9 Best Quiet Portable Generators 2019 – Hint, Honda is NOT the Quietest

Are you like me and find that most portable generators are way too loud for the amount of power they punch out? I have the answer for you! In this article, I will list the 10 best quiet portable generators on the market in 2019!

What is the quietest portable generator? The quietest portable generator of 2019 is the WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator. The Wen 5600i comes in with at just 51 decibels of noise, 0.5 dB less than the Yamaha EF2000iSv2 and just 1 full decibel less than the Honda EU2000iS.

In both scenarios and other similar scenarios, you won’t have access to electricity for days unless you own a generator of your own. With a power generator, you have a backup that will tide you through such tough times till the power company can get you back on the grid.

Another benefit of owning a quiet portable generator is you can have electricity regardless of where you are. For instance, you can go camping in the woods, or travel to some other place where there’s no access to electricity. But with your super quiet portable power generator, you’ll be all set power-wise and won’t disturb other campers in the campground.

The 9 Best Quietest Portable Generators of 2019

While owning a portable generator is a good investment, it is also important to note that not all generators are made equal. For the best quality generator, it’s important that you not only go for one that can provide the amount of electricity you need but one that can also do it as quietly as possible.

If all your life all you’ve known are deafeningly loud generators, you’ll be happy to know that truly quiet portable generators do exist. And in 2019, they are quieter than ever!

With a quiet generator, you won’t have to endure more than 47 to 76 decibels of noise while you enjoy your backup electricity. This means no splitting headache from all the noise pollution and no complaints from your neighbors about the generator’s racket.

But just as all generators are not made equal, quiet generators are also not made equal. Some are far quieter than others yet more powerful.

To help you with picking the most efficient and quietest generator possible, we’ve put together this list of the quietest generators 2019 has to offer.

All the quiet portable generators on our list are designed to be as quiet as possible while providing a steady electricity supply. We’ll also be providing detailed information about each so you will have an easier time deciding which one is perfect for your needs.

Let’s take a look at our top smooth operators!

WEN 56200i

The WEN 56200i is definitely among the quietest yet efficient generators you can find on the market today. An impressive aspect of this quiet generator is that its noise level does not significantly differ regardless of how much load it’s carrying.

Its power capacity is suitable for powering light electronics such as TVs, mobile phones, tablets, and computers. It is also lightweight at just 48 lbs which makes it convenient to move or transport.

The WEN 56200i is able to operate as a silent and fuel-efficient generator thanks to its Inverter Generator engine. Fill up its 1-gallon tank, and it can run for five hours at full capacity and almost 10 hours at minimum capacity.

The generator also features overload protection that makes sure you don’t destroy it or your other appliances by plugging in an appliance that’s more than it can handle. For convenience, there’s a USB port right on the body of the generator where you can plug your mobile devices.

Pros

• Ideal for home or outdoor use
• 2-year warranty
• modern design
• Low-oil indicator
• Automatic shutdown when low on fuel
• Extremely quiet, generating just 51 dB of noise
• Portable and lightweight for easy transportation
• Fuel-efficient
• A steady power supply that protects fragile electrical devices
• Inverter
• CARB Compliant
• Excellent customer support.

Cons

• No Fuel Indicator
• No wheels
• Expensive per Watt capacity
• Pouring oil into the generator can be quite tricky.

Westinghouse iGen2500

The Westinghouse iGen2500 is the same weight than the WEN 56200i at 48 lbs and also louder, but only by one decibel at 52 dB. The generator is also very affordable.

Its lightweight body combined with its conveniently placed handle makes it easy to transport. And it’s great for outdoor use due to its impressive running time that can last anywhere between seven and 10 hours, depending on how much load it’s carrying,

It is also fuel-efficient and runs on gasoline which means fuelling it will not be a problem. As long as you don’t need a lot of power, this quiet generator makes for a great budget-friendly buy, especially for people on the go.

Pros

• 3-year warranty and lifetime technical support
• Inverter
• Budget-friendly price
• Long run time.

