Best portable inverter generators for power outages (2026)

A generator can power more than any battery, for as long as you have fuel. These quiet inverter models suit most households, compared on output, fuel and weight. Read the safety box before you buy: generators cause carbon monoxide deaths every year.

By PreparedStates editors · Updated October 22, 2026 · 4 products, prices indicative

Our picks

Our top pick 4.5

Honda EU2200i

2,200 W · Gasoline · 46.5 lb

The benchmark quiet inverter generator

Researched

Check price →

Runner-up 4.5

Champion 2500W Dual Fuel

2,500 W · Gasoline or propane · 43.2 lb

Runs on propane too

Researched

Check price →

Also good 4.0

WEN 2350W inverter

2,350 W · Gasoline · 39 lb

Budget inverter that's light to carry

Researched

Check price →

All 4 compared

Generator	Watts (as listed)	Fuel	Weight	Price
1. Honda EU2200i Inverter Generator Our top pick 2,200 W · Gasoline · 46.5 lb The benchmark quiet inverter generator 4.5	2,200 W	Gasoline	46.5 lb	Check price →
Our verdict Our verdictResearched The inverter generator other brands are measured against: quiet, fuel-efficient and clean enough power for electronics. Expensive for its output. Best for The benchmark quiet inverter generator Good Quiet and efficient Clean power for electronics Worth knowing Expensive per watt Gasoline only Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want the most watts for the money.
2. Champion 2500-Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator Runner-up 2,500 W · Gasoline or propane · 43.2 lb Runs on propane too 4.5	2,500 W	Gasoline or propane	43.2 lb	Check price →
Our verdict Our verdictResearched A quiet inverter generator that also runs on propane, which stores far longer than gasoline and is easy to buy before a storm. Good value. Best for Runs on propane too Good Dual fuel: gasoline or propane Propane hose included Worth knowing Less output on propane than gasoline is typical Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you'll only ever use gasoline.
3. WEN 56235i Super Quiet 2350-Watt Inverter Generator Also good 2,350 W · Gasoline · 39 lb Budget inverter that's light to carry 4.0	2,350 W	Gasoline	39 lb	Check price →
Our verdict Our verdictResearched A low-priced, 39 lb inverter generator with a fuel shut-off that runs the carburetor dry for storage. Best for Budget inverter that's light to carry Good Low price Light at 39 lb Fuel shut-off Worth knowing Gasoline only Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want propane as a backup fuel.
4. WEN 3600-Watt Portable Inverter Generator (RV-ready) 3,600 W · Gasoline · 46.3 lb More power without much more weight 4.0	3,600 W	Gasoline	46.3 lb	Check price →
Our verdict Our verdictResearched 3,600 W (as listed) at 46 lb, enough to add a window AC or a sump pump to the essentials. RV-ready outlet. Best for More power without much more weight Good 3,600 W RV-ready outlet Worth knowing Gasoline only Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if a 2,200 W unit covers your essentials.

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Safety first

Ready.gov says to use a generator ONLY outdoors, at least 20 feet away from windows, never in a home or garage. Pair it with carbon monoxide alarms with battery backup on every level of your home.

Before you buy

Inverter generators make clean, stable power that's safe for phones, laptops and medical devices, and run far quieter than open-frame generators.

Check the running (continuous) watts, not just the starting or peak figure.

The numbers in the listings here are as Amazon shows them; size to the running rating with headroom.

Dual-fuel models also run on propane, which keeps far longer in storage than gasoline and is easy to stock before a storm.

Store fuel safely, run the generator dry or add stabilizer before storage, and test-start it every few months.

How we choose

We verify every product's specifications against at least two independent sources, re-check its US price and stock on a schedule where we can track it automatically, and cross-check safety-relevant claims against official guidance. Every review is labelled Researched or Used and reviewed by us: where we've bought a product, or been sent it free, and used it ourselves, its review says which; where we haven't, our verdict is a considered spec-and-evidence comparison, not a hands-on test — and commissions never change a ranking either way. Read our full methodology →

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Common questions

How far from the house should a generator be?

Ready.gov says generators should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows. Never run one in a garage, basement or carport, even with doors open.

What size generator do I need?

Add up the running watts of what you'll power at once, plus the extra start-up surge of anything with a motor, like a fridge or sump pump. Around 2,000-2,500 W covers a fridge, lights and phones.

Is an inverter generator better?

For most homes, yes: quieter, more fuel-efficient and with clean power for electronics.

Power station or generator?

A power station is silent and safe indoors but stores limited energy. A generator runs as long as you have fuel but must stay outside. Many households pair a power station with solar instead.