Portable power opens a world of possibilities, but it can take time to choose the right generator. What you use for camping isn’t going to be what you use for emergency home backup and vice versa.
After years of experience in the generator industry, I'm here to guide you through the top portable generators available this year. Take a moment to read through the various categories below and find my picks and criteria for the best in each.
You can check out my process for evaluating generators below.
| Best Portable Generator | Best Emergency Generator | Best Quiet Generator | Best Dual Fuel Portable Generator | Best Portable Generator for Camping | Best Tri Fuel Generator | Best Portable Battery Generator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | |
If you need a workhorse generator, this is it. The GP8000E gives you 10,000 starting watts of power, simple setup and operation, and the Generac reputation all in one portable unit. You can back up all critical appliances—fridge, furnace, sump pump, and more—during a power outage, especially if you connect it to a manual transfer switch.
A foldable handlebar and never-flat wheels make it very manageable for anyone to get the GP8000E into position or storage. Plus, with its electric start button, everyone, from your 15-year-old to grandma, can easily start and use this machine—no pesky pull cord to wrestle with.
Once it’s running, it can stay running for up to 10 hours on a 50% load. It comes with two 5-20R plugs for most basic appliances and one L14-30R plug for use with a manual transfer switch or convenience cord.
Overall, the Generac GP8000E gets my vote for the best all-around portable generator for its long-lasting performance, robust yet user-friendly design, and applicability to a range of situations, including emergency home backup. All at a great value.
| Power |
| -Gasoline: 8,000 running/10,000 starting watts |
| Usability |
| -Push-button electric start -Runs up to 10 hours at 50% load -Fold-down handle/Never-flat wheels -CO sensor |
| Noise |
| -73-75 decibels, or the sound of road traffic |
| Versatility |
| -Two 5-20R-GFCI outlets -One L14-30R outlet |
| Overall Value |
| Relatively inexpensive for the power and versatility. |
When severe storms strike, you’ll feel ready with the Westinghouse WGEN11500TFc tri-fuel portable generator at your side. Many times, emergency situations result in a run on gas stations and gasoline shortages. With a tri-fuel generator like this, if you can’t get gasoline, you can switch to propane or natural gas.
Push-button electric start and a wireless remote make it easy to get this generator up and running in a pinch. If you use gasoline, the 9.5-gallon tank provides up to 19 hours of running time, and a 20-pound propane tank runs up to seven hours.
For being a traditional, open-frame generator, the WGen11500TFc impresses with its low total harmonic distortion (low THD), which provides safe and clean power for sensitive electronics. An automatic voltage regulator guards against harmful voltage swings and circuit breaker protection prevents electrical overload damage.
Connect your emergency appliances directly using the NEMA# 5-20R, L14-30R, and 14-50R outlets. Alternatively, the generator works with a manual transfer switch and convenience cord. Move it easily using its fold-down handle and 10-inch wheels. A carbon monoxide detector guards against CO buildup nonstop.
Overall, this is the ultimate portable unit for home emergency backup, giving you peace of mind no matter what’s happening out there.
| Power |
| -Gasoline: 11,500 running/14,500 starting watts -Propane: 10,500 running/13,500 starting watts -Natural Gas: 9,500 running/12,000 starting watts |
| Usability |
| -Push button electric start/remote control -Runs up to 19 hours at 25% load (gas) -Safe for electronics -10-in wheels & fold-down handle -CO sensor |
| Noise |
| -73-75 decibels, or the sound of road traffic |
| Versatility |
| -Tri-fuel capability (Gasoline, LP, NG) -Two 5-20R outlets -One L14-30R outlet -One L14-50R outlet |
| Overall Value |
| Significant features and capabilities packed into an affordable unit |
Over the past 10 years, I’ve seen a move toward quieter generator engines, and for good reason. No one wants to hear the racket of combusting fuel at night, whether at home or out camping. At only 61 decibels, the Champion 100719 is the portable generator you should pick if you value quiet performance above all else.
