8000 8000W Open Frame Inverter inverter generator Aceup Energy · Gas inverter Aceup Energy AI8000 8000W Open Frame Inverter 6,000 W 106 lb $500–$800Read the review →
Narrow it down

By size and budget

Size (starting watts)

2,000 W class24 models · top rated: SIOKIUU S2500iS 2500W Inverter3,500 W class32 models · top rated: Pulsar PGD40iSCO4,500 W class44 models · top rated: Genkins GK4500iEPRO 4500W Inverter7,500 W class19 models · top rated: Genkins GK8000iE 8000W Inverter9,500 W and up50 models · top rated: Westinghouse WGen11500DFc

Budget

Under $50054 models · top rated: Genkins GK4500iEPRO 4500W InverterUnder $1,000111 models · top rated: DuroStar DS13000MXUnder $1,500142 models · top rated: Westinghouse WGen11500DFc
Head-to-heads

This one or that one?

All head-to-heads →
Honda EU2200i (EU2200ITAN) inverter generatorVSWEN 56235i 2350W Inverter inverter generator Honda EU2200i (EU2200ITAN) vs WEN 56235i 2350W Inverter 1,800 W vs 1,900 W · our verdict → Honda EU2200i (EU2200ITAN) inverter generatorVSYamaha EF2200iS inverter generator Honda EU2200i (EU2200ITAN) vs Yamaha EF2200iS 1,800 W vs 1,800 W · our verdict → Honda EU2200i (EU2200ITAN) inverter generatorVSWestinghouse iGen2550DFc inverter generator Honda EU2200i (EU2200ITAN) vs Westinghouse iGen2550DFc 1,800 W vs 1,900 W · our verdict → Westinghouse iGen4000DFc inverter generatorVSChampion 201319 4500-Watt Electric Start Dual Fuel Inverter inverter generator Westinghouse iGen4000DFc vs Champion 201319 4500-Watt Electric Start Dual Fuel Inverter 3,300 W vs 3,500 W · our verdict → Champion 201318 4500-Watt RV Ready Inverter inverter generatorVSWEN 56380i 3800W Inverter with Electric Start inverter generator Champion 201318 4500-Watt RV Ready Inverter vs WEN 56380i 3800W Inverter with Electric Start 3,500 W vs 3,400 W · our verdict → Honda EU3000iS (EU3000IS1AN) inverter generatorVSYamaha EF3000iSEB inverter generator Honda EU3000iS (EU3000IS1AN) vs Yamaha EF3000iSEB 2,800 W vs 2,800 W · our verdict →
Brands we cover

Reviews by brand

All brands →
Honda (8)Generac (8)Champion (14)Westinghouse (29)DuroMax (9)WEN (18)Pulsar (10)A-iPower (10)Briggs & Stratton (3)Genkins (4)PowerSmart (8)
Before you buy

Our buying and safety guides

All guides →
How to choose a portable generatorStart from what you need to power, not from the biggest number on the box. This five-step method turns your li… What size generator do I need?Generator sizing comes down to two numbers per appliance and one simple rule. Fill in the worksheet below and … Inverter vs. conventional generator: which one to buy?Inverter and conventional generators both burn fuel to make 120 V power, but they build it differently. That d… Dual fuel generators: gas vs. propaneA dual fuel generator runs on gasoline or propane at the turn of a selector. Each fuel has clear strengths, an… Generator safety: carbon monoxide, placement and electrical risksA portable generator is safe only when it runs far from where people breathe and is connected the right way. T… How to connect a generator to your houseRunning a few appliances on extension cords works, but powering a furnace, a well pump or hardwired circuits r…
Know what you're buying

Two numbers to choose well

Every generator has two power ratings. Running watts are what it can deliver for hours: that is the number your appliances have to fit into. Starting watts (also called peak or surge watts) are the short burst it can give for a second or two when a motor starts: a fridge compressor, a sump pump or a well pump can pull two to three times its running wattage at startup. The big number printed on the box is almost always the starting rating.

Next come the type (an inverter is quieter and safer for electronics, an open frame gives more watts per dollar), the fuel (dual fuel adds propane, which stores for years), the outlets (an L14-30R or 14-50R for a transfer switch, a TT-30R for an RV) and the safety features, starting with a CO shutoff sensor.

Frequently asked questions

What size generator do I need?

Add up the running watts of everything you want to run at the same time, then add the extra starting watts of the biggest motor (fridge, well pump, AC). A 2,000 W inverter covers camping and a fridge; essential home backup takes 5,000 to 7,500 running watts; most of a house with a well pump, 9,500 W and up.

How do you calculate your scores?

Each generator gets a score out of 10 on six measurable criteria: running watts, runtime, noise, features, watts per pound and watts per dollar. Scores are relative to the 174 models we analyzed and rely on the specs published by the manufacturers. We compare the data; we don't test units hands-on.

Is it safe to run a generator during a power outage?

Yes, outdoors only: at least 20 feet from the house, exhaust pointed away from doors and windows, never in a garage. Install battery-powered CO alarms inside, and connect to house wiring only through a transfer switch or an interlock kit installed by a licensed electrician.

Why only products sold on Amazon?

We only list generators available on Amazon.com, so every recommendation can be bought right away with Amazon shipping and returns. A model that goes out of stock is removed from the rankings.