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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 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 by1,116
Noise Level
Wattage (Power Output)
Outlets and Power Connections

Most important from
3189 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 by1,116
Noise Level
Wattage (Power Output)
Outlets and Power Connections

Most important from
3189 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 300, 293Wh Backup Lithium Battery with 1XSolar Panel SolarSaga 100W, 110V/300W Pure Sine Wave AC Outlet for RV Outdoors Camping Travel Blackout

Rating
8.5
Portability
Runtime
Outlets and Power Connections

Most important from
10170 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
8.5
Portability
Runtime
Outlets and Power Connections

Most important from
10170 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

DuroMax XP16000iH 16,000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Digital Inverter Generator - Gas & Propane, Remote Electric Start, Whole Home Power Backup, Transfer Switch Ready, RV & Emergency Ready

Rating
7.9
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Run Time

Most important from
353 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
Delivers powerful performance capable of handling large loads like a 2000 square foot home and high-elevation camping setups.
Fuel Type
Dual fuel capability provides valuable flexibility for different fuel availability and preferences.
Run Time
Fuel consumption and runtime are decent but vary significantly depending on the load applied.
Portability
Heavy weight makes portability challenging, better suited for semi-permanent setups rather than frequent transport.
Noise Level
Runs quietly and features a digital control center that effectively displays runtime and load information.
Start Type
Remote electric start with key fob adds convenience and ease of use, enhancing the overall experience.

The DuroMax XP16000iH is a powerful portable generator designed for heavy-duty use, offering a peak power output of 16,000 watts and 13,000 running watts, which makes it suitable for whole-home backup, camping with an RV, or job sites where strong power is needed. It features dual fuel capability, running on either gasoline or propane, giving you flexible fuel options based on availability or preference. The generator includes inverter technology, which means it provides clean and stable power safe for sensitive electronics like computers and TVs. Starting the generator is easy thanks to its remote electric start and electronic ignition system.

It runs for about 10 hours on a full 10.5-gallon tank, which is decent for extended use, but fuel consumption will vary depending on load. Portability is a challenge due to its heavy weight of 368 pounds; while it’s called portable, it’s better suited for moving with assistance or placing in a semi-permanent outdoor spot. It has three power outlets, accommodating multiple devices, and includes a digital control center that shows essential information such as runtime and load. Safety features include a low oil shutoff and compliance with EPA and CARB emissions standards, which helps reduce environmental impact.

This generator suits users who need a robust, reliable power source and can manage its size and weight, while it may exceed the needs of casual or small-scale users.

Rating
7.9
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Run Time

Most important from
353 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
Delivers powerful performance capable of handling large loads like a 2000 square foot home and high-elevation camping setups.
Fuel Type
Dual fuel capability provides valuable flexibility for different fuel availability and preferences.
Run Time
Fuel consumption and runtime are decent but vary significantly depending on the load applied.
Portability
Heavy weight makes portability challenging, better suited for semi-permanent setups rather than frequent transport.
Noise Level
Runs quietly and features a digital control center that effectively displays runtime and load information.
Start Type
Remote electric start with key fob adds convenience and ease of use, enhancing the overall experience.

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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