Whenever we hear a word generator, the second thing that comes to our mind after power is loudness. But not all generators are loud and produce an irritating sound. There are many quiet generator models that hardly produce a sound louder than a normal conversation.
Noise pollution affects both of our health and behavior. It is responsible for hypertension, hearing loss, stress, tinnitus, cognitive decline, and more.
According to a review of studies in the year 2000, when pregnant women get exposed to less than 65 dB noise level, they get a small decrements in the birth weight.
A study conducted in 1993 by Cornell University says that noise pollution causes cognitive development delays in children.
Also, according to an EPA report, 45 dB is the recommended noise level for indoor residences.
Therefore, it is necessary to purchase a quiet generator to keep you and your environment safe and healthy. So, here we have a list of seven best quiet generators that you can consider to buy one.
Table of Contents
Best Quiet Generators
Image | Product Name | Features | Ratings | Reviews | Check Price |
 | Honda EU2200i Portable Generator |
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 | WEN 56200i Portable Inverter Generator |
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 | Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Portable Generator |
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 | Rainier R2200i Portable Inverter Generator |
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 | Pulsar PG2000iSN Inverter Generator |
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 | Atima AY2000i RV Portable Generator |
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 | Generac iQ2000 Inverter Generator |
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1. Honda EU2200i Gas Power Portable Generator – Quietest of All
- Noise level: 48 dBA to 57dBA
- Fuel tank: 0.95 gallons
- Runtime: 9.6 hrs at 25% load
More Features: The unit features a fuel shutoff valve that prevents stale gas related issues by allowing the generator to run without fuel
Engine: It is powered by a powerful and reliable 121cc Honda GXR 120 engine.
Power Output: It produces clean and reliable 2200 watts of peak power and 1800 watts of continuous power. This output power is 10% more than its previous model EU2000i.
Noise Level: Honda EU2200i is considered the quietest generator. It operates at 48 dBA to 57dBA depending on the load.
Fuel Tank Capacity and Runtime: It has a small fuel tank size of 0.95 gallons that gives 4 to 9.6 hours of runtime. Its eco-throttle system is responsible for providing you with this great fuel efficiency.
Power Outlets: There are two 120V 15A AC outlets and a 12V 8.3A outlet for battery charging only.
Safety Features: The unit features a fuel shutoff valve that prevents stale gas related issues by allowing the generator to run without fuel. Also, there are low oil and overload alarm indicators.
Weight and Warranty: Its weight is 46.5 pounds and is backed by a 3-year limited warranty.
Pros: The Honda EU2200i is not only the quietest portable inverter generator, but it also has a user-friendly design. This unit is useful for those who don’t need much runtime but a generator with an extremely low decibel rating.
Cons: The unit is expensive and has a smaller fuel tank.
2. WEN 56200i Portable Inverter Generator – Tallest Among All
Engine: This generator is equipped with a 79.7cc 4-stroke OHV engine.
Power Output: It generates 2000 peak watts and 1600 running watts. Its power output is less than the Honda EU2200i.
Noise Level: It has a decibel rating of 51 dBA at 25% load and 55 dBA at 50% load.
Fuel Tank Capacity and Runtime: Its fuel tank capacity is 1 gallon and has a runtime of 6 hours at 50% load and 8 hours on eco-mode.
WEN Eco-Mode: Its Eco-mode helps you to save money as well as fuel. It helps the motor to adjust its fuel consumption according to the attachment and detachment of items from the power outlets.
Safety Features: There is overload protection, along with low-fuel and low-oil shutdown features. All these features are activated automatically with indicator lights present on the control panel.
Power Outlets: One 5V USB port, one 12V 8.3A DC outlet, and two 120V AC receptacles.
Weight, Warranty, and Certifications: It comes with a 2-year warranty and weighs around 48 pounds. Also, it is an EPA III and a CARB compliant unit.
Pros: It is an inexpensive generator that is ideal for those who are low on budget. Also, its maintenance is quite easy.
Cons: Refueling is not as easy as the fuel cap is small. You have to use a funnel to refuel neatly.
3. Yamaha EF2000iSv2 Portable Generator – Most Fuel-Efficient
Noise Level: With a decibel rating from 51.5 dBA at 25% rated load to 61 dBA at full rated load, Yamaha EF2000iSv2 is one of the quietest generators. Thanks to its refined muffler and spark arrestor that is USFS approved.
Engine: It comes with a 70cc, 4-stroke OHV engine that features an air-cooled cooling system.
Power Output: It produces 2000 watts of peak power and 1600 watts of running power.
