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10 Best Generators 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Generac Guardian 26kW Home Standby Generator with 200 Amp Transfer Switch - Automatic Whole House Backup Power for Storms, Emergencies, and Outages, WiFi Enabled, Runs on Natural Gas or Liquid Propane

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,236
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Noise Level

Most important from
426 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
Delivers seamless, automatic whole-house power backup that kicks in within seconds of an outage and shuts off smoothly when utility power returns.
Fuel Type
Fuel flexibility with compatibility for both natural gas and liquid propane provides versatility in different home setups.
Noise Level
Runs quietly for its size with a fully enclosed casing and low oil shutdown to protect the engine during operation.
Outlets and Connectivity
Wi-Fi connectivity offers convenient remote monitoring of the generator’s status and maintenance needs, enhancing peace of mind.

The Generac Guardian 26kW Home Standby Generator is a strong choice for homeowners who want reliable backup power during storms or outages. It delivers a solid 26,000 watts, which is enough to power an entire house, including essential appliances and systems. The generator works with natural gas or liquid propane, giving you fuel flexibility. Its 200 Amp transfer switch ensures smooth and automatic power transfer, so you don’t have to worry about manual setup when the power goes out.

One standout feature is its Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to monitor the generator’s status and maintenance needs remotely, which adds convenience and peace of mind. The unit is designed to be quiet for its size, with a fully enclosed casing and low oil shutdown to protect the engine. Built with a durable aluminum frame and crafted in the USA, it promises long-lasting performance backed by a 5-year warranty.

This generator is quite heavy at over 500 pounds and not portable, meaning it’s meant to be permanently installed by a professional electrician. This limits flexibility if you need something for occasional or mobile use. With 10 power outlets and stable voltage output, it’s well-equipped to handle multiple devices safely. If you want a dependable, automatic whole-house generator that you can keep an eye on remotely and don’t need portability, this model fits the bill well. It is better suited for those looking for a fixed installation rather than a generator to move around.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,236
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Noise Level

Most important from
426 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
Delivers seamless, automatic whole-house power backup that kicks in within seconds of an outage and shuts off smoothly when utility power returns.
Fuel Type
Fuel flexibility with compatibility for both natural gas and liquid propane provides versatility in different home setups.
Noise Level
Runs quietly for its size with a fully enclosed casing and low oil shutdown to protect the engine during operation.
Outlets and Connectivity
Wi-Fi connectivity offers convenient remote monitoring of the generator’s status and maintenance needs, enhancing peace of mind.
#2

Westinghouse 13500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready, Gas and Propane Powered

Rating
9.7
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Portability

Most important from
2234 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
This generator is an absolute powerhouse, firing up instantly and powering a whole house including AC and fridge with ease.
Fuel Type
The dual-fuel option is a total game-changer, providing great convenience and fuel flexibility.
Portability
Its sturdy folding handle and wheels make it surprisingly easy to move despite its heavy-duty construction.
Noise Level
Built tough with a rock-solid feel, it runs surprisingly quiet for its size and is fuel-efficient.
Start Type
Electric start makes operation effortless, avoiding the hassle of manual pull-starting in tough conditions.

The Westinghouse 13500 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator is a strong option for home backup power thanks to its high power output and flexible fuel choices. It delivers up to 13,500 watts at peak on gasoline and 12,500 watts on propane, which means it can handle most household appliances and tools during an outage. Its dual fuel capability—running on gasoline or propane—adds convenience and fuel availability, which is handy if one fuel type runs out. You can expect up to 19 hours of continuous run time on gasoline thanks to its large 9.5-gallon tank, helping keep your home powered for long stretches. Starting the generator is easy with both remote electric start and a recoil backup, so you don’t need to worry about manual pull-starting if conditions are tough.

It features important safety elements such as automatic low oil shutdown and carbon monoxide detection, giving peace of mind during use. The generator is built with heavy-duty components and includes multiple outlets for standard household plugs, RV connections, and transfer switch readiness, making it versatile for different power needs. On the downside, this model weighs 230 pounds, so while it’s portable with effort, it’s not something you’d want to move frequently without help. It also lacks inverter technology, which means the power output is less stable and might not be ideal for sensitive electronics like laptops or medical devices.

Noise levels aren’t specified but generators of this size typically produce noticeable sound, so consider placement if noise is a concern. This Westinghouse generator is well-suited for homeowners needing reliable, high-capacity backup power with the flexibility of dual fuel use, though it may be less convenient for those prioritizing lightweight or ultra-quiet operation.

Rating
9.7
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Portability

Most important from
2234 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
This generator is an absolute powerhouse, firing up instantly and powering a whole house including AC and fridge with ease.
Fuel Type
The dual-fuel option is a total game-changer, providing great convenience and fuel flexibility.
Portability
Its sturdy folding handle and wheels make it surprisingly easy to move despite its heavy-duty construction.
Noise Level
Built tough with a rock-solid feel, it runs surprisingly quiet for its size and is fuel-efficient.
Start Type
Electric start makes operation effortless, avoiding the hassle of manual pull-starting in tough conditions.
#3

Generac Guardian 22kW Home Standby Generator with 200 Amp Transfer Switch - Automatic Whole House Backup Power for Storms, Emergencies, and Outages, WiFi Enabled, Runs on Natural Gas or Liquid Propane

Rating
9.4
Power Output (Wattage)
Portability
Noise Level

Most important from
426 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
Delivers seamless whole-house backup power, automatically starting within seconds of an outage and shutting off once utility power returns.
Portability
The unit arrives heavy and large, requiring careful handling and consideration during delivery and installation.
Noise Level
The generator operates quietly and efficiently thanks to features like idle control and voltage regulation.
Outlets and Connectivity
Remote monitoring through built-in Wi-Fi allows users to track the generator’s status and receive maintenance alerts even when away from home.

