Disclaimer: portablegeneratorsrated.com is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
So, you are planning to buy the best quiet portable generator but do not know how to find one? Well, the following quiet portable generator reviews could be all you need to find one great generator. However, looking for a quiet but portable generator is not as easy as it looks. You may find a good portable generator, for instance, but it could be the noisiest in the neighborhood. You may as well spot a cheap and great quality machine, but can you be sure it is not a fuel guzzler?
Most generators operate with decibels of between 47DBa and 76DBa. However, there are times a 47dba machine could make more noise than the 76DBa machine depending on the environment they work in, the loads they power, and their internal mechanics. That’s not a big deal though, especially if you could find a generator with the construction and performance abilities of the following reviewed machines.
- Westinghouse iGen2200
- Wattage: 2200/1800
- Running time: 12 hours at ¼ load
- Fuel: gas
- Fuel tank capacity: 1.2 gallons
- Noise level: 52 dBA
- Outlets: two 120V AC outlets and two USB ports
- Weight: 46 lbs
- Goal Zero Yeti 400
- Wattage: 600/300
- Capacity: 33Ah lead acid battery
- Recharged by: solar panels, AC outlet, car outlet
- Fuel tank capacity: -
- Noise level: silent
- Outlets: two 120V AC outlets, two USB ports, two 12V DC outlets
- Weight: 29 lbs
- Jackery Explorer 1000
- Wattage: 2000/1000
- Capacity: 24Ah lithium ion battery
- Recharged by: solar panels, AC outlet, car outlet
- Fuel tank capacity: -
- Noise level: silent
- Outlets: three 120V AC outlets, two USB-C ports, one quick charge 3.0 port
- Weight: 22.04 lbs
- Generac GP2500i
- Wattage: 2500/2200
- Running time: 4.5 hours at 1/2 load
- Fuel: gas
- Fuel tank capacity: 1 gallon
- Noise level: 57 dBA
- Outlets: two 120V AC outlets, one USB port
- Weight: 48 lbs
- WEN 56203i
- Wattage: 2000/1700
- Running time: 10.8 hours at ¼ load
- Fuel: gas
- Fuel tank capacity: 1 gallon
- Noise level: 51 dBA
- Outlets: two 120V AC outlets, one 12V DC outlet, two 5V USB ports
- Weight: 39 lbs
- Yamaha EF2000iSv2
- Wattage: 1600 running/2000 starting
- Running time: 10.5 hours at ¼ load
- Fuel: gas
- Fuel tank capacity: 1.1 gallons
- Noise level: 51.5 dBA
- Outlets: 2- 120V AC and 1- DC — 8A 12V for charging batteries
- Weight: 44.1 lbs
Top 6 Quietest Portable Generators
Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station
Jackery Explorer 1000 is the quietest portable generator you can find since it basically produces no noise at all. However, this generator is more suitable for those that are looking to use it in the outdoors for camping or tailgating. The maximum power it is rated for is 1000 watts and many appliances have energy consumption higher than that. But with 1000 running watts and 2000 watts at its peak, you can still power your phone, laptop, fan, lights, cooler, blender, and other small electronics.
Since the generator has no moving parts, it produces zero noise. The only time you might hear any noise is when high wattage AC load activates the fan. But even this fan is not that loud, so you can enjoy the quietness in your RV or campervan.
This quiet generator is also perfect for those that are looking for a green energy source. To power this power station you can use solar panels, which can be purchased separately. You can get two Jackery Solarsaga 100-watt solar panels, which would be able to provide a full charge to the generator in about 6.5 hours. Moreover, the generator is equipped with an MMPT-charge controller, which regulates the output of the solar panels and provides the most efficient charging of the lithium ion battery that is built into the unit.
However, solar panels aren’t the only way to charge this generator. There are two more methods. One of them is to use a wall outlet and the other to use your car’s outlet. Plugging it into a wall outlet will take about 5.5 hours to charge. And charging it from a car outlet will take about 11.5 hours.
The capacity of the built-in battery is 1002Wh or 46.4Ah. Knowing this capacity can help you know what you can power with it. For example, it’s enough to provide 100 charges for a phone. Also, it’s enough to run a mini fridge for 17 hours or the lights for 76 hours.
For powering all the devices, you can use the multiple outlets provided by the generator. There are three 120V AC outlets that deliver pure sine wave power, two USB-C ports, and one quick charge 3.0 port.
However, you can also charge the generator while you use it. So you can recharge the battery during the day, making sure that you don’t run out of power while you enjoy the outdoors.
Another advantage of this silent generator is that it’s portable. Since this unit doesn’t come with any gas tank, it has a very lightweight design of just 22 pounds. To make it easier for the user to move it around, it also features a carrying handle. This makes it a good choice for those that need the quietest and smallest generator.
