5 Best 2500 Watt Inverter Generators

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To get clean power without issues you want to choose one of the best 2500 watt inverter generators. Discover what these are.

Best 2500 watt inverter generators top picks

  1. Westinghouse iGen2500 – Best and quietest 2500 watt generator
  2. WEN DF250i – Best dual fuel 2500 watt generator
  3. Generac GP2500i
  4. Champion 200961 2500 (dual fuel)
  5. Champion 200951 2500

In some categories of generators models lower on the list can still stand out in specific areas.

However, unless you have specific brand preferences or like the idea of dual fuel capability, the decision between the best 2500 watt inverter generators is relatively straightforward.

How we selected our top picks

Our experts spent a lot of time looking at and comparing all the different important factors of the best 2500 watt inverter generators.

Some of the things that were taken into consideration when making our selection include:

  • Run time, power capacity, outlets, portability, noise levels, etc.
  • User reviews
  • Anecdotal reviews from experts
  • Price
  • Brand trustability and reputation
  • The performance categories below

If a pick seems interesting click it to see the online prices.

Brand ModelPower
Capacity
Run
Time
Quiet
Operation
THDReliability
Reputation
Fuel
Efficiency
Ease
Of Use
PortabilityPrice
Category
Current
Price
Westinghouse iGen25008.599<3%99.588$$Check Price
WEN DF250i7.599<1.2%7.58.588$$Check Price
Generac GP2500i8.57?<5%7.57.578$$Check Price
Champion 200961 25006.58.59<3%8.587.59$$$Check Price
Champion 200951 25006.58.59<3%8889$$$Check Price
2500 watt inverter generators performance on a score of 10 in important categories*

*Compared to similar generators and sometimes based on customer input

5 Best 2500 watt inverter generators reviewed

The list of the best 2500 watt inverter generators above is often enough to get an idea of what model would be right for you.

That being said, you can also check the more in-depth reviews of the top picks below to make sure you are investing in the right generator.

1. Westinghouse iGen2500 – Best and quietest 2500 watt generator

Our top pick for the best and quietest 2500 watt generator is the Westinghouse iGen2500 thanks to the high-quality features, happy customers, and relatively low price.

This 2500 watt inverter generator is also rated the best by customers which makes it the most reliable pick in this power category too.

One of the details that stands out the most in the Westinghouse iGen2500 is its relatively long run time of 12 hours at 25% load.

This makes it so you have to interrupt your camping or tailgating sessions to refuel your generator less often.

Pros

  • Westinghouse iGen2500 offers 2500 starting watts, 2200 running watts, 20.8 amps, and 120 volts
  • Relatively low noise levels of 52 dBA
  • Good run time of 12 hours at 25% load
  • Good fuel efficiency
  • Less than 3% THD
  • Light weight of 47.4 lb (21.5 kg)
  • Optional CO sensor
  • Very positive customer reviews
  • 3 years limited residential and 1 year limited commercial warranties
  • A lot of customers

Cons

  • A few very exceptional cases of initial technical issues

Additionally, you won’t really find better warranties than three years limited residential and one year limited commercial when it comes to 2500 watt generators.

The inverter technology to get clean THD that is suited for running sensitive electronics is definitely not unique but helpful anyway.

One thing to note is that there are some exceptional cases of initial technical issues.

Since this is somewhat expected with the high number of customers and since these issues tend to get resolved, this should not be the end of the world.

In short, the Westinghouse iGen2500 will likely be the right choice for you if you are interested in a good 2500 watt generator and don’t necessarily want dual fuel capability.

Brand ModelPower
Capacity
Run
Time
Quiet
Operation
THDReliability
Reputation
Fuel
Efficiency
Ease
Of Use
PortabilityPrice
Category
Current
Price
Westinghouse iGen25008.599<3%99.588$$Check Price
Westinghouse iGen2500 performance on a score of 10 compared to similar alternatives

2. WEN DF250i – Best dual fuel 2500 watt generator

Most portable inverter generators, especially around the 2500 peak watt level, will only run on gasoline.

