Top 9 Quiet and Efficient Generators of 2024-Tested

Looking for a quiet and efficient inverter generator? You’re in the right place! We’ve teamed up with the experts at Bob Vila and The Family Handyman to bring you the inside scoop on the best generators out there.

Bob Vila’s team tested eight top sellers to find out which ones really deliver. Plus, we got some pro tips from master electricians and industry professionals.

With their help, we’ve picked out nine standout generators that are perfect for keeping your lights on and your gear running smoothly.

Champion Power Equipment 4,500-Watt

When you’re planning your next RV adventure, don’t forget to pack the Champion Power Equipment 4,500-watt inverter generator. It’s the perfect companion for keeping everything in your RV running smoothly, especially with its RV-ready features.

This generator offers 4,500 watts and 120 volts, ensuring you have enough power to handle all your needs from lighting to cooling.

One of the standout features of this model is its impressive 14-hour run time on a full 2.3-gallon tank. That means less worrying about refueling and more time enjoying the outdoors. The unit comes equipped with two standard outlets and three USB adapters, making it easy to charge all your devices.

It provides clean electricity with less than 3% THD, so you can trust it with your sensitive electronic devices. For mobility, it includes two sturdy wheels and a side handle, making it simple to move around your campsite.

While the parallel kit is sold separately, the existing features make this generator a top pick for any RV owner looking for reliability and convenience.

Westinghouse 2,200-Watt

Looking for an affordable generator that packs a punch without emptying your wallet? Check out the Westinghouse 2,200-watt inverter generator.

It’s a compact powerhouse, weighing just 46 pounds, which makes it easy to carry around wherever you need power—be it at home during an outage or out in the woods on a camping trip. Despite its small size, it delivers a solid 12-hour runtime on a single 1.14-gallon tank of gas.

This generator stands out not only for its affordability but also for its performance. Equipped with four outlets, it’s ready to connect to everything from your smartphone to your home’s essential circuits.

And let’s talk about noise—or the lack thereof. It’s designed to be super quiet, so you can keep it running through the night without worrying about waking the neighborhood. Even though it lacks wheels, its lightweight design ensures you won’t miss them.

Westinghouse 4,500-Watt

If you’re in the market for a reliable power source, the Westinghouse 4,500-watt inverter generator deserves your attention. This unit stands out for its efficiency and user-friendly features. Imagine running your essential appliances smoothly for up to 18 hours on just a 3.4-gallon tank, thanks to its dual fuel technology.

The built-in carbon monoxide sensor adds a layer of safety by monitoring air quality, making it a smart choice for family camping trips or emergency home use.

One of the most appreciated features is its electric start. With a push of a button, you can kickstart your generator from up to 260 feet away—a handy feature when you need to power up in a pinch. And if the remote isn’t handy, the recoil start serves as a reliable backup.

Weighing over 100 pounds, it’s sturdy yet manageable to transport with some help. This generator promises to be a seamless addition to your gear, ensuring you’re always powered up when it matters most.

DuroMax Dual Fuel Inverter Generator

When you’re caught in a blackout, the DuroMax Dual Fuel Inverter Generator steps up to keep your essentials running smoothly.

With a hefty 9,000 watts at peak and 7,600 running watts, this generator can power your home’s crucial appliances for over 10 hours. It’s a reliable choice to weather through storms without a hitch.

Transporting the generator, despite its 237-pound heft, is simplified with a handy wheel kit. You can switch between propane and gas thanks to its dual-fuel feature, ensuring you’re never out of options.

Plus, its built-in safety measures, like the automatic oil shutoff and an LCD screen that monitors hours and load levels, make it both smart and sturdy for any home emergency.

Wen 3,800-Watt Inverter Generator

If you’re looking for a generator that’s big on sustainability and perfect for your outdoor adventures, the Wen 3,800-Watt Inverter Generator should be on your list. With its capacity to churn out 3,800 watts and 120 volts, it’s ideal for powering your RV or setting the stage for a great tailgating party.

What makes this generator stand out is its efficiency. It features an automatic fuel shutoff that uses up the remaining gas in the carburetor before turning off, which helps maximize the generator’s lifespan and conserve fuel.

Plus, the Eco Mode switch optimizes fuel consumption based on the load demand. This not only saves you money but also reduces emissions.

