Quietest Portable Generators 2024: Top 7 Best Quiet Generators
We have written a very detailed article on the quietest portable generators based on size, weight, decibel levels, budget, and fuel economy. These quietest inverter generators are extremely popular on the market, which is why we are reviewing them.
We tested over 18 quiet inverter generators, talked to 67 campers and RV guys, and interviewed 7 employees who are currently working in different generator manufacturing companies to gather information for this article.
Portable generators are revolutionary machines for camping, RV, and tailgating. They provide affordable and clean power in the event of a blackout and run tools and appliances for your camper and RVs. We just have to forget that they are very loud.
The reason manufacturers are hell-bent on making the best quiet portable generators is that nobody wants to operate a noisy generator to get an earful from their neighbors.
After seeing the struggles of many outdoor enthusiasts, I and my team have written this highly researched article covering the top 7 quietest portable generators on the market currently.
QUICK SUMMARY OF BEST QUIET GENERATORS
Best Quiet Generator – Honda Power Equipment EU3000IS
Quietest Inverter Generator for Camping – Westinghouse iGen 2200
Quietest Dual-Fuel Portable Generator– DuroMax XP2300iH Dual-Fuel
Quietest Generator for Sensitive Devices – WEN 56200i 2000W
Quiet Generator for House – Champion 4000W Open Frame Quiet Generator
Quietest Generator for RV – Briggs & Stratton 30651 P2200
Best Quiet Generator for Medium House – Westinghouse iGen 4500
Quietest Portable Generators
The best quiet generator should produce 50 to 60dB of noise even under 50% load. The inverter technology should automatically adjust the engine speed to save fuel and reduce noise.
A quiet generator should also be portable and lightweight for RVs and camping. Some extra features like low oil shutoff, overload alarm, parallel connection, CO sensor, electric start, a good number of running watts, and several different outlets should also be present in it.
Without waiting, check out the comparison table first;
1. HONDA EU3000IS Quietest Portable Generator
FEATURES & SPECS
HONDA EU3000IS has been one of the most fuel-efficient and quietest inverter generators on the market for years now.
With the success of the HONDA EU2200i which might be the best quiet generator, the manufacturers quickly introduced the Honda EU3000is with 2800 running watts and 3000 peak watts.
I picked this one because it is not far from HONDA EU2200i in terms of quietness, and it is more powerful than that.
Honda generators are designed to produce a lot less noise compared to the competition in a similar power output range
This machine features an advanced patented eco-throttle system inverter technology. This technology precisely adjusts the power output according to the demand to save fuel and make less noise.
HONDA EU3000IS’s built quality is excellent, the runtime is high, it is reliable, and the power output has less harmonic distortion (less than 3%) which means the power is safe for sensitive devices like cellphones, cameras, computers, and laptops.
Though it is a pretty heavy machine weighing 144 pounds, the dimensions make it pretty compact and portable. It just lacks a wheel, it would have been so helpful to move it around.
HONDA EU3000IS portable generator produces 53 to 54dB from 40 feet away at 100 %load. I have conducted the test myself. If you want to see the results, check out HONDA EU3000IS’s full detailed review.
It is parallel capable. You can connect two identical HONDA EU3000IS together to double the power output, or two generators of the same brand to double the power output of the lesser model.
This ultra-quiet generator also comes with an overload alarm, output indicator, and oil alert. The outlets are a 20amp outlet, a 30amp 125V locking household outlet, and a 12V DC outlet to charge automotive batteries.
I also conducted a load test and runtime test. I gave it a load of my microwave, AC, lights, and some other things. The total output power I got was 2700 running watts. The overload alarm didn’t go ON.
I ran it on a full tank at 95% load. It ran for 7 hours and 40 minutes. Then on 25% load, it ran for 20+ hours. You can check the full results here.
HONDA EU3000IS is one of the most fuel-economical portable generators I have ever seen.
It is a very quiet, portable, powerful, reliable, and quality generator, but pretty expensive as well.
2. Westinghouse iGen 2200 Quiet Inverter Portable Generator
FEATURES & SPECS
Westinghouse iGen 2200 is one of the lightest and quietest generators from the Westinghouse brand. It starts effortlessly with one try and a simple turn of a knob.
