Best Portable Quietest Generator - For Camping, Tailgating, in Emergencies, etc.
Power generators are used when electric power is needed and mains power is not present - when camping, tailgating, in emergencies, and similar.
One of the very important features of power generators is - noise level. A loud power generator can be very annoying, especially when working for a longer period of time. On the other hand, a quiet power generator is a robust and reliable, but almost silent unit, giving peace of mind in more ways than just one ...
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Best Portable Quietest Generators Comparison Chart
1. Honda EU3000IS Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
2. Honda EU2200i Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
3. Westinghouse iGen4500 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
4. WEN 56235i Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
5. Westinghouse iGen2600 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
6. Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Portable Inverter Generator
7. A-iPower SUA2300i Portable Inverter Generator
8. Yamaha EF2400iSHC Portable Inverter Generator
9. Champion Power Equipment 100692 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
Best Portable Quietest Generators Comparison Chart
In order to produce electricity, power generators use internal combustion engines to convert chemical energy (fuel) into mechanical energy, which is converted into electric energy using electric generators.
When looking for 'the quietest generator', there are few things to look for, not just noise given in decibels.
Common Generator vs. Inverter Generator: Common generator feature an internal combustion engine that spins at the required speed in order to provide energy of the required frequency - typically 3600 rpm for 60Hz and 3000 rpm for 50Hz. This also means that the engines operate at this speed even if the electric load is low or even zero.
On the other hand, inverter generators use an electronic controller (power inverter) that converts electricity provided by electric generator (regardless of its actual frequency and even voltage) into the required electricity (voltage, frequency), with very low Total Harmonic Distortions (THD).
A good inverter generator should have THD below 3% and is able to power even sensitive electronics like TVs, media centers, laptops, etc. Also, when the load is low or even zero, the engine is in idle, burning very little fuel.
Output Power: The stronger the internal combustion engine is, the noisier the power generator. The quietest power generators are small and compact power generators in the 1000W range, but due to their output power, they are able to power a limited number of devices and appliances.
Thus, when making the list of the quietest power generators, we opt for generators that are able to provide at least 2000 starting watts, preferably more.
A 2000 watt generator is a much more capable unit than 1000 watt generator, often coming with features that are not available on the weaker units.
Price of the Generator: The prices of 2000W generators vary significantly, so be sure to go for the unit that best suits your needs and requirements. In our selection, we ignored the price of the unit completely - such units are excellent, sturdy and durable units that are very cost-effective when used regularly for camping, tailgating, and similar activities.
The following comparison chart lists some of the best and the quietest power generators with their most important features, ordered alphabetically.
| Model | Running Watts Starting Watts |
Runtime | Noise | Receptacles |
A-iPower SUA2300i |
1800W 2300W |
6.5h @50% | 52 dB @25% 58 dB @50% |
AC: 120V 20A 5-20R, 120V 30A L5-30R DC: 12V 8.3A, USB 5V |
Champion 2000W Model #100692 |
1700W 2000W |
11.5h @25% | 53 dB @25% | AC: 20A 120V 5-20R Duplex DC: 12V |
Honda EU2000i |
1600W 2000W |
8h @25% | 50 dB @25% | AC: 20A 120V Duplex DC: 12V |
Honda EU2200i |
1800W 2200W |
3.2h @100% 8.1h @25% |
48 dB @25% 57 dB @100% |
AC: 20A 120V Duplex DC: 12V 100W (8.3 Amps) |
Honda EU3000IS |
2800W 3000W |
20h @25% | 50 dB @25% | AC: 120V 20A Duplex, 120V 30A L5-30R DC: 12V (12 Amps) |
WEN 56235i |
1900W 2350W |
10.5h @25% | 51 dB @25% | AC: 15A 120V NEMA 5-20R Duplex DC: 12V, USB 5V (2.1A, 1A) |
Westinghouse iGen2600 |
2200W 2600W |
10h @25% | 52 dB @25% | AC: 20A 120V Duplex DC: 12V, 2x USB 5V |
Westinghouse iGen4500 |
3700W 4500W |
18h @25% | 52 dB @25% | AC: 120V 20A 5-20R Duplex, 120V 30A TT-30R 2x USB 5.0V (2.1, 1.0 A) |
Yamaha EF2000iSv2 |
1600W 2000W |
10.5h @25% | 51.5 dB @25% | AC: 120V Duplex DC: 12V 8A |
Yamaha EF2400iSHC |
2000W 2400W |
8.6h @25% | 53 dB @25% | AC: 120V Duplex DC: 12V 8A |
Note: Amazon affiliate links ('Model' Column) open in the new windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date offers and prices.
