Having electricity has become an imperative part of life. You use it for everything from lighting your home to keeping your cell phone charged for entertainment or in case of an emergency. However, you do not want to disrupt the people around you for the sake of electricity. A quiet portable generator solves this issue.
The best quiet portable generator provides you with power without being disruptive. You can find them in a variety of sizes, allowing you to have electricity just about anywhere, from your home during a blackout to the campsite you enjoy with friends and family on the weekends.
In A Hurry? Our Top 5 Picks Compared
Last update on 2022-05-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The 5 Best Quiet Generator Options
1. WEN Super Quiet Portable Generator
This WEN Super Quiet Portable Generator has one of the lowest decibel levels of generators in its class. Due to this, it makes it one of the best quiet portable generator choices. The Department of Health and Human Services says that this generator is extremely quiet and the noise that it puts out is similar to that of normal conversation between people.
You can rest assured that with proper use, this generator will function safely and at an optimal level since it is CARB and EPA III compliant. This ensures that it meets all of the necessary federal guidelines that generators have to abide by. Due to these levels of compliance, you can also use the generator on a worksite without being in violation of any federal regulations.
The power produced is very clean since this generator puts off a low level of emissions. Its clean power also makes it a good choice for smaller electronics that are prone to damage should a power surge occur. For example, you can connect your cell phone, television, tablet or computer to this generator without having to worry about damage.
There are four outlets that you can use to plug in your items. One of these is a USB port so that you can keep your mobile devices, such as your cell phone, fully charged should you experience a power outage.
It is a very lightweight generator. On the top of the unit is a built-in handle. Most people are able to lift and carry it without any issues so that they can take it where it needs to go.
On the side of the unit is a control panel. It has all of the buttons and knobs that you will use to ensure that it is running properly to provide power to your electronics. These are all clearly labeled so that you know which one performs a specific action.
The manual that comes with this unit is very user-friendly. Because of this, it is easy to assemble it and keep up with all of the required maintenance. All of the safety and usage instructions are also spelled out in plain language, so you do not need to be an electrician to understand it.
- Fuel type: Gasoline
- Wattage: 1,600 rated watts and 2,000 surge watts
- Noise level: 51 dB
- Rated AC output: 120 volts
- Estimated run-time: Six hours at half load
What We Liked
- It has an eco-mode
- You can use for an RV or at home
- This generator is efficient
What We Didn’t Like
- It may fail to start prematurely
Our Overall Impression
This is among the quietest of portable generators, making it a good choice for every environment. It has a low total harmonic distortion and standard outlets, allowing you to connect most items to it for power.
2. Pulsar Quiet Portable Generator
The Pulsar Quiet Portable Generator is ideal for any type of electronic item, including computers and other items that would be especially sensitive to power surges. You never have to worry about damage since it produces a clean sine wave for a low level of total harmonic distortion.
This generator uses a standard 10w40 oil, so it is easy to find when you need to refill the oil reservoir or do a complete oil change. You get a funnel and a bottle of this oil with the unit so that you have what you need to start using it right away. If the oil gets too low, there is a sensor that will alert you to this.
It has a recoil start, making it easy to get the unit up and running when you need it. The 80cc engine provides sufficient power so that you never have to worry about this generator being unreliable.
There are four primary outlets, including one for a USB cable. The combination of outlets makes this generator a good choice for home, tailgating, worksites or at an RV park.
Due to the weight and design of this generator, you can move it around easily. It comes with a built-in handle that is ergonomic and easy to grab onto, even if you have small hands.
Switch on the economy mode to get more run-time out of each full tank of gas. You can also take advantage of other features, such as parallel connection capabilities, an operation indicator and overload indication. All of this comes together to ensure that your generator is efficient and easy to use.
- Fuel type: Gasoline
- Wattage: 1,800 running watts and 2,300 peak watts
- Noise level: 58 dB
- Rated AC output: 120 volts
- Estimated run-time: Six hours at half load
What We Liked
- You can connect it with a parallel kit
- The gas usage is efficient
- Maintenance is quick and easy
What We Didn’t Like
A few units reported making a whining noise but this is rare
Our Overall Impression
You can run your most sensitive electronics using this generator, as well as larger items. It weighs less than 50 pounds, so you can just lift it and move it around with ease. The unit also has parallel capabilities so that you can connect two of these generators together.
