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10 Best Portable Generators 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 with 2x100W Solar Panel,1070Wh Portable Power Station LiFePO4 Battery,1500W AC/100W USB-C Output,1Hr Fast Charge for Outdoor,Off-Grid Living,RV,Emergency

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,362
Noise Level
Wattage (Power Output)
Outlets and Power Connections

Most important from
2362 reviews

Noise Level
Delivers quiet operation at around 30 decibels, making it ideal for overnight use without disturbing sleep or outdoor activities.
Wattage (Power Output)
Handles high power loads smoothly, running 1500 watt heaters and small compressors with stable output and reliable surge capacity up to 3000 watts.
Outlets and Power Connections
Versatile charging options include three AC outlets, USB-C and USB-A ports, and a 12V cigarette lighter port, accommodating a wide range of devices simultaneously.
Portability
Portability is enhanced by a well-designed carrying bag and a convenient swing handle, making it easy to transport for camping, van builds, or emergency use.

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 is a well-rounded portable power station designed for outdoor activities like camping, road trips, and emergency backup at home. It delivers a solid 1,500W continuous power output with 3,000W surge capacity, meaning it can handle most household essentials including fridges and AC units. Its 1,070Wh battery capacity provides substantial runtime, enough to keep small appliances running for hours depending on usage.

One of its standout features is fast charging — it can fully recharge in about an hour, which is much quicker than many competitors, and it also supports solar charging via the included foldable 2x100W solar panels, making it great for off-grid use. Weighing just under 24 pounds with a handy handle, it’s portable enough to carry to campsites or store in an RV. The unit runs quietly at around 30 decibels, so it won’t disturb your peace while running overnight.

It offers versatile charging options including three AC outlets, USB-C and USB-A ports, and a car port, allowing you to power multiple devices at once. Safety is well covered with UL certification and fire/shock resistant battery tech. A small downside is the solar panels ship separately, which may require coordination. While the battery life is rated for 4,000 cycles, the upfront cost might be higher than gas-powered generators, though it’s cleaner and requires no fuel. For those seeking a quiet, efficient, and eco-friendly portable generator primarily for light to medium power needs outdoors or emergencies, the Jackery 1000 v2 is a strong contender.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,362
Noise Level
Wattage (Power Output)
Outlets and Power Connections

Most important from
2362 reviews

Noise Level
Delivers quiet operation at around 30 decibels, making it ideal for overnight use without disturbing sleep or outdoor activities.
Wattage (Power Output)
Handles high power loads smoothly, running 1500 watt heaters and small compressors with stable output and reliable surge capacity up to 3000 watts.
Outlets and Power Connections
Versatile charging options include three AC outlets, USB-C and USB-A ports, and a 12V cigarette lighter port, accommodating a wide range of devices simultaneously.
Portability
Portability is enhanced by a well-designed carrying bag and a convenient swing handle, making it easy to transport for camping, van builds, or emergency use.
#2

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2 with 2x200W Solar Panels, 2042Wh/2200W LiFePo4 Portable Power Station, 20ms UPS Home Backup, USB-C PD 100W Fast Charging for Power Outages, Emergencies, Camping & RVing

Rating
9.7
Wattage (Power Output)
Noise Level
Portability

Most important from
588 reviews

Wattage (Power Output)
The generator delivers seamless power transition during outages, keeping devices running without flicker or interruption.
Noise Level
Its quiet operation extends to charging modes, offering a silent option that takes longer but keeps noise minimal.
Portability
Portability is a strong point; at around 40 pounds, it’s significantly lighter and easier to handle than many competitors with similar capacity.

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2 is a strong choice if you need a portable power source for camping, home backup, or small business use. It delivers a solid 2200W of continuous power with a large 2042Wh battery capacity, enough to run many household essentials during an outage or on the go. One of its main advantages is portability — it weighs just under 40 pounds, which is lighter and more compact than many other generators of similar power, making it easier to carry or store. It also excels in charging speed, reaching up to 80% in just over an hour with AC power, and has flexible solar charging options with included 200W panels.

