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10 Best Portable 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

Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus Portable Power Station, 3600W AC Output, 3584Wh LFP Solar Generator, Expandable up to 43kWh, Essential Home Backup for Home Use, Emergencies, RV (Solar Panel Optional)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,336
Wattage (Power Output)
Runtime
Portability

Most important from
38 reviews

Wattage (Power Output)
It delivers consistent power across multiple outlets simultaneously without any issues.
Runtime
The unit holds charge well, supporting extended use away from traditional power sources.
Portability
Portability is enhanced by wheels and handles, making the 77-pound unit easier to move despite its weight.
Noise Level
Its quiet operation and long-lasting battery make it ideal for indoor use, such as welding inside buildings where noise and fumes are concerns.
Outlets and Power Connections
Charging via wall outlets is efficient and straightforward, complementing the solar charging option well.
Safety Features
Caution is advised when using vehicle cigarette lighter outlets for charging, as overheating can occur and may cause damage or safety concerns.

The Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus is a strong choice for anyone looking for a reliable home backup generator with portable convenience. It delivers a solid 3600 watts of power (expandable to 7200W when paired), enough to run household essentials like pumps, heaters, and dryers. Its large 3584Wh lithium iron phosphate battery can keep a small household powered for over two weeks, making it suitable for emergencies or off-grid living. One big plus is its built-in safety features, including heat-resistant battery cells tested to high temperatures and a long lifespan of up to 6000 cycles, ensuring dependable performance even in cold weather.

The unit is designed for easy use—simply plug in and power on without complex setup—and offers flexible charging options: AC, solar, or a gas generator, with a full recharge taking 2 to 4 hours depending on the method. Portability is another advantage; despite weighing 77 pounds, it’s notably lighter and more compact than similar models and includes wheels and a handle for easier movement. However, it’s still fairly heavy compared to smaller portable generators, which might limit frequent transport.

It runs quietly and uses only battery power, so there’s no need to worry about fuel storage or strong odors. While it has a good number of outlets and supports dual voltage, users should confirm the exact connections meet their device needs. This generator is well suited for homeowners seeking a versatile, safe, and powerful backup system that balances portability with robust capacity, though those needing ultra-lightweight or lower-power options might look elsewhere.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,336
Wattage (Power Output)
Runtime
Portability

Most important from
38 reviews

Wattage (Power Output)
It delivers consistent power across multiple outlets simultaneously without any issues.
Runtime
The unit holds charge well, supporting extended use away from traditional power sources.
Portability
Portability is enhanced by wheels and handles, making the 77-pound unit easier to move despite its weight.
Noise Level
Its quiet operation and long-lasting battery make it ideal for indoor use, such as welding inside buildings where noise and fumes are concerns.
Outlets and Power Connections
Charging via wall outlets is efficient and straightforward, complementing the solar charging option well.
Safety Features
Caution is advised when using vehicle cigarette lighter outlets for charging, as overheating can occur and may cause damage or safety concerns.
#2

Jackery Solar Generator 300, 293Wh Backup Lithium Battery with 1XSolar Panel SolarSaga 100W, 110V/300W Pure Sine Wave AC Outlet for RV Outdoors Camping Travel Blackout

Rating
10.0
Portability
Runtime
Outlets and Power Connections

Most important from
10241 reviews

Portability
A compact and lightweight power station that’s easy to carry anywhere and durable enough to handle some abuse.
Runtime
Charges quickly, especially when using both wall outlet and USB-C input, reaching 80% in about 2 hours.
Outlets and Power Connections
Supports running multiple devices simultaneously with two AC outlets plus USB-C, USB-A, and 12V ports, allowing up to six devices to charge at once.
Noise Level
Runs quietly and reliably, perfect for camping or indoor use without the noise or fumes of traditional generators.
Wattage (Power Output)
Ideal for powering low to moderate consumption devices like fans, lights, laptops, and small tools, but not suited for high-power appliances like hair dryers or blenders.

The Jackery Solar Generator 300 is a compact and lightweight portable power station ideal for camping, road trips, and emergency backup. It provides a stable 300-watt output from its 293Wh lithium-ion battery, enough to run small appliances or charge multiple devices like phones, laptops, and cameras simultaneously via its two AC outlets, USB-C, USB-A, and car port. One of its strong points is fast rechargeability: it can recover 80% battery in around 2 hours when using both wall outlet and USB-C input, and it supports solar charging with the separate 100W SolarSaga panel, making it a green and quiet alternative to fuel-powered generators.

Weighing just over 7 pounds, it’s easy to carry but the runtime is limited by the battery capacity—likely a few hours for heavier devices—which means it’s best suited for short trips or topping up devices rather than powering large equipment for extended periods. It runs silently without fumes, which is a big plus for outdoor and indoor use. The unit includes safety features like pure sine wave output for sensitive electronics, but it doesn’t have a built-in fuel tank since it’s battery-powered, so planning for recharging is essential.

This generator is well suited for users who need lightweight, portable, and clean power for small devices during outdoor activities or brief outages, instead of heavy-duty or long-term power needs.

Rating
10.0
Portability
Runtime
Outlets and Power Connections

Most important from
10241 reviews

Portability
A compact and lightweight power station that’s easy to carry anywhere and durable enough to handle some abuse.
Runtime
Charges quickly, especially when using both wall outlet and USB-C input, reaching 80% in about 2 hours.
Outlets and Power Connections
Supports running multiple devices simultaneously with two AC outlets plus USB-C, USB-A, and 12V ports, allowing up to six devices to charge at once.
Noise Level
Runs quietly and reliably, perfect for camping or indoor use without the noise or fumes of traditional generators.
Wattage (Power Output)
Ideal for powering low to moderate consumption devices like fans, lights, laptops, and small tools, but not suited for high-power appliances like hair dryers or blenders.
#3

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
10.0
Wattage (Power Output)
Noise Level
Portability

Most important from
662 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
10.0
Wattage (Power Output)
Noise Level
Portability

Most important from
662 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.

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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