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Inverter generators are a great tool for a variety of purposes:
- They produce cleaner, more high-quality energy perfect for the devices we use every day like laptops and smartphones
- They’re easier to maintain, and…
- They are *quiet*
(Learn more about the pros and cons of inverter generators here: 6 Pros and Cons of Inverter Generators for RVing.)
And, like all generators, they’re a great source of backup power.
Chances are, you’ve heard some of this already and are now thinking about investing in an inverter generator.
There are quite a few great brands out there making high-quality inverter generators, so we set out to research our favorites to help you decide which is worth investing in.
Inverter generators come in a variety of sizes, so we’ve done our best to include a range of brands and power outputs (and when a particular line of generators has multiple sizes, we’ll mention it).
Read on to find out our picks for the best inverter generators.
4 Best Inverter Generators
Below, we’ve included a number of details about each inverter generator we’ve chosen. Including:
- Key features
- Ratings and reviews
- Pricing (especially if the generator is exceptionally high or low for an inverter generator)
- And size / power output
Here are our picks for the four best inverter generators on the market:
1. Honda’s EU2200i
Our first pick is a true powerhouse and arguably the best generator out there: the Honda EU series (2200 shown above, though they come in 3000, 7000 series for great power).
The EU series is not only backed by Honda– one of the most dependable inverter generator brands on the planet– but offers the all-around package of great portability, power, and dependability.
The Honda EU line is arguably the most well-known series of inverter generators on the market and simply a great all-around Honda generator. If you’re looking for a quick and easy decision, you can’t go wrong with this powerhouse.
Key features:
- Highly portable
- One of the quietest inverter generators on the market
- As lightweight at just 47 lbs (the EU2200i)
2. Generac iQ3500
The Generac iQ3500 is a great option for its amazing list of features and versatility.
It has a higher price than other inverter generators at just under $1,000, but it has a lot going for it. Including:
- 3,000 running watts
- High-quality LCD display that shows charge, fuel level, and output
- Efficient eco-mode that automatically adjusts power output depending on the need
- And designed so that two iQ3500’s (or any of the Generac IQ series) can be combined and run parallel for increased power output, great if you buy one but your power needs go up over time
With all that said, if you’re looking for something portable and generator size is a factor for you– this isn’t it. It weighs over 100 lbs and doesn’t include wheels, making it hard to move about.
Key features:
- 3,000 running watts
- High-quality LCD display
- Efficient eco-mode
- 109 lbs
3. Westinghouse iGen4500
Hands down one of the best options on the market, the Westinghouse iGen series is an all-around great pick.
The Westinghouse iGen4500, in particular, produces 3,700 running watts (enough to power your entire RV unless your power demands are high), offers multiple 120v and USB-A ports, and includes a convenient remote control that allows you to turn the generator on and off from afar.
It comes in at a hefty 104 lbs, but it offers a convenient wheel system with handles that solve the weight issue.
Key features:
- Produces a hefty 3,700 running watts
- Quite heavy, but includes a wheel system for portability
- Runs on gasoline only
4. WEN 56200i
The WEN 56200i is our top budget pick and one of the best portable generators on the market
The price difference is pretty significant too. Compared to most options on this list, it comes in at around half the price.
At only 48 lbs, it’s a good option if you’re looking for a highly portable inverter generator. It also outputs just 53 dB of sound as well, barely louder than your typical fridge and quieter than a conversation between two people at normal volume. So if you’re looking for an inverter with exceptionally low noise levels, this is a great quiet generator.
Key features:
- Highly affordable
- Highly portable at just 48 lbs
- A quiet 53 dBs
2 Types of Generators: What Is the Difference Between Standard Generators and Inverter Generators?
A standard generator produces more power, but that power is less efficient (and not as clean). Standard generators are also incredibly loud and can be highly disruptive.
An inverter generator produces less power than a conventional generator when compared apples-to-apples, but is more efficient, produces cleaner energy, and is much quieter.
Methodology: How We Tested the Best Inverter Generators
To find the best inverter generators, we looked at a variety of factors:
- Features
- Construction
- Ratings and reviews
- Online sentiment across the RV community
- Brand reputation
Each factor was weighted equally, with the exception of reviews and online sentiment which took precedence given they were the words of customers reporting on the product in actual use.
What to Consider When Choosing an Inverter Generator
When choosing an inverter generator, you’ll want to look at a few things.
1. Power (Wattage)
This is the inverter’s power output and it’s the first thing you should look at.
To purchase the right inverter generator, you first need to know how much power you need from your generator.
If you calculate that you’ll need 3,000 watts, that will remove some of the options we listed in our list above.
That’s fine, the key is knowing what you need so that you can narrow down your available options.
Another thing to note is the difference between starting watts and running watts as it pertains to your actual available power.
Most appliances take more power to start up than they do stay on after the initial startup. Every generator will have two output metrics: starting watts and running watts.
You’ll want to make sure that you base your purchase more on the running watts than anything else, as generators are often marketed with the starting watts number listed first given it’s higher and, therefore, looks more impressive.
But if you purchase an RV based on the starting watts capacity, you may end up in trouble. That’s because the running watts output is always a good bit lower than the starting watts capacity, so you could accidentally purchase a generator that doesn’t have the full output you need.
While shopping for new generators, note down both the starting and running watts and verify that both are enough for your needs before making a purchase.
2. Noise level
As we talked about earlier, inverter generators are quite a bit quieter than their conventional counterparts.
Loud generators have become the norm for long-time RVers, so making the switch to an inverter generator can feel like you’ve landed in heaven.
However, even within inverter generators, there is some variance in noise level.
Knowing how loud a generator is may not be as important when purchasing an already relatively quiet inverter generator, but it is still worth considering.
3. Portability / Ease of use
Some inverter generators are 100 lbs and very hard to move about, while others are half that and quite easily portable.
This is where knowing how you plan on using your generator is useful, as it will inform whether portability and weight is important to you.
Another thing to think about with regards to ease of use is features such as a simple on/off switch and remote control that makes powering it on and off more convenient. These might seem like small features that don’t matter much, but they add to the overall ease of use.
4. Fuel capacity
Inverter generators tend to use fuel up quicker, so fuel efficiency is even more important than it is with conventional generators.
Your generator can only last as long as the gasoline in its tank lasts until you need to refill, so knowing whether it has a 4 lb or 10 lb tank is pretty important.
Level Up Your Energy Game Further
These are just a few of the best RV generators with an inverter on the market, but they sit above the rest in terms of overall performance, features, and dependability.
I hope this guide helped you learn which important feature or features you should look for when shopping for an inverter generator as well as how to find the right generator for your needs.
Improving your power generation and efficiency doesn’t end at inverter generators, however.
If you haven’t already, looking into solar can drastically improve your energy efficiency and offer added flexibility when on the road, whether on or off the grid.
Learn more about how solar power works, how much you’d need here, and the best solar panel brands: How Much Solar Power Do You Need to Run an RV Fridge?
And see our top picks for the best portable RV generator (including the best solar generators) here: 7 Best Portable Generators for RV’s and Camping [2024 Guide].
This post may contain affiliate links. Check out our disclosure for more information.