The silent operation and clean LiFePo4 battery mean it runs quietly and without fumes, a big plus for indoor or campground use. Safety is well-covered with temperature control, stable battery tech, and a quick 20ms switch-over to keep devices powered during outages. On the downside, while it has multiple AC outlets and a fast USB-C port, it offers fewer total power connections than some gas generators. Also, at nearly 67 pounds shipped and about 13 by 10 by 11 inches, it’s not the lightest option if you want something ultra-compact or for very frequent transport. Lastly, it depends entirely on battery power and solar or AC recharge, so it’s not suited for very long runtimes without recharging options nearby.

This generator suits users who value quiet, clean power with fast recharge and good portability, especially in scenarios like emergency backup, RV trips, or outdoor activities where gasoline noise and fumes are an issue.

Rating
9.7
Wattage (Power Output)
Noise Level
Portability

Most important from
588 reviews

Wattage (Power Output)
The generator delivers seamless power transition during outages, keeping devices running without flicker or interruption.
Noise Level
Its quiet operation extends to charging modes, offering a silent option that takes longer but keeps noise minimal.
Portability
Portability is a strong point; at around 40 pounds, it’s significantly lighter and easier to handle than many competitors with similar capacity.
#3

DuroMax XP15000HX 15,000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator - Gas & Propane, Remote Electric Start, Whole Home Power Backup, Transfer Switch Ready, RV & Emergency Ready

Rating
8.2
Fuel Type & Tank Capacity
Portability
Outlets and Power Connections

Most important from
2294 reviews

Fuel Type & Tank Capacity
The generator starts strong and runs smoothly on propane, handling whole-house loads including AC, water heater, and electric stove with ease.
Portability
The unit is heavy at 345 pounds but equipped with wheels and handles, making it manageable to move when needed.
Outlets and Power Connections
The 50-amp outlet is a significant advantage for running larger appliances and AC units compared to competitors with lower amperage outlets.
Runtime
The generator includes a digital display that helps monitor voltage and runtime, adding convenience for users.
Noise Level
Noise levels are noticeable but expected for a generator of this size and power output.

The DuroMax XP15000HX is a powerful portable generator designed to provide whole-home backup power with a peak output of 15,000 watts and 12,000 watts running wattage. It operates on both gasoline and propane, offering fuel flexibility that is especially useful during emergencies or prolonged outages. The generator is equipped with a strong 670cc engine featuring all-copper windings, which enhances durability and efficiency. Its fuel tank size and propane compatibility contribute to a solid runtime dependent on load and fuel type.

Portability is reasonable for its size, including wheels and a handle kit, but at 345 pounds, it is quite heavy and not ideal for frequent solo transport. Generators of this size typically produce considerable noise, so placement should be considered if noise is a concern. The XP15000HX includes a comprehensive set of outlets such as multiple 120V household GFCI outlets, 30-amp and 50-amp outlets, and is transfer switch ready, making it suitable for direct connection to home electrical panels or RVs. This versatility addresses different power needs effectively. Safety features include a built-in CO Alert system that automatically shuts off the generator if dangerous carbon monoxide levels are detected, enhancing user safety.

Additional features include remote electric start, a digital display for voltage and runtime, and easy switching between fuel types. Due to its size and weight, the generator is better suited for stationary use rather than frequent relocation. While propane is a cleaner, longer-lasting fuel option, the generator still requires regular maintenance and proper propane setup. The DuroMax XP15000HX is a robust and versatile choice for homeowners or businesses seeking reliable, high-capacity backup power, offering essential safety and outlet options suited for those who can manage its size and typical noise levels.

