Always be prepared for a power outage with one of these generators. (iStock)
Power outages are a huge pain, and can seriously disrupt your life. Stop worrying about what will happen to all the food in your fridge or your pipes in the winter should you lose power, and invest in a generator.
Or, maybe you’re a frequent camper and need a way to power your mini fridge, TV and lights. A portable generator can give you all the power you need to stay comfortable while you’re in the woods.
We’ve found the best deals on generators and power stations, featuring trusted brands like Honda, Anker, Yamaha and Westinghouse.
At a glance
Best as a home power backup
Original price: $1,799
This high-watt generator can power your home. (Amazon)
- What we love: The highly durable all-metal frame and dual-fuel option.
- What to be aware of: Although the wheels make it easy to roll, the generator weighs more than 240 pounds, which may make it difficult to move.
The DuroMax 13,000-watt generator is made with heavy-duty metal and no plastic parts, so it’s designed to last, even in the harshest weather conditions. The solid-fill wheels make this generator a strong portable option. You can bring it to your camp or RV or easily store it at home and roll it out if there’s a power outage.
You can choose between two fuel options: gas or propane. There’s also a wide variety of outlets, including a 50-amp outlet that can easily power your home’s appliances and lights should you lose power. The push start button also makes it easy to power up the generator.
Best high-watt generator
Original price: $1,249
Carefully track your runtime on the generator’s screen. (Amazon)
- What we love: The helpful screen with runtime information, the automatic shutdown when oil levels are low and the RV-ready plug.
- What to be aware of: The runtime and peak wattage are higher with gas over propane.
Westinghouse’s 12,500-watt generator has all the features you could want from a generator: up to 12 hours of runtime, a 6.6-gallon fuel tank and a remote start option. You can choose to run the generator with either propane or gas. There are two standard household plugs and an RV-ready plug. With over 12,000 watts, you can run your camper for days.
This generator is equipped with a reliable engine that Westinghouse is known for. It has a special design that helps it last long by automatically shutting down if the oil level gets too low, preventing damage. There’s also a digital screen that shows how much power the generator is producing, how often it’s running and how many hours you’ve used it over its lifetime.
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Best for a high number of outlets
Original price: $879
Carry this generator with you camping or tailgating. (Amazon)
- What we love: Generac’s generator is lightweight and runs quietly, ideal for camping or tailgating.
- What to be aware of: You may not be able to run your entire house on this smaller generator.
A Generac 3,300-watt generator is an ideal travel generator, weighing just 59.5 pounds. Whether you’re camping or tailgating, this generator is a good companion. It runs quietly compared to larger models and has an easy-fill gas spout on the top. The generator can power tools, air conditioners and even small appliances for hours.
You can set the generator to Economy Mode, and it’ll automatically adjust engine speeds to reduce fuel consumption. You get easy-to-read LED indicators that signal if the oil level is low and if the generator is overloaded. Not only do you get two regular household outlets, but there are also two USB ports for charging your devices.
Best travel generator
Original price: $1,299
Honda is a well-known favorite for generators. (Amazon)
- What we love: The fact that it’s lightweight and ultra-quiet. You can also connect other generators for added power.
- What to be aware of: This generator will only run for about four hours when connected to certain appliances or tools that require more power.
When researching, Honda generators consistently came out on top with reviewers. Honda’s 2,200-watt generator is an ultra-portable model that’s best used on job sites, while camping or to power select appliances at home. It weighs just under 50 pounds, so it’s easy to carry, plus the quiet motor will keep your neighbors happy. To add more power, connect another generator with a cable or cord and get double the power.
A single tank of gas will run the generator for just over nine hours, depending on what you’re running. This model was originally developed for heavy-duty construction equipment, meaning it’s especially durable and reliable.
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Best for charging electronic devices
Original price: $199
Charge all small and medium-sized electronic devices with this power station. (Amazon)
- What we love: The travel-friendly design and many USB and traditional plug ports.
- What to be aware of: This power station is just 300 watts, so it’s not as powerful as other more expensive options.
Charge your phones, tablets, laptops and more with an Anker 521 portable power station. This compact power station features two AC outlets, a 12V car socket and multiple USB ports, including a 60W USB-C power delivery port. Designed to be travel-friendly, it’s an ideal choice for campsites and road trips.
Built with LiFePO4 batteries, this power station is designed to run for a decade.
