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10 Best Generators 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Generac Guardian 26kW Home Standby Generator with 200 Amp Transfer Switch - Automatic Whole House Backup Power for Storms, Emergencies, and Outages, WiFi Enabled, Runs on Natural Gas or Liquid Propane

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,434
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Noise Level

Most important from
426 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
Delivers seamless, automatic whole-house power backup that kicks in within seconds of an outage and shuts off smoothly when utility power returns.
Fuel Type
Fuel flexibility with compatibility for both natural gas and liquid propane provides versatility in different home setups.
Noise Level
Runs quietly for its size with a fully enclosed casing and low oil shutdown to protect the engine during operation.
Outlets and Connectivity
Wi-Fi connectivity offers convenient remote monitoring of the generator’s status and maintenance needs, enhancing peace of mind.

The Generac Guardian 26kW Home Standby Generator is a strong choice for homeowners who want reliable backup power during storms or outages. It delivers a solid 26,000 watts, which is enough to power an entire house, including essential appliances and systems. The generator works with natural gas or liquid propane, giving you fuel flexibility. Its 200 Amp transfer switch ensures smooth and automatic power transfer, so you don’t have to worry about manual setup when the power goes out.

One standout feature is its Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to monitor the generator’s status and maintenance needs remotely, which adds convenience and peace of mind. The unit is designed to be quiet for its size, with a fully enclosed casing and low oil shutdown to protect the engine. Built with a durable aluminum frame and crafted in the USA, it promises long-lasting performance backed by a 5-year warranty.

This generator is quite heavy at over 500 pounds and not portable, meaning it’s meant to be permanently installed by a professional electrician. This limits flexibility if you need something for occasional or mobile use. With 10 power outlets and stable voltage output, it’s well-equipped to handle multiple devices safely. If you want a dependable, automatic whole-house generator that you can keep an eye on remotely and don’t need portability, this model fits the bill well. It is better suited for those looking for a fixed installation rather than a generator to move around.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,434
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Noise Level

Most important from
426 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
Delivers seamless, automatic whole-house power backup that kicks in within seconds of an outage and shuts off smoothly when utility power returns.
Fuel Type
Fuel flexibility with compatibility for both natural gas and liquid propane provides versatility in different home setups.
Noise Level
Runs quietly for its size with a fully enclosed casing and low oil shutdown to protect the engine during operation.
Outlets and Connectivity
Wi-Fi connectivity offers convenient remote monitoring of the generator’s status and maintenance needs, enhancing peace of mind.
#2

Westinghouse 11000 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator, Remote Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready, Gas and Propane Powered, Low THD - Safe for Electronics, Parallel Capable, CO Sensor

Rating
9.4
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Portability

Most important from
1033 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
This generator ran flawlessly for three straight days during a power outage, powering everything in a 4,000 sq ft house.
Fuel Type
The dual fuel capability, especially the ease of switching between propane and gasoline, provides great flexibility.
Portability
Despite its weight, the built-in handle and wheels make it easier to move around.
Noise Level
Although a bit noisy, the generator's robust build and performance make it worth the price.
Start Type
The generator's remote start feature is incredibly convenient, especially during storms.

The Westinghouse 11000 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator is a versatile and powerful choice for residential backup power. It provides a significant power output with 9000 running watts and 11000 peak watts on gasoline, and 8100 running watts with 10000 peak watts on propane. This dual fuel capability offers flexibility depending on fuel availability. The generator is equipped with a 9.8-gallon fuel tank that supports up to 17 hours of run time, making it suitable for extended power outages.

Portability may be a concern for some users as it weighs 187.4 pounds, making it quite heavy to move around without assistance. It comes with a convenient remote electric start, push button, and recoil start options for ease of use. The inverter technology ensures clean power, safe for sensitive electronics. The generator is also CO sensor equipped for added safety. The included components such as oil, oil funnel, remote, and tool kit make it a plug-and-play option right out of the box with minimal assembly required.

The LED data center provides valuable information such as fuel level, power output, and remaining run time, adding to its user-friendly features. Its size and weight could be drawbacks for users looking for a more portable solution. Additionally, while it is transfer switch ready, the high wattage output might be more than what some residential users need. Nevertheless, its robust power output, dual fuel flexibility, and user-friendly features make it a reliable choice for residential use.

Rating
9.4
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Portability

Most important from
1033 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
This generator ran flawlessly for three straight days during a power outage, powering everything in a 4,000 sq ft house.
Fuel Type
The dual fuel capability, especially the ease of switching between propane and gasoline, provides great flexibility.
Portability
Despite its weight, the built-in handle and wheels make it easier to move around.
Noise Level
Although a bit noisy, the generator's robust build and performance make it worth the price.
Start Type
The generator's remote start feature is incredibly convenient, especially during storms.
#3

Generac Guardian 22kW Home Standby Generator with 200 Amp Transfer Switch - Automatic Whole House Backup Power for Storms, Emergencies, and Outages, WiFi Enabled, Runs on Natural Gas or Liquid Propane

Rating
9.1
Power Output (Wattage)
Portability
Noise Level

Most important from
426 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
Delivers seamless whole-house backup power, automatically starting within seconds of an outage and shutting off once utility power returns.
Portability
The unit arrives heavy and large, requiring careful handling and consideration during delivery and installation.
Noise Level
The generator operates quietly and efficiently thanks to features like idle control and voltage regulation.
Outlets and Connectivity
Remote monitoring through built-in Wi-Fi allows users to track the generator’s status and receive maintenance alerts even when away from home.