That being said, there are also dual fuel 2500 watt generators like the WEN DF250i that can also create electricity from propane (LPG).

This extra fuel flexibility can be helpful for people who don’t want to refuel their generators as often during power outages or in situations where gasoline is not a good option.

At the same time, the WEN DF250i still has solid gasoline-related features like a run time of six hours at 50% load.

Pros

  • WEN DF250i offers 2500 starting watts, 2000 running watts, 16.6 amps, and 120 volts (gasoline)
  • Dual fuel so can also run on propane (LPG)
  • Relatively low noise levels of 52 dBA
  • Good run time of 6 hours at 50% load
  • Less than 1.2% THD
  • Light weight of 48.5 lb (22 kg)
  • 2 years limited residential and 90 days limited commercial warranties
  • Budget-friendly

Cons

  • Relatively short commercial warranty
  • Not that many customers for this specific model

In simpler words, this looks like a solid generator for the money that can make use of different fuel sources.

One thing to note is that this specific WEN generator does not have that many reviews yet. It is theoretically still possible that there are suboptimal features that do not stand out yet.

However, customers are generally positive about WEN generators so you would expect that this will apply to the DF250i too.

All in all, this WEN DF250i will often be the right choice for people who want a dual fuel 2500 watt inverter generator.

People who don’t want to use propane (LPG) likely want to choose the Westinghouse iGen2500 instead.

Brand ModelPower
Capacity
Run
Time
Quiet
Operation
THDReliability
Reputation
Fuel
Efficiency
Ease
Of Use
PortabilityPrice
Category
Current
Price
WEN DF250i7.599<1.2%7.58.588$$Check Price
WEN DF250i performance on a score of 10 compared to similar alternatives

3. Generac GP2500i

While you will likely still prefer the top pick, you could also consider other alternatives like the Generac GP2500i if you happen to like this brand more.

When considering this model you do want to keep the customer reviews that mention a challenging generator start and/or some initial technical issues in mind.

Additionally, the run time of 8 hours at 25% load is somewhat low compared to the other best 2500 watt generators on this list.

At the same time, it is also worth mentioning that customers still tend to be very happy with this portable inverter generator.

Pros

  • Generac GP2500i offers 2500 starting watts, 2200 running watts, 18.3 amps, and 120 volts
  • Less than 5% THD
  • Light weight of 48 lb (21.8 kg)
  • Relatively positive customer reviews
  • 2 years limited residential and 1 year limited commercial warranties
  • A lot of customers

Cons

  • No mention of the number of decibels
  • Run time of 8 hours at 25% load is not that impressive
  • Starting the generator can require a few pulls
  • A few exceptional cases of initial technical issues

You likely can’t rely 100% on this generator for home backup power during outages but for something like camping or tailgating, the Generac GP2500i can still be helpful.

Powering sensitive electronic appliances and tools should not be a problem with the inverter technology as long as you take into account what a 2500 watt generator can run.

So if you don’t like Westinghouse or stumble upon a good deal, you can consider the Generac GP2500i.

If something does go suboptimal with your model you can fall back on the two years limited residential or one year limited commercial warranties.

Brand ModelPower
Capacity
Run
Time
Quiet
Operation
THDReliability
Reputation
Fuel
Efficiency
Ease
Of Use
PortabilityPrice
Category
Current
Price
Generac GP2500i8.57?<5%7.57.578$$Check Price
Generac GP2500i performance on a score of 10 compared to similar alternatives

4. Champion 200961 2500

The WEN DF250i does get the top spot for the best dual fuel 2500 watt generator but there are also reasons to consider the Champion 200961 2500 if you want to use propane.

First of all, based on all the customer reviews you can say that the Champion 200961 2500 does just a bit better in terms of reliability.

This in combination with the option to use propane can be helpful for people who want to use their 2500 watt generator as backup power at home for a few small to medium devices.

