10 Best Quiet Generators 2026 in the United States

The Generac Guardian 26kW Home Standby Generator is a solid choice for homeowners needing reliable, whole-house backup power during outages. It delivers a strong 26,000 watts of clean and stable electricity, suitable for running most household appliances simultaneously without interruption. This generator runs on either natural gas or liquid propane, offering flexibility depending on available fuel sources. One of its standout features is the quiet operation, especially during its self-test mode when it reduces engine speed to minimize noise. While not completely silent, it’s noticeably quieter than many other generators of similar power.

Thanks to Generac’s True Power Technology, the electricity it produces has low distortion, which is better for sensitive electronics. The unit is fairly heavy at over 500 pounds and designed for permanent installation, so it isn’t portable or something you’d move around frequently. It requires professional installation, ensuring it integrates smoothly with your home’s electrical system. The built-in Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to monitor performance and receive alerts remotely, adding convenience and peace of mind.

Although it doesn’t use inverter technology specifically, its engine and design focus on efficient, low-maintenance operation with fuel savings. This generator is ideal for homeowners who want dependable backup power with quiet running and smart monitoring features, rather than for users looking for a portable or inverter-based model. Its size and weight make it a long-term home fixture rather than a temporary solution.

The Westinghouse 12500 Watt Dual Fuel Generator is a solid choice for those looking for a powerful and versatile backup power solution. With running watts of 9500 on gasoline and 8500 on propane, plus peak outputs of 12500 and 11200 respectively, this generator can handle most home appliances during outages. Its dual fuel capability adds flexibility, allowing users to switch between gasoline and propane based on availability or preference.

The generator offers an impressive run time of up to 12 hours on a full tank, which is beneficial for prolonged use without the need for frequent refueling. Portability is decent, as it weighs 210 pounds; while it may not be the lightest generator, it does have built-in handles that assist with moving it around.

On the downside, its weight could make it difficult for some users to transport without help, particularly if you need to move it across a yard or to different locations. Additionally, being a gas-powered generator, it may not be the best fit for those seeking an ultra-quiet option for camping or in highly noise-sensitive areas. The safety features, including rubber covers for the outlets and automatic low oil shutdown, add peace of mind during operation.

The Westinghouse 11000 Peak Watt Dual Fuel Portable Inverter Generator offers considerable power output with 9000 running watts and 11000 peak watts on gasoline, and slightly less on propane. This makes it a strong candidate for powering a variety of household appliances and electronics, especially given its low total harmonic distortion (THD) of less than 3%, which is safe for sensitive devices.

The dual-fuel capability (gasoline and propane) provides flexibility, and its large 9.8-gallon fuel tank allows for an impressive run time of up to 17 hours on gasoline. This generator is also equipped with inverter technology, ensuring stable and clean power output, ideal for electronics. At 187.4 pounds, it is quite heavy, which might affect its portability despite its 'portable' tag.

The inclusion of a remote electric start, multiple outlets with rubber covers, and a CO sensor adds to the convenience and safety. The LED data center, displaying crucial information like fuel level and run time, is a useful feature. This generator would be suitable for residential users needing reliable, high-capacity backup power, though its weight might pose challenges for frequent movement.