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10 Best Home Generators 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Generac Guardian 24kW Home Standby Generator with 200 Amp Transfer Switch - Automatic Whole House Backup Power for Storms, Emergencies, and Outages, WiFi Enabled, Runs on Natural Gas or Liquid Propane

The Generac Guardian 24kW Home Standby Generator is designed to provide strong and reliable backup power for your entire home, especially useful during storms or power outages. It offers a powerful 24,000-watt output, which is enough to keep most household appliances and systems running smoothly. The generator runs on either natural gas or liquid propane, giving you flexible fuel options that can be convenient depending on your home's setup. One of its great features is the automatic start — it turns on by itself when the power goes out, so you don’t have to worry about starting it manually. It also includes a 200-amp transfer switch, allowing easy and safe switching between utility power and generator power.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,397
Start Type

Most important from
426 reviews

Start Type
The generator delivers reliable whole-house backup power, kicking on automatically within seconds during outages and running smoothly throughout.
#2
10.0 score

Jackery HomePower 3000 Portable Power Station with 2x 200W Solar Panels, 3600W (Surge 7200W) Output, 3072Wh LFP Battery Solar Generator, Essential Backup for Home Use, Power Outage, RV, Emergencies

The Jackery HomePower 3000 is a strong choice for home backup power, offering a solid 3600 watts of running power and a surge capacity of 7200 watts to handle essential appliances like refrigerators, fans, and lights during outages. Its large 3072Wh battery can keep a fridge running for 1-2 days and power a household for up to 15 hours. It runs on electricity stored in its battery, so no gas or fuel is needed, making it cleaner and quieter than traditional fuel generators.

Rating
10.0
Power Output (Wattage)
Portability

Most important from
393 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
The unit’s battery capacity and power output comfortably support essential appliances like TVs, refrigerators, and heating for extended periods.
Portability
Portability is manageable at 60 pounds, and while optional wheels are available, many find them unnecessary given the unit’s design.
#3
9.4 score

Generac Guardian 26kW Home Standby Generator with 200 Amp Transfer Switch - Automatic Whole House Backup Power for Storms, Emergencies, and Outages, WiFi Enabled, Runs on Natural Gas or Liquid Propane

The Generac Guardian 26kW Home Standby Generator is a solid choice for homeowners looking for reliable whole-house backup power. Its 26,000-watt output is strong enough to keep most household appliances and systems running smoothly during an outage. It runs on natural gas or propane, which are common and convenient fuel options for home standby generators. The generator features an automatic electronic start, meaning it turns on by itself when power goes out, so you don't have to worry about manual operation.

Rating
9.4
Power Output (Wattage)
Fuel Type
Runtime

Most important from
426 reviews

Power Output (Wattage)
Delivers reliable whole-house backup power that activates automatically within seconds of an outage.
Fuel Type
Fuel flexibility with natural gas or propane adds convenience and accessibility for homeowners.
Runtime
Runs smoothly and quietly, providing seamless electricity to the entire home during extended power interruptions.
Portability
Installation requires a licensed electrician, reflecting its design as a permanent, low-maintenance solution rather than a portable unit.
Noise Level
Runs smoothly and quietly, providing seamless electricity to the entire home during extended power interruptions.
Start Type
Overall, a solid investment that performs flawlessly during outages, justifying the cost with dependable operation and automatic start/stop functionality.

Top 10 Best Home Generators 2025 in the United States

DuroMax XP15000HXT 15,000 Watt Tri Fuel Portable Home Power Backup HXT Generator w/CO Alert

Power Output (Wattage): 15000 watts start, 12000 watts run
Fuel Type: Gasoline, LPG, Natural Gas
Portability: Portable, wheels, handles, 362 pounds
Start Type: Push-button and remote start

DuroMax XP13000HXT 13,000-Watt 500cc Tri Fuel Gas Propane Natural Gas Portable Generator with CO Alert, Black/Blue

Power Output (Wattage): 13000 starting, 10500 running watts
Fuel Type: Gasoline, Propane, Natural Gas
Portability: 240 lbs, wheels and handle kit
Noise Level: 74 dB
Start Type: Electric and Remote Start
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Buying Guide for the Best Home Generators

Choosing the right home generator is crucial to ensure you have a reliable power source during outages. The right generator can keep your essential appliances running, provide comfort, and ensure safety. To make an informed decision, you need to understand the key specifications and how they align with your needs. Here are the main factors to consider when selecting a home generator.
Power Output (Wattage)Power output, measured in watts, indicates how much electricity the generator can produce. This is important because it determines how many and what type of appliances you can run simultaneously. Generators typically range from 1,000 watts to over 20,000 watts. For basic needs like lights, a refrigerator, and a few small appliances, a generator with 3,000 to 5,000 watts may suffice. For whole-house coverage, especially if you have high-power appliances like air conditioners or electric stoves, you might need 10,000 watts or more. Assess your power needs by listing essential devices and their wattage requirements.
Fuel TypeGenerators can run on various fuels, including gasoline, propane, natural gas, and diesel. The fuel type affects the generator's runtime, availability, and storage. Gasoline is widely available but has a shorter shelf life and can be harder to store in large quantities. Propane has a longer shelf life and burns cleaner but requires a storage tank. Natural gas offers a continuous supply if you have a gas line but may not be available in all areas. Diesel is efficient and has a long shelf life but can be more expensive and less environmentally friendly. Choose a fuel type based on availability, storage convenience, and your environmental preferences.
RuntimeRuntime refers to how long a generator can operate on a full tank of fuel. This is important for planning how often you will need to refuel during an outage. Generators with larger fuel tanks or more efficient engines will have longer runtimes. For example, a generator with a 5-gallon tank might run for 8-10 hours at 50% load. If you need continuous power for extended periods, look for generators with longer runtimes or consider models that can be connected to larger external fuel sources. Match the runtime to your expected outage duration and refueling capabilities.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to move the generator. This is important if you need to transport the generator to different locations or store it when not in use. Portable generators typically have wheels and handles, making them easier to move. They are ideal for temporary power needs or if you plan to use the generator in multiple locations. Stationary or standby generators are permanently installed and automatically turn on during an outage. They are more powerful and convenient for whole-house coverage but are not portable. Choose based on whether you need a fixed or mobile power solution.
Noise LevelNoise level, measured in decibels (dB), indicates how loud the generator will be during operation. This is important for comfort and compliance with local noise regulations. Generators can range from 50 dB (similar to a quiet conversation) to over 100 dB (similar to a chainsaw). If you live in a densely populated area or plan to use the generator near living spaces, look for models with lower noise levels, typically under 70 dB. For remote or less noise-sensitive areas, higher noise levels may be acceptable. Consider your environment and tolerance for noise when choosing a generator.
Start TypeStart type refers to how the generator is turned on. Common options include manual recoil start, electric start, and automatic start. Manual recoil start requires pulling a cord, which can be physically demanding. Electric start uses a battery to start the generator with the push of a button, offering convenience and ease of use. Automatic start is typically found in standby generators and activates the generator automatically during a power outage. Choose a start type based on your physical ability, convenience preference, and whether you need the generator to start automatically during an outage.

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