Even though there are often decibel levels mentioned, it is not always clear how many dB is considered a quiet generator.
Before going into some numbers, it is worth noting that while decibel ratings are often measured at 25% load and 23 feet away, brands don’t need to stick to this standard.
Additionally, when looking for the quietest generators you will notice that different power levels and inverters vs non-inverters have very different standards.
That aside, it is fair to say that any model with a rating of fewer than 60 decibels, the dB of a normal conversation, is a quiet generator.
At the same time, you want to know that this would be on the louder side in the 2000 watt generator category where the quietest model has a rating of 51 dBA.
On the other hand, when it comes to 50 amp inverter generators, even a rating of 65 dBA would be on the quieter side.
What is a good decibel level for a generator?
Most people will agree that anything under 58 dBA at 25% load and 23 feet (7 meters) away is a good decibel level for a generator.
However, you want to keep in mind that the standards for different power categories, generator types, and measuring standards vary a lot.
The more running watts you have and if you are choosing non-inverter generators, the decibel levels will typically be higher.
Additionally, while at 25% load and 23 feet (7 meters away) is often used as a standard, generator brands can technically use their own standards.
There will also be a difference when measuring noise levels on a wooden surface vs on grass.
So while this “method” is not perfect, you will likely find the table below with standard and quietest rated noise levels for different generator power categories helpful.
| Generator Category | Standard Noise Levels | Quietest Generator Noise Rating I found | Complete List |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 Peak Watts | Vary A Lot | 42 dBA | Quietest 1000 Watt Generators |
| 30 Amp Outlet | Vary A Lot | 48 dBA | Quietest 30 Amp Generators |
| 3000 Peak Watts | Vary A Lot | 50 dBA | Quietest 3000 Watt Generators |
| 2000 Peak Watts | 55 to 58 dBA (Mostly Inverters) | 51 dBA | Quietest 2000 Watt Generators |
| 4500 Peak Watts | 58 to 61 dBA For Inverters 69 to 72 dB For Non-inverters | 52 dBA | Quietest 4500 Watt Generators |
| 240 Volts Capacity | Vary A Lot | 52 dBA | Quietest 240V Generators |
| 6500 Peak Watts | 68 to 70 dBA (Mostly Non-inverters) | 52 dBA | Quietest 6500 Watt Generators |
| 7000 Peak Watts | 74 dBA (Mostly Non-inverters) | 52 dBA | Quietest 7000 Watt Generators |
| 3500 Peak Watts | Around 58 dBA For Inverters Non-Inverters Vary | 53 dBA | Quietest 3000 Watt Generators |
| 50 Amp Outlet | 65 to 69 dBA For Inverters 72 to 74 dBA For Non-inverters | 55 dBA | Quietest 50 Amp Outlet Generators |
| 4000 Peak Watts | 59 dBA For Inverters 68 to 70 dBA For Non-inverters | 57 dBA | Quietest 4000 Watt Generators |
| 5500 Peak Watts | 61 dBA For Inverters 69 dBA For Non-inverters | 58 dBA | Quietest 5500 Watt Generators |
| 5000 Peak Watts | Around 68 dBA (Mostly Non-inverters) | 61 dBA | Quietest 5000 Watt Generators |
| 8000 Peak Watts | 76 dBA | 61 dBA | Quietest 8000 Watt Generators |
| 10000 Peak Watts | 72 to 74 dBA | 61 dBA | Quietest 10000 Watt Generators |
| 9000 Peak Watts | 72 to 75 dBA | 62 dBA | Quietest 9000 Watt Generators |
| 6000 Peak Watts | Vary A Lot | 63 dBA | Quietest 6000 Watt Generators |
| 12000 Peak Watts | 74 dBA | 74 dB | Quietest 12000 Watt Generators |
I will update this table as I research more of the quietest generators in different categories.
How loud is a silent generator compared to daily noises?
You can also describe a generator as silent if it is less loud than certain noises you encounter in your daily life.
For example, I would describe a generator with a rating of fewer than 60 decibels, which is more or less how loud a regular conversation is, as quiet.
Since what daily noise levels you consider to be quiet for a generator is somewhat subjective, I put a range of examples in the table below.
| Daily Noise Type | Decibel Level Estimate |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 50 dBA |
| Moderate Rainfall | 50 dBA |
| Normal Conversation | 60 dB |
| Background Music | 60 dB |
| Vacuum Cleaner | 70 dBA |
| Freeway Traffic | 70 dBA |
| Police Car Siren | 80 dBA |
| Whistling Kettle | 80 dBA |
FAQ
Is 65 dB loud for a generator?
For small to medium-sized inverter generators, a rating of 65 dB is relatively loud.
For “regular” generators and very strong inverters, 65 dB is about standard (but will still feel almost as loud as a vacuum cleaner).
Is 67 decibels loud for a generator?
When it comes to inverter generators, 67 decibels is relatively loud.
On the other hand, this is about the standard for small to medium non-inverters and on the quieter side for non-inverters.
Is 68 dBA loud for a generator?
68 dBA is relatively loud for portable inverter generators and above average for “regular” generators.
Another way to look at 68 dBA is that this is about the same noise level of a vacuum cleaner and freeway traffic.
Is 69 decibels loud for a generator?
69 decibels is on the louder side for inverter generators and somewhat louder for other generators.
Is 70 dB loud for a generator?
70 dB is loud for inverter generators and small regular generators.
In the medium to large regular generator category, 70 dB is about what you can expect from the average model.
Is 72 dB loud for a generator?
It is fair to say that 72 dB is loud for inverter generators and small regular generators.
Even in medium-sized regular generators, 72 dB is leaning toward the louder side of the standard.
At the same time, 72 dB is still reasonable compared to many strong regular generators.
Is 74 dB loud for a generator?
74 dB is relatively loud compared to most generators. Especially inverters and regular models in the small to medium power levels.
Is 75 dB loud for a generator?
75 dB is loud for most generators.
Even in the stronger regular generator category, you can find many models that are quieter than this.
