The 8 Best Portable Generators of 2022
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What We Don't Like No built-in USB port Not quite as powerful as some competitors Louder than advertised Briggs & Stratton P2200 Portable Generator Review: A Lightweight and Easy-to-manage Portable Generator Powerful and versatile, this 55-pound Briggs & Stratton generator is a clear winner for portability. The H-shaped handle makes it easy to be picked up by one or two people. Powered by a 111cc motor, the 2,200 starting watts and 1,700 running watts of power are good for up to eight hours of operation on the 1-gallon tank of gas at a 25% load. Capable of running most 120V household appliances, the Briggs & Stratton includes inverter technology to help power portable electronics like smartphones and laptops. The control panel itself includes three total outlets (one DC and two household), plus a USB adapter. Additionally, you can plug it into a second unit to create an even stronger power source. At 59 dB of operating power, it’s fairly quiet—several users have compared it to the sound of a running car engine. The one downside? It can't be shipped to California because it doesn't meet certain emission laws. Outlets: 120V (2), 12V (1) Size/Weight: 22.4x14.4x19.9 in. / 55 Lbs. Fuel Capacity: 1 Gal. Starting Watts: 2200W Running Watts: 1700W Tested by Lifewire The Briggs and Stratton P2200 has attracted positive attention from reviewers and buyers alike, so I put it to the test under 18 hours of break-in and testing to see if it justified the hype. In terms of performance, Briggs and Stratton actually undersold the P2200. I ran it right near its peak, just above 1600 watts, for more than two hours under our most strenuous testing cycle, and found it performed admirably. At 450 to 800 watts of continuous load, I managed to get six hours of run time on a single tank of gas. The round 12-volt cigarette lighter-style port is versatile and can handle any device you would normally plug into a dashboard. The USB adapter is also a nice touch. The P2200 does have a downside, though; it's quite loud. Still, it's a reliable and accessible portable generator that performs well at a reasonable price. - Nick Jaynes, Product Tester Lifewire / Nick Jaynes
What We Don't Like Louder than advertised, at 61 decibels at idle Relatively expensive
Westinghouse iGen2500 Generator Review: A Lightweight, Efficient Portable Generator Quietly efficient, the Westinghouse iGen2500 is rated at 52 dB. Fortunately, softer doesn’t mean less powerful. With 2,200 watts of output and peak watts at 2,500, the Westinghouse is more than capable of powering your essentials—whether you need it camping, hunting, or after a storm. Perfect for sensitive electronics like a smartphone, as well as microwaves, televisions, and refrigerators, the generator is only somewhat limited when it comes to certain heavy-duty power tools. Five DC USB ports and two 120V AC ports offer more than enough space for a multitude of devices at once. Weighing 48 pounds, it's lightweight, but it doesn't have wheels for easy transporting. It can handle up to ten hours of power at a 25% load. When pushed to a 50% load, battery life diminishes slightly but it remains equally quiet. Nationwide customer service and a three-year warranty are among the best in the industry. Outlets: 120V (2), USB (2) Size/Weight: 19.8x11.4x17.9 in. / 48 Lbs. Fuel Capacity: 1 Gal. Starting Watts: 2500W Running Watts: 2200W Tested by Lifewire With an easy-start design, smart LED data center, and lightweight construction, the Westinghouse iGen2500 seems to be the ideal mid-range portable generator. At 48 pounds, it's easy to lift. All of the components seem well-designed. The generator performed as advertised—if not slightly better—during 18 hours of testing. It ran about 10.2 hours at about 25% load on a single gallon of gas, and I saw just over two hours at a near-full 2200 Watt load. The LED data center helps distinguish the Westinghouse iGen2500 from its competitors and eliminates the guesswork when running it. While it's slightly more expensive than the competition, the Westinghouse iGen2500 is a powerful, lightweight, and easy-to-use portable generator with a quick setup process and guess-free operation. — Nick Jaynes, Product Tester Lifewire / Nick Jaynes
FAQ How many watts does your portable generator need to be? Wattage refers to the total power your generator will be able to produce at once. To determine how many watts you’ll need, factor in the devices you’re looking to power. A wattage chart with a list of common household appliances and electronics can help you add up all your power needs. You don’t necessarily need a generator that can produce power for everything all at once, either. Consider when and how you will be using your generator. It’s important to note that older appliances typically need more power than what’s listed since they become less efficient over time. If a device doesn’t list watts, use the formula watts=volts x amps. You can also purchase a load tester that will help you determine the exact watts needed for individual devices if you are unsure. What is the difference between starting and running watts? Running watts refer to the amount of power a device needs to function. Devices like light bulbs and coffee makers, for example, use the same amount of power to start up and continue to run—so you only have to worry about running watts in their cases. Some devices, called reactive loads, have electric motors that require additional power to start up and then less to simply stay running. Refrigerators, air conditioners, and power tools are examples of reactive loads. If you want to power reactive loads, you’ll need to factor in starting watts to how much total power you need from your generator. The amount of starting watts a generator has is the maximum watts it can produce. Is it safe to use a portable generator with all of your electronics? Be sure to research your generator because certain models aren’t safe to use with sensitive electronics, like laptops and TVs. The power supply can be inconsistent and surges can cause permanent damage. Generators with inverter technology convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) voltage and then invert it back to clean AC voltage. The “inversion” leads to a constant flow to your devices. Inverter generators are often more expensive, but they are safest to use with sensitive devices.
