The Best Quiet Generators for a Peaceful Power Supply, Tested
Generators provide portable electricity for emergencies, on jobsites, or even camping trips, but finding a quiet generator can pose a challenge. We wanted to find out if generators advertised as being quiet really were, so we decided to test eight best-selling models. Our goal was to determine how noisy they were and whether they were easy to use and produced adequate power. Real-life testing gave us the answers we needed to recommend these generators.
Ahead, find out how each of the following models earned a spot on our list of the best quiet generators as well as some important considerations to keep in mind when shopping.
- BEST OVERALL: Honda 2200-Watt Inverter Generator With CO-Minder
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Pulsar 2200-Watt Dual-Fuel Quiet Inverter Generator
- BEST SOLAR: Maxoak Bluetti EB240 2400Wh Solar Power Station
- BEST FOR CAMPING: Westinghouse iGen4500 Quiet Inverter Generator
- MOST USER-FRIENDLY: Generac iQ3500 Portable Inverter Generator
- BEST CARB-COMPLIANT: Craftsman 3000-Watt Inverter Generator
- BEST LIGHT-DUTY: Wen DF250i Super Quiet 2500-Watt Dual-Fuel Generator
- BEST BLUETOOTH: Ryobi 2300-Watt Bluetooth Inverter Generator
How We Tested the Best Quiet Generators
As technology improves, generator manufacturers continue to tweak their products to make them quieter and more efficient. We researched more than 35 different generators before selecting several top-rated models for hands-on testing. We considered some of the best generator brands, but we also looked at customer satisfaction, power output, cost, and noise level.
We’ve tested more than 20 generators for various guides, and as a rule, they tend to be loud, with many sounding about as loud as gas-powered lawn equipment. The quietest portable generators are typically compact computer-controlled inverters with efficient motors, advanced mufflers, and adaptable power output. While a traditional generator runs at the same speed no matter what you plug into it, an inverter generator self-regulates, which prevents wasted energy, making them among the most efficient generators.
For this list, we focused on generators with inverter engines that run at 60 decibels (dB) or less. That is about the level of a normal conversation or a running dishwasher. We also looked at solar generators, which produce little to no noise at all.
Then, the real work began. Test team members assembled the models they were assigned, carefully followed the instructions for fueling and safety, and then powered up the generators and started testing. We plugged in a variety of tools, appliances, and other items while using an online wattage calculator to help us estimate the correct wattage for each model. We paid close attention to the amount of noise the generators produced, and we also assessed ease of use, power, portability, and overall value.
Testing Stats
Products tested: 8
Hours spent testing: 83
Tests performed: 5
Average price: $798
Our Top Picks
These generators made our list by providing power for various needs without creating earsplitting noise. No matter your power needs, if you’re looking for a quiet way to generate electricity, one of these generators may very well fit the bill.
Best Overall
Honda 2200-Watt Inverter Generator With CO-Minder
This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.
Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Noise 4/5; Portability 4/5; Power 5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Wattage: 2,200 peak watts and 1,800 running watts
- Noise level: 48 to 57 dB(A)
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Outlets/ports: Two 125-volt (V)-20-amp (A) outlets
- Weight: 47.4 pounds
What We Like
- Whisper-quiet operation; lower noise than normal conversation
- Lightweight construction and compact build are easy to store and transport
- Powered by a reliable and easy-to-start Honda GXR120 commercial series engine
- Features carbon monoxide detection and emergency shutoff for added safety
What We Don’t Like
- Not equipped with USB ports; less convenient for small electronic devices
- Premium price point for less total output than other options
The Honda EU2200i inverter generator offers an excellent combination of portability, reliability, easy operation, and low noise, making it a great option for tailgating, camping, picnics, and other on-the-go outdoor events. Though it’s not a completely noiseless generator, its engine sound easily gets lost in the background. This inverter generator has a Honda GXR120 commercial series engine that delivers 120 volts and up to 2,200 peak watts and 1,800 running watts. A 125V-20A duplex outlet allows users to plug in two electrical cords, just like a wall outlet at home.
We used it to power a full-size refrigerator for 4 hours, burning about a half tank of gas. In another test, we plugged in a portable table saw and miter saw on a jobsite for a whole workday. The current was clean and consistent, and we didn’t trip the breaker once. We also added a USB hub to charge a phone and laptop.
This generator is compatible with the Honda My Generator mobile app for remote monitoring and is parallel ready for use with a second Honda EU2200i. (Connection kit is sold separately.) It also features a built-in carbon monoxide sensor and safety shutoff. Its molded plastic handle sits behind the fuel tank opening for balanced carrying despite its nearly 50-pound weight.
Our only complaint was that there was no built-in USB port, so we had to unplug a three-prong extension cord on a tool that draws nearly 10A to charge a device using less than 3A. Still, its mix of impressive features makes this quiet portable generator a great option in a variety of scenarios.
Get the Honda quiet generator at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Northern Tool + Equipment.
Best Bang For The Buck
Pulsar 2200-Watt Dual-Fuel Quiet Inverter Generator
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Power 4.5/5; Portability 5/5; Noise 4/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Wattage: Gasoline: 2,200 peak watts and 1,800 running watts; propane: 2,000 peak watts and 1,600 running watts
- Noise level: About 60 dB
- Fuel: Gasoline or propane
- Outlets/ports: Two 120V-15A AC outlets; 1 USB-A port
- Weight: 46.5 pounds
What We Like
- Light enough to move around without strain
- Easy to set up and get the engine running
- Ability to run on either propane or gasoline for increased versatility
What We Don’t Like
- Access panel to change the oil was difficult to remove
- Changing the oil requires tipping the generator on its side, making it difficult to balance
The Pulsar 2200-watt inverter generator is a great option for powering small tools and devices for up to 8 hours. With a 1.18-gallon fuel tank and the ability to run either gasoline or propane, the generator supplies up to 1,800 watts while running, peaking at 2,200 watts on startup.