Although you won’t get as much power from this smaller unit as you would from its larger cousins, the 7,000 running watts you do get will suffice for powering the bare necessities at home or in an RV. Plus, it comes with several convenient usability and safety features, including electric start, low-oil protection, and CO Shield® Technology, which will turn the unit off if it detects carbon monoxide accumulation. It’s easy to move with never-flat wheels and a folding handle.
The Champion 100719 provides clean power that will safely handle electronics like phones and computers. It also offers a great economy mode that can improve runtime to 14 hours at 25% load. Three different kinds of receptacles include a twist-lock that allows for use with a manual transfer switch. This quiet, versatile unit is the perfect “Goldilocks” solution that offers just the right amount of power and performance at a fair price.
| Power |
| -Gasoline: 7,000 running/8,500 starting watts |
| Usability |
| -Safe for electronics -Economy Mode runs up to 14 hours at 25% load -Push-button electric start -Folding handle/Never-flat wheels -CO sensor |
| Noise |
| -61 decibels, or the sound of normal human conversation |
| Versatility |
| -Cigarette adaptor plug -Two 5-20R outlets -One L14-30R outlet |
| Overall Value |
| Compact unit offering clean, quiet power for the same price as much louder units. |
If you’re looking for fuel flexibility, the Generac GP7500E dual fuel portable generator will run on either gasoline or propane to get you through an outage. It’s great for outdoor events, DIY projects, or emergency power outage situations.
The 7.9-gallon fuel tank provides up to 10 hours of runtime at 50% load using gasoline. With propane, a 20-pound tank provides up to five hours of runtime at 50% load.
Whichever path you choose, you’ll reap the usability benefits of push-button electric start and trademarked PowerRush™ technology, which delivers up to 30% more starting capacity, allowing you to do more with less. Heavy-duty, never-flat wheels and a fold-down handle make transport and storage simple.
The GP7500E can take a hit thanks to its hardened steel-tube cradle. Besides protecting itself, it protects your family with CO-SENSE™ technology, which stops the unit if it detects too much CO buildup.
Overall, this flexible generator will do the job you need it to, exactly how you want it to.
| Power |
| -Gasoline: 7,500 running/9,400 starting watts -Propane: 6,800 running/8,500 starting watts |
| Usability |
| -Push button electric start -Runs up to 10 hours at 50% load (gas) -Runs up to 5 hours @ 50% load on 20-Ib LP Tank -Never-flat wheels & fold-down handle -CO Detector |
| Noise |
| -73-75 decibels, or the sound of road traffic. |
| Versatility |
| -Dual fuel capability (Gasoline, LP) -Two 5-20R outlets -One L14-30R outlet |
| Overall Value |
| Great versatility for a very reasonable price. |
Camping is a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of reality, but you don’t necessarily want to give up all of life’s conveniences. The Honda EU2200i portable generator gives you the power to fall back on when you’re out in the wilderness.
Its 2,200 starting watts is all you’ll really need when camping—enough to power some lights, a mini fridge, and other basic appliances. Its clean power means it’s also safe for powering electronics.
The main reason I recommend this unit for camping, though, is due to its stunningly quiet performance (53-62 decibels) and lightweight (less than 50 pounds!) construction. It’s also equipped with Eco Throttle technology, a feature that optimizes engine speed and fuel consumption by only requiring the engine to run as fast as needed. Using this economy mode, you can run the generator for 7.5 hours on less than 1 gallon of fuel.
If you need more power, you can buy two EU2200i generators and run them together with a parallel cable. You can also buy a charging cord that can charge 12-volt DC batteries. Other features I liked include wireless and Bluetooth controls, CO detection/shutoff, and low oil alert.
| Power |
| -Gasoline: 1,800 running/2,200 starting watts |
| Usability |
| -Safe for electronics -Runs up to 7.5 hours on 0.95 gallons of fuel with Eco Throttle -Weighs only 46.3 Ibs -CO Sensor -WiFi & Bluetooth capability |
| Noise |
| -Only 53 to 62 decibels, making this among the quietest generators on the market |
| Versatility |
| -Easily transported for camping, tailgating, and other outdoor activities that require electricity -Can be paralleled with a second EU2200i for extra power. |
| Overall Value |
| A great value for recreational use. Not for emergency backup. |
I love keeping my options open. That’s why the Westinghouse WGen14500TFc tri fuel portable generator is a backup power dream come true. It runs on gasoline, propane, or natural gas for ultimate versatility.
