When power outages strike, a reliable generator keeps your home safe, comfortable, and connected. From whole-home standby systems to portable inverters and solar power stations, the right generator depends on your energy needs, home size, and local fuel availability.
The best generator brands of 2025 stand out for quality, technology, and durability. Modern homeowners value low noise, fuel efficiency, and smart monitoring systems that make operation simple.
Most homeowners spend $7,000 to $20,000+ for an installed standby system, while portable and solar generators typically range from $500 to $3,500, depending on capacity and features.
- Best for Whole-Home Standby: Generac, Kohler, Cummins
- Best for Quiet Portable Power: Honda, Yamaha
- Best for Dual-Fuel Flexibility: Champion, DuroMax, Westinghouse
- Best for Solar Energy Backup: EcoFlow, Jackery, Bluetti
Best Brands at a Glance
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- Wide product range for any home
- Smart Wi-Fi and app controls
- Large national dealer network
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- Heavy-duty weather-resistant design
- Fast, automatic power transfer
- Excellent service and warranty
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- Industry-leading quiet operation
- Low fuel consumption
- Outstanding long-term reliability
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- Exceptionally quiet operation
- Commercial-grade engineering
- Strong U.S. service network
Best Generator Brands of 2025
Generac
- Average Cost: Standby installed $8,500 to $19,000; portable $500 to $2,200
- Products Offered: Standby, Portable, Inverter
- Fuel Types: Natural Gas, Propane, Gasoline, Dual-Fuel
What We Love
Generac remains the go-to choice for whole-home backup power. The Guardian Series offers automatic standby protection, seamless transfer switches, and remote monitoring for real-time updates. Portable and inverter models extend the brand’s reliability to small homes and outdoor use.
We rate it 5 stars for proven dependability, technology integration, and overall value.
Cost Information
- Standby Generators Installed: $8,500 to $19,000+
- Portable Models: $500 to $2,200
- Transfer Switches and Setup: $1,000 to $2,500
Regional labor and permit costs may increase installation totals. Generac provides financing and extended maintenance plans for long-term coverage.
Best Series
The Generac Guardian Series offers dependable, fully automatic standby protection with Wi-Fi monitoring and load management.
Kohler
- Average Cost: Standby installed $9,500 to $20,000+
- Products Offered: Standby (Residential and Light Commercial)
- Fuel Types: Natural Gas, Propane
What We Love
Kohler generators provide quiet, reliable power with premium components designed for longevity. They’re built to withstand severe weather and feature rapid transfer capabilities that minimize downtime during an outage.
We rate it 5 stars for durability, design quality, and exceptional customer support.
Cost Information
- Installed Standby Units: $9,000 to $20,000+
- Permitting and Fuel Setup: $1,000 to $3,000
- Annual Service Packages: $300 to $600
Kohler units carry a standard 5-year warranty, with optional extended coverage and maintenance plans through certified dealers.
Best Series
The Kohler 20–26kW Standby Generator Series delivers robust, quiet, whole-home protection with corrosion-resistant housing.
Honda
- Average Cost: Inverter $900 to $2,600
- Products Offered: Portable, Inverter
- Fuel Types: Gasoline
What We Love
Honda generators are the gold standard for portable reliability. Renowned for ultra-quiet operation, their inverters provide safe, clean power for sensitive electronics, medical devices, and home essentials.
We rate it 5 stars for durability, quiet performance, and best-in-class engineering.
Cost Information
- Compact Units: $900 to $1,400
- Mid-Range Inverters: $1,600 to $2,600
- Maintenance Accessories: $100 to $300 per year
While priced at a premium, Honda units last 10 to 20 years with proper care. They also hold resale value and have nationwide service coverage.
Best Series
The Honda EU2200i Inverter Series delivers whisper-quiet, clean power perfect for households, RVs, and off-grid use.
Cummins (Onan Home Standby)
- Average Cost: Standby installed $9,000 to $21,000
- Products Offered: Standby, RV
- Fuel Types: Natural Gas, Propane, Diesel
What We Love
Cummins applies industrial generator expertise to residential models with the QuietConnect™series. Its low noise levels, automatic load management, and long-life engine design make it ideal for large homes or rural installations.
We rate it 4.5 stars for engineering quality, noise control, and performance.
Cost Information
- Installed Standby Units: $9,000 to $21,000
- Diesel Systems: $12,000 to $25,000+
- Annual Maintenance: $300 to $600
Cummins units deliver commercial-level reliability with low vibration and long-term fuel efficiency. Diesel models require more frequent servicing but offer unmatched longevity.
Best Series
The Cummins QuietConnect™ Standby Series provides low-noise, utility-grade performance for reliable, automatic home power.
Briggs & Stratton
- Average Cost: Standby installed $8,000 to $18,000; portable $500 to $1,500
- Products Offered: Standby, Portable, Inverter
- Fuel Types: Gasoline, Propane, Natural Gas
What We Love
Briggs & Stratton pairs solid performance with affordability, offering standby and portable solutions backed by a century of engine innovation. Homeowners benefit from broad power options and user-friendly controls that ensure reliable backup during extended outages.
We rate it 4.5 stars for dependability, accessibility, and practical value.
Cost Information
- Standby Systems Installed: $8,000 to $18,000
- Portable Models: $500 to $1,500
- Annual Service Plans: $150 to $300
Prices depend on size and power configuration. Its Symphony® II load management ensures efficient energy distribution during power shortages.
Best Series
The Briggs & Stratton Symphony® II Series optimizes energy use, keeping essential circuits running even during full-home outages.
Champion Power Equipment
- Average Cost: Portable/inverter $450 to $1,400; home standby $7,500 to $14,000 (unit only)
- Products Offered: Portable, Inverter, Standby (select models)
- Fuel Types: Gasoline, Propane, Dual