We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Generators 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

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.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Westinghouse 12500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready, Gas, Propane, and Natural Gas Powered

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,240
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Portability

Most important from
2901 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
This generator delivers reliable, uninterrupted power during extended outages, running everything from home heating to essential appliances flawlessly for days.
Fuel Type
The tri-fuel capability including gasoline, propane, and natural gas offers invaluable flexibility, especially when certain fuel sources are unavailable.
Portability
Despite its substantial weight, the sturdy wheels and handle make it manageable to move around on level surfaces.
Noise Level
Noise levels are surprisingly low for a generator of this size, quieter than typical lawn mowers under load.
Outlets and Connectivity
Setup and wiring can be straightforward with some basic knowledge, and the included natural gas and propane hoses make connecting quick and simple.

The Westinghouse 12500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Generator is a powerful home backup option that can run on gasoline, propane, or natural gas, giving you flexibility depending on available fuel. It delivers a strong starting wattage of 12,500 and a steady running wattage of up to 9,500 on gas, which is enough to power most household essentials during outages. On propane and natural gas, the output is slightly lower but still solid for home use. Its 6.6-gallon fuel tank provides up to 12 hours of run time on gasoline, meaning it can keep your home running through long power interruptions.

The electric remote start with a key fob is very convenient, especially if you need to start the generator from indoors. It also includes a variety of outlets like standard household plugs, RV, and transfer switch ready connections, making it adaptable to different home setups. Safety features such as automatic low oil shutdown and carbon monoxide detection add peace of mind.

This generator weighs over 200 pounds, so while it has a robust frame and wheels, it’s not very easy to move around frequently. It is also a bit noisy compared to quieter inverter generators, which might be a consideration if noise is a concern in your area. This model is ideal for homeowners looking for a reliable, versatile, and heavy-duty backup power source that can handle larger loads and run on multiple fuel types.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,240
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Portability

Most important from
2901 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
This generator delivers reliable, uninterrupted power during extended outages, running everything from home heating to essential appliances flawlessly for days.
Fuel Type
The tri-fuel capability including gasoline, propane, and natural gas offers invaluable flexibility, especially when certain fuel sources are unavailable.
Portability
Despite its substantial weight, the sturdy wheels and handle make it manageable to move around on level surfaces.
Noise Level
Noise levels are surprisingly low for a generator of this size, quieter than typical lawn mowers under load.
Outlets and Connectivity
Setup and wiring can be straightforward with some basic knowledge, and the included natural gas and propane hoses make connecting quick and simple.
#2

DuroMax XP13000HXT 13,000-Watt 500cc Tri Fuel Gas Propane Natural Gas Portable Generator with CO Alert, Black/Blue

Rating
9.1
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Portability

Most important from
2311 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
The generator delivers reliable whole-house power, easily handling extended outages with smooth switching between gasoline, natural gas, and propane fuels.
Fuel Type
Tri-fuel capability offers unmatched flexibility, allowing seamless transitions between gas types without startup issues.
Portability
Portability is manageable despite its weight, thanks to sturdy wheels and handles that facilitate moving the unit when needed.
Noise Level
Noise level is noticeable but typical for a 500cc motor, generally not intrusive inside the home when properly housed or distanced.
Outlets and Connectivity
The generator comes well-equipped with all necessary accessories and connectors, providing excellent value for its price.

The DuroMax XP13000HXT is a powerful portable generator offering up to 13,000 starting watts and 10,500 running watts, making it suitable for whole-home backup during power outages or for commercial use. One of its standout features is the tri-fuel capability, meaning it can run on gasoline, propane, or natural gas. This flexibility lets you choose the most convenient or cost-effective fuel available. It has a robust 500cc engine designed to deliver reliable power and includes a push-button and remote start system for easy operation, which is handy if you need to start it from a distance.

In terms of run time, it provides about 8 hours of continuous use, which is decent for extended power needs but depends on the fuel type and load. Portability is supported by a wheel and handle kit, though at 240 pounds, it's quite heavy and might require some effort to move around. Noise level is around 74 decibels, which is moderate and typical for generators of this size—noticeable but not overly loud.

Connectivity options are plentiful with seven outlets, including a 50 amp transfer switch-ready outlet for easy integration with home wiring systems. It also features a digital display for monitoring performance, adding convenience. Safety is addressed with a CO Alert system to detect dangerous carbon monoxide levels. The size and weight could be challenging if you need something more easily portable, and while the 8-hour runtime is good, longer runtimes might require refueling during extended outages. The noise level is average and could be a consideration if you need a quieter solution. This generator suits users who require high power output, fuel flexibility, and convenient starting options in a fairly portable package.

Rating
9.1
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Portability

Most important from
2311 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
The generator delivers reliable whole-house power, easily handling extended outages with smooth switching between gasoline, natural gas, and propane fuels.
Fuel Type
Tri-fuel capability offers unmatched flexibility, allowing seamless transitions between gas types without startup issues.
Portability
Portability is manageable despite its weight, thanks to sturdy wheels and handles that facilitate moving the unit when needed.
Noise Level
Noise level is noticeable but typical for a 500cc motor, generally not intrusive inside the home when properly housed or distanced.
Outlets and Connectivity
The generator comes well-equipped with all necessary accessories and connectors, providing excellent value for its price.
#3

DuroMax XP15000HX 15,000-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator - Gas & Propane, Remote Electric Start, Whole Home Power Backup, Transfer Switch Ready, RV & Emergency Ready

Rating
8.8
Power Output (Wattage)

Most important from
2311 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
Starts up smoothly and runs like a gem, providing reliable power whenever needed.

The DuroMax XP15000HX is a powerful dual fuel generator delivering up to 15,000 starting watts and 12,000 running watts, making it well-suited for whole-home backup during outages or heavy-duty commercial use. Its ability to run on both gasoline and propane offers flexibility—propane is cleaner, lasts longer in storage, and is easy on maintenance. The generator features a large 670cc engine with all-copper windings, which means it’s built for durability and long-term use. Starting it is simple with a push-button remote electric start, and switching between fuels is quick thanks to a front-facing fuel selector. The control panel is user-friendly, showing important information like voltage and maintenance hours on a digital meter.

Safety is improved by a built-in carbon monoxide sensor that automatically shuts the unit down if harmful fumes are detected. It also comes ready to connect to a home transfer switch, so powering your house is straightforward. Portability is decent for its size, with included wheels and a handle, but at 345 pounds, it’s quite heavy and not something you'd want to move frequently by yourself. Large generators like this tend to be fairly loud, so some sound protection might be needed if used close to living spaces. It is not an inverter generator, so while it provides robust power, it may not offer the cleanest electricity for sensitive electronics.

If you need a strong, reliable generator for home backup or work sites and appreciate the dual fuel convenience plus safety features, the DuroMax XP15000HX is a solid choice to consider.

Rating
8.8
Power Output (Wattage)

Most important from
2311 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
Starts up smoothly and runs like a gem, providing reliable power whenever needed.

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