9 Top Quiet Portable Generators (Comparison & Reviews)

Buying your own portable generator as an alternative energy source is a solution that is becoming more and more relevant. A stand-alone generator is not only convenient but is often indispensable in the absence of other power sources. They have a sufficiently large resource, and the simplicity of the device reduces their price and facilitates repair and maintenance.

This is an ideal option for those who need mobility, ease of transportation, and relatively low power. In this review, we have collected the best quiet portable generators for you based on the main characteristics and customer feedback.

This item has the best price and quality:

Our Top Pick
Champion 4000-Watt

Champion 4000-Watt

This is one of the most innovative products on the market. The advanced technology and innovative design will improve the way you power your life.

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The list of the other best portable generators with a comparison of the main characteristics:

ItemDimensionsWeightFuel TypeNoise Output

Champion 4000-Watt

Champion 4000-Watt

20.5 x 17.9 x 17.7 inches81.6 poundsgasoline

64 dBA

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Generac GP3500iO

Generac GP3500iO

19.7 x 16.5 x 16.4 inches74.3 poundspropane62 dBASee Best Price

Champion Power Equipment 100307 4375/3500-Watt

Champion Power Equipment

23.2 x 19.1 x 20 inches104.9 poundsgasoline, propane68 dBASee Best Price
Westinghouse iGen4500

Westinghouse iGen4500

18 x 10 x 15.5 inches93 poundspropane

52 dBA

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Mech Marvels 1500 Watt

Mech Marvels 1500 Watt

20 x 15.9 x 16.7 inches57.1 poundsgasoline68 dBASee Best Price
WEN 56200i 2000-Watt

WEN 56200i 2000-Watt

18 x 11 x 18 inches48 poundsgasoline51 dBASee Best Price
DuroMax XP12000EH

DuroMax XP12000EH

30 x 29 x 26 inches224 poundsgas, propane50 dBASee Best Price
WEN 56380i

WEN 56380i

23.2 x 18 x 20.1 inches110.8 poundspropane51 dBASee Best Price
Westinghouse iGen2200

Westinghouse iGen2200

19.8 x 11.4 x 17.9 inches46 poundsgas52 dBASee Best Price

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Champion 4000-Watt

Champion 4000-WattThis model is ideal for workshops that use heavy tools. These tools can be circular saws, pneumatic compressors, or hydraulic hammers.

It has three different socket types: one 120 volt duplex. One 120 volt rotary lock and one socket, not 220.

But, this 4000W Champion is ideal for people whose main priority is long term use. It has an average operating time of about 12 hours at half load, which is an amazing opportunity.

Champion 4000w is able to work with a large number of power tools.

This gasoline generator is capable of boasting a nominal rather than the largest power of 5 kW. You can safely count on the ability to supply power to power consumers. A suitable motor has been selected to drive this generator of such power. Here is a 16-hp G421HC motor for 420 cubic meters of volume. You can use a gas tank that has a reserve of 25 liters with a powerful motor.

Unfortunately, the generator is not brushless. You will need to change the brushes every 100 hours, as indicated in the instructions. But, there is no doubt that the “indestructibility” of the brush is quite pronounced. With proper maintenance, it does not deliver problems.

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Generac GP3500iO

Generac GP3500iOThis is a backup power supply for your entire home and your workplace.

And a powerful 7500W generator that can run on both gasoline and propane tanks.

This model offers a wide range of socket options. It has 120V 30A output, 120/240V 30A output, and four 220V home sockets with overload protection.

This versatility combined with powerful power makes this machine a great choice for people looking for a backup power supply at home.

But in case you need a generator for your worksites, you won’t have to worry about noise. Especially if you get enough electricity to power some of the most demanding tools such as a pneumatic compressor. You can use this dual-fuel generator as a backup power source in case of an unexpected power failure due to bad weather.

One of the most compact and lightweight generators with the largest power of 3 kW. It will be most convenient in case of frequent transportation back and forth. The engine here is quite economical and runs well during the cold season.

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Champion Power Equipment 100307 4375/3500-Watt

Champion Power Equipment 100307 4375/3500-Watt Models with dual fuel functions have become very popular in recent years. And they deserve it.

For starters, propane is much cheaper than gasoline.

Finally, dual models provide more versatility and reduce your dependence on fuel alone. You don’t need to rush to refill the gas tank if you can just connect the propane tank.

And don’t forget that fuelling is often a dirty job. While connecting a hose to a propane tank and unlocking the valve is an easy task.

Start-up is also very convenient. You just need to press a button. You can already forget about annoying cable jerks. It has a working power of 3500 W on gas and 31500 W on propane.

Please note that this is a standard portable model, not an inverter device. And the main drawback is that the volume is 68 dB at half capacity, not so noisy.

This is one of the most reliable dual-fuel portable devices you can buy on the market. If you have a good opinion about Champion devices and you want to buy a medium-size dual fuel model, it is a good choice. The Champion 3500 is a great option for commercial use.

The engine used here is a UP170, 210 cc four-stroke. Given that the generator has the largest power of 3 kW, the motor will not be overloaded when running. This means that you can count on a good resource. The noise level of the DDE generator is 68 dB. This is quite good.

The generator used is a single phase and brushless. There are two 220V outputs and an extra 12V socket.

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Westinghouse iGen4500

Westinghouse iGen4500This model is the most powerful generator produced by the brand.

Its performance is enough to supply the most energy-intensive tools, such as welding machines.

It is also a safe option for a backup generator for home. It can connect several home appliances at the same time. These include freezers, refrigerators, air conditioners, and garage door drives.

Keep in mind that when connecting the machine to your home, you must use a gear switch to do so safely.

