The 3 Best Portable Generators, According to Testing

BEST OVERALL

Honda Portable Inverter Generator

Credit: Amazon

Why You Should Get It

It’s a lightweight option that can be used at home, while camping, and at tailgating events thanks to how easy it is to transport.

Keep in Mind

The gas tank is awkwardly located, which made it difficult to fill.

During testing, we saw exactly why the 2,200-watt Honda Portable Inverter Generator is so popular: It has a user-friendly design that’s simple to operate, plus it weighs just 46 pounds and comes with a handle, so it is easy to lift and carry around.

After six months of testing, this generator still looks and performs like new. We've used it to power lamps during power outages, and we've even brewed a pot of coffee with the generator's help. It never overloads, and it's been easy to maintain by simply adding fuel and starting it monthly to let it run.

When we experienced a power outage, it kept our fridge and small appliances going for three hours. At 2,200 watts, the power output is limited, though, and it only runs for up to eight hours. But, as an inverter generator, it provides stable and reliable power while running.

It’s fairly quiet for a generator—we were able to have conversations while it was on, though it was still moderately disruptive. That being said, for tailgating parties and similarly noisy atmospheres, we don’t think it will bother people much.

You can use Honda’s MyGenerator app to monitor oil life and estimated run times, operate the device from your phone, and get maintenance reminders. Keep in mind that the app only works within 75 feet of the generator, and it can only be paired when the generator is powered off.

While setting it up was easy, filling the gas tank was a chore. The tank opening is located in an awkward spot, which made it difficult for us to refuel without making a mess. To fill it precisely, we had to use a funnel and a glass container to pour the fuel.

The Honda generator runs on gas, holding just under a gallon of fuel.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Once we filled the gas tank, starting the generator was easy.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Keep in mind, the generator does not come with oil.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
A side panel opens to expose the engine for maintenance tasks.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
The generator has two power outlets.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Key Terms to Know

CARB-compliant: Indicates that a product meets the standards for carbon emissions set by the California Air Resources Board.

BEST FOR HOME

Champion Power Equipment CO Shield 4550 Portable Generator

Credit: Lowe's

Why You Should Get It

The generator is fairly eco-friendly, as it’s both CARB-compliant and EPA-certified.

Keep in Mind

It’s extremely heavy and requires at least two people to move.

Editor’s note: We tested an older version of this product. The upgraded model includes greater power output, a larger engine, and longer runtime.

The best portable generator for home use must have enough wattage to supply power to essential appliances. The Champion Portable Generator operates at 4,550 starting watts—more than enough to power lights, a pressure washer, and power tools.

We had zero problems starting up the engine—it took only a single pull to get the motor running. The generator easily managed its load and never shut off throughout the testing period.

Though the engine can run for up to 14 hours at a 50% load, we didn’t get to fully test this aspect out. Nevertheless, we think that this generator provides adequate home backup for emergencies and to run the occasional heavy-duty garage task.

Over the course of six months of testing, we used the generator to power our refrigerator and a table lamp during a power outage. We used it to power both items for about five hours without any issues.

This is a fairly eco-friendly model that’s both CARB-compliant and EPA-certified. A display on the body allows you to monitor power output, voltage, and runtime. In our opinion, the noise was no worse than your average lawnmower.

As a no-frills option, it lacks the extras common with more expensive models, like app compatibility. It does include an oil funnel to help you add fuel without a mess. Overall, it’s a winner in terms of reliability and price, but it is extremely heavy and cannot be moved by one person.

The Champion portable generator offers four 120V outlets: two 20A, one 30A RV, and one 30A locking.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
The champion's engine is more exposed than our top pick's.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
A digital meter displays the voltage, frequency, and run time.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
The dipstick was easy to access to check the oil levels.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
We recommend using a funnel or hose for precise gas filling.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

BEST FOR CAMPING

Ryobi Digital Inverter Generator

Credit: The Home Depot

Why You Should Get It

It runs quietly and shouldn’t disturb your campsite neighbors too much.

Keep in Mind

It can’t handle too many heavy appliances at the same time.

