What’s The Best Quiet Generator? Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

What's The Best Quiet Generator On The Market Today?
Our Top 11 Models Reviewed

1. WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000 Watt Portable Generator

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If you are looking for the quietest portable generator that produces clean and reliable power without breaking the bank, the WEN 56200i Portable Inverter Generator deserves a good hard look.

One of the quietest generators in its class, the WEN 56200I is designed for portability, weighing only 48lbs and fitted with a convenient carrying handle.

It comes with all the advanced features for a very quiet, efficient and durable operation.
Starting wattage 2000, running wattage 1600.

The Wen 56200i is a portable generator that's one of the quietest available and carb compliant to boot and one of our very favourite generators.

< Click Here For A More In-Depth Wen 56200i Review >

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2. Briggs & Stratton 30651 With Quiet Power Technology and Parallel Capability

 

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The Briggs & Stratton 30651 is quiet and has great fuel efficiency for a portable generator. It produces 1,700 running watts and has a run time of 8 hours at 25% load.

It makes clean and safe power, so you can charge sensitive electronics such as laptops, phones, tablets, and more. It's lightweight and portable so you can carry it with you to variety of outdoor activities and job sites.

It's also parallel ready so you can connect it with a second generator and produces twice the power.
Starting wattage 2200, running wattage 1700

The Briggs & Stratton 30651 Portable Generator provides clean and stable power so you can charge sensitive electronics. It is also very fuel efficient.

< Click Here For A More In-Depth Briggs & Stratton 30651 Review >

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3. DuroStar DS4000S Gas Powered Portable Generator

 

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Conventional generators like the Durostar DS4000S are usually loud. But for this design, they have fitted a super quiet muffler and raised the motor mounts with rubber seating thereby isolating the motor. These 2 features make it possible for the generator to run at a 69dBA sound rating. This is about the same noise level as a regular dishwater and therefore can allow you to converse naturally in its vicinity.

Starting wattage 4000, running wattage 3300

The Durostar DS4000S Portable Generator is a rugged workhorse which is designed to offer you and your family uninterrupted power in emergencies.

< Click Here For A More In-Depth Durostar DS4000S Review >

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4. Honda EU2200i

 

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The Honda EU2200i is not only one of the top-rated backup generators in the world, but it’s also right up there on the lst of th quietest genertors. This generator operates at 53-59 dBA, making it ideal for camping, as an RV backup power source, and other activities that require an unobtrusive power supply.

Many users also choose the Honda EU2200i for its compact and lightweight design. It weighs about 46 pounds and can conveniently fit in the family car for a camping trip. The convenient carrying handle makes the generator highly portable.

Fuel efficiency is an essential factor to consider when choosing a generator. The Honda EU2200i is impressively fuel-efficient, running for up to 8.1 hours on a single fuel tank. This generator also features Honda’s advanced inverter technology, allowing it to deliver clean, stable power without destructive fluctuations that could harm your sensitive electronic devices.

If the 2200 watts from this generator aren’t sufficient for your needs, you can add another Honda EU2200i to double your power output, thanks to the generator’s parallel capability.
Starting wattage 2000, running wattage 1800.

Overall, the Honda EU 22000i is one of the most quiet and fuel-efficient generators you can find on the market today.

 

< Click Here For A More In-Depth Honda EU2200i Review >

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5. Champion 4000

 

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If you’re looking for a powerful but quiet generator to power up your household appliances, including the refrigerator and freezer, you can’t go wrong with the Champion 4000. It’s an excellent choice for a backup power source during outages.

This generator features an open-frame inverted design that produces 64dB. Its noise level can’t affect ongoing activities nearby, making it ideal for camping and tailgating. The quick touch panel offers easy access to controls.

The generator is fuel-efficient, with an economy mode to monitor power consumption in real-time and reduce electrical load. Reduced electrical load makes the engine idle lower, promoting quieter operation, better fuel economy, and extended engine life.

This Champion features a 120-volt 30-amp RV (TT-30R) outlet, making it RV-ready. It also comes with two 120-volt 20-amp domestic outlets and a 12-volt DC car output with a dual USB port adapter.

