10 Best Home Generators 2025 in the United States

The DuroMax XP16000iH is a powerful home generator offering 16,000 peak watts and 13,000 running watts, making it well-suited for whole home backup during emergencies or for heavy-duty use on job sites and camping. One of its main perks is dual fuel capability—it runs on both gasoline and propane—giving you flexibility depending on fuel availability or your preferences. It features inverter technology, which means it produces clean, stable electricity safe for sensitive electronics like computers and TVs. Starting the generator is easy and convenient with a remote electric start, plus it has a battery tender to keep the battery charged and ready.

With a 10.5-gallon tank, it can run around 10 hours on a full tank, which is decent for extended use but could mean refueling during very long outages. The generator weighs 368 pounds, so while it’s technically portable, moving it around will require some effort or equipment. It also includes safety features like low oil shutoff and a carbon monoxide sensor, adding peace of mind. The digital control center is helpful for monitoring output and hours used.

Considering its power and fuel options alongside its size and runtime, this generator is an excellent choice for those needing robust, flexible power backup and who are comfortable handling a heavier unit.

The Generac Guardian 26kW Home Standby Generator is a solid choice for homeowners looking for reliable whole-house backup power. Its 26,000-watt output is strong enough to keep most household appliances and systems running smoothly during an outage. It runs on natural gas or propane, which are common and convenient fuel options for home standby generators. The generator features an automatic electronic start, meaning it turns on by itself when power goes out, so you don't have to worry about manual operation.

One of the standout features is its Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to monitor the generator remotely and receive maintenance alerts, which adds convenience and peace of mind. The unit is built with a durable aluminum casing and includes a 200 Amp transfer switch that integrates the generator seamlessly with your home's electrical system.

The generator is described as super quiet and low maintenance, but it weighs over 500 pounds and is not portable; it's designed to be permanently installed outside your home. Installation should be done by a licensed electrician, which is typical for this type of equipment. This generator is well suited for homeowners wanting dependable and automatic backup power for their entire house, especially if remote monitoring and quieter operation are important to them. Its size, weight, and need for professional installation mean it is not a portable or DIY-friendly option.

The DuroMax XP11000iH is a powerful home generator offering 11,000 peak watts and 9,000 running watts, making it suitable for emergency home backup, RV use, or job sites needing strong power output. Its dual fuel capability allows you to run it on gasoline or propane, which adds flexibility depending on fuel availability and preference. The generator includes a remote electric start, so you can easily power it up without manual effort. It also features a CO alert system that automatically shuts it off if carbon monoxide reaches unsafe levels, enhancing safety during use.

Thanks to inverter technology, it produces clean and stable power, safe for sensitive electronics like computers and TVs. It’s designed to be transfer switch ready, which simplifies hooking it up to your home’s electrical system during outages. While the generator is portable, it weighs 216 pounds, so it might require wheels or help to move around. It has a 7.1-gallon fuel tank, allowing decent runtime, though exact hours depend on load and fuel type.

The included battery tender keeps the battery charged, ensuring reliability whenever you need to start it. Additionally, you can connect two units together to double the power if needed (parallel capability), though this requires a separate kit. This generator is a strong choice for those needing a reliable, flexible power source with safety features and easy starts, but its weight and potentially higher noise could be concerns if portability and quiet operation are priorities.