Best Portable Inverter Generators: Champion, Westinghouse, WEN, DuroMax & FIRMAN (2026)

We compare 30 portable inverter generators from Champion, Westinghouse, WEN, DuroMax and FIRMAN, from 1,000 W suitcase models to 5,500 W dual-fuel units. Every figure comes from the maker's product page: running and starting watts, runtime at quarter and half load, noise, weight, fuel tank, outlets, CO shutoff, fuel type and CARB status. A figure the maker doesn't publish shows as "Not listed" and scores as the weakest published value in the category. We don't test generators or use prices or reviews. Jackery and other battery power stations aren't covered here.

Updated 2026-11-1230 products compared9 scored criteriaHow this ranking works

Affiliate disclosure: We earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our rankings, which come from the published scoring formula. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more.

Top pick

Westinghouse iGen5000DFc

Score 7.0/10 · Check price

Why it wins: EFI dual fuel with 18 h at quarter load and 52 dBA. Top runtime at 25% load in this comparison (18 h).

Also great: Champion 6500W Dual Fuel Inverter (201532) (6.2) · DuroMax XP7000iH (6.2)

7.0/10

Check price at Amazon See pros, cons & specs

Side-by-side comparison

Swipe sideways on mobile. Green marks the best figure in each column.

Product	Score	Running watts (gasoline)	Runtime at 25% load	Noise	Weight	Best for	Price	Buy
1 W Westinghouse iGen5000DFc	7.0/10	3900 W	18 h	52 dBA	111 lb	EFI dual fuel with 18 h at quarter load and 52 dBA	Check price	View deal
2 C Champion 6500W Dual Fuel Inverter (201532)	6.2/10	5250 W	18 h	64 dBA	105.4 lb	Most running watts here on a 64 dBA rating, with an L14-30R	Check price	View deal
3 D DuroMax XP7000iH	6.2/10	5500 W	16 h	Not listed	Not listed	5,500 W dual fuel inverter with an L14-30R	Check price	View deal
4 W Westinghouse iGen2550DFc	6.0/10	1900 W	11 h	52 dBA	43.2 lb	Small dual fuel with a TT-30R RV outlet	Check price	View deal
5 W Westinghouse iGen4000DFc	5.9/10	3300 W	7 h	52 dBA	62.8 lb	Dual fuel 3,300 W at 52 dBA	Check price	View deal
6 C Champion 4500W Electric Start Dual Fuel Inverter (201319)	5.8/10	3500 W	14 h	61 dBA	99.2 lb	3,500 W dual fuel with 14 h at quarter load	Check price	View deal
7 W WEN DF500iX	5.8/10	4220 W	Not listed	58 dBA	Not listed	120/240V dual fuel with 9 h at half load	Check price	View deal
8 C Champion 2000W Dual Fuel Inverter (201230)	5.7/10	1700 W	11.5 h	53 dBA	39.5 lb	2,000 W dual fuel with CO Shield at 39.5 lb	Check price	View deal
9 C Champion 2500W Dual Fuel Inverter (201323)	5.7/10	1850 W	11.5 h	53 dBA	45.9 lb	Small dual fuel inverter at 53 dBA	Check price	View deal
10 D DuroMax XP2300iH	5.6/10	1800 W	13 h	52 dBA	50.6 lb	Small dual fuel inverter at 52 dB	Check price	View deal
11 F FIRMAN WH03342	5.6/10	3300 W	Not listed	58 dBA	90 lb	Whisper dual fuel at 58 dB	Check price	View deal
12 W WEN DF680iX	5.6/10	5100 W	Not listed	64 dBA	Not listed	5,100 W dual fuel with an L14-30R	Check price	View deal
13 C Champion 5500W Dual Fuel Inverter (201561)	5.5/10	4000 W	11 h	65 dBA	76.3 lb	4,000 W dual fuel with CO Shield and an RV outlet	Check price	View deal
14 C Champion 4500W Dual Fuel Inverter (201531)	5.3/10	3250 W	10 h	64 dBA	51.8 lb	Light 4,500 W-peak dual fuel at 51.8 lb	Check price	View deal
15 W WEN DF480iX	5.3/10	4000 W	Not listed	62 dBA	Not listed	4,000 W dual fuel with 7 h at half load	Check price	View deal
16 W WEN DF525iX	5.3/10	4200 W	Not listed	62.5 dBA	Not listed	Same 4,200 W on gas or propane	Check price	View deal
17 C Champion 4000W Dual Fuel Inverter (201050)	5.2/10	3000 W	10 h	64 dBA	51.8 lb	3,000 W dual fuel inverter at 51.8 lb	Check price	View deal
18 F FIRMAN WT03571	5.2/10	3500 W	8 h	64 dBA	52 lb	Tri-fuel inverter at 52 lb	Check price	View deal
19 W WEN DF280iX	5.2/10	2250 W	Not listed	60 dBA	45 lb	2,250 W dual fuel with 9 h at half load	Check price	View deal
20 W Westinghouse iGen2550c	5.0/10	1900 W	11 h	52 dBA	40 lb	1,900 W, 40 lb, TT-30R	Check price	View deal
21 W Westinghouse iGen2800c	5.0/10	2200 W	12 h	52 dBA	47.4 lb	2,200 W at 52 dBA with 12 h at quarter load	Check price	View deal
22 W Westinghouse iGen4000c	4.9/10	3300 W	7 h	52 dBA	61.7 lb	Gas 3,300 W with remote start and 52 dBA	Check price	View deal
23 W WEN DF360iX	4.9/10	2900 W	Not listed	65 dBA	49 lb	2,900 W dual fuel at 49 lb	Check price	View deal
24 W Westinghouse iGen1500c	4.6/10	1000 W	12 h	52 dBA	32 lb	Smallest here: 1,000 W at 32 lb	Check price	View deal
25 C Champion 5500W Inverter (201560)	4.5/10	4000 W	11 h	65 dBA	73.4 lb	4,000 W gas-only inverter at 73.4 lb	Check price	View deal
26 W WEN 56432iX	4.4/10	3600 W	Not listed	62 dBA	53 lb	3,600 W gas inverter at 53 lb	Check price	View deal
27 C Champion 3400W Electric Start Dual Fuel Inverter (100396)	4.1/10	3100 W	7.5 h	59 dBA	95.9 lb	3,100 W dual fuel with an L5-30R	Check price	View deal
28 C Champion 2500W Inverter (201490)	3.8/10	1850 W	11.5 h	53 dBA	37.7 lb	Lightest generator here at 37.7 lb	Check price	View deal
29 C Champion 4500W Inverter (201318)	3.8/10	3500 W	14 h	61 dBA	92.2 lb	3,500 W gas inverter with 14 h at quarter load	Check price	View deal
30 W WEN 56250iX	3.5/10	1900 W	Not listed	65 dBA	37.5 lb	Light 1,900 W gas inverter at 37.5 lb	Check price	View deal