Unlike other traditional generators, this one doesn’t pose any risk to electronic devices thanks to its automatic voltage regulator that provides clean power. It also operates efficiently, reducing engine RPMs when no load is present. Cutting RPMs also decreases fuel usage and noise.
The WGen14500TFc protects itself from harmful voltage swings, electricity overloads, and low-oil situations. Your electronics are safe thanks to its low total harmonic distortion (THD). It also safeguards you and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning with a sensor and shutdown feature when it detects unsafe levels of the gas.
You have plenty of outlet options, including USB, 5-20R, L5-30R, L14-30R, and even a 14-50R receptacle, which lets you get the maximum power from the generator. Transportation is simple thanks to 12-inch solid wheels, a U-shaped fold-down handle, and even a lifting bracket for the job site. Electric start with a wireless remote option makes using this unit even more convenient.
Consider the Westinghouse WGen14500TFc tri fuel generator if you’re like me and always like a backup plan to a backup plan.
| Power |
| -Gasoline: 14,500 running/18,000 starting watts -Propane: 13,000 running/16,000 starting watts -Natural Gas: 11,600 running/14,400 starting watts |
| Usability |
| -Electric start/remote control -Runs up to 10 hours at 50% load -Safe for electronics -12-in wheels & U-shaped fold-down handle -Lifting bracket -CO Detector |
| Noise |
| -73-75 decibels, or the sound of road traffic |
| Versatility |
| -Tri-fuel capability (Gasoline, LP, NG) -Two USB outlets -Two 5-20R outlets -One L5-30R outlet -One L14-30R outlet -One L14-50R outlet |
| Overall Value |
| The ultimate failsafe for power outages and fuel shortages. |
If you want a portable generator without a combustion engine that you can run indoors, then you need a portable power station. The EcoFlow DELTA 1300 provides 1,800 running watts of clean power, allowing you to safely power electronics, audio, and video equipment.
It’s fueled by a lithium battery pack that can be charged through a wall outlet, car charger, or solar panel. The battery can provide 1,260 watts of power in one hour before needing to recharge.
Recharging time is around one hour using a wall outlet, four hours using solar panels, and under 10 hours using a 12/24V carport. Once charged, it’ll retain power for one year. You get a plethora of receptacles with the DELTA 1300, including six 5-15R 120V outlets, USB-A fast-charge ports, USB-C ports, and more.
The EcoFlow DELTA 1300 is not for home emergency backup or anything serious. However, it can comfortably power a couple of small appliances in a pinch. Again, you don’t get a portable power station for the power so much as the convenience. This generator weighs only 30 pounds, can be safely run indoors, and is relatively inexpensive. I recommend it for anyone wanting quick, portable power when away from home.
| Power |
| -1,260 watt-hour lithium battery pack -1,800 running watts/3,300 starting watts |
| Usability |
| -Safe for electronics -Recharges within 1 hr via a wall outlet, 4 hrs via solar panel, 10 hrs via carport. |
| Noise |
| -Nearly silent due to no combustion engine. |
| Versatility |
| -Can safely be used indoors -Multiple output receptacles (13 in total), including NEMA 5-15R, USB-A, & USB-C. |
| Overall Value |
| This inexpensive power option is for those who want minimal portable backup without the hassles of fuel & noise. |
When recommending portable generators, we take five features into account.
This almost goes without saying. Since the whole point of generators is to provide backup power, we consider each generator’s power potential, measured in watts. We look at both surge wattage, which is the extra temporary wattage a generator can produce to start electric motors, and running wattage, which is how much wattage the generator can produce long term. We also consider frequency and whether the generator can safely power sensitive electronics like laptops and cell phone chargers.
