7 Best Inverter Generators – Popular 2021 Models Reviewed

1. WEN 56203i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter

WEN 56203i generators have a pair of 120 volt 5-20R outlets, one 12 volt cigarette lighter socket, and two USB Type A sockets. One of the USB sockets supports up to 2.1 amps for fast charging, while the other outlet is limited to one amp. This WEN 56203i is rated to limit total harmonic distortion to 1.2%, compared to the 3% of most other models on the market. This makes it ideal for powering the most sensitive electronics. A pair of these inverter generators can be connected in parallel. The parallel cable has built-in 14-50R and L5-30R outlets, making it easy to get electricity to your RV.
 
This WEN inverter generator makes 51 dB of noise under a 25% load. This noise level is about average for an enclosed generator. It can run for up to 7 hours at 50% load, which is one of the longest run time you’ll find for an inverter generator this size.
 
To help avoid stale fuel problems, this portable inverter generator has two off switches. There’s an emergency switch to cut the ignition, stopping the engine immediately, like most generators. However, if you flip the main power switch, it cuts off the fuel supply. This lets the engine burn off the remaining fuel in the carburetor. That way, there won’t be old fuel breaking down and clogging the  jets during storage.
 
This generator has a dry weighs of 39 lbs. and measures 17.3 x 11.5 x 17.7 inches, making it the among the smallest, lightest inverter generators available.
 
WEN backs the 56203i with a two year consumer warranty. They're one of the best generator brands when it comes to service, thanks to a dealer network that is surpassed only by Honda and Briggs & Stratton.

2. Champion Power Equipment 100692 2000-Watt Ultralight Portable Inverter Generator

On the front panel of this model, you’ll find two 5-20R 120 volt household outlets and one 12 volt cigarette lighter outlet. The 100692 also supports a parallel connection, sharing power with a second identical generator. Champion offers a standard parallel cable, as well as their ParaLINK kit. The kit has a base that lets you stack one inverter generator on top of another. The base also has built-in L5-30R and TT-30R sockets, making it a great choice for RV shore power. When you’re done using the connection, the parallel cables tuck into the base for easy storage.
 
Run time for this portable inverter generator is about average for this segment at 11.5 hours under 25% load. The 100692 makes 58 dB of noise at 25% throttle at a distance of 23 feet, which is louder than the noise levels of most enclosed generators in this size class.
 
When Champion power equipment says this portable generator is ultralight, they aren’t kidding. It weighs just 39 lbs. and measures 17.3 x 11.5 x 17.7 inches. That’s a whopping 8 lbs. less than Honda’s competing model, despite only a modest decrease in performance.
 
Champion guarantees their models for three years of residential use, or 270 days (9 months) of commercial use.

3. Briggs & Stratton P2200 Power Smart Series Inverter Generator

For power output, P2200 model come with a pair of 5-20R 120 volt outlets and one 12 volt cigarette outlet. This model supports a parallel connection with either a second P2200 or a P3000 generator. The parallel cable has built-in L5-30 and TT-30R sockets for RV shore power.
 
8 hours sounds like a long time for a generator to run off of a single tank of fuel. However, that factory rating is at quarter load, putting its total run time below its competitors. Noise performance also isn’t too impressive. Again, the number sounds good: 59 dB is about right for this generator class. However, that’s at a quarter load from 21 feet away. Other generators will be quieter. This P2200 does have an eco throttle, so it can manage engine speed automatically to power your devices while minimizing noise and fuel consumption. Unlike our other picks for inverter generators, the P2200 isn’t CARB certified. That means you can’t buy it or use it in California.
 
The P2200 weighs 54.6 lbs. and measures 21 x 12.5 x 17.4 inches. That’s a bit large for this segment, but that doesn’t make it hard to move around. Instead of a suitcase handle found on other portable inverter generators, this unit has an H handle. This adds enough space for two people to lift the P2200, making it easier to carry and lift up high into trailers and truck beds.
 
Briggs & Stratton backs the P2200 with a 24 month consumer warranty, and a 90 day commercial warranty. Service and parts are readily available, thanks to the company’s massive dealer network. This makes the P2200 one of the best inverter generators you can buy, if you want something you can get fixed no matter where you are.

