Best Portable Generators

Portable generators are available in a wide variety of sizes, wattages, and price ranges. Finding the best portable generator for you will depend on what you are intending to power, in addition to a few other factors.

This article will compare popular features from each of the best generators on the market today.

#1 Top Pick:

🏆  Best for Home and Recreation: GENERAC GP3000i

Best Portable Generators

Here are the top portable generators available this year:

• Best for Value: Champion Power Equipment 3800-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator with Electric Start
• Best for General Home Use: Generac GP3000I Inverter Generator
• Best for Tailgating: Honda EU1000i 1000 Watt Portable Inverter Generator
• Best for Emergencies: DuroMax XP12000EH Dual Fuel Electric Start Portable Generator
• Best for Camping: Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 1000
• Best for the Jobsite: WEN DF1100T 11,000-Watt 120V/240V Dual Fuel Portable Generator
• Best for Lightweight Portability: ROCKSOLAR RS650 400W Nomad Power Station

Champion Power Equipment 3800-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator with Electric Start

Best for: Overall Value

This 3800-watt generator from Champion Power Equipment features Dual Fuel, allowing the 224cc engine to run on either gasoline or propane. It provides up to 14 hours of run time on gasoline or 10.5 hours on propane.

Product Features:

• Power Output: 3800 Watt
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• Gasoline or Propane Powered
• Weight: 119 lbs
• Dimensions: 26.3 in x 28.4 in x 22.9 in
• Website: championpowerequipment.com

GENERAC GP3000i Model #7129

Best for: General Home use

This quiet and compact design from Generac is great for sensitive electronics and household appliances. You really can’t go wrong with any one of Generac’s portable generators.

Product Features:

• Power Output – 3000 Watt
• Voltage – 120 Volts
• Weight – 59.5 lbs.
• Dimensions – 22.2 in. x 13.3 in. x 18.4 in.
• True Power™ Technology – provides stable power ideal for sensitive electronics and appliances.
• Website: generac.com

Honda EU1000i 1000 Watt Portable Inverter Generator

Best for: Tailgating

This quiet generator from Honda can operate a number of small appliances, making it perfect for powering any outdoor tailgate.

Product Features:

• Power Output: 900 Watt
• Voltage: 120 Volts
• Gas-Powered
• Tank Volume: .55 gallons
• Weight: 29 lbs
• Dimensions: 20 in x 16 in x 12 in
• Website: honda.com/generators

DuroMax XP13000EH Dual Fuel Electric Start Portable Generator

Best for: Emergency Home Backup

With 2 x 120V GFCI outlets, a 120V 30A twist lock outlet, a 240V 30A outlet, and 240 V 50 A outlet, this unit from Duromax provides the power normally found in stationary home standby units but in a portable package.

Product Features:

• Power Output: 13000 Watt
• Gasoline or Propane Powered
• Weight: 234 lbs
• Dimensions: 30 in x 29 in x 26 in
• Website: duromaxpower.com

Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 1000 Solar Generator

Best for: Camping

The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer is available in 240, 300, 500, or 1000 watts. This generator allows you to easily upgrade and provides endless solar power with the addition of optional solar panels.

Product Features:

• Power Output: 3 x 110V, 1000 Watt
• Voltage: 110 Volts
• Battery: Lithium-ion Battery
• USB Output: 2 x USB-C ports with PD, 1 x USB-A port, 1 x quick charge 3.0 port
• Recharge: Wall Outlet (5.5 hour), Car Outlet (11.5 hour), Solar Panel (6.5 hour)
• Weight: 22.04 lbs
• Dimensions: 13.1 in x 9.2 in x 11.1 in
• Website: Jackery.com

WEN DF1100T 11,000-Watt 120V/240V Dual Fuel Portable Generator

Best for: Jobsite

With the WEN 11,000-Watt Dual Fuel Electric Start Generator, you’ll be able to create plenty of power for the job site. This dual-fuel generator allows you to select your preferred method, either gasoline or propane.

Product Features:

• Power Output: 11000
• Voltage: 240 Volts/ 120 Volts
• Gasoline or Propane Powered
• Weight: 214 lbs
• Dimensions: 27.3 in x 20.6 in x 21.9 in
• Website: wenproducts.com

ROCKSOLAR RS650 400W Nomad Power Station

Best for: Portability

The ROCKSOLAR Nomad Power station is a lightweight, quiet, and reliable generator built by a crew of experienced battery engineers. Its safety features and versatility make it a great option for powering on the go.

Product Features:

• Power Output: 400 Watt
• Voltage: 110 Volts
• Battery: High Power Density Lithium Polymer Batteries
• Weight: 11 lbs.
• Dimensions: 11.9 in  x 5.3 in x 7.2 in
• Website: Rocksolars.com

Portable Generator FAQs

Are portable generators worth it?

What’s the difference between generators and inverter generators?

Generators produce larger capacity, heavy loads of electrical energy, while inverters produce more consistent, reliable, and “cleaner” power that does not rely on a generator’s engine speed.

When should I use an inverter generator vs conventional generator?

If you are powering smaller appliances somewhere like a campsite, an inverter generator is probably best.