20 Best Generator Brands on the Market (2023 )

Best Generator Brands

Generators have become the need of almost every house nowadays. Although the requirements might vary from person to person depending on their needs and how often and how much power do they need. Choosing the right generator whether it’s for camping, to power your RV, for job sites, tailgating party, or just home backup power can be quite a task if you are thinking of buying one for the first time. So, to solve your problem and help you decide what are the best generator brands (2023) at the current time we conducted intense research.

We’ve prepared for you guys a list of 20 Best Generator Brands to give you an idea about the leading generator brands in the market right now.

1. Honda

Honda has become one of the most popular and leading brands for motor vehicles, automobiles, and other power equipment including generators. There are around 7 continents that are running Honda vehicles or equipment.

The company was founded in 1948 in Hamamatsu, Japan, and has expanded its status as of the best generator brands after introducing the inverter generator on the market with its incredible features.

It is one of the most trustworthy and reliable brands that you can find that has gained and reached this status by manufacturing some amazing motor products for its consumers throughout the world.

Honda generators are known for their super-quiet operation, powerful engine, durability, and incredible customer support, hardly giving anyone a chance to complain. There are different models of Honda Generators, you can have a look at them in our chart below where we have compared various models depending on various factors.

ModelWattsNoise LevelRun Time
Honda EU1000i1000 W50 dBA @ rated load7.1 hrs 1/4 load
Honda EU2200i2200 W57 dBA @ rated load8.1 hrs @ 1/4 load
Honda EU3000i Handi3000 W58 dBA @ rated load 7.7 hrs @ 1/4 load
Honda EU7000iS7000 W58 dBA @ rated load 6.5 hrs @ rated load
Honda EU4000S4000 W63 dBA @ rated load 16 hrs @ 1/2 load
Honda EM5000S5000 W66 dBA @ rated load 11.2 hrs @ 1/2 load
Honda EG2800i2800 W67 dBA @ rated load 12.1 hrs @ 1/4 load

2. Yamaha

Yamaha is a multinational corporation that also comes under one of the best generator brands. It is specifically known for its inverter generators with really innovative designs. They tend to operate really quietly with a volume level ranging from 51.5 dBA to 61 dBA.

You can also look up at the Consumer Reports ranking Yamaha generators as a quality recreational generator for one of the best generator brand names for great power output, quiet operation, and reliability.

For years Yamaha is manufacturing great power equipment that is packed with amazing features in a compact and portable size generator which makes it your ideal companion for camping, tailgating or any other activities where you need power.

They come in different models and sizes. Depending upon your requirements you can select the perfect one for yourself. Moreover, the company also offers you a 3-year warranty which shows how confident the manufacturer is about the product and makes us trust the reliability of whatever we are paying money for.

Model Watts Noise Level Run Time
Yamaha EF7200D 7200 W80 dBA 8 hrs @ rated load
Yamaha EF5500D 5500 W74.1 dBA 9 hrs @ rated load
Yamaha EF2200iS Combo 2200 W57-65 dBA 10.5 hrs @ 1/4 load
Yamaha EF2400iSHC 2400 W53 dBA 8.6 hours @ 1/4 load
Yamaha EF3000iSEB 30000 W53 dBA-60 dBA 19 hrs @ 1/4 load
Yamaha EF4500iSE 4500 W58 dBA-60dBA 15.2 hrs @ 1/4 load

3. DuroStar

DuroStar Generator

DuroStar Generators are manufactured by DuroPower, which is a California-based power tool company that also is from the same conglomerate as DuroMax. They make their own engines, unlike many other brands. They have been able to build up their brand name by manufacturing affordable and reliable products.

Unlike many other generator brands, their generators are built up with cast-iron sleeves and almost every single model matches the ETL & MTL standards. Besides that, the company provides you component and direct part shipping anywhere in the world.

Furthermore, they have a flexible warranty plan that can be extended even beyond their normal one or two year time period. It can be a good buy for those of you who are looking for a mid-size generator within a friendly budget by not compromising with the power.

