Best Inverter Generators

Pros

• +48–57 dBA — the benchmark everyone else measures against
• +Legendary starting and longevity; GX120-derived engine
• +47 lb, one-hand carry

Cons

• −Roughly double the cost per watt of very good competitors
• −1,800 running watts won't run an RV air conditioner alone

Pros

• +3,700 running watts handles an RV AC with margin
• +52 dBA at quarter load — extraordinarily quiet for the output
• +Remote start fob, electric start, and telescoping handle

Cons

• −98 lb — wheeled, but not a one-hand carry
• −Single 120V leg; no 240V for transfer switches

Pros

• +9,000 running watts (gas) through a 50A outlet — real whole-panel capability
• +64 dBA is dramatically quieter than any open-frame machine with this output
• +Tri-fuel with natural-gas hookup: unlimited runtime, clean sine-wave output

Cons

• −Premium price — nearly double an equivalent open-frame tri-fuel
• −191 lb; wheeled but not casually portable

Pros

• +Only dual-fuel option at this price in the 4,500 class
• +Runs 13,500 BTU RV AC on gasoline (mind the ~10% propane derate)
• +Electric start; wheels and folding handle included

Cons

• −~61 dBA — quiet, but audibly busier than the iGen4500
• −Propane derate means marginal AC starting on LP in hot weather

Pros

• +39 lb — lightest in its output class
• +51–58 dBA, genuinely quiet
• +Fuel shutoff mode runs the carb dry for storage — the #1 longevity feature at this price

Cons

• −Long-term durability is good-for-the-price, not Honda
• −Support network thinner than Champion/Westinghouse