"Not listed" means the manufacturer page we used does not publish that figure. Prices show "Check price" until a retailer feed provides a current price.

Every portable inverter generator, ranked

#1 · Top pick

Westinghouse iGen5000DFc

Best for: EFI dual fuel with 18 h at quarter load and 52 dBA

7.0/10

What we like

Top runtime at 25% load in this comparison (18 h)

Watch out for

Runtime at 50% load not published by Westinghouse
Highest weight in this comparison (111 lb)

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Runtime at 25% load 15%

Runtime at 50% load * 5%

Noise 15%

Weight 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

CARB compliant 5%

Parallel capable 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

Running watts (gasoline)	3900 W
Runtime at 25% load	18 h
Runtime at 50% load	Not listed
Noise	52 dBA
Weight	111 lb
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	Yes
CARB compliant	No
Parallel capable	Yes
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	5,000 W
Running watts on propane	3,500 W
Fuel tank	3.2 gal
Outlets	1 Duplex 120V 5-20R, 2 USB, 1 120V TT-30R
CO shutoff	CO sensor shutdown
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

Westinghouse: iGen5000DFc

Champion 6500W Dual Fuel Inverter (201532)

Best for: Most running watts here on a 64 dBA rating, with an L14-30R

6.2/10

What we like

Top runtime at 25% load in this comparison (18 h)

Watch out for

Runtime at 50% load not published by Champion

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Runtime at 25% load 15%

Runtime at 50% load * 5%

Noise 15%

Weight 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

CARB compliant * 5%

Parallel capable 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	5250 W
Runtime at 25% load	18 h
Runtime at 50% load	Not listed
Noise	64 dBA
Weight	105.4 lb
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	Yes
CARB compliant	Not listed
Parallel capable	No
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	6,500 W
Running watts on propane	4,725 W
Fuel tank	4.5 gal
Outlets	(2) 120V 20A Duplex (5-20R), (1) 120V 30A RV (TT-30R), (1) 120/240 21.9A Locking (L14-30R)
CO shutoff	CO Shield
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