As one can see, very popular and anything but cheap Honda EU2000i is in the chart, but not on our review list - this unit has been replaced by the newer Honda EU2200i model, and although it may be found at stores at affordable prices, it is not offered any more by Honda.
Honda EU2200i is obviously on our list, very close to the top.
If You are in a position to buy new EU2000i at a very affordable price, go for it, if not, check the newer Honda EU2200i inverter generator.
And here is our list of the best quietest power generators - You may agree or not with us with this list, so before buying any of these units, be sure to choose according to your own needs and preferences (this cannot be emphasized enough!)
1. Honda EU3000IS Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
Honda EU3000IS is very impressive unit - its physical dimensions are (L x W x H) 25.9 x 17.6 x 22.0 inches (~65.8 x 44.7 x 55.9 cm) and its dry weight is 131 pounds (~59.4 kg). The unit comes with two built-in handles, allowing two adults to carry the unit to (very) short distances - this is anything but a lightweight unit.
Unit features 3.4 gallons (~12.9 liters) and Honda GX200 196 cc engine, which is able to provide 3000 Starting Watts and 2800 Running Watts.
When operated at 25% load (700W), Honda EU3000IS is able to operate 20h(!) on a single full fuel tank, with noise levels of only 50 dB (@25%).
If the unit is pushed to the limit (2800 watts), it can operate up to 7.1 hours with noise levels of 57 dB (@100%, 2800W).
Honda EU3000IS features ports: 120V 20A AC Duplex, 120V 30A AC L5-30R and 12V (12 Amps, 144 watts) DC port.
Other features include advanced inverter technology (low THD%), Oil Alert protection (automatic engine off), overload protection, parallel ready ports, recoil and electric start, etc.
Also, Honda EU3000IS comes with a 3-year both residential and commercial warranty.
Any cons except the weight? Yes, Honda EU3000IS is a rather expensive inverter generator, but what You pay is what You get - a strong and very quiet, reliable power inverter generator.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check Honda EU3000IS Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
2. Honda EU2200i Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
Honda EU2200i is powered by Honda GXR120 121cc internal combustion engine, offering 2200 Starting Watts and 1800 Running Watts.
Physical dimensions of the unit are (L x W x H) 20.0 x 11.4 x 16.7 inches (~50.8 x 29 x 42.5 cm) and its dry weight is 46.5 pounds (~21.1 kg) - Honda EU2200i is much lighter than Honda EU3000i generator.
Honda EU2200i features 0.95 gallons (~3.6 liters) fuel tank, ensuring runtime of 3.2 hours @100% load and 8.1 hours @25% load.
Also, this is a very quiet power generator with noise levels of 48 dB @25% load (450W) and 57 dB @100% load (1800W).
Honda EU2200 power generator is manufactured in several versions, with the most popular model (EU2200i) featuring 120V 20A AC Duplex ports and 12V (8.3 Amps, 100W) DC port.
Other features of Honda EU2200i include parallel ready design, fuel shutoff, Oil Alert protection, recoil manual start, various safety features, etc.
Also, Honda EU2200i comes with a 3-year both residential and commercial warranty.
