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10 Best Quietest Generators 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Jackery HomePower 3000 Portable Power Station and Transfer Switch with 2x 200W Solar Panels, 3600W (Surge 7200W) Output, 3072Wh LFP Battery Solar Generator for Essential Home Backup, Emergencies

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,306
Noise Level (Decibels/DB)
Power Output (Wattage)
Size and Portability

Most important from
413 reviews

Noise Level (Decibels/DB)
Exceptionally quiet operation makes it suitable for indoor use without disturbance, with noise barely noticeable during normal use.
Power Output (Wattage)
Runs multiple household devices simultaneously without overload, supporting long continuous use with stable output.
Size and Portability
Built-in wheels and a pull-out handle make moving the unit manageable despite its weight, enhancing portability.

The Jackery HomePower 3000 is a powerful and quiet solar generator designed primarily for home backup during outages and emergencies. It offers a strong 3600W continuous output with a 7200W surge capacity, enough to keep essentials like refrigerators, fans, and WiFi running smoothly. Its 3072Wh LiFePO4 battery provides long runtime, powering a fridge for 1-2 days or household basics for up to 15 hours. One standout feature is its UL-certified uninterruptible power supply (UPS) with a quick ≤20ms switch, ensuring no interruptions for sensitive devices like medical equipment or security cameras.

As an inverter-type generator, it produces clean, stable electricity quietly, making it suitable for indoor use without disturbing noise. Portability is decent for its size and capacity—it weighs about 60 pounds and has a compact design 47% smaller and 43% lighter than similar models, but it’s still somewhat heavy to carry frequently. Charging options are versatile: fast AC/DC recharge in under 2 hours, solar charging through included 2x 200W panels (up to 80% charge in 9 hours), plus car and gas generator support. The built-in smart ChargeShield 2.0 tech intelligently manages charging to extend battery life, which can last for 4,000 charge cycles maintaining 70% capacity. Its integrated transfer switch and multiple output ports (AC, USB-C, USB-A, DC) add convenience for everyday and emergency use.

Though it is not the lightest option for camping or very frequent transport, this generator offers a good balance of quiet operation, strong power output, and smart energy management, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable, quiet backup power source for home essentials.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,306
Noise Level (Decibels/DB)
Power Output (Wattage)
Size and Portability

Most important from
413 reviews

Noise Level (Decibels/DB)
Exceptionally quiet operation makes it suitable for indoor use without disturbance, with noise barely noticeable during normal use.
Power Output (Wattage)
Runs multiple household devices simultaneously without overload, supporting long continuous use with stable output.
Size and Portability
Built-in wheels and a pull-out handle make moving the unit manageable despite its weight, enhancing portability.
#2

Generac 22,500 Starting Watt Portable Gas Generator - Electric Start - Home Backup or RV Ready - Heavy Duty Frame - Quiet, Long Runtime, Emergency Power - 49-State Compliant

Rating
9.1
Size and Portability
Inverter Technology
Runtime

Most important from
211 reviews

Size and Portability
Large wheels make it relatively easy to move despite its heavy weight.
Inverter Technology
Safely powers electronics without causing damage.
Runtime
Runs well and has proven reliable with almost 500 hours of use.

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.

Rating
9.1
Size and Portability
Inverter Technology
Runtime

Most important from
211 reviews

Size and Portability
Large wheels make it relatively easy to move despite its heavy weight.
Inverter Technology
Safely powers electronics without causing damage.
Runtime
Runs well and has proven reliable with almost 500 hours of use.
#3

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
8.8
Size and Portability

Most important from
35 reviews

Size and Portability
Portability is surprisingly good for its size, with wheels and a telescoping handle making it easy to move around.

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.

Rating
8.8
Size and Portability

Most important from
35 reviews

Size and Portability
Portability is surprisingly good for its size, with wheels and a telescoping handle making it easy to move around.

Buying Guide for the Best Quietest Generators

When looking for the quietest generators, your main goal is to find a model that delivers reliable power with minimal noise. There are various generators available, each varying in noise level, size, power output, and intended use. Assessing your needs—whether for camping, RV use, backup power at home, or job sites—will help guide you toward the best fit. Understanding and prioritizing key specifications will make your search easier and ensure you choose a generator that’s both functional and pleasingly quiet.
Noise Level (Decibels/DB)The noise level of a generator is measured in decibels (dB), which tells you how loud the unit will be when running. This is especially important if you plan to use your generator in places where loud noise would be disruptive, like campsites, residential areas, or outdoor events. Typically, quieter generators will be in the range of 50-60 dB from a set distance (often 23 feet away), which is comparable to normal conversation. Louder models—often over 70 dB—are better suited for job sites or situations where noise is less of a concern. If peace and quiet is most important to you, look for models specifically labeled as “quiet” or “ultra-quiet,” and check the quoted dB rating. Your environment and personal sensitivity to sound will determine how low you want this number to be.
Type of Generator (Inverter vs. Conventional)There are two main types of generators relevant to noise: inverter generators and conventional (standard) generators. Inverter generators are generally much quieter due to their technology and insulation. They’re best for situations where sound really matters, like camping or powering electronics at home. Conventional generators are typically louder and are used for heavier-duty applications, where quiet operation is not the top priority. If your main concern is keeping things quiet, an inverter generator is usually the right choice.
Power Output (Wattage)Power output tells you how much electricity the generator can produce, usually measured in watts. Smaller, quieter models may have outputs from 1,000 to 3,000 watts, making them suitable for running essentials like lights, small appliances, or sensitive electronics. Larger generators (over 3,000 watts) can support multiple heavy loads but are often bigger and noisier. Think about what you need to power—just a few essentials or a whole RV or home? The more power you need, the harder it is to keep things quiet, so choose the smallest output that meets your needs for the best combination of quietness and functionality.
Size and PortabilityThe size and portability of a generator can affect its noise level and where you can use it. Compact, lightweight generators are often designed for portability and tend to be engineered for quieter operation. Larger units might come with wheels, but they are noisier and less convenient to move. If you need something easy to carry or transport, smaller models will usually be quieter and better suited for personal or outdoor use. If the generator will stay in one place and be further away from where you spend time, a larger model may be acceptable even if it’s a bit noisier.
Eco/Quiet Mode and Load Sensing FeaturesMany quiet generators come with an 'eco' or 'quiet' mode, which automatically adjusts the engine speed based on the load. This significantly reduces noise when you’re using less power. If you need a generator that only sometimes needs to run at maximum output, choosing one with a smart throttle or eco mode will help keep it as quiet as possible most of the time. This spec is helpful for users who want a balance between noise and fuel efficiency and aren’t always running the generator at full capacity.

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