Super Quiet Generator Reviews – The 10 Best Portable Silent Generators

Generators are a good thing to have especially when a utility power outage threatens to go for several days or weeks.

The major challenge, however, is that these gadgets can’t generate power without emitting noise. If you live in a neighborhood with strict regulations with regard to noise pollution, then a silent generator becomes a MUST.

In the past few decades, generator manufacturers have developed technologies that maximize power output while keeping the noise level as low as possible.

This article brings some of the quietest portable generators for use at home and in your outdoor adventures, such as camping and tailgating. We’ve also put together a buying guide to help you select the best quiet generator for your needs.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Champion 100263

• RV ready
• Dual fuel
• Electric start

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Premium Pick

4.9 out of 5 stars

Honda EU3000i

• Super quiet
• Long runtime
• Durable

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Budget Pick

4.7 out of 5 stars

WEN 56200i

• • Very quiet
  • Lightweight
  • Affordable

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The Best Quiet Generators at a Glance:

• Champion 100263 – Best Overall
• Honda EU3000iS – Premium Pick
• Westinghouse iGen2500
• WEN 56200i – Budget Pick
• Westinghouse iGen4500 – Most Powerful
• Yamaha EF2000iSv2
• A-iPower SUA2000iV
• Champion 73536i
• Generac 6866 iQ2000
• Rockpals R2000i

*The links in the list lead to the generators’ listings on Amazon.

Check the comparison table for more details about our top recommendations.

Why You May Need a Quiet Generator?

Avoid local and legal backlash

A noisy generator can quickly put you on the wrong side of your neighbors. Most state HOA declarations have a nuisance clause that could earn you a fine or warning if your generator or power tools are annoyingly loud. Most HOA communities allow generator noise levels of up to 75 decibels. But you may want to consult further, especially if your convenient installation location is close to your neighbor’s bedroom.

Maintains ambiance in parks and camps

A quiet portable generator makes it possible to have a refuge in nature- while enjoying life’s little luxuries, such as a coffee maker and refrigeration system. However, your camping trip won’t make sense if you have to put on some earplugs due to a noisy generator. In addition, you don’t want to be that obnoxious camper who doesn’t seem to care about camping etiquette. If you’re looking for the best camping generators, first, enquire about your campground’s noise limits and then get a generator that fits in.

It’s great for your outdoor events

Portable generators come a lot in handy when holding an event far away from the grid. As with camping, an overly loud generator can easily ruin the vibe if you can’t speak without yelling in other people’s ears. That said, choosing an outdoor generator is a balancing act between portable power and not ruining the event with a screaming generator.

Best Quiet Generator Reviews

Best Quiet Portable Generators Comparison

Quiet Generators	Rating	Starting Watts	Running Watts	Noise Level	Run Time	Fuel Type	Tank size (gal)	THD	Dimensions (in)	Weight (lbs)	Engine Displacement	Emissions	Warranty	View at Amazon
Champion 100263	5/5 5 out of 5 stars	3400 (gasoline), 3060 (propane)	3100 (gasoline), 2790 (propane)	59 dBA	7.5 hrs (gasoline), 14.5 hrs (propane) at 25% load	Gasoline, Propane	1.6	< 3%	25.1 x 17.3 x 18.3	95.7	192cc	CARB, EPA	3 years	See it
Honda EU3000iS	4.9/5 4.9 out of 5 stars	3000	2800	49 dBA	20 hrs at 25% load	Gasoline	3.4	< 3%	25.8x18.9x22.4	134	196cc	CARB, EPA	3 years	See it
Westinghouse iGen2500	4.8/5 4.8 out of 5 stars	2500	2200	52 dBA	10 hrs at 25% load	Gasoline	1	<3%	19.7 x 11.22 x 17.91	48.5	98cc	CARB, EPA	3 years	See it
WEN 56200i	4.7/5 4.7 out of 5 stars	2000	1600	51 dBA	6 hrs at 50% load	Gasoline	1	< 1.2%	18 x 11 x 18	48	79.7cc	CARB, EPA	2 years	See it
Westinghouse iGen4500	4.6/5 4.6 out of 5 stars	4500	3700	52 dBA	15 hrs at 50% load	Gasoline	3.4	<3%	24.5 x 17.5 x 20.5	98	224cc	CARB, EPA	3 years	See it
Yamaha EF2000isv2	4.6/5 4.6 out of 5 stars	2000	1600	51.5 dBA	10.5 hrs at 25% load	Gasoline	1.1	< 2.5%	19.3 x 11 x 17.9	44.1	79cc	CARB, EPA	3 years	See it
A-iPower SUA2000iV	4.5/5 4.5 out of 5 stars	2000	1600	58 dBA	7 hrs at 50% load	Gasoline	1.1	<3%	22 x 13 x 20	50	79cc	CARB, EPA	2 years	See it
Champion 73536i	4.4/5 4.4 out of 5 stars	2000	1700	53 dBA	9.5 hrs at 25% load	Gasoline	1	<3%	18.9 x 16.5 x 22.4	48.5	80cc	CARB, EPA	3 years	See it
Generac 6866 IQ2000	4.2/5 4.2 out of 5 stars	2000	1600	53 dBA	5.7 hrs at 50% load	Gasoline	1.06	<3%	20 x 12.6 x 16.9	46.2	80cc	CARB, EPA	3 years	See it
Rockpals R2000i	4.0/5 4 out of 5 stars	2000	1800	58 dBA	9 hrs at 25% load	Gasoline	1	<3%	18.9 x 11.2 x 15.3	47	79.7cc	CARB, EPA	2 years	See it

