Generators are lifesavers during blackouts, and they come in handy during camping trips, but their noise can be quite disruptive.
Fortunately, with the best quiet generator, you can meet your power needs without raising a riot.
These generators are typically compact inverters that run efficiently at varying speeds.
They are more common than you might think, and you could easily find one online or in-store.
The problem is, how do you sort through all the available options and find the one that suits you perfectly?
To make your life easier, here’s a rundown of today’s top models.
Comparison Chart
Best Quiet Generator Reviews
1. Genmax GM2200i Portable Inverter Generator
Established in 2010, Genmax is a brand known for its wide range of generators and power needs accessories.
In the past few years, it has made huge strides in making its products smaller, lighter, and greener.
The GM2200i is an entry-level model and one of Genmax’s most popular products.
It is a great power solution for recreational activities and even emergency situations.
Product Highlights
The GM2200i is a compact generator that comes up big when it counts.
It has all the key features you would expect from a high-quality generator.
- Powerful for Its Size
Inside the GM2200i is a powerful 79.7cc four-stroke OHV engine that uses the latest inverter technology.
It can produce 2,200 starting watts and 1,800 running watts of clean power.
With less than 3% THD levels, you can safely connect it to your most sensitive electronics without worrying about any damage.
- Compact and Portable
You can use the GM2200i to bring power to your home when there is none.
That said, you can also take it with you on camping trips, tailgates, picnics, and other outdoor activities.
What makes it very effective in these situations is that it is compact and easy to transport.
It weighs only 41.8 lbs and comes with an ergonomic handle that is very convenient to grip.
You will have no problems carrying it over long distances.
- Efficient Fuel Consumption
At 50% load, the GM2200i can provide up to six hours of run time using one gallon of gasoline.
It uses a method called the Smart Technology Mode, which reduces the electrical load and extends the engine life.
Moreover, this feature can help improve fuel economy and even reduce the noise it generates during use.
It emits only 58 decibels of sound, which is slightly lower than the sound of a normal conversation.
- Intuitive Power Panel
The power panel of the GM2200i can give you all the information you need to maximize its performance.
It includes an overload alarm, a low oil warning, a light indicator for carbon monoxide, and an Eco Mode indicator.
All these elements help you conserve energy and get the maximum fuel efficiency from your generator without compromising safety.
What I Like
The GM2200i is compact but powerful, easy to transport, and efficient at burning fuel.
That said, its biggest draw over other models is that it has an intuitive control panel that is easy to navigate.
What I Don’t Like
While the GM2200i is powerful for its size, it could not supply the juice that an entire household needs.
You can use it to run a refrigerator, an air conditioner, or several small appliances and power tools.
Pros:
- Powerful for its size
- Easy to carry around
- Provides efficient fuel consumption
- Easy to use
Con:
- Output a bit low
2. Bilt Hard 4500-Watt Inverter Generator With Recoil Start
Bilt Hard is an American company that specializes in power tools and gas tools.
Its website currently has three different generator models, and this 4500-watt variant is its most popular offering.
With a maximum output of 4,500 watts, it is one of the more powerful inverters in its class.
If you are looking for a quiet generator that can support a small household, this product is for you.
Product Highlights
While the Bilt Hard 4500-Watt Inverter Generator is a quiet machine, its performance speaks loudly for itself.
Here are some of its key features:
- High Level of Performance
This generator features a 212cc four-stroke OHV gas engine that is air-cooled to operating temperatures.
It is lighter and warms up faster than its liquid-cooled counterparts.
With a rated output of 3,500 watts and a peak output of 4,500 watts, it has enough juice for small homes.
You can use it to power various appliances, including refrigerators, washing machines, water pumps, and more.
- Quiet Operation
This generator from Bilt Hard is not the quietest model on the market, but it is pretty quiet.
This is especially true if you consider how much power it can give.
Imagine supplying enough electricity for most of your appliances while generating only 68 decibels of sound.
At this level, it is just slightly louder than a normal conversation and much quieter than a busy street.
- Inverter Technology
Unlike traditional engines that run on a single-speed setting, inverters throttle their speed up or down, depending on the need.
This technology offers several advantages.
For one, it helps save energy, allowing you to get more out of every drop of gasoline.
It also generates a power curve consistent with a pure sine wave, which is safer for sensitive electronics.
Finally, this method produces less noise, allowing you to enjoy continued access to electricity without disturbing your household or neighbors.
- Efficient Operation
Like the other Bilt Hard generators, this model is designed to burn fuel more efficiently.
Its fuel tank can hold up to 2.2 gallons of gas.
If you fill it up and run on 25% of its load capacity, you can get 14 hours of uninterrupted power.
What I Like
The Bilt Hard generator is a workhorse that can power up most appliances in your home.
That said, it is portable enough to take on camping trips and tailgates.
What I Don’t Like
At 100 lbs, this generator is a bit on the heavy side.