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Best solar option
Original price: $2,799
Connect to a Jackery solar panel for off-grid charging. (Amazon)
The Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus is a dream power bank for emergencies and now you can get $1,100 off by adding your email before checkout. The durable battery can power a fridge for up to 14 days. It includes multiple charging ports, and can power nine devices simultaneously. It has a more-than 10 year lifespan and can be added as emergency backup with a one-touch manual transfer switch. You can attach another Jackery solar panel for additional charging.
Best for multiple fuel options
Original price: $639.99
The CO Watchdog feature will power the generator down if CO is detected. (Amazon)
- What we love: The 10.5-hour runtime and dual fuel option.
- What to be aware of: Some reviewers think this generator runs loud, especially compared to other models.
The Wen 8,000-watt generator is a durable, mid-tier model that provides plenty of wattage to run your home during a power outage. It has an electric start function that turns on the engine with a single press of a switch. The 6.7-gallon gas tank gives you 10.5 hours of ongoing power.
Wen’s dual-fuel design allows you to use both gasoline and propane, although using propane will reduce your wattage from 8,000 to 7,200 surge watts. An important safety feature included is the CO Shutdown Sensor. It automatically shuts off the generator if it detects dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
Best for durability
Original price: $2,199.99
This rugged generator is great for camping, tailgating or as a power backup. (Camping World)
- What we love: The automatic shut-off when CO is detected or when the oil gets too low, plus the rugged build.
- What to be aware of: The fuel efficiency is lower than other models, and this generator is a louder option.
Yamaha has a 5,500-watt generator with an electric start. Yamaha improved this model, so it now has a 13% longer runtime than previous versions. You get up to nine hours of continuous operation on a full tank of fuel.
This is a rugged model with all-terrain wheels and fold-down locking handles. There’s a CO sensor that automatically shuts the generator off when high carbon monoxide is detected. The generator will also shut off when the oil level gets too low, helping to prevent engine damage.
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Best for camping
Original price: $519.85
An ultra-portable and affordable generator. (Walmart)
- What we love: The portability and many outlet options.
- What to be aware of: This generator can be noisy, so make sure you have room to spread out.
For an affordable, high-watt generator, the Sportsman gas-powered 4,000-watt generator fits the bill. It can run for 10 hours with a 50% load and a full 3.6 gallons of gas. You get four 120-volt outlets, a 120-volt RV outlet and a 12-volt DC outlet. Due to its small size and easy portability, the Sportsman is best for campers who like to run TVs, small refrigerators, stoves and other small appliances.
The unit will detect when oil levels are low and shut down. This generator is on the louder size, so make sure there’s plenty of room between you and your neighbors.
A closer look at our top generator deals
| Generator | Price | Features |
| DuroMax 13,000-watt dual-fuel portable generator | On sale for $1,499 | Push start button, all-metal frame |
| Westinghouse 12,500-watt dual-fuel home backup portable generator | On sale for $899 | 12-hour runtime, RV-ready port, easy-roll handle and wheels |
| Generac 3,300-watt gas-powered portable inverter generator | On sale for $799 | A low oil indicator light, the lightweight frame, quiet engine |
| Honda 2,200-watt portable inverter generator | On sale for $1,099 | Ultra-quiet, lightweight and the generator has a long runtime for how compact it is |
| Anker 521 portable power station | On sale for $159.99 | Two AC outlets, a 12V car socket and multiple USB ports |
| Jackery Explorer 1,000 | On sale for $448.99 | Plenty of different charging ports, ability to connect to solar for easy charging |
| WEN 8,000-watt dual-fuel electric start generator | On sale for $543.99 | Easy electric start, automatic shut-off when carbon monoxide is detected |
| Yamaha 5,500-watt electric start generator | On sale for $1,697 | Generator automatically shuts off when low oil levels or CO is detected |
| Sportsman gasoline 4,000-watt portable generator | On sale for $299 | This is an affordable, beginner-friendly generator with select safety features |
Frequently asked questions
Understanding the world of generators can be complex. To get you started, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions shoppers wonder about when looking for a generator.
What size generator do I need?
The right generator size depends on what you’re using it for. You can get away with smaller generators with a few hundred or thousand watts if you’re using it to power a few small appliances or a TV while camping. If you’re using it as a backup in case the power goes out, many homes can operate on upwards of 5,000 watts. Larger homes need more power, so a 12,000 or 13,000-watt generator may be better.
How long can a generator run?
The generators we included on this list can run for up to half a day on a full tank of gas. Many run between eight and 15 hours, depending on the size of their fuel tank.
What are the top generator brands?
Some of the most well-known and highly-rated generator brands include Honda, Yamaha, Champion and Anker. Honda tends to be sought after the most, with the others following close behind.
If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can get many of these generators sent to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today.
