Our top pick: Honda EU2200i Quiet Camping Inverter (Quiet camping power)
Inverter generators suit buyers who want quieter running and cleaner electrical output than a conventional open-frame unit.
The models below are compared on noise, output, portability, fuel choice and readiness for home backup, using only the specifications in their catalog listings.
On this page
- Our Top Picks
- Honda EU2200i Quiet Camping Inverter
- Westinghouse iGen5000DFc Dual Fuel
- Champion 4000-Watt Lightweight RV Inverter
- PowerSmart 4400W Dual Fuel Inverter
- WEN 56360i RV-Ready Inverter Generator
- Pulsar PGD40ISCO Quiet 4000W Inverter
- PowerSmart 3800W Dual Fuel Home Inverter
- Westinghouse iGen12000DFc Whole-Home Backup
- GENMAX GM1200i Ultralight Inverter
- Champion 11,000-Watt Tri Fuel Inverter
- Start with the loads you need to run
- Match fuel type to how you will use it
- Check outlets before home or RV hookups
- Weigh noise and weight
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Category verdict
More Details on Our Top Picks
Browse top pick on eBay: Honda EU2200i Quiet Inverter Generator
Honda EU2200i Quiet Camping Inverter
The listed 48 to 57 dB(A) range points to camping and supplemental RV power.
A companion smartphone app offers remote operation and monitoring plus stop and service reminders over Bluetooth.
This generator is not available in the state of California.
Its designed run time is 3.2 to 8.1 hours on a single 0.95 gallon fuel tank.
Westinghouse iGen5000DFc Dual Fuel
It includes an RV ready TT-30R outlet and a standard 20A duplex outlet alongside two USB ports.
The listing says the parallel kit includes a 240V outlet that makes it interlock kit or transfer switch ready.
The parallel kit that doubles power output is sold separately.
Champion 4000-Watt Lightweight RV Inverter
It lists 4000 starting watts, 3000 running watts and up to 10 hours of run time.
The listing places it among the lightest 4000-watt inverters in the industry at less than 49 pounds.
The parallel kit that doubles output power is optional.
PowerSmart 4400W Dual Fuel Inverter
On gasoline its 1.6-gallon tank is listed at 8 hours at 25% load.
The control panel adds a 12V 8A DC port and Eco-mode.
The 24-hour propane figure is quoted at 25% load.
WEN 56360i RV-Ready Inverter Generator
It pairs a 149cc engine with 3600 surge watts and 2900 rated watts.
The fuel shutoff uses up the remaining fuel in the carburetor before shutting down.
Its rated output is 2900 watts, below the 3600 surge figure.
Pulsar PGD40ISCO Quiet 4000W Inverter
Its listing names emergency power, RV use and air conditioning units up to 13,500 BTU.
It lists 4,000 peak watts and 3,200 rated watts.
Run time is listed as 4 hrs at half load on a 1 gallon tank.
PowerSmart 3800W Dual Fuel Home Inverter
Listed protections include overload, short-circuit and carbon-monoxide sensor protection plus low-oil shutdown.
It meets ANSI/PGMA G300, ANSI/UL2201 and EPA certification.
The 59 dBA noise figure is given at Eco Mode.
Westinghouse iGen12000DFc Whole-Home Backup
Its 14-50R 50A outlet and L14-30R 30A twist lock are both listed as transfer switch or interlock kit ready.
The large 7.9 gallon gas tank is highlighted as a way to need fewer refills.
The quiet figure is stated as low as 64 dBA with Eco Mode.
GENMAX GM1200i Ultralight Inverter
Its listing names TV, lights, fans and small power tools as example loads.
A sturdy handle is included for carrying.
With 1000 running watts it covers only small loads.
Champion 11,000-Watt Tri Fuel Inverter
Natural gas and propane hoses are included so it is ready to run on any fuel out of the box.
Its outlet set includes a 120/240V 30A locking outlet and a 120/240V 37.5A outlet.
Natural gas running watts are listed at 7290, below gasoline at 9000.
Browse top pick on eBay: Honda EU2200i Quiet Inverter Generator
Frequently Asked Questions
Which inverter generator has the longest run time?
The PowerSmart 4400W lists 24-hour runtime on a standard 20-lb propane tank at 25% load.
The Westinghouse iGen12000DFc lists up to 19 hours at 25% load on a 7.9 gallon fuel tank.
What is the downside of an inverter generator?
Check running watts against your loads, since output varies between models.
The GENMAX GM1200i, for example, lists 1000 running watts, which covers only small loads.
Which inverter generator is the best deal?
This guide does not compare prices, so value depends on matching running watts, fuel type and outlets to your needs.
What portable generators to stay away from?
Avoid any generator whose running watts, outlet types or fuel options do not match what you plan to power.
Also be wary of listings that give noise or runtime figures without stating the load or distance behind them.
Category verdict
The Honda EU2200i is the quiet-camping choice here, with a listed 48 to 57 dB(A) range.
For whole-home backup, the Westinghouse iGen12000DFc lists a 50A outlet that is transfer switch or interlock kit ready.
The Champion 11,000-watt model is the pick for running on natural gas, propane or gasoline.
For light loads, the GENMAX GM1200i offers a body that weighs only 25.3 pounds.