The Generac Guardian 22kW Home Standby Generator is a strong choice for homeowners looking for reliable whole-house backup power during storms or outages. It delivers a powerful 22,000 watts, enough to keep most home appliances running smoothly. You can run it on natural gas or liquid propane, giving flexibility depending on your fuel availability. Thanks to its automatic features like idle control and voltage regulation, it works efficiently and safely with minimal fuss. It’s designed to be durable and quiet compared to many generators, which is helpful if you want to avoid loud noise during emergencies.

One standout feature is the built-in Wi-Fi connectivity that lets you monitor the generator remotely, so you’ll always know its status and get maintenance alerts even if you’re away from home. The included 200 Amp automatic transfer switch ensures your home's electrical system transitions seamlessly to generator power when needed. With 30 power outlets, it can support a wide range of devices and appliances.

This generator is quite heavy (466 pounds) and fairly large, so it’s not something you’d move around frequently. Installation requires a licensed electrician, which adds to the setup cost and complexity. This unit is built for permanent outdoor installation and isn’t portable like smaller generators. If you want a robust, low-maintenance standby generator that covers your entire home and offers modern remote monitoring, this Generac model fits well. It’s not ideal for those needing a lightweight or portable solution but excels in providing dependable power when you need it most.

Rating
9.1
Power Output (Wattage)
Portability
Noise Level

Most important from
426 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
Delivers seamless whole-house backup power, automatically starting within seconds of an outage and shutting off once utility power returns.
Portability
The unit arrives heavy and large, requiring careful handling and consideration during delivery and installation.
Noise Level
The generator operates quietly and efficiently thanks to features like idle control and voltage regulation.
Outlets and Connectivity
Remote monitoring through built-in Wi-Fi allows users to track the generator’s status and receive maintenance alerts even when away from home.

Buying Guide for the Best Generators

Choosing the right generator can make it much easier to handle power outages, run equipment at job sites, or even enjoy comforts during camping trips. To find the best fit for your needs, it's important to understand the key specifications that affect how a generator will perform in different situations. Each user's main need—whether it's for emergency home backup, powering tools, or recreational use—should guide their decisions as they compare different options.
Power Output (Wattage)Power output, measured in watts, tells you how much electrical equipment your generator can run at once. This spec is crucial because using a generator that's too small for your needs can lead to overloaded circuits, while buying one much larger than required means unnecessary size and maintenance. Power output is usually divided into 'starting watts' (the initial burst needed for appliances like fridges to kick on) and 'running watts' (the steady power required). For light, occasional use like camping, small generators around 1,000-2,000 watts may suffice. Medium duty, such as running a few household essentials or some tools, often needs 3,000-5,000 watts. Heavy duty, like whole house backup or construction jobs, usually begins at 6,500 watts and up. To choose, list out what you want to run and check their wattages to find the right fit.
Fuel TypeGenerators run on fuels like gasoline, diesel, propane, or even dual-fuel combinations. Each has its pros and cons in terms of availability, storage, and long-term maintenance. Gasoline is easy to find and portable but spoils over time and needs more frequent maintenance. Diesel engines are more robust for heavy, prolonged use but generally louder and heavier. Propane stores well for longer periods and burns cleaner, making it popular for occasional or emergency use. Some models can switch between fuels, offering flexibility. When deciding, think about how often you'll use the generator and which fuels are most convenient and safe for you to store and access.
Run TimeRun time measures how long a generator can operate on a single tank of fuel at a specified load (usually half capacity). This spec matters because longer run times mean fewer interruptions to refuel, which can be essential during outages or long events. Short run time (around 4-6 hours) might be enough for camping or intermittent use, while 8-12 hours or more is more comfortable for overnight backup or all-day job sites. Match this to your expected usage pattern; if you need to run things overnight, look for longer run times at your typical load.
PortabilityPortability describes how easy it is to move the generator. Small, lightweight models with handles are great for outdoor recreation or occasional use, while larger, heavier units may have wheels and sturdy frames for mobility on job sites or around the home. If the generator is mostly staying in one place for emergencies, weight might not matter much; but if you plan to move it often, check the weight and ensure it has features like wheels or ergonomic handles.
Noise LevelNoise level, measured in decibels (dB), tells you how loud the generator will be running, which can affect your comfort and local regulations. Quiet generators (below 60 dB) are more suitable for camping, RVs, or residential neighborhoods, while construction site models can be much louder (70 dB and above). If you need peace and quiet or will be using it near other people, focus on lower-noise options; for remote or outdoor work, higher noise may not be as important.
Outlets and ConnectivityDifferent generators offer various combinations of outlets, such as standard household, RV, twist-lock, or USB types. Some models also include features like parallel connections (to link two generators for more power) or transfer switch compatibility for easier home backup. The right choice depends on what you need to plug in: For electronics, look for pure sine wave or inverter generators; for direct home connection, ensure the generator meets relevant safety and transfer switch requirements.

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