9 Best Generator Under $500 – Affordable Solution for Your Power Problems

Westinghouse is a name that has become synonymous with generators, and models like the Westinghouse iGen4200 Hybrid Open Frame Inverter Generator shows why. This model has managed to strike a perfect balance between affordability and power, which makes it our top pick. Amazingly, it comes with the eco inverter technology, which guarantees a maximum fuel efficiency that a lot of its costlier rivals can only dream of. Not only that, but it also comes with a maximum output of 4300 watts, which is a lot of power for a generator of this size.

Furthermore, this generator is equipped with a fuel tank that is capable of holding up to 2.6 gallons, which gives an incredible run time of 18 hours at half load. It’s also worth noting that this generator is an inverter generator as well, making it an excellent hybrid option that is perfect as a back-up whether you’re at home or on a trip. Of course, behind the incredible performance produced by this generator is the 212cc 4-stroke Westinghouse OHV engine. This engine provides the best of both worlds as it’s equipped with smart inverter technology and special open frame design.

When it comes to operating noise, there are not many quieter models than this one. At only 62 decibels, this model is a perfect option if you’re looking for a generator you can use discreetly. We must also add that it comes with standard household outlets and USB ports, allowing it to work with many essential devices. With its stable and clean power, it’s also engineered with safety in mind, making it ideal for sensitive electronics like computers, TVs, and mobile phones. The only drawback we’d like to mention is that the packaging is not well-thought through.

Wen is another leading brand in the industry and this 5,000-watt generator is a perfect testament of their incredibility. The generator is a perfect combination of power and versatility, with its powerful 4-stroke OHV 272cc engine that delivers up to 5,000 watts of peak power and 4500 watts of continuous power. In addition, it comes with a 3.4-gallon fuel tank that provides up to 7.5 hours runtime at a 50-percent load. That’s a lot of efficiency for a generator of this size and pricing category.

However, while the powerful performance is great, especially if you have powerful and heavy appliances to run, it can cause a bit more noise. Therefore, if a generator that operates quietly is what you’re looking for, you may need to opt for a quieter alternative. Having said that, this generator is outfitted with multiple outlets to handle a number of tasks. Apart from two standard household outlets (5-20R), it also comes with one 30A TT-30R RV outlet, one 120V/240V L14-30R outlet, and one 12V DC outlet.

In terms of construction, this generator features a compact and portable construction, despite all its power. Apart from that, it also comes with smooth, never-flat wheels and a handle kit, which makes for easy storage and transportation. With the wheels, you can easily roll the machine around any terrain, regardless of how coarse it is. To give you more confidence over your purchase, the generator is also backed with a two-year warranty.

There are simple generators and there are special units and the Pulsar 5250W Dual Fuel Portable Generator falls in the latter category. Apart from being decently powerful, this generator also has two fuel options. Speaking about the multiple fuel options, they are LPG or gasoline. To make it easy to switch between the fuel sources, the manufacturers have included switch & go technology. In terms of power, this generator has an average output of 4250 watts, but its peak output is 5250 watts on gas.

With this, if you use around half of this wattage, you could run this generator for up to 12 hours on gas only. This generator produces enough power to run a refrigerator and a couple of small appliances. However, we don’t advise you to keep your cooling or heating needs on a generator of this size. To completely access its power, it comes with a 30 Amp receptacle, two 120volt receptacles, and a 120/240 twist-lock receptacle. These variations allow you to quickly power anything that requires urgent power.

Furthermore, this generator comes with a two-year warranty, which is limited. This means that it covers only specific items. Finally, since it is important to take the storage into consideration in case of a power outage, this generator comes with wheels and a fold-down handle that lay flat. With this, you will be able to tuck the generator away quickly when it’s not needed.

With over 130 years of experience in the industry, Westinghouse is a giant in the manufacturing of generators and appliances. Again, the Westinghouse iGen2200 Inverter Generator shows exactly why the company is so well-known. While its 2200 watts of surge power and 1800 watts of continuous power may seem really insufficient, you would be wrong to underestimate this generator. This model can run for up to 12 hours at a 25 percent load, which means you don’t have to be scared about running out of power.

Of course, the secret behind that is an incorporated efficiency mode, which you can activate easily with an easy-to-press button on the front. This mode reduces fuel usage whilst maintaining the same output power. However, you must keep in mind that if you draw anywhere around the generator’s rated load for extended periods, you will need to refuel once per day at least. In terms of noise, this generator has an extremely quiet operation. When using it at 25 percent load, it generates only 52 decibels, which is silent enough to allow you to hold a conversation nearby.

Another excellent addition is that it comes with a USB charging port, coupled with the two 120V outlets. However, note that there’s no 12V DC outlet to charge batteries, which some users can see as a deal-breaker. Meanwhile, while this generator comes with a 3-year warranty for residential users. However, contractors in search of a small unit for residential properties will need to be aware that people who use this generator commercially will get only a one-year warranty.

Like Westinghouse, Champion is another company that is renowned for its production of high-quality generators and appliances and they have not disappointed with this portable generator that is RV-ready as well. While it’s very easy to underestimate this generator because of its small construction, we assure you that looks can be deceiving with this unit. In fact, it is one of the most powerful portable generators on the market, with its ability to run on both propane and gas.

Furthermore, this unit is easy to set up, as you can easily turn it on with an electric start button that is usually charged as the unit runs. Whether you’re looking for a portable unit to take on your RV trips or you’re looking for a back-up in case of a power outage, this unit is a fantastic option. Impressively, since the generator is powered by long-lasting propane, there’s no need for you to plan ahead. Propane is renowned to be self-sufficient and is certain to last for a long time. Additionally, the generator runs up to 10.5 hours, which is impressive given its size.