Overall, the Champion 4000 is amongst the quietest generators if you’re looking for plenty of power without compromising energy efficiency. The generator’s economy mode helps conserve energy even further.

 

< Click Here For A More In-Depth Champion 4000 Review >

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6. Generac iQ2000

 

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If you’re looking for a quiet, lightweight, and affordable generator with a long running time, consider the Generac iQ2000. The iQ2000 is one of the most silent inverter generators you can buy in 2024. It has a noise rating of 53dB with a 25% load, which means you may not even notice it is running in some environments.

This generator also boasts a runtime of at least nine hours, making it great for camping, job sites, and other outdoor activities. It has a maximum power output of 2,000 watts and can power appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, and electric ovens.

The iQ2000 is also fuel-efficient. Even though fuel consumption depends on the generator usage and electricity load, you can expect its fuel tank capacity of about one gallon to deliver nine hours of running time.

Another remarkable feature of the iQ2000 is the EasyStart technology that includes a pull start and conveniently located knobs for easy control. The generator’s sleek LED display allows for easy monitoring, and you can easily switch between three modes: Standard, Economy, and Turbo.

The iQ2000 also comes with a parallel kit, allowing you to add another iQ2000 to work with the one you’re currently using. This feature comes in handy when you need more power for your project or outdoor activity. It also helps you achieve even more runtime.

Overall, the Generac iQ2000 is an excellent investment if you want a powerful and portable generator. The generator offers a mix of compact design, performance, and affordability, making it one of the quieter generators for most homeowners.

 

< Click Here For A More In-Depth Generac iQ2000 Review >

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7. SunBoxLabs 500

SunBoxLabs solar power generators are silent and gas-free. What sets SunBoxLabs generator systems apart is that they come bundled with a solar panel and all the cables you’ll need to power your devices.

The SunBoxLabs 500 comes with one solar panel, a portable battery, two cables, and eight zip ties. The flexible solar panel is easy to carry around. It’s ideal for outdoor activities such as camping, job sites, and RV use.

You can also use it to power small devices at home, including a TV, mini-fridge, and small microwave. This solar generator features two AC plugs, four USB ports, and three DC outlets, allowing you to conveniently power your devices.

You can use the SunBoxLabs 500 during a blackout, allowing everyone to plug in. The multiple lines of DC power will come in handy if you’re running industrial fans or heaters. Another remarkable feature of this kit is the battery level indicator, which lets you know how many hours of power you have left.

Overall, the SunBoxLabs 500 solar generator kit is an excellent option if you’re looking for a completely silent generator that you can run indoors without worrying about harmful emissions. This solar generator is perfect for camping, RV use, and other outdoor activities. It’s lightweight, highly portable, and incredibly easy to install. There’s also excellent customer support if you need it.

< Click Here For A More In-Depth SunBoxLabs 500 Review >

 

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8. Yamaha EF2000iSv2

 

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If you’re looking for a near soundless generator with an attractive design, consider the Yamaha EF2000iSV2. This generator features a retro-inspired design that is pleasing to the eye.

Its compact and lightweight design, plus the carry handle, makes it one of the most portable generators available on the market. It’s also amongst the quietest generators as it comes with a muffler and spark arrestor. Its rated dB level is only 61dB and only 51.5 dB at a 25% load.

The EF2000iSv2 has a 1.1-gallon fuel tank capacity. The smart throttle enhances its fuel efficiency by adjusting depending on load. You can expect to get a run time of 10.5 hours at a 25% load.

Another remarkable feature is the fuel gauge that helps you know how much power you have left before you need to refill.

Overall, the Yamaha EF2000iSv2 is a reliable inverter generator that ranks high when it comes to design, performance, fuel-efficiency, and noise level. This 2000-watt generator is great for powering appliances at home, job sites, and camping trips.

 

< Click Here For A More In-Depth Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Review >

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9. Westinghouse iGen1200

 

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The Westinghouse iGen1200 is a budget-friendly, portable generator ideal for home use as an emergency backup during an outage. With a 1000-watt power rating and 1200 peak watts, it’s strong enough to run most household essentials.

