Power outages from storms, grid failures, and infrastructure issues are increasingly common. A portable generator gives you a reliable bridge to keep the refrigerator running, charge devices, and power a fan or heater while the grid recovers.
The five generators below cover the range from compact inverter units for essential loads to high-output conventional generators for whole-home backup.
| Product | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Honda EU2200i | Clean power, quiet use | 4.8/5 |
| Champion 3500W | Budget backup power | 4.4/5 |
| WEN 56200i | Affordable inverter | 4.5/5 |
| Generac GP5500 | Large home backup | 4.4/5 |
| Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus | Indoor solar hybrid | 4.6/5 |
Honda EU2200i — Best Quiet Inverter Generator
The Honda EU2200i is the standard against which portable inverter generators are measured. At 48-57 dB depending on load, it is quiet enough to run near a bedroom window. The 2,200-watt output handles a refrigerator, several lights, and device charging simultaneously. Runtime is 8.1 hours on a gallon of fuel at quarter load.
The parallel capability lets you connect two EU2200i units for 4,400 watts when needed. Build quality and reliability are the best in class, which justifies the premium price over the long service life. The Eco Throttle mode automatically adjusts engine speed to match demand, extending fuel economy.
Champion 3500W Dual Fuel — Best Budget Backup Generator
The Champion 3500W runs on gasoline or propane, which is a meaningful advantage when one fuel is unavailable after a storm. The 3,500 running watts and 4,375 starting watts handle refrigerators, sump pumps, and window AC units. Runtime is 9 hours on gasoline at 50% load.
Noise is higher than inverter models at about 68 dB, so placement away from windows matters. The wheel kit and folding handle make moving it around the property manageable. For outage backup on a budget, this generator covers the essentials without the price premium of inverter models.
WEN 56200i — Best Affordable Inverter Generator
The WEN 56200i produces clean inverter power at 2,000 watts running and 2,500 watts surge. At 51 dB on eco mode it rivals Honda for noise performance at roughly one-third the price. The fuel tank holds 1 gallon and runs 6 hours at half load. The parallel kit (sold separately) allows pairing two units for doubled output.
Safe for sensitive electronics, the WEN 56200i is an excellent choice for campers, tailgaters, and anyone who needs quiet, portable power without spending overcurrent pricing. Build quality trails the Honda over long-term heavy use, but for typical homeowner backup use the difference is minimal.
Generac GP5500 — Best High-Output Generator for Large Homes
The Generac GP5500 delivers 5,500 running watts and 6,875 starting watts, enough to power a central AC unit, refrigerator, lights, and multiple outlets simultaneously. The 389cc OHV engine runs at a steady 68-70 dB. The large 7.2-gallon tank provides up to 10 hours of runtime at 50% load.
This is a conventional generator, not an inverter, so it is not suitable for directly powering sensitive electronics without a surge protector. The steel frame and never-flat wheels handle outdoor storage and repositioning well. For large homes that need to maintain climate control during extended outages, the GP5500 is a capable, cost-effective solution.
Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus — Best Indoor-Safe Solar Hybrid
The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus is a lithium battery station rather than a combustion generator, which means it is completely safe to use indoors with zero emissions. The 2,042Wh capacity runs a refrigerator for about 17 hours. It charges from solar panels, wall outlets, or car ports, making it genuinely multi-modal.
The 3,000-watt AC output (6,000-watt surge) handles most home appliances. The LiFePO4 battery chemistry is rated for 4,000 charge cycles, giving it a much longer service life than older lithium-ion battery stations. The upfront cost is high, but the ability to recharge from solar makes it a long-term outage tool that works independently of fuel supply chains.
How to Choose a Portable Home Generator
Calculate your essential load first. List the appliances you need to run, find their wattage ratings, and add 20% overhead. That gives your minimum running wattage. Then account for starting watts from motor-driven appliances like refrigerators and pumps.
Choose inverter if budget allows. The noise reduction, fuel efficiency at partial load, and electronics safety make inverter generators far more livable during extended outages. If you need high wattage on a limited budget, a conventional generator with a quality surge protector for electronics is a workable compromise.
For more power backup guidance, see our best whole-house generators and best solar generators reviews. Learn how we evaluate products at /methodology.
Frequently asked questions
How many watts do I need to run my home essentials during an outage?+
A refrigerator draws about 600-800 watts, a window AC unit 1,000-1,500 watts, and a sump pump 1,000 watts. Add the starting watts for each motor (usually 2-3x running watts for the startup surge). A 3,500-5,000 watt generator covers most home essential loads comfortably.
What is the difference between a conventional generator and an inverter generator?+
Conventional generators produce AC power at a fixed engine speed and are louder, less fuel-efficient at partial load, and not safe for sensitive electronics. Inverter generators produce clean sine wave power, run quieter, adjust engine speed to the load, and are safe for laptops and phones. Inverters cost more but are the better choice for most home users.