Champion: 6500W Dual Fuel Inverter

DuroMax XP7000iH

Best for: 5,500 W dual fuel inverter with an L14-30R

6.2/10

What we like

Top running watts (gasoline) in this comparison (5500 W)

Watch out for

Noise not published by DuroMax
Weight not published by DuroMax

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Runtime at 25% load 15%

Runtime at 50% load 5%

Noise * 15%

Weight * 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

CARB compliant 5%

Parallel capable 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

Running watts (gasoline)	5500 W
Runtime at 25% load	16 h
Runtime at 50% load	8 h
Noise	Not listed
Weight	Not listed
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	Yes
CARB compliant	No
Parallel capable	No
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	7,000 W
Running watts on propane	5,225 W
Fuel tank	3 gal
Outlets	(1) L14-30R
CO shutoff	CO Alert shutdown
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

DuroMax: XP7000iH

Westinghouse iGen2550DFc

Best for: Small dual fuel with a TT-30R RV outlet

6.0/10

What we like

Watch out for

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Runtime at 25% load 15%

Runtime at 50% load 5%

Noise 15%

Weight 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

CARB compliant 5%

Parallel capable 5%

Running watts (gasoline)	1900 W
Runtime at 25% load	11 h
Runtime at 50% load	7 h
Noise	52 dBA
Weight	43.2 lb
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	Yes
CARB compliant	No
Parallel capable	Yes
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	2,550 W
Running watts on propane	1,700 W
Fuel tank	1.1 gal
Outlets	1 Duplex 120V 5-20R, 2 USB, 1 120V TT-30R
CO shutoff	CO sensor shutdown
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

Westinghouse: iGen2550DFc

Westinghouse iGen4000DFc

Best for: Dual fuel 3,300 W at 52 dBA

5.9/10

What we like

Watch out for

Lowest runtime at 25% load in this comparison (7 h)
Runtime at 50% load not published by Westinghouse

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Runtime at 25% load 15%

Runtime at 50% load * 5%

Noise 15%

Weight 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

CARB compliant 5%

Parallel capable 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

Running watts (gasoline)	3300 W
Runtime at 25% load	7 h
Runtime at 50% load	Not listed
Noise	52 dBA
Weight	62.8 lb
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	Yes
CARB compliant	No
Parallel capable	Yes
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	4,000 W
Running watts on propane	2,970 W
Fuel tank	1.69 gal
Outlets	1 Duplex 120V 5-20R, 1 120V TT-30R, 2 USB
CO shutoff	CO sensor shutdown
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

Westinghouse: iGen4000DFc

Champion 4500W Electric Start Dual Fuel Inverter (201319)

Best for: 3,500 W dual fuel with 14 h at quarter load

5.8/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 50% load not published by Champion

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Runtime at 25% load 15%

Runtime at 50% load * 5%

Noise 15%

Weight 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

CARB compliant * 5%

Parallel capable 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	3500 W
Runtime at 25% load	14 h
Runtime at 50% load	Not listed
Noise	61 dBA
Weight	99.2 lb
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	Yes
CARB compliant	Not listed
Parallel capable	Yes
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	4,500 W
Running watts on propane	3,150 W
Fuel tank	2.25 gal
Outlets	(1) 120V Duplex (5-20R), (1) 120V (TT-30R), (1) 12V DC Automotive, Parallel
CO shutoff	CO Shield
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

Champion: 4500W Electric Start Dual Fuel Inverter

WEN DF500iX

Best for: 120/240V dual fuel with 9 h at half load

5.8/10

What we like

Top runtime at 50% load in this comparison (9 h)

Watch out for

Runtime at 25% load not published by WEN
Weight not published by WEN

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Runtime at 25% load * 15%

Runtime at 50% load 5%

Noise 15%

Weight * 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

CARB compliant * 5%

Parallel capable 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	4220 W
Runtime at 25% load	Not listed
Runtime at 50% load	9 h
Noise	58 dBA
Weight	Not listed
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	Yes
CARB compliant	Not listed
Parallel capable	Yes
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	5,000 W
Running watts on propane	3,800 W
Fuel tank	2.9 gal
Outlets	Includes an L14-30R
Noise basis	58 dB at no load (64 dB at half load)
CO shutoff	WEN Watchdog CO shutdown sensor
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

WEN: DF500iX

Champion 2000W Dual Fuel Inverter (201230)

Best for: 2,000 W dual fuel with CO Shield at 39.5 lb

5.7/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 50% load not published by Champion

