The Top 10 Quietest Portable Generators

Most people dislike excessive noise. Ambient humming of a noisy generator is ought to spoil your day, which is why buyers list the noise levels of a generator as one of the key factors they consider before purchasing one.

You should do the same. But which generators are the least noisy?

In this article, I have created an updated, ranked list of 10 most quiet portable generators currently on the (US) market. Unsurprisingly, they are all inverter generators, since low noise levels are one of the advantages they have over conventional units.

Note that the listed units do not include color or other variations of the same device and are only limited to portable generators with publicly listed noise levels. Be our guests and enjoy the reading.

Without further ado, here is the top 10 quietest portable generators currently on the market!

Top 10 Most Quiet Portable Generators

Generator	Wattage (running/starting)	Noise rating	Weight	Links
Honda EU1000i	900 W/1000 W	42 dB	28.7 lbs	Buy On Amazon (opens in a new tab) Show all offers
Honda EU2200i	1800 W/2200 W	48 dB	47.4 lbs	Buy On Amazon (opens in a new tab) Show all offers
Honda EB2200i	1800 W/2200 W	48 dB	47.4 lbs	Buy On Amazon (opens in a new tab) Show all offers
Honda EU3000iS	2800 W/3000 W	50 dB	130.7 lbs	Buy On Amazon (opens in a new tab) Show all offers
WEN 56235i	1900 W/2350 W	51 dB	39 lbs	Buy On Amazon (opens in a new tab) Show all offers
WEN 56235iX	1900 W/2350 W	51 dB	39 lbs	Buy On Amazon (opens in a new tab) Show all offers
WEN 56203i	1700 W/2000 W	51 dB	39 lbs	Buy On Amazon (opens in a new tab) Show all offers
WEN 56125i	1000 W/1250 W	51 dB	31.6 lbs	Buy On Amazon (opens in a new tab) Show all offers
Westinghouse iGen4500DF	3700 W/4500 W	52 dB	104.7 lbs	Buy On Amazon (opens in a new tab) Show all offers
Westinghouse iGen4000DFc	3300 W/4000 W	52 dB	62.8 lbs	Buy On Amazon (opens in a new tab) Show all offers

Zoom on the Quietest Portable Generators

Honda EU1000i

Given its noise rating of 42 dB (just slightly more noisy than a library), the Honda EU1000i is the most quiet of all the portable generators in our database.

The Honda EU1000i

This little beauty reaches up to 1000 starting watts and 900 running watts, with its 49.4 cc, OHV 4-stroke, Honda GXH50 engine. It is a great device for generating power on-the-go, a camping trip, or small scale DIY tasks.

The generator's power output can be conveniently collected through the EU1000i's control panel using its 2 AC outlets (duplex NEMA 5-15R).

The EU1000i is also parallel capable, which means that it can be hooked up to another compatible generator for additional power and an inverter generator, with a max THD of 3%, allowing you to power sensitive electronic devices directly (phones, laptops, etc.).

The Honda EU1000i's runtime reaches up to 6.8 hours if measured at a 25% load - a somewhat deceiving value given its specs if you asked me. Despite this low runtime, the EU1000i is perfectly suitable choice for surviving extended power outages or spending most of the day off-grid.

It weighs 28.7 lbs, which is lightweight for its power output, and has approximate dimensions of 17.8 x 9.5 x 14.9", making it a compact unit when compared to similarly powerful alternatives.

The unit is CARB-compliant and EPA-approved (which means it can be purchased in any of the 50 states). And thanks to a low oil sensor, which prevents engine damage and circuit breakers to prevent overload, the unit can be operated safely even when you aren’t always around. It also features Honda's CO Minder, a carbon monoxide monitoring technology which automatically shuts the generator down when CO levels become too high.

In conclusion, we rate the Honda EU1000i's price expensive, considering its power.

Honda EU2200i

With 48 dB, the Honda EU2200i is a fine example of modern and quiet peak portable generator technology. Its 121 cc, OHV 4-stroke, Honda GXR120 engine produces up to 1800 running watts and 2200 starting watts, which are the right values for anybody who desires to generate power on-the-go, has a need for electricity during a camping trip, or wants to do some small DIY tasks.

The Honda EU2200i

And with its parallel capability, these ratings can be easily doubled by coupling the generator along with another device!

Honda EU2200i's power can be reaped for up to 8.1 hours, at a 25% load. This is a somewhat deceiving value considering its power. That said, the EU2200i stays perfectly suitable if you don't want to fear running out of fuel in the middle of the night.

