Generators are essential equipment if you experience frequent blackouts. Besides, it is good to have a generator handy even if there are no recurring blackouts. It can keep your lights running and your home warm. There are many generators available in the market which are best for camping power needs as well as for home backup.
But with most of the generators, there is a problem with Noise, which can ruin the camping experience for you. If you use it at home, then you might get complaints from the neighbors. So, to help you find a generator that is very quiet in nature and can supply enough power, we have listed down the best quiet generators in the market.
Note: As you might know, inverter generators are quiet compared to conventional generators.
There are two types of inverter generators: Open frame and Close frame.
The open-frame inverter generators are cheaper and offer high power output (as high as 8000 watts) but on the other hand, they are slightly noisy and bulkier than the close-frame inverter generators. So if you have a limited budget for a quiet generator, then you can choose the open-frame inverter generator.
| Champion 200988 (Best Dual-fuel Inverter Generator - Best Overall)
 
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| Champion 100520 (Highest Power Output Inverter)
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| A-iPower SUA2000iV (Budget Pick)
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| WEN 56380i
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| Westinghouse iGen4500DF
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| WEN 56200i
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| Champion 100519 (Another High Power Inverter)
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| Champion 200953
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| Westinghouse iGen2200
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Table of Contents
Best Quietest/Silent Generators 2024
1. Champion 200988 4500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator
Let’s start with the best from the market. When it comes to getting a reliably quiet generator, I don’t easily trust any random one, which is why I am going to start with the globally favorite Champion.
Known for its wonderful performance and versatility, Champion 200988 is on the top of our list for a genuine reason.
Firstly, the Champion 200988 is sponsored by a super strong four-stroke engine which makes way for 4500 starting and 3150 running watt power to gently handle all the electronic appliances.
However, the engine makes sure Champion 200988 does maintain a quiet power operation which is measured at 61 Decibels from 23 feet, making it perfect for RVs, tailgating, or home.
The Champion 200988 stands out with a durable fuel tank with a 2.3-gallon capacity to run for 14 straight hours on gas and higher at up to 22 hours for propane.
And since the generator also follows fuel efficiency, things just get better by increasing your runtime and cutting your fuel expenses.
The build quality of this quiet generator is top-notch. It feels solid and durable, and the heavy-duty steel frame ensures it can withstand even the harshest conditions.
The wheels and foldable handle make it easy to move around, and the compact design means that it can be stored away easily when not in use.
Other than that, the Champion 200988 quiet generator is incredibly easy to control, with an electric start followed by traditional recoiling. Additionally, it also supports Parallel collaboration, where you can magnify the generator’s potential by attaching a parallel generator.
Last but not least, the generator follows all the safety measures with a secured and user-friendly control panel. So, what’s better than this authentically ultra-quiet generator with immense power?
Pros
- Dual Fuel technology
- High power support
- Three-year warranty
- Travel-friendly
- Clean power for sensitive tools
- Extended runtime
- Easy electric start
Cons
- Need extra care with installing
2. Champion 100520 8750-Watt DH Series Open Frame Inverter
Well, moving on to a greater power option, here I got one spectacular edition of Champion once again; one with the true nature of producing a plethora of power for large appliances while managing the operation sound to minimal following the ultra-quiet mechanism. Now there is another fascinating versatility of Champion 100520 that can satisfy the category.
What makes the Champion 100520 stand out from the rest is its advanced sound-dampening system. It uses innovative technology to reduce noise levels to just 72 decibels, making it one of the quietest generators on the market.
But let’s not forget the ability of Champion 100520 to summon immense power. With the strongest 4-stroke 420cc OHV engine, the generator can supply an endless 8750 starting watts of power and 7500 running watts for the appliances.
Additionally, the Champion 100520 has a 4.2-gallon fuel tank that provides up to 10 and half hours of run time at 50% load, so you can enjoy uninterrupted power for extended periods of time.
The generator got a pretty attractive and strong body with a foldaway handle and never-flat tires to make transport effortless.
The generator is also easy to use and maintain. Like the single tap on the ON/OFF push button to initiate the electric start, which includes the cold start technology for preventing trouble to the lowest degree.
With such high power comes higher risk, but the generator’s intuitive control panel features a Volt Guard surge protector that helps protect your devices from power surges and a low-oil shutoff sensor that prevents engine damage due to insufficient lubrication.
Considering the high-power provider feature, I believe the Champion 100520 got a pretty reasonable deal. Overall, it’s the finest generator to try for someone who is looking for an ideal quiet generator with a whole house power supply.
