Best 2000 watt generator
The 2,000-watt class, usually around 1,600 to 1,800 running watts, is the best-selling generator size: light enough to carry, quiet and enough for a fridge, lights and electronics. We ranked every model with 1,500 to 2,700 starting watts.
- Best overall: SIOKIUU S2500iS 2500W Inverter. The highest overall score in this list (6.9/10).
- Most watts per dollar: Aceup Energy AI2400s 2500W Inverter. 1,900 running watts in the $300–$500 price range.
- Quietest: Honda EU2200i (EU2200ITAN). Rated at 48 dB(A) by its manufacturer.
- Longest runtime: Champion 201285 1200-Watt Portable Generator. About 10 hours at half load on a 1.5 gal tank.
- Most powerful: Generac GP2500i (82512, 49ST). 2,200 running watts, 2,500 starting.
- Lightest: Pulsar PGD16iSCO. 24.0 lb for 1,200 running watts.
SIOKIUU · Gas inverter
SIOKIUU S2500iS 2500W Inverter
1,900 W
59 dB(A)39 lbCO
$300–$500Read the review →
6.5
Easy to carry
GENMAX · Gas inverter
GENMAX GM2000i
1,600 W
58 dB(A)34 lbCO
$300–$500Read the review →
6.5
Whisper quiet
Westinghouse · Gas inverter
Westinghouse iGen2550c
1,900 W
52 dB(A)40 lbCO
$300–$500Read the review →
6.4
Easy to carry
A-iPower · Gas inverter
A-iPower SUA2600i
2,000 W
62 dB(A)37 lbCO
$300–$500Read the review →
6.4
Whisper quiet
Westinghouse · Dual fuel inverter
Westinghouse iGen2550DFc
1,900 W
52 dB(A)43 lbCO
$500–$800Read the review →
6.3
Easy to carry
Aceup Energy · Gas inverter
Aceup Energy AI2400s 2500W Inverter
1,900 W
60 dB(A)38 lb
$300–$500Read the review →
6.2
Whisper quiet
WEN · Gas inverter
WEN 56235i 2350W Inverter
1,900 W
51 dB(A)39 lb
$300–$500Read the review →
6.2
Easy to carry
Pulsar · Gas inverter
Pulsar PGD16iSCO
1,200 W
56 dB(A)24 lbCO
Under $300Read the review →
6.1
Whisper quiet
AIVOLT · Gas inverter
AIVOLT I-G1200C 1750W Inverter
1,350 W
52 dB(A)28 lbCO
Under $300Read the review →
6.0
Dual fuel inverter
Pulsar · Dual fuel inverter
Pulsar PG2200BiS
1,800 W
59 dB(A)46 lb
$300–$500Read the review →
6.0
Whisper quiet
Generac · Gas inverter
Generac GP2500i (82512, 49ST)
2,200 W
53 dB(A)48 lbCO
$500–$800Read the review →
5.9
Dual fuel inverter
A-iPower · Dual fuel inverter
A-iPower SUA2301iD 2300W Dual Fuel Inverter
1,800 W
62 dB(A)40 lbCO
$300–$500Read the review →
5.8
Easy to carry
A-iPower · Gas inverter
A-iPower SUA2301i
1,800 W
62 dB(A)42 lbCO
$300–$500Read the review →
5.8
Easy to carry
PowerSmart · Gas inverter
PowerSmart HB5020 2500W Inverter
1,900 W
69 dB(A)40 lb
$300–$500Read the review →
5.8
CO shutoff
Yamaha · Gas inverter
Yamaha EF2200iS
1,800 W
57 dB(A)55 lbCO
$1,200–$1,800Read the review →
5.8
Whisper quiet
Westinghouse · Gas inverter
Westinghouse iGen1500c
1,000 W
52 dB(A)32 lbCO
$300–$500Read the review →
5.8
Easy to carry
WEN · Gas inverter
WEN 56250i 2500W Inverter
1,900 W
65 dB(A)38 lb
$300–$500Read the review →
5.7
Whisper quiet
Honda · Gas inverter
Honda EU2200i (EU2200ITAN)
1,800 W
48 dB(A)47 lbCO
$800–$1,200Read the review →
5.6
Easy to carry
Ford · Gas inverter
Ford FG2300iS
2,000 W
46 lb
$300–$500Read the review →
5.5
Easy to carry
Pulsar · Gas inverter
Pulsar G2319N
1,800 W
59 dB(A)47 lb
$300–$500Read the review →
5.5
Easy to carry
LIFAN · Gas inverter
LIFAN 2300i-2 2300W Inverter
1,800 W
43 lb
Under $300Read the review →
5.5
CO shutoff
Champion · Gas
Champion 201285 1200-Watt Portable Generator
1,200 W
65 dB(A)58 lbCO
$300–$500Read the review →
5.3
Easy to carry
A-iPower · Gas inverter
A-iPower SC2000i
1,600 W
62 dB(A)46 lb
$500–$800Read the review →
5.0
CO shutoff
Briggs & Stratton · Gas inverter
Briggs & Stratton P2400 PowerSmart Series 030758
1,800 W
50 lbCO
$500–$800Read the review →
No generator matches these filters.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Typical price ranges observed in November 2026.
How to choose
Starting vs running
The "2000" on the box is the starting (peak) rating. Plan your loads on the running watts, usually 1,600 to 1,800 W.
Mistakes to avoid
- Planning to run a space heater (1,500 W) plus anything else on a 2,000 W unit.
Frequently asked questions
What will a 2000 watt generator run?
A full-size fridge, lights, a TV, a router, phone chargers, a CPAP, a coffee maker or a microwave one at a time.
Will a 2000 watt generator run an RV air conditioner?
Rarely on its own. With a soft start kit, some can start a 13,500 BTU unit; two in parallel do it comfortably.
How long will a 2000 watt generator run?
Typically 6 to 10 hours at quarter load on about a gallon of gasoline.