Fuel Tank Capacity and Runtime: With only 1.1 gallons of the fuel tank, it gives a runtime of 10.5 hours at 50% load. This Yamaha EF2000iSv2 is the most fuel-efficient generator as compared to all quiet generators. Thanks to its smart throttle system.
Inverter System with PWD: Yamaha’s EF2000iSv2 inverter system features Pulse Width Modulation that ensures voltage and frequency stability.
New Controller System: The generator features a new control system with advanced programming that allows you to power a much wider variety of appliances than what you were powering with EF2000iS.
Safety Features: A low-oil warning system, an overload breaker, and a gasoline petcock that helps prevent stale gas problems are all included in its safety features.
Power Outlets: There are two 120V AC receptacles and a 12V 8A DC receptacle for battery charging only.
Weight, Warranty, and Certifications: It weighs 44.1 pounds, comes with a 3-year limited warranty, and EPA and CARB compliant.
Pros: The best thing about this generator is its ultra-portability. Also, its excellent runtime makes it an ideal generator for most people.
Cons: There is no USB port. Also, it consumes a lot of oil.
4. Rainier R2200i Portable Inverter Generator – Best Budget Choice
Noise Level: This Rainier R2200i produces 52 dB of noise from a distance of 23 feet at 25% load.
Engine: It is powered by a 79cc, 4-stroke OHV engine.
Power Output: The unit generates 2200 starting watts and 1800 running watts.
Fuel Tank Capacity and Runtime: It comes with a fuel tank capacity of 1.3 gallons. With this fuel tank capacity, the generator offers 13 hours of runtime at 25% load and 8 hours at 50% load.
Power Outlets: Its control panel has a 12V 8A DC outlet and two 120V 5-20R household outlets. The DC outlet comes with a USB converter.
Eco-Mode: Its eco-mode helps you to get more extended runtime. When this feature gets activated, the motor adjusts its speed according to the load applied to save your fuel.
Safety Features: Low oil shutdown and overload protection features come with this generator along with LED light indicators.
Weight, Warranty, and Certifications: Its weight is 43 pounds. It comes with a 3-year limited warranty. Also, it is EPA approved and a CARB compliant product.
Pros: It is a great power machine that is fuel-efficient and quiet as well. Also, it is easy to assemble and an inexpensive product; so anyone can buy it.
Cons: On eco-mode, it fails to handle power surges well.
5. Pulsar PG2000iSN Portable Inverter Generator – One-Year Warranty
Warranty, Weight, and Certifications: It comes with an only 1-year limited warranty. It is a CARB compliant product and weighs 47 pounds.
Noise Level: Pulsar PG2000iSN produces 59 dBA noise levels from a distance of 10 feet at 25% load.
Power Output: It produces 2000 watts of peak power, and 1600 watts of continuous power.
Engine: It is powered by an 80cc single cylinder, 4-stroke OHV engine
Fuel Tank Capacity and Runtime: It runs for more than 8 hours at 50% load on a 1.2-gallon fuel tank.
Safety Features: Low-oil sensor and overload protection with indicators are the part of this generator.
Economy Mode: Like some of the generators mentioned above, this generator also has an economy mode to maximize fuel efficiency.
Power Outlets: There are four power outlets altogether. One is the 5V DC USB outlet, one is the 12V DC outlet, and the remaining two are the 120V 13A household outlets.
Pros: It is also an inexpensive unit. But its output power and runtime make it comparable to many small size expensive units from different companies.
Cons: Its 1-year warranty period is the downside of this unit.
6. Atima AY2000i RV Portable Generator – Heavier Among All
Engine: It is powered by a high performing genuine Yamaha engine that is fuel-efficient as well as requires less maintenance.
Power Output: The unit provides constant and reliable power to your electronics and appliances. It generates 2000 peak watts and 1600 running watts to run your appliances.
Inverter Technology and PWD: Atima AY2000i features both the Pulse Width Modulation and advanced inverter technology.
Noise Level: Its advanced level muffler and USFS approved spark arrestor ensure its noise levels keep under 61 dBA at 100% load. Also, the smart throttle plays its part in reducing the noise levels.
Fuel Tank Capacity and Runtime: It can run continuously for 10.3 hours at 25% load and 4.2 hours at 100% load on a 1-gallon fuel tank. This greater fuel efficiency is because of the smart throttle that adjusts the engine speed according to the load applied. As the load changes, the speed also changes.
Power Outlets: Its control panel has two 120V AC receptacles and a 12V DC receptacle.
Safety Features: Overload protection and low-oil shutdown are the most common safety features that are also part of this unit.
Weight and Warranty: It is heavier than all the generators mentioned in this article. It weighs 50.7 pounds and has a 2-year warranty.