4. WEN 56380i Super Quiet 3800-Watt Portable Inverter Generator

The 56380i comes with two 5-20R 120 volt household sockets, a TT-30R high amperage plug, a 12 volt cigarette lighter outlet, and one USB Type A port. Two inverter generators can be connected in parallel. The compatible cable comes with TT-30 and L5-30 outlets, making this setup ideal for RV shore power or even home backup power.
 
This WEN generator comes with a 2.2 gallon fuel tank that can keep the engine running for 8 1/2 hours at 50% load. Noise levels are higher than smaller inverter generators, averaging 57 dB at quarter load. Turning the generator off engages a fuel shutoff, letting the engine burn off any remaining gas in the carburetor. This helps prevent issues with clogged jets caused by stale fuel.
 
This is the best portable inverter generator we've found when it comes to user friendly features. On the front panel, you’ll find a digital display with a fuel gauge. This display can also show current load, voltage, wattage and run time. This makes it easier to diagnose problems and keep track of maintenance. It also has an electric starter with a recoil starter backup.
 
The 56380i inverter generator weighs 110.8 lbs. and measures 23.2 x 18 x 20.1 inches. While you can’t carry it like a 2,000 watt generator, the built-in wheels and handle make it easy to roll around.
 
56380i inverter generators come with a two year consumer warranty. If you're looking for good after sales support from an inverter generator brand, WEN is your best choice next to Honda and Briggs & Stratton. While not as well known, they have a massive dealer network, putting service and parts for your inverter generator within reach no matter where you are.

5. Generac 7129 GP3000i Inverter Generator

Generac promotes their “PowerRUSH” technology, saying their inverter generators can output up to 50% extra power in short bursts as needed. However, the actual starting watts rating is only about 30% higher than sustained output. That’s only a little higher than an average inverter generator. Still, having a little more power available under full load may be enough to start an RV air conditioner without resorting to a larger, heavier model.
 
The GP3000i has an L5-30R locking plug, which is handy for RV shore power. You’ll need to use that outlet if you want to access this generator’s full output. Instead of the usual 5-20R outlets, this inverter generator comes with a pair of 5-15R sockets. The “15” stands for 15 amps, limiting output to around 1,875 watts from this connection. There are also two USB Type A outlets for charging smartphones and other electronics. One outlet supports up to 2.1 amps for fast charging, while the second is limited to one amp of power.
 
Run time at 50% is 4.5 hours, which is about average for an inverter generator this size. Generac doesn’t quote any noise figures, however, owner reviews note that these inverter generators are relatively quiet. If it’s inline with the performance of similar inverter generators, expect noise levels to be in the mid 50 dB range at quarter throttle, and a little over 60 at half throttle.
 
The GP3000i weighs 59.5 lbs. and measures 22.2 x 13.3 x 18.4 inches. While the weight may make it harder to move around, this generator isn’t much bigger than many 2,000 watt class inverter generators.
 
The 7129 is covered by a one year residential warranty for parts and labor, plus another two years for parts. Commercial users are covered for one year or 1,000 hours of operation.

6. Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt 120-Volt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator

However, that quality comes with a hefty price tag, costing at least twice as much as its competitors. It also has a few quirks that make it a less desirable choice than some of the alternatives.
 
Power output is available via two 15-20R 120 volt household outlets and one 12 volt DC outlet. The DC outlet uses a t-shaped connection, unlike the cigarette lighter connections found on most competitors. This limits its use to an optional battery charging cable. The EU2200i supports a parallel connection with another EU2200i or its predecessor, the EU2000i. There are no outlets on the parallel cable. If you want a plug for RV shore power, you have to pair an EU2200i with an EU2200i Companion. This special model has one 5-30R outlet and one 5-20R outlet.
 
This quiet model makes just 57 dB of noise at 50% load and 48 dB at quarter load. It’s important to remember that the decibel scale is logarithmic: most inverter generators this size make at least 3 dB more noise under the same load, which means they’re about 50% louder than the Honda. What’s less impressive is the run time. With a 50% load, this inverter generator will run out of gas after running for three hours and 12 minutes.
 
The EU2200i weighs 46.5 lbs. and measures 16 x 20 x 11 inches. That’s slightly heavier than other inverter generators in this segment, but it’s mainly due to the added sound deadening and the commercial grade GXR120 engine that powers this unit.
 
