Top 10 Best Portable Generators in 2022 Reviews
Last updated on January 31, 2022
The best portable generators come in handy when camping in wild areas without power. They also come in handy at home where there are power outages. Depending on their power rating, portable generators are pretty versatile and a must-have whether at home or camping. Portable generators can help restore most modern essentials when there is a power blackout. Despite the small size, these generators can help charge electronics, keep the fridge running and get lights back. These portable generators are great backups when there is a blackout. They are also used to run various power tools for professionals in the field.
In our reviews below, we’ve researched the best portable generators in the market for you. Our reviews narrow down your portable generator choices to 10 leading picks. These are the market-leading portable generators in terms of durability, performance, safety, and ease of use. The generators come highly rated and recommended for versatile use. So, whether you’re looking for a unit for the next camping trip or a backup power supply, you’ve come to the right place. Read through our top picks below and choose one that suits your needs.
Table of Contents
- 10. A-iPower SUA2000Iv 2000 Watt Portable Inverter Generator
- 9. WEN Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
- 8. DuroMax XP12000EH Generator
- 7. Rockpals 250-Watt Portable Generator Rechargeable Lithium Battery Solar Pack
- 6. AIMTOM 300-Watt Portable Power Station – 280Wh
- 5. Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240
- 4. Briggs & Stratton Power Smart Series Inverter Generator
- 3. Westinghouse iGen 160s Portable Power Station 155Wh
- 2. Generac Open Frame RV Ready Inverter Generator
- 1. Portable Solar Generator with Solar Panel
10. A-iPower SUA2000Iv 2000 Watt Portable Inverter Generator
This is our first choice portable generator and a powerful selection. It is an excellent choice generator that produces up to 2000 starting watts. The generator is reliable and hits 1600 running watts. It is a safe and clean power ideal for electronics. You can conveniently use it on TV, laptops, phones, and other electronics without worries. Besides, the generator operates quietly at below 58 decibels hence ideal for home use. This is a lightweight design generator weighing 46 pounds. It is a compact and easy to carry generator to use anywhere. The generator also features low idle technology for extended run time.
Pros
- Extended runtime due to low idle technology
- Quiet operation at below 58 decibels
- Lightweight hence portable
- Safe and clean energy
Cons
- Not for medium-size or large campers
9. WEN Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
This is an ultra-lightweight body portable generator to consider buying. The generator weighs a mere 39 pounds hence extremely light. It is easy to store and transport. The generator features an extremely quiet operation. You can have it run throughout the night without loud noises that disturb your sleep. It is a powerful generator that produces 2000W surge power and 1700W rated power. The generator is reliable producing clean and safe energy to charge electronics without damage. It is a safe design generator without automatic fuel shutoff. The generator offers a long lifespan and comes with two 3-prong 120V receptacles and one 12V DC receptacle for versatile use.
Pros
- Automatic fuel shutoff thus extended lifespan
- Extremely lightweight hence easy to carry
- Ultra-quiet operation
- Safe and clean energy
Cons
- Gets a little hot
8. DuroMax XP12000EH Generator
This is a powerful gas or propane-powered generator with 12000 watts of power. It is an excellent generator powered by the efficient DuroMax 457cc OHV engine. The generator features dual-fuel technology. It can run on both propane and gasoline giving users options. You get the freedom and flexibility to use the readily available fuel. The generator is reliable and delivers plenty of power. It offers 12000W starting power and 9500W running power. The generator can easily handle heavy power requirements from lights to running a refrigerator and home air conditioner. It is a versatile design generator with a receptacle for 120V and options for 240V.
Pros
- Easy to move around due to two large wheels
- Extremely powerful with 12000 starting power
- Dual fuel technology thus gives users the freedom to use gasoline or propane
- Options to operate at 120V and 240V
Cons
- Filling oil is a pain
7. Rockpals 250-Watt Portable Generator Rechargeable Lithium Battery Solar Pack
This is a high capacity lightweight lithium power pack to consider buying. It is a portable generator for emergency power backup options at home and travel. The generator comes with upgraded AC outputs to 250W continuous. It features dual AC outputs and two built-in USB ports. You can conveniently charge phones, laptops, and tablets with ease. The generator runs on a powerful lithium polymer battery. It is a portable design generator weighing a mere 5.5 pounds. Besides, the generator is extremely easy to recharge by 60W or 100W solar panels. You can also recharge it by plugging it into the 12V cigarette socket.