Pros
- Never-better strongest engine
- Immense running power
- Advance sound dampening
- Easiest controls
- Decent working time
- Ergonomic handles
- Three years of warranty
Cons
- Lack of dual fuel technology
3. A-iPower SUA2000iV 2000W Ultra-Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
Moving on, Ai-power, another outstanding brand in this power backup world, has brought a true gem to the market, The A-iPower SUA2000iV.
This strong and ultra-quiet generator is designed to be ready for severe power outages without causing unnecessary disturbance to the neighborhood.
Let’s talk about the primary character of Ai-Power SUA2000iV; this generator is designed to be ultra-quiet, making it an excellent choice for camping trips, tailgating events, and other outdoor activities.
The generator features a whisper-quiet operation, with noise levels as low as 52 decibels at 25% load, making it perfect for use in noise-sensitive environments.
Despite its quiet operation, the Ai-Power SUA2000iV is still able to deliver a decent amount of power to run life through essentials. A durable 4-stroke engine with 80 cubic centimeters cooks up to 2000 starting watts and 1600 running watts, making it ideal for powering small appliances and electronics.
The generator is also configured with a 1.1-gallon fuel tank, oriented with the popular A-power’s “Low idle” technology for running down for an extended period. This all concludes with a maximum of 7 hours of run time at 50% load.
Ai-Power SUA2000iV generates clean power, and Its intuitive control panel gets the involvement of a fuel gauge, an overload indicator, and a low-oil shutoff sensor that protects the engine from damage due to insufficient lubrication, making it the safest quiet generator for the home.
That’s not it; the generator is considerably the smallest and most compact on the list, one that can be carried around to any place perfectly for tailgating or camping.
The minimal weight of 46 pounds and ergonomic handle added an extra factor in maneuverability. This silent generator uses the manual starting mechanism, which is not a big problem because it’s one of the safest, easiest, and smaller generators on the list.
With an incredibly pocket-friendly tag on the back, this exception stepped on the board for effective personal usage.
Pros
- Lowest noise rate
- Low oil shutdown
- Less maintenance
- Attractive compact design
- Lightest as feather
- Safe and secure working
- Low-idle extended runtime
Cons
- Manual starting
4. Westinghouse 4500-Watt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
Some people believe that quiet generators are not sufficiently strong to handle big equipment; Breaking that stereo, this Westinghouse iGen4500 generator came on the market with tons of promises.
The Westinghouse iGen4500 is a portable open-frame inverter generator that is best suited for recreational vehicles and outdoor use. You can even use it as a backup generator for your home.
Comprising a series of never-better performances and power that can pour lives into whole-house electronic appliances, iGen4500 became the crowd’s favorite in no time.
Westinghouse iGen4500 stands with the 4 strokes OHV engine that uses gasoline to generate 4500 peak watts at the start of the tool with the 3700 rated or running watts to handle all the necessary electronics from home or outside.
The best part is even with such a decent power supply; the generator doesn’t revert a high amount of sound.
This is so because Westinghouse iGen4500 works effectively on its advanced sound dampening system, which eliminates the unwanted hassle, eventually reducing the noise level to as low as 52 decibels at 25% load; I mean, what’s more interesting than that?
This is why I fear not to use this beauty in residential areas or outdoors as well. Also, the generator satisfies all environmental officials like EPA and CARB.
The generator also comes with a variety of convenient features, such as an LCD display that shows important information such as fuel level, run time, and power output.
And as the icing on the cake, this very productive iGen4500 also has a remote start function, making it easy to turn on and off from a distance, with all support of the effortlessly convenient electric ON/OFF dial.
With all its versatility, the generator also reduces the risk for extra-sensitive electronics; well, the inverter technology of iGen4500 generates clean and stable power for extra care required by Laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
There is enough room for the extended runtime for iGen4500 as well; with the standing support of a durable 3.4-gallon tank, you get to power your tools for straight up to 18 hours.
This silent generator follows the wonderfully useful “Economy Mode” that leads to maximizing fuel efficiency in a way to avoid any strain on your wallet. In a word, a perfect noiseless generator for home
Pros
- Digital LCD display
- Remote and electric start
- Longer runtime
- Lower operation sound
- Telescoping handle
- Advance Safety measures
- Economy fuel efficiency mode
Cons
- Limited fuel choices
5. WEN 56380i Super Quiet RV-Ready Portable Inverter Generator
Big heavy generators can promise you tons of power and performance, but they cannot deal with the lots of neighborhood complaints you will be facing because of the loud noises.
The simpler solution is to get a noise-free power backup tool, Like this amusing WEN 56380i Super Quiet Generator. I am saying this because I am thoroughly impressed with its performance, potential, and convenience.
Sticking to our primary requirement, the WEN 56380i generator is a reliable and silent source of power. The most notable feature of this generator allows its ultra-quiet operation at a noise level of only 57 decibels at a 25% load, listing it among the quietest generators on the market.