We Researched the Best Portable Generators—These Are Our Top Picks
Don't be left out in the dark without one
By David Beren David Beren Writer Nova Southeastern University David Beren is a former tech and commerce writer for Lifewire with 10+ years' experience. He has written and managed content for companies like T-Mobile, Sprint, and TracFone Wireless and contributor for sites like WebGeekStuff and MakeTechEasier. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on March 9, 2022 Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Tweet Share Email Smart Home Audio Camera & Video Car Audio & Accessories Computer & Laptops Computer Components Gaming Gifts Networking Phones & Accessories Smart Home Software Tablets Toys & Games TVs Wearables Portable generators supply electricity when there's a power outage. These devices can have appliances plugged into them or extension cords to power the items you need running the most. For most people, our experts say you should just buy the gas powered DuroStar DS4000S. When researching portable generators, a rule of thumb is that the more watts it produces, the more appliances that can plug into it at a time. Smaller devices like a phone charger only needs 25 watts, but a computer and monitor need 800 watts, and a coffee maker 1,000 watts. The Rundown Best Overall: DuroStar DS4000S at Amazon Jump to Review Best Design: Briggs & Stratton P2200 Portable Generator at Amazon Jump to Review Best Features: Champion 5000-Watt Portable Generator at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Quietness: Westinghouse iGen2500 at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Long Run Times: Westinghouse WGen7500 at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Whole-Home Emergency Backup: Generac 5735 at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: Honda EU2200i at Amazon Jump to Review Best Value: WEN 56200i Portable Generator at Amazon Jump to Review in this article Expand Our Picks About Our Trusted Experts What to Look For in a Portable GeneratorBest Overall: DuroStar DS4000S
Courtesy of Amazon.com View On Amazon View On Walmart View On EBay What We Like High-quality product at an affordable price 4,000-watt capacity Reliable brand What We Don't Like Heavy Maintenance requires regular oil changes The DuroStar DS4000S is a fantastic choice for a general-purpose generator, whether it’s for camping, emergency preparedness, or for working outdoors. It’s one of the most affordable products reviewed here, but the DuroStar brand is known for its reliability and quality, making the DS4000S one of the best value products on the market. With 4,000 starting watts and 3,300 running watts, the DuroStar has the power to run multiple electronics at one and has multiple outlets—two for 120V household appliances and one for 120V 30A twist lock outlets. This gas-powered generator is approved for use in all states and has a run time of approximately eight hours on a full tank of gas. Being gas-powered, it does require regular maintenance, which includes oil changes. It’s also heavier at 94 pounds, so consider purchasing the optional wheel kit for maneuverability. As long as you’re willing to look after it, it’s a top choice that will last for years to come. Outlets: 120V (2), 240V (1) Size/Weight: 24x17x17 in. / 94 Lbs. Fuel Capacity: 3.96 Gal. Starting Watts: 4000W Running Watts: 3300WBest Design: Briggs & Stratton P2200 Portable Generator
4.8 Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart What We Like Smart, clean design Built-in cigarette lighter outlet for versatile accessory connections Relatively quiet Easy to carry with H-style handle On/off switch also activates fuel shutoffWhat We Don't Like No built-in USB port Not quite as powerful as some competitors Louder than advertised Briggs & Stratton P2200 Portable Generator Review: A Lightweight and Easy-to-manage Portable Generator Powerful and versatile, this 55-pound Briggs & Stratton generator is a clear winner for portability. The H-shaped handle makes it easy to be picked up by one or two people. Powered by a 111cc motor, the 2,200 starting watts and 1,700 running watts of power are good for up to eight hours of operation on the 1-gallon tank of gas at a 25% load. Capable of running most 120V household appliances, the Briggs & Stratton includes inverter technology to help power portable electronics like smartphones and laptops. The control panel itself includes three total outlets (one DC and two household), plus a USB adapter. Additionally, you can plug it into a second unit to create an even stronger power source. At 59 dB of operating power, it’s fairly quiet—several users have compared it to the sound of a running car