The Honda EU2200i is also an inverter generator and thus, can safely power THD sensitive electronics, such as cell phones or laptops (THD <3%). It weights 47.4 lbs, which means that it is as lightweight as many of its similarly powerful peers

The EU2200i's power is fed through a control panel equipped with 2 AC outlets (duplex NEMA 5-20R).

On top of that, this generator is equipped with a low oil sensor, which prevents engine damage and circuit breakers to prevent overload, providing you, the user, comfort and safety. It also features Honda's CO Minder, a carbon monoxide monitoring technology which automatically shuts the generator down when CO levels become too high. The unit is not CARB-compliant (which means it cannot be purchased in California).

As for its price, the Honda EU2200i is considered to be somewhat expensive, in comparison to other generators with similar specs.

Honda EB2200i

Boasting with a noise rating of 48 dB (less noisy than bird calls), the Honda EB2200i is another exquisitely quiet, 20 x 11.4 x 16.7" big, 47.4 lbs heavy, portable generator.

The Honda EB2200i

Its 121 cc, 4-stroke, Honda GXR120 engine produces up to 1800 running watts and 2200 starting watts. This combination of parameters makes it ideal if you want to generate electricity on-the-go, take it with you on a camping trip, or work on some small do-it-yourself tasks.

The EB2200i has a 8.1 hour runtime when measured at a 25% load, which is a relatively deceiving value, when compared to other units of similar power. With that in mind, this runtime makes the EB2200i a perfectly suitable solution for running it throughout the night.

The control panel of this generator features 2 AC outlets (duplex NEMA 5-20R).

The Honda EB2200i is an inverter generator with a THD <3%. As is the case with any other inverter generator, you can rely on it to safely power devices which are THD sensitive (phones, laptops, etc.).

The unit is not CARB-compliant (which means it cannot be purchased in California). Operating the unit is made trouble-less thanks to a low oil sensor, which prevents engine damage and circuit breakers, which prevent overload. It also features Honda's CO Minder, a carbon monoxide monitoring technology which automatically shuts the generator down when CO levels become too high. As for its price, we find the Honda EB2200i to be somewhat expensive, in comparison to other generators with similar specs.

Honda EU3000iS

Next on our list of the most quiet generators, at 25.9 x 17.6 x 22" and 130.7 lbs, is the Honda EU3000iS and its delightfully low noise rating of 50 dB.

The Honda EU3000iS

Its 196 cc, OHV 4-stroke, Honda GX200 engine can reach the following wattages: 3000 starting watts and 2800 running watts. With these wattages, this model is ideal for anyone who wants to generate power on-the-go, wants to bring it on a camping trip, or wants to do some small DIY tasks. And if these numbers weren’t just good enough for you, with its parallel capability, they can be easily doubled by coupling it along with another parallel capable device!

The aforementioned power may be drained for up to 20 hours on a single tank, at a 25% load. This is a quite impressive value for a generator of this power ouput. Thus, the Honda EU3000iS is ideal if you don't want to fear running out of fuel in the middle of the night.

As is the case for some other devices on this list, the Honda EU3000iS is an inverter generator and accordingly, can be used to safely power sensitive electronics, cell phones or laptops, with its THD <3%.

It also has the advantage of featuring, in addition to its traditional recoil start, a convenient electric start.

The EU3000iS's power is harvested through its control panel that is equipped with 3 AC outlets (duplex NEMA 5-20R and NEMA L5-30R).

To top this off, the unit is equipped with a low oil sensor, which prevents engine damage and circuit breakers, which prevent overload, providing us with a feeling of comfort and safety. It also features Honda's CO Minder technology which automatically shuts the generator down when CO levels become too high. The unit is not CARB-compliant (which means it cannot be purchased in California).

Lastly, when compared to other portable generators of similar output, the Honda EU3000iS's price should be considered expensive.

WEN 56235i

The fifth most quiet portable generator in our database is the 39 lbs heavy WEN 56235i, with its low noise rating of 51 dB. This unit is particularly well suited when you want to generate power on-the-go, bring it on a camping trip, or do some small DIY tasks.

The WEN 56235i

Its 79 cc, OHV 4-stroke engine can deliver up to 1900 running watts and 2350 starting watts. It offers 10.5 hours of run time at 25% load, which is value. This runtime is ideal if you don't want to fear running out of fuel in the middle of the night.

The aforementioned power can also easily be doubled, because the WEN 56235i is parallel capable and can therefore be linked to another compatible unit.

