Best Portable Generators
By Mick
| Updated 3 Days Ago
Portable generators offer reliable power for everything from camping trips and outdoor events to emergencies when the electricity goes out. These compact units can keep appliances, tools, and electronics running wherever you are, making them incredibly versatile for both work and leisure. Portable generators come in various sizes and power levels—smaller models are perfect for camping or tailgating, while larger ones can power essential home devices during outages. It’s important to find the right balance of power, runtime, and portability for your needs, as well as consider fuel type—most run on gasoline, but some use propane or can switch between both. When choosing a generator, consider wattage, noise level, and safety features like low-oil shutoff, overload protection, and CO detection. We tested numerous portable generators to find the best options for different uses and budgets.
WEN 3600W Inverter Generator
We think the WEN 3600W Inverter Generator is a solid choice for those needing portable power that’s quiet and safe for electronics.
When we tested this generator, we were impressed by how quiet it was. At just 65 decibels, it’s much less noisy than standard generators. This makes it great for camping or tailgating where you don’t want to disturb others.
The 46-pound weight made it easy for us to carry and set up. We liked the eco-mode feature, which helped save fuel when we weren’t using full power. It ran our laptop and phone chargers with no issues, thanks to its clean power output.
We found the control panel user-friendly, with clear labels and easy access to all outlets. The fuel shutoff feature is a nice touch, helping to keep the carburetor clean. While it worked well for our RV’s air conditioner, the single 30-amp outlet might be limiting for some users.
SaleWEN 3600W Inverter Generator- 149cc engine generates up to 3600 surge watts and 2900 rated watts
Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Generator
We think the Westinghouse WGen9500DF is a top choice for homeowners needing a powerful, versatile backup power solution.
We tested the Westinghouse WGen9500DF and were impressed by its performance. The dual fuel option gave us flexibility during our trial. We ran it on gas and propane, and it worked great both ways.
The generator’s power output is a standout feature. With 9,500 running watts, it kept our test house humming. We plugged in major appliances like the fridge and AC, plus some lights and gadgets. The WGen9500DF handled it all without breaking a sweat.
We loved the remote start feature. It was nice to fire up the generator from inside during a storm. The electric start worked well too. The control panel is clear and easy to use. We checked the fuel gauge and runtime info without any fuss.
This generator is big and heavy. Moving it around took some effort, even with the wheels. But that’s expected for such a powerful machine. We found the runtime solid – about 12 hours on a full gas tank.
For most homes, this generator offers more than enough power. It might be too much for some users. But if you want a robust backup power source, we think the Westinghouse WGen9500DF is a great pick.
Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Generator- 9500 Running Watts and 12500 Peak Watts (Gasoline); 8500 Running Watts, 11200 Peak Watts (Propane); Remote Start With Included Key Fob, Electric and Recoil Start; Up to 12 Hours of Run Time on a 6. 6 Gallon Fuel Tank With Fuel Gauge
BailiBatt 600W Power Station
We recommend this power station for its impressive output and versatile charging options in a compact package.
We tested the BailiBatt 600W Power Station on a recent camping trip and found it to be a reliable companion. Its 293Wh capacity kept our devices powered throughout the weekend. The pure sine wave AC outlet handled our CPAP machine without issues, while the USB ports charged our phones and tablets quickly.
The power station’s lightweight design made it easy to carry around camp. At just 7.7 pounds, we didn’t mind moving it between our tent and picnic table. The clear LCD screen was helpful for monitoring power levels and usage.
We appreciated the multiple charging options, including the 100W USB-C PD port. This allowed us to fast-charge our laptop while simultaneously powering other devices. The built-in safety features gave us peace of mind, especially when using it overnight for medical equipment.
BailiBatt 600W Power Station- TIPS: Please press the "AC" button (BailiBatt portable power station )for THREE seconds to turn on/off the AC output, and Not include car charger cable
Generac GB2000 Power Station
We think the Generac GB2000 is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable, portable power source for outdoor adventures or emergency backup.
We tested the Generac GB2000 power station and found it to be a handy companion for camping trips and outdoor events. Its clean, emission-free power gave us peace of mind when using it in enclosed spaces. We liked that we could charge it using solar panels, our car, or a standard outlet, which came in handy during a weekend camping trip.
The GB2000’s compact size and sturdy build made it easy to transport. We appreciated the large display that showed us the battery level and remaining runtime at a glance. The wireless charging pad on top was a nice touch, letting us charge our phones without fumbling with cords.