engine. The one downside? It can't be shipped to California because it doesn't meet certain emission laws. Outlets: 120V (2), 12V (1) Size/Weight: 22.4x14.4x19.9 in. / 55 Lbs. Fuel Capacity: 1 Gal. Starting Watts: 2200W Running Watts: 1700W Tested by Lifewire The Briggs and Stratton P2200 has attracted positive attention from reviewers and buyers alike, so I put it to the test under 18 hours of break-in and testing to see if it justified the hype. In terms of performance, Briggs and Stratton actually undersold the P2200. I ran it right near its peak, just above 1600 watts, for more than two hours under our most strenuous testing cycle, and found it performed admirably. At 450 to 800 watts of continuous load, I managed to get six hours of run time on a single tank of gas. The round 12-volt cigarette lighter-style port is versatile and can handle any device you would normally plug into a dashboard. The USB adapter is also a nice touch. The P2200 does have a downside, though; it's quite loud. Still, it's a reliable and accessible portable generator that performs well at a reasonable price. - Nick Jaynes, Product Tester Lifewire / Nick Jaynes
Best Features: Champion 5000-Watt Portable Generator
3.7 Courtesy of Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart What We Like Wireless remote operation Motorhome direct hookup outlet Easy-to-read ‘Intelli-gauge’ Free lifetime technical support What We Don't Like Louder than the competition Lots of assembly required Bulky and heavy Our review of the 3500 model The Champion Power Equipment 5000 is ideal for the outdoorsman or for use when a storm strikes and lights go out. Featuring 6250 starting watts and 5,000 running watts, the 3.8-gallon generator includes a wireless remote start that works from up to 80 feet away, in addition to a backup pull-start lever. It can run up to 9 hours at 50% output. There's an RV receptacle for a direct connection to a motorhome AC and two additional 120V outlets, including a 120-volt duplex outlet and a 120-volt twist-lock Its output is just 68 dB, but some customers note this is a bit louder than some of the competition. Features like the low-oil sensor and Intelli-gauge for quickly glancing at voltage, hertz, and operating hours make this an all-around top choice. Online reviewers rave about the customer service and the free lifetime technical support you'll receive in addition to the three-year limited warranty. Outlets: 120V (4), 240V (1) Size/Weight: 30.1x25.7x25.2 in. / 152.1 Lbs. Fuel Capacity: 5.7 Gal. Starting Watts: 6250W Running Watts: 5000W Tested by Lifewire The Champion Power Equipment 4653 is large and very utilitarian. The switch gear looks cheap and the battery and wiring are exposed. A plastic body would make it look nicer and provide some peace of mind about the generator's durability. That said, it was reliably powerful during testing. It ran for a remarkable 12 hours at 50% power output on a full tank of gas, and it powered my equipment without issue. A standout feature is a remote controller, which lets you start or stop the generator from up to 80 feet away. This is good because it's louder than more compact power generators, although it's still quieter than a lawnmower. Ultimately, the Champion Power Equipment 4653 is worth buying despite its gargantuan size and weight. For around $599, it’s comparable to—if not significantly cheaper than—other generators in its class. — Nick Jaynes, Product Tester Lifewire / Nick JaynesBest for Quietness: Westinghouse iGen2500 Generator
4.8 Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Home Depot What We Like Relatively lightweight at 48 pounds Efficient with 10 hours of runtime at 25% power output Impressively powerful with 2500 watts of peak surge power Guess-free LED data center that shows estimated runtime and power output levels Easy setup, one-pull firingWhat We Don't Like Louder than advertised, at 61 decibels at idle Relatively expensive
Westinghouse iGen2500 Generator Review: A Lightweight, Efficient Portable Generator Quietly efficient, the Westinghouse iGen2500 is rated at 52 dB. Fortunately, softer doesn’t mean less powerful. With 2,200 watts of output and peak watts at 2,500, the Westinghouse is more than capable of powering your essentials—whether you need it camping, hunting, or after a storm. Perfect for sensitive electronics like a smartphone, as well as microwaves, televisions, and refrigerators, the generator is only somewhat limited when it comes to certain heavy-duty power tools. Five DC USB ports and two 120V AC ports offer more than enough space for a multitude of devices at once. Weighing 48 pounds, it's lightweight, but it doesn't have wheels for easy transporting. It