CHECK THE LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Westinghouse iGen2200
Another super quiet portable generator is the Westinghouse iGen2200 model. Its noise output is as low as 52 dBA, which is similar in intensity to the noise produced by an electric fan or fridge. It might not be completely noiseless as the Jackery generator, but it is quiet for a gas fueled generator that produces its level of power output.
One of the things that contribute to the quiet operation of the unit is the use of inverter technology. It works by adjusting the speed of the engine depending on the load. Increasing or decreasing the RPMs when needed. This helps save fuel and also results in reduced total harmonic distortion, so the produced electricity is clean and safe for sensitive electronics.
Another advantage of the inverter technology is the portability of the unit. Since inverter generators have better fuel efficiency, they come with smaller fuel tanks compared to conventional generators. This results in more compact and more lightweight designs. This particular generator weighs 46 pounds, which is very light for a generator of this power capacity.
As for its gas tank capacity, it can hold up to 1.2 gallons. A full tank can provide up to 12 hours of run time at 25% load. For maximum fuel efficiency, you can also operate the generator in the Economy mode.
This Westinghouse is capable of delivering 1,800 rated and 2,200 peak watts. With this output, you could run a space heater, coffee maker, microwave, and other similar appliances. So you could power your devices and appliances while camping or during a power outage at home. And if you’ll find that power output not sufficient for your needs, you can double it by pairing the unit with another Generac generator.
The generator also supplies both AC and DC power. There are two 120V AC outlets and two 5V DC USB ports. In addition to the outlets, the control panel features circuit breakers, engine control switch, parallel outlets, and LED indicators. These indicators notify you of low oil, overload, and if the generator is ready for output.
CHECK THE LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Goal Zero Yeti 400
Goal Zero Yeto 400 is another completely silent generator. It’s a portable power station that requires no gasoline and instead powers through solar energy or a 12V charger. There’s no engine creating noise and the power output comes from the rechargeable battery. This means quiet operation and no disturbing noise whether you use the generator in your home, tent, or car.
Since this unit doesn’t use any gas, it also offers the advantage of operation without any fumes. Moreover, it eliminates the hassle of having to find and refill fuel. And on top of that, there’s less maintenance.
This power station delivers 300 continuous watts and 600 surge watts. So it’s more suitable for charging smaller devices, such as cameras, phones, laptops, lights, etc. It can also be backup power for small appliances.
The generator is equipped with a 33Ah lead acid battery. However, you can increase the capacity by pairing this power station with other 33Ah lead acid batteries. This will allow you to prolong run time and help you enjoy a continuous supply of power without having to constantly recharge the battery.
To charge the battery, you can use either solar panels, an AC wall outlet, or a 12V charger. The AC charger is included. However, both solar panels and the 12V charger have to be purchased separately. If you’ll be charging with solar panels, it’s very simple to connect them. There’s a dedicated port for the connection and the unit comes with a built-in charge controller.
The wide selection of ports and outlets allows you to connect up to 7 devices simultaneously. There are two 120V AC outlets, two USB ports, and three 12V DC outlets. The unit also uses pure sine wave inverter technology, so the power provided from the AC outlets is similar to the power from a wall outlet at home.
To help you keep track of the performance, the power station features an LCD display. It provides useful information, such as how much power you’re using, how much power is delivered through the input, and how much battery capacity you have left.
CHECK THE LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Generac GP2500i
If you’re looking for a quiet generator that would be able to act as a backup power source for your whole house, consider the Generac GP2500i model. It might not be able to power your whole house but it will offer enough power for most appliances if they’re not running simultaneously.
The generator offers 2,500 starting and 2,200 running watts. So you can power small devices, as well as tools and appliances. It also includes powering sensitive electronics. This portable generator comes with True Power technology, which ensures that the supplied power is clean and stable.
All the internal components of this portable generator are fully enclosed, which reduces the noise. Moreover, the generator uses inverter technology. This results in a quieter operation that has a noise level of around 57 dBA from 10 feet. It’s not as quiet as the others, but it is the quietest for its power output.
This is a gas fueled generator that comes with a 1 gallon fuel tank. The inverter design of the generator provides good fuel efficiency and the capability to run for 4.5 hours at half load. If you want to save fuel, the unit also offers an economy mode that automatically adjusts the RPMs of the engine.
As for the outlets, the unit includes a USB port for charging mobile devices and a 120V duplex outlet for powering AC appliances. All these outlets are also protected against the environment with the help of covers.
Moreover, the generator features a compact and lightweight design. It weighs 48 pounds and is built with a convenient carrying handle on top. So it’s easy to carry it around, load it into a car, or take it wherever you need power.
One more feature worth mentioning is the parallel capability. If you have higher power requirements than this generator can provide, you can pair this unit with another. This can let you double the power and make it possible to power the air conditioner, heater, or other larger appliances.