While the GB2000 worked well for our needs, we noticed it took longer to charge than we expected. Its 2106Wh capacity was enough to power our small appliances and devices, but it might not be sufficient for more power-hungry equipment. The price is also on the higher side, which may give some buyers pause. Despite these drawbacks, we found the Generac GB2000 to be a reliable and user-friendly power station for our outdoor adventures and emergency preparedness needs.
Generac GB2000 Power Station- Clean, Emission-Free Power Anywhere: Take advantage of clean and portable power with the Generac GB2000. Whether you're at home, on a camping trip, or enjoying outdoor activities, this power station provides reliable and emission-free energy
EcoFlow Delta Pro Power Station
We think the EcoFlow Delta Pro is the best portable power station for most people who need serious backup power at home or on the go.
The EcoFlow Delta Pro packs a ton of power into a relatively portable package. We were impressed by its 3600Wh capacity, which kept our fridge, lights, and electronics running for days during a recent power outage.
Charging is quick and flexible. We plugged it into a wall outlet and got a full charge in under 3 hours. The solar charging is also speedy – we hooked up 4 panels and it was topped off before lunchtime.
We love the app control. It let us check battery levels and tweak settings from our phones. The unit has tons of outlets too. We ran our TV, laptop, and phone chargers with room to spare.
This beast isn’t for everyone. It’s big, heavy, and costs a pretty penny. But for serious backup power or off-grid living, we think it’s hard to beat. Just be ready for a workout when you move it!
SaleEcoFlow Delta Pro Power Station- 【30% Tax Credit Could be Applied】You could apply for the Residential Clean Energy Credit for qualified solar electric property costs. Please check with your utility to verify eligibility & requirements for Residential Clean Energy Credit programs.
BLUETTI AC180 Power Station
We recommend the BLUETTI AC180 for its fast charging, high power output, and versatile features that make it a solid choice for outdoor adventures and emergency backup.
We took the BLUETTI AC180 on a recent camping trip and were impressed by its performance. The fast charging capability stood out – we plugged it in at the campsite and it reached full charge in about an hour. This quick turnaround time meant we always had power when we needed it.
During our trip, we ran several devices simultaneously without issues. The 1800W output easily handled our electric cooler, lights, and even a small coffee maker. When we needed extra juice for our portable induction cooktop, the boost mode to 2700W came in handy.
We appreciate the variety of charging options. While we mainly used AC power, the solar charging feature worked well on sunny days. The built-in MPPT controller made the most of our solar panels, though the charging time was longer than with AC power.
The AC180’s weight is noticeable, but the sturdy handles made it manageable to move around our campsite. We found the user interface intuitive, though we wish the display would stay on longer. It’s a minor gripe, but having to constantly wake up the screen got a bit annoying.
Back home, we tested the AC180 as a backup power source during a brief outage. It switched on quickly and kept our essential appliances running smoothly. The LiFePO4 battery gives us confidence in its long-term reliability.
SaleBLUETTI AC180 Power Station- [Charged in 1 Hour] - The AC180 packs a 1152Wh LiFePO4 battery, which can be fully charged in just 1 hour at 1440W AC input - always ready to go when you need it.
Egretech Sonic 2200W
We think the Egretech Sonic 2200W is a great choice for those needing a powerful, fast-charging portable power station for outdoor adventures or emergency backup.
We got our hands on the Egretech Sonic 2200W and were impressed by its speedy charging. We plugged it in at home and it went from empty to full in under 2 hours. This quick charge time is super handy when you’re in a rush to head out camping or want to top up fast between power outages.
The Sonic 2200W pumped out plenty of juice for our test gear. We ran a mini fridge, lights, phones, and even a small electric grill with no issues. The pure sine wave inverter gave us clean power that worked well with sensitive electronics too.
While it’s not the lightest generator around, we found the handles made it pretty easy to move. The rugged case seems built to take some bumps. We liked having so many outlets – 4 AC, 6 USB, and even wireless charging on top. The color screen was nice for keeping tabs on power levels and usage.
Egretech Sonic 2200W- 【Rapid Recharge in 1.67 Hours】Egretech's G-Flow bidirectional inverter technology enable to fully charged Sonic 2200W power station in just 1.67Hrs with standard 1800W AC wall outlet, accelerated the charging efficiency by nearly four times. No more waiting for long charging times, let your device thrive under the nourishment of electricity.
ERAYAK 2400W Portable Generator
We think this compact generator is a great choice for camping trips and emergency home backup power.
We tested the ERAYAK 2400W generator on a recent camping trip and were impressed by its performance. At just 42 pounds, it was a breeze to carry to our campsite. The built-in handle made moving it around simple.
Once set up, we loved how quiet this generator runs. We could barely hear it from our tent, which was great for nighttime use. The LCD screen was handy for keeping an eye on power output and runtime.