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Runtime at 25% load 15%

Runtime at 50% load * 5%

Noise 15%

Weight 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

CARB compliant * 5%

Parallel capable 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	1700 W
Runtime at 25% load	11.5 h
Runtime at 50% load	Not listed
Noise	53 dBA
Weight	39.5 lb
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	Yes
CARB compliant	Not listed
Parallel capable	Yes
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	2,000 W
Running watts on propane	1,530 W
Fuel tank	1.05 gal
Outlets	Parallel, 120V Duplex (5-20R), Dual 5V USB
CO shutoff	CO Shield
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

Champion: 2000W Dual Fuel Inverter

Champion 2500W Dual Fuel Inverter (201323)

Best for: Small dual fuel inverter at 53 dBA

5.7/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 50% load not published by Champion

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Runtime at 25% load 15%

Runtime at 50% load * 5%

Noise 15%

Weight 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

CARB compliant * 5%

Parallel capable 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	1850 W
Runtime at 25% load	11.5 h
Runtime at 50% load	Not listed
Noise	53 dBA
Weight	45.9 lb
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	Yes
CARB compliant	Not listed
Parallel capable	Yes
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	2,500 W
Running watts on propane	1,665 W
Fuel tank	1.05 gal
Outlets	(1) 120V Duplex (5-20R), (1) 12V DC Automotive, Parallel
CO shutoff	CO Shield
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

Champion: 2500W Dual Fuel Inverter

#10

DuroMax XP2300iH

Best for: Small dual fuel inverter at 52 dB

5.6/10

What we like

Watch out for

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Runtime at 25% load 15%

Runtime at 50% load 5%

Noise 15%

Weight 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

CARB compliant 5%

Parallel capable 5%

Running watts (gasoline)	1800 W
Runtime at 25% load	13 h
Runtime at 50% load	7 h
Noise	52 dBA
Weight	50.6 lb
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	Yes
CARB compliant	No
Parallel capable	No
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	2,300 W
Running watts on propane	1,700 W
Fuel tank	1.1 gal
Outlets	Not published by the maker
CO shutoff	CO Alert shutdown
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

DuroMax: XP2300iH

#11

FIRMAN WH03342

Best for: Whisper dual fuel at 58 dB

5.6/10

What we like

Top runtime at 50% load in this comparison (9 h)

Watch out for

Runtime at 25% load not published by Firman

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Runtime at 25% load * 15%

Runtime at 50% load 5%

Noise 15%

Weight 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

CARB compliant * 5%

Parallel capable 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	3300 W
Runtime at 25% load	Not listed
Runtime at 50% load	9 h
Noise	58 dBA
Weight	90 lb
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	Yes
CARB compliant	Not listed
Parallel capable	Yes
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	4,125 W
Running watts on propane	3,000 W
Fuel tank	1.8 gal
Outlets	Not published by the maker
Noise basis	58 dB at quarter load
CO shutoff	FIRMAN CO Alert
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

FIRMAN: WH03342

#12

WEN DF680iX

Best for: 5,100 W dual fuel with an L14-30R

5.6/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 25% load not published by WEN
Weight not published by WEN

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Runtime at 25% load * 15%

Runtime at 50% load 5%

Noise 15%

Weight * 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

CARB compliant * 5%

Parallel capable 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	5100 W
Runtime at 25% load	Not listed
Runtime at 50% load	6.1 h
Noise	64 dBA
Weight	Not listed
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	Yes
CARB compliant	Not listed
Parallel capable	Yes
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	6,800 W
Running watts on propane	4,500 W
Fuel tank	2.9 gal
Outlets	Includes an L14-30R
Noise basis	64 dB at quarter load
CO shutoff	WEN Watchdog CO shutdown sensor
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

WEN: DF680iX

#13

Champion 5500W Dual Fuel Inverter (201561)

Best for: 4,000 W dual fuel with CO Shield and an RV outlet

5.5/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 50% load not published by Champion

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Runtime at 25% load 15%

Runtime at 50% load * 5%

Noise 15%

Weight 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

CARB compliant * 5%

Parallel capable 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	4000 W
Runtime at 25% load	11 h
Runtime at 50% load	Not listed
Noise	65 dBA
Weight	76.3 lb
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	Yes
CARB compliant	Not listed
Parallel capable	Yes
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	5,500 W
Running watts on propane	3,600 W
Fuel tank	2.03 gal
Outlets	(1) 5-20R 20A duplex (NEMA 5-20R), (1) TT-30R 30A (NEMA TT-30R), Parallel
CO shutoff	CO Shield
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

