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This is our review of the best quite portable generator in 2023.
More people than ever are looking for the quietest portable generators as power outages become increasingly common in the United States (more frequently than in any other developed country due to aging networks and a lack of maintenance and upgrades).
You already know about the benefits of portable generators and may own one or two. However, after learning how much noise typical portable generators produce, you may feel compelled to seek a quieter alternative.
We want to help you find the best quiet generators for 2023 in this post. When choosing a generator, you should think about how loud it is.
We recommend Honda EU2200i as the best quiet portable generator.
After a lot of investigation, we've compiled a list of the top 11 portable generators.
So Let's get started.
Our Best Picked Quiet Portable Generator
11 Best Quiet Portable Generator Reviewed
Let our unbiased expert reviews and data-driven buying recommendations help you pick the best quiet portable generator that's ideal for you.
It's common knowledge among those versed in the world of generators that Honda produces one of the quietest, if not the most, silent, portable generators available.
Honda's EU2200i is their most advanced and quietest generator to date.
It has a starting wattage of 1,800W and a running wattage of 2,200W. At 25% load, it has the lowest noise output of any generator at less than 50 dB. (48 dB, to be exact). Its power-to-noise ratio is 38 dB.
Honda's EU2200i 2,200-watt ultra-quiet generator receives a lot of praise, and its rivals have been working hard to equal its performance and noise level. The gasoline tank is smaller than the other candidates, but this helps keep the overall weight down.
"Easy to start and incredibly quiet" is one comment among many praising the Honda inverter generators.
The Honda EU2200i is incredibly quiet, with a maximum noise level of 57 dB at full load, delivering 2,200W.
The cutting-edge inverter technology of the Eco Throttle System is patented. The inverter generator from Honda adjusts power output in response to power demand. The Honda EU2200i is the best of the Honda Super Quiet models of generators.
Specifications for Honda EU2200i
In addition to providing high power with little noise, WEN's Super Quiet generators are certified safe around sensitive electronics. The WEN generator operates at 53 decibels, making it about as quiet as a window air conditioner or a normal conversation.
Although the echo mode is the most silent, the noise level is manageable even at full speed. The inverter 4-stroke 79cc OHV motor is the key to how quiet it is. With the eco-mode, this inverter camping generator will be as quiet as possible and use the least energy potential.
The power output (and, by extension, the decibel output) changes based on how much power is needed. So, if you're camping and want to charge your phone, you can't use the WEN 56200i at full load. The load will be cut by less than 20% so that the noise level will go down significantly.
In addition, these generators can be used without risk for powering sensitive devices like computers, smartphones, and tablets.
More than five hours of runtime are possible on a single tank, thanks to the fuel-saving Eco-Mode throttle. Once activated, the generator may monitor plugged and unplugged devices to optimize fuel use.
To prevent damage to the engine, low-oil, and low-fuel conditions trigger an automated shutoff, and LEDs on the dashboard provide feedback. If you need even more juice, link two WEN generators together via an optional connection kit.
The small but powerful unit needs to have its oil changed every 25 hours, and the gas must be taken out if it's going to be left in place for a long time. In any case, it might be hard to turn off these generators because they automatically close the fuel lines, trapping any fuel that is still moving in the carburetor.
Specifications for WEN 56200i
As its name suggests, the Westinghouse iGen4500 is a portable inverter generator that is extremely quiet. This Westinghouse generator has the lowest noise level in its power class. It's the ideal silent generator for recreational vehicles and mobile homes.
It has an initial output of 4,500W and a continuous output of 3,700W. For a generator as quiet as the Westinghouse iGen4500, that's a lot of power. It only makes 52 dB of noise at 25% load.
That it is an inverter generator that can be taken anywhere is redundant. The Westinghouse iGen4500 is an inverter generator that achieves above-average energy efficiency and low noise levels.
The fuel capacity of a Westinghouse iGen4500 is 3.4 gallons. You can keep it going for up to 18 hours on a single tank of gas. That's much longer than the 12 hours or less provided by most conventional, non-inverter generators.
One of the best highly silent generators for mobile homes and recreational vehicles is the Westinghouse iGen4500. It's cheap, lightweight uses little energy, and doesn't make a peep of noise.
Specifications for Westinghouse iGen4500
Numerous recreational vehicle owners have put the Briggs & Stratton P4500 Power Smart Series inverter generator to the test, and it has been met with universal praise.
It's the perfect generator to run your RV's appliances thanks to its electric start, CO guard, and whisper-quiet operation.
This generator has given me no trouble at all," said one devoted user. It fires up perfectly and reliably runs my RV's air conditioner and microwave.
Another user, who purchased two of these to operate in parallel to power their RV trailer, provided this feedback on their performance and convenience: "It's a breeze; all you need is oil and gas.
