Discover the 5 top rated inverter generators so you can get power without all the technical issues and inconveniences of worse models.
Top rated inverter generators overview
Before revealing the models it is worth briefly noting these are the top rated options in terms of customer reviews.
If you want a selection that also takes price, features, and noise levels into account, the list of best inverter generators tends to be better.
- Honda EU2200i – Top rated inverter generator (2200 peak watts, 48 dBA)
- Champion 200977 – Top rated dual fuel inverter generator (4250 peak watts, 64 dBA)
- Champion 200959 (2000 peak watts, 53 dBA, dual fuel)
- Champion 201067 – Top rated large inverter generator (9000 peak watts, 72 dBA)
- Champion 201001 – Top rated remote start inverter generator (5500 peak watts, 61 dBA)
Another thing to mention is that inverter generators lower on the list due to fewer ratings could still be better for your preferences and needs.
How we selected our top picks
The main details behind this list of top rated inverter generators are the overall positivity of the customer reviews, a minimum amount of these, and how many ratings the machines have.
At the same time, I also looked at a variety of other details for the in-depth reviews below to help you find the best choice for your situation.
More specifically, some of the other details I considered are:
- Run time, power capacity, outlets, portability, noise levels, etc.
- 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 | Reliability Reputation | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda EU2200i | 9.5 | 7 | 6 | 10 | <3% | 6.5 | 8.5 | 9.5 | $$$$ | Check Price |
| Champion 200977 4250 | 9.5 | 8 | 9.5 | 7.5 | <3% | 8.5 | 8 | 8 | $$ | Check Price |
| Champion 200959 2000 | 9.5 | 6.5 | 7 | 9.5 | <3% | 8 | 7.5 | 10 | $$ | Check Price |
| Champion 201067 9000 | 9.5 | 10 | 6.5 | 5.5 | <3% | 7.5 | 8 | 6.5 | $$$$ | Check Price |
| Champion 201001 5500 | 9.5 | 8.5 | 9 | 8 | <3% | 9.5 | 8.5 | 7.5 | $$$ | Check Price |
*Compared to similar generators and sometimes based on customer input
5 Top rated inverter generators reviewed in detail
Customer reviews can be a helpful way to filter the many inverter generators on the market.
However, you likely still have a preference for certain power levels, features, noise levels, etc.
The more detailed reviews of the top rated inverter generators can help you find the right option for your situation.
1. Honda EU2200i – Top rated inverter generator
People who are more familiar with inverter generators may recognize the top rated Honda EU2200i which is known for its reliability and durability.
Before investing in this inverter generator, you do want to know that the Honda EU2200i is also relatively expensive for its power level.
For situations like power outages and off-grid living where your refrigerator full of food really needs power, this can be worth it.
On the flip side, for situations like RV camping, tailgating, and the occasional DIY session, the Honda EU2200i can be too much.
Additionally, while a 2200 watt generator could run enough, it is also possible that you need something bigger to power things like a window AC, air compressor, or just many small devices.
Pros
- Honda EU2200i offers 2200 starting watts, 1800 running watts, 18.3 amps, and 120 volts.
- Parallel capability
- Quietest top rated inverter generator with 48 to 57 dBA (at 25% to 100% load)
- Run time of 8.1 hours at 25% load
- Less than 3% THD
- Honda My Generator app connectivity
- CO sensor
- Honda generator brand reputation
- Light weight of 47.4 lb (21.5 kg)
- Very positive customer reviews
- 3 years limited residential and 12 months limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
Cons
- Expensive for its power level
- You may need more power
That aside, something that really stands out in the Honda EU2200i is its low noise levels of 48 dBA.
Even in small neighborhoods or busy events, this should be quiet enough to not disturb yourself or the people nearby.
Another positive point of the Honda EU2200i is its convenient usage thanks to the remote tracking and stopping through the Honda My Generator app.
In short, the Honda EU2200i can be worth it for important or intense use or people who want a high quality inverter generator.
On the flip side, the higher price could turn you to one of the other top rated options on this list.
| Brand Model | Reliability Reputation | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda EU2200i | 9.5 | 7 | 6 | 10 | <3% | 6.5 | 8.5 | 9.5 | $$$$ | Check Price |
2. Champion 200977 4250 – Top rated dual fuel
There are a few reasons why the Champion 200977 4250 could be the best top rated inverter generator for your situation instead of the Honda EU2200i.
First of all, this model offers more power potential at a more budget-friendly price.
To run bigger devices like a 15k BTU window air conditioner, 1 HP high pressure washer, or just more appliances and tools at once you may need the Champion 200977 4250 or something stronger.
Secondly, the Champion 200977 4250 is a dual fuel inverter generator which means it can run on propane (LPG) too.
Pros
- Champion 200977 offers 4250 starting watts, 3500 running watts, 30 amps, and 120 volts (gasoline)
- Parallel capability
- Dual fuel feature allows you to run on propane (LPG) too
- Reasonable noise levels of 64 dBA
- Long run time of 22 hours at 25% load
- Less than 3% THD
- Weight of 79 lb (35.8 kg)
- Very positive customer reviews
- 3 years limited residential and 270 days limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- No wheels so moving the inverter generator can be challenging
- A few very exceptional cases where the first model customers got had issues
One of the benefits of propane is that it typically stores longer than gasoline.
In turn, the Champion 200977 4250 makes it more convenient to stay prepared for power outages and can be useful for off-grid living.
Two things to note are that the Champion 200977 4250 does not have wheels and that there are a few exceptional cases where the first model customers got did not function optimally.