Champion: 5500W Dual Fuel Inverter

#14

Champion 4500W Dual Fuel Inverter (201531)

Best for: Light 4,500 W-peak dual fuel at 51.8 lb

5.3/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 50% load not published by Champion

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Runtime at 25% load 15%

Runtime at 50% load * 5%

Noise 15%

Weight 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

CARB compliant * 5%

Parallel capable 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	3250 W
Runtime at 25% load	10 h
Runtime at 50% load	Not listed
Noise	64 dBA
Weight	51.8 lb
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	Yes
CARB compliant	Not listed
Parallel capable	Yes
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	4,500 W
Running watts on propane	2,925 W
Fuel tank	1.54 gal
Outlets	(1) 120V 20A Duplex (5-20R), (1) 120V 27.1A RV (TT-30R), Parallel
CO shutoff	CO Shield
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

Champion: 4500W Dual Fuel Inverter

#15

WEN DF480iX

Best for: 4,000 W dual fuel with 7 h at half load

5.3/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 25% load not published by WEN
Weight not published by WEN

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Runtime at 25% load * 15%

Runtime at 50% load 5%

Noise 15%

Weight * 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

CARB compliant * 5%

Parallel capable 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	4000 W
Runtime at 25% load	Not listed
Runtime at 50% load	7 h
Noise	62 dBA
Weight	Not listed
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	Yes
CARB compliant	Not listed
Parallel capable	Yes
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	4,800 W
Running watts on propane	3,600 W
Fuel tank	1.9 gal
Outlets	Not published by the maker
Noise basis	62 dB at quarter load
CO shutoff	WEN Watchdog CO shutdown sensor
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

WEN: DF480iX

#16

WEN DF525iX

Best for: Same 4,200 W on gas or propane

5.3/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 25% load not published by WEN
Weight not published by WEN

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Runtime at 25% load * 15%

Runtime at 50% load 5%

Noise 15%

Weight * 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

CARB compliant * 5%

Parallel capable 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	4200 W
Runtime at 25% load	Not listed
Runtime at 50% load	5.9 h
Noise	62.5 dBA
Weight	Not listed
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	Yes
CARB compliant	Not listed
Parallel capable	Yes
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	5,250 W
Running watts on propane	4,200 W
Fuel tank	2 gal
Outlets	Not published by the maker
Noise basis	62.5 dB at quarter load
CO shutoff	WEN Watchdog CO shutdown sensor
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

WEN: DF525iX

#17

Champion 4000W Dual Fuel Inverter (201050)

Best for: 3,000 W dual fuel inverter at 51.8 lb

5.2/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 50% load not published by Champion

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Runtime at 25% load 15%

Runtime at 50% load * 5%

Noise 15%

Weight 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

CARB compliant * 5%

Parallel capable 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	3000 W
Runtime at 25% load	10 h
Runtime at 50% load	Not listed
Noise	64 dBA
Weight	51.8 lb
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	Yes
CARB compliant	Not listed
Parallel capable	Yes
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	4,000 W
Running watts on propane	2,700 W
Fuel tank	1.54 gal
Outlets	(1) 120V Duplex (5-20R), (1) 120V (TT-30R), (1) 12V DC Automotive, Parallel
CO shutoff	CO Shield
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

Champion: 4000W Dual Fuel Inverter

#18

FIRMAN WT03571

Best for: Tri-fuel inverter at 52 lb

5.2/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 50% load not published by Firman

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Runtime at 25% load 15%

Runtime at 50% load * 5%

Noise 15%

Weight 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

CARB compliant * 5%

Parallel capable 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	3500 W
Runtime at 25% load	8 h
Runtime at 50% load	Not listed
Noise	64 dBA
Weight	52 lb
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	Yes
CARB compliant	Not listed
Parallel capable	Yes
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	4,400 W
Running watts on propane	3,200 W
Running watts on natural gas	2,800 W
Fuel tank	1.6 gal
Outlets	Not published by the maker
Noise basis	64 dB as listed
CO shutoff	FIRMAN CO Alert
CARB	Not published by the maker
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Specs source:

FIRMAN: WT03571

#19

WEN DF280iX

Best for: 2,250 W dual fuel with 9 h at half load

5.2/10

What we like

Top runtime at 50% load in this comparison (9 h)