3. Champion Dual Fuel Quiet Portable Generator
The Champion Dual Fuel Quiet Portable Generator is one of the most versatile options since it allows you to choose which fuel type you prefer to use. Add gasoline to the tank or connect a 20-pound tank of propane. You can have both types of fuel ready to use at once and switch between them if you prefer.
It has a quick touch panel. On this panel are all of the switches, knobs and buttons that you need to fully control your generator. They are labeled clearly so that you can quickly locate the one that you need to use at any given time.
Utilize the generator’s economy mode to get more out of the gasoline that you are using to power it. This mode can also make the generator quieter and help to extend its life.
Less than three percent is the level of total harmonic distortion associated with this unit. Because of this, you never have to fear connecting your cell phone and similar sensitive items because they will not sustain any damage. The clean power also contributes to reduced emissions.
Hook this generator up to another one using the parallel ready feature. Just ensure that you use the right cord so that you can increase your wattage safely.
Compared to other portable generators, this one has higher wattage. However, it still weighs under 100 pounds. There are handles built on the top on either side of the casing. It also has wheels on one side so that you can pull it around and get it into place without having to actually lift it.
- Fuel type: Propane and gasoline
- Wattage: 3,100 running watts and 3,400 starting watts
- Noise level: 59 dB
- Rated AC output: 120 volts
- Estimated run-time: 7.5 hours at half load
What We Liked
- You have a choice regarding the fuel that you use
- There are multiple outlets
- It has an electric start
What We Didn’t Like
Some users reported that it may leak gas but this is a rare occurrence
Our Overall Impression
The electric start ensures that you can get your generator running within seconds. All of the features are on the control panel, making it easy to learn how to use it. Due to its low noise level, you can use the generator anywhere, including at events with a lot of people, such as tailgating.
4. Honda EU2200ITAG Generator
The Honda EU2200ITAG Generator is a quiet portable generator, operating at just 57 decibels. You can move this generator around with ease since it only weighs 54 pounds. Take advantage of the built-in handle that makes it possible to carry this device with only one hand.
It is highly fuel efficient, allowing you to get about eight hours out of a full tank of gas. The efficiency is furthered by the inverter that this generator contains. By having an inverter, you can provide power to your sensitive items, such as your laptop, without having to worry about a power surge causing damage.
The Honda engine operates at 3.7 horsepower, ensuring that you have what you need for your items.
You can plug in two items at once since there are two outlets. To get the generator started, you just pull the cord on the side of the device. It will start up within seconds.
You can see all of the controls on the face of the device. Here you also get a low-oil indicator, an output indicator and an overload indicator. Paying attention to these makes it easier to keep track of the workload of your generator so that it is not forced to work too hard.
The engine has automatic idle control to keep everything steady when it is operating. Should the device’s oil level get low when it is running, it shuts off so that you can avoid any related damage to the engine. There is also a feature that protects this generator against overload.
Due to the portability and quietness of this generator, you can use it at home, for outdoor adventures or even at your worksite. It is CARB compliant for worksites.
- Fuel type: Gasoline
- Wattage: 1,800 running watts and 2,200 starting watts
- Noise level: 57 dB
- Rated AC output: 120 volts
- Estimated run-time: Four hours at 50 percent load
What We Liked
- It has an eco-mode for greater efficiency
- This generator operates very quickly
- The wattage allows you to run several items
What We Didn’t Like
- The fuel may leak prematurely
Our Overall Impression
This quiet generator is quiet while it is producing clean power. It is efficient and allows you to power several key devices so that you can maintain some comfort during a power outage.
5. Genkins Portable Inverter Generator
The Genkins Portable Inverter Generator has sufficient wattage to let you power your key items in your RV or during a power outage at your home. Since it is so quiet, you will not bother your neighbors when you have it running outside in your neighborhood or at an RV park.
The engine is 79cc and a four-stroke type. This ensures that it has adequate power to provide the wattage needed for the items that your plugin. It is CARB compliant so that you can feel confident that the generator will function safely as long as you use it according to all user’s manual instructions.