The thing that makes Westinghouse iGen 2200 special is the 1800 running watts packed in a tiny weight that is lightweight. It is almost a perfect camping and RV generator.
The eco-efficient mode automatically adjusts the engine speed according to the power demand to save fuel and reduce noise.
Westinghouse iGen 2200 has 2 5V USB ports for charging cellphones and other modern devices. Don’t worry about the power surge, this machine generates a cleaner sine wave with less than 3% harmonic distortion.
The main selling point of this portable inverter generator is the suitcase-like design. For campers and RV owners, saving space is a concern, and Westinghouse iGen 2200 doesn’t occupy any space at all.
Everyone wants an ultra-quiet generator, and this generator is an ideal choice for people searching for a quieter unit. I conducted some noise tests from 5 feet away under no load, and from 20 feet away under 80% load.
- With efficiency mode ON from 5 feet away, the noise was around 64 to 65dB.
- With efficiency mode OFF from 20 feet away under 1400 watt load, the noise is around 66 to 69dB
Eco mode on, this portable inverter generator is extremely quiet. To see the full results of our test, read the detailed review of Westinghouse iGen 2200.
I did load and runtime tests as well. On efficiency mode, I gave it a total load of 1500 watts of one motor-driven, and some other appliances. It lasted for 9 hours on a full tank.
Before the overload alarm went ON, I managed to get a total power output of 1790 running watts and 2180 peak watts. At 25% load, it lasted for 12 hours and 10 minutes.
I was using non-ethanol fuel the whole time. You can the full results here.
I can easily compare Westinghouse iGen 2200 inverter generator with HONDA EU2200i in terms of power output, portability, durability, weight, and maintenance. Honda generators are slightly quieter but much more expensive than Westinghouse.
So if you are looking for a quiet portable generator for camping, RV, or tailgating that can support a small AC, fridge, heater, and other small appliances, Westinghouse iGen 2200 is 100% recommended.
This might be the best quiet generator.
3. DuroMax XP2300iH Dual-Fuel Hybrid Super Quiet Generator
FEATURES & SPECS
DuroMax XP2300iH is one of if not the most modern dual-fuel portable inverter generators on the market. It is loaded with features. It has a massive runtime on gasoline and on a 20-pound propane tank.
This machine doesn’t only allow for a 120V output but is packed with 1800 running watts on gasoline and 1700 running watts on propane. It is also parallel capable if you need a bit of extra power.
DuroMax XP2300iH is an extremely compact and lightweight generator that is rated at 52dB on 25% load. This makes it perfect for tailgating and camping which is why its sale is increasing day by day.
The built quality is rigid and really good. It comes with a nice set of wheels. The customer service is also excellent.
So out of the box, this quiet inverter generator comes with a wrench, spark plug tool, a funnel, a screwdriver, its parallel cable, and an adapter (30amp RV). Comes with everything you need.
Features of DuroMax XP2300iH portable generator.
I conducted a noise test from 22 feet away with ECO mode off at no load. I got about 58dB. On ECO MODE, again from 22 feet away, I got 54 to 55dB.
In real-time, the noise that it makes is not that pungent. I don’t know why it was reading at 54dB. It should have been less. So I can safely say it is one of the quietest inverter generators.
I also conducted a load test on gas and propane. Firstly, I tried to get over 1700 running watts by powering a 2000-watt light system.
- So on propane, I managed to reach the 1800 running watts before the overload went ON.
- On gas, I got about 2000 running watts before the overload light went ON.
I am not surprised, because one of my buddies works in DuroMax Company and he told me about its performance.
After the load test, I conducted a runtime test.
- On gasoline at 50% load, DuroMax XP2300iH generator managed to last for 6 hours and 40 minutes
- On propane at 50% load, it lasted for 18 hours and 17 minutes on a 20-pound lbs. tank.
DuroMax XP2300iH dual-fuel portable inverter generator is an ideal outdoor generator with super runtime, decent power output, noiseless performance, and compact dimensions. You will have all these features at a budget-friendly price.