can handle up to ten hours of power at a 25% load. When pushed to a 50% load, battery life diminishes slightly but it remains equally quiet. Nationwide customer service and a three-year warranty are among the best in the industry. Outlets: 120V (2), USB (2) Size/Weight: 19.8x11.4x17.9 in. / 48 Lbs. Fuel Capacity: 1 Gal. Starting Watts: 2500W Running Watts: 2200W Tested by Lifewire With an easy-start design, smart LED data center, and lightweight construction, the Westinghouse iGen2500 seems to be the ideal mid-range portable generator. At 48 pounds, it's easy to lift. All of the components seem well-designed. The generator performed as advertised—if not slightly better—during 18 hours of testing. It ran about 10.2 hours at about 25% load on a single gallon of gas, and I saw just over two hours at a near-full 2200 Watt load. The LED data center helps distinguish the Westinghouse iGen2500 from its competitors and eliminates the guesswork when running it. While it's slightly more expensive than the competition, the Westinghouse iGen2500 is a powerful, lightweight, and easy-to-use portable generator with a quick setup process and guess-free operation. — Nick Jaynes, Product Tester Lifewire / Nick Jaynes
Best for Long Run Times: Westinghouse WGen7500
View On Amazon View On EBay View On Home Depot What We Like Remote start Easy setup Can run up to 16 hours What We Don't Like Heavy With an electric push-button start and a remote start feature, the 7500-watt (9,500 peak watt) Westinghouse unit is convenient and easy to use, but its major selling point is the run time. At a 25 percent load, the 6.6-gallon unit can run for 16 continuous hours (or 14 hours at 50%), powering all your home's essentials. The generator is EPA-, CARB-, and CSA-compliant and runs a 420cc OHV engine that is equipped with an automatic low-oil shutdown and digital hour meter. Reviewers say it's powerful, fuel-efficient, and a great value for the price. It comes with a 2V battery charger, oil, an oil funnel, and a toolkit. At 200 pounds, it's definitely a heavier generator, but you can still move it thanks to wheels and a convenient foam grip handle. Outlets: 120V (4), 240V (1), ST Switch (1) Size/Weight: 27.2x26.1x26 in. / 192 Lbs. Fuel Capacity: 6.6 Gal. Starting Watts: 9500W Running Watts: 7500WBest for Whole-Home Emergency Backup: Generac 5735 GP17500E
View On Amazon View On Toolnut.com What We Like Extremely powerful Built to last Includes battery, oil supply, and maintenance kit What We Don't Like Expensive Very big and heavy If you're looking for a powerful, reliable machine capable of running all your home's essentials as you wait out a storm, the Generac 5735 GP17500E is the model for you. This job site-proficient, 16-circuit generator can power multiple 120V appliances at once. With 17,500 running watts and a 16-gallon fuel tank, it can run for up to 10 hours straight at 50% load, or less if you opt to run it at its full 26250-watt capacity. However, while the generator is technically portable, it's a beast, weighing 390 pounds. It comes with a 12VDC 365-CCA battery and your first oil supply, as well as a wheel kit and maintenance kit so you can keep it in tip-top shape should you need to move it. One customer who weathered Hurricane Sandy in 2012 said they used it for 11 days to power their entire house. They've used it ever since with no issues. Outlets: 120V (4), 240V (1), ST Switch (1) Size/Weight: 48.5x31x39.5 in. / 390 Lbs. Fuel Capacity: 16 Gal. Starting Watts: 26250W Running Watts: 17500W The 8 Best Emergency Radios of 2022Best Splurge: Honda EU2200i Generator
Amazon View On Amazon View On EBay What We Like Lightweight Can run overnight Lots of features What We Don't Like No fuel gauge Expensive Running at 57 dB, the Honda EU2200i is lightweight, durable, and user-friendly. Weighing only 40 pounds and featuring a 0.95-gallon fuel tank, there’s enough power for four hours of operation at 100% load and around 6 hours at 50% load. The inclusion of two Amp outlets offers flexibility for different types of rechargeable items or for keeping a refrigerator, television, or laptop going. Features such as Eco-throttle and clean output make it a standout in this category (and help explain the steep price). The 2,200 watts of starting power and 1,800 watts of running power maintain excellent fuel efficiency. There’s also a standard oil alert for proper engine maintenance, as well as a circuit protection feature to prevent the generator from overloading. You can connect the EU2200i in tandem with a similar unit for twice the power. Outlets: 120V (2) Size/Weight: 16x20x11 in. / 46.5 Lbs. Fuel Capacity: .95 Gal. Starting Watts: 2200W Running Watts: 1800W The 8 Best Home Weather Stations of 2022 by LifewireBest Value: WEN 56200i Portable Generator