Watch out for

Runtime at 25% load not published by WEN

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Runtime at 25% load * 15%

Runtime at 50% load 5%

Noise 15%

Weight 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

CARB compliant * 5%

Parallel capable 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	2250 W
Runtime at 25% load	Not listed
Runtime at 50% load	9 h
Noise	60 dBA
Weight	45 lb
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	Yes
CARB compliant	Not listed
Parallel capable	Yes
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	2,800 W
Running watts on propane	2,000 W
Fuel tank	1.58 gal
Outlets	Not published by the maker
Noise basis	60 dB at no load
CO shutoff	WEN Watchdog CO shutdown sensor
CARB	Not published by the maker
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Specs source:

WEN: DF280iX

#20

Westinghouse iGen2550c

Best for: 1,900 W, 40 lb, TT-30R

5.0/10

What we like

Watch out for

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Runtime at 25% load 15%

Runtime at 50% load 5%

Noise 15%

Weight 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

CARB compliant 5%

Parallel capable 5%

Running watts (gasoline)	1900 W
Runtime at 25% load	11 h
Runtime at 50% load	7 h
Noise	52 dBA
Weight	40 lb
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	No
CARB compliant	No
Parallel capable	Yes
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	2,550 W
Fuel tank	1.1 gal
Outlets	One Duplex 120V (5-20R),One 120V TT-30R,Two USB
CO shutoff	CO sensor shutdown
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

Westinghouse: iGen2550c

#21

Westinghouse iGen2800c

Best for: 2,200 W at 52 dBA with 12 h at quarter load

5.0/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 50% load not published by Westinghouse

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Runtime at 25% load 15%

Runtime at 50% load * 5%

Noise 15%

Weight 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

CARB compliant 5%

Parallel capable 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

Running watts (gasoline)	2200 W
Runtime at 25% load	12 h
Runtime at 50% load	Not listed
Noise	52 dBA
Weight	47.4 lb
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	No
CARB compliant	No
Parallel capable	Yes
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	2,800 W
Fuel tank	0.98 gal
Outlets	Not published by the maker
CO shutoff	CO sensor shutdown
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Specs source:

Westinghouse: iGen2800c

#22

Westinghouse iGen4000c

Best for: Gas 3,300 W with remote start and 52 dBA

4.9/10

What we like

Watch out for

Lowest runtime at 25% load in this comparison (7 h)
Runtime at 50% load not published by Westinghouse

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Runtime at 25% load 15%

Runtime at 50% load * 5%

Noise 15%

Weight 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

CARB compliant 5%

Parallel capable 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

Running watts (gasoline)	3300 W
Runtime at 25% load	7 h
Runtime at 50% load	Not listed
Noise	52 dBA
Weight	61.7 lb
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	No
CARB compliant	No
Parallel capable	Yes
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	4,000 W
Fuel tank	1.66 gal
Outlets	1 Duplex 120V 5-20R, 1 120V TT-30R, 2 USB
CO shutoff	CO sensor shutdown
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

Westinghouse: iGen4000c

#23

WEN DF360iX

Best for: 2,900 W dual fuel at 49 lb

4.9/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 25% load not published by WEN

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Runtime at 25% load * 15%

Runtime at 50% load 5%

Noise 15%

Weight 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

CARB compliant * 5%

Parallel capable 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	2900 W
Runtime at 25% load	Not listed
Runtime at 50% load	5 h
Noise	65 dBA
Weight	49 lb
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	Yes
CARB compliant	Not listed
Parallel capable	Yes
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	3,600 W
Running watts on propane	2,600 W
Fuel tank	1.5 gal
Outlets	Not published by the maker
Noise basis	65 dB at quarter load
CO shutoff	WEN Watchdog CO shutdown sensor
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

WEN: DF360iX

#24

Westinghouse iGen1500c

Best for: Smallest here: 1,000 W at 32 lb

4.6/10

What we like

Lowest weight in this comparison (32 lb)

Watch out for

Lowest running watts (gasoline) in this comparison (1000 W)
Runtime at 50% load not published by Westinghouse

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Runtime at 25% load 15%

Runtime at 50% load * 5%

Noise 15%

Weight 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

CARB compliant 5%

Parallel capable 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

Running watts (gasoline)	1000 W
Runtime at 25% load	12 h
Runtime at 50% load	Not listed
Noise	52 dBA
Weight	32 lb
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	No
CARB compliant	No
Parallel capable	Yes
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	1,500 W
Fuel tank	0.79 gal
Outlets	1 Duplex 120V (5-20R), 2 USB
CO shutoff	CO sensor shutdown
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

Westinghouse: iGen1500c

#25

Champion 5500W Inverter (201560)