And with a fuel display, you’ll always know exactly when it’s time to refuel. This model is designed to safely power your smart devices and laptops without the risk of damage, making it a reliable companion for your travel needs.

Champion Power Equipment Open Frame Inverter Generator

When you need reliable power without the usual racket, consider the Champion Power Equipment Open Frame Inverter Generator. This unit is a game-changer, boasting a design that’s 50% quieter and 20% lighter than traditional generators.

Whether you’re setting up at a campsite, a work project, or just preparing for unexpected home power outages, this generator fits the bill perfectly.

Ease of mobility is a standout feature here, thanks to its two sturdy wheels and a foldable handle that make it a breeze to move around. Plus, the low-oil shutoff sensor adds a layer of reliability by alerting you when it’s time to top up the oil, ensuring the generator runs smoothly without risk of damage.

Whether you’re powering a few small devices or the essential home appliances during a blackout, this generator can handle it with ease. Remember, always operate your generator in an open, well-ventilated area to avoid the dangers of carbon monoxide buildup.

Honda 2200-Watt Inverter Generator With CO-Minder

Imagine heading out for a camping trip or setting up for a tailgate and you’ve got the Honda 2200-Watt Inverter Generator ticking quietly in the background.

This compact powerhouse is perfect for when you’re on the move, thanks to its whisper-quiet operation—quieter than a normal conversation—and lightweight build, making it super easy to carry and set up anywhere.

This generator also packs a punch with 2,200 peak watts and 1,800 running watts, all powered by the robust Honda GXR120 commercial series engine. Safety is a priority with this model, featuring a built-in carbon monoxide sensor and an emergency shutoff to keep you safe while you power up.

Though it lacks USB ports, making it less convenient for charging smaller gadgets directly, its dual 125V-20A outlets provide ample connectivity for your larger essentials.

Whether you’re keeping the fridge running during a power outage or powering tools on a job site, this generator delivers reliable, clean energy consistently. Plus, it’s ready to link up with another unit for even more power, should you need it.

Pulsar 2200-Watt Dual-Fuel Quiet Inverter Generator

Looking for a versatile power source? The Pulsar 2200-Watt Dual-Fuel Quiet Inverter Generator might just be your best pick. It’s light enough to move around easily, tipping the scales at just 46.5 pounds.

Plus, it offers the flexibility to run on either gasoline or propane—whichever you have on hand or prefer. This means you can keep your options open and always be prepared, whether you’re dealing with a power outage or need a portable power source for outdoor activities.

Setting up this generator is straightforward once you get past the initial hurdle of accessing the oil fill port. Though removing the side panel to change the oil can be a bit of a hassle and might require a bit more elbow grease than you’d like, the effort is worth it.

With a simple pull-start mechanism, the engine springs to life effortlessly, ready to supply up to 1,800 running watts and 2,200 peak watts. It’s equipped with two 120V-15A AC outlets and a handy USB-A port for charging smaller gadgets directly.

While it operates at around 60 dB—comparable to a normal conversation—it might sound more like a vacuum cleaner when running at full load. Despite this, its performance is solid, especially for light-duty tasks like powering small tools or keeping essential home appliances running during an outage.

Westinghouse iGen4500 Quiet Inverter Generator

Imagine you’re gearing up for a weekend in your RV or prepping for a quiet evening outdoors, and you’ve got the Westinghouse iGen4500 Inverter Generator as your power buddy.

This generator is a solid choice for anyone needing a robust yet quiet power source. It dishes out 4,500 peak watts and 3,700 running watts, all while humming at a gentle 52 dB—quieter than a normal conversation, making it ideal for places where noise is a concern.

The iGen4500 is incredibly user-friendly, featuring remote control functionality that allows you to start and stop it from a distance—talk about convenience! Plus, its Eco mode function conserves energy when the power draw is minimal, helping you extend the life of your fuel supply over up to 18 hours on its 3.4-gallon tank.

Although it’s a gasoline-only model, which might limit its versatility for some, its portability is enhanced by an extendable handle and wheels that make it manageable for one person to move around. It’s a bit of a lift at 104.7 pounds, but once you’ve got it set up, you’ll appreciate its capacity to power everything from grinders and saws to your travel trailer’s essentials.

Not only does it handle larger appliances, but with two USB ports, it keeps your smaller devices charged too. Whether you’re looking for reliable backup power at home or a quiet companion for your outdoor adventures, this generator stands out as a top choice.