Cons

• Less power output

Yamaha EF2000iSv2

If looking for true silence in a generator, this versatile machine makes for a great choice. It generates just 51.5 dB of sound no matter how hard it’s working and can deliver 1600W of power.

It is definitely among the top quiet portable generators of 2019 thanks to not just its quietness and fuel-efficiency, but also it’s impressive controller and programming that allows you power a surprising range of appliances.

This Yamaha also features an auto-decompression system that makes starting it a breeze. With its increased versatility, handling the electrical load of appliances such as hair dryers, heaters, microwaves and so on is possible.

Its portability is also great as the device only weighs 44.1 lbs and has a convenient handle. It also has a satisfying run time of 8 hours on its 1.1-gallon fuel tank. Fuel efficiency is guaranteed thanks to the smart throttle system that adjusts the machine’s running to match the current load.

If what you need is stable and reliable electrical output with minimal noise, this sophisticated generator makes for a great choice.

Pros

• 3-year warranty from Yamaha
• Quiet operation thanks to sound muffler and spark arrestor
• Easily detachable side panels for convenient servicing
• Good heat dissipation
• Fuel gauge to monitor fuel level
• Attractive design
• CARB Compliant
• Comfortable grip handle and lightweight for carrying
• The small size makes for easy storage and transportation
• Oil Watch Warning system
• Easy access to controls.

Cons

• Expensive
• Performance is reduced when used at high altitude

Honda EU3000is

The Honda EU3000is is another great on our list of quietest generators. It goes toe to toe with the Yamaha EF2000iSv2 in terms of portability and efficiency but beats it when it comes to electrical output.

This super-quiet portable generator can generate between 2600 and 3000 Watts which enables it to carry almost anything you may need at home during a power outage or appliances for comfort while in the outdoors.

It might not be the quietest generator on the market, but its performance is nonetheless impressive, generating just 53dB of sound.

Thanks to its inverter, the generator is fuel-efficient and provides clean and stable electricity which allows you to run sensitive equipment such as computers without fear of them being harmed.

Mobility is also great thanks to the generator’s convenient handle and light weight of 45.6 lbs. Its 1-gallon gas tank can last you for almost 10 hours and can go for up to 20 hours at 25% load.

Starting it is easy regardless of if you are using its electric or manual start. And to prevent damage to the system, there is an oil alert warning system that will shut off the gen once the oil level is low.

Pros

• 3-year warranty on parts and labor
• Compact and lightweight
• Fuel-efficiency which delivers long runtime
• Inverter
• Handles surge loads well
• Weather resistant thanks to its plastic outer shell.
• Has a 12-volt DC outlet for charging batteries.
• Stable power that can run sensitive equipment safely.
• Has a manual and an electric start.

Cons

• No external fuel indicator, so you can’t monitor how much fuel is left in the gen
• It is quite pricey
• Runs better with premium gasoline.
• Adding oil can be tricky as it requires a curved funnel.

Generac IQ2000

Here is another quiet generator with remarkable performance. The Generac IQ2000 makes just 53 dB of noise, weighs 46.2 lbs, and can go for about 9 hours on a full tank at maximum capacity.

Put the generator in economy mode, and it will run even quieter than 53dB. Put it in turbo mode, and it may exceed 53dB as the load on the generator increases.
Using the Generac IQ2000 is made easy for everyone regardless of their technical capability. You can start the gen manually or use the power button to run or stop it. The power dial can also be used to change the generator’s setting from turbo to standard or economy mode.

As the name implies, the economy mode is ideal for smaller loads. It is also the quietest mode and will let your fuel last longer. Another aspect of the generator’s user-friendliness is the useful information it provides via its front displays. For instance, not only will it tell you how much fuel is left in the tank, but also how much load the gen is carrying and how much longer the fuel will last.

Pros

• 3-year limited warranty
• Very user-friendly
• Low noise level
• Display of useful information
• Parallel kit available
• CARB Compliant
• Inverter

Cons

• There have been reports of fuel leakage issues
• Not suitable for use at high altitudes

Atima AY2000i

Atima AY2000i is among the quietest generators on our list producing just 52dB of sound. It is lightweight at 47.41 lbs and has an average run time of eight to 10 hours on a full one-gallon tank.

