The 10 Best Portable Generators of 2024 to Power Your Home and Devices in a Blackout

Best Overall

Generac GP8000E Cosense 50ST Portable Generator 7676

You can power your entire house with this generator, which runs for longer than almost any other option on our list.

You can power your entire house with this generator, which runs for longer than almost any other option on our list.

This generator is loud.

This generator is loud.

In an internal survey we conducted of our favorite portable generators, only one brand came up multiple times: Generac. This model in particular was a favorite because of the ease of setup and transport (courtesy of the heavy-duty wheels and fold-down handle), as well as wattage.

It has a starting wattage of 10,000 and a running wattage of 8,000, which is enough to power your entire house. Plus, the covered outlets and 1.25-in steel-tube cradle help keep the generator protected in all kinds of environments.

Thanks to the hour meter, you’ll get regular maintenance alerts so that you can keep the generator in top shape for years to come. Also helpful is the low-oil level shutdown feature, which is exactly what it sounds like: Once the oil reaches a certain level and needs refilling, the generator will turn itself off to protect the engine from any damage.

"Exercising” the generator (powering it on occasionally) is recommended for maintenance, but our respondent had never done so and hasn't noticed a difference in performance. With an electric start (and an included 120 volt battery with a plug-in battery jack), the generator is ready to go instantly—no manual cranking required.

The 7.9-gallon steel fuel tank can run the 4-stroke OHV engine for up to 11 hours at 50% load. This is longer than almost any other portable generator on our list. Though no specific decibel is listed to indicate the noise level to expect, our respondent indicated that it’s definitely louder than they’d prefer.

Key Terms to Know

Watts: The unit of measurement for how much energy is used; starting watts are watts needed to turn on an appliance and the max amount of watts a generator can produce, while running watts are watts are needed to continuously run an appliance and the max amount of watts a generator can consistency produce.

Best Budget

Champion Power Equipment 3500-Watt Portable Generator 100555

Despite being a budget model, this generator can go for up to 12 hours—the longest run time on this list—and power your essentials in an emergency.

Despite being a budget model, this generator can go for up to 12 hours—the longest run time on this list—and power your essentials in an emergency.

It’s heavy for a portable generator that doesn’t have wheels, which have to be purchased separately.

It’s heavy for a portable generator that doesn’t have wheels, which have to be purchased separately.

Generators can often cost a pretty penny, but not the Champion Power Equipment 3500-Watt Portable Generator. In fact, our survey respondent has been pleasantly surprised by the reliability: for the price, they expected to deal with some problems, but they haven’t experienced any.

In addition to stellar performance, setup is a breeze. The respondent reports simply having to attach the fuel line and pull the recoil starter. The 208cc single-cylinder OHV Champion engine can run for up to 12 hours at 50% load on a single 4.8-gallon tank of gas.

It gives off 4,375 starting watts and 3,5000 running watts. This is enough energy to handle your essentials during a power outage, but you can also use it for your RV (powering a 15,000 BTU RV air conditioner).

There are four outlets—covered to keep them safe: a 120V 30A (TT-30R) RV outlet, a 120V 30A locking outlet (L5-30R), and two 120V 20A household outlets (5-20R). Worried about overloads? Don’t be. The generator has a built-in surge protector and push-to-reset circuit breakers.

It also has a 0.6-quart oil capacity and a low oil shutoff sensor to boot, so you don’t overwork your generator. Bonus: An oil funnel is included to make adding more simple and mess-free.

The generator has a monitor Champion calls Intelligauge that allows you to see voltage, frequency, and operating hours at a glance. It’s both EPA certified and CARB compliant, meaning it’s approved by the Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board.

The noise level is comparable to a vacuum at 68 decibels from 23 feet. It weighs 103.4 pounds, which is heavy for a portable generator that doesn’t have wheels. The respondent did end up purchasing a wheel kit however, obviously for an extra cost. Not only is there a 3-year limited warranty, but you also get free lifetime technical support.

Best Quiet

Honda Portable Inverter Generator

This Bluetooth-connected generator is fuel-efficient, lightweight, and significantly quieter than most models.