The iGen1200 also boasts a low noise level, thanks to a double-insulated acoustic enclosure and mufflers. It has a rating of 58dB at a 25% load.

It is also impressively fuel-efficient, delivering up to nine hours of run time on a 0.8-gallon fuel tank. This generator also features an economy mode to optimize fuel efficiency.

Another feature that sets the iGen1200 apart is its weight. It weighs only 35 pounds and has a convenient handle, making it incredibly easy to transport. The generator comes with two 120-volt 20-amp outlets.

Overall, Westinghouse iGen1200 is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a budget-friendly generator and don’t need plenty of power. It has a proven track record for reliable performance.

 

< Click Here For A More In-Depth Westinghouse iGen1200 Review >

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10. Honda EU3000iS

 

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The Honda EU3000iS is another powerful, silent inverter generator. Boasting a quiet range of 49-58 dB, the noise level is so low that it won’t interfere with a normal conversation nearby.

The EU3000iS is a fuel-efficient generator, delivering up to 20 hours of run time on 3.4 gallons of fuel. It also features an eco-throttle mode that helps enhance fuel efficiency. The generator starts with a quick pull, offering a reliable power source for your household or campsite.

This 2800-watt generator is quite heavy, weighing about 150 pounds with fuel on board. That means it may not be an excellent choice if you plan to move the generator often. Nonetheless, it’s an excellent RV-ready machine.

Overall, the Honda is quiet portable generator with good fuel-efficiency, but its weight makes it less than ideal for some uses.

 

< Click Here For A More In-Depth Honda EU3000iS Review >

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11. Jackery 240Wh

 

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If you’re an avid camper or want an emergency power source backup for unexpected outages at home, a portable power station can be an excellent investment. The Jackery 240Wh is one of the best mobile power stations to buy in 2024.

Besides being one of the quietest generators, it is also one of the lightest. It weighs only 6.6 pounds, making it easy to transport. Its solid handle makes it easy to carry and use everywhere.

The generator features a 110V/200W AC outlet, making it ideal for running small household appliances and charging laptops and other small devices.

It also comes with two 2.4A USB ports and a 12-volt DC outlet to power more devices such as phones, lights, and a mini cooler with a pure sine wave inverter. The unit features a handy LED display on the front that shows you the remaining power and the active outputs or inputs.

With a built-in MPPT controller, this power station can get the maximum recharging efficiency with the Solar Saga 60-watt solar panel to deliver eco-friendly, clean power. However, you’ll need to buy the solar panel separately.

Overall, Jackery 240Wh is an excellent choice for those looking for a quiet, portable, eco-friendly generator to power their small devices at home or on a camping trip.

 

< Click Here For A More In-Depth Jackery 240Wh Review >

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FAQs

How Many DB Is A Quiet Generator?

While noise usually depends on an individual’s definition, the best quiet generators have noise levels that don’t exceed 60 decibels while running a 25% load. For reference, that’s about the volume of a regular conversation between two people.

How Is The Noise Level For A Generator Calculated?

Most generator manufacturers calculate noise levels at 100% load operation measured seven meters away. The best way to understand a generator’s loudness based on its dBA rating is to look at the relative noise level of everyday sounds.

Two people talking about seven meters away from you would translate to about 60 dBA. Anything below 60 dBA qualifies as whisper-quiet. Other common sounds include:

• Music in a living room: 76 dBA
• Car horn: 90-105 dBA
• Vacuum cleaner: 70 dBA

What Is The Quietest Generator On The Market?

You have a wide range of options if you are looking for the quietest generator on the market. However, arguably the best quiet generator is the Honda EU2220i, producing 53 decibels of sound at a 25% load. This generator is so quiet that you can use it in environments where other people are nearby.

With a noise level equivalent to a quiet conversation at home, this generator is ideal for camping and tailgating. It’s a favorite for RV and trailer enthusiasts. The EU2220i is an inverter generator, meaning it’s safe for sensitive electronics.

Why Are Honda Generators So Quiet?

