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By Thad Warren
There are few things more annoying than the constant drone of a noisy generator. It can feel like someone is running a lawnmower in your ear for hours on end.
If you rely on a generator for your RV, campsite, or even to power your home generator noise can be a nuisance. Unfortunately, many people don’t think about this problem until after they’ve already purchased a generator that turns out to be louder than a small aircraft.
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a generator, so to make your life a little easier we conducted an in-depth independent research study to not only find the quietest generators but the best quiet generators for different use cases, power outputs, fuel types, portability and much more.
Keep reading to the quietest generators available.
Honda generators are known for being quiet workhorses, and the Honda EB2200i is no exception. It produces 2,200 watts and operates between 47-53 decibels, making it one of the quietest generators. Plus, it’s loaded with features including carbon monoxide detection, GFCI outlets, and auto oil/gas shutoff sensors. An electric start feature also adds to its convenience for easy operation.
A normal conversation is about 60 dB, and a small office is about 50.
The EB2200i is also relatively light and compact given its output and feature list, brining portable power with you wherever you go. It weighs 46 pounds and has dimensions of 20” x 11.4” x 16.7”. It’s relatively light and has a comparable size to the 18 other portable generators we reviewed.
If you still aren’t sold, the EB2200i has great user reviews as well. 91% of Home Depot shoppers recommend the EB2200i and it has a perfect 5-star rating on Amazon.
Specification
Value
Volume (dB)
47-53
Weight
47.4 lbs
Peak Watts
2200w
Running Watts
1800w
Fuel Capacity
.95 gal
Runtime 50% load (hrs)
6 hrs
Engine Size
121 cc
Warranty
3 years
Hourly Fuel Cost/kW - 50% Load
$0.5401/kWh
The Firman HO3651 is a versatile generator that offers a balance between power and portability. It is capable of handling various power tools like circular saws and drills, making it a reliable choice for both home and job site use.
If you are willing to sacrifice a little bit of portability in exchange for more power, but still don’t want to wear earplugs the Firman HO3651 is the quietest mid-sized generator in our study.
The Firman HO3651 has an operating volume of 67 decibels, similar to the sound level of a restaurant, but has a running watt output of 3650 and starting/peak output of 4550 watts. Additionally, it has the key features we look for like low oil shutoff, CO2 sensor, and GFCI protection.
The Firman HO3651 also has positive reviews. Amazon customers rate it 4.2 out 5 stars with most negative reviews having issues with the seller, not the actual generator. Northern Tool customers rate it a perfect 5 out of 5 stars.
Specification
Value
Volume (dB)
67
Weight
120 lbs
Peak Watts
4550w
Running Watts
4100w
Fuel Capacity
5 gal
Runtime 50% load (hrs)
14 hrs
Engine Size
208 cc
Warranty
2 years
Hourly Fuel Cost/kW - 50% Load
$0.5706/kWh
The Generac G0072250 is a robust generator that offers reliable power for larger homes and commercial spaces. It features a durable engine and a user-friendly interface, making it a top choice for those who need a dependable power source. Additionally, it comes with a remote control, allowing users to operate the generator from over 200 feet away, which is particularly convenient for outdoor settings like camping or RV trips.
If you are looking for a home backup generator or something to power your off-grid home, you need something powerful but you definitely don’t want to have to listen to an engine running non-stop. Enter the Generac G0072250 a great blend of power output, and reliability with a low volume rating of 55 decibels - quieter than your average conversation.
The G0072250 is a bit more complex than the portable generators previously mentioned. It is meant to be installed permanently and requires propane or natural gas for fuel.
In exchange for a lack of portability, you gain a substantial amount of power. The G0072250 produces 14kW of electricity, enough to power many of the appliances in your home.
Specification
Value
Volume (dB)
55-65
Dimensions
48" x 25" x 29"
Weight
385 lbs
Peak Watts
14000w
Running Watts
14000w
Fuel Capacity
N/A (Propane/Natural Gas only)
Runtime 50% load (hrs)
Propane: 36.00 ft3/hr, Natural Gas: 101.00 ft3/hr
Engine Size
816 cc
Warranty
5 years
Hourly Fuel Cost/kW - 50% Load
Propane: $0.2901/kWh, Natural Gas: $0.1834/kWh
When selecting a quiet generator, there are several factors to consider to ensure you find the right one for your needs.
The power output of a generator is measured in watts, and it’s essential to choose a generator that can handle the power requirements of your devices. Consider the wattage of your appliances, tools, and equipment, and look for a generator that can provide a few extra hundred watts to account for any unexpected power needs. For instance, if you plan to power an air conditioner, make sure the generator can handle the initial surge in power demand.
In addition to power output, consider the fuel type of the generator. Gasoline-powered generators are the most common, but dual-fuel models that can run on propane or natural gas are also available. Dual-fuel generators offer more flexibility and can be a good option for those who want to reduce their reliance on gasoline or improve become more fuel efficient. They provide the convenience of switching between fuel types, which can be particularly useful during fuel shortages or emergencies.
Noise level is a critical factor to consider when choosing a quiet generator. Look for generators with a noise level of 60 dB(A) or less, which is comparable to a normal conversation. Some generators have a noise level as low as 52 dB(A), making them ideal for camping, RV-ing, and residential use. A super quiet generator ensures a more pleasant environment, whether you’re enjoying the outdoors or trying to maintain peace in a neighborhood.
The size and weight of the generator are also important considerations. Compact and lightweight generators are easier to transport and store, making them ideal for camping and RV-ing. However, larger generators may be necessary for more extensive power needs, such as powering multiple appliances or tools simultaneously. Consider the generator’s portability features, such as built-in wheels and handles, which can make a significant difference in ease of use.
Ultimately, the right quiet generator for you will depend on your specific power needs, fuel preferences, and noise tolerance. By considering these factors, you can find a generator that provides reliable, quiet power for your devices and equipment, ensuring you have the energy you need without the disruptive noise.
Many of the most common questions about energy usage are related to generators. How much energy do they produce, which one is right for my application, etc. We wanted to be able to give our users the right information so that they could make the best decision for whatever their application.
To that end, we conducted an independent study that breaks down 54 of the most common generators from 20+ brands by over 70 different attributes and performance metrics. We looked at everything from price and running costs to engine size and number of outlets.
We do not and did not receive any free products or make any suggestions based on the manufacturer’s input. We looked at the numbers and make suggestions based off the data. However, we may earn some sort of fee from the seller if you do decide to purchase using one of the shopping links we provide.
Many homeowners, RV owners, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts use generators as either a backup or main source of power. This guide was intended to inform these types of folks about the best choices available.
We realize there are many commercial or niche use cases for a generator. In most, cases these scenarios require a unique or specialized type of product that may or may not align with our recommendations.
For example, if you’re living off-grid and want to power a custom workshop with high-powered electrical equipment, our recommendation for the best medium-sized generator may not be right for you.
This guide is intended to help those looking to find a quiet generator. We selected generators from our study that had the lowest decibel volume levels during normal operating conditions. Many generators will have varying volume levels depending on how much load they are under.
For example, Generator A might be 50 decibels when it's under 10% load, but when it’s under 50% load it skyrockets to 80 decibels.
This means that if you just turn on a generator without drawing any power our recommendations may not be the quietest, but they will be quietest based on what is considered a normal load.
Furthermore, the conditions in which your generator is running may cause the sound to be louder or quieter than our study may suggest. For example, if your generator is tucked inside an RV storage compartment it may be louder than if it was sitting in an open area.
