Best Portable Generators
Top portable generators ranked by transparent trust scores.
8 products ranked
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Top Pick
9.4
Excellent
Honda EU2200i
Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
#1
9.4
Excellent
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Whisper-quiet 48 dBA at quarter load
- Honda reliability and resale value
- Clean inverter power for electronics
Cons
- Only 2200 watts peak output
- Premium price for the wattage
Don't buy this if…
- 2200 watts is not enough to power central air conditioning; this generator is suited for essential loads only.
#2
9.2
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #2 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Dual fuel: gasoline or propane
- Electric start with included battery
- Strong 4375/3500 watt output
Cons
- Louder than inverter generators at 68 dBA
- Heavy at 119 pounds
Don't buy this if…
- Never run any gasoline generator indoors, in a garage, or in any enclosed space due to lethal carbon monoxide risk.
#3
9.0
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #3 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Remote start key fob included
- 4500 watts of clean inverter power
- 52 dBA is very quiet for the wattage
Cons
- Heavy at 98 pounds
- Fuel tank is relatively small at 3.4 gallons
Don't buy this if…
- The 3.4-gallon tank provides only about 7 hours at 50% load; plan for fuel resupply during extended outages.
#4
8.7
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #4 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- PowerRush technology for high starting loads
- Large fuel tank for extended runtime
- Trusted Generac brand for generators
Cons
- Open-frame design is louder than inverter types
- No electric start on base model
Don't buy this if…
- This is an open-frame conventional generator that produces rougher power; do not use for sensitive electronics without a surge protector.
#5
8.5
Excellent
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #5 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Best value for a 3500W inverter generator
- Electric start standard
- 57 dBA noise level
Cons
- Harbor Freight brand may concern some buyers
- Warranty service limited to HF stores
Don't buy this if…
- Warranty service must be handled through Harbor Freight stores; there is no mail-in repair option.
#6
8.3
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #6 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- 5500 watts handles large loads
- Dual fuel flexibility
- Heavy-duty construction
Cons
- Very heavy at 130 pounds
- Open frame is louder at 69 dBA
Don't buy this if…
- At 130 pounds this generator requires two people to lift and move; consider adding a wheel kit for portability.
#7
8.1
Good
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #7 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Lightweight at 55 pounds
- Telescoping handle for portability
- USB ports built in
Cons
- 2400 watts limits heavy appliance use
- Smaller fuel tank for compact design
Don't buy this if…
- At 2400 watts this generator cannot power air conditioners larger than 5000 BTU window units.
#8
7.9
Good
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #8 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- 4000 watts at inverter generator prices
- Fuel shut-off for storage
- Clean sine wave output
Cons
- Open frame is louder than enclosed designs
- Not CARB-compliant in California
Don't buy this if…
- This generator is not CARB-compliant and cannot be legally sold or used in California.
Quick Comparison
How We Rank
Composite trust score from expert reviews, user sentiment, complaint analysis, and value assessment.
Trust Score
Weighted composite of all factor scores
Expert Score
Aggregated expert review ratings
User Sentiment
Community votes and review analysis
Value Score
Price-to-performance ratio
Freshness
Recency of reviews and data
Change Log
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