The longer warranties Champion offers also add to this sense that this generator is generally more reliable.

Pros

  • Champion 200961 2500 offers 2500 starting watts, 1850 running watts, 20.8/15.4 amps, and 120 volts (gasoline)
  • Dual fuel means generator can run on propane (LPG)
  • Relatively low noise levels of 53 dBA
  • Nice run time of 11.5 hours at 25% load
  • Less than 3% THD
  • Light weight of 39 lb (17.7 kg)
  • Relatively positive customer reviews
  • 3 years limited residential and 270 days limited commercial warranties
  • A lot of customers

Cons

  • Somewhat pricier than the other 2500 watt generators
  • Amount of running watts is somewhat lower than alternatives
  • Some cases where the first few starts were challenging

Another generally smaller reason to choose the Champion 200961 2500 instead is its lighter weight of 39 lb (17.7 kg).

Elderly individuals or just people who plan to move their 2500 watt inverter generator a lot on for example a road trip may appreciate the better portability.

Three potential downsides you do want to keep in mind are the slightly higher price, slightly lower number of running watts, and few cases of a challenging start.

In short, if you want some extra reliability and longer warranties in your dual fuel 2500 watt generator and don’t mind investing a bit more, the Champion 200961 2500 could be the best option for you.

Brand ModelPower
Capacity
Run
Time
Quiet
Operation
THDReliability
Reputation
Fuel
Efficiency
Ease
Of Use
PortabilityPrice
Category
Current
Price
Champion 200961 25006.58.59<3%8.587.59$$$Check Price
Champion 200961 2500 performance on a score of 10 compared to similar alternatives

5. Champion 200951 2500

The Champion 200951 2500 is basically the regular version of the previous 2500 watt generator (so no dual fual option but more budget-friendly).

Interestingly enough, from reading all the customer reviews I also get the impression that this model is just a bit less reliable but also starts more easily.

Besides that, the principles of these two Champion inverter generators are very similar.

The low noise levels, run time of 11.5 hours at 25% load, and warranties positively stand out.

Pros

  • Champion 200951 2500 offers 2500 starting watts, 1850 running watts, 20.8/15.4 amps, and 120 volts
  • Relatively low noise levels of 53 dBA
  • Nice run time of 11.5 hours at 25% load
  • Less than 3% THD
  • Light weight of 39 lb (17.7 kg)
  • Relatively positive customer reviews
  • 3 years limited residential and 270 days limited commercial warranties
  • A lot of customers

Cons

  • Amount of running watts is somewhat lower than alternatives
  • A few exceptional cases with technical difficulties

Additionally, the light weight makes the Champion 200951 2500 perform well in terms of portability.

You want to remember that this 2500 watt inverter generator does have a somewhat lower amount of running watts (1850) compared to similar options.

In short, the Champion 200951 2500 is a good portable 2500 watt generator but unless you stumble upon any really good deals you will likely prefer one of the previous alternatives.

Brand ModelPower
Capacity
Run
Time
Quiet
Operation
THDReliability
Reputation
Fuel
Efficiency
Ease
Of Use
PortabilityPrice
Category
Current
Price
Champion 200951 25006.58.59<3%8889$$$Check Price
Champion 200951 2500 performance on a score of 10 compared to similar alternatives

What is a 2500 watt generator good for?

A 2500 watt generator is good for running a few small to medium appliances or tools without requiring as much of an investment or effort to move as stronger and bulkier generators.

How long will a 2500 watt generator run?

2500 watt generators will often run around 11 hours at 25% load. That being said, individual brand models can vary.

What is the best 2500 watt generator?

Westinghouse iGen2500

The best 2500 watt generator is the Westinghouse iGen2500 thanks to its high quality, good features, and reasonable price.

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Author:

Mats is the founder and head editor of Generator Decision. With a combination of critical thinking, tireless research, and a healthy interest in electronics he helps people find the right generators and how to use these. At this point in the journey, Mats has done research on hundreds of portable generators.