This Bluetooth-connected generator is fuel-efficient, lightweight, and significantly quieter than most models.

There aren’t any wheels to make transportation easier.

There aren’t any wheels to make transportation easier.

Even the most compact portable generators can be distractingly loud, but not the Honda. It’s often considered the quietest on the market—and is definitely the quietest on our list, thanks to it being an inverter generator that operates at 48-57 decibels.

Because it’s an inverter generator, it also uses less gasoline, in this case running up to 8.1 hours on 0.95 gallons. Plus, it can vary the speed of the 121 cc engine depending on the load size.

With a 2,200-watt engine (that was originally developed for heavy-duty construction equipment) and a 120-volt outlet, this generator is ideal for powering everything from appliances to entertainment systems.

With Honda’s MyGenerator app, you can operate and monitor your generator from afar, as well as get service reminders. Plus, because of the CO-Minder, the generator will automatically shut down if there’s an unsafe level of carbon monoxide.

At 44 pounds, those with mobility issues may struggle to transport the generator, but in general, it should be very doable, especially with the handle. (Though the lack of wheels may make it trickier.)

Best Lightweight

Wen 56235i Portable Inverter Generator

This generator is quiet and lightweight enough to carry with one hand.

This generator is quiet and lightweight enough to carry with one hand.

It doesn’t have the power to run very many appliances or electronics at once.

It doesn’t have the power to run very many appliances or electronics at once.

For smaller houses or apartments, or for use when camping, this lightweight Wen 56235i is a top choice for many reasons. Not only is it light enough to carry with one hand, but it offers up to seven hours of runtime on half a load and emits only 51 decibels of noise when used at a quarter load.

If your shed or refueling station is a little further away from the house, and you’d rather not top up the generator right next to your home, this 39-pound portable generator is easy to carry to and fro without any backache.

It has an innovative fuel shutoff system that uses up the fuel remaining in the carburetor, which extends the engine’s life. It also comes with a two-year warranty. It offers five outlets (120V and 12V DC receptacles and two 5V USB ports).

The device is safe enough to run all your sensitive electronics, such as laptops, as well as securely charge your phones and tablets, too. It runs for 10.5 hours on a quarter load, and it even has an eco-mode that automatically adjusts the fuel consumption, depending on what you’ve got plugged into it.

Most Powerful

DuroMax Tri-Fuel Remote Start Portable Generator

With up to 10,500 running watts, you can comfortably power a whole house’s appliances and devices in a blackout.

With up to 10,500 running watts, you can comfortably power a whole house’s appliances and devices in a blackout.

It’s a large investment and not weatherproof.

It’s a large investment and not weatherproof.

As the most powerful option on our list, the Duromax Tri-Fuel is an impressive machine capable of powering everything that the average house needs to operate in a power shortage. Your lights, refrigerator, fans, air conditioning units, household appliances, and TVs can continue to work, even if the whole neighborhood has gone dark.

The Duromax provides convenience in a number of ways. To start with, it’s a tri-fuel generator, meaning it can run on gasoline, propane, and natural gas, giving you many powering options. While running it on gasoline provides the most power, it still gives you a massive 9,500 running watts on propane, and a bit less for natural gas.

The natural gas hose and propane regulator is included in the kit. The interface is on the front with all the functions, including a push-button start, the outlets, a low oil sensor, and the LED display, which shows the gas and load gauges, voltage, and frequency.

In addition, there’s an alert which will automatically shut the machine down when it detects a high level of carbon monoxide. It’s a heavy machine, but the included handle and wheel kit make it easier to push from place to place.

Though it’s supposed to be run outdoors, it’s best to keep it in a somewhat sheltered area such as a covered patio to protect it from the elements, especially heavy rainfall.