CHECK THE LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
WEN 56203i Ultra Quiet Portable Generator
WEN 56203i is another popular ultra quiet generator. Its noise output is just 51 decibels at quarter load. That’s similar to the sound of a normal conversation. This makes it a great companion for any outdoor activities where noise is of paramount importance.
This unit delivers 2,000 surge watts and 1,700 rated watts and it is a great option for someone in search of an RV or camping generator. It’s not powerful enough for whole house power needs, but it’s perfect for smaller appliances used in RVs or while camping.
For quiet and efficient performance, the generator is equipped with inverter technology. This technology also makes sure the supplied power is safe for sensitive electronics. It limits total harmonic distortion to less than 1.2%, so the produced power is clean and reliable.
This generator is also portable. It’s the lightest unit on our list and it weighs just 39 pounds. You can easily pick it up by the handle on the top of the unit and carry it around the campground. Moreover, the generator is compact in design, making it easy to find space for its storage, whether it’s at home, in a car, RV, or boat.
Another benefit of this generator is the ease of maintenance. The unit has an easily accessible oil refill and a feature for fuel shutoff. It ensures that there’s no fuel left remaining in the carburetor, preventing its stagnation and potential blockages. In addition, the machine features a low oil shut down feature and an overload protection function to make sure it remains operational for as long as possible.
CHECK THE LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Quiet Portable Generator
The Yamaha EF2000iSv2, with a noise block sound reduction system and a 357cc engine looks like the perfect portable generators for average homes. The small 44.1 pound machine is also built to produce clean power while all the same economizing on fuel. Continue reading however to learn more about the machine’s construction and performance capabilities.
- Power Output. The considerably high rated machine features a 1600watt engine with the ability to reach 2000watts at its peak power. It also features an advanced programming technology that makes it 357cc OHV engine perform consistently well even when handling a wide variety of applications.
- Quiet Operation. If a quiet operator is all you need, this generator could be your perfect deal. It features a patented Yamaha muffle that makes it operate at a low noise level of between 51.5 to 61Dba.
- Features a smart Throttle to regulate engine performance. The generator features a throttle system that senses the engine’s rpm control and regulates its speed according to the load it is powering. This, in turn, promotes great efficiency while reducing noise pollution.
- Impression Features. The Yamaha machine features a gasoline petcock that lets empty its gasoline tank once it is done serving you. This, in turn, helps you save fuel in a way that you could still use when you need to run the generator once again. In addition, the machine features a fuel gauge to help you know when to refill it again.
- Supplies clean power. The Yamaha generator features an inverter that helps supply clean and high quality power that you could use to power sensitive electronics and devices such as laptops and Smartphones.
- Features multiple accessories. The generator is impressive with its many accessories such as an RV adapter kit, a tachometer, an appliance load tester and power cables.
- Lightweight and Compact. The generator is quite light at 44 pounds, plus it is compact and small enough to ease on storage and enhance easy transportation.
CHECK THE LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Noise Level and the Decibel Scale
A decibel, or simply DBA, is the unit used to measure the intensity of a sound. With generators in particular, decibels can range from 0DBa to 100DBA. The noise level in the generator, in turn, increases as the DBA scale increases. However, the decibel scale is a bit more complex than what most people assume. To start with, decibels could also measure voltage level, pressure level, intensity level or measured sound pressure.
But to make the decibel system clear, it is defined into different sections. When you say 50Dba for instance, it can then be understood as 50 decibels of audio transmission. The decibel scale is still complex, though, and this is mainly because our ears are super sensitive to noise. When you put two generators together for instance; one with 50DBA and another with 60Dba, you will probably hear the 60DBA machine produce twice as much noise as the 50 decibels generator. So, why does this happen? What does it mean to you as you plan to buy a generator?
In basic terms, every 10 decibels of noise represents a 100 times more powerful acoustic intensity. And since the ears are so sensitive to any form of noise, we interpret the small increase in noise increase as huge. As scientists note, however, the potential of a sound to damage or disrupt your work will mainly be affected by the intensity of the noise and not particularly because of its noise level. In the generator scenario, the noise intensity could only be harmful if the DBA scale is high and the distance between the machine and the people around is close. All in all, the DBA system is effective at helping people understand how much noise level they should tolerate from a generator. And as you would expect, the lower the noise level produced, the less annoyance, less noise related stress and better performance a generator tends to have.
Conclusion
While there are hundreds of portable generators out there, only a few of them are as quiet and effective as those highlighted in the quiet portable generator reviews featured above. Also, few machines out there could offer you great value for your money and still achieve the durability of the above reviewed machines. However, it is still important to re-evaluate your needs and expectations from a machine before you can settle on the best quiet portable generator according to your needs.
Leave a Reply