Generators can be the backbone of camping, motorhomes, or a tailgate party. However, some generators can disturb the peace as they create the torque necessary for power in a small space – so what are the quietest generators?
This article will celebrate the evolution of noise reduction technology in generators. We will tell you about 6 of the best quiet generators on the market – and the good thing is that they are all available to buy on Amazon.
We’ll offer you a decibel comparison of the quiet generators for all budgets on Amazon, and tell you about other notable features that can help your buying decision.
But first…
How loud are the quietest generators?
Some generators are darn loud. They can go all the way up to 80 dB; that’s louder with some washing machines and comparable with blenders or smoothie makers at full pelt.
However, as we are talking about the quietest generators here you’ll read about units in the spectrum of 50-60 dB operating noise
You can skip straight to our list of quiet blenders below:
- Champion 6500-Watt RV Ready Portable Generator – 64 dB
- WEN 3600-Watt Portable Inverter Generator – 65 dB
- Generac iQ3500 Portable Inverter Generator – 53.8 dB
- Pulsar PGD40ISCO Portable Inverter Generator – 59 dB
- Westinghouse 2550 Watt Portable Inverter – 52 dB
- Champion 4000-Watt RV Ready Portable Generator – 64 dB
Before we start the rundown, here are some stats. Take a look at the specs of these generators:
#1 – Champion 6500-Watt RV Ready Portable Generator – 64 dB
Powerful, long-running electricity at a low noise level – this Champion generator gives you fuel economy, quiet operation and carbon monoxide shut-off with CO Shield.
This Champion 6500 Watt Portable Generator is a quiet titan for RVs, on camping trips and on RV holidays.
Its 64 dB operating noise puts it comfortably down the lower end of the noise scale. The quiet technology featured all comes down to the reduction of the electrical load, which in turn allows the inverter to reduce engine speed. This feature also gives the unit better fuel economy and a longer engine life.
Other bits we should tell you about? Up to 15 hours of run time on just 3.95 gallons of gasoline is impressive for sure. There’s also Cold Start Technology and an EZ dial which makes setting up this generator a breeze.
Importantly, it also features the CO Shield, which is a carbon monoxide auto shutoff system.
Pros
- Quiet technology with only 64 dB noise
- Extended engine life
- Good fuel economy
- CO Shield
Cons
- There are cheaper portable units available
Best for: Regular RV trippers and food trucks
#2 – WEN 3600-Watt Portable Inverter Generator – 65 dB
An affordable generator with a quiet 65 dB engine and decent power – a good option for campers and tailgating.
This is an affordable portable generator that derives noise reduction from a super-quiet engine that operates at an impressive 65 dB.
Able to generate up to 3600 surge watts, the 149cc engine is powerful enough to be your best friend for camping trips and tailgating.
There is an extensive panel that gives you all the options of 120V receptacles, one 12V DC receptacle, one 12V DC receptacle, and two 5V USB ports.
There’s also a fuel shut-off feature that extends the lifespan of your generator – it does this by using up the fuel remaining in the carburettor before it shuts down.
Pros
- Quiet engine at 65 dB
- Panel offers many connection options
- Fuel shut-off
Cons
- Not strong enough for residential use
Best for: Camping or tailgating
#3 – Generac iQ3500 Portable Inverter Generator – 53.8 dB
The 2nd quietest generator in this list – this Generac generator gives you a lower engine speed option that brings noise all the way down to an independently verified 53.8 dB.
Nearly the quietest generator in our list of the best quiet generators…
How can the Generac iQ3500 Portable Inverter Generator achieve a reduced operating noise of just 53.8 dB? It’s down to the choice of engine speeds – you can either choose to reduce the noise level or fuel consumption, or to crank up the power to maximum. By the way, the 53.8 dB noise level was independently verified in tests by the guys at Generator Mechanics
Weekend adventurers back up this generator’s inoffensive noise level. ColaMom, a reviewer on Amazon, recounts:
“There was another trailer setup about 75 feet away with a jobsite type generator – the noise coming from that thing drowned out mine where I had to check several times to ensure it was still running.”
There’s a PowerDial™ feature that integrates the start, run, and stop functions into a user-friendly dial.
This is a robust generator that weighs much less than you might expect. You’ll also get PowerRush Advance Technology which provides 50% more starting capacity, as well as integrated COsense technology that protects against carbon monoxide; offering detection and providing alerts.
Pros
- Very quiet operating noise (53.8 dB)
- Choice of engine speeds
- Quick start-up
Cons
- Heavier than some other portable options
Best for: Excellent quiet generator for outdoors, food trucks and house back-up
#4 – Pulsar PGD40iSCO 4000 Watt Generator – 59 dB
Pulsar have come up trumps with this 4000W generator that doesn’t sacrifice much power on the way to a quiet 59 dB – there’s a low idle control feature to get the most out of your run time.
Small, portable, and quiet. If you are looking for a low-noise generator that is not a drag to transport, look no further than the Pulsar PGD40iSCO 4000 Watt Generator.
Just because this generator is quiet, it doesn’t mean that it lacks the power you need to provide reliable and clean electricity to RVs, air conditioning systems, and fridges.
With 4.5 hrs run time at half load from its 1 gallon fuel tank, this is generator is a safe bet to offer you power when and where you need it, without being cumbersome to move around.
Low idle control maximizes its run time. Along with tools and appliances, it can also power sensitive electronics.
Pros
- Super quiet (59 dB)
- Very light
- Good fuel economy
Cons
- There are more powerful options for residential use
Best for: Easily transportable quiet generator
#5 – Westinghouse 2550 Watt Portable Inverter – 52 dB
The quietest generator we could find on the market. It’s also very light and will cover you for camping, tailgating, and emergency appliance back up.
Here’s another generator in the very light (42.3 lbs) and very quiet (52 dB) category. In fact – at a rock bottom 52 dB, it’s the quietest on our low noise generator list.
What you’ll get, typically, with the quietest generators on the market, is less power. With a peak output of 2550W you see that this isn’t the most powerful generator out there. But it certainly has enough ‘oomph’ to be used on camping and RV holidays, as well as tailgate parties and as an emergency residential backup.
From its 1.16 gallon tank, you can get a remarkable 12-hour run time. You can also switch to economy mode for maximum fuel efficiency.
There’s a handy LED data display that gives you an overview of power output, fuel level, and runtime remaining, as well as voltage.
Pros
- Extremely quiet (52 dB)
- Very light
Cons
- May lack the power to support multiple high-power appliances at once
Best for: Emergency back-up for appliances and electronics
#6 – Champion 4000-Watt RV Ready Portable Inverter Generator – 64 dB
Another solid model from Champion, which gives you the multiple benefits of decent power, light weight, and quietness at 64 dB.
Another lightie; this Champion Generator is a touch louder than the options immediately above, but it wields more power, giving you up to 4000W.
What’s the point of the sentence above? It should show you that this is one of the lightest 4000W generators available – and it’s pretty quiet at 64 dB!
Now, the manufacturer doesn’t tell us exactly how a noise level of 64 dB, but it mentions Quiet Technology which essentially results in a quieter engine and inverter. This is backed up by users. Paul Lee, a reviewer on Amazon, said:
“When I found out they made a smaller, lighter, and equally powerful inverter generator, I had to get one. I was satisfied, it is lighter, quieter, and works awesome.”
There’s an optional parallel kit that allows you to connect the generator to a second 4000-watt Champion inverter, giving you double the output.
Pros
- Relatively quiet (65 dB)
- High power for light weight
- Free lifetime technical support
Cons
- There are quieter options
Best for: Light weight, high power, low noise