Product Details: Wattage: Gasoline: 13,000 watts (starting) 10,500 watts (running), Propane: 12,000 watts (starting), 9,500 watts (running), Natural gas: 10,000 watts (starting), 8,500 watts (running) | Fuel: Gasoline, propane, and natural gas | Engine: Tri-fuel, 500cc, 20 HP, 4-stroke OHV engine | Size: 29 x 30 x 26 inches | Weight: 236 pounds | Runtime: 8.5 hours on gasoline, 6.5 hours on propane at 50% load | Noise: 74 decibels

Best Dual-Fuel

Westinghouse Dual Fuel Portable Generator

Whether you run it on gasoline or propane, you have enough wattage to power your home. The remote start key is a unique bonus.

Whether you run it on gasoline or propane, you have enough wattage to power your home. The remote start key is a unique bonus.

Even with wheels, the 210 pound generator feels heavy to move around.

Even with wheels, the 210 pound generator feels heavy to move around.

Dual-fuel generators are able to run on two different fuel sources, which is a huge advantage in emergencies in particular when one source may be low in supply. You can choose to run the Westinghouse 12500 Watt Duel-Fuel Generator on gasoline or propane for up to 12 hours on one 6.6 gallon tank.

Each has different wattages: gasoline produces 9,500 running watts and 12,500 peak watts, while propane produces 8,500 running watts and 11,200 peak watts. Regardless of which you use, you have enough power for your house in case of an outage. On the side of the generator there’s a switch to change to fuel sources.

If you like the push-button electric start, you’ll love the remote start key fob that lets you turn on the generator from a distance. It’s powered by a 457cc Westinghouse 4-stroke OHV engine complete with a durable cast iron sleeve, built-in fuel gauge, and automatic low oil shutdown.

There are four outlets on the generator: two GFCI, one 14-50R, and one L14-30R. They all have rubber covers on them to keep them protected in any environment. With the wheels, handle, and lift bracket, transporting the 210 pound generator is easier than it would be otherwise (though the heaviness is still tricky).

Use the digital display to get real-time updates about voltage output, frequency, lifetime hours whenever you want. You can feel confident in your purchase with the 3-year limited warranty.

Best Solar Powered

Jackery Solar Generator

It’s extremely quiet and lightweight, and it’s the only generator you can run indoors, thanks to the lack of toxic fumes.

It’s extremely quiet and lightweight, and it’s the only generator you can run indoors, thanks to the lack of toxic fumes.

You won’t be able to power too many things at once, and it’s not capable of running a whole house.

You won’t be able to power too many things at once, and it’s not capable of running a whole house.

With no gas or fumes, the Jackery SG880 is an eco-friendly solar-powered generator that is super quiet, extremely lightweight, and easy to use. Fully charging this unit takes only 6.5 hours, and it has enough outlets to run up to eight appliances at once with 1,000 watts of continuous power.

The unit comes with two solar panels for charging, but you can also charge it via a wall or a car outlet, though these options take around 13 hours. There’s a handy LED flashlight, which is convenient for camping and outdoor activities, and, in addition to its two USB outlets (one with a quick charge), it even has a USB-C outlet.

Its lithium-ion battery can be used for around 500 cycles, and even then, it will still offer 80% of its original power. If, however, you notice the power dwindling before the 500 hours, the company will repair it for you free of charge.

Jackery doesn’t offer one particular run time as this is dependent on the appliances you want to operate. As an example, it can run a 1,000-watt microwave for 42 minutes, a 300-watt blender for 2.3 hours, a 60-watt mini fridge for up to 60 hours, and a CPAP machine (usually rated between 30-60 watts) for up to 70 hours.

To calculate how many hours you can get for a particular device, use the following formula: 880 x 0.8 / running watts of device you wish to power.

Best with Bluetooth

Ryobi Digital Inverter Generator

You can monitor and operate it remotely via its Bluetooth function.

You can monitor and operate it remotely via its Bluetooth function.

It’s not the most powerful portable generator on the market.

It’s not the most powerful portable generator on the market.

We didn’t realize how handy Bluetooth technology could be in a portable generator until we came across the Ryobi Digital Inverter. Ideal for camping, tailgating, outdoor parties, as well as providing power in an emergency, this Ryobi generator allows you to monitor the unit via your mobile phone or tablet.