Honda holds a reputation for making some of the quietest generators on the market. One reason they’re so quiet is that they have a fully enclosed body.

Some Honda generators also come with a muffler to reduce the noise levels further. Depending on the material used, a muffler can reduce your generator noise level by at least 10 decibels.

What Is A Cheap Option?

If you’re looking for a  generator on a budget, you can find some models at significantly less than $500. The A-iPower SUA2000iV is one of the most affordable and reliable cheap inverter generators you can find on the market today.

Which Quiet Generator Is Best For RVs And Camping?

I think it goes without saying that for camping and RV use you need a super quiet generator, and you can’t go wrong with the Yamaha EF1000iS Inverter Generator. This generator is one of the lightest and quietest camping generators available on the market today. It weighs about 12.7 kg, making it easy to transport.

Can I Use A Muffler To Quiet A Generator?

Yes. You can use an automotive muffler to reduce the noise level of your portable generator. Although it’s a complicated procedure, it can reduce the noise levels by 10 to 15 decibels when done correctly. We recommend finding a professional to help you install the automotive muffler.

 

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Why The Need For Quiet Portable Generators?

You have finally arrived at your destination and located the best site for setting up camp. Tired from the long drive, you decide to take a short refreshing nap and utterly relaxed amidst the soothing sounds of a nearby running brook, the harmonious chirping of happy birds and the gentle rustle of wind through trees, slip into deep sleep.

But not for long.

You are startled awake by what sounded like a thousand-strong hell’s angel motorbikes. You dash outside to see another camper has set-up close to you, and the roar of their portable generator had totally shattered the peace and tranquillity of the perfect campsite. And with it, your dream of an idyllic vacation in the pristine “great” outdoors.

There Are 2 Types Of Portable Generators

Portable generators are useful equipment which provides an alternate source of power supply for use while camping, tailgating, working on outdoor projects, construction sites and emergency home back up power.

The two types of portable generators are:

• conventional portable generators and
• inverter portable generators

These are differentiated by the way they produce the desired electric power. They come in different sizes and power rating to suit a range of uses.

Conventional Portable Generators

Portable generators like all rotating mechanical devices powered by an internal combustion engine, produce sound while running. The sound is measured in decibels and can range from a humming 45dB to a thundering, painfully loud 120dB or more. Noise is basically unwanted sound, and no sound is as unwanted as the rumble of a loud portable generator, especially if coming from a neighbor. Some cities also have regulations for acceptable noise levels from any piece of equipment.

Thankfully, with rapid advances in technology, portable generators are now running quieter.

Inverter Generators

It's a fact that inverter generators are several decibels quieter than the quietest conventional generator. This is partly due to their compact design and smaller engines which minimizes the output noise level. They are also able through, the use of complex electronics, to vary engine speed with a change in load demand - throttling back the engine speed with a reduced load which reduces the noise further (unlike a conventional generator which runs at a steady 3600RPM no matter the load).

Another noise reduction feature lies in the use of noise absorbing materials in the design of inverter generators. A typical noise level for an inverter portable generator (like this one) range from a whisper-quiet 45dB to a below-normal-conversation 56dB at half load. This sound level is quite comfortable and will let you appreciate the calming natural sounds at a campsite or carry out a normal conversation a few feet away without yelling like a pumped-up drill Sergeant.

 

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For Quiet Operation An Inverter Generator Wins The Day

If you are looking for a generator that

• will run through the night without disturbing your sleep or your neighbors
• take along to power your RV in the untouched and peaceful great outdoors

an inverter generator is going to be your best option.

However, if pricing and having a lot of power output is a major consideration for you, inverter generators might not be ideal because their power output is somewhat limited- and they can be a bit expensive.

Sometimes it doesn't matter what noise the generator makes but if you are using it for camping or right next to your bedroom window you are going to want to invest in a noiseless generator.

What's The Quietest Generator & Our #1 Pick?

When it comes to super quiet running, the WEN 56200i wins the day - hands down! It's also compact and lightweight, ideal for camping and RV use, environmentally friendly (very important these days) and can run all of your sensitive electronic devices. A great outdoors companion and the quietest generator we've found!