Top Rated Portable Generators of 2026

According to Customer Reviews

When it comes to reliable power on the go, our top-rated portable generators are the cream of the crop. These versatile machines have been rigorously tested and reviewed by real users, earning their spots... at the top based on performance, durability, and overall value. Whether you need backup power for your home during emergencies, reliable energy for outdoor events, or a dependable source of electricity for your worksite, these top-rated portable generators deliver the power and peace of mind you need. With a focus on quality and user satisfaction, these generators are ready to keep you powered up wherever your adventures take you.
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What to look for in Top Rated Portable Generators

1. Power Output

Check the generator's maximum and rated power output. The maximum output is the initial surge of power used to start appliances, while the rated power is what it can consistently produce.

2. Fuel Efficiency and Run Time

Look at how long the generator can run on a full tank and how efficient it is with fuel consumption. A more efficient generator will save you money in fuel costs over time.

3. Noise Level

Generators can be loud. If you plan to use yours frequently or for long periods, consider its noise level. Some models are designed to operate more quietly than others.

4. Portability

Consider how easy it is to move the generator. Look for features like wheels and handles that make transportation easier.
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  1. 1
    Westinghouse 12,500/9,500 W Dual-Fuel Portable Generator, Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready love it
    4.8 (32,979 reviews)
    $1149.99 Your price for this item is $1149.99

    About this product

    A powerful and versatile dual fuel portable generator with electric start and transfer switch compatibility.

    A powerful and versatile dual fuel portable generator with electric start and transfer switch compatibility.

    What customers like
    • Good value for the price
    • Powerful and versatile
    • Easy to assemble and start
    • Comfortable and flattering fit
    • Durable and well-built
    What customers dislike
    • Fit issues
    • Not durable
    • Box was opened
    • Not quiet
    • Button placement
  2. 2
    Westinghouse 5,000/3,900-Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Inverter Generator, RV Outlet, Remote Start Great power and very quiet!!
    4.7 (8,474 reviews)
    $1099.99 Your price for this item is $1099.99

    About this product

    A powerful and fuel-efficient portable inverter generator with remote start and RV-ready outlet.

    A powerful and fuel-efficient portable inverter generator with remote start and RV-ready outlet.

    What customers like
    • Good value for the price
    • Versatile and powerful
    • Easy to assemble and use
    • Remote start feature
    • Quiet operation
    What customers dislike
    • Difficulty in visually inspecting oil level
    • Small access door
    • Lack of amps display
    • Not effective
    • Oil plug issue
  3. 3
    Westinghouse 4,000/3,300-Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Inverter Generator, Recoil Start, CO Sensor Great inverter generator
    4.7 (8,198 reviews)
    $629.99 Your price for this item is $629.99

    About this product

    A powerful and portable gasoline generator with a 4000 watt capacity, ideal for camping or emergencies.

    A powerful and portable gasoline generator with a 4000 watt capacity, ideal for camping or emergencies.

    What customers like
    • Good value for the price
    • Powerful and reliable performance
    • Versatile and portable design
    • Quiet operation and low noise levels
    • Easy to start and operate
    What customers dislike
    • Flimsy handle
    • Choke issues
    • Difficult oil access
    • Cold start difficulties
    • Inaccurate fuel gauge
  4. 4
    Westinghouse 4,000/3,300-Watt Dual-Fuel Portable Inverter Generator, Remote Start, CO Sensor great choice
    4.7 (8,040 reviews)
    $749.99 Your price for this item is $749.99

    About this product

    A compact and versatile dual fuel generator with remote start and CO sensor for safe and efficient power on-the-go.

    A compact and versatile dual fuel generator with remote start and CO sensor for safe and efficient power on-the-go.

    What customers like
    • Convenient and easy to use
    • Dependable and reliable
    • Dual fuel capability
    • Quiet operation
    • Feature-rich
    What customers dislike
    • Confusing and unclear labeling/instructions
    • Difficulty starting and running rough
    • Heavy and difficult to lift
    • Fuel leakage and oil spillage issues
  5. 5
    Westinghouse 4,000/3,300-Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Inverter Generator, Remote Start, CO Sensor Great features
    4.7 (7,808 reviews)
    $699.99 Your price for this item is $699.99

    About this product

    A powerful and portable gasoline inverter generator with remote start, ideal for camping and emergency backup power.

    A powerful and portable gasoline inverter generator with remote start, ideal for camping and emergency backup power.

    What customers like
    • Good value for the price
    • Quiet operation
    • Versatile and portable
    • Easy to start and operate
    • Reliable and durable
    What customers dislike
    • Poor packaging
    • Choke issues
    • Difficult oil access
    • Inaccurate fuel gauge
    • Lacking power
  6. 6
    Generac 10,000/8,000-Watt Gasoline Powered GP8000E Portable Generator, Electric Start My best investment
    4.7 (2,251 reviews)
    $1159.99 Your price for this item is $1159.99

    About this product

    A powerful and durable gas portable generator with electric start, CO-SENSE technology, and long runtime.