Most of its models, apart from just being powerful, are quiet, durable, with excellent reliability and also include protective features that make it a no-brainer purchase.

Model Watts Noise Level Run Time
DuroStar DS12000EH 12000 W74 dBA 8.83 hrs at 1/2 load
DuroStar DS10000EH 10000 W72 dBA 10.4 hrs at 1/2 load
DuroStar DS4850EH 4850 W69 dBA 10.42 hrs at 1/2 load
DuroStar DS5500EH 5500 W 69 dBA 8.92 hrs at 1/2 load
DuroStarDS4850EH4850 W 69 dBA 10.42 hrs at 1/2 load
DuroStar DS7000Q 7000 W78 dBA12 hrs at 1/2 load
DuroStar DS4000WGE 4000 W 69 dBA 8 hrs at 1/2 load

4. Generac

Generac Generator

Generac is an American brand that started manufacturing its power equipment somewhere in the late ’80s and quickly grew into one of the most popular and best generator brands in the world.

They come in variety of styles to serve different applications including commercial standbys, home standbys, portables, and towable generators. It is the NO.1 seller in home standby generators and its industrial backup generators are also quite famous.

They are known for their innovative generator solutions and first-class customer support. You can find them in a variety of models, especially the GP Series is the most popular one among the buyers.

Many industry leaders consider it to be the leading and one of the most trusted generator brand names in the market because of its safe and reliable automatic backup power.

Model Watts Noise Level Run Time
Generac iQ20002000 W53 dBA7.7 hrs @ 1/4 load
Generac iQ35003500 W55 dBa8.9 hrs @ 1/2 load
Generac GP2200i2200 W58 dBA10.5 hrs @1/2 load
Generac GP36003600 W58 dBA10 hrs @ 1/2 load
Generac GP6500 49ST 6500 W60 dBA10.5 hrs @ 1/2 load

5. Champion Power Equipment

Champion Power Equipment Generator

Champion Power Equipment is an American Company that was established in 2003. Although it is a USA based Company, its production was built in Zhejiang, China. It is basically engineered in California and made in China.

What makes Champion one of the best generator brands in the market right now is that its generators are highly fuel-efficient with a long Run time. It is a highly preferable brand in the mining industry.

Apart from just being reliable and durable, Champion generators are quite affordable which is amazing.

Although it is a new company, it has been able to build up its status as a generator brand name and managed to sell over 2 million generators in just North America alone.

They design their own amazing and released a Dual-Fuel Series of generators that gives the users flexibility to run your unit in either of the fuel (gas or propane) that is easily available to you.

Some of the most popular generator models of Champion Power Equipment.

Model Watts Noise Level Run Time
Champion 1004031200 W65 dBA11 hrs @ 1/2 load
Champion 424361200 W65 dBA10 hrs @ 1/2 load
Champion 1005652000 W53 dBA11 hrs @ 1/2 load
Champion 424321400 W65 dBA10 hrs @ 1/2 load
Champion 1004782000 W53 dBA11.5 hrs @ 1/2 load
Champion 73536i2000 W53 dBA9.5 hrs @1/2 load

6. Sportsman

Sportsman generators are produced by Buffalo Tools which is one of the well-known generator brands. Even though it is not as popular as the others out there, however, its portable units are so fetaure-rich that they can replace the costly standby models in some cases.

The Sportsman generators are great for hunters in the wood and people who need emergency electrical supplies in their homes. Their portable generators are designed to deliver optimal solutions.

Their models give you a variety of fuel options and can run on LPG, gasoline and natural gas. One of their models, GENTRI9K can run on all the three fuel types, making it a tri-fuel generator.

Whether you want to go camping or want to take your power with yourself to enjoy a tailgating party or any other outdoor activities, Sportsman generators would be ready to rock.