Take advantage of the economy mode to further reduce how much gasoline it uses when you are powering items. This lets you get more run-time out of a single tank of gas without taking away from the power and reliability of the generator.
There are three primary outlets and a neutral grounding port. This provides enough space to power key items. Near these are also reset and stop buttons that you can use to have more control over your generator when it is operating.
Its control panel is easy to find and use. In this area, you will find several features, such as an overload alarm, an alarm that tells you when the oil is low, and an output indicator. All of this information will help you to know how well your generator is running.
The design of this generator is compact so that it is easy to move around. There is a handle that comes already attached to the primary unit. It only weighs 44 pounds. Due to these features, anyone can grab it and move it when needed.
- Fuel type: Gasoline
- Wattage: 2,300 peak watts and 1,900 running watts
- Noise level: 53 dB
- Rated AC output: 120 volts
- Estimated run-time: 13 hours at half load
What We Liked
- This generator is very fuel efficient
- It weighs under 50 pounds for easy maneuvering
- The generator is easy to maintain
What We Didn’t Like
- The ‘Stop” button may fail prematurely
Our Overall Impression
Due to the eco-mode, you have more control over the efficiency of this generator. You can save on gas while still getting the wattage that you need. There are several outlets and a simple control panel so that it does not take long to start using it when the power goes out.
Quiet Generator Buying Guide
Finding the quietest generators takes some time and research. Exploring the best quiet portable generator reviews here is a good place to start. The next step is learning more about quiet generators, their features, specifications and other details so that you make the best choice.
- What Are the Benefits of Quiet Portable Generators?
- What Are the Different Categories of Quiet Portable Generators?
- What Size Quiet Portable Generator Do You Need?
- Do Quiet Portable Generators Have Automatic or Electric Start?
- Can a Quiet Portable Generator Have Alternative Fuel Capacity?
- Does the Best Quiet Portable Generator Have Low-Oil Shutoff?
- Do Quiet Generators Feature a Fuel Gauge?
- How Quiet Are the Quietest Generators?
- Do Quiet Portable Generators Have Multiple Outlets?
- Can You Put a Transfer Switch on the Best Portable Quiet Generators?
- What Are Common Features of the Quietest Generator?
- Can You Experience Backfeed with the Quietest Generator?
- Should You Ground the Best Quiet Portable Generator?
- Does a Quiet Generator Require More Maintenance Than a Standard Generator?
- What Type of Fuel Does a Quiet Generator Require?
- What Are Important Safety Tips for the Best Quiet Portable Generators?
What Are the Benefits of Quiet Portable Generators?
Before you start shopping for this type of generator, it is important to understand the benefits. These include:
- They tend to be less expensive compared to a standby generator
- Since they are portable, you can take them with you wherever you need power
- These generators come in a wide variety of sizes so that you can find one that meets your power demands
- Most of them run on gasoline, but there are some options that use diesel, propane or a combination of two fuels
- Many portable generators have electric start so that you can get it running within seconds
What Are the Different Categories of Quiet Portable Generators?
A standard portable generator is the most common. This works to run some items in your home or worksite. They come in a wide variety of sizes, allowing you to choose one that fits all of your needs.
Under the portable generator category are portable power stations and inverter generators. The portable power station is a storage device that uses a battery for power instead of propane or gasoline. Some of these also get their power from solar panels.
The inverter type has a complex engine that allows it to throttle in the direction of the power demands. This ensures a high level of efficiency and quietness when it is running. They also put out far fewer emissions compared to generators with a standard engine
You will also find RV and recreational generators. Ultimately, these are simply portable generators that have the outlets most commonly used by those who use a generator for their RV.
What Size Quiet Portable Generator Do You Need?
To determine the size, you have to consider how many surge and rated watts you need. The surge watts describe how many are necessary to start a specific appliance or other electrical items. The rated watts are those that will keep this item continuously running.
Make a list of the items that you plan to connect to your generator. You should also figure out the configurations if there are certain items that you will only run part-time. For example, you may run your refrigerator full-time, but your coffee maker, lamp and laptop part-time.
Look at the owner’s manual or on the back of the items and get the wattage numbers. Then, just add these up to see how much rated and surge watts you need for the items you want to maintain power for during an outage.
