Generating electricity quietly really can make the difference between a secure night’s sleep and the neighbors calling in a complaint about you.
As experts, we’ve gathered information on the quiet portable generators out there, and we’ve learned everything about them from load capacity, to fuel efficiency, and ease of startup.
Having one of those ten quiet generators is important to safely have reduced noise with the security of big power. The mediocre generator is too loud to use and doesn’t produce enough watts for your needs.
Best Quiet Portable Generators:
1. Generac 7127 IQ3500 3,500-Watt Gas-Powered Portable Generator
This is one of the top very quiet portable generators. It is a smart device that keeps up with the amount of energy used. It offers three modes standard, economy, and turbo. Customers can get a power boost when needed by using the parallel kit model 6877 (sold separately).
Customers who are using this generator are saying that it is one of the generators they’ve ever used. It is great for running various appliances during an outage. It can run for days at a time in the event of a natural disaster. It is lightweight and very quiet. A handful of customers reported generators leaking fuel when first purchased.
The majority of customers who have purchased this generator have provided good feedback. It seems to be a good generator for traveling or for long-term power outages. It is light enough for a single person to carry and it’s powerful enough to handle several appliances.
Pros
- Easy to start
- Simple to carry
- Extremely quiet
Cons
- Can be tough to sync 2 generators for parallel use
- Picture diagram instructions aren’t that easy to understand
- Pull cord inside the unit can get too hot and burn up if you’re not careful
2. WEN 56200i 2000-Watt Gas-Powered Portable Inverter Generator
This lightweight quiet portable generator comes with a couple of 120V receptacles as well as a 5V USB port and a 12V DC receptacle. There are different watt options for this generator including 2000 Watts with 1600 running, 2000 Watts with 1700 running, 1250 Watts with 1000 running, 2250 Watts with fuel shutoff, and 3100 Watts with RV plug.
Customers who have bought this generator are saying this is a well-performing generator. They appreciate that it works so great for camping trips and regular RV use.
In cases of emergency, customers have reported getting 8-9 hours of usage out of this generator while running a combination of appliances. A handful of customers reported purchasing used versions of this product and receiving damaged or leaking units.
Overall this generator seems to be one of the top quiet portable generators for home use. If you frequently camp or travel and you need a trustworthy generator, this is a solid purchase. It is also great for emergencies including storms and other power outages.
Pros
- Fuel efficient
- Quiet
- Can used over several days
Cons
- A little tall for a travel generator
- Can get a little noisy over time
- Certain parts may break over time with the use
3. A-iPower Portable Inverter Generator
This quiet portable generator comes in two color options such as blue and camouflage. The smart throttle will adjust your engine speed according to load, reducing noise and fuel usage.
Customers who have purchased this generator appreciate that it’s simple to use and travel with. It also has a fuel gauge which customers find very helpful. It’s one of the super quiet portable generators to take camping. Lastly, customers are enjoying the fuel efficiency of this product.
This unit is one of the quiet-running portable generators on the market. It is easy to carry, simple to set up, and will not disturb your neighbors. It is fuel-efficient and has a fuel indicator to let you know when your levels are getting low.
Most customers who have owned this generator also use it for emergency power needs. Purchase yours today and have a reliable generator that’s ready to use whenever you might need it.
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Convenient to travel with
Cons
- The unit starts to get oil issues after several hours of usage
- The unit could potentially go bad after going a while without use
4. Westinghouse 2200 Watt Super Quiet & Lightweight Portable Inverter Generator
This small quiet portable generator has a camouflage finish and works well as an emergency backup for your home. It is quiet, with a 52 dB noise output. It has a fuel efficiency mode that helps boost fuel efficiency capabilities. Customers must get a generator-brand parallel cord to boost available wattage with parallel generators.
Customers are reporting that this generator is easy to start and is very quiet. Overall they are happy with its performance. It has been helpful over weeks of use at a time. One customer has even reported receiving 10 hours of use with a single gallon of gas. Works well for a small RV.
This generator works very well. It is super easy to get started and takes very little effort to fill with oil. It is convenient for travel and works well when combined with other generators for a power boost.
Pros
- Compact
- lightweight
- Quiet
- Parallel Capable
- Access to oil fill is quick and easy
Cons
- Can’t run all appliances on RV at once
- No fuel gauge
- No hour meter
- Can be a little difficult to access components for maintenance
5. Generac 7117 Gp2200I W 50St Inverter
This Generac 7117 GP2200i quiet generator is easy to use, compact, and quiet. It provides clean energy for your appliances, tools, and small electronics. It has indicator lights to warn you of low oil, power level, and overload. You can carry this model easily with its built-in handle, and there is a startup knob to get things going pretty quickly.
Customers who have bought this generator appreciate that it comes with oil and a funnel for applying the oil to the motor. It works very well with power outages after bad storms. It is pretty simple to carry, and very quiet. A few customers seemed to have purchased defective units.