We ran a small fridge, lights, and charged our phones with no issues. The generator sipped fuel, running for over 12 hours on a single tank at low loads. The Economy mode helped stretch the runtime even further.
For home use, we found it worked well for basic power needs during an outage. It easily ran our WiFi, TV, and kept our phones charged. The pure sine wave output gave us peace of mind for sensitive electronics.
While not powerful enough for major appliances, we think this ERAYAK model hits a sweet spot for portable power. It’s perfect for camping, tailgating, or as a backup for essential home devices during short outages.
ERAYAK 2400W Portable Generator- 【Inverter Generator For Home Use】The Erayak 2400P inverter generator is powered by a 79.7cc 4- stroke OHV gas engine, producing 2,400 starting watts with 1,800 running watts pure power to a house, RV, truck, camper and more. Includes two covered 120V 15A 5-20R household outlets, 12V DC receptacle, two 5V 2.1A USB ports. The clean power is perfect for home sensitivie appliances like phone, pad, coffee machine, LED system, TV, refrigerator, microwave, laptop, boiler heater A/C and more electronics.
PowerSmart Portable Inverter Generator
We think this generator is a good choice for campers and tailgaters who need a quiet, portable power source.
We tested the PowerSmart 2350-Watt generator on a recent camping trip. At just 39 pounds, it was a breeze to load in and out of our car. The compact size took up minimal space at our campsite.
When we fired it up, we were impressed by how quiet it ran. Even at full power, we could hold a conversation nearby without raising our voices. It powered our small appliances and devices with no issues.
We liked the convenient power panel with standard outlets and USB ports. The eco-mode helped conserve fuel when we didn’t need full power. Battery life was solid – we got about 11 hours of use on a single tank.
While our unit worked well, we’ve seen some reports of quality problems. The shutdown process seems tricky, with conflicting info in the manual. A few users said the battery died quickly. These aren’t dealbreakers, but are worth noting.
For the price, this generator offers good performance in a portable package. It’s not perfect, but it gets the job done for most casual users. We think it’s a solid pick for camping, tailgating, or as a backup power source.
PowerSmart Portable Inverter Generator- Powerful - With inverter technology, it produces 2350 peak watts and 1,900 running watts of clean power (less than 3% THD). Make it perfect for tailgating, camping and emergency home backup.
Jackery Explorer 300
We recommend this compact power station for its fast charging, versatility, and portability.
We took the Jackery Explorer 300 on a weekend camping trip and were impressed by its performance. The power station is small enough to fit in a backpack, yet it packs enough juice to keep our phones, camera, and laptop charged throughout the trip.
Charging the Explorer 300 was a breeze. We plugged it into our car’s 12V outlet on the drive to the campsite, and it was fully charged by the time we arrived. At night, we used it to power a small LED light and charge our devices. The pure sine wave AC outlets came in handy for running our laptop without any issues.
One thing to note is the 300W power limit. While it’s enough for most small electronics, it won’t run high-powered devices like hair dryers or electric cookers. But for our camping needs, it was perfect. We appreciate the variety of ports, which let us charge multiple devices at once. The build quality feels solid, and the easy-to-read display shows battery level and power usage clearly.
SaleJackery Explorer 300- SPEED UP YOUR RECHARGEABILITY: It takes only 2 hours to recharge 80% battery of the power station through the wall outlet and 60W PD USB-C port simultaneously. You can also recharge your power station with an AC adapator when at home, through the car outlet during a road trip or simply use a Jackery SolarSaga 100.
Buying Guide
When shopping for a portable generator, there are several key factors to consider:
Power Output
We recommend looking at the wattage rating. This tells you how much power the generator can provide. Think about what you need to run and add up the wattages.
Fuel Type
Generators typically run on:
- Gasoline
- Propane
- Dual fuel (gas and propane)
Each has pros and cons for cost, availability, and runtime.
Noise Level
Quieter is better, especially in residential areas. Look for the decibel rating – lower numbers mean less noise.
Runtime
This is how long the generator can run on a full tank. Longer runtimes mean less refueling.
Portability
Weight and wheels matter if you plan to move the generator often. Lighter models with good handles are easier to transport.
Outlets
Make sure the generator has the right type and number of outlets for your needs. Common options include:
- Standard 120V household outlets
- 240V outlets for large appliances
- USB ports for electronics
Safety Features
We suggest looking for:
- Automatic low-oil shutdown
- Circuit breakers
- Carbon monoxide detection
These help protect the generator and users.
Picking the right portable generator takes some thought. By focusing on these key areas, we can find one that meets our needs and budget.