ModelWattsNoise LevelRun Time
Sportsman GEN85KIDF 8750 W70 dBA10 hrs @ 1/2 load
Sportsman GEN7500DF-SS 7500 W80 dBA9 hrs @ 1/2 load
Sportsman GEN4000DF-SS 4000 W69 dBA10 hrs @ 1/2 load
Sportsman GEN2000-SS 2000 W68 dBA11 hrs @ 1/2 load
Sportsman GEN9000DF 9000 W80 dBA10 hrs @ 1/2 load
Sportsman GEN1000i 1000 W56 dBA6.3 hrs @ 1/2 load

7. Firman Power Equipment

Firman Power Equipment Generator

Firman is a subsidiary of the Sinomach company that has produced over 10 million portable generators over the past 17 years for the global market.

The Company has also built private label generators for other brands like Kohler and Ridgid. It brought out its manufacturing expertise to North America under the FIRMAN brand in 2015.

What makes Firman generators stand out from its competitors is its versatility. They manufacture 25% bigger gas tanks for longer Run times, providing industry-leading power. Moreover, the company pays special attention to customer satisfaction and feedback.

They released Whisper Series which includes compact wheeled portable generators that are specifically designed to make as little noise as possible. Besides that, their models are also CARB compliant with California.

ModelWattsNoise LevelRun Time
Firman H03651 4550 W67 dBA11 hrs @ 1/2 load
Firman H05751 7125 W74 dBA12 hrs @ 1/2 load
Firman H075529400 W68 dBA12 hrs @ 1/2 load
Firman H08053 10000 W74 dBA12 hrs @ 1/2 load
Firman L03391 4100 W67 dBA11 hrs @ 1/2 load

8. Duromax

DuroMax Power Equipment, founded in 2003, is the industry’s leader in Dual Fuel portable generator technology. Its headquarters is in Ontario, California.

DuroMax portable generators are known for their high reliability and durability and are a long-lasting brand of generators. They have over 20 different models, with two unique designs for a single, triple and four-cylinder engine.

Each one of its models meets ETL & MTL standards and is built with cast iron sleeves. They have portable generators ranging from digital inverters to large heavy-duty 15,000-watt portable standby units.

DuroMax XP12000EH is one of its top-ranked models on Amazon with over 400 reviews.

Model Watts Noise Level Run Time
DuroMax XP5500EH 5000 W69 dBA8 hrs @ 1/2 load
DuroMax XP10000EHC 1000O W74 dBA8 hrs @ 1/2 load
DuroMax XP2200EH 2200 W61 dBA19 hrs @ 1/2 load
DuroMax XP13000EH 13000 W74 dBA8.5 hrs @1/2 load
DuroMax XP1200iS 1200 W61 dBA10 hrs @ 1/2 load
DuroMax XP5000EHC 5000 W69 dBA8.9 hrs @ 1/2 load

9. Energizer

Energizer Generator

Energizer is an American Brand and its generators are designed in North America. Although it is a new brand, with its ground-breaking products and inverter technology, it has gained the trust of thousands of people.

They have many powerful inverter generator models available, out of which eZV7500 is the one with around 7500 Starting wattage and 6500 Running wattage.

Its generator engines are made in China, however, they are designed and supported by a Canadian Company.

Furthermore, it features Dual Wave Technology that enables the inverters to control both voltage and current for a pure sine wave output under any load.

Apart from that, Energizer eZG3500 is also quite a popular model with its impressive long run time at an affordable price of around $400-$500.

ModelWatts Noise LevelRun Time
Energizer eZG3500 3500 W76 dBA19.5 hrs @ 1/4 load
Energizer eZV2000P 2000 W50 dBA11.5 hrs @ 1/2 load
Energizer eZV3200P 3200 W52 dBA15.5 hrs @ 1/2 load
Energizer eZV7500 7500 W76 dBA15.5 hrs @ 1/2 load
Energizer eZV4500 4500 W70 dBA11.5 hrs @ 1/2 load

10. Pulsar

Pulsar Generator

Pulsar is one of the fastest-growing brands in the market. Its generators are manufactured in Ontario, Canada.

Many of us want to have a quiet inverter generator but we often shy away to get one by looking at the prices of brands like Honda, Yamaha & Generac which are quite expensive.