It’s important to clarify, however, that power is relative to one’s needs. If you only need to power a few items around your house, you don’t need the most powerful generator, as that would be a waste of energy and money. That’s why we always consider power in the context of your generator application.
The best portable generators need to be easy to move and operate, whether you or your elderly grandparents are using them. They can’t be so heavy or awkward that you can’t move them. If they are heavy, then there should be wheels, an ergonomic handlebar, or even a lifting eye. After all, portable generators require manual setup. Features like push-button start, a large fuel tank, surge protection, and simple controls can all make the difference between a useable portable generator and an electrical headache.
Increasing noise regulations around the country are making “loudness” an important factor to consider when evaluating a portable generator. RV parks, municipalities, and homeowner associations can all have their own decibel regulations. On a personal level, you probably want a quiet generator you can run all night without waking up the neighbors. Although not all manufacturers list their decibel ratings, we try to take noise level into account when recommending generators.
Versatility answers the question, “How adaptable is this generator to different scenarios?” We consider fuel type, specifically whether the generator has dual- or tri-fuel capability, which means it can switch between gasoline, propane, and even natural gas with a conversion kit.
Switching to propane or natural gas can be vital during storms or hurricanes when gasoline is in short supply. We also consider the generator receptacle outlets, which determine what and how much you can plug into the unit. You want a mix of standard household outlets, where you can plug in things like a microwave, and heavier-duty locking outlets that can handle 240 volts. For example, having a 50A 120/240V outlet lets you plug the generator into a manual transfer switch to power your electric panel.
We prioritize performance over price, so you won’t necessarily find the cheapest generators on our list. That's why, instead of evaluating a generator on price alone, we look at what you're getting for the price to arrive at an overall value rating.
Although portable generators are a great solution for backing up critical appliances like your fridge, lights, and microwave, even the most powerful ones aren’t designed to back up everything in your home. If that’s what you’re interested in, then you should review my picks for best home standby generators.
That said, you can connect a portable generator to your house and avoid running a bunch of extension cords outside by getting a manual transfer switch. The transfer switch connects the portable generator directly to your home’s main electrical circuits, allowing you to power even hardwired appliances like your furnace or sump pump.
You’ll still need to pick which circuits to back up and which to exclude, but a manual transfer switch can make it much easier to power entire parts of your house. Learn more about how to connect a portable generator to a home.
Since water and electricity don’t mix, running your generator in the open rain can lead to injury, death, or at least damage to the machine. If you need backup power while it’s raining, use a generator cover or canopy to protect it from the water. Do not run your generator in the garage or any enclosed space as this will result in toxic gas buildup.
You will typically see two different wattages when reviewing the product specs for a generator. The surge watts are higher and refer to a temporary power boost the generator can provide to kickstart electric motors. Air conditioners, refrigerators, hair dryers, and other appliances all need an extra dose of power to start up. Then, once they’re running, their power draw decreases. That’s where running watts come in. They are lower and refer to how many watts the generator can provide over the long haul to keep appliances running.
Whether or not a portable generator can safely power sensitive electronics depends on the stability of the power it puts out. Sensitive devices like smartphones and computers always require stable power. Portable generators are prone to producing unstable or “dirty” power, which can cause surges in voltage and frequency variations that could damage sensitive equipment.
Jared has decades of technical experience working on generators, cars, and even helicopters. His interest began during childhood, as he watched his mechanical engineer father work on and design machines. These experiences inspired Jared to follow a related course.
He began his career attending the Universal Technical Institute, where he earned a degree in Automotive Technology. He also graduated with honors from the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence as a helicopter technician.
Fusing his love of aircraft and generators, Jared spent time working with towable AGPU generators that are powered by jet engines. He is a certified Generac and Kohler installer and has been the electric generator expert at Power Equipment Direct for more than nine years.
When not around wires and alternators, Jared enjoys working on cars and 3D printing.