It is suitable for home and outdoor use and wins over buyers with its high performance, minimal maintenance needs, and all the accessories it comes with. Some of the said accessories include a maintenance kit, 12V battery charging cable, sparkplug sleeve, empty oil bottle, and more.

Thanks to the gen’s low oil indicator, you will know to refill it before an empty oil tank damages the generator’s system.

The advanced inverter technology of the generator provides steady electricity that will protect sensitive devices. It can also provide enough power to run serious energy consumers such as hair dryers, microwaves, slow cookers, and ACs.

It also comes with a built-in USB port for your convenience.

Pros

• Packs a trusty Yamaha engine within the Atima packaging
• Compact and lightweight
• Parallel-ready outlets
• Lovely aesthetic
• Comes with maintenance tools

Cons

• No fuel indicator
• No warranty

Energizer eZV2200

Now we are delving into the realm of the heavier and more power hungry among the quiet portable generators on the market. The Energizer eZV2200 is still relatively quiet at 59 dB. It may not be as quiet as the quietest generators we’ve looked at thus far, but it makes up for it with a solid 2000W engine.

It’s still relatively portable at 77 lbs and is definitely suitable for home or outdoor use. The Energizer eZV2200 inverter generator can provide steady electricity to carry sensitive appliances and also has no trouble carrying much heavier ones as the range of its running power is anywhere between 2600W and 2800W.
To make up for its extra weight, this Energizer generator makes provisions for wheels so you can transport and store it with ease.

Installation is easy, and you can access power from its 12-Volt 21.6A RV socket, or any of the generator’s two 120-Volt 20A sockets, or its USB charging port. There’s also a 12V battery charging socket.

Maintenance is easy, and there’s an automatic low oil shutdown engine feature to protect the gen’s components. On a full tank, you can run it for between eight and 11 hours, depending on how much load.

Pros

• 2-year warranty
• Huge fuel capacity
• Inverter
• Can carry more appliances
• CARB Compliant
• Smart Power feature to protect sensitive electronics
• Weather resistant

Cons

• Quite heavy and large which can make transportation a bit tricky
• No fuel gauge
• Wheel kit has to be bought separately
• Louder than other quiet generators

Briggs & Stratton P2200

It’s smaller and lighter than the Energizer eZV2200 but makes just as much noise at 59dB.

Weighing in at 54.6 lbs, this portable inverter generator is noiseless enough to count as a quiet generator. While it may not be as quiet as other generators on our list, it makes up for silence with a power output between 1700 and 2200W with ease.

This means the gen can carry small and large appliances alike, including sensitive appliances without you having to worry about safety.

The power output is impressive considering the diminutive size of the Briggs & Stratton P2200. It runs on gasoline but is not terribly fuel-efficient. A full tank will last for seven hours running a mere 500-watt load. But on the upside, the Briggs & Stratton P2200 is one of the cheapest quiet generators on this list in spite of its many features.

It features a computer-controlled engine that is designed to modulate itself to match the load requirements constantly.

So if you want a small, modern looking, affordable and quiet generator that can still carry relatively big electrical loads during an emergency or while enjoying the outdoors, the Briggs & Stratton P2200 makes for a good choice.

Pros

• Lightweight, compact and portable
• Friendly price
• 2-year warranty
• Relatively quiet operation
• Clean and stable power for sensitive devices

Cons

• No fuel indicator
• Less than average fuel-efficiency
• Long-term reliability issues
• Needs at least three pulls to get it started
• Non-CARB compliant

Energizer EV3200

If for some reason you think the Energizer eZV2200 is too small, you can supersize to the Energizer EV3200.

Even though this machine is far heavier and larger than the eZV2200, it is far quieter at 52 dB. It can also last for longer on a full tank and can churn out an impressive 2800W. Basically, the EV3200 makes up for everything that’s lacking in the eZV2200.

