You get similar power levels from the Predator 9000 and Champion 9000 but they still vary in other ways.
The main differences between the Predator 9000 and Champion 9000 are that the Predator 9000 has a longer run time, a 120V L5-30R twist-lock outlet, and a more budget-friendly price.
On the flip side, the Champion 9000 has low THD inverter technology, is slightly more silent, is easier to move around thanks to its lower weight, has a 120/240V 50A L14-50R outlet, and has a longer warranty.
If you want to run sensitive electronics without damaging them and don’t have your own inverter, you want to invest a bit more in the Champion 9000.
Additionally, you could like the 120/240V 50A L14-50R outlet of this generator.
On the other hand, you could also find the Predator 9000 good enough if you don’t need low THD electricity.
However, because many people will be in the first category, I did put the Champion 9000 in the top spot for the best 9000 watt generator.
Important differences Predator 9000 vs Champion 9000
Just because the Predator 9000 and Champion 9000 are different in a variety of ways does not mean you have to know about all of the smaller details to make a good decision.
More specifically, in the first table below, you can find the differences between these two generators that most people will find the most relevant.
| Feature | Predator 9000 | Champion 9000 |
|---|---|---|
| THD | High | Less Than 3% |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 7.79 Gallons | 4.3 Gallons |
| Run Time @25% Load | Not Specified | 10.5 Hours |
| Run Time @50% Load | 13 Hours | Not Specified |
| Fuel Efficiency (kWh Per Gallon) | 6.049 | 4.426 |
| Sound And Noise levels | 78 dBA | 72 dBA |
| Outlets | (2) 120V GFCI Protected 5-20R Duplex, (1) 120V L5-30R Twist-Lock Outlet, (1) 120/240V 30A L14-30R Twist-Lock Outlet, (1) 12VDC Outlet | (2) 120V 20A GFCI Protected 5-20R Duplex , 120/240V 30A L14-30R Locking Outlet , 120/240V 50A L14-50R Outlet, (1) 12VDC Outlet |
| Weight | 195 lbs (88.5 kg) | 152.2 lbs (69 kg) |
| Warranties* | 90 Days Limited Warranty | 3 Years Limited Warranty |
| Price Category** | $$ | $$$$ |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Warranties can vary from seller to seller
**Price category at the time of writing
Other features Predator 9000 vs Champion 9000
Before making your decision you may also want to know about the smaller differences and common features of the Predator 9000 and Champion 9000.
| Feature | Predator 9000 | Champion 9000 |
|---|---|---|
| Running Watts | 7250 Running Watts | 7250 Running Watts |
| Starting Watts | 9000 Starting Watts | 9000 Starting Watts |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Voltage | 120/240 VAC | 120/240 VAC |
| Portable | Yes | Yes |
| Fuel Gauge | Yes | No |
| Recoil Pull Start | Yes | Yes |
| Electric Start | Yes | Yes |
| Low Oil Shutdown | Yes | Yes |
| AC Frequency | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Engine Displacement | 420cc | 420cc |
| Built-In Digital Smart LCD | No | Yes |
| Power Output Meter | No | Yes |
| Run Time Remaining | No | No |
| Total Run Time Meter | No | Yes |
| Engine Type | 4 Stroke | 4 Stroke |
| Enclosed Design | No | No |
| Remote Generator Operation | No | No |
| Outlet Covers | Yes | Yes |
| CO-Minder | Yes | Yes |
| Parallel Ready | No | No |
| Dimensions | 26.9″ L x 22″ W x 22.8″ H | 26.6″ L x 25.5″ W x 24.6″ H |
| Wheels | Optional | Yes |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
Differences Predator 9000 vs Champion 9000 explained
People who are more experienced with generators could be able to make a decision between the Predator 9000 and Champion 9000 with a quick look at the main differences and prices.
That being said, some differences deserve a bit more explanation since the effects of these are not always immediately clear.
Outlets Predator 9000 vs Champion 9000
The Predator 9000 and Champion 9000 are similar in the power they offer but you still want to connect your electrical devices to these sources.
Before going into the differences, both of these generators come with two GFCI Protected 5-20R Duplex outlets, a 120/240V L14-30R Twist-Lock Outlet, and a 12V DC outlet.
Then in terms of differences, the Predator 9000 comes with a 120V L5-30R twist-lock outlet.
On the other hand, the Champion 9000 comes with a 120/240V 50A L14-50R outlet which can be helpful for certain bigger RVs.
Whether you prefer the outlets of the Predator 9000 or Champion 9000 depends on what things you want to power and what adapters you already have available.
Winner: Predator 9000 if you prefer a 120V L5-30R twist-lock outlet
Winner: Champion 9000 if you prefer a 120/240V 50A L14-50R outlet
Run time and fuel efficiency
Similar to many generators the Predator 9000 and Champion 9000 both run on gasoline.
Even so, the fuel capacities and how well the generators make use of a gallon of fuel are relatively different.
More specifically, the Predator 9000 has a fuel tank capacity of 7.79 gallons. This allows the generator to run for about 13 hours at 50% load.
On the other hand, the Champion 9000 only has a fuel tank capacity of 4.3 gallons.
Comparing different % load run times is not entirely fair but the 10.5 hours of run time at 25% capacity of the Champion 9000 is still somewhat disappointing.
Additionally, if you use these numbers to calculate how much kWh the generators create with a gallon of fuel, the Predator 9000 does a lot better too.
Winner: Predator 9000
Price
Having a generator that does what you need is definitely important but price likely influences your decision to some extent too.
This detail can vary depending on what day you look and where you get the Predator 9000 or Champion 9000 from.
That being said, at the time of writing, the Predator 9000 is a good amount more budget-friendly than the Champion 9000.
Winner: Predator 9000
User reviews Predator 9000 vs Champion 9000
Looking at the features of the generators you are considering is a good start but sometimes brands don’t deliver on their listings.
Because of this, taking a look at the experiences of people that already invested in the Predator 9000 and Champion 9000 can be a good idea.
Overall, customers seem to be just a bit happier with the Champion 9000 besides a few mentions of the small fuel tank and the noise of the open design.
On the other hand, there are some cases where Predator 9000 customers got a faulty product at first.
These issues typically get resolved but are inconvenient anyway.
That being said, people are generally very positive about both of these generators. Your decision likely depends more on the actual differences in features.
Is the Predator 9000 or Champion 9000 better for you?
In short, the Predator 9000 runs longer and more efficiently, has a 120V L5-30R twist-lock outlet, and is a good amount more budget-friendly.
On the other side, the Champion 9000 is a few decibels more silent, is easier to navigate due to its lower weight, has a 120/240V 50A L14-50R outlet, has low THD power, and comes with a longer warranty.
If you plan to run any sensitive electronics, you generally need to invest more in the Champion 9000 to not damage these devices.
You could also like the big RV-friendly 120/240V 50A L14-50R outlet and the longer warranty.
On the flip side, if you don’t need the inverter technology and don’t mind a generator that will likely not last you a lifetime, the Predator 9000 could be good enough.
You can also look at my more in-depth Predator Generator 9000 review or Champion 9000 review to get a better idea of whether these generators are good for your situation and needs.
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