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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

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
10.0
Chosen by1,382
Power Output (Wattage)

Most important from
2280 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
10.0
Chosen by1,382
Power Output (Wattage)

Most important from
2280 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
Starts up smoothly and runs like a gem, providing reliable power whenever needed.
#2

Westinghouse 28000 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready, Gas, Propane, and Natural Gas Powered

Rating
10.0
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Run Time

Most important from
218 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
This generator delivers more power than needed for heavy equipment, running all devices simultaneously without issue and leaving room for future expansions.
Fuel Type
Fuel consumption is significant during prolonged use, making fuel availability a critical factor in extended outages.
Run Time
It proved exceptionally reliable during extended power outages, running essential appliances like air conditioning and medical equipment continuously for days.
Portability
Despite its substantial weight, the mobility features such as large never-flat wheels facilitate maneuvering the unit when needed.
Start Type
Starting the generator is effortless with just the press of a button, and maintenance tasks like oil changes are straightforward.

The Westinghouse 28000 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Generator is a powerful option designed mainly for larger homes needing reliable backup power. It provides a hefty 20,000 running watts on gasoline with a peak of 28,000 watts, which means it can handle heavy loads and multiple appliances at once. One big strength is its tri-fuel capability: it runs on gasoline, propane, or natural gas, offering flexibility if fuel availability varies. With a 17.2-gallon gas tank, it can run up to about 13 hours at a quarter load, which is good for extended outages.

Starting the generator is easy thanks to its remote electric start, and it has several outlets including heavy-duty 240V options ideal for whole-home connections via a transfer switch. The generator also includes features like automatic low-oil shutdown and idle control to protect the engine and save fuel. Portability is decent for its size, featuring large never-flat wheels and foldable handles, though at 557 pounds, it’s quite heavy and not something you’d move around casually.

This generator is well suited for homeowners looking for a robust and versatile backup power source capable of running large loads for hours. It may be more than needed for smaller homes or occasional use due to its size, weight, and complexity, but it offers excellent power output and fuel flexibility for those who prioritize backup reliability.

Rating
10.0
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Run Time

Most important from
218 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
This generator delivers more power than needed for heavy equipment, running all devices simultaneously without issue and leaving room for future expansions.
Fuel Type
Fuel consumption is significant during prolonged use, making fuel availability a critical factor in extended outages.
Run Time
It proved exceptionally reliable during extended power outages, running essential appliances like air conditioning and medical equipment continuously for days.
Portability
Despite its substantial weight, the mobility features such as large never-flat wheels facilitate maneuvering the unit when needed.
Start Type
Starting the generator is effortless with just the press of a button, and maintenance tasks like oil changes are straightforward.
#3

Generac Guardian 24kW 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
8.8
Power Output (Wattage)
Noise Level

Most important from
425 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
The generator is loud, but it successfully powered both 5-ton AC units and all normal household appliances during summer testing.
Noise Level
The generator is loud, but it successfully powered both 5-ton AC units and all normal household appliances during summer testing.

The Generac 7210 24kW Air Cooled Guardian Series Home Standby Generator is a robust choice for homeowners looking for dependable power during outages. One of its standout features is the impressive 24,000 watts of power output, which is more than sufficient to keep essential appliances running smoothly. The generator is designed to operate on natural gas or LP gas, making it flexible regarding fuel options. Its 200-amp transfer switch ensures that your entire home can be powered, providing peace of mind during unexpected blackouts.

Portability may not be a strong suit, as this generator weighs 455 pounds, making it more suitable for stationary installation rather than frequent relocation. On the positive side, the unit is engineered for easy installation by a licensed electrician, so you won't have to worry about the technicalities of setup.

A significant advantage is the Wi-Fi connectivity through Mobile Link, enabling remote monitoring. This allows you to check the generator's performance from anywhere and receive alerts about maintenance, which is especially useful for busy homeowners. While the generator is built to last and backed by a 5-year limited warranty, some users may find the initial investment to be significant. However, the quality of the G-Force engine and the advanced True Power Technology, which ensures clean energy with minimal distortion, justify the cost for many.

Rating
8.8
Power Output (Wattage)
Noise Level

Most important from
425 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
The generator is loud, but it successfully powered both 5-ton AC units and all normal household appliances during summer testing.
Noise Level
The generator is loud, but it successfully powered both 5-ton AC units and all normal household appliances during summer testing.

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.

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