4 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart What We Like Quiet 53dB operation Lightweight and portable at 48 pounds Two 120V receptacles, one 12V DC receptacle, and one 5V USB port What We Don't Like Won't last as long as bigger models Some issues with warranty service WEN 56200i Portable Generator Review: Affordable, but not Fantastic For a portable generator to tote on a camping trip or for emergency power outages, the WEN 56200i offers excellent value for its price and size. With dimensions measuring 18 x 11 x 18 inches, it comes with a 2000-watt gas-powered engine that can produce 2000 surge watts and 1600 rated watts. Despite the output, the noise level is a fairly quiet 53dB and the power is clean and safe enough to use for sensitive electronics. The portable generator works great for campgrounds, construction sites, tailgates, and power outages. The capacity of the fuel tank is 1 gallon, so it won't last as long as bigger models, but the runtime is estimated to last 9.4 hours with a quarter-load of gas, so you should be able to keep going for a full day and night with a tank. Port options include a 12V DC receptacle, a 5V USB port, a 120V AC port, and a parallel connection to two other generators to increase total wattage. Outlets: 120V (3), 12V (1), USB (1) Size/Weight: 18x11x18 in. / 48 Lbs. Fuel Capacity: 1 Gal. Starting Watts: 2000W Running Watts: 1600W "To know how much fuel you have left, you’ll have to guess, or estimate based on the fuel load and time you’ve spent running it." — Nick Jaynes, Product Tester Lifewire / Nick Jaynes Final Verdict Our favorite portable generator for most people is the DuroStar DS4000S (view at Amazon). Unless you need a generator for industrial or commercial applications, this generator is the ideal blend of portability and utility. However, if you're in the market for a generator that can handle larger loads, we'd recommend taking a look at the Generac 5735 GP17500E (view at Amazon) instead for its ability to handle larger loads for greater lengths of time.About Our Trusted Experts
David Beren is a tech writer with more than 10 years of experience in the industry. He has written and managed content for tech companies like T-Mobile, Sprint, and TracFone Wireless. Nick Jaynes has been writing for Lifewire since 2019. He specializes in tech gadgets, especially those related to the automotive market. He has previously been published in Mashable, Digital Trends, Cool Hunting, and Travel + Leisure.FAQ How many watts does your portable generator need to be? Wattage refers to the total power your generator will be able to produce at once. To determine how many watts you’ll need, factor in the devices you’re looking to power. A wattage chart with a list of common household appliances and electronics can help you add up all your power needs. You don’t necessarily need a generator that can produce power for everything all at once, either. Consider when and how you will be using your generator. It’s important to note that older appliances typically need more power than what’s listed since they become less efficient over time. If a device doesn’t list watts, use the formula watts=volts x amps. You can also purchase a load tester that will help you determine the exact watts needed for individual devices if you are unsure. What is the difference between starting and running watts? Running watts refer to the amount of power a device needs to function. Devices like light bulbs and coffee makers, for example, use the same amount of power to start up and continue to run—so you only have to worry about running watts in their cases. Some devices, called reactive loads, have electric motors that require additional power to start up and then less to simply stay running. Refrigerators, air conditioners, and power tools are examples of reactive loads. If you want to power reactive loads, you’ll need to factor in starting watts to how much total power you need from your generator. The amount of starting watts a generator has is the maximum watts it can produce. Is it safe to use a portable generator with all of your electronics? Be sure to research your generator because certain models aren’t safe to use with sensitive electronics, like laptops and TVs. The power supply can be inconsistent and surges can cause permanent damage. Generators with inverter technology convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) voltage and then invert it back to clean AC voltage. The “inversion” leads to a constant flow to your devices. Inverter generators are often more expensive, but they are safest to use with sensitive devices.