10 Best Quiet Generators 2026 in the United States

The Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel Generator is a solid choice for those looking for a powerful and versatile backup power solution. With running watts of 9500 on gasoline and 8500 on propane, plus peak outputs of 12500 and 11200 respectively, this generator can handle most home appliances during outages. Its dual fuel capability adds flexibility, allowing users to switch between gasoline and propane based on availability or preference.

The generator offers an impressive run time of up to 12 hours on a full tank, which is beneficial for prolonged use without the need for frequent refueling. Portability is decent, as it weighs 210 pounds; while it may not be the lightest generator, it does have built-in handles that assist with moving it around.

On the downside, its weight could make it difficult for some users to transport without help, particularly if you need to move it across a yard or to different locations. Additionally, being a gas-powered generator, it may not be the best fit for those seeking an ultra-quiet option for camping or in highly noise-sensitive areas. The safety features, including rubber covers for the outlets and automatic low oil shutdown, add peace of mind during operation.

The Westinghouse 11000 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator offers considerable power output with 9000 running watts and 11000 peak watts on gasoline, and slightly less on propane. This makes it a strong candidate for powering a variety of household appliances and electronics, especially given its low total harmonic distortion (THD) of less than 3%, which is safe for sensitive devices.

The dual-fuel capability (gasoline and propane) provides flexibility, and its large 9.8-gallon fuel tank allows for an impressive run time of up to 17 hours on gasoline. This generator is also equipped with inverter technology, ensuring stable and clean power output, ideal for electronics. At 187.4 pounds, it is quite heavy, which might affect its portability despite its 'portable' tag.

The inclusion of a remote electric start, multiple outlets with rubber covers, and a CO sensor adds to the convenience and safety. The LED data center, displaying crucial information like fuel level and run time, is a useful feature. This generator would be suitable for residential users needing reliable, high-capacity backup power, though its weight might pose challenges for frequent movement.

The DuroMax XP16000iHT is a powerful portable generator offering 16,000 watts of starting power and 13,000 watts running power, making it well-suited for whole-home backup, RV use, and job sites. Its standout feature is tri-fuel capability, allowing you to run it on gasoline, propane, or natural gas, which adds convenience and fuel flexibility depending on availability. The quick-connect fuel system makes switching between fuel types straightforward. It uses inverter technology, providing clean and stable power that’s safe for sensitive electronics like laptops and medical devices. Noise-wise, it’s designed to be quieter than traditional generators, suitable for home and outdoor use, although with its size and power output, it’s not the quietest generator on the market. The generator includes safety features like a carbon monoxide sensor that automatically shuts it down if unsafe fumes are detected, adding peace of mind. Remote electric start is a big plus for convenience, especially during bad weather or emergencies.

However, it’s quite heavy at 505 pounds, which limits portability despite being labeled portable, so moving it around might require wheels or extra help. Also, the noise level, while reduced by inverter technology, might still be noticeable in very quiet neighborhoods. If you need a high-power generator that can run on multiple fuel types, offers remote start, and has safety features, this DuroMax model is a solid choice. If ultra-quiet operation or easy single-person mobility are priorities, smaller or more specialized models may be more suitable.