Any cons of Honda EU2200i? Yes, again it is the price - Honda EU2200i is a rather expensive power generator, but nonetheless, it is still one of the most popular units in its class due to the robust, compact, and reliable design.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check Honda EU2200i Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
3. Westinghouse iGen4500 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
Westinghouse iGen4500 is portable generator, but it is not small and lightweight - its physical dimensions are (L x W x H) 24.5 x 17.5 x 20 inches (~62.2 x 44.5 x 50.8 cm) and it weighs 98 pounds (~44.5 kg) without fuel.
Due to the dimensions, Westinghouse iGen4500 comes with a pair of carrying handles, allowing at least two adults to carry the unit around.
Also, Westinghouse iGen4500 features a pair of transport wheels and a telescopic handle, allowing one adult to easily move the unit around if required.
Unit is powered by 224cc OHV engine, featuring manual recoil and electric start and it even comes with remote fob.
Westinghouse iGen4500 features 3700 Running Watts and 4500 Surge Watts, with THD levels ≤3%.
Fuel tank capacity is 3.4 gallons (~12.8 liters) providing the runtime of 18 hours @25% (925 watts) load.
Output ports include 120V 20A AC 5-20R Duplex, 120V 30A AC TT-30R and 2x USB (2.1A, 1A) 5.0 volts - Westinghouse iGen4500 is RV ready power generator and is able to power almost all most popular loads, including smaller RV AC units combined with other loads.
Also, Westinghouse iGen4500 features so-called LED Data Center showing fuel level, power output, remaining run time, current voltage output, and the unit's lifetime hours.
Unit is parallel ready and comes with set of safety features like most power generators, including status LEDs (Output Ready, Low Oil, Overload), automatic engine shutoff, etc.
Westinghouse iGen4500 comes with 3-year limited residential warranty.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check Westinghouse iGen4500 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
4. WEN 56235i Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
Fuel tank capacity is 1.06 gallons (4 liters), providing the runtime of 10.5 hours at 25% (450 watts) and 5.7 hours at 50% (900 watts).
WEN 56235i is another very quiet power generator, generating only 51 dB at 25% load (450W).
Its physical dimensions are 17.3 x 11.5 x 17.7 inches (~44 x 29.2 x 45 cm) and it weighs 39 pounds (17.7 kg) - unit is very portable and can be carried around via its builtin handle.
WEN 56235i features 15A 120V NEMA 5-20R Duplex ports, 12V 8.3A DC port and two USB 5.0V (2.1/1 A) ports.
WEN 56235i also comes with fuel shutoff feature, low oil shutdown, overload warning, it is a parallel ready generator, very low THD (≤1.2%), etc.
Unit features manual recoil engine start and it comes with 2-year warranty.
Compared with the previous models, WEN 56235i is just a little bit noisier, but it is much cheaper. Also, it has shorter warranty period.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check WEN 56235i Super Quiet 2350-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
5. Westinghouse iGen2600 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
Fuel tank capacity is 1 gallon (~3.7 liters), offering the runtime of 10 hours @25% (550 watts) and noise levels of 52 dB (at 25%, 550 watts).
Physical dimensions of the unit are (L x W x H) 20 x 11.6 x 18.1 inches (~51 x 29.5 x 46 cm) and it weighs 48 pounds (~22 kg).
Power receptacles include 20A 120V AC NEMA 5-20R, 12V 8A DC port and 2x USB 5.0 volts ports.
Also, Westinghouse iGen2600 is a parallel ready inverter generator, featuring low THD (≤3%), status indicators (Low Oil, Output Ready, Overload), and very interesting LED display providing the user with data like fuel level, power output, remaining run time, lifetime hours and voltage output.
Westinghouse iGen2600 comes with 1-year limited commercial warranty.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check Westinghouse iGen2600 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
6. Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Portable Inverter Generator
Physical dimensions of the unit are 19.3 x 11.0 x 17.9 (~49 x 28 x 45.5 cm) and it weighs without fuel 44.1 pounds (~20 kg).
Fuel tank capacity is 1.1 gallons (~4.16 liters) which is enough for 10.5 hours of operation @25% load, during which the noise levels are ~51.5 dB (@25%, 400W). Some generators positioned higher are noisier than the Yamaha EF2000iSv2, but they are also stronger units.