Each unit started immediately after being retracted, and they ran silently and efficiently. They operated the air conditioner and everything else I would typically have simultaneously. You couldn't ask for a better setup if you're utilizing them to power an RV."
Specifications for Briggs & Stratton Generator
Modern, silent portable generators are significantly less daunting than older equipment, but their operation isn't always as essential as it could be. However, users who opt for Generac's iGen500i portable inverter generator may be sure that this is different.
Generac iQ3500 3,500-watt portable inverter generators live up to the company's excellent reputation, if not exceed it. This device offers not one but two USB ports, in case you need one. Its state-of-the-art inverter technology and reliable power output are on par with the best inverter generators today.
People have different opinions on whether or not it's "quieter than a Honda" and a "truly silent generator," as the product title on Amazon says. However, the fact that this is even up for debate is a perfect sign since Honda is known for making the quietest generators. The easy-to-use engine speed selector can help you reduce noise and gas use, and the company says it also has more power than its competitor model.
The push-button start and multi-function LCD make starting and operating the generator a breeze. At the same time, the wattage output and remaining run time between refills are invaluable information. There are two regular wall outlets and one RV plug with two USB connections on this generator.
Specifications for Generac 7127 iQ3500
Because it only makes 53 dB of noise when running, the Champion inverter generator is an excellent choice for campsites or homes with close neighbors. That's about as loud as a refrigerator's hum. It also has a starting power of 2,500 watts and a running power of 1,850 watts, which is enough to power a few small devices.
Champion 200951 is another camping generator that weighs only 39 pounds and is whisper-quiet. It costs a bit more and is more prominent and louder than the WEN generator. It does have a bit more power, though, and you can use gasoline or liquid propane.
It has a starting wattage of 2,500W and a running wattage of 1,850W. At 25% load, the Champion 200951 makes 53 dB of noise.
The tank is 1.1 gallons. Remember that this portable, quiet generator can run on gasoline or liquid propane. The Champion 200951 can run up to 11.5 hours if you use the more powerful petrol.
The Champion Power Generator is easy to move around and costs less than other models that aren't as quiet. One happy customer said, "I love this generator!"
"Light, portable, and quiet. I use it to run a motor home. One reviewer said, "Works wonderful," while another said, "Our RV has a built-in generator, but this inverter is so small and light, we're going to take this along as well." The company also provides free technical help forever.
Specifications for Champion 200951
For whole-house use, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better quiet portable generator than this Pulsar G12KBN-SG model that can provide twice the power of some of the other generators in this price range and adequate power output during a power outage and emergencies.
Picking the quietest dual-fuel generator is a challenge. Unlike the categories above, a dual-fuel generator could be for any size or purpose. However, my pick is based on use at home, as that's where you're most likely to have a propane tank. As such, the Pulsar G12KBN-SG is my top pick.
A heavy-duty dual fuel machine with 12,000 peak watts that's transfer-switch and RV ready, this machine can power almost anything you plug into. It allows you to use gasoline or propane to power it up, boasts a large fuel tank, and an electric push start, and even though it's rather large, the handy wheels make transporting it easy.
Regarding generator noise (Its noise level is 74dB), while it's not the quietest model on this list, it's still reasonably quiet for its size and capacity, with the noise level of that of a vacuum cleaner. One happy customer wrote, "Work great as a whole house generator and doesn't struggle to run the A/C. Very happy."
Its gas wattages are 12000 and 9500. The 8-gallon gas tank can provide up to 12 hours of runtime at 50% load, with a 20lb. Propane tank, you can expect around 5 hours at the same load (consumption of 0.94 gallons per hour). As such, this is one of the more fuel-efficient generators in its power category.
You get six outlets on this generator. There are 4 x 120V 20A, and 2 x 120/240V outlets with 30A and 50A fuses.
There's not much wrong to say about this generator. Its biggest downside is the 1-year warranty. This is about the absolute minimum you'll want, meaning you might only run the generator after it expires.
Specifications for Pulsar G12KBN-SG Generator
In the event that you do not wish to invest a large sum of money, the A-iPower portable inverter generator is a great way to bring power wherever you go while maintaining a low profile. Compared to other inexpensive generators, it has decent features despite its low price.
It has two 120V outlets and one 5V USB connector, and it generates power free of noise and contaminants for use in computers, tablets, and other electronic devices. In addition, a low-idle mode helps optimum fuel efficiency, and alerts are provided for both low oil and overload.
Although the A-iPower has a start-up rating of 2,000 watts, its real running power is just 1600 watts. Even though it is insufficient to power your house as a backup source, it is more than adequate to power your electronic gadgets while you are camping.
The weight of fifty pounds isn't all that significant, and the decibel level needs to be higher to interfere with you and your friends chatting around the campfire.