The Generac Guardian 22kW Home Standby Generator is a strong choice for homeowners looking for reliable whole-house backup power during storms or outages. It delivers a powerful 22,000 watts, enough to keep most home appliances running smoothly. You can run it on natural gas or liquid propane, giving flexibility depending on your fuel availability. Thanks to its automatic features like idle control and voltage regulation, it works efficiently and safely with minimal fuss. It’s designed to be durable and quiet compared to many generators, which is helpful if you want to avoid loud noise during emergencies.

One standout feature is the built-in Wi-Fi connectivity that lets you monitor the generator remotely, so you’ll always know its status and get maintenance alerts even if you’re away from home. The included 200 Amp automatic transfer switch ensures your home's electrical system transitions seamlessly to generator power when needed. With 30 power outlets, it can support a wide range of devices and appliances.

This generator is quite heavy (466 pounds) and fairly large, so it’s not something you’d move around frequently. Installation requires a licensed electrician, which adds to the setup cost and complexity. This unit is built for permanent outdoor installation and isn’t portable like smaller generators. If you want a robust, low-maintenance standby generator that covers your entire home and offers modern remote monitoring, this Generac model fits well. It’s not ideal for those needing a lightweight or portable solution but excels in providing dependable power when you need it most.

Rating
9.4
Power Output (Wattage)
Portability
Noise Level

Most important from
426 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
Delivers seamless whole-house backup power, automatically starting within seconds of an outage and shutting off once utility power returns.
Portability
The unit arrives heavy and large, requiring careful handling and consideration during delivery and installation.
Noise Level
The generator operates quietly and efficiently thanks to features like idle control and voltage regulation.
Outlets and Connectivity
Remote monitoring through built-in Wi-Fi allows users to track the generator’s status and receive maintenance alerts even when away from home.

Buying Guide for the Best Generators

Choosing the right generator can make it much easier to handle power outages, run equipment at job sites, or even enjoy comforts during camping trips. To find the best fit for your needs, it's important to understand the key specifications that affect how a generator will perform in different situations. Each user's main need—whether it's for emergency home backup, powering tools, or recreational use—should guide their decisions as they compare different options.
Power Output (Wattage)Power output, measured in watts, tells you how much electrical equipment your generator can run at once. This spec is crucial because using a generator that's too small for your needs can lead to overloaded circuits, while buying one much larger than required means unnecessary size and maintenance. Power output is usually divided into 'starting watts' (the initial burst needed for appliances like fridges to kick on) and 'running watts' (the steady power required). For light, occasional use like camping, small generators around 1,000-2,000 watts may suffice. Medium duty, such as running a few household essentials or some tools, often needs 3,000-5,000 watts. Heavy duty, like whole house backup or construction jobs, usually begins at 6,500 watts and up. To choose, list out what you want to run and check their wattages to find the right fit.
Fuel TypeGenerators run on fuels like gasoline, diesel, propane, or even dual-fuel combinations. Each has its pros and cons in terms of availability, storage, and long-term maintenance. Gasoline is easy to find and portable but spoils over time and needs more frequent maintenance. Diesel engines are more robust for heavy, prolonged use but generally louder and heavier. Propane stores well for longer periods and burns cleaner, making it popular for occasional or emergency use. Some models can switch between fuels, offering flexibility. When deciding, think about how often you'll use the generator and which fuels are most convenient and safe for you to store and access.
Run TimeRun time measures how long a generator can operate on a single tank of fuel at a specified load (usually half capacity). This spec matters because longer run times mean fewer interruptions to refuel, which can be essential during outages or long events. Short run time (around 4-6 hours) might be enough for camping or intermittent use, while 8-12 hours or more is more comfortable for overnight backup or all-day job sites. Match this to your expected usage pattern; if you need to run things overnight, look for longer run times at your typical load.
PortabilityPortability describes how easy it is to move the generator. Small, lightweight models with handles are great for outdoor recreation or occasional use, while larger, heavier units may have wheels and sturdy frames for mobility on job sites or around the home. If the generator is mostly staying in one place for emergencies, weight might not matter much; but if you plan to move it often, check the weight and ensure it has features like wheels or ergonomic handles.
Noise LevelNoise level, measured in decibels (dB), tells you how loud the generator will be running, which can affect your comfort and local regulations. Quiet generators (below 60 dB) are more suitable for camping, RVs, or residential neighborhoods, while construction site models can be much louder (70 dB and above). If you need peace and quiet or will be using it near other people, focus on lower-noise options; for remote or outdoor work, higher noise may not be as important.
Outlets and ConnectivityDifferent generators offer various combinations of outlets, such as standard household, RV, twist-lock, or USB types. Some models also include features like parallel connections (to link two generators for more power) or transfer switch compatibility for easier home backup. The right choice depends on what you need to plug in: For electronics, look for pure sine wave or inverter generators; for direct home connection, ensure the generator meets relevant safety and transfer switch requirements.

FAQ