On the downside, this large capacity yet quiet generator weighs 96 lbs which reduce its portability. Fortunately, it comes with wheels and a convenient handle that allows you to stroll the gen through a wide variety of terrains.

It can carry a wide variety of energy-thirsty appliances and can also safely support sensitive electronics. With a full tank, the Energizer EV3200 can last for 4.2 hours if being used at maximum capacity. But if carrying 25% load or less, the generator can last for almost 12 hours.

The solid construction of this Energizer quiet generator ensures that it’s durable and suitable for either home or outdoor use. It also comes with a satisfying 3-year warranty.

Pros

• Has an eco-mode that saves fuel
• Convenient Remote Start
• 3-year limited warranty
• Easy to transport with wheels and handle
• Powerful performance
• Large capacity
• Easy to use
• Very stable Inverter
• Can become parallel-ready
• Affordable

Cons

• Bulky and heavy

Champion Power Equipment 3500W Digital Hybrid

This is the heaviest and loudest quiet generator on our list, but it makes up for these shortcomings with a very impressive power output of 3500W. The Champion 100302’s 3500W power rating is beyond that of any other generator on this list, and it goes the extra mile by delivering 31.5 hours running time.

The generator weighs 81 lbs which makes it not very portable and it doesn’t help that it doesn’t have wheels. Because of its size and weight, traveling with this generator can be quite a hassle which makes it better suited for home use.

It makes 64 dB worth of noise when burning its 2.9-gallon fuel tank. To make a full tank go further, you can switch to the generator’s economy mode. But naturally, at this mode, you won’t get the maximum electrical output of the generator.

To minimize the noise from the generator, users are typically advised to keep it as far away from the homestead as possible.

If you don’t mind the extra noise and want a relatively quiet generator that delivers more power and can run for longer hours without refueling, this Champion generator is a pretty good choice.

Pros

• Inverter
• RV Ready
• 3-year limited warranty
• Trusted brand
• Free lifetime technical support
• CARB Compliant
• Spark arrestor
• A DC charging cable is provided
• Box-shaped body design for stability during transport
• Fuel efficient – with the economy mode switch

Cons

• Large and heavy when compared to other quiet portable generators here
• Noisier than other quiet generators here but also delivers more power
• Maintenance can be tricky as some disassembly is required
• No oil drain plug

How to Pick the Best Quiet Generator For Your Needs

Now that you’ve seen what your top options are regarding the best quiet portable generator to get, which one should you go for?

What counts as the best generator for you will depend on your unique needs. What works best for one individual may not work for you, so it is important that you first determine what you need and expect from a generator before you select one.

By knowing your expectations from a generator, you will be able to find one that offers the perfect features to satisfy your needs.

To help you with this, we’ve put together the following factors that you should take into consideration in order to select the perfect quiet generator.

Inverter generator technology

Should your portable quiet generator have an inverter? Probably. After all, all the best ones do.
Inverter generator technology goes a long way in making a generator quieter during operation. This is because an inverter generator requires a smaller engine than non-inverter generators. With a smaller engine, less noise can be expected.

The material the generator is made of

While materials like steel and aluminum can be more durable, generators with a body casing of plastic or rubber, and other sound dampening materials ensure less noise. When insulated by such a material, the amount of noise vibration generated by the machine will be greatly minimized.

Power output

While a generator that can provide as much power as possible is ideal, it is important to note that more power will typically mean more noise. So as a buyer, you have to ask yourself which is more important to you, less noise or more power?

The best decision will be to opt for a generator that produces as much power as possible without compromising on noise levels. For example, the Honda EU2000i or the Energizer EV3200.

Fuel Type: Diesel, Gasoline or Propane

This is a very important factor to consider when selecting a quiet generator. If going for a diesel engine, know that you can look forward to far better fuel efficiency and better power output. On the other hand, you’ll have to worry about the increased cost of the generator itself, the high cost of maintaining a diesel engine, and the high likelihood that the engine will be louder than its petrol counterpart.