You can use this generator in a residential area without disturbing your neighbors, and its quiet operation makes it ideal for use during outdoor activities.
Another great feature of the WEN 56380i is its fuel efficiency. With a tank capacity of 2.2 gallons, this generator can run for up to 8.5 hours at a 50% load. Let’s not forget the impressive power output of the generator; it has a peak power of 3800 watts and rated power of 3400 watts, ideally for homes, RVs, and certain outdoor events.
And with its lesser 1.2% harmonic distortion, there is no risk for sensitive equipment like phones or laptops; the 4-stroke 212cc OHV engine definitely goes for a clean and stable power supply.
The WEN 56380i is also equipped with a variety of safety features to protect you and your equipment, like the fuel shutoff, automatic voltage regulation, and automatic low oil shutdown, all to keep your engine and appliances safe from danger.
This generator is also incredibly easy to use. It features an electric start, which means that you can start it up quickly and easily without having to pull on a cord.
The WEN 56380i control panel is well-designed and easy to navigate, and it includes an LED display for real-time updates.
And last, the 99-pound weight body of the WEN 56380i associated with in-built wheels and collapsible handle works finest during the portability of the tool.
Summing up, the WEN 56380i Super Quiet Generator is a top-quality piece of equipment that delivers on its promises, worth considering.
Pros
- Super Quiet working
- Lesser Harmonic distortion
- Digital Meters for updates
- Secure outlets for RVs
- Compact portable design
- Two-year warranty
- Lesser Maintenance
Cons
- Runtime could be better
6. Generac GP3000i 3000-Watt Gas-Powered Quiet Portable Generator
This is one of the quietest generators, which provides you with electric power whenever and wherever you need it.
The impressive feature of this generator is its powerRUSH technology, which provides 50% more output power. It has a 149cc engine that runs on gasoline and produces 3000 starting watts and 2300 running watts.
Generac GP3000i features a True power technology that provides clean and stable power so that you can safely connect your sensitive electronics.
Moreover, there are 1.06 gallons of a gasoline tank, which offers 10.75 hours of runtime on a 25% load, and around 4 hours on a 50% load.
You can use this quiet generator in the park without being worried about regulations and noise restrictions because the engine is carb compliant and comes with a spark arrestor.
To improve the fuel economy and reduce the noise further, this unit is equipped with the Eco mode feature. It is a lightweight generator, which comes with side handles to make transportation even more effort-free.
For the power output, the control panel has a 120v and 30A twist-lock outlet, a 120V 20A duplex outlet, and two 5V DC USB outlets. The control panel also has a warning light to notify the user when the oil and fuel level is low.
When you need more power, it comes with the parallel capability to connect another same generator in parallel.
This model from Generac is backed by a 3-year warranty for the residential consumer and a 1-year warranty for commercial use.
Pros
- Ample runtime compared to tank size.
- PowerRUSH technology.
- True Power technology.
- Easy start.
- Parallel capacity.
Cons
- Overly sensitive oil level indicator.
- Unstable power output complaints.
7. WEN 56235i 2350-Watt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator
Who wouldn’t want the ideal companion during those scary blackouts; but getting one on budget and healthier for the surroundings is quite a handful task if you ask me.
So, cutting all the efforts short, here is another magnificent WEN 56235i super quiet generator with high-level potential and strength like none other, all in a pretty decent deal
The mouthwatering feature of the WEN 56235i is its ability to empower all the basic electronics without emerging a lot of noise.
The generator is traditionally an ultra-quiet power backup generator with a reduced noise level rate of 51 decibels while working at a one-quarter load.
This is not the only thing that makes WEN 56235i special; the 79cc four-stroke OHV engine inside the generator’s body worked hard to give non-invasive power.
The generator is designed to produce 2350 surge watts, and 1900 rated watts in the form of clean and stable power; through the limited harmonic distortion of under 1.2%, making it safer. So a perfect noiseless, secure, and fruitful option for residential or outdoor usage
The generator also comes with various convenient features, such as an eco-mode that adjusts fuel consumption based on the load, increasing fuel efficiency and extending run time.
Additionally, the generator has a 1-gallon fuel tank that provides up to 10 and half hours of run time at 50% load.
And did I mention how WEN 56235i is effortless to control and carry thanks to its 39-pound weight. This super quiet generator also doesn’t crave high maintenance and prevents any accidental cause.
Records say it has all the safety measures like the low-oil auto shutoff, overload protection, and voltage spikes free duties.
With a compact and lightweight design, this generator is perfect for those who need a portable and quiet power source for outdoor activities or emergencies.