This lack of wheels makes moving this top rated inverter generator around just a bit more challenging.
There is also a tiny risk that you have to contact support to resolve an initial issue.
That being said, as you can see from all the positive reviews, the Champion 200977 4250 is still overall a great and reliable dual fuel inverter generator.
| Brand Model | Reliability Reputation | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 200977 4250 | 9.5 | 8 | 9.5 | 7.5 | <3% | 8.5 | 8 | 8 | $$ | Check Price |
3. Champion 200959 2000
The Champion 200959 2000 is another smaller inverter generator. This option could be a better choice than the Honda EU2200i depending on your preferences and needs.
One reason for this is that the Champion 200959 2000 is simply a lot more budget-friendly. Even though it is another very reliable inverter generator.
Secondly, the Champion 200959 2000 is another example of a high-rated dual fuel inverter generator.
Being able to run on propane can vary from nice to have to basically essential depending on what you plan to do.
Pros
- Champion 200959 offers 2000 starting watts, 1700 running watts, 16.7 amps, and 120 volts (gasoline)
- Parallel capability
- Dual fuel feature allows you to run on propane (LPG) too
- Relatively low noise levels of 53 dBA
- Good run time of 11.5 hours at 25% load
- Less than 3% THD
- Light weight of 39.5 lb (17.9 kg)
- Very positive customer reviews
- 3 years limited residential and 270 days limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
Cons
- A few exceptional cases where starting on propane is challenging
- You may need more power
On the flip side, you do want to know the Champion 200959 2000 is slightly less powerful and slightly louder than the Honda EU2200i.
If you can already barely fit your appliances and tools within the limits of the Honda, this model from Champion may be too small.
There are also a few exceptional cases where customers find it hard to get the Champion 200959 2000 started when running on propane.
In short, the Champion 200959 2000 can be the best choice for people who don’t need that much power, want a more budget-friendly inverter generator, and/or want to use propane.
| Brand Model | Reliability Reputation | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 200959 2000 | 9.5 | 6.5 | 7 | 9.5 | <3% | 8 | 7.5 | 10 | $$ | Check Price |
4. Champion 201067 9000 – Top rated large
Large inverter generators often have slightly less optimal ratings. Potentially due to the complexity behind being able to generate so much power.
However, the Champion 201067 9000 is a nice exception to this trend with 9000 starting watts and one of the best ratings on the inverter generator market.
This much power will be too much for many people but at the same time, this also makes the Champion 201067 9000 a great option for home backup power, food trucks, or events.
You do want to keep in mind that big inverter generators like this produce a lot more noise too.
Pros
- Champion 201067 offers 9000 starting watts, 7250 running watts, 50 amps, and 240 volts
- Run time of 10.5 hours at 25% load
- Less than 3% THD
- Electric start
- CO sensor
- Four GFCI outlets
- Weight of 152.2 lb (69 kg)
- Very positive customer reviews
- 3 years limited residential and 270 days limited commercial warranties
- A lot of customers
Cons
- Run time is not the most impressive
- Noise levels of 72 dBA are somewhat loud
- Not everyone needs this much power
The 72 dBA of the Champion 201067 9000 will likely be too much to power anything at night (or even during the day) in a small neighborhood or busy camping.
Additionally, the 10.5 hours of run time at 25% load is reasonable but not impressive either.
You will occasionally have to interrupt your DIY session, construction site work day, or whatever else to refuel the Champion 201067 9000.
If you really don’t like the noise levels and run time of the Champion 201067 9000, you could consider putting two smaller high-rated inverter generators in parallel instead.
At the same time, the Champion 201067 9000 is still one of the best large inverter generators available.
| Brand Model | Reliability Reputation | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 201067 9000 | 9.5 | 10 | 6.5 | 5.5 | <3% | 7.5 | 8 | 6.5 | $$$$ | Check Price |
5. Champion 201001 5500 – Top rated remote start
The Champion 201001 5500 is solid in other areas too but this top rated inverter generator really stands out in its remote start and high fuel efficiency.
Thanks to this remote start, you don’t have to leave your RV, camping chair, or couch, to start using your clean low THD inverter power (at least if you have the generator set up).
High fuel efficiency means the Champion 201001 5500 will get a relatively high amount of kWh (power quantity measurement) out of a gallon of fuel.
This is slightly more budget-friendly in the long term but also means you will have to get gasoline just a bit less often.
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
The one small downside to keep in mind is that the Champion 201001 can be challenging to move over bumpy terrain due to its small wheels.
That being said, even if this is suboptimal for something like a camping trip, you and a friend are likely able to just carry the 119 pounds together.
Once you get the Champion 201001 in position and fill it up, the long run time of 20 hours at 25% load can be enough to run a refrigerator or potentially even an RV AC overnight.
All of these things mean the Champion 201001 could be the right choice if you want a bit more power, good fuel efficiency, and/or the convenience of a remote start inverter generator.
| Brand Model | Reliability Reputation | Power Capacity | Run Time | Quiet Operation | THD | Fuel Efficiency | Ease Of Use | Portability | Price Category | Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champion 201001 5500 | 9.5 | 8.5 | 9 | 8 | <3% | 9.5 | 8.5 | 7.5 | $$$ | Check Price |
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What is the best rated inverter generator?
The popular Honda EU2200i is the best rated inverter generator on the market at the time of writing.
With 2200 peak watts and 1800 running watts, it offers enough power to run a few smaller appliances or tools or a medium device.
If you want something with a higher power capacity, lower price, and the ability to run on propane too, the Champion 200977 4250 is likely the better choice.