When you download the GENControl app on any iOS or Android phone and pair the Bluetooth with the generator, you’ll be able to switch the generator on and off via your smart device. In addition, you can check the power, fuel consumption, fuel level, and how much run time is left, all via the handy app.

The inverter technology offers clean electricity that is a lot quieter than that of a standard generator, and it can power your most sensitive electronics without issue. It’s a powerful generator for its small size, but if you need more strength to operate larger appliances, add another one in a parallel capacity for double the power.

Though it only weighs around 50 pounds, it comes with an extending handle and rear wheels so that you can transport it with total ease. This portable generator is also backed by the manufacturer’s three-year warranty.

Best for Camping

Jackery Solar Portable Generator

This basketball-sized generator is only 13.32 pounds and can be charged via solar panel.

This basketball-sized generator is only 13.32 pounds and can be charged via solar panel.

Solar panels are sold separately.

Solar panels are sold separately.

Outdoor adventures are made so much easier with portable generators. The Jackery Explorer 500 is the size of a basketball and weighs a breezy 13.32 pounds so you can easily take it with you wherever you go (the handle helps, too).

The generator has a 518-watt capacity, 500-watt inverter, and 1,000-watt surge. The runtime depends greatly on the device you’re trying to operate, which you can calculate with the following formula: 500Wh* 0.85 / operating power of the device. TVs, CPAP machines, air pumps, fans, and more are all fair game.

The sound clocks in at 37.9 decibels, and the generator has a lithium-ion battery pack, fully charged after 7.5 hours via a wall outlet or carport. (It’s also compatible with Jackery’s portable solar panels which are sold separately.)

What’s especially impressive about the battery pack is the battery management system, designed to prevent overcharging and short-circuiting. It can also handle extreme temperatures, between 14 and 104° Fahrenheit. Even more impressive is the pack’s longevity: after 800 whole charges, it should still have 80% capacity.

On the generator, which is backed by a 2-year warranty and 1-year extended warranty, you’ll find an LED flashlight, DC input, DC output, carport, USB output, AC output, and LCD screen. In addition to the generator itself, you also get an AC adapter, car charger cable, and user manual.

Best Small

BioLite BaseCharge Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Power Station

This cleverly designed generator includes two smart features: a resettable energy odometer and easy read dashboard.

This cleverly designed generator includes two smart features: a resettable energy odometer and easy read dashboard.

The smart features drive up the price considerably.

The smart features drive up the price considerably.

The smart features solidify the BaseCharge on this list: the resettable energy odometer helps you monitor your power use, going so far as to automatically calculate the estimated runtime of whatever you’re trying to use, while the easy-read dashboard provides updates and troubleshooting prompts.

Let’s talk specs: it has a wattage of 1,000, an output of 1,521 watts, and a voltage of 110. It weighs 26.5 pounds, has a 4-stroke engine, and is 14.4 x 12.2 x 8.2 inches in diameter. When determining what the BaseCharge can support, whether it be a laptop, power tool, or appliance, wattage matters.

Regardless of how long you want to use it, the device needs to be under 1,200 watts. You can use the following formula to figure out how many hours until your battery runs out: 1,521Wh / operating power of the device. Outside of the battery’s ability to hold a charge, it can be used for over 10 years before experiencing any efficiency loss.

More specifically, it can experience 1,000 charge cycles before reaching 80% capacity. Each charge can be stored for up to 36 months, but it’s recommended that you recharge every six months to prolong the life of your generator.

You can use the 120-watt AC adapter to charge the generator or pair it with the SolarPanel 100 (not included). To charge the generator up to 80%, it takes 13.5 hours with the AC adapter and 16 hours with a single solar panel.

There are all kinds of ports, including three AC, two 12V barrels, two USB-A, two USB-C, one 12V for the car, one USB-C PD, and one HPP wall/solar input. You can also charge wirelessly on the top deck.

The BaseCharge operates best in temperatures between 30 and 100° Fahrenheit. It isn’t waterproof, which means that when used outdoors, it needs to be sheltered from the elements. The side handles on the BaseCharge double as ventilation and each generator comes with a 2-year warranty.