Preparation is the key to home ownership, right? We’re always preparing for everything that is to come in our lives, whether it be a power outage or a large family gathering at the lake. Having the best portable generator can be the difference between being caught in the dark or having all the luxuries and comforts you’re used to.
There are many different reasons to have a portable generator, and some of them have nothing to do with an emergency situation. Many people use portable generators for power at campsites, RV parks, and more.
We’ve reviewed dozens of portable generators to find one that comes packed with all the features you need. Some of these include multiple power options, enough power for your devices, portability, and transportation, and much more. During our research, we kept all these factors in mind, and as a result, we ended up with the following five options for the best portable generators on the market. All of these choices are available for purchase online from Amazon.
We chose the Champion 3800-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator as our top pick for a few reasons. First, you have your choice of propane or gas depending on what is available to you and how long you need to run the generator. This one also offers the most amount of power for a price that won’t break the bank. We’ll get into some of the more in-depth features in the full review below.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Portable Generators
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Portable Generator Overall | Champion 3800-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator | 4.4 |
| Best Super Quiet Portable Generator | WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Generator | 4.5 |
| Best Budget Portable Generator | Jackery Portable Power Station | 4.8 |
| Best Remote Electric Start Portable Generator | Westinghouse WGen 7500 Portable Generator | 4.5 |
| Best 10,000 Watt Portable Generator | All Power America 10,000 Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator | 4.4 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Portable Generator Overall: Champion 3800-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Our best overall option offers a dual fuel setup that runs on both gas and propane straight from the box. It has a four-stroke engine and 4750 watts at startup. With a full tank, you can get nine hours with this one and more than ten hours using propane. Inside there is a 224cc Champion engine with push-button electric start.
The Champion 3800-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator offers a three year limited warranty paired with free lifetime support. If you have any questions or concerns with the product you can call them up and they’ll help you through it. They also include an owners manual with the purchase for troubleshooting.
This portable generator works well for a variety of situations that life may throw at you. If you’re stuck in your home without power, this one will get the job done. It’s also a great choice if you’re working outside, and you need a way to power your tools at the job site. It has a noise level of 68 dBA from 23 feet, so it’s not terribly loud either.
Champion 3800-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator Key Features:
- Runs up to nine hours on a full tank of gas
- 3800 running watts
- Comes with a low oil shut off
Best Super Quiet Portable Generator: WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Generator
Noise is a concern for a lot of homeowners and RVers who take their portable generators on the road with them. If that’s something on your list then the WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Generator might be the right option for you. This portable generator only puts out 53 decibels at a quarter load which is considered the same amount of volume as a normal conversation. This is important when you’re in close quarters in the neighborhood or backed up against someone else at an RV park.
In addition to being quiet, it also boasts 2000 watts and 1600 while running. It comes with two three-prong 120V receptacles, a 12V DC, and a 5V USB. The portable generator is EPA III and CARB Compliant, so you know it only pumps out clean energy, and it comes with a four-stroke engine as well.
This generator is a great option for someone who isn’t seeking a ton of power but will need a way to power devices like televisions, phones, and computers.
WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Generator Key Features:
- Quiet operation
- 2000 watts and 1600 running
- Great choice for tailgating, RVing, and backyard barbecues
Best Budget Portable Generator: Jackery Portable Power Station
While budget is an important factor on everyone’s list, it shouldn’t be the end all be all. This portable generator shows you that you can get enough bang for your buck. The Jackery Portable Power Station is a number one best seller for a few reasons. First, it’s incredibly lightweight and it’s a great green power solution for people who are looking for power on the go.
It comes with a lithium-ion battery pack and does not require any fuel or gas, so there are no fumes. The main function of this power station is to act as a charging source for laptops, phones, and other electronics. It’s a great option for digital nomads and travelers who never know where life will take them.
The portable generator offers 240 watts with one AC outlet, 2 USB-A, and a DC car port. Best of all, you can pair it with their recommended solar panels and get up to seven hours of charging on your devices.
Jackery Portable Power Station Key Features:
- Only weighs 6.6 pounds
- 240 watts
- Can charge a mini fridge for 18 hours, a TV for 3 hours, and a phone 24 times
Best Remote Electric Start Portable Generator: Westinghouse WGen 7500 Portable Generator
Sometimes you need a little more power and the tiny portable generators won’t get you what you desire. The Westinghouse WGen 7500 Portable Generator offers the best of both worlds. This generator comes with wheels and handles so you can roll it around but it also boasts 7500 running watts and 9500 peak watts. You can start it up remotely as well using a key fob so you don’t have to go outside the house or RV to get it running.
You’ll get up to 16 hours of run time on 6.6 gallons of fuel, and the tank features a gauge, so you don’t have to guess when it’s getting low. The portable generator is backed by a three-year limited warranty that covers service, labor, parts, and more.
This portable generator is also transfer switch compatible, so in the event of a blackout, you can tie the Westinghouse generator to your home, allowing you to power your essential appliances during that time.
Westinghouse WGen 7500 Portable Generator Key Features:
- 7500 running watts
- Key fob for remote start
- Transfer switch ready
Best 10,000 Watt Portable Generator: All Power America 10,000 Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator
The All Power America 10,000 Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator speaks for itself. This generator is the epitome of American muscle paired with some great features that make it portable and the ultimate choice for roadtrips, RVing, and more. If you need a lot of power and you want to make sure there is no shortage to go around, this is the portable generator you’ll want to have.
Here you get 10,000-watt peak power with 8000 watts rated running power and a 15 horsepower air-cooled engine. It runs on 420cc for 11 hours at half load. Here are some of the hookups you’ll find on this portable generator. Four AC duplex 120V, one 120V twist lock, one 120/240V, and one 12V DC.
You have dual fuel capabilities on this generator as well, so you can use either gasoline or propane. They’ve also added a special corrosion-resistant coating to the exterior to help it stand the test of time. There are many ways to put this generator to use. You can use the transfer switch to keep your home up and running during a power outage, take it to the job site to power your tools, or keep it outside your RV to power all your devices.
All Power America 10,000 Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator Key Features:
- 10,000 watts
- Dual fuel propane or gasoline
- Runs for 11 hours at half load
As we’ve said, you can never be too prepared for emergencies around your house. Having a top-rated first aid kit on hand will help to ensure your family is prepared.
Whether you’re using your portable generator for work, play, or emergencies, you’ll want to make sure you have the right amount of power for your needs. Keep in mind all the things you plan using with the generator and factor that into your decision. Once you have that figured out, consider checking out some of the options above because they are the highest recommended options currently available online!