The good thing is that it has five-inch rubber wheels and a collapsible handle, making transport possible.
Pros:
- Has high power output
- Offers efficient fuel consumption
- Safe for sensitive devices
- Great value for money
Cons:
- A bit heavy
- Not the quietest model
3. Genkins GK2300i Ultra Quiet Inverter Generator
Genkins Power Group started in 2000 making diesel power products.
It has since expanded its portfolio to include gas-powered engines, generators, and pumps.
The GK2300i Ultra Quiet Inverter Generator is a mid-tier model and one of its bestselling inverters.
It is a great option for homeowners who want to power multiple devices during blackouts.
Product Highlights
Genkins did many things right with the GK2300i, packing it with features that make it stand out in a crowded generator market.
- Ready for Your RV
While many generators are RV-ready, the GK2300i is probably the only model in its size that offers this feature.
So if you own a camper, you don’t have to travel with a large generator or two smaller, parallel-connected generators.
Just connect your vehicle to the GK2300i’s shore power socket, and you are good to go.
- Commercial Class Engine
Integrated into the GK2300i is a 79cc, four-stroke OHV engine that allows the generator to power up your refrigerator or HVAC system.
It peaks at 2,300 watts and provides 1,900 running watts, so you can run a 7,500-BTU RV AC with it.
- Long Run Time
The GK2300i is fitted with a fuel tank that can hold up to 1.36 gallons of gas.
If you fill it up and run the generator at 50% capacity, it can give you eight hours of uninterrupted run time.
A fuel gauge at the top of the tank tells you how much fuel is left, so you don’t get any surprises.
In addition, the generator automatically shuts down if it runs low on oil.
- Industry-Leading Quiet Operation
Gas-powered engines typically make a lot of noise, but the GK2300i is surprisingly quiet.
It produces only 53 to 56 decibels of sound if you are 13 feet away from it.
This level is slightly lower than a normal conversation that clocks at 60 decibels.
It is one of the quietest models in this generator segment.
- Lightweight and Portable
While you can use the GK2300i at home, it stands out most when you take it camping or tailgating.
It weighs only 48 lbs and comes with an easy-to-grip handle, so any adult can carry it around easily.
The dimensions are 21” x 11” x 19”, so you won’t have problems finding a space for it in your camper or RV.
What I Like
The GK2300i is one the quietest generators on the market today, but it is no slouch when it comes to power output.
What I Don’t Like
The GK2300i is powerful for its size, but it could not supply enough electricity for big households.
Pros:
- RV and camper-ready
- Offers long run time
- Extremely quiet during use
- Easy to transport
Con:
- Not enough for big households
4. PowerSmart PS5025 Inverter Generator
Established in 2005, PowerSmart is one of the newer players in the generator industry.
Still, it has grown into one of the more recognizable brands on the market in a short span of time.
It produces a wide range of outdoor power equipment, including mowers, snow blowers, clean-up tools, and more.
The PS5025 is from its long line of generators and is a favorite among online buyers.
It is a reliable power source for your home appliances or when you go camping.
Product Highlights
PowerSmart might be a bit new to the generator game, but it can hold its own against its more established counterparts.
The PS5025 is proof that they know what they are doing.
- Strong Power
The PowerSmart PS5025 has many subtle design elements that come together to make a powerful generator.
It is equipped with a four-stroke OHV single-cylinder engine, and in case you don’t know, OHV engines are known for their durability.
The system uses a forced-air cooling system to maintain ideal operating temperatures and keep the generator at optimum performance.
In addition to this, the spark plug gap is set at 0.024 inches to 0.031 inches for flawless starts.
Finally, inside the PS5025 is a 79cc fuel tank which gives 1,900 rated watts and 2,200 surge watts when full.
- Quiet and Clean Power
If you set this generator up 23 feet away from your home or camp, you will hear only 58 decibels from it.
It gives you access to power during emergencies and outdoor activities without subjecting you to loud noises.
What’s more, its harmonic distortion is less than 1.2%, which means that all your gadgets and electronics are safe.
- Lightweight and Portable
The PS5025 weighs only 42.5 lbs and has dimensions of 21” x 20” x 14”.
Moreover, its handle features a comfortable design and is easy to grip.
It is optimized for outdoor activities like camping and tailgating.
That said, you can also use it to power a few home essentials if needed.
- Easy to Use
With the PS5025, you can safely charge your laptops, cooler, and other outdoor electronics.
It comes with two 120-volt AC outlets, two five-volt USB-A ports, and one 12-volt DC car port.
Running it on a quarter of its full load can give you 10.5 hours of continuous power.
What I Like
There are many things to like about the PS5025, but what stands out about it is its low THD level.
At 1.2%, you can rest assured that your gadgets and electronics are safe.
What I Don’t Like
The PS5025 does not have a fuel gauge, so if you forget to keep track of its consumption, it might stall on you.