What to Consider When Buying a Portable Silent Generator

Noise Level

Since you are after a quiet generator, the noise level should automatically be at the top of your checklist. There isn’t a universal limit on how loud a generator should be. But generally, units that operate at between 40 dBA and 60 dBA are considered as silent generators.

Although not a requirement, almost all manufacturers will indicate their generators’ noise levels somewhere in the specs sheet. However, keep in mind that the different manufacturers will indicate the sound level of the generator at different load capacities. For instance, generator A maybe 42 dBA loud at 25% load and generator B – 57 dBA loud at full load. Since the noise level correlates with engine speed and power output, generator A is likely to be louder than B at full load. So, for an apples-to-apples comparison, compare the dBA ratings at equal load capacities.

Power

A generator that doesn’t rattle the entire neighborhood or campsite is going to keep you at peace with your neighbors and authorities. However, remember that its ability to meet your power needs is critical. So, as you gravitate towards the best quiet portable generator on the market, be sure to get a model that outputs enough power for your load.

Start by figuring out what you’ll be using it for and calculate the total wattage you’ll need. Here, you want to start by identifying the high-power appliances you’re most likely to use together and determine the total amount of power they would require. On the same note, keep in mind that motor-based appliances and tools require a little bit more power when starting.

Inverter technology

There are a couple of reasons why inverters are quieter than conventional generators, but the biggest lies in how they generate power.

Inverter generators produce electricity in 3 phases; they convert high-frequency AC power to DC power before inverting it to stable AC again. DC power flows in a straight line resulting in a stable noise level. Additionally, inverter generator engines can adjust power output to the load leading to additional noise control.

It’s also worth noting that inverter generators use comparably smaller engines that are already tweaked for quiet operations compared to their conventional alternatives.

Throttle control

Throttle control is another critical component that you want for your generator. In a traditional generator, the engine has to work extra hard to maintain 3600 RPM that is needed to generate 60 Hertz electricity. These generators maintain this engine speed regardless of the load making them constantly loud. But that’s where inverter technology comes in.

Inverter generators have an automatic or manual throttle that has a load-dependent speed control governor. This means that the throttle can adjust and match the speed of the engine to the load. Reduced engine speed leads to less noise and reduced fuel consumption.

Environmental compliance

Environmental agencies understand and appreciate generators’ roles, especially following disasters and when temporary power is needed. However, they advocate the use of generators that don’t pause environmental hazards themselves.

On this note, you first want to understand whether your target generator meets all the certifications required of it in your state. For instance, if you live in California, the generator needs to be CARB-certified for CO2 emissions.

Moreover, if you’ll be using the generator in camps and near forests, you want to ensure that it’s not a fire hazard. That’s to say that it needs to have a USDA-approved work arrestor. Its noise level should be within the allowable range for use in camps too.

Runtime

Runtime refers to how long the generator can run steadily per tankful at a given load capacity. This also talks volumes about its fuel economy (a.k.a efficiency) and how often you’ll need to refill the tank. Note that runtime is expressed depending on the load. For instance, generator A could offer you 8 hours of runtime at 25% load, and generator B 10 hours at the same load. What matters most, however, is the power output of each generator and the size of the fuel tank. Generally, you want a generator that offers the highest power possible from every gallon of fuel.

Ease of mobility

Most quiet running generators are engineered with portability in mind. But they differ a lot in terms of ease of mobility. The weight of the generator greatly impacts how you’ll be able to lift and move it around. That being the case, check out the configuration of the handles and whether your target model has a wheelbase.