Best for: 4,000 W gas-only inverter at 73.4 lb

4.5/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 50% load not published by Champion

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Runtime at 25% load 15%

Runtime at 50% load * 5%

Noise 15%

Weight 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

CARB compliant * 5%

Parallel capable 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	4000 W
Runtime at 25% load	11 h
Runtime at 50% load	Not listed
Noise	65 dBA
Weight	73.4 lb
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	No
CARB compliant	Not listed
Parallel capable	Yes
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	5,500 W
Fuel tank	2.03 gal
Outlets	(1) 5-20R 20A duplex (NEMA 5-20R), (1) TT-30R 30A (NEMA TT-30R), Parallel
CO shutoff	CO Shield
CARB	Not published by the maker
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Specs source:

Champion: 5500W Inverter

#26

WEN 56432iX

Best for: 3,600 W gas inverter at 53 lb

4.4/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 25% load not published by WEN

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Runtime at 25% load * 15%

Runtime at 50% load 5%

Noise 15%

Weight 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

CARB compliant * 5%

Parallel capable 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	3600 W
Runtime at 25% load	Not listed
Runtime at 50% load	5.6 h
Noise	62 dBA
Weight	53 lb
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	No
CARB compliant	Not listed
Parallel capable	Yes
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	4,500 W
Fuel tank	1.27 gal
Outlets	Not published by the maker
Noise basis	62 dB at quarter load
CO shutoff	WEN Watchdog CO shutdown sensor
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

WEN: 56432iX

#27

Champion 3400W Electric Start Dual Fuel Inverter (100396)

Best for: 3,100 W dual fuel with an L5-30R

4.1/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 50% load not published by Champion

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Runtime at 25% load 15%

Runtime at 50% load * 5%

Noise 15%

Weight 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

CARB compliant * 5%

Parallel capable 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	3100 W
Runtime at 25% load	7.5 h
Runtime at 50% load	Not listed
Noise	59 dBA
Weight	95.9 lb
CO shutoff	No
Runs on propane	Yes
CARB compliant	Not listed
Parallel capable	Yes
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	3,400 W
Running watts on propane	2,790 W
Fuel tank	1.6 gal
Outlets	120V 30A Locking (L5-30R), 120V 20A Duplex (5-20R), 12V DC Automotive
CO shutoff	Not listed
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

Champion: 3400W Electric Start Dual Fuel Inverter

#28

Champion 2500W Inverter (201490)

Best for: Lightest generator here at 37.7 lb

3.8/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 50% load not published by Champion

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Runtime at 25% load 15%

Runtime at 50% load * 5%

Noise 15%

Weight 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

CARB compliant * 5%

Parallel capable 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	1850 W
Runtime at 25% load	11.5 h
Runtime at 50% load	Not listed
Noise	53 dBA
Weight	37.7 lb
CO shutoff	No
Runs on propane	No
CARB compliant	Not listed
Parallel capable	Yes
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	2,500 W
Fuel tank	1.05 gal
Outlets	(1) 120V 20A Duplex (5-20R), Parallel
CO shutoff	Not listed
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

Champion: 2500W Inverter

#29

Champion 4500W Inverter (201318)

Best for: 3,500 W gas inverter with 14 h at quarter load

3.8/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 50% load not published by Champion

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Runtime at 25% load 15%

Runtime at 50% load * 5%

Noise 15%

Weight 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

CARB compliant * 5%

Parallel capable 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	3500 W
Runtime at 25% load	14 h
Runtime at 50% load	Not listed
Noise	61 dBA
Weight	92.2 lb
CO shutoff	No
Runs on propane	No
CARB compliant	Not listed
Parallel capable	Yes
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	4,500 W
Fuel tank	2.25 gal
Outlets	(1) 120V Duplex (5-20R), (1) 120V (TT-30R), (1) 12V DC Automotive, Parallel
CO shutoff	Not listed
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

Champion: 4500W Inverter

#30

WEN 56250iX

Best for: Light 1,900 W gas inverter at 37.5 lb

3.5/10

What we like

Watch out for

Runtime at 25% load not published by WEN
Lowest runtime at 50% load in this comparison (4.4 h)

Score breakdown

Running watts (gasoline) 25%

Runtime at 25% load * 15%

Runtime at 50% load 5%

Noise 15%

Weight 10%

CO shutoff 10%

Runs on propane 10%

CARB compliant * 5%

Parallel capable 5%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

* Other unpublished figures are scored at the category median so missing data neither helps nor hurts.