Setup was a bit difficult at first. To access the oil fill port we had to remove a side panel, and doing so required some manual force. Once we were able to pop the panel off, getting the generator ready to start for the first time took only a couple of minutes. With just a couple of pulls on the recoil start, the engine came to life quickly.
Our test rig included a couple of heat guns and hair dryers running at the same time on different high and low settings to vary the load. We found the generator handled 1,800 watts as advertised but noise levels were higher. Pulsar states that this generator runs at approximately 60 dB, about the sound level of conversation, but to us, it sounded about as loud as a vacuum cleaner.
Even though it was a bit louder than we hoped, we found that this generator is a great option, particularly at this price point, for light-duty power needs such as small DIY projects and powering a couple of household appliances during an outage.
Get the Pulsar quiet generator at Amazon or Walmart.
Best Solar
Maxoak Bluetti EB240 2400Wh Solar Power Station
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Power 4/5; Portability 5/5; Noise 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Wattage: 1,200 peak watts and 1,000 running watts
- Noise level: 0 dB
- Power source: AC or solar
- Outlets/ports: Two 110V-20A outlets; 12V DC outlet; 1 PD USB-C port; 4 USB-A ports
- Weight: 48.5-pound generator; 14.3 pounds for each solar panel
What We Like
- Makes no noise when used as a power source; charges via AC power at just 43 dB
- Lithium-ion polymer battery delivers a high level of stored energy in a small package
- Foldable solar panels include kickstands, mounting holes, and handles for transport
- Can accommodate over 1,000-watt start-up and running load for a washing machine with power left over
What We Don’t Like
- Battery icon shows charge level rather than an exact percentage
- Two 20A AC outlets and 5 USB ports make it more suited to emergency power needs and device charging
- Operating temp is 32 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit; not compatible with extreme weather
The Maxoak Bluetti solar generator may not pack as much power as many of the other generators on this list, but in terms of a quiet, energy-efficient option for small appliances and devices, it’s a winner. It’s a virtually noiseless generator—emitting no sound when powering devices and appliances, and it measured only 43 dB when we charged via an AC outlet. This small generator weighs under 50 pounds and is just a bit bigger than a large briefcase at 19.4 inches long by 6.5 inches wide by 14.4 inches high. It has two AC outlets, one DC plug, and five USB ports, making it best suited for emergency use, portable power needs, or camping.
In testing, we used the Bluetti to run a mini fridge, corded stick vacuum, CPAP machine, and several other small appliances and cordless tool chargers. We even plugged it into a washing machine and were impressed that the generator had enough peak and running power to do a full cycle without tripping the overload protector. However, it was hard to tell how much of the battery the tests were using, as the Bluetti’s power status is displayed via a battery icon divided into five segments.
Having tested other solar generators that show an actual battery percentage, we found this pictorial representation confusing and less specific than we would have liked. Still, for 1,000 watts of power and two 200-watt foldable solar panels (with pass-through charging!), this portable silent generator is an excellent value that provides peace of mind for basic backup needs.
Get the Maxoak quiet generator at Amazon or Maxoak.
Best for Camping
Westinghouse iGen4500 Quiet Inverter Generator
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Noise 4/5; Portability 4/5; Power 4.5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Wattage: 4,500 peak watts and 3,700 running watts
- Noise level: 52 dB(A)
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Outlets/ports: One 120V-30A outlet; two 120V-20A outlets; 2 USB-A ports
- Weight: 104.7 pounds
What We Like
- Remote control offers starting and stopping from a distance
- Eco mode saves energy when power draw is minimal
- Extendable handle and wheels make it easy for 1 person to move
What We Don’t Like
- Not dual fuel; runs on gasoline only with no option for propane
It’s hard to beat Westinghouse’s 4,500-watt iGen inverter for power output, versatility, and portability. This gasoline-only generator has a 3.4-gallon tank that can run up to 18 hours. It operates at just 52 dB(A), which is quieter than normal conversation. This was a significant upside for us as travel trailer owners because RV parks are notorious for looking down on earsplitting generators.
This quiet backup generator offers a variety of power ports, including a 30A outlet, two 20A outlets, and two USB ports. It’s not the most powerful model we tested, but it excelled in running grinders, saws, and the electric-based essentials in a travel trailer while also charging digital devices. It weighs nearly 105 pounds without fuel, so it was challenging (but worth the effort) for just one of us to lift it into and out of the truck bed. Setting it up was a snap—we added oil and filled the tank with gas, and we were in business. While this would be a great emergency generator, we think it’s one of the best quiet generators for camping, RV-ing, and remote powering.
Read our full review: Westinghouse iGen4500 Inverter Generator
Get the Westinghouse quiet generator at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., or Walmart.
Most User-Friendly
Generac iQ3500 Portable Inverter Generator
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Power 4.5/5; Portability 3/5; Noise 4/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Wattage: 3,500 peak watts and 3,000 running watts
- Noise level: N/A
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Outlets/ports: Two 120V-20A AC outlets; one 120V-30A outlet; 2 USB-A ports
- Weight: 109.1 pounds
What We Like
- Equipped with an electronic push-button starter and pull-cord backup
- Eco-mode option improves fuel economy during intermittent usage
- LCD display screen for convenient monitoring of output, runtime, and fuel level
- Parallel capability means that 2 generators can be combined for double the power
What We Don’t Like
- Weighs more than 100 pounds, but does not include wheels to aid transport
Although today’s quiet portable generators are much less intimidating than older eq