Top 7 Portable Generators of The Year: Expert Picks for Home, Camping and Emergencies

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Portable generators are no longer just a luxury—they’re essential for supporting off-grid adventures, powering your home during outages, and preparing for emergencies. With this year bringing new advancements in dual fuel, solar, and inverter technology, it’s easier than ever to find a portable generator that best suits your lifestyle, needs, and budget. 

In this blog, we’ll break down the top portable generators of the year so far—whether you’re charging up at a campsite, staying powered at home during harsh weather, or handling unexpected outages. We’ve also included where you can buy them from reliable retailers like Costco, Sam’s Club, Home Depot, and Lowe’s. 

Key Takeaways:

1. Portable Generators Are a Practical Power Solution: Portable generators have become vital tools for camping, home backup, and emergency prep, offering flexibility, affordability, and ease of use compared to traditional standby systems.

2. New Tech Improves Performance and Flexibility: Advancements in inverter design, dual-fuel capability, and solar integration have made it easier than ever to find a generator tailored to your lifestyle and power needs.

3. Top Models Offer Options for Every Use: From the quiet Honda EU2200i to the solar-powered Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus and high-capacity DuroMax XP13000EH, this year’s best generators cover a vast range of power needs and budgets.

4. Trusted Retailers Make Buying Easy: Major retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Costco, and Sam’s Club carry many of the top-rated models, often with added perks like professional installation help, extended warranties, and member discounts.

Why Choose a Portable Generator Over a Traditional Generator?

Portable generators offer convenience, flexibility, and budget-friendly options that traditional standby generators can’t match. For many outdoor enthusiasts and homeowners, portable generators strike the perfect balance between portability and power. 

Here’s why a portable generator might be the better choice: 

• Lower Expense: Portable units often cost significantly less to buy and install than whole-home standby systems, making them more accessible for most budgets.

• Mobility: Unlike traditional standby units that are fixed in place, portable generators can be moved with ease—making them perfect for job sites, camping, or switching between home and RV use.

• No Permanent Installation Needed: There’s no need for electrical upgrades, permits, or professional installation—just add fuel and go.

• Great for Short-Term Use: If you’re mainly preparing for off-grid trips or temporary outages, a portable generator offers exactly what you need without the ongoing maintenance or high upfront expenses of a permanent system.

• Fuel Flexibility: Many modern portable generators offer dual-fuel capabilities (propane and gasoline) or solar compatibility, giving users more control over their power options.

What to Look for in a Portable Generator

Before diving into our list of the 7 top portable generators of the year, we’ll discuss some key features to consider. Understanding these features will help you narrow down your selection while also helping you get a better idea of what kind of portable generator will best fit your needs. 

1. Power Output (Watts): Choose based on what you need to run—fridges and phones need less than HVAC or water pumps.

2. Portability: Check wheels, size, and handles.

3. Fuel Type: Propane, gas, and solar are the most common. Dual fuel models offer flexibility.

4. Efficiency and Runtime: The longer it runs, the less you refuel.

5. Noise Level: Essential for campground or home use.

6. Safety Features: Look for surge protection and carbon monoxide shutoff.

The Top 7 Portable Generators of the Year (So Far) 

Finding the right portable generator depends on how you plan to use it and what features are essential to you. Whether you need energy for camping, backup power at home, or reliable emergency options, there are models designed for every need and situation. 

Below, we’ve compiled a list of 7 top portable generators of the year so far. 

Honda EU2200i

The Honda EU2200i portable generator stands out for its whisper-quiet inverter with clean power for sensitive devices. It’s also very reliable and lightweight. This model is best for electronics and quiet residential use, and has a price range starting at $1,099. 

Where to Buy: Lowe’s, Home Depot, Camping World

Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus (Solar)

This solar-powered portable generator is clean and silent, with expendable power. The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus solar model is ideal for indoor and outdoor use and has a price range starting at $1,499. 

Where to Purchase: Amazon, Costco, Jackery.com 

Champion 4500-Watt Dual Fuel Inverter

The Champion 4500-Watt Dual Fuel Inverter portable generator is versatile, making it great for camping and home use. Its quiet operation comes with gas and propane options and has a push-button start that’s also RV-ready. The price range for this model starts at $899. 

Where to Buy: Sam’s Club, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Amazon

Westinghouse WGen9500DF

With 9,500 running watts, the Westinghouse WGen9500DF portable generator is a powerful tool that’s transfer switch ready, has dual fuel, and a long runtime, making this portable generator perfect for emergencies and extended power outages. The price range for this model begins at $999. 

Where to Buy: Home Depot, Costco, Lowe’s, Amazon 

EcoFlow Delta Pro

The EcoFlow Delta Pro portable generator stands out for its app-controlled, sustainable, and silent structure. It’s also a modular solar solution that can power entire homes, making it perfect for whole-home solar backup. The starting price for this model is $1,799. 

DuroMax XP13000EH

With 1,300 watts, dual fuel, and designed to power multiple large appliances during storms, the DuroMax XP13000EH is a high-capacity emergency backup portable generator you’ll want to consider. The price range for this model starts at $1,099. 

Where to Buy: Amazon, Walmart, Home Depot

Generac GP3000i

The Generac GP3000i is a popular portable generator model because it has inverter power at a lower price range. Its compact design is reliable for small appliances and electronics and is ideal for camping and light emergency use. The price for this model typically starts at $799.

Where to Buy: Home Depot, Lowe’s, Harbor Freight Tools 

Where to Purchase Top-Rated Portable Generators

Need a portable generator fast? These national and trusted retailers carry some of the most highly-rated models and often offer delivery or in-store pickup. 

• Lowe’s: Known for carrying dual fuel and inverter models with professional installation options. 

• Home Depot: Vast selection with strong protection plans and customer reviews.

• Sam’s Club: Offers value packs and member-exclusive prices.

• Costco: Competitive pricing with extended warranties—perfect for high-output units.

Conclusion 

Whether you’re upgrading your camping setup, going off-grid, or planning for the next storm, there’s a portable generator that aligns with your needs. Don’t wait for the next power outage to strike. 

Shop these top-rated portable generators today at trusted retailers like Lowe’s, Home Depot, Sam’s Club, and Costco!