Its control panel offers 2 AC outlets (duplex NEMA 5-20R), as well as a 12V ouput and 2 USB ports to let you conveniently charge your batteries and directly plug-in your mobile phone and other portable devices. Because it's an inverter generator, its low THD (<1.2%) allows you to safely plug in any appliances with sensitive electronic components (laptops, mobile phones, etc.).

The unit is CARB-compliant and EPA-approved (which means it can be purchased in any of the 50 states). It can also be operated without any worries, as it features a low oil sensor, which prevents engine damage and circuit breakers, which prevent overload.

The price of this model is average when compared to similarly-powerful units.

WEN 56235iX

Next on the chopping block is the WEN 56235iX. Even this deep into our list, it still is surprisingly quiet as its noise rating at 23 feet is just about 51 dB.

The WEN 56235iX

With a dry weight of 39 lbs, this gem can reach up to 2350 starting watts and 1900 running watts. It is powered by a 79 cc, OHV 4-stroke engine and is overall a great device for generating power on-the-go, a camping trip, or small scale DIY tasks.

The 56235iX's power can be conveniently collected through its control panel, from its 2 AC outlets (duplex NEMA 5-20R) or 2 USB ports and a 12V ouput. This is a suitable choice if you want to conveniently charge your batteries and directly plug-in your mobile phone and other portable devices.

Similarly to the other devices on this list, the 56235iX is also parallel capable. It can therefore be easily hooked to any other compatible generator for extra power. Since the 56235iX is yet another inverter generator on this list, with a THD which stays right below 1.2%, you may therefore use it to power sensitive electronic devices directly (phones, computers, etc.).

The WEN 56235iX's runtimes reach up to 10.5 hours when they are measured at a 25% load. This is a usual value given the unit’s power. For illustration, the 56235iX is an ideal choice for running it throughout the night.

The unit is not CARB-compliant (which means it cannot be purchased in California). In addition, with the aid of a low oil sensor, which prevents engine damage and circuit breakers, which prevent overload, the unit is operated safely even if you dare to take your eyes off of it. Moreover, thanks to WEN's CO Watchdog technology, the unit will automatically shut itself down when CO levels become too high, to prevent poisoning.

Summed up, the WEN 56235iX's price is cheap, given its power.

WEN 56203i

The seventh quietest generator currently featured in our database is a special one. It is the 51 dB quiet, 39 lbs heavy, WEN 56203i.

The WEN 56203i

It is powered by a 79 cc, OHV 4-stroke engine that can reach up to 1700 running watts and 2000 starting watts - values which are perfect for working on small do-it-yourself projects, bringing along on a camping trip, or generating power on-the-go.

Since it is parallel capable, these values can be doubled by simply hooking it up to any compatible generator.

The WEN 56203i, an inverter generator, also has a THD below 1.2%, which is not an unexpected (but still welcomed) value for most units of this type. You can therefore use it to safely power various sensitive electronic devices, such as phones or computers.

At a 25% load, this generator has a relatively impressive 10.8-hour runtime, which is ideal when you don't want to fear running out of fuel in the middle of the night. The 56203i‘s control panel features 2 AC outlets (duplex NEMA 5-20R) and a 12V ouput and 2 USB ports. The DC output is suitable for charging your batteries conveniently and pluging-in your mobile phone and other portable devices directly.

Given its low oil sensor, which prevents engine damage and circuit breakers, which prevent overload, the unit can be operated with a peace of mind. The unit is CARB-compliant and EPA-approved (which means it can be purchased in any of the 50 states).

When compared to similarly powerful units, the WEN 56203i is cheaper than its peers.

WEN 56125i

The WEN 56125i is the eighth of the most quiet portable generators on this list and in our highly curated database. With dimensions of 17 x 9 x 16.5", and a weight of 31.6 lbs, it produces, at 23 feet, a minimum of 51 dB.

The WEN 56125i's control panel

Its 60 cc, OHV 4-stroke, WEN engine reaches up to 1000 running watts and 1250 starting watts. These values make the WEN 56125i fantastic for generating power on-the-go, bringing on a camping trip, or working on small scale DIY tasks.

The WEN 56125i is an inverter generator and has a low THD, <1.2%. It can therefore safely power devices with sensitive eletronic components (phones, computers, etc.). Additionally, since it is parallel capable, it can be hooked up in parallel with any compatible generator for even more power.

When it comes to its autonomy, the WEN 56125i, at a 50% load, has a relatively deceiving 5 hour runtime. Still, this runtime is perfectly suitable when you want to go tailgating or spend half a day working remotely on one of your projects.