Running watts (gasoline)	1900 W
Runtime at 25% load	Not listed
Runtime at 50% load	4.4 h
Noise	65 dBA
Weight	37.5 lb
CO shutoff	Yes
Runs on propane	No
CARB compliant	Not listed
Parallel capable	Yes
Starting (peak) watts, gasoline	2,500 W
Fuel tank	1 gal
Outlets	Not published by the maker
Noise basis	65 dB at quarter load
CO shutoff	WEN Watchdog CO shutdown sensor
CARB	Not published by the maker
Price	Check price

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Specs source:

WEN: 56250iX

Buying guide: how to choose the right portable inverter generator

Running vs starting watts

Running (rated) watts are what the generator sustains. Starting (peak) watts cover the brief surge when a motor starts, like a fridge compressor or AC. Add up the running watts you'll use at once and check the biggest motor's starting surge. We rank running watts on gasoline; propane output is usually 10% lower and is in each unit's notes.

Runtime: check the load

Makers quote runtime at 25% or 50% load. A unit that lists 14 h at quarter load might run 6–7 h at half load. We show both where published. WEN publishes half-load figures; Champion and Westinghouse mostly publish quarter-load figures.

Noise figures aren't measured the same way

50–55 dBA is roughly a quiet conversation. WEN states the load for each figure; most others don't. Compare noise within one brand where you can.

Carbon monoxide safety (not legal advice)

Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless gas that can kill in minutes. Never run a portable generator indoors, in a garage (even with the door open), a basement, crawlspace or shed. The CDC and CPSC advise keeping it at least 20 feet from the house, with the exhaust pointed away from doors, windows and vents. Install battery or battery-backup CO alarms inside your home. Automatic CO shutoff (Champion CO Shield, Westinghouse CO sensor, WEN Watchdog, DuroMax and Firman CO alerts) shuts the engine off when CO builds up around the generator, but it doesn't replace safe placement or CO alarms in the house. If you feel dizzy, sick or weak, get to fresh air right away and call 911.

Connecting to your home

Never plug a generator into a wall outlet (backfeeding). It can electrocute utility workers and neighbors. Use a transfer switch or interlock installed by a licensed electrician, or run appliances directly from the generator with outdoor-rated cords. Home standby generators must be installed to code with permits where required. Check local rules on emissions (CARB in California), noise and fuel storage. This is general information, not legal advice.

How this ranking is calculated

Score = weighted average of normalised specs, out of 10. Full method

Running watts (gasoline)Continuous (rated) output on gasoline, as the maker lists it. This is what the generator sustains; starting (peak) watts are in the notes. Scale: 1000 → 7000 W.

25%

Runtime at 25% loadHours on a full gasoline tank at a quarter load, as the maker states. Makers that publish only a half-load figure show Not listed here. Scale: 5 → 20 h.

15%

Runtime at 50% loadHours on a full gasoline tank at half load, as the maker states. Scale: 4 → 12 h.

NoiseThe maker's noise figure in decibels. Makers measure at different loads and distances (WEN states quarter or no load; others don't say), so treat small gaps as noise. Each product's basis is in its notes. Scale: 70 → 50 dBA.

15%

WeightThe maker's listed (dry) weight. Lighter units are easier to carry to a campsite or move out of storage. Scale: 220 → 35 lb.

10%

CO shutoffYes when the maker lists automatic carbon monoxide shutoff (Champion CO Shield, Westinghouse CO sensor, WEN Watchdog, DuroMax or FIRMAN CO alert).

10%

Runs on propaneYes for dual- or tri-fuel models that also run on propane, which stores for years without going stale.

10%

CARB compliantYes when the maker lists the model as CARB compliant (needed for sale in California). Not listed counts as no.

Parallel capableYes when the maker says two units can be linked with a parallel kit for more power.

Frequently asked questions

Which brands weren't covered?

We didn't fetch Honda (its site blocked our requests), Generac (its product pages didn't load for us), Predator, Pulsar or Jackery (battery power stations, which our sister site VoltPick covers). They aren't ranked here, and that isn't a judgement on them.

Why does a WEN generator have no quarter-load runtime?

WEN publishes half-load runtime, not quarter-load. A missing figure scores as the category minimum, so WEN's half-load figures count in the separate 50% criterion.

What does CO shutoff do?

A sensor shuts the engine down if carbon monoxide builds up around the generator. It reduces risk but doesn't make indoor or garage use safe. Always run generators outdoors, far from the house, with CO alarms inside.

Top pick · 7.0/10Westinghouse iGen5000DFc

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