Pros:
- Powerful for its size
- Provides clean power
- Easy to carry around
- User-friendly controls
Cons:
- No fuel gauge
- Not for big households
5. WEN 56203i Portable Inverter Generator
WEN started in 1951 by “putting the power into power tools.”
Its earlier products consist of chainsaws, jigsaws, engravers, wet wheel sharpeners, and many others.
Over the years, it expanded its product portfolio to include drill presses, tool chests, air compressors, and more.
The 56203i is one of the more popular models from its line of inverter generators.
It is designed for camping, hunting, and other outdoor activities, but you could also use it to power some household items.
Product Highlights
WEN is one of the more innovative brands in the industry, and it shows in how they designed the 56203i.
This model comes with all the essential features that people expect from a high-quality inverter generator.
- Compact and Lightweight
The 56203i weighs a mere 39 lbs and comes with a carrying handle at the top.
While it does not have any transport wheels, you should not have any difficulty lifting it to your RV or camper.
What is more, this product is very easy to store.
With dimensions of 17.3” x 11.5” x 17.7”, finding a place for it should not be much of a challenge.
- Extremely Quiet Operation
At this point, you have seen four of the quietest generators on the market today.
Still, there is a good chance that you will be amazed at how quiet the 56203i is during operation.
If you run it at a quarter of a load, it produces only 51 decibels of noise.
It is comparable to the sound of a normal conversation or the hum of a window-type air conditioner.
This assessment is based on information from the Department of Health and Human Services.
- Decent Amount of Clean Power
If you work or study remotely and can’t afford to lose power on your electronics, you should invest in the 56203i.
It produces 2,000 surge watts and 1,700 rated watts of clean power that are safe for your gadgets.
Also, inside the generator is a one-gallon fuel tank that could give you seven hours of run time on half-load capacity.
- Fuel Shutoff Feature
The 56203i has an automatic fuel shutoff feature that can help maximize the unit’s service life.
It turns the fuel flow off and forces the generator to use up all the gas left in the carburetor.
Doing this prevents any fuel from stagnating in the carburetor, minimizing the occurrence of buildups and blockages.
What I Like
It is hard to choose just one thing to like about the 56203i, so we’ll pick two.
The first is the extremely quiet operation, and the second is the very compact design.
What I Don’t Like
The 56203i has the traditional recoils start but does not have an electric start system.
That said, you’ll find that pulling a cord to start the generator is quite easy once you get the hang of it.
Pros:
- Extremely quiet operation
- Very safe for electronics
- Easy to store or transport
- Has a longer service life
Cons:
- No electric start
- Not for big households
Buyer’s Guide
Generators are known for being loud, but you’ll be surprised at how many quiet models there are today.
In reality, you can have your pick from countless available options.
That said, if you want the best quiet generator, there are a few things that you need to consider before buying.
Decibel Level
The first thing you need to know is the level of decibels that the generator produces during operation.
Anything under 60 decibels might be acceptable, as it is comparable to the noise of a normal conversation.
However, some models go much lower than 60, like the WEN 56203i.
Power Output
Once you have a list of quiet generators, the next thing you need to consider is the power output.
This feature is measured in watts.
The higher the rating is, the more appliances or gadgets it can power up.
Fuel Capacity
Another thing that you need to look into is the generator’s fuel capacity.
Generators with bigger tanks can provide longer run times.
However, note that the bigger the tank is, the bigger the size of the generator.
Size and Weight
If you plan to take your generator camping, hunting, or tailgating, you might want a portable generator.
Its size and weight will have a lot to do with how easy or hard it is to transport.
Fuel Type
Generators can run on diesel, gasoline, propane, or a combination of these fuel types.
You can choose which generator to buy based on which type of fuel is cheaper, more accessible, or gives more power.
Quiet Generator FAQs
1. How many decibels is considered quiet for generators?
Generators that generate no more than 60 decibels of sound can be considered quiet generators.
2. Is an inverter generator better than a non-inverter?
Inverters offer several advantages over non-inverters, like fuel efficiency and lower noise production.
That said, they don’t produce as much power as conventional generators.
3. Which are cheaper, inverters or conventional generators?
Inverters use more advanced technology and are generally pricier than traditional generators.
However, they produce lower carbon emissions, making them a worthy investment.
4. How do I hook the generator to my house?
To connect the generator to your house, look for the 20 or 30-amp outlet on the generator.
Once you find it, simply plug your gen cord into it.
The cord’s opposite end splits into separate outlets in your home.
From there, you can add extension cords if needed.
5. Do I need to switch my main breaker off before using my generator?
Usually, you need to turn the main breaker off and switch the generator’s fuel valve on before turning it on.
Once it has warmed up, you can flip the breaker back on.
That said, checking your unit’s manual for instructions is best.
Which Generator Should You Choose?
Each of these generators can make a case as the best in their class.
However, we think that the WEN 56203i edges out the competition.
It produces the lowest decibel level and is extremely light, but it packs a lot of power for its size.