Pros: The Yamaha engine is its most appealing feature. Its ergonomic design, high performance, and low maintenance requirements make it a worthy unit to buy.
Cons: The unit doesn’t feature a USB port. Also, it fails to power the RV’s air conditioner.
7. Generac iQ2000 Inverter Generator – With Three Operation Modes
Noise Level: Generac iQ2000 produces 53 dB of noise at 50% load. The speed of its engine changes according to the electrical demand that reduces the noise levels.
Weight, Warranty, and Certification: It weighs 46 pounds and comes with a 3-year limited warranty. Also, it is CARB compliant.
Engine and Output power: Its 80cc engine produces 2000 watts of peak power and 1600 watts of continuous power.
Fuel Tank Capacity and Runtime: It has a fuel tank capacity of 1.06 gallons that offers almost 8 hours of runtime at a 25% load.
Power Dial: An integrated unique power dial is also there that features start, run, and stop functions.
Modes of Operation: The unit features three modes of operation that include: Turbo, Standard, and Economy.
Smart LED Dashboard: Its smart LED dashboard located at the top of the control panel shows the remaining runtime, fuel level, generator status, and wattage use.
Power Outlets: There are only two power outlets of 120V AC.
Pros: Its three operational modes are the best thing. Also, PowerBar is a useful addition to the control panel.
Cons: But there is no smooth switching between the three operational modes. Also, quality and performance-wise, this generator is not great.
How to Choose a Perfect Quiet Generator?
In this section, you are going to know which of the factors you should consider before purchasing the best quiet generator.
Noise Level
The first factor must be the noise level as you are looking for a less noisy generator. A generator operating at 50 dB will surely not bother anyone. But a noise level of more than 60 dB can. Still, it is not that loud but to keep your environment free from an irritating noise; a generator having less than 60 dB noise level is a must.
But it doesn’t mean that you can’t buy a generator having more than 60 dB decibel rating. Keep it away from you to relax at home or enjoy your outdoor activities.
But one thing you should keep in mind that the engine size and the power generating capacity of a generator affect the noise level. If you are looking for a 3,000 watt to 4,000-watt generator, you can’t get a quiet unit. For this, a 2000-watt generator is ideal.
Also, how much load you are applying changes to the noise level. Draw a little power from your generator; it will keep quiet during operation.
Fuel Tank and Runtime
Before focusing on the fuel tank size and runtime of your generator, it is necessary to find out how long you will need to run your unit.
The fuel efficiency of the generator and its tank size affect the runtime. A generator with a fuel tank size of one gallon or more can easily give you 10 hours of runtime at 25% load.
Power Outlets
You should also check your generator’s control panel to make sure that the type and number of power outlets available are according to your needs. Along with minimum two 120V AC household receptacles, a 12V DC with or without USB adaptor and 5V USB ports are a must.
If you are finding a generator for your RV, then make sure it has an RV outlet.
Safety Features
Overload protection with alarm and low-oil shutdown with oil alert light indicator are the most common safety features and must be the part of your generator. The indicator lights are important to let you know the reason behind the engine shutoff.
Both of these safety features are for the protection of the generator’s engine and your appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which one is quieter? Inverter or conventional generator
Inverter generators are much quieter as compared to most of the conventional generators. The reason for this is the smart-throttle system that changes the engine speed according to the load applied. Not all the time, the engine runs at the same speed; it adjusts its noise and output according to the power you are generating. Also, inverter generators come with enclosed frames and feature oversized mufflers that reduce the engine noise.
What are the benefits of a quiet portable generator?
There are various benefits of using a quiet portable generator.
First of all, a quiet generator produces less sound that is ideal for those who hate listening to the awkward generator sound.
Second, it consumes less fuel.
Third, you can take your generator anywhere because of its great portability feature.
Will two small generators connected in parallel make less noise than a powerful unit?
No, two less powerful generators will produce more sound than a single power generator. Therefore, it is better to use a powerful unit when you need to generate more power rather than connecting two small generators in parallel.
How to make generators quiet?
If you don’t have a quiet generator but desperately want to reduce the noise level of your unit, then there are various things that you can do to make your generator operate quietly.
You can either install a sound deflector or build an enclosure for your unit. Also, you can install a big sized muffler or change the position of the exhaust pipes from horizontal to vertical.
Is it ok to operate your generator at low load every time to keep the noise levels on a lower side?
No, it is not ok to operate a generator at low load (25% load) most of the time. Your generator performance will get affected overtime. Therefore, sometimes it is necessary to run your generator at 50% load or higher to increase the lifespan of your unit.