Read More: What Is The Best Portable Generator?

Brand

You want a low noise generator that will pull through nicely throughout the emergency period and offer you a nice time during your outdoor escapades. Believe us, the last thing that you want is to grab your generator from the garage after a storm only for it not to power up as expected. That being said, it’s always advisable to deal with reputable generator brands. Quiet portable generators from renowned brands could be expensive at first. But they really pay for themselves in terms of reliability and durability. It’s also much easier to get their replacement parts and customer service than it would be the case with newer brands.

Understanding Noise Decibels (dBA) in Portable Generators

Decibel metrics are usually an indication of how loud or quiet a generator is. In portable generators, this can range from 45 dBA to 110 dBA.

Generator manufacturers usually measure their engine’s noise level from a distance of approximately 7 feet. So, to ensure that you get the quietest portable generator, compare models with ratings that have been taken from the same distance.

It’s important to note that the difference in decibel ratings is more than just the numbers. As a matter of fact, a 10-decibel difference makes one model 2x louder than another generator. Therefore, it follows that a mere 2-decibel difference could have a significant impact on the loudness of a generator and its effects on other people in the camping site or your neighbors.

What Makes a Generator Noisy

There are several factors that impact on the noise level of a generator, the obvious one being its size. More often than not, big generators tend to be louder than their smaller counterparts partly because the formers are fitted with bigger engines that output more power as well as more noise.

It’s good to mention that the sound of any engine is energy wasted in the form of heat and noise, and the ratio of power to noise tends to get higher with the size of the engine. It’s undeniable that manufacturers are keen to make their engines more efficient, but there’s always a limit to how efficient an engine of any size can get. This, therefore, means that powerful engines are more likely to produce more noise.

On the same note, keep in mind that noise in generators is mostly caused by the vibrations of the moving parts. So, it follows that everything else held constant, a bigger engine vibrates more thereby leading to more noise.

The fans that are intended to cool down the engine also tend to get louder with an increase in operating speed and this also adds to the overall sound of the generator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the quietest generator?

The quietest generator is Honda EU3000IS. This generator produces 49-58 dBA depending on the load. In any case, this noise level is below that of an everyday speech. If you want a cheaper option, consider the WEN 56200i, which operates at 51 dB at quarter load.

How can I make a generator quiet?

There are a few options to reduce the amount of noise coming up from your generator. The most straightforward remedy is to replace the muffler with a bigger one. You could also soundproof the generator by placing it on a rubber board or feet to minimize the vibrations. Installing a sound deflector- an object that changes the path of the sound away from you- is another option too although it does not make the generator itself any less noisy. For more ideas, check our dedicated article on how to quiet down a generator.

How quiet should a generator be?

There isn’t a standardized decibel rating for quiet generators but those below 60 decibels are less likely to irritate your neighbors and other campers.

What makes inverter generators so quiet?

First, it has to do with their small engines that also tend to limit their maximum power output. Inverters are also crafted with modern technology that works exceptionally in dampening sound. Another reason is that these generators are designed to adjust the speed according to the load. The lower the wattage demand, the quieter the engine.

How much do quiet generators cost?

Generators made with inverter technology are generally the best in terms of low noise output. But this technology also makes them quite pricier than conventional generators in similar power ranges. The increase in demand for inverter generators has led to the rise of newer brands that offer much lower price tags, though.

Can I use a muffler to make a generator quiet?

Yes. All generators come already fitted with a muffler only that most of them aren’t the most effective. That said, replacing the muffler with a powerful one or installing an external muffler might help a lot in deadening the noise.

By the way, do you know that a generator enclosure can cut the noise level by half? This is the best way of making a generator quiet. We’ve explained how to build a generator enclosure at home and other tips for making a generator quiet in this article.

What dB level is considered quiet?

50-60 dBA. A typical conversation takes place at around 60 dB. Therefore, a generator that emits 50 dB to 60 dB of noise when running at 50-80% load is considered fairly quiet. Most of the top-selling inverter generators fall within this range. However, typical conventional generators operate at way above these levels and can be very annoying.

Conclusion

Manufacturers are in a constant race to make a whisper-quiet generator that is both efficient and reliable. Our quiet generator reviews aim to help you find the best model that fits your needs. If you are still not sure what model to go with, how about Champion 100263? This unit has, in our opinion, the perfect mix of everything that homeowners would be looking for in a low noise generator. It is powerful, can run on both gasoline and propane, comes RV-ready and is one of the best quiet portable generators on the market.