Rating
8.2
Fuel Type & Tank Capacity
Portability
Outlets and Power Connections

Most important from
2294 reviews

Fuel Type & Tank Capacity
The generator starts strong and runs smoothly on propane, handling whole-house loads including AC, water heater, and electric stove with ease.
Portability
The unit is heavy at 345 pounds but equipped with wheels and handles, making it manageable to move when needed.
Outlets and Power Connections
The 50-amp outlet is a significant advantage for running larger appliances and AC units compared to competitors with lower amperage outlets.
Runtime
The generator includes a digital display that helps monitor voltage and runtime, adding convenience for users.
Noise Level
Noise levels are noticeable but expected for a generator of this size and power output.

Buying Guide for the Best Portable Generators

Choosing a portable generator can seem overwhelming, but the most important thing to remember is to match the generator's abilities to how you plan to use it. Consider where, when, and how often you’ll use the generator—whether it’s for backup power during outages, for camping, for powering tools at a job site, or for outdoor events. Portable generators come with a wide range of features and specifications, so understanding your unique needs will help you pick a model that is reliable, safe, and convenient for you.
Wattage (Power Output)Wattage, or power output, measures how much electricity the generator can deliver. This is important because it determines what devices or appliances you can run at the same time. Portable generators are typically separated into three segments: small (under 2,000 watts), medium (about 2,000 to 5,000 watts), and large (over 5,000 watts). If you just want to charge phones, run a few lights, or power a laptop when camping, a smaller unit is sufficient. For powering refrigerators, sump pumps, or multiple appliances during a blackout, look for something in the medium to large range. Make a list of what you need to power at once, check the wattage requirements for each, and make sure the generator’s running and surge (peak) watts cover your needs.
RuntimeRuntime tells you how long the generator can operate on a full tank of fuel at a specific load (usually 25% or 50% of its capacity). This is critical if you need power over longer periods without frequent refueling. Generators with longer runtimes are convenient for overnight use or during extended power outages. When reviewing runtimes, think about how long you realistically need your equipment to run before you can refill the tank. If you're using it for short stints, a shorter runtime is fine, but for prolonged use, longer endurance is better.
PortabilityPortability considers weight, handle design, and whether the unit has wheels. Smaller and lighter generators are easier to move from place to place, making them suitable for camping or events. Heavier models with wheels and handles are designed to make moving the generator manageable even for one person. If you’ll be transporting the generator frequently or lifting it by yourself, prioritize lighter models with good handles. For use at a job site or as a semi-permanent backup at home, portability may not matter as much.
Noise LevelNoise level is measured in decibels (dB), showing how loud the generator will be when running. This is a big concern for camping, neighborhood use, or areas with noise restrictions. Generators typically range from very quiet (under 60 dB, about as loud as normal conversation) to quite loud (over 70 dB, similar to a vacuum cleaner or lawnmower). Choose a quieter generator if you’ll use it in close quarters or want minimal disturbance, whereas at a noisy job site, noise may be less important.
Fuel Type & Tank CapacityFuel type determines what kind of fuel the generator uses—typically gasoline, propane, or both (dual-fuel). Gasoline is the most common, but dual-fuel generators offer flexibility, especially useful during emergencies. Tank capacity tells you how much fuel the generator can store, affecting how often you need to refill it. Pick a fuel type that is easy for you to store and access. A larger tank is handy for longer runtime and less frequent refueling, especially in situations where frequent checking is inconvenient.
Outlets and Power ConnectionsOutlets and power connections define how many and what types of devices you can plug in at once. Common options include standard household (120V), twist-lock, USB ports, and sometimes 240V outlets for larger appliances. Check what you need to plug in—if you have many appliances or require something like an RV plug, make sure the generator comes with those connections. More outlets mean more flexibility, but make sure you still stay within the generator’s total wattage output.
Safety FeaturesSafety features like automatic shutoff for low oil, carbon monoxide sensors, overload protection, and grounding options protect both you and your equipment. For home or populated area use, especially inside garages or near tents, a CO shutoff can be a lifesaver. Overload protection keeps your devices from getting damaged by surges. When deciding, consider where and how the generator will be used, and look for features that match those safety needs.

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