This is one of the reasons that many people are turning to Pulsar generators. Apart from just being affordable compared to the other generator brands name manufacturers, they incorporate some of the amazing features that make us have one at our home.

One of its models, PG2000i is almost close to one-third the cost of the Honda EU2000. Some of you might assume the generator to be of inferior quality. However, this isn’t really the case. You can check out the generator’s features and decide for yourself.

ModelWattsNoise LevelRun Time
Pulsar PG2300iS 2300 W59 dBA 8 hrs @ 1/2 load
Pulsar PG15KVTW 15000 W77 dBA10 hrs @ 1/2 load
Pulsar PG2200 2200 W66 dBA12 hrs @ 1/2 load
Pulsar PG5250 5250 W76 dBA8 hrs @ 1/2 load
Pulsar PG10000B16 10000 W76 dBA12 hrs @ 1/2 load

11. Caterpillar

Caterpillar, founded in 1925 is a multinational company that has 500 manufacturing and service locations in around 180 countries worldwide. It is one of the leading manufacturers of large-scale machinery including diesel and industrial generators.

The Yellow color is the trademark of the company along with its logo design. Its products are sold in various retail stores worldwide. In 2017 it was ranked 24 out of 150 for its global licensor status by License Global.

CAT generators are considered to be an excellent choice by many of its users. They have enough power to work well in practically all situations whether you are working or throwing a tailgating party.

Because of its durable and dependable qualities along with easy set up right out of the box, the company has become of the best generators brands in the market today.

ModelWattsTank Size Run Time
CAT RP6500E 6500 W 7.9 Gallons 12 hrs @ 1/2 load
CAT RP12000 E 12000 W13.2 Gallons11.7 hrs @ 1/2 load
CAT RP7500E 7500 W7.9 Gallons11 hrs @ 1/2 load
CAT INV2000 2000 W1 Gallon6 hrs @ 1/2 load
CAT RP5500 5500 W7.9 Gallons15 hrs @ 1/2 load

12. ATIMA

ATIMA, recently founded in 2010, one of the popular manufacturer of inverter portable generators is owned by Shanghai Cosmo company .

We are often hesitant in purchasing a Honda or Yamaha portable inverter generator because of their high price that is usually over the $1,000 mark. 

You can expect from them the same quality as Yamaha’s power but at a more affordable price. Atima AY2000 inverter generator is powered by Yamaha along with unique housing and additional external features.

It is also Parallel Capable so you can pair it with any unit in the Atima Family and this makes it ideal for just about any use. 

You can also power a 15K BTU air conditioner by pairing two 2000 Watt Atima AY generators together, united with an RV-ready receptacle and you’re ready to go. 

ModelWattsNoise levelRun Time
ATIMA SD2000i CAMO 2000 W54 dBA8 hrs @ 1/4 load
ATIMA AY3000i 3000 W56 dBA10.3 hrs @ 1/4 load
ATIMA SD1000i 1000 W52 dBA9 hrs @ 1/4 load

13. Winco

Winco Incorporated along with its sister company Winpower was founded in 1927. It is a manufacturing company that is located in Le Center, Minnesota.

Winco line of Power Take Off (PTO) generators was produced in 1950 and after that, in 1952 they introduced a complete line of portable engine-driven generators for commercial and industrial applications.

The company focuses its generators to have extended engine life, fuel conservation, and reduced noise from which they have set an industry standard for portable generators.

Their line of generators includes industrial Portable Generators, Packaged Standby Systems, Mobile Diesel Generators, PTO Generators, Two Bearing Generators, and Vehicle Mounted Generators.

ModelWattsNoise LevelRun Time
Winco HPS12000HE 12000 W78 dBA14.5 hrs @ 1/2 load
Winco HPS6000HE 6000 W72 dBA9 hrs @ 1/2 load
Winco WL18000VE 18000 WN/A10.5 hrs @ 1/2 load
Winco HPS9000VE 9000 W77 dBA7 hrs @ 1/2 load
Winco W3000H 3000 WN/A1.5 hrs @ 1/2 load

14. Powerhorse

Powerhorse, founded in 1981 was started as a mail-order company by its current CEO Donald Kotula. Gradually, the company developed into one of the largest hardware retailers in the US with over 1,500 brands and occupancy in 17 states.