Check out our guide about the top-rated food truck generators
4. WEN 56200i 2000W- One of the Quietest Portable Generators
FEATURES & SPECS
WEN 56200i is one of the quietest portable generators on the market that is very popular among campers and RV owners.
This is a compact and modern-looking inverter generator with an amazing form factor. It packs a lot of power in a tiny body, and it has a USB port to charge cellphones and similar gadgets.
The inverter technology in this generator produces a pure sine wave with less than 3% harmonic distortion under no load and 1.2% harmonic distortion under full load.
I have personally charged my cellphone and laptop using the USB port. It is perfectly safe for power-sensitive appliances.
One of the main selling points of the WEN 56200i portable generator is its design. It is very tiny and portable, the design makes it easy to carry around.
It is virtually noiseless if it is kept away from the camp. On ECO-MODE, from 15 feet away, the noise it makes is 55 dB.
Without ECO-MODE, from 15 feet away, I received 58dB during my noise test.
I also conducted load and runtime tests. For the load test, I gave it 750 watts and slowly increased the load to 1500 watts. WEN 56200i was running fine, with no overload alarm.
I also ran my 5000BTU AC on it without any problem. Later I pushed to check if it could cross 1600 running watts, and it did. The maximum I got was 1750 running watts before the overload alarm went ON.
I was running only one motor-drive appliance because it consume a lot of starting watts.
Its fuel efficiency is amazing. The 1-gallon tank gave me 6 hours and 21 minutes at 50% load. The Eco-throttle mode adjusts the engine speed according to the power demand to save fuel and reduce noise.
The only problem I see is the mess I create whenever I try to change the oil. A small rubber ramp under the oil plug will drain the oil away from the generator.
Other than that, the WEN 56200i portable inverter generator is ideal for tailgating and camping. It doesn’t create any noise and it is easily one of the quietest inverter generators.
5. Champion 4000W Open Frame Quiet Generator
FEATURES & SPECS
Champion 4000W uses open-frame quiet technology is reduce as much noise as possible. It is almost 50% lighter and close to 2% quieter than a traditional champion 3500W generator.
Champion 4000W portable generator is specially designed for RVs, tailgating, and homes where neighbors can’t tolerate noise. It might not be one of the quietest portable generators on the market but is a quiet generator for the house.
It packs a whopping 3500 running watts in a small body. The power it generates is clean and safe with less than 35% harmonic distortion, it is a cost-effective power solution.
It is a bit lighter than I expected but it is still heavy, it is not the easiest thing to move around, I was expecting a wheel kit.
Let’s talk about some of the features of this generator.
So Champion 4000W portable generator has advanced quiet technology to suppress as much noise as possible for a 4000-watt generator. I conducted a noise test of my own from 23 feet at 25% load.
The result I got was 63 to 64dB which is excellent for a 3500-watt generator. It is perfect for situations where you don’t want to disturb your neighbors.
I also did some load and runtime tests. I gave it around 30% load of my RV in intervals. It lasted for 17 hours and 3 minutes on a 2.9 gal tank.
Though I was using non-ethanol fuel, Champion 4000W‘s fuel economy is fantastic.
So overall I would say Champion 4000W is an excellent portable generator that can be used for residential purposes as well. It is super quiet, highly portable, and powerful, the built quality is good, and it saves a lot of fuel on Eco-mode.
6. Briggs & Stratton 30651 P2400
FEATURES & SPECS
Despite being a super small and budget-friendly inverter generator, Briggs & Stratton 30651 P2200 is very powerful and extremely quiet even under 100% load. Easily one of the quietest portable generators
The built quality is excellent. The entire frame is made of matt-finished hard plastic with carrying handles on the top and rubber legs at the bottom. Carrying handles makes it easier to carry around. Trust me these small details matter.
Briggs & Stratton 30651 P2200 has a computer-maintained 111cc engine that maintains clean, consistent, and fuel-efficient power thats also quiet.
It is like the Eco-mode, but more efficient. The computer-modulated engine will adjust the load according to the power demand to save fuel.