Overall there aren’t many cons to this generator. It runs smoothly, can be carried by a single person, it’s fuel-efficient, and it’s easy to get started and maintain. This seems to be a generator you can keep in your garage with confidence whenever the next power outage occurs.
Pros
- Easy to start
- Fuel efficient
- lightweight
- Easy to change the oil
Cons
- The economy mode makes it difficult to save gas and run large appliances
- No fuel shut-off
6. Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt 120-Volt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
Use this popular model generator to run the most important things in your home, office, or camp. You don’t have to worry about disturbing the neighbors because this is the quietest portable generator you could buy.
A single fill-up can provide overnight power or handle long-time usage. This small generator is packed with enough reliable power that you’ll feel like you’re using your typical everyday energy source.
Customers who own this generator are quite pleased. They love that it’s easy to start and that it runs quietly. The majority of them feel it’s a good quality product for the price. It is reliable, durable, and powerful.
Whenever there is a storm coming or you’re faced with a temporary power outage, this generator is one that you can depend on. One full tank will get you through the night, powering the majority of your appliances at a time. This is one of the top-rated portable generators for home use.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Reliable
- Portable
- Fuel efficiency
Cons
- Hard to change the oil
- Might not be big enough for large projects
7. Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator
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This generator holds .6 quarts of oil. It also has a low oil shut-off sensor. It has a quick touch panel conveniently located on the outside which gives you access to all controls at one time. At 23 feet the noise level is 59 dBA. It’s a very quiet unit that will work well for tailgating, camping, a project, or as backup power for the home.
Customers who own this generator say it’s a great camping generator. Its small size makes it great for traveling. They also like the generator is full of power and works well as a backup power source for the home.
Lastly, they find the dual fuel option convenient as some people need the propane to run other appliances, and it’s nice to be able to use the propane for everything. A handful of customers have reported receiving a defective unit that either arrived broken, leaked gas, or wouldn’t start up with gas after a while.
According to the quietest portable generator reviews, this machine makes the majority of its owners completely happy. It’s quiet, easy to start, and very strong. If you plan on camping, this is probably one of the quiet portable generators you can purchase.
Pros
- Compact size
- Very quiet
- Powerful
- Easy to start
Cons
- Certain appliances may need gas to start instead of propane
- Might not be powerful enough to run a full tailor with an air conditioner
8. Pulsar 2,300W Portable Gas-Powered Inverter Generator
This inverter-style generator comes in 4 choices. In white, you can get sizes 2000w, 2,300w, and 4,000w. In gray, there is a single option of 2,000w. All sizes are compact, great on gas, and provide clean energy to your tools, appliances, and electronics.
Customers who have purchased this product find it reliable and easy to transport. It is also very quiet and simple to crank. Works well for long-time use during a power outage from a storm. Customers also say that the generator goes far on a single gallon of gas. At least one customer has successfully used this generator while bow-fishing.
A small number of customers reported receiving a leaking, damaged, or generator that wouldn’t start after a few uses.
This generator is extremely quiet and fuel-efficient. Works well on mini trips as well as during emergencies. It is very easy to take along for the ride and you will be quite happy with the energy results you receive.
Pros
- Compact
- Great for long-time use
- Dependable
- Fuel efficient
- Quiet
- Lightweight
Cons
- An oil change can be messy if you’re not extra careful
- Needs after-care and running-in information for customers
- If you purchase used you might run into a few problems
9. Honda EU7000ISNAN 7000-Watt 120/240-Volt Inverter Generator
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This lovely 7000W generator uses electricity and gas and is built for camping RVs. It weighs 260 lbs and provides lots of power.
Customers who own this generator are very happy that it is easy to use after setup. They report that it is a reliable generator and they appreciate that it has a backup pull-start in the event that the battery is low on power. It’s great for camping with daily gas fill-ups. It can run all of your RV appliances very quietly.
If you need a heavy-duty generator to take on your lengthy camping trips this is a great choice. It will not disturb the neighbors on your camping trip. It is extremely quiet and will run all of your appliances with no problem. You can use it each day with a single fill-up because you will get lots of usage per tank.
Pros
- Fuel efficient
- Easy maintenance
- The startup is simple once assembly is complete
- Very quiet
Cons
- Very heavy
- Assembly can be tough
Tips on Choosing
As great and handy as generators are, one of the main complaints you will hear about them is the noise factor. The loud hum can be a disturbance to neighbors anywhere, especially out in the wilderness.
You can’t hear yourself think, nor can you hear your very own conversations with your friends and family.
In addition to noise being annoying, studies have reported that constant exposure to noise boosts your risk of heart attack, ruins concentration, and makes it impossible to get good quality sleep.
No one wants to be responsible for ruining the lives and vacations of themselves and others with a noisy generator. Here are some tips to make the best choice for you:
Buy New
If and when you can get your generator, buy a new one. While you were reading the customers above you probably noticed that some customers reported receiving broken or leaking units. These were in most cases used units. To guarantee that your generator is shipped dry and has fully working components, it’s best to purchase one that has never been used before.