The Powerhorse generator models are manufactured in China, but Northern Tool+Equipment tests the models in Minnesota. So, the generators are designed in the US but built in China.

Northern Tool makes sure that the units are tested to maintain the expected quality standards.

Powerhorse line of generators is great for camping, tailgating, RVs and other outdoor activities. All of their models except from the 13,000 watts have a 2-year consumer warranty and 90-day commercial warranty.

ModelWattsNoise LevelRun Time
Powerhorse 424112000 W52 dBA8.5 hrs @ 1/4 load
Powerhorse 792220 3500 W57 dBA11 hrs @ 1/4 load
Powerhorse 74006 7500 W66 dBA16 hrs @ 1/4 load
Powerhorse 750142 9000 W75 dBA9.6 hrs @ 1/4 load
Powerhorse 750138 4000 WN/A10.6 hrs @ 1/2 load

15. RYOBI

RYOBI generator

RYOBI is one of the famous power tools and generators manufacturers around the world. The company was founded in 1943 and mainly focused on electrical and automotive components, but later entered the generator market.

Their generators are manufactured in China and are considered to be a budget-friendly option, but this doesn’t mean that the quality isn’t up to the mark, as most of their generators compete with leading brands like Yamaha and Honda.

What makes Ryobi generators stand out from the rest is its amazing innovations like introducing this technology of maintaining the monitor via Bluetooth while others have their apps that sync with it.

One of its drawbacks is that many of its generators are not ideal for powering sensitive or delicate equipment.

ModelWattsNoise LevelRun Time
RYOBI RYi2000GRA 2000 W57 dBA10.3 hrs @ 1/4 load
RYOBI RY908000E 10000 W73 dBA10 hrs @ 1/2 load
RYOBI RYi4022X 4000 W72 dBA10 hrs @ 1/2 load
RYOBI RYi2200GR 2200 W57 dBA10.3 hrs @ 1/4 load
RYOBI RY905500 6875 W78 dbA10 hrs @ 1/2 load

16. Powermate

Powermate, earlier often referred to as Powermate Colemen has become a separate company for over 10 years. But, we still can’t call it a company in itself as it is a huge lineup of domestic power products that are licensed under the copyright of Pramac, registered in Long Grove, Illinois.

Powermate portable generators are top quality and worth your investment. Some of its components are made by top brands like Honda and Yamaha.

So, you can rest assured that when the best engine makers and designers have put their head into creating a Powermate, it is going to be a lifetime keeper.

With over 40 years of experience, Powermate has become one of the best budget-friendly generator brands in America. You can visit their website to check out different models and choose one that fits your needs the best.

ModelWattsTank SizeRun Time
Powermate CX1400 1400 W1.5 Gallons 8.5 hrs @ 1/2 load
Powermate CX3500 3500 W4.5 Gallons12.2 hrs @ 1/2 load
Powermate CX6500E 6500 W7 Gallons 9.75 hrs @ 1/2 load
Powermate CX5500 5500 W 7 Gallons 12.5 hrs @ 1/2 lad
Powermate CX8000E 8000 W7 Gallons9.4 hrs @ 1/2 load

17. A-iPower

A-iPower is a US-based Company located in Ontario, California with its technical and distribution center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. With years of experience, A-iPower has been able to develop a reputation for manufacturing the most reliable portable generators in the USA.

Its line of generators ranges from 1500 W to 15000 W along with amazing features like dual-fuel capability, electric start, electronic fuel injection, and efficient design features.

The company’s main focus is to provide its users with reliable and cost-effective solutions to all their power needs.  Six subsidiary factories are producing various parts of generator sets along with the experience of working with the top 10 world-class generator brands.