Durability is an important factor to keep in mind, especially when you’re buying something as expensive as a generator. Therefore, the entire power source of this generator is put under a cast-iron case, making it rigid and durable for years of use. Of course, it’s not without its flaws. First, it comes with an extremely short handle. Secondly, it’s not quiet, which is surprising considering that it’s a portable unit that’s designed for usage in confined spaces.

WEN is a company that is reputable for its production of powerful generators, and the WEN DF475T Dual Fuel Portable Generator is one of such offerings. With its 4750 watts of surge power and 3,800 of continuous power, this generator is powerful enough to run basically everything in your home as you overcome a sudden power outage. It can also serve as the main power source at a large outdoor event. More impressively, this generator comes with a 4-gallon gas capacity, which allows it to run for 11 straight hours at 50 percent load.

Considering the generator’s higher power, its 224cc, four-stroke OHV engine is very efficient. Additionally, the unit can also be powered by propane, on which it can run for about 7 hours with no power decline relative to operating on gas. Also, the generator impresses when it comes to noise generation as it generates 68 decibels at a 25 percent load. While that is still pretty loud, it’s basically the same noise level as some small generators.

In terms of weight, the generator can’t be said to be lightweight, but it provides a larger set of wheels to maneuver over rugged terrains. Also, it’s equipped with an electric starter coupled with the recoil starter, but this means you will have to keep the built-in battery charged. When it comes to outlets, this one features the unique main breaker switch, which allows you to reset all the outlets simultaneously. In terms of drawbacks, however, this model doesn’t come with a LED display and it’s heavy and bulky.

We know POWERSMITH is one of the less reputable companies in the industry, but that doesn’t take anything away from the brilliance of their POWERSMITH PGA2200i Power Inverter Generator. While it’s a portable and lightweight unit that surely can’t power your heavy and powerful appliances, it handles the basic stuff just fine, which is what it was designed for in the first place. Therefore, it’s an excellent option if you’re looking for an ideal generator for camping, tailgating, and outdoor recreational activities.

In terms of power output, it produces a peak power of 2,200 watts and a continuous power of 1,700 watts. Like we already mentioned, that is not enough power to handle your ACs and your refrigerators but can efficiently handle the small stuff. Moving on, the generator comes with a one-gallon tank capacity and can continuously run for six hours at about 50 percent load and ten hours at a 25 percent load. For easy transportation and access, it’s equipped with a lift and pull handle, along with two wheels on the machine’s rear side.

For supply, the generator is outfitted with two 120V AC outlets, two USB ports and one 12V DC outlet at 7.5 amp for your gadgets and appliances. Additionally, the unit comes with digital dashboard displays that show real-time load and runtime data. Plus, it features LED indicators that alert when the unit is low on oil, overloaded or ready to use. It’s also worth noting that it comes with overload protection with an onboard reset button. On top of everything, it runs very quietly, making it ideal for people who love discreetness. However, you may need to be careful with this unit as it doesn’t seem to be sturdy.

For people looking for an excellent balance between affordability and power, the DuroStar DS4000S Portable Generator represents a perfect choice. This portable unit utilizes a four-stroke 7,0 HP engine that produces a peak power output of 4,000 watts while it stabilizes to about 3,300 of continuous power. Of course, this is not the most powerful model in the world, but it packs sufficient juice to run a sump pump, a small air conditioner, and a full-sized refrigerator along with other small appliances such as lights.

Furthermore, this generator is an excellent choice for RVs since it is sufficiently powerful to run the most powerful RV heating or cooling units that require more than 1800 watts. The DuroStar DS4000S Portable Generator uses a four-gallon fuel tank and provides an eight-hour runtime at a 50 percent load. For convenience and versatility, this generator comes with three power outlets that comprise of two 120-volt 20 Amp outlets and three-pronged 120-volt 30 Amp outlet, which is suitable for 30 Amp generator cords.

Moving on, the panel of this generator also contains a low-oil light indicator to alert you when your oil is due for a change. On top of that, it’s equipped with an automatic low-oil shut-off feature which kicks in when you refuse to change the oil on time. Another protection feature is the auto shut-off system, which protects the engine of the generator from overheating. However, this unit comes with no instructions, which may make it difficult to use. Also, it is pretty loud, but that’s not that surprising considering the size of the machine.

Whether you spend lots of your free time tailgating or camping or you frequently experience power outages, the Dirty Hand Tools 104609 Digital Inverter Generator might just be what you need, given its affordable price. While it’s not powerful enough to run heavy and powerful equipment, it’s enough for the basic stuff, with its 800 starting wattage and 700 continuous wattages. For your gadgets’ optimum safety, this inverter generator is engineered with DHT Digital Inverter Technology to allow for constant power stream for sensitive electronics.

Furthermore, this machine has a lightweight design, which is another reason why we think it is ideal for camping, tailgating, and other outdoor activities. For more convenience and easy transportation, it also comes with a handle. In terms of engine power, it utilizes a 40cc 4-cycle engine to produce power to run your devices. And when you use it with a 50 % load, it’ll run for 8 hours on a full gas tank. It’s also worth mentioning that the machine comes with an automatic shutdown feature, which prevents the engine from getting damaged when the oil level is too low.

Another impressive thing with this unit is that it comes with 2 receptacles, one 120-volt AC and one 12-volt DC. On top of that, it comes with one USB power receptacle, which is really amazing. The machine also comes with a three-year warranty on workmanship, a two-year warranty on electric motors, and two or three years on gas-powered engines. However, it’s shocking that this generator is not that quiet, especially when you consider its compact size. That may be a deal-breaker for some people.