This Ryobi 2,300-Watt Recoil Start Inverter Generator earned our vote as the best portable generator for camping, mainly because of how compact and lightweight it is. The generator is on wheels and has a handle attached, so you can easily load/offload it from a vehicle.

With 2,300 starting watts and 1,800 running watts, it’s not the most powerful generator, yet it didn’t pose a problem for our needs. We were able to power up numerous devices at once, including a refrigerator, fans, and phone chargers, without issue.

In fact, we were pleasantly surprised that the generator could power our refrigerator, since we assumed the appliance would require higher wattage and overload the generator. Throughout six months of testing, the generator never overloaded, even with several appliances plugged in at the same time, making it a good secondary home power source during outages.

The generator should run for about 10 hours on a single tank of gas. You can double the power output by buying a parallel kit from Ryobi, which allows you to connect two generators simultaneously. It includes multiple 120-volt and USB outlets. The LCD shows fuel usage, run time, and more.

You can monitor and control the generator remotely with the Ryobi GenControl app. Safety features include a carbon monoxide detection system—something Mock highly recommends—which is always good to have even if the generator is used outside, and a sensor that automatically shuts off if the tank is low on oil.

Another reason we thought the Ryobi would be suitable for camping is that it runs pretty quietly compared to other generators. We used the generator at a tailgate, and we were pleasantly surprised by how quiet it was while running. While we wouldn’t say it’s whisper quiet, we could easily have a conversation while it was on, and it probably wouldn’t be disruptive to fellow campers.

Built-in wheels made the Ryobi the easiest generator to transport.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
We liked that it included a funnel, which kept us clean during setup.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Like our top pick, the Ryobi includes two power outlets.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
We liked how clearly the start instructions were labeled.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
It's easy to access the engine by removing the side panel.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

The Bottom Line

The best portable generator for powering all the necessary appliances and devices in a blackout is the Honda 664240 EU2200i 2200 Watt Portable Inverter Generator. The reliable pick can run for up to eight hours and is fairly quiet, which means you won’t annoy your neighbors when it’s running. While it is on the heavier side, the Champion Power Equipment CO Shield 4550 Portable Generator provides enough wattage to supply power to essential appliances, plus it’s both CARB-compliant and EPA-certified, making it our best pick for the home.

Our Testing Process

First, we set up each generator outside (gas generators should not be used indoors), paying attention to the included instructions and noting whether we had any difficulty getting it going. We also noted whether it had an electric, manual, pull, or remote start.

To evaluate performance, we made sure to power at least two separate devices for a minimum of two hours during the testing period. We assessed portability by looking at factors such as weight and whether there were handles or wheels included.

Additionally, we considered the user-friendliness of the features and maintenance, paying attention to the ease of starting the generator, adding and draining fuel, and cleaning the air filter. For generators with apps, we connected the devices and tested the available features.

We noted the overall readability of any digital displays or fuel gauges. We also looked at the price and assessed the value for money.

What to Know About Portable Generators Before Shopping

Fuel

Most generators use gas, propane, or diesel as a fuel source. Gas is the most common, and most readily available for homeowners. However, there are downsides. “Gasoline does not have a long shelf life and can be a safety hazard to store at home,” Mock says.

There are also battery-powered generators, which typically aren’t as good as gas generators since they need electricity to charge, whereas a gas model can be topped up with fuel and keep on going. Some battery-powered generators can also be charged via a car’s outlet, and there are also solar-powered generators.

Although we didn’t test any solar generators this time, they are a more eco-friendly option because they don’t release harmful emissions like carbon monoxide. Fuel generators should only be run outdoors and topped up and serviced in case of a power outage (you don’t want to fumble with fuel in a cataclysmic rain storm).

To refuel, a generator should always be turned off and allowed to cool for at least 15 minutes. Topping up an overheated generator with gas could potentially cause an immediate fire or even an explosion.

Type

There are three primary types of portable generators. They come with starting wattages between 2,000 and 14,000 or more and have a runtime of between six and 14 hours.

The standard portable generator tends to be truly portable, which is to say that its size and weight make it easy to transport it, for example, in the car or while camping. They’re usually powered by readily available resources such as gasoline or solar and tend to be more affordable.