Specifications for A-iPower SUA2000iV
The industry-leading generator manufacturer Generac is the company behind this product. The only thing Craftsman did was put their name on it, which is perfectly OK.
Overall, suppose you are searching for a tiny generator for camping, backup power, or power tool assistance when you are unable to connect to the grid or other light-duty electric devices. In that case, this is the product for you. It is perfect for such uses.
You can use larger generators for a vacation property, but they are cumbersome, noisy, and difficult to move from place to place. When the power goes out during a storm, this is a terrific, quick option for keeping the furnace running, a few lights on, and my refrigerator and freezer running to prevent food from going bad.
It's compact, lightweight, and silent, and it can be used with a wide variety of outlet kinds and configurations. It's also simple to store, and it reliably powers devices by adjusting its throttle speed in response to initial power demands. We supply the funnel and the oil. Cables for charging batteries are provided.
The side housing must be unscrewed so that liquid can be added. Because of the oil filler's peculiar angle, spillage is practically inevitable whenever it's used to refuel the engine. In retrospect, I wish they'd opted to supply synthetic oil rather than regular. Synthetics can function in a wide variety of temperatures. After the first oil change, I plan on switching to synthetic.
Specifications for Craftsman C0010250
This dual-fuel portable power generator from DuroMax has pleased consumers with its quieter-than-average working at least for a propane generator. While it is true that larger propane generators are not recognized for their low noise levels,
In addition to being EPA and CARB-compliant, it has a whopping 13,000 watts of power and an electric start. One purchaser stated that "the noise level is quiet for its size and capability," and another said, "for a 12kw unit, it is pretty good noise-wise." Even though it is not as discrete as the other generators on this list, one purchaser wrote that "the noise level is quiet for its size and capability."
This device complies with CARB standards, generates clean power, and, at 74 decibels, has a noise level comparable to that of a dishwasher. Another buyer has confirmed their interest, "It operates smoothly and maintains a surprisingly low level of noise. I have worked with generators that were one-half the size of this one but produced twice the amount of noise."
Specifications for DuroMax XP13000EH
Using this compact power station by SereneLife, you can power and charge all your sensitive electronics and devices, such as phones, tablets, and laptops, and power and charge your smaller household appliances, such as kettles, toasters, lights, and even CPAP machines. This is a highly convenient feature. In addition to two AC outlets, it also comes equipped with many different outlets, some of which include DC and USB ports.
It is portable enough to bring along with you when you're on the move, and it is equipped with a helpful LED torchlight to help you see in the dark; therefore, it is the ideal compact generator to have in the car along with your camping gear in case of an emergency. The price is surprisingly inexpensive, and it comes with a warranty that lasts for an entire year (in addition, if you decide that you don't like it for any reason within the first thirty days, the company will give you a complete refund without any further fuss).
You won't have to worry about the noise level or deal with the upkeep of the generator's motor because this item operates off of a battery and is almost silent. One consumer referred to it as "silent and tiny," and another agreed that it is "quiet, compact, and ideal for bedroom or travel use." In terms of how quiet it is, one consumer described it as "silent and little."
Specifications for SereneLife
Buying Guide for Quiet Portable Generator
Have you had a hard time selecting a silent generator? These are the most important factors to think about when buying the quietest generators.
Noise (Decibel) Level
The acronym dBA is commonly used when discussing the noise level of a generator, but what exactly does it stand for? Decibels (dBA) are used to quantify loudness. The decibel level of a person's breathing is around 10, making it hardly audible to others nearby.
A generator with an output of 50 to 60 decibels is regarded to be in the quiet range. It is suitable for use in a suburban setting, where conversation levels average nearly 50 dB. It may be discouraging to hear that much, yet certain generators can still function at that level or above.
It's possible that state parks would outright prohibit the use of generators or establish maximum allowable decibel levels for different areas. A lower decibel level is preferable.
Indicators of Environmental Compliance
Certain generators may run afoul of emissions and other environmental laws at the municipal, state, or federal levels. Certain generators, for instance, cannot be exported to California because of the state's stringent emission standards. Generators with additional safety features like spark arrestors may not be standard on all models.
If you doubt whether the product you are receiving is safe and legal, you should contact the manufacturer for clarification. Using a generator without the proper permits could get you in trouble legally, and a faulty one could put your home in danger of catching fire.
Powering things
In order to determine how many watts are necessary, you need first to consider how many appliances or devices will need to be powered by the generator and whether or not you intend to power sensitive electronics with the generator.
The starting wattage is typically three times the operating wattage, so if the device you need to power uses 250 watts while running, the starting wattage will be roughly 750 watts. If you take 250 and double it by 4 (3 times the starting watts and one time the running watts), you get 1,000 watts as the bare minimum for a generator.
Fuel Capacity
Many people worry about fuel capacity because they don't want to be tied to their generators. We want more power and less fuel use because we don't want to have to fill up every few hours.