Power Matters
The amount of power the generator offers lets you know how many of your appliances can be on at the same time. Heat and air conditioners usually take up about 2,000 watts or more, so you might want to be strategic when you warm up or cool down your areas.
Inverters are preferred
Portable generators typically provide a broad range of watts. The portable generator will be the inverter generator since they are much quieter. They are also a little safer because they release fewer emissions, but they are still not okay to run inside the home.
Count the outlets
Having several outlets helps you get the most out of your generator by spreading the load across many devices.
Watch the dBA level
Your aim should be less than 65. There might be a slight purr, but you do want to check the specs on the package before purchase because some customers have bought a quiet generator and complained of hearing the noise.
Factors To Consider
Buying a generator is not a small purchase, especially when you need it to be heavy-duty and quiet. Trying to fight for a proper noise level can be tough, and the only way to truly hear what it sounds like is either at the store or if you find a video review online.
Noise is very important, but it’s not the only thing that should weigh in on your final decision. Here are the majority of the factors you should consider before you make your purchase:
Weight
Are you able to lift heavy machinery? Do you have someone around all the time who can help you when you need to lift a heavy generator?
If your answer is no, then you will need to shop for a lightweight generator. Think about lifting it onto your RV or taking it off of a shelf in the garage. Pay close attention to the pounds listed on each product so you know you’re ordering something you will be able to carry on your own.
Power
Think about all the home essentials you will need to power up. You can consider your needs for a tailgate party, a planned trip, or in the event of an emergency. Which appliances will you need to run at the same time?
When you consider these things you will realize the load level you need your new generator to be able to carry. This information will help you narrow down the generators by watts. Larger appliances such as air conditioners and heaters will most likely take up the bulk of your watts.
if you’re looking for a small quiet generator for RV or camping, those 2000-watt generators can solve your problem with electricity.
Fuel
The generator should be fuel-efficient. It takes a lot of power and gas to run appliances, so you’ll want to look for the unit that specifically states how long your unit can run per load amount. The most fuel-efficient generators will allow you to take on a hefty load for several hours.
Some people have been able to run their generators throughout the day with daily fill-ups. Another key thing about fuel is knowing what type of fuel you prefer. Some generators are dual fuels that can take gasoline and propane.
Those options might be convenient for you if you are using a certain fuel to run your appliances. You might be able to get away with just using one of the options for all of your belongings.
Noise
Are you familiar with the dBA you need for your ears to be at peace while running the equipment? Aim for less than 65 if possible. You will want the quietest portable generator on the market.
If you’re buying online you can check out customer reviews to see if there were any noise complaints about the unit you intend to purchase. One thing generator owners and their neighbors appreciate is a quiet generator.
Setup, Usage, & Maintenance
Make sure you see what is required for assembly. Some generators can be complicated to set up including battery installation and oil filling.
You will need to consider how tough it will be to get to the access panel and if anything has to be removed so you can change the oil. Also consider how tough it is to start the generator, and whether indicators are letting you know that the generator needs attention, fuel, or oil.
FAQ
What do the specs mean for running watts and starting watts?
Your running watts are how much power the generator is creating continuously while it’s on. The starting watts are short bursts of power the generator produces for temporary periods. These periods are only a few seconds and they are generally used when starting up an appliance.
Can a portable generator power my home?
Powering a home is only recommended with a transfer switch to avoid damage.
A professional electrician can install one for you. It will keep you from getting electrocuted and also prevent damaging your equipment.
Is it safe to run my generator non-stop?
Yes, as long as you keep up with the maintenance of the unit. Be sure to turn the unit off to provide any maintenance tasks such as adding gas to the generator.
You don’t want the generator to run out of fuel while it’s being used. This could cause damage to the appliance or the generator.
What happens if the generator is overloaded?
In most cases, the circuit breaker will trip to keep the engine and any connected equipment safe from being damaged. The breakers usually take up to 10 seconds to cool before they can be reset.
Can I just operate the generator at a low load all the time?
Running the generator on less than a quarter load for long periods can end in reducing the generator’s overall performance. You should aim to pull a full load occasionally to keep the generator fully functioning and lasting longer.
Making The Decision
You have to admit that now you know far more than you did before you started your search. You’re equipped with information that will help you make the best decision regarding your temporary, travel, or emergency generator needs.
Overall, you know that you need a power generator that you can move around, start, and maintain easily that won’t make much noise.
Keep in mind that quieter generators will cost a little more, but it’s worth it to purchase something that you can use and that will make you happy. If you buy a budget item, each time you use it you will wish you spent the additional money.
You want the maximum level output with good clean power that can run your devices and appliances without causing any damage.
At first, your needs might have seemed like a tall order, but now that you know your specific needs exist, you can narrow the generators down to what’s most important. Think about what you need power for and for how long.
Check out the quiet portable generator reviews and see which models exceed customer expectations. Remember, you can save power and fuel by being strategic about when you run certain appliances on your generator and for how long.
Now make the generator choice for you and your family and purchase one of the quiet portable generators the market has to offer!