Pros
- Quietest generator
- Parallel kit compatibility
- Additional eco mode
- Two years warranty
- Least body weight
- Clean and stable power
- Limited maintenance
Cons
- Not a whole house supplier
8. Westinghouse 2200 Watt Super Quiet & Lightweight Portable Inverter Generator
This super quiet portable generator from the Westinghouse features a moderate engine that produces 2,200 peak watts and 1,800 running watts.
The generator produces up to 52 decibels of noise from 20 feet away, which is identical to a two-person conversation. This generator can be an ideal backup choice where neighbors are close by.
If we talk about the runtime, then the 1.2 gallons of the full tank gives a runtime of 12 hours at approximately 25% load.
Other than that, there is an Efficiency mode that will improve the fuel economy by adjusting the speed of a generator based on the load at the terminals. This feature best works only when the connected load is less.
To get more power output, you can connect another iGen2200 in parallel to get the 4400 watts of power. The power output from this quiet inverter generator has a THD rating of as low as 3%, so you can connect your sensitive electronics without worry.
With a weight of just 46 pounds, it makes the moving of the generator from one place to another very convenient, and the molded handle makes the task even easier.
Based on a load at the terminal, this quietest generator is going to produce only power, which is needed by controlling the speed of the engine.
The control panel on the device has two 120V outlets to power the household appliances and tools, and there is also two 5V USB outlets to power the low-voltage electronics.
For the protection of the generator, it has overload protection and low-oil shutdown protection. Besides, it comes with a 3-year warranty and a lifetime of technical support from the manufacturer.
Pros
- Very quiet.
- Lightweight.
- Not so expensive.
- User friendly.
- Fuel efficient.
Cons
- No fuel gauge.
- Power output occasionally fluctuates.
Why You Should Go for a Quiet Generator?
Everyone wants to enjoy nature and the sound of the wildlife around you when at the campsite. But to get the power, you will need to start the generator, which starts roaring as soon as you bring it to life.
If the noise level is not so high, then you can place it some distance away, but with the larger generators, you will still hear that sound, which will disturb your camping experience.
And besides, if you have camping neighbors, then the noise from the generator can ruin their vacation as well.
Moreover, the quiet generators will be small, meaning they are highly portable and can be taken to tailgating or campsites with ease.
Noise Level Measurement
The unit used to measure the sound level is a dB (decibels), and the noise rating of all the generators is expressed in terms of dBA. This dB is a logarithmic scale, which means the rise in the dB scale will result in an extra rise in the sound level.
Consider this, some appliances in your house are generating a 50 dBA of noise. When you compare the noise with another appliance like a generator, you will see it generates noise twice as much as the 50 dB appliances.
But the notable thing here is even though the noise level is twice, the difference in the dB level is just 10 dB, and the noise level of the generator is 60 dB.
Similarly, the noise level of an appliance with a noise rating of 70 dB will be four times that of 50 dB noise.
The starting noise level that a human ear can hear is 0 dB. The human ear is very sensitive to noise levels and can manage a wide range of sound levels.
If the sound level is more than 87 dB, it will result in a loss of hearing. When it is more than 90 dB, then it can even damage the ears.
Different Ways to Make Your Generator Quieter
A quiet generator makes your life of yours and your neighbor’s much easier. But sometimes, you may not find the generator that fits your power needs and will be equally silent at the same time.
The noise level can be much higher sometimes, but you can reduce it with these few simple steps.
Place the Generator Away
The most obvious way to reduce the noise level is by pushing the generator away from you. The more the distance between you and the generator, the less noise you will hear. But to bring power in, you will need to invest in longer extension cords.
Besides, if you are at a camping site, you might want to consider the noise your neighbors will hear when you move the generator away from you, but it will be getting closer to your fellow campers.
Keep It in an Enclosure
Another way to reduce the noise coming out from the generator is to enclose the generator inside a casing. The casing reduces the noise coming out from the generator.
But when choosing one or assembling one, you will have to keep in mind a few things, and you can’t just trap it in any casing.
You have to make sure there is enough spacing for airflow circulation to keep the generator cool. Also, keep spacing to release the exhaust out of the casing.
Adjust the Generator Position
The noise you hear dramatically depends on the position of the generator. When you position your generator in a certain way, you will hear low noise or higher noise.
A significant amount of noise from the generator comes out of its exhaust. So, to reduce the noise, point it away from you. Also, the noise and vibration will be higher if a generator is not on a flat or leveled surface. So, make sure the generator is on a flat surface.
Change the Position of The Exhaust Pipe to a Vertical
To reduce the noise to some extent, you can change the exhaust pipe to a vertical position. Most quiet generators have a horizontal exhaust pipe.
This placement directs the noise toward only one direction, but the noise can propagate in every direction with the vertical position. This will reduce the intensity of a noise level up to a lesser degree.
Best Dual Fuel Generators of 2024