The EU2200i portable generator is backed by a three year warranty for commercial and residential users. Honda’s dealer network is one of the largest in the country, and replacement parts are readily available both online and from physical stores. This makes it the best inverter generator you can buy if reliability and short down-times are a priority.

7. Pulsar G2319N 2300W Portable Gas-Powered Inverter Generator

This generator has a great selection of outlets. There are a pair of 120 volt 5-20R outlets, a 12 volt cigarette lighter outlet, and a USB Type A port. The USB port is limited to 1.5 amps, so you won’t get the full charging speed for high draw devices. Pulsar offers a parallel connection cable that lets you connect two of these generators together for more power. This cable has a built-in L5-30R socket, making it easy to connect to an RV for shore power.
 
According to the manufacturer, owners can expect noise levels from these inverter generators to be around 59 dB under 50% load. This measurement is taken from 10 feet away, which means the G2319N makes less noise than most of its competitors. Run time at 50% load is just under 5 hours, which is about average for the segment. Turn on economy mode, and the throttle adjusts automatically to match the current load. This makes the engine as fuel efficient and quiet as possible. A low oil indicator light lets you know when you need to add oil before the automatic shutoff engages to protect the engine.
 
This inverter generator measures 19.7 x 11.2 x 17.9 inches. It weighs 47 lbs, making it one of the heaviest 2,000 watt class inverter generators.
 
Pulsar doesn’t offer a warranty on this generator for commercial users. Consumer generators are guaranteed for one year.

8. A-iPower SUA2000iV 2000 Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator

There are no 5-20R or 5-15R sockets on this generator. That means you can’t directly plug in household appliances to this portable generator. Instead, there’s a single L5-30R outlet, along with a pair of USB outlets. A-iPower knows most people are buying this generator for RV shore power, so they include a parallel cable. You can also use a single generator for low power applications, like a small camper trailer. Just don’t expect it to power an RV air conditioner. If you’re more interested in tailgating, you can get an extension cord that plugs into the L5-30R socket and terminates with a series of 5-20R plugs. That’s less inconvenient than it sounds, since you should use extension cords with any generator. This lets you move the generator away from buildings and vehicles to reduce the chance of carbon monoxide buildup.
 
Noise output for the SUA2000iV is low, with a rating of 58 dB at 21 feet with a 50% load. That’s only a little behind the Honda EU2200i's average noise level, but with a much smaller price tag. Run time is 7 hours at 50% load, which is high for a 2,000 watt inverter generator.
 
This inverter generator measures 21 x 12.5 x 19 inches and weighs 46 lbs, which is about average for an inverter generator this size.
 
The SUA2000iV has a two year warranty for residential users, while commercial users are covered for a full year.

9. Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator with Electric Start

The Champion’s power sockets include one TT-30R socket for RV shore power, a pair of 5-20R 120 volt household outlets, and a 12 volt cigarette lighter outlet. Two identical generators can be linked in parallel, doubling available power. The parallel cable has built-in TT-30R and 14-50R sockets, giving you more options for shore power. This makes the 100263 a great choice if you’re looking for a way to power a large RV air conditioner and still have power for your electronics. A pair of these portable inverter generators won't power a whole house, but they can make enough electricity for essential appliances during a power outage.
 
This “dual fuel” generator has a carburetor designed to deliver either gasoline or LPG to the engine. Propane is less energy dense than gasoline, decreasing maximum power output by about 10% when you use this fuel. This inverter generator will run for 7 ½ hours at one quarter load  with a full gas tank. Hook up a 20 lbs. LPG tank, and it will run for 14 ½ hours under the same load. Eco throttle works in both modes, so the engine will always match its output to the current load for better fuel economy.
 
The average noise level is 59 dB as measured from 23 feet at a quarter load. That's about what you should expect for this class of generator. 10263 inverter generators come equipped with an electric starter and a backup recoil starter.
 
This portable generator measures 25 x 17 x 18 inches and weighs 95.7 lbs. A handle and wheels are built into the frame, letting you wheel around the 100263 like a carry-on suitcase.
 
Champion power equipment guarantees their 3,400 watt inverter generators for three years of residential use, or 270 days (approximately 9 months) of commercial use.