In addition, its control panel features 2 AC outlets (duplex NEMA 5-20R), plus 2 USB ports, which can be useful for tasks such as pluging-in your mobile phone and other portable devices directly.

The unit is CARB-compliant and EPA-approved (which means it can be purchased in any of the 50 states). To assure its safety of operation, it features a low oil sensor, which prevents engine damage and circuit breakers, which prevent overload.

When considering its price, the WEN 56125i fits into the cheap price range upon comparison with its similarly powerful peers.

Westinghouse iGen4500DF

The runner-up to the final device on this list boasts with a noise rating of 52 dB and weighs in at 104.7 lbs – still incredibly quiet for a gas-powered portable generator. It is the Westinghouse iGen4500DF.

The Westinghouse iGen4500DF

Inside is hidden a 224 cc, OHV 4-stroke, Westinghouse dual fuelengine that can run on either gasoline or propane. In the first case, it delivers wattages of up to 3700 running watts and 4500 starting watts, while in the latter case, it can produce a running wattage of 3330 W and a starting wattage of 4050 W. The Westinghouse iGen4500DF is therefore a good choice for generating power on-the-go, a camping trip, or small scale DIY tasks. Given its parallel capability, these values may be doubled by parallelly hooking it up to another parallel-capable generator.

Like any other unit on this top 10, the Westinghouse iGen4500DF is an inverter generator with a THD that stays below 3%, which is roughly what you would expect from similar devices. It can therefore be used to power all kinds of sensitive electronic devices, for example phones or laptops. It is also one of the rare inverter generators to feature an electric start and a remote start

If measured at a 25% load, the Westinghouse iGen4500DF has a the standard 18 hour runtime. Given that duration, this generator is ideal whenever you don't want to fear running out of fuel in the middle of the night.

The iGen4500DF's control panel features 3 AC outlets (duplex NEMA 5-20R and NEMA TT-30R) and additionally 2 USB ports. Therefore, it is suitable for pluging-in your mobile phone and other portable devices directly.

Given its a low oil sensor, which prevents engine damage and circuit breakers, which prevent overload, you can operate this device without any unnecessary fear. The unit is CARB-compliant and EPA-approved (which means it can be purchased in any of the 50 states)

The Westinghouse iGen4500DF costs about what you’d expect from a device with these specs and power output.

Westinghouse iGen4000DFc

The last of the 10 quietest portable generators in our database is the 52 dB quiet, 62.8 lbs heavy, Westinghouse iGen4000DFc.

The Westinghouse iGen4000DFc

Unsurprisingly, it is also an inverter generator whose value of THD is <3%. Sensitive electronic accessories such as phones or laptops, can be safely powered with this device. In addition, the iGen4000DFc is also parallel capable, which means that it can be hooked up to a compatible generator to maximize its output. For an even greater convenience, it features a practical electric start as well as a remote start.

The Westinghouse iGen4000DFc is powered by a dual fuel, 141 cc, OHV 4-stroke engine and can deliver up to 4000 starting watts and 3300 running watts, when operating on gasoline. When the iGen4000DFc runs on propane, its wattage output is a bit lower: 2970 running watts and 3600 starting watts. These values make it ideal for generating power on-the-go, a camping trip, or small scale DIY tasks.

It can keep running for up to 7 hours, when measured at a 25% load. All things considered, this runtime value is relatively deceiving, when compared to similarly powerful units. Nethertheless, the iGen4000DFc's runtime makes it a perfectly suitable choice for surviving extended power outages or spending most of the day off-grid.

The iGen4000DFc and its functions are controlled by a dedicated control panel which is equipped with 3 AC outlets (duplex NEMA 5-20R and NEMA TT-30R) and also 2 USB ports on the top, so you can directly plug-in your mobile phone and other portable devices.

The unit is not CARB-compliant (which means it cannot be purchased in California). Westinghouse iGen4000DFc is overall a safe device to operate thanks to its safety features, such as a low oil sensor, which prevents engine damage and circuit breakers, which prevent overload. Westinghouse also had the excellent idea to equip it with its Unnamed CO-Sensor technology which prevents CO poisoning by automatically shutting the generator off if the ambient carbon monoxide concentration becomes too high.

As for pricing, the Westinghouse iGen4000DFc's price fits the average price range.

Conclusion

In summary, we have presented 10 least noisy portable generators, their features, pros and cons and prices. On top of that, we have very briefly covered some key aspects of treating and comparing noise (sound) levels of multiple portable generators.

For a direct comparison of two or more products which may have caught your attention, we invite you to visit our database and try our “COMPARE” feature. You may also view many other generators and filter or sort them by many parameters, including noise.