It is imperative that your calculations are accurate because if you connect items that exceed the wattage capabilities of the generator, you can overload it. This could result in generator damage and damage to anything connected to it at the time.
Do Quiet Portable Generators Have Automatic or Electric Start?
Most modern generators in this category have electric start. You will need a battery to use this feature which is not always included with the generator.
Automatic start is another common feature on some portable generators. Both of these are a good choice if you want to be able to start your generator quickly without a delay.
Can a Quiet Portable Generator Have Alternative Fuel Capacity?
Some of them can operate on propane and gasoline. They often have a switch that lets you choose which fuel you want to use before starting the generator. Overall, the run-time is usually similar no matter which of these fuel options you choose.
Does the Best Quiet Portable Generator Have Low-Oil Shutoff?
Most of the portable generators that you see on the market today will have this feature. It is important because engine damage can occur if the oil gets too low. This is due to low oil reducing how much lubrication the engine has. Inadequate lubrication can result in excess friction which could cause premature damage to the engine’s components.
Do Quiet Generators Feature a Fuel Gauge?
Some of these generators will have this type of gauge but not all of them. It is not an absolute necessity, but it can help you to better monitor the fuel level of your generator. You can look at the specifications to see if the generator that you are considering has this type of feature.
How Quiet Are the Quietest Generators?
These generators can operate at as low as 50 decibels. This noise level is comparative to how much noise is generated when people are talking. On average, you can expect this generator to make less noise that the vacuum that you use to clean your floors at home. Due to the low noise level, they are a good choice for all environments.
Do Quiet Portable Generators Have Multiple Outlets?
Yes, they usually have outlets for standard electrical items and smaller ones where you can hook up a USB cable. This makes it easier to connect the items that you need without having to use a variety of adapters to make it work.
Can You Put a Transfer Switch on these Types of Generators?
Some generators in this class can accommodate a transfer switch and others cannot. If you want to use this tool, it is important to ensure that your chosen generator can handle it. This switch lets you connect the generator to the electrical circuit in your home.
Then, the switch can detect when you need to run your generator since it knows when the power goes out. Your electricity comes back on automatically via the generator.
What Are Common Features of the Quietest Generator?
There are several features that are common that can make it easier to work with this type of generator:
- Fuel tanks with a higher capacity so that you can go longer between refueling
- Low-tone mufflers to make them even quieter
- Low total harmonic distortion so that you can plug in sensitive electronics without a problem
- Overload protection to avoid generator or electronics’ damage
- Wheels and handles so that you can move the generator with ease
Can You Experience Backfeed with these Generators?
If you plug your generator into an electrical outlet inside your home, you can create a backfeed. This could result in the electrocution of any person who is working on the utility lines in your neighborhood. It is imperative that you never create a backfeed due to the possible danger that it poses.
Should You Ground the Best Quiet Portable Generator?
You should always ground your generator before you start it. The owner’s manual provides all of the pertinent details about how to accomplish this task successfully. Make sure that you follow all of the instructions so that it is performed properly. With proper grounding, you eliminate the risk of possible electrocution.
Does a Quiet Generator Require More Maintenance Than a Standard Generator?
No, the maintenance is the same that you would expect with any portable generator. Always check the oil and fuel before starting it so that it does not stop running when you need it the most. Make sure that all of the buttons, switches and gauges are functioning properly before turning it on. Check the owner’s manual to see when maintenance should be performed, the types you need to do and how often it is necessary.
What Type of Fuel Does a Quiet Generator Require?
These generators most often run on unleaded gasoline. However, there are some options that will use either diesel or propane. If you are planning to use one with a diesel RV, it is best that the generator also uses diesel. For anything else, you can choose the fuel type that you most prefer.
What Are Important Safety Tips for Quiet Portable Generators?
When you are running your generator, keep the following in mind to ensure safety:
- Make sure that the generator is on a level surface that is free from moisture
- Ensure that the area where your generator is located has open ventilation
- Never overload the generator
- Inspect it before every use to ensure that all of the components are intact and working properly
- Follow the owner’s manual instructions to ensure that it is grounded properly before you turn it on
- Never connect your generator to an outlet in your home
- Fuel expands, so never overfill the fuel tank
- Empty the fuel before storing it to avoid a fire