As you can imagine, such a large generator also has a very large fuel tank. It has a 1.0 gallons fuel tank. At half load, it can run continuously for about 10 hours.

It is a powerful generator that is easy to transport. It has handles and wheels of large diameter that can be easily lifted into the “working” position. It has a load capacity of up to 7 kW “nominal”.

At the same time, it is able to work for a long time without mandatory cooling breaks. The motor develops more power and copes with its work without any problems. The generator supports ATS circuits for automatic-start when external power is cut off.

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Mech Marvels 1500 Watt

Mech Marvels 1500 WattThis is one of the smallest models of the brand. Besides, it is probably the most affordable portable generator on the market. It is not disappointing in quality.

It is a reliable option for people who just need to supply power to small devices.

This generator with a rated power of 1500 Watt not only has the ability to run electrically. It is also compatible with auto-start from ATS.

At the same time, its noise level is quite adequate. Thus, this model looks quite attractive as a backup power source for your home. This device still deserves to be called reliable.

But, the ATS circuit is built directly into the generator, rather than being purchased as a separate external unit. That is, when you connect the generator it is enough to move the ATS switch to the Auto position. Next, it will do everything on its own.

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WEN 56200i 2000-Watt

WEN 56200i 2000-Watt This generator can run in parallel. It weighs 50 lbs and has a sturdy, comfortable handle for easy lifting and carrying.

It is one of the most powerful generators in the rating. It is capable of producing 2000 surge watts and 1600 rated watts. Its engine is a powerful and reliable unit that can be easily started in any weather.

Combined with a large tank, this generator will be the best choice for builders and the power supply of a private home. By the way, the tank allows you to work on one filling station for more than 12 hours.

The massive frame of the generator has solid dimensions, but it is more of a dignity. Thus, access to all units here is as convenient as possible, its maintenance will not be difficult. The manufacturer has managed to achieve a low noise level. 53 dB for a generator of such power is not much.

The need to connect several consumers here is not a problem. On the side panel, in addition to the hour meter, freely placed three standard outlets 220V.

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DuroMax XP12000EH

DuroMax XP12000EHIf you need a compact multi-fuel generator, this model should interest you. The engine is superior to many Chinese analogs.

Unfortunately, you can only start up a 389 cc motor by hand, the electric starter is not provided by the design. But, the presence of a gas reducer will allow you to save on fuel.

This feature allows you to connect the generator to a propane cylinder or gasholder. A 50-liter cylinder of propane will be enough for almost two days of operation.

The generator set itself is a classic brush single-phase unit supplemented with a 12V rectifier. The rated power of 6 kW of this device is more than enough to work with a welding inverter or a powerful power tool. It is also suitable for stationary installation as an automatic backup power source.

If you plan to use it as a home backup power station, it would be a good idea to install a silencer to slightly reduce noise. What’s more, you can do it yourself.

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WEN 56380i

WEN 56380i This generator is fully ready for use with gasoline or propane. This in combination with the built-in ATS makes it an ideal solution for the emergency power supply of a gasified private house.

This generator is quite suitable for autonomous work in the utility room. For example, next to a gas boiler.

This economical 2.4 kW inverter generator became the leader in the low noise level.

On the whole, it is not bad for its money. The powerful engine is easily started by a cable starter. An electronically controlled throttle valve does not need a manual setting of heating speed. Such power does not imply the use of a generator in combination with an electric power consuming engine.

All generators manufactured by this brand are manufactured to high-quality standards. They usually receive a really good reception from the public. This model is a good example, getting almost 100% 5-star feedback from users who bought it.

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Westinghouse iGen2200

Westinghouse iGen2200Despite the rather toylike appearance, this generator is capable of giving a load to quite “adult” 2.2 kW.

The power specified in the marking is exactly the nominal 2200 Watt, not the largest or, moreover, full. The presence of massive rubber feet provides not only a confident installation in place. It also reduces vibration.

The 149 cc motor with manual start is quite economical. Moreover, it will run for at least five and a half hours on one filling of the built-in 5.7-liter tank. At low load, you can further reduce consumption.

This should be done by switching the generator to the “Eco” mode with a switch on the front panel.

Especially it should be noted the low noise level, which was achieved by the developers. Only 52 dB – a record among all participants in the rating and our best recommendations. Such generators are often described as tourists. Indeed, when traveling to nature, it easily fits in the trunk of the car.

Not bad and the work of the inverter. The manufacturer emphasizes that you can use the generator to power gas boilers.

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FAQ for quiet portable generators buyers:

How many hours do portable generators last?

A portable gas generator used for residential emergency power lasts about 2,000 to 3,000 hours. While this is considerably less than diesel generators’ 20,000 to 30,000 hours, these small generators are generally used far less each year and can have a decade-long lifespan.

Can I leave my generator running all night?

Never refuel a running generator, even a generator with a still-hot engine because heat from the engine parts or exhaust could ignite the gasoline. Turn the generator off overnight (your neighbors will be happy, too). A refrigerator/freezer will be fine for without power.

How do I soundproof a noisy generator?

Build a three-box enclosure system to soundproof a noisy generator. The key to soundproofing a noisy generator is ventilation. Cool air can travel around sharp corners quite easily while sound travels best in a straight line. Corners and multiple surfaces cause sound waves to break up and diminish.

Can you run a generator all day?

In general, generators, as a source of backup power, are not designed to run continuously without end. Some models are made to provide power for up to eight hours, some twelve, and some can run for days on end. However, in no way should you keep your generator running for weeks, months, let alone years without rest.

Can a portable generator power a house?

Portable generators can (and should) be connected to your home’s circuit breaker panel with a transfer switch or interlock device, which allows the generator to power an entire circuit rather than plugging in devices à la carte.