10 Best Quietest Generators 2025 in the United States

The Generac 18,000-Watt Gas-Powered Portable Generator is a robust option for those needing substantial power output. With an impressive 18,000 watts from its 816cc EFI engine, it is well-suited for emergencies, recreational use, and home backup power.

One of its standout features is the COsense Technology, which offers essential safety by protecting against carbon monoxide. Additionally, TruePower Technology ensures that sensitive electronics and tools can be safely powered, thanks to its low total harmonic distortion (THD) of less than 5%.

This generator also includes a low-oil pressure shutdown feature, which helps prevent engine damage and enhances its longevity. Its large fuel capacity allows for extended runtimes, making it durable for long-term use. However, at 442.8 pounds, it is quite heavy, which could impact its portability despite being labeled as portable. This weight makes it less ideal for frequent transport. The generator runs on gasoline, which is readily available but may not be as convenient as other fuel types like propane.

The Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus is a powerful portable solar generator designed primarily for home backup, emergencies, and RV use. It delivers a strong 3600W continuous output, which is enough to run common household appliances like heaters and pumps. One of its standout qualities is that it operates on battery power rather than gas, making it much quieter than traditional gas generators — great if noise is a big concern. Battery-powered units like this are generally whisper-quiet, especially when compared to conventional generators. The unit is an inverter type, meaning it provides clean, stable electricity suitable for sensitive electronics.

Its battery capacity is large at 3584Wh, and it can be expanded significantly by connecting multiple units, supporting longer power needs. Charging options are flexible, including AC, solar, and gas generator input, with fast recharge times which add to convenience. Portability is good for its size; it weighs about 77 pounds but is designed with wheels and a handle, making it easier to move around despite being heavier than smaller models. The HomePower 3600 Plus also boasts safety features like a heat-resistant battery to prevent overheating and a long lifespan with thousands of charge cycles.

The weight and size might be a drawback if you need something very lightweight or compact. While it has an eco/quiet mode implied by its battery operation, it lacks explicit load-sensing features that some other generators offer to optimize energy use automatically. This model is ideal for those who want a quiet, clean, and reliable power source for home backup or off-grid use, especially if you plan to use solar panels for charging, and don’t mind the heavier weight for the increased power capacity.

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 is a solid choice for a quiet and portable power source suited for camping, road trips, or emergency backup. It utilizes LiFePO4 battery and inverter technology, producing clean, stable power quietly compared to traditional gas generators. Its 30 dB overnight charging mode indicates very quiet operation during use.

Featuring a 1,500-watt continuous output and 3,000-watt surge capacity, it can support common appliances like refrigerators and small AC units, making it versatile for both outdoor and home applications. The 1,070Wh battery capacity provides a decent runtime, and the fast charging option allows the unit to fully recharge in about an hour when emergency mode is enabled, which is convenient but may slightly affect battery health if used frequently.

Weighing approximately 32 pounds and equipped with a foldable handle, the unit offers reasonable portability, though it might be somewhat heavy for long-distance carrying. The built-in app control enhances user experience by allowing easy mode switching to optimize quietness and efficiency. The solar panel is sold separately, adding to setup complexity and cost. While the battery boasts a long lifespan of over 10 years with proper care, the 2-year warranty may be considered short relative to the price. This generator is a dependable, eco-friendly option that is easy to use and charges quickly.