Pros
- Easy and quick charging using solar panels or car socket
- Lightweight and compact hence portable
- Easy charging of electronic devices due to built-in USB ports
- High capacity lithium battery thus extended use
Cons
- Not for heavy power needs
6. AIMTOM 300-Watt Portable Power Station – 280Wh
This is another portable, powerful, and reliable generator for all your outdoor adventures. The generator is easy to store and transport. You can use it on camping trips, fishing, and hunting trips. It is a clean design generator without any gas messes and maintenance. The generator is rated 300W and comes with powerful lithium battery packs. The generator can recharge drones, laptops, digital cameras, personal medical devices, tablets, phones, etc. This is a safe design power station with an AC port, 4 USB ports, and 3 12V DC ports. You can simultaneously charge up to 4 devices without over-current, over-voltage, and over-temperature. The station is also easy to charge anywhere using solar panels, wall outlets, and car socket.
Pros
- Easy to recharge anywhere and anytime
- Compact design hence portable
- Powerful lithium battery packs hence long-lasting use
- Charges all devices with safety
Cons
- Small discharge
5. Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240
This is a perfect outdoor green power station to seriously consider buying. It is a portable power station with a quiet generator and eco-friendly clean power. The generator comes with a 240-Watt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. This is a safe design power station without messy fuels, fumes, and oils. It is a portable design power station with a smooth ergonomic handle. You can conveniently carry the power station and use it anywhere outdoors. This is a mini-power station designed for charging laptops, drone, mini-cooler, phones, etc. It is a solar-ready generator that comes ready for immediate use.
Pros
- Easy recharging using solar or wall socket
- Excellent carry handle hence portable
- Compact and lightweight
- Quiet and eco-friendly power
Cons
- Entry-level power station for small power demands
4. Briggs & Stratton Power Smart Series Inverter Generator
This is a super quiet and fuel-efficient inverter generator to consider buying. It is a leading brand portable generator. The generator runs on the fuel-efficient 111cc OHV engine producing up to 2200 watts starting power and 1700 watts running power. It also comes with a ready USB port for immediate charging. This is a reliable generator that allows portable electronics to be charged wherever you go. The generator is safe for laptops producing less than 3% of the total harmonic distortion. It is a decent design generator with a 1-gallon fuel tank capable for up to 6.5 hours.
Pros
- Fuel efficient hence reliable
- Compact and lightweight
- Powerful 111cc OHV engine
- Easy charging due to built-in USB ports
Cons
- Gets louder with each additional load
3. Westinghouse iGen 160s Portable Power Station 155Wh
This is a leading brand portable generator and a perfect choice for emergency home backup. The generator is strong enough and can run most home essentials. It is a portable design generator with string lithium-ion battery packs. The generator weighs a mere 3.75 pounds and can heat 150 watts peak and 100 running watts. This is a small but rugged design power station capable of withstanding harsh outdoor elements. Besides, the station charges a wall charger, car socket, and solar panels. This gives you options to charge wherever you go. Overall, this is a well-featured power station with two 120V outlets, two USB ports, and a Qualcomm quick charge.
Pros
- Maintenance-free hence easy to use
- Multiple power outlets thus versatile
- Portable
- Easy to charge with multiple options
Cons
- Hard to start when new
2. Generac Open Frame RV Ready Inverter Generator
This is another advanced ready inverter generator with PowerRush technology. The generator delivers up to 50% more starting power. This allows you to do more with less energy. It is a reliable generator that operates at 50% quieter. The inverter is an ideal choice when working in noise-sensitive environments. It is also 25% light making it extremely portable. The inverter delivers true power technology producing clean and safe power for all electronics. Overall, this is an RV-ready generator that connects directly to RV power.
Pros
- RV-ready hence easy and seamless connection
- USB outlets for easy charging
- Small and lightweight hence portable
- Quiet
Cons
- A little heavy
1. Portable Solar Generator with Solar Panel
This is a portable solar generator that comes ready to use with a solar panel. It is a rechargeable solar panel with a large electricity capacity. It efficiently stores enough power and power LED lights for use at night. This is a perfect emergency backup when camping, fishing, hunting, or operating a drone. The generator features multiple functions which include an MP3 player, audio port, radio, USB ports, and SD card slot. The generator is pretty easy to recharge via a wall outlet or solar panel. Overall, this is a portable and compact design solar wall panel to seriously consider buying.
Pros
- Portable and compact
- Easy and quick charging means
- Multiple functions
- Easy carry handle
Cons
- Only for light-duty energy needs
Final verdict
In conclusion, these are the best portable generators on the market this year. They are top-rated and recommended generators with excellent features. The generators are sturdy, powerful, and pretty easy to use. Make sure you have one of these portable generators whenever there is a power blackout. The generators are reliable and come in handy to power most household appliances.