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10 Best Generators 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 12500 Peak Watt Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start with Auto Choke, Transfer Switch Ready 30A & 50A Outlets, Gas Powered
The Westinghouse 12500 Peak Watt Portable Generator is a solid choice for homeowners needing reliable backup power during outages. It delivers 9500 running watts and a peak of 12500 watts, enough to support essential household appliances and some heavier equipment. Powered by gasoline, it runs up to 12 hours on a full 6.6-gallon tank, which is convenient for extended use without frequent refueling. Starting the generator is easy with a remote electric start plus a recoil backup, providing options depending on the situation.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,131
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Run Time
Most important from
26509 reviews
#2
Generac 12,500/9,500-Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Generator - Electric Start - Gas, Propane or Natural Gas - Home Backup, Jobsite, or RV - Quiet Operation - Long Runtime - 49-State Compliant
The Generac GP9500E TF is a powerful portable generator offering 9,500 running watts and 12,500 starting watts, making it suitable for home backup, job sites, or recreational vehicles that need a strong power source. It stands out with its tri-fuel capability, allowing you to use gasoline, propane, or natural gas with an easy fuel selector switch, giving flexibility depending on fuel availability. This is great for longer use or emergency situations. The electric start feature makes it simple to operate without manual effort, a helpful convenience in urgent power outages.
Rating
9.4
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Noise Level
Most important from
186 reviews
#3
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
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.
Rating
9.4
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Noise Level
Most important from
426 reviews
Top 10 Best Generators 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 12500 Peak Watt Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start with Auto Choke, Transfer Switch Ready 30A & 50A Outlets, Gas Powered
Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 12500 Peak Watt Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start with Auto Choke, Transfer Switch Ready 30A & 50A Outlets, Gas Powered
Power Output (Wattage): 9500 running, 12500 peak watts
Fuel Type: Gasoline
Run Time: up to 12 hours on full tank
Portability: 220 pounds, not handheld portable
Noise Level: 74 dB
Outlets and Connectivity: household plugs, 30A, 50A, USB
Chosen by 1131 this week
Generac 12,500/9,500-Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Generator - Electric Start - Gas, Propane or Natural Gas - Home Backup, Jobsite, or RV - Quiet Operation - Long Runtime - 49-State Compliant
Generac 12,500/9,500-Watt Tri-Fuel Portable Generator - Electric Start - Gas, Propane or Natural Gas - Home Backup, Jobsite, or RV - Quiet Operation - Long Runtime - 49-State Compliant
Power Output (Wattage): 9500 running, 12500 starting watts
Fuel Type: Gasoline, LPG, Natural Gas
Run Time: 9.5 hours half load gasoline
Portability: 219 lbs, wheels, steel frame
Outlets and Connectivity: Three 120V outlets
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
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
Power Output (Wattage): 26000 watts
Fuel Type: Natural Gas or LP Gas
Portability: Not portable
Outlets and Connectivity: 10 outlets, Wi-Fi connectivity
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
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
Power Output (Wattage): 22000 watts
Fuel Type: Natural or LP Gas
Portability: Not portable
Outlets and Connectivity: 30 outlets, built-in Wi-Fi
Generac 10,000/8,000-Watt Portable Gas Generator - Electric Start - Home Backup or RV Ready - Heavy Duty Frame - Quiet, Long Runtime, Emergency Power - 49-State Compliant
Generac 10,000/8,000-Watt Portable Gas Generator - Electric Start - Home Backup or RV Ready - Heavy Duty Frame - Quiet, Long Runtime, Emergency Power - 49-State Compliant
Power Output (Wattage): 8000 watts
Fuel Type: Gasoline
Run Time: 11 hours
Portability: Portable, 214 lbs
Start Type: Electric start
Inverter Technology: No
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Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready, Gas and Propane Powered
Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready, Gas and Propane Powered
Power Output (Wattage): 12500
Fuel Type: gasoline, propane
Run Time: 12 hours
Portability: wheels, handle
Start Type: remote electric, recoil start
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
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
Power Output (Wattage): 24000 watts
Fuel Type: Natural Gas or LP Gas
Start Type: Electronic
Inverter Technology: True Power Technology
Generac 5,200-Watt Dual-Fuel Portable Inverter Generator - Gas and Propane Compatible - Quiet Operation - Clean, Stable Power - CA Compliant - Great for Home Backup, Camping, and RV Use
Generac 5,200-Watt Dual-Fuel Portable Inverter Generator - Gas and Propane Compatible - Quiet Operation - Clean, Stable Power - CA Compliant - Great for Home Backup, Camping, and RV Use
Power Output (Wattage): 5200 starting, 3900 running watts
Fuel Type: Gasoline, Liquefied Petroleum Gas
Portability: 107 Pounds
Outlets and Connectivity: 2 outlets, 2 USB ports
Westinghouse 14500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready, Gas, Propane, and Natural Gas Powered
Westinghouse 14500 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready, Gas, Propane, and Natural Gas Powered
Power Output (Wattage): 14500
Fuel Type: Gasoline, Natural Gas, LPG
Run Time: 19 hours
Start Type: Electric Start
#10
Westinghouse 28000 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready, Gas, Propane, and Natural Gas Powered
Westinghouse 28000 Peak Watt Tri-Fuel Home Backup Portable Generator, Remote Electric Start, Transfer Switch Ready, Gas, Propane, and Natural Gas Powered
Power Output (Wattage): 20000 running, 28000 peak watts
Fuel Type: Gasoline, propane, natural gas
Run Time: About 13 hours at quarter load
Portability: Large wheels, foldable handles, 557 lbs
Start Type: Remote electric start
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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.