A gasoline generator, on the other hand, will be cheaper to fuel but it will also be less fuel-efficient than its diesel counterpart. It will also likely generate less pollution, require less maintenance and be cheaper to purchase.

Propane, on the other hand, burns fast and is less fuel-efficient. It is only suitable if you will require the generator for occasional use. But if you are going to need to run the generator for days, you will likely find yourself changing propane canisters every few hours.

End of the day, what should influence your decision is which option’s pros serve you best and cons you are willing to live with.

Portability and mobility

If you intend your generator to be solely for home use, then mobility and portability aren’t really that important. But if you intend on traveling with your gen, then clearly portability and mobility will be important factors.
A generator with optimal portability will have handles that make for easy carrying and possibly tires for easy mobility. Also, the lighter such a machine is, the better. The size will also matter as this will greatly influence storage during transportation.

Electric or Manual start method

If you want the utmost convenience in using a quiet generator, it’s probably best to go for one that you can start with just the push of a button or the turn of a key. There are even some that can be started remotely.

But bear in mind that if going for any of these electrical start options, it is crucial that the generator offers a manual start as an alternative.

Without a manual alternative, starting the generator will be impossible such as if its battery dies. If you don’t care at all about convenience, then you can go for a generator that starts only manually with a rope pull mechanism.

Noise Level

As earlier mentioned, quiet generators are not made equal. Some are more silent than others but offer less power, while others are quiet and yet satisfy in every other ramification. Instead of focusing solely on noise levels, also look out for what other beneficial features the machine comes.

Also, instead of relying solely on the sound ratings indicated on the generator, also check reviews from customers to verify just how quiet the product is.

The Price

Quality products usually come at a higher cost. But this doesn’t mean you have to blow your entire savings just to purchase a quiet portable generator.

Instead of looking out for the lowest or highest priced generator, look for one that offers features that best match your goals without exceeding your budget. This is how you get a quiet generator that is within your budget and can also serve the purpose you have in mind.

That’s everything you need to know about purchasing the right quiet generator.

How to Make Your New Quiet Generator Even Quieter

But what if it so happens that after purchasing the generator, you are still not satisfied by its noise levels? Do you just accept the situation as it is? You actually don’t have to because there are several things you can do to make even the quietest generator much quieter.

Use a muffler to reduce noise

Many of the portable quiet generators that made our list come with a muffler of their own. But just in case the one you opt for doesn’t, you can always buy a muffler and install it yourself.

Mufflers are typically placed on vehicles, especially larger ones to minimize the amount of noise they generate. It works on generators just as effectively as it works on vehicles.

There are a variety of muffler types that can be purchased online so make sure to get one that’s an actual fit for your generator.

Attenuators

Adding an attenuator to your generator is another effective way to reduce how much noise it generates significantly.

An attenuator can be described as a device that takes in large amounts of air while blocking noise transmission. This occurs as the air is passed through splitters that decrease the sound wavelength and absorb the sound produced by the generator.

With the aid of an attenuator, you can reduce noise by up to anywhere between 10 and 40 dBA at 1m. But remember that the larger the attenuator, the more effective it will be at minimizing noise.

Anti-vibration mounts

Sound is transmitted through vibrations. By placing your portable generator on an anti-vibration mount, you will reduce how much sound the machine can make by minimizing its vibrations.

An anti-vibration mount will isolate vibrations from underneath the generator and reduce the transmission of noise. Anti-vibration mount options that you can opt for include spring mounts, dampers, and rubber mounts. Which of these options will make for the right choice will depend on what level of noise reduction you’d like to attain.

Temporary Acoustic Fencing

You can surround your generator with acoustic fencing to minimize how much of the generator’s noise can escape from its immediate surroundings.

It’s a fast and effective solution that can be put in place quickly. It can also be quickly dismantled if using the generator at a temporary location such as while camping.

Distance

This is probably the easiest solution for minimizing generator noise, and all it will cost you is some extra wire to compensate for the distance.
The farther the generator is away from you, the less you will hear of it.

Now that you know what quietest generator options are available to you and how you can make them even quieter, which option are you going to go for?