ModelWattsNoise LevelRun Time
SUA1500 1500 W58 dBA10 hrs @ 1/2 load
AP5000 5000 W58 dBA9 hrs @ 1/2 load
SUA7000 7000 W74 dBA12 hrs @ 1/2 load
SUA9000E 9000 W76 dBA8.5 hrs @ 1/2 load
SUA12000E 12000 W78 dBA9 hrs @ 1/2 load

18. Westinghouse

Westinghouse generator

Westinghouse is an American Company that was founded by George Westinghouse on January 8, 1886. Originally it was named Westinghouse Electric Company but later in 1945, they renamed it to Westinghouse Electric Corporation.

They have been providing innovative, high-quality, reliable products with excellent customer services from over 130 years and have been granted around 28,000 US government patents in the 20th century.

The Company is known for its user-friendly, reliable and dependable generators. Even though their generators cost as much as the other top brands, however when it comes to features and power, there are many ways in which no other brand can beat Westinghouse.

It might not be the most innovative brand out there but it is definitely a good solid brand name to go with.

ModelWattsNoise LevelRun Time
Westinghouse WGEN9500DF 9500 W74 dBA12 hrs @ 1/2 load
Westinghouse IGEN4500 4500 WN/A15 hrs @ 1/2 load
Westinghouse WGEN3600DF 3600 W69 dBA13.5 hrs @ 1/2 load
Westinghouse WGEN9500 9500 W74 dBA12 hrs @ 1/2 load
Westinghouse WPRO8500 8500 WN/A12 hrs @ 1/2 load

19. Predator

Predator is also one of the popular brands of generators nowadays that is operating under C&R Industries. For those of you who are looking for a powerpack machine at a decent price, this is the best deal for you out there.

Predator Power Products offers you large, extremely durable generators that crank out tons of power. The engine they are using has been around for a very long time that makes repairs quick and cheap.

Predator generators are a good option for people who need something stationary as for a portable option, there are better options out there. But if want to run your power tools, set up an emergency backup system, or just charge up the batteries in your RV, this could be a good choice.

You can check out some of its models we have mentioned in the table below or if you want to know its features in detail then you can visit their website for more convenience.

ModelWattsNoise LevelRun time
Predator 63085 8750 W76 dBA9 hrs @ 1/2 load
Predator 63079 4000 W72 dBA10 hrs @ 1/2 load
Predator 63584 3500 W57 dBA11 hrs @ 1/4 load
Predator 63968 9000 W76 dBA13 hrs @ 1/2 load
Predator 63960 4375 W72 dBA16 hrs @ 1/2 load

20. Hyundai

Hyundai, one of the leading motor companies, founded by Chung Ju-Yung also ventured to produce commercial-grade generators. Its headquarters are in Seoul, Korea, however, the company has been able to grow and reach out its products to various parts of the world.

Their line of generators includes sine wave inverter generators, diesel generators, petrol generators, recoil start generators, silent generators, and electric start generators.

Hyundai generators are Ideal for industrial, office, and home backup power solutions for all environments. Although Hyundai is not the most affordable brand, it is definitely one of the most trustworthy ones and investing in it would be worth your money for sure.

ModelWattsNoise LevelRun Time
Hyundai P1 P1000i 1000 W62 dBA5.5 hrs @ 1/2 load
Hyundai HY2800L 2200 W65 dBA12.5 hrs @ 1/2 load
Hyundai HY3400 2700 W96 dBA3.5 hrs @ 1/2 load
Hyundai HY3100L 2800 W94 dBA15 hrs @ 1/2 load
Hyundai P1PE P2500i 2200 W68 dBA8.5 hrs @ 1/2 load

Conclusion

So this was our list of best generator brands that we gathered combining our experience and expert reviews, also looking at the top customer reviews who have been using different generators. There are many great generator brands in the market with amazing features that make our lives so easy. When choosing one for you, make sure it suits best for your requirement or situation. We hope you found this helpful! If you have any questions, please let us know in the comments down below!

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