Most generators don't have a problem with fuel use because they use fuel efficiently. So, you should think about how much fuel you need for your application.
If you plan to run your generator from time to time, a smaller fuel tank won't be a problem. In general, if you want the unit to run all the time, the bigger the reservoir, the less you have to do.
Functionality in Parallel
Most generators can work with other units of the same class at the same time. Some units don't work with each other, and not every unit comes with the cables and other parts needed for a parallel system.
In some situations, it may also be more expensive to use two generators in parallel than to buy one with a higher wattage. Before choosing one, think about how much each option will cost and how convenient it will be.
Size and Weight
Some shoppers will also think about the size and weight of the item. Small inverter generators are usually easy to carry because they are meant to provide power wherever it is needed. They usually have top or side handles and weigh between 40 and 50 pounds, making them easy to pick up with one hand and move around.
Heavy units that weigh up to 100 pounds have wheel kits that make them easier to move. Both designs are small enough to take to a campsite, store in a car, or keep in a garage until you need them.
Extra Features
The portable generators that are the quietest can come with features that make them as easy to use as possible. These things are:
Electric Start: Instead of pulling a cord to start a generator by hand, many new generators have an easy electric start. This can be a push button, a switch, or even an electric start that is turned on with a remote control. There are also automatic transfer switches in this group.
Multiple Outlets: Having more than one outlet is convenient and helps spread the generator's electrical load when it is used to power more than one device. It is best to have a quiet generator with at least two household electrical outlets to spread the electrical load as evenly as possible. There may also be RV outlets and USB outlets on quiet generators.
Line sharing: If you buy a set of generators from the same brand, you can often wire them in parallel, also called load sharing. This means you can use a kit made for a certain brand to connect two generators so that their wattages can be added together to make even more power. Load sharing can also be cheaper to get enough wattage to run big appliances or power everything in an RV at once.FAQ
Do Silent Portable Generators Produce a Lot of Noise?
Indications have been made that silent generators produce noise levels of 50–65 dBA or less. Just so you know, this is much less noisy than an actively operating refrigerator or air conditioner. It stands to reason that the volume level experienced by a receiver decreases as the distance to the source of the noise increases.
In addition, the most common models of 1000-2000w inverter generators are quieter than a normal conversation (50-60 dBA). Importantly, most new devices come with noise data levels included by the manufacturer.
Make sure that a generator is included in your desired unit before making a purchase. In most cases, the range of audible levels encompassed is between full-rated and one-quarter-rated loads.
What is the best generator for camping?
An inverter generator should be the best generator for camping. An inverter generator gives you clean power, is light and quiet, and has regular 110v outlets for charging laptops, cameras, phones, and all your camping gear.
It's common knowledge that no one uses either a microwave or an air conditioner while camping. The use of fans, laptops, heaters, and coffee makers will continue despite this, however.
How Far Should a Generator Be From the House?
The next important question is how far a generator can be from your house and still be safe. This issue has been studied by the National Institute of Standards and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The first results seem to show that even if you put your generator about 15 feet away from your house, this would still be too close to be safe. Also, you should think about your neighbors. You should make sure that your generator is kept a safe distance away from their homes.
Can I use two generators at the same time?
Interestingly, the most popular portable generators on the market today can also work in parallel. It means that two of these generators can be made to work together as a twin unit. In this way, the units can give you twice as much power as they would have before.
What is an inverter's function, and how does it operate?
The fundamental mechanism behind the operation of all modern inverter generators is the same: electromagnetic induction. It was discovered in 1831 by Michael Faraday, who is often called the "father of electricity" for his work on electromagnetic induction. This is exactly how generator works. He noticed that a magnetic field exerts a force on any electrical conductor when it is moved around inside the field. Connecting an ammeter to the conductor would reveal the current movement.
An electric current (AC) or direct current (DC) can power a generator. DC means direct current, and AC is alternating current. Inverters are used to change DC into AC. Very elementary, huh? Okay, maybe it's not quite that easy. There are several types of inverters, each with its method of operation. Some produce square wave signals, while others generate modified sinusoidal waves like alternating currents. Pure sine wave AC power inverters are the ones you should be concerned about. Here is where inverter-powered power plants shine. Inverters improve the signal's quality in addition to modifying it.
Summary
The Honda EU2200i is the quietest, most convenient portable generator.
Plenty of people are impressed by how quiet, and powerful Honda's EU2200i 2,200-watt generator is, so competitors have been trying to catch up. The Honda EU2200i is extraordinarily quiet, operating at a maximum of 57 dB while producing 2,200W.
More electricity is always preferable when it comes to powering a full house. Yet, a portable solution may be more practical as a backup power source in a recreational vehicle or during an unexpected power outage.