Inverter generators benefit from new technology that makes them more expensive but also provides an option that is quieter, safer for your electronics, and uses less energy while creating clean power.

Meanwhile, standby generators can power an entire home, turning on automatically should an outage occur. Their commercial-grade engines and large fuel tanks make them the most expensive option.

Dual-fuel generators that run on gasoline or propane are a great choice for those who don’t want to rely on one fuel source. “They are more expensive,” Mock says, “But generators running on propane generally require less maintenance.”

Portability

Even among the best portable generators, some are more portable than others, which is primarily determined by noise and weight. “Most generators are quite loud—even those that claim they are silent are not truly silent,” explains Williams.

You can expect portable generators to fall between 50 and 80 decibels, and you should opt for a quieter model if you’re in an RV or camping. During emergencies and storms, you’re far less likely to disturb the neighbors (or yourself).

Portable generators may weigh between 20 and 200 pounds. For heavier ones, look for wheels so you can move them around more easily. Some generator brands also sell wheel kits separately.

Portable generators typically have smaller engines than standby generators, which can limit how many appliances homeowners can plug into them, according to Mock. “Their tanks are also small, so they need more frequent refueling,” he says.

One more thing to consider? “Lightweight portable generators tend to be a bit noisier since they don’t have the same insulation or padding as quieter machines, which are usually heavier,” Williams says.

A person pulling Ryobi 2300-Watt Recoil Gasoline Powered Digital Inverter Generator by the handle

Built-in wheels made the Ryobi the easiest generator to transport.

Better Homes & Gardens

Your Questions, Answered

How many watts in a generator do you need to run a house?

The number of watts needed to power a house depends on many factors, according to Williams, including how big the house is and how many appliances you have running at the same time.

“For a standard house, a 6,000- to 8,000-watt portable generator could keep you going, but it might not be able to power everything,” Williams says. “A substantial house, or a smart home with a lot of inbuilt tech, will need a much higher wattage.”

Williams suggests a 20,000- to 25,000-watt whole-house generator (non-portable) for high-tech homes, but for a portable device, you should be looking for the maximum watts available, i.e., around 14,000 watts or more.

What is the difference between a portable generator and an inverter generator?

Though they’re both portable, inverter generators are a newer type of portable generator with newer technology, which makes them quieter and more fuel-efficient. They are safer for your electronics, too, as they provide a higher quality electrical output.

“Inverter generators have the ability to vary the engine speed depending on the load,” Williams says. “They are more pleasant to live with because they are quieter, especially when running on a low load.”

The only downsides, according to Williams, are that they’re generally more expensive, due to the newer technology, and are not as robust as standard generators.

“Those on construction sites prefer using the older generators because inverters are more electronic and can be damaged if dropped, for instance, but inverters are the best portable generators for home use.”

Can a portable generator power a whole house?

Yes and no. While a portable generator probably can’t power everything in your home, it can definitely help with the essentials, such as lights, refrigerator, small appliances, mobile devices, computers, portable heaters or fans, and medical devices, and is a more economical option.

To determine what kind of wattage and runtime you should look for, Williams recommends that you “think about what items you’ll want to be working in the event of an outage, and get a portable generator with enough watts to accommodate those appliances.”

How much do portable generators cost?

The cost of a portable generator varies greatly based on a combination of wattage and features. On the expensive side is the Honda Portable Inverter Generator, which will run you around $1,000, but has advanced features that might make it worth the cost.

On the other end of the spectrum is the Champion Power Equipment 3500-Watt Portable Generator, our best for home pick, which is a basic yet reliable model for around $640. Its starting wattage should be more than enough to keep your lights and appliances running for hours.

Who We Are

This article was written by Kat de Naoum, who has over ten years of writing experience. Kat is also the editor-at-large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading U.S. online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing.

For this article, de Naoum reviewed multiple portable generators and researched factors such as each portable generator's power, runtime, weight, noise level, price, and value for money. She also spoke to Andrew Williams, director at professional generator servicing company Hampshire Generators; Sterling Robison, engineering manager at Goal Zero; and Dan Mock, VP of operations, Mister Sparky Electric. This story was updated by Nor’Adila Hepburn, a contributor to Better Homes & Gardens.