It is not as quiet as a HONDA or a champion generator, but it offers 1700 running watts at a cheaper price which is above the typical 1600-watt rating, and a lot of people purchase this unit for camping, so I put it on my list.
One thing I would like to mention is the 20amp plugs generate 14.7 amps. So just be careful before plugging in any device that consumes more than 14 amps.
I get it that Briggs & Stratton made it that way to make it as much as noiseless as possible, but 14.7 amps!? Well just remember it is not full 20amp outlets.
Before I conducted the noise test, I turned ON the quiet mode when I was only charging my cellphone, and using my laptop. The generator didn’t make any noise, it was virtually noiseless.
So from 25 feet away at 30% load, I got about 57 to 59dB which is very quiet. When you turn OFF the quiet technology mode, it gets a bit louder but nothing significant.
For the load test. I gave it about 1688 load and it worked OK without really getting loud. I also crossed the 1800 running watts just for a moment but the overload alarm quickly went ON. It works fine for the power tools as well.
Don’t run AC and microwave together. It only gives 14.7amps output. That is the reason my cousin purchased a P3000 to make a parallel connection.
I ran it on a full tank for about 25% load and it lasted for 8 hours. The fuel efficiency of the Briggs & Stratton 30651 P2200 portable generator is excellent.
So overall Briggs & Stratton 30651 P2200 inverter generator is quiet, it is nice and small, easy to carry, it generates safe power, and the fuel economy is really good, but it only generates 14.7amps which is a bummer.
7. Westinghouse iGen 4500 Quiet Portable Generator
FEATURES & SPECS
I am putting Westinghouse iGen 4500 on this quietest inverter generator list because it is one of the highest-sold portable generators in history.
Though it is not as quiet as a 2000-watt camping generator, it is silent enough and powerful enough to put it on this list.
Its super quiet portable inverter engine produces 3700 running watts in that compact and portable body.
The power is absolutely clean with less than 3% harmonic distortion so that we can charge our cellphones, laptops, and other sensitive devices.
Westinghouse iGen 4500 is RV-ready with a 30amp travel trailer plug, it has 120V 20amp household plugs, USB ports, and a parallel connection port.
The remote control they provide works from a distance of 200+ feet away, it also includes a plug to trickle charge your battery.
Westinghouse iGen 4500 is a bit heavy compared to other quiet portable generators on this list which makes it a bit too heavy for camping.
But,
The suitcase-style design makes it easier to carry and move and besides, it is super quiet which is why I am recommending it.
The super quiet inverter technology of Westinghouse iGen 4500 doesn’t produce much noise even under high load, but I conducted a noise test anyway.
From a distance of 15 feet away under efficiency mode with 50% load, I was getting 60 to 61dB.
You will be using your generator at least 40 to 50 feet away from the camp or RV, so don’t expect much noise.
You can check the full noise test results in our detailed review of iGen 4500.
I also conducted a load test. I powered my AC, heater, microwave, and some small devices. The power output I got was 3600 watts, 119V, and 30.43amps. I pushed it too, I got 3830 running watts for a moment before the overload light went ON.
I also got a full 18-hour runtime on the full tank as the advertisement claimed. Westinghouse iGen 4500 is a pretty fuel-efficient generator.
So overall Westinghouse iGen 4500 super quiet inverter generator is incredible even under high load. It works perfectly for camping, RVs, and homes. I often use it as an emergency backup power source, because it is a quiet generator for the house.
There is a huge gap in the market for a midsize generator that can operate silently for outdoor activities, and Westinghouse iGen 4500 has filled that gap for some time now.
The thing I don’t like is it creates a lot of mess when you change the oil, and almost 50% of the shipping Westinghouse iGen4500 generators have this choke issue.
If the generator doesn’t start as it is supposed, then there are chances that the choke is not open entirely.
Behind the side panel, you would notice that the choke is halfway closed. The next thing is, to look for the cable that comes right from the carburetor and goes to the lower right side of the generator.
Open the front panel, don’t push it too hard. You will see a disconnected cable. It goes to the lower right side beneath the vent into a little black module.
