5 Best Small Inverter Generators For Compact Power

Discover the best small inverter generators so you can safely power small electronics while keeping things compact and budget-friendly.

Best small inverter generators top picks

1. Westinghouse iGen2500 – Best small inverter generator
2. Champion 200959 2000 – Best small dual fuel inverter generator
3. Honda EU2200i – Best small inverter generator for power outages, best rated, and quietest
4. WEN 56380i 3800 – Best not-so-small inverter generator
5. A-iPower SUA2000iV – Best small inverter generator with RV-ready twist lock outlet & budget-friendly

If you have certain preferences or needs, small inverter generators lower on the list can still be the best option for you.

How we selected our top picks

Small is somewhat relative but besides the 3800 peak watt WEN 56380i, I focused on inverter generators with 2500 peak watts or less.

These models already come with relatively small dimensions too.

Additionally, some of the other details I considered when selecting the best small inverter generators are:

• Run time, fuel types, 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.

*Compared to similar generators and sometimes based on customer input

5 Best small inverter generators in-depth reviews

If you know more or less what you want, the list of top picks and performance table could be enough to choose the best small inverter generator for you.

That being said, the more in-depth reviews below can help you ensure you are making the right decision.

1. Westinghouse iGen2500 – Best small inverter generator

Our top pick for the best small inverter generator is the Westinghouse iGen2500 thanks to its combination of solid features, reliable performance, and reasonable price.

There are a few exceptional cases of technical issues but with this many customers, it is hard to be 100% perfect.

Additionally, the 2500 peak watts and 2200 running watts are nice amounts of power. You should be able to run things like an 11k BTU RV AC, an electric grill, or a bench grinder.

The run time of 12 hours at 25% load is impressive for a small inverter generator.

At the same time, you do want to know that this may just not be enough for running something like an RV AC throughout the night while camping.

Together with this long run time, the Westinghouse iGen2500 comes with an impressive fuel efficiency.

In simpler words, you will be able to get a relatively high amount of kWh (measurement of energy) out of a gallon of gasoline.

While there are lighter and compacter options too, the Westinghouse iGen2500 is still reasonable in these areas with 47.4 pounds and 19.8″ x 11.4″ x 17.9″.

In short, the Westinghouse iGen2500 is often the best small inverter generator in terms of the overall value you get for the money.

2. Champion 200959 2000 – Best dual fuel

Gasoline is the most common fuel type, especially for smaller generators, but if you want to be able to use propane too, the Champion 200959 2000 can be a good choice.

One benefit of propane is that it typically stores longer than gasoline.

In turn, dual fuel generators like the Champion 200959 2000 allow you to be prepared for power outages with less effort. This can be a plus for off-grid living too.

Additionally, if you only plan to use your small inverter every once in a while, propane generally requires less maintenance.

One thing to note is that there are a few reviews where customers initially have a challenging time getting the Champion 200959 2000 started on propane.

This small downside aside, the Champion 200959 2000 also has a solid run time of 11.5 hours at 25% load while running on gasoline.

Something that stands out even more is the reliability all the positive customer reviews imply.

All of these things make the Champion 200959 2000 extra good for situations like power outages and off-grid living.

However, for other purposes like camping, DIY sessions, boondocking, tailgating, etc. this is a solid propane-compatible generator too.

3. Honda EU2200i – Best for power outages, best rated, and quietest

The Honda EU2200i gets the top spots for best small inverter generator for power outages, the top rated model, and the quietest option available.

One main downside to keep in mind is that you do have to invest a relatively high amount in all these good qualities.

When it comes to good inverter generators for power outages, you really want your machine to work whenever needed.

With the reliability and durability reputation of the Honda EU2200i, you can sleep soundly knowing that your (energy-friendly) refrigerator and/or freezer full of food will have power.

Even if you just plan to use your small inverter generator for things like DIY sessions or construction sites, the durability of the Honda EU2200i can be useful.

Something else that stands out is the Honda My Generator app connectivity.

This allows you to see details like power output on your phone. You can even turn off the Honda EU2200i remotely from your RV or camping chair.

Overall, whether the Honda EU2200i is worth the investment depends a lot on details like how you will use the machine, your budget, and your preferences.

4. WEN 56380i 3800 – Best not-so-small

The WEN 56380i may not fit in all definitions of small inverter generators. However, it is worth mentioning in case the 3800 starting watts and 3400 running watts fit your needs.

More specifically, to run bigger devices like a 10k BTU window air conditioner or just many small to medium devices, you may need the WEN 56380i 3800.

The main downsides of going for this option instead of smaller inverter generators are that the WEN 56380i is heavier and bigger.

In turn, moving the inverter generator around and fitting it in your car, camper, or storage space are somewhat more challenging.

More specific to the WEN 56380i 3800 is the relatively short commercial warranty of 90 days.

This may convince people with mobile detailing operations or food trucks to look for other inverter generators with more capacity.

On the flip side, something that positively stands out in the WEN 56380i 3800 is its electric start.

Elderly individuals or just people who don’t like the recoil start may find that this really makes this small inverter generator more convenient to use.

Additionally, while you would expect the opposite from this much power and quality, the WEN 56380i 3800 actually still has a reasonable price.

5. A-iPower SUA2000iV – Best with RV-ready twist lock outlet & budget-friendly

There are two main reasons to consider the A-iPower SUA2000iV.

First of all, the A-iPower SUA2000iV is one of the few small inverter generators with a L5-30R twist lock outlet.

You could get there with adapters too, this outlet does make connecting your generator to things like an RV or camper easier.

Besides that, the A-iPower SUA2000iV is often the most budget-friendly option on this list.

You still get relatively good quality for this budget-friendly price.

However, you do want to know there are a few exceptional cases where customers experience early wear and tear on their A-iPower SUA2000iV.

That being said, there are also helpful features like the nice run time of 7 hours at 50% load, low noise levels of 52 dBA, and light weight of 48 pounds.

With how convenient these make using and moving the A-iPower SUA2000iV, this small inverter generator is still worth considering for camping and other “low-risk” situations.

At least if the 2000 starting watts and 1600 running watts are enough for your needs.

Related posts:

• 5 Best 4500 Watt Inverter Generators
• 5 Best Large Inverter Generators For Clean Power
• 5 Best Inverter Generators For Home Backup Power

Our top pick

It is possible that you are still unsure about what small inverter generator the best is for your situation.

In a case like that, our top pick, the Westinghouse iGen2500 is often the right choice.

This model has 2500 peak watts, 46.3 pounds, and dimensions of 19.8″ x 11.4″ x 17.9″.

In simpler words, you get a nice amount of portable and compact power.