    A powerful and durable gas portable generator with electric start, CO-SENSE technology, and long runtime.

    What customers like
    • Easy to start and use
    • Durable construction
    • Emergency backup power
    • Quiet operation
    • Reliable performance
    What customers dislike
    • Difficult to start
    • Safety hazard
    • Expensive repair
    • Limited fuel options
  7. 7
    Generac 6,500-Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Generator, CO-Sense Technology, 389 PR, 49-State/CAN, Low-Oil Level Shutdown The best performer for its price
    4.6 (1,836 reviews)
    $939.99 Your price for this item is $939.99

    About this product

    A powerful and portable generator with CO-Sense technology for protection against carbon monoxide poisoning.

    A powerful and portable generator with CO-Sense technology for protection against carbon monoxide poisoning.

    What customers like
    • Convenient and easy to use
    • Good value for the price
    • Compact and portable
    • Easy assembly and setup
    • Reliable performance
    What customers dislike
    • Limited features and options
    • Potential issues with CO sensor
    • Not water-resistant
    • Not quiet
    • Difficulties with installation and maintenance
  8. 8
    DuroMax 13,000/10,500-Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Generator, 500cc, CO Alert It appears to be the best option for me
    4.8 (682 reviews)
    $2499.99 Your price for this item is $2499.99

    About this product

    A powerful and versatile portable generator that runs on gasoline, propane, and natural gas, with 13,000W of power and CO alert protection.

    A powerful and versatile portable generator that runs on gasoline, propane, and natural gas, with 13,000W of power and CO alert protection.

    What customers like
    • Versatility with fuel options
    • Great power output
    • Straightforward setup
    • Reliable performance during power outages
    • Easy to use and install
    What customers dislike
    • Issues with switches
    • Aggressive initial setup
    • May require more oil
    • Durability concerns
    • Corrosion on battery terminal
  9. 9
    DuroMax 13,000/10,500-Watt Dual-Fuel Portable Home Power Backup Generator, 500cc, Electric Start Hybrid Best deal and quality of the generator world
    4.6 (590 reviews)
    $1499.99 Your price for this item is $1499.99

    About this product

    A powerful and versatile 10,500 watt dual-fuel portable generator with push-button start and multiple outlets.

    A powerful and versatile 10,500 watt dual-fuel portable generator with push-button start and multiple outlets.

    What customers like
    • Powers entire house
    • Excellent customer service
    • Versatile dual-fuel capability
    • Easy assembly and startup
    • Reliable performance
    What customers dislike
    • Backfires
    • Frequent spark plug replacement
    • Overheating issues
    • High propane consumption
    • Loss of pressure with propane tanks
  10. 10
    Sportsman 4,000/3,500-Watt Gasoline Powered Portable Generator
    4.4 (457 reviews)
    $329.99 Your price for this item is $329.99

    About this product

    A portable gasoline-powered generator with 4,000 peak surge watts and 3,500 running watts, ideal for powering RVs and small appliances.

    A portable gasoline-powered generator with 4,000 peak surge watts and 3,500 running watts, ideal for powering RVs and small appliances.

    What customers like
    • Easy to use
    • Quiet operation
    • Good value
    • Reliable performance
    • Versatile power
    What customers dislike
    • Not very quiet
    • Oil leakage
    • Reliability issues (broke rod, not starting, died after 2 months)
    • Made in China
    • Low fuel level alarm not effective

FAQ

What are the benefits of using a portable generator? + -

Portable generators provide a reliable source of power in situations where regular electricity is not available. They are ideal for outdoor events, camping trips, or as a backup during power outages. They're also easy to transport and set up, making them a convenient choice for many different scenarios.

How do I maintain my portable generator? + -

Regular maintenance of your portable generator can extend its lifespan and ensure it operates efficiently. This includes checking and changing the oil regularly, inspecting the air filter for cleanliness, and running the generator periodically to keep its parts lubricated.

What type of fuel do portable generators use? + -

Most portable generators run on gasoline, but there are also models that use diesel, propane, or natural gas. Some models are even dual-fuel or tri-fuel, meaning they can run on two or three different types of fuel for added flexibility.

Can I use a portable generator to power my entire home? + -

While portable generators can provide power to essential appliances and systems in your home during an outage, they may not be able to handle the load of an entire household's electrical needs. It's important to calculate your power needs before purchasing a generator to ensure it can handle your requirements.

Are there any noise considerations when using a portable generator? + -

Yes, some generators can be quite loud when operating. If noise is a concern for you, look for models that are designed to operate quietly. Also consider local noise regulations if you plan on using the generator in residential areas.

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