What To Consider When Choosing The Best Quiet Generator
The reason to look for the quietest portable generators is to avoid an earful from neighbors and to spend a quiet time without worrying about loud and unpleasant generator noise.
But, that doesn’t mean we ignore other factors like power output, portability, budget, fuel capacity, and overall convenience.
That is why we have gathered a list of things that should be considered when choosing the best quiet generator.
Noise Levels
It is a no-brainer that the quietest portable generators mean less noise pollution.
A quiet suburb with conversation in a home is about 48 to 50 dBA.
- It means that a generator with a decibel rating between 50 to 60dB is considered quiet.
- Below 50dB means quietest.
- 60 to 70dB means a quieter-than-average generator
- 70 to 80dB means an average noisy generator.
We have talked about portable generators, and people often purchase portable generators for either camping, RV, or homes with zero tolerance to noise.
So look for anything between 50 to 65dB in your portable generator.
Power Output:
It depends on the user how much power output he/she wants. For a typical quiet portable generator, 2500 starting watts, and 1800 to 2000 running watts is a standard for camping, RV, and tailgating, but people often choose 4000 running watts generators like Westinghouse iGen4500.
A good way to know how much power output you need is to calculate the wattage of the appliances you want to run.
Watts = Amps x Volts
Always purchase a generator with a few extra hundred watts than your original need. Motor-driven appliances use more power output (starting watts) to overcome inertia before they settle down to their original power requirement.
I would suggest not going beyond 4500 running watts if you want a quiet portable generator. Beyond that, even inverter generators make some noise unless you are going for those expensive HONDA inverters.
Fuel Capacity And Runtime:
At least 1 gal fuel capacity is a must even for an ultra-portable gasoline generator. Nobody wants to get up and fill the tank in the middle of the night.
The quietest portable generators are often fuel-efficient. If they are not, don’t purchase them.
I have only added those units to my list that are highly fuel-efficient. They mostly last for 6+ hours on 50% load which is a standard for inverters.
I would suggest looking for a generator that automatically adjusts the engine speed according to power requirements to save fuel and reduce noise like Westinghouse iGen 2200, DuroMax XP2300iH, Champion 4000W, and Briggs & Stratton 30651 P2200.
Size And Weight:
Nobody likes to carry around heavy machines. Everyone wants a portable and lightweight inverter generator that can power up most of the things that we want.
Generators over 100 pounds in weight are often noisy except for Westinghouse iGen4500. If you want a quiet unit, the size has to be compact, and it should be lightweight.
The quietest inverter generators are often lightweight and portable. For camping and RVs, saving space means a lot, so I would suggest looking for something portable, yet powerful like the generators I have mentioned in this list.
Anything between 40 to 60 pounds is fine.
Additional Features in Quietest Portable Generators
We are living in the modern era, following features are needed in modern portable generators for convenience.
Final Thoughts And Recommendations On The Quietest Generators
If you want to improve your camping trip in a remote location, look for something portable, lightweight, and less noisy. That generator can also be used as an emergency backup power source without disturbing the neighbors.
I would advise going for the quietest inverter generator that can at least run an AC in a remote location. Portability and noiseless performance are appreciable, but we also need some power to run some devices.
Fortunately, the 7 best quiet portable generators on our list are not only quiet, lightweight, compact, budget-friendly, and durable, but powerful and fuel-efficient as well.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What portable generator is the quietest?
HONDA EU3000i from our list is the quietest with noise levels ranging from 53 to 54dB from 40 feet away at 100 %load.
How many decibels is considered quiet for a generator?
Anything under 60dB is considered a quiet generator. The quietest portable generators should produce 50 to 60dB of noise.
Can a muffler reduce generator noise?
A muffler works as a noise suppressor. It reduces a great amount of noise. Nowadays generators have built-in mufflers to make it as quiet as possible for camping and stuff.
Alex Black is a seasoned electrical engineer with a remarkable 8-year track record specializing in appliances, generators, and transfer switches. With extensive hands-on experience in the field, Alex possesses a deep understanding of electrical systems and their intricate workings. Throughout their career, Alex has consistently demonstrated expertise in designing, troubleshooting, and maintaining various electrical appliances.