Discover the best remote start generators so you can reliably start getting power from the comfort of your home, RV, and camping chair.
Best remote start generators top picks
- Champion 201001 – Best remote start generator overall & for RVs (5500 peak watts, 61 dBA)
- Westinghouse iGen4500DF – Quietest & best dual fuel remote start generator (4500 peak watts, 52 dBA)
- Westinghouse wGen9500 – Best very large remote start generator (non-inverter, 12500 peak watts, 74 dBA)
- DuroMax XP9000iH – Best large dual fuel remote start generator (9000 peak watts, 68 dBA)
- Honda EU7000iS – Quietest large remote start generator (7000 peak watts, 52 dBA)
Keep in mind that remote start generators lower on the list can still be better for your preferences and needs.
How we selected our top picks
Even within the category of remote start generators, there were a lot of good options to choose from.
To put the list of top picks together I considered some of the following details:
- 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 Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 201001 | 8 | 9 | 8.5 | <3% | 9.5 | 9 | 8.5 | 8 | $$ | Check Price |
| Westinghouse iGen4500DF | 7.5 | 8.5 | 10 | <3% | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8.5 | $$ | Check Price |
| Westinghouse wGen9500 | 10 | 6.5 | 6 | <23% | 9.5 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 6.5 | $$ | Check Price |
| DuroMax XP9000iH | 9 | 9 | 7 | <3% | 7 | 9 | 8.5 | 6 | $$$$ | Check Price |
| Honda EU7000iS | 8.5 | 8 | 10 | <3% | 8.5 | 7.5 | 9 | 5.5 | $$$$$$ | Check Price |
*Compared to similar generators and sometimes based on customer input
5 Best remote start generators reviewed in-depth
People who know more or less what they want could make a choice after looking at the list of top picks and the performance table.
That being said, you will likely also find it easier to decide between the best remote start generators after checking out the in-depth reviews below.
1. Champion 201001 – Best remote start generator & for RVs
Our top pick for the best remote start generator is the Champion 201001 thanks to its combination of a popular power level, good features, great reliability, and reasonable price.
With 5500 peak watts and 4000 running watts, the Champion 201001 should be strong enough to power large devices like a hot water heater, air compressor, or electric grill.
Something that really stands out in the Champion 201001 is the reliability all the positive customer reviews imply.
You should be able to trust this portable generator with a refrigerator and/or freezer full of food.
Without giving up the convenient operation of an electric and remote start.
Pros
- Champion 201001 offers 5500 starting watts, 4000 running watts, 30 amps, and 120 volts
- Parallel capability
- Relatively low noise levels of 61 dBA
- Good run time of 20 hours at 25% load
- Good fuel efficiency
- Less than 3% THD
- Weight of 119 lb (54 kg)
- Has electric and remote start
- Very positive customer reviews
- 3 years limited residential and 270 days limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
Cons
- Moving the generator over uneven terrain can be challenging
There are quieter remote start generators but considering a regular conversation is around 60 decibels, the 61 dBA of the Champion 201001 are still relatively silent.
In combination with the run time of 20 hours at 25% load, this remote start generator can be good for running something like an RV AC or refrigerator throughout the night.
If you have the Champion 201001 (and potentially rain protection) set up, you don’t even have to leave your RV or house for this.
One small downside is that the small wheels make the Champion 201001 just a bit harder to move over bumpy terrains.
That being said, you will likely agree that this is still an impressive remote start generator overall.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 201001 | 8 | 9 | 8.5 | <3% | 9.5 | 9 | 8.5 | 8 | $$ | Check Price |
2. Westinghouse iGen4500DF – Quietest & best dual fuel
The Westinghouse iGen4500DF is both the quietest remote start generator and the best dual fuel model.
Being quiet is somewhat straightforward but dual fuel means this portable inverter generator can run on both propane and gasoline.
Besides the benefits of just being flexible, propane typically stores longer than gasoline.
In turn, the Westinghouse iGen4500DF makes it so that staying prepared for power grid issues and/or unexpected boondocking trips requires less attention and effort.
Pros
- Westinghouse iGen4500DF offers 4500 starting watts, 3700 running watts, 30 amps, and 120 volts (gasoline)
- Parallel capability
- Dual fuel feature allows you to run on propane (LPG) too
- Relatively low noise levels of 52 dBA
- Long run time of 18 hours at 25% load (gasoline)
- Less than 3% THD
- Has electric and remote start
- A lot of performance tracking metrics
- Optional CO sensor and remote start
- Weight of 104.7 lbs (47.5 kg)
- Very positive customer reviews
- 3 years limited residential and 1 year limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
Cons
- Some customers find changing the oil challenging
- Can be challenging to move over bumpy terrain
And even if you decide to use gasoline anyway, the Westinghouse iGen4500DF offers a nice run time of 18 hours at 25% load.
This should be enough to run something like an RV AC throughout the night.
With the remote start, you can just set up the Westinghouse iGen4500DF during the day and turn it on from your RV when it turns dark.
You will likely also be glad to hear that the Westinghouse iGen4500DF does not just look good on paper.
With all the positive reviews, it looks like this is a reliable (and reasonably-prized) remote start generator too.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse iGen4500DF | 7.5 | 8.5 | 10 | <3 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8.5 | $$ | Check Price |
3. Westinghouse wGen9500 – Best very large remote start generator
Not many people will need a large portable generator like this but if you need a lot of power, the Westinghouse wGen9500 could be the right option.
Something you do want to keep in mind is that the Westinghouse wGen9500 is a high THD remote start generator.
In simpler words, the power from this machine can damage sensitive electronics like microwaves, TVs, certain refrigerators, and certain air conditioners.
Unless you have your own inverter or another way to clean up the power.
You also want to know that big generators like the Westinghouse wGen9500 make a lot of noise.
Your ears (and close neighbors) will likely not appreciate the 74 dBA.
Pros
- Westinghouse WGen9500 offers 12500 starting watts, 9500 running watts, 50 amps, and 240 volts
- Run time of 12 hours at 25% load
- Has electric and remote start
- Four GFCI outlets
- Version with CO sensor available too
- Weight of 208 lb (94.4 kg)
- Relatively positive customer reviews
- 3 years limited residential and 1 year limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
- Relatively budget-friendly
Cons
- THD of less than 23% is not suited for sensitive electronics
- A few very exceptional cases of initial shipping and technical issues
- Noise levels of 74 dBA are loud
There are also a few very exceptional cases where customers initially have shipping and technical issues with their Westinghouse wGen9500.
That being said, these are so uncommon that you can still say the Westinghouse wGen9500 is a reliable option overall.
There are also the optional CO sensor and GFCI outlets to make operating this remote start generator a bit safer.
You may also be surprised by how much power the Westinghouse wGen9500 offers at this budget-friendly price.
So if you don’t mind the high THD and need a lot of power, this generator could be the right choice.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse wGen9500 | 10 | 6.5 | 6 | <23% | 9.5 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 6.5 | $$ | Check Price |
4. DuroMax XP9000iH – Best large dual fuel
The Westinghouse iGen4500DF is a great remote start duel fuel generator but for something like home backup power, you may want more watts.
Compared to similar options, the DuroMax XP9000iH is one of the best remote start generators available.
At the same time, you do want to know there are a decent number of cases where customers have issues with the DuroMax XP9000iH.
Some of these include not being able to produce the rated watts.
Additionally, the DuroMax XP9000iH does not have a 50 amp outlet.
This limits how many watts you can get into your house through one outlet.
Pros
- DuroMax XP9000iH offers 9000 starting watts, 7600 running watts, 30 amps, and 240 volts (gasoline)
- Parallel capability
- Dual fuel so can run on propane (LPG) too
- Noise levels of 68 dB
- Good run time of 20 hours at 25% load
- Good gasoline fuel efficiency
- Less than 5% THD
- Electric and remote start
- Four GFCI outlets
- CO sensor
- Weight of 237 lb (107.5 kg)
- 3 years limited residential and 1 year limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
Cons
- Does not have a 50 amp outlet
- Some cases of early technical issues
- A few cases where the generator does not offer the running watts mentioned
In turn, setting up the DuroMax XP9000iH before you can use the remote start potentially requires a bit more effort.
That being said, the DuroMax XP9000iH still positively stands out in areas like the decibel rating at this power level, the gasoline run time, and the gasoline fuel efficiency.
These things make your experience a bit more convenient and potentially more budget-friendly (if you plan to use gasoline).
So if you don’t like the alternative of paralleling two Westinghouse iGen4500DF machines, the DuroMax XP9000iH can be a good remote start generator.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DuroMax XP9000iH | 9 | 9 | 7 | <3% | 7 | 9 | 8.5 | 6 | $$$$ | Check Price |
5. Honda EU7000iS – Quietest large remote start generator
The Honda EU7000iS is often not the best remote start generator due to its high price.
However, with the impressive noise levels of 52 to 58 dBA at 25% to 100% load, this machine does deserve a mention as the quietest large remote start generator.
Besides a few exceptional cases of technical issues, the Honda EU7000iS is a solid generator in terms of features too.
For example, you can connect the Honda EU7000iS to the Honda My Generator app through BlueTooth.
This app connectivity allows you to start, stop, and track the performance of the Honda EU7000iS remotely.
Pros
- Honda EU7000iS offers 7000 starting watts, 5500 running watts, 30 amps, and 240 volts
- Parallel capability
- Quietest large remote start generator with noise levels of 52 to 58 dBA (25% to 100% load)
- Nice run time of 16 hours at 25% load
- Should be less than 3% THD
- Electric start
- Honda generator brand reputation
- Remote operation through Honda My Generator app
- Four GFCI outlets
- CO sensor
- Weight of 263.2 lb (119.4 kg)
- Relatively positive customer reviews
- 3 years limited residential and 12 months limited commercial warranties
Cons
- Expensive compared to other large portable generators
- A few exceptional cases of technical difficulties
Besides that, the nice 16 hours of run time at 25% load match well with the quiet noise levels.
As mentioned, this combination can be great for running things overnight.
The Honda EU7000iS can also be a good choice for food trucks and outdoor events where you don’t want the disturbance of a loud generator.
In short, the Honda EU7000iS will often be a bit pricey for the alternatives available.
However, you could be one of the people who value the quiet noise levels at this power capacity and the remote start enough to make the investment anyway.
| Brand Model | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Reliability Reputation | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda EU7000iS | 8.5 | 8 | 10 | <3% | 8.5 | 7.5 | 9 | 5.5 | $$$$$$ | Check Price |
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FAQ
Can a generator be started remotely?
Some but not all generators can be started remotely.
When in doubt, you want to check the sales page or ask the retailer.
Is there a remote start generator?
Yes, there are a variety of remote start generators.
Does Honda make a generator with remote start?
Yes, Honda makes generators with remote starts.
However, keep in mind that these work through the Honda My Generator app on your phone.
In simpler words, you will still need a phone with BlueTooth to access this remote start function.
How far can you remote start a generator?
How far you can remote start a generator depends on the specific model.
For example, the remote start range of our Champion generator top pick is 80 feet (24.4 meters).
On the flip side, there are Westinghouse generators you should be able to start remotely from as far as 109 yards (100 meters).
Our top pick
The Champion 201001 is our top pick for the best remote start generator thanks to its popular power level, good reliability, solid features, and reasonable price.
At the same time, it is worth mentioning that you may prefer the Westinghouse iGen4500DF instead if you want to be able to use propane too.