Power outlets include 120V AC Duplex (max. 13.3/16.7 Amps @120V) and 12V 8A DC port.
Yamaha EF2000iSv2 comes with the full set of safety features, including status LEDs (Low Oil, AC Output, Overload), fuel shutoff (prevents stale fuel problems), electric overload breaker, etc.
Yamaha EF2000iSv2 is parallel ready power generator and it comes with 3-year limited warranty.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Portable Inverter Generator
7. A-iPower SUA2300i Portable Inverter Generator
Unit's physical dimensions are 22.0 x 13.9 x 20.8 inches (~55 x 35.5 x 53 cm) and it weighs 50.7 pounds (~23 kg) without fuel.
Fuel tank capacity is 1.1 gallons (~4.16 liters) offering runtime of 6.5 hours at 50% load and 4 hours @100% load.
Noise levels depend on the load: 52 dB @25%, 58 dB @50%, and 68 db @75%.
Power outlets include one 120V 30A AC Locking (L5-30R), one 120V 20A AC (5-20R), one 12V 8.3A DC and one USB 5.0 volts charging port. Also, it comes with 30 Amp RV adapter.
A-iPower SUA2300i features very low THD, allowing the unit to power sensitive devices like TVs, laptops and similar.
Data Center displays current status of the unit, including output power, remaining fuel, output volts, working hours and output frequency.
A-iPower SUA2300i is parallel ready unit, allowing the user to connect two units in parallel for larger output power.
A-iPower SUA2300i comes with 3-year limited residential/commercial warranty.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check A-iPower SUA2300i 2300 Watt Portable Inverter Generator
8. Yamaha EF2400iSHC Portable Inverter Generator
Physical dimensions of the unit are 20.8 x 16.5 x 18.2 inches (~52.8 x 42 x 46.3 cm) and it weighs 75 pounds (~34 kg) without fuel.
Yamaha EF2400iSHC comes with two built-in handles, allowing two adults to carry it.
Fuel capacity is 1.6 gallons (~6 liters) providing runtime of 8.6 hours @25% load, with the noise levels of 53 dB @25% load (500 watts) and only 60 dB @100% load (2400 watts) - at full power, engine speed is only 3400 rpm, leading to relatively low noise at higher power levels.
Yamaha EF2400iSHC features 120V AC Duplex power outlet and one 12V 8A DC port - Yamaha EF2400iSHC doesn't feature USB charging ports.
Unit also comes with seat of features commonly found at power generators in this class, like fuel shutoff, so-called Oil Watch Warning system and similar.
Yamaha EF2400iSHC features 3-year limited warranty.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check Yamaha EF2400iSHC Portable Inverter Generator
9. Champion Power Equipment 100692 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
Physical dimensions of the unit are (L x W x H) 17.3 x 11.5 x 17.7 inches (~44 x 29.2 x 45 cm) and it weighs only 39.5 pounds (~17.9 kg) with no fuel.
Tank capacity is 1.1 gallons (~4 liters), providing the runtime of 11.5 hours @25% load and 53 dB @25% load (425 watts).
Power outlets include 120V 20A AC 5-20R Duplex and one 12V DC port.
Champion 100692 is not RV ready, but it is parallel ready power generator - the optional parallel kit features both standard 30A RV outlet and a 120V 30A locking outlet.
Other important features include low-oil automatic shutoff, low THD (≤3%), Economy mode, CARB compliant, etc.
Champion 100692 comes with a 3-year limited warranty.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check Champion Power Equipment 100692 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
Long Story Short: noise levels are one of the most important features of modern portable inverter generators - noise can be rather annoying, especially if other people are present too, and the distance between the user and power generator cannot be increased.
Note: since power generators release harmful gases and fumes, never operate them indoors, regardless how good ventilation system you have.
And whatever You do, stay safe - keep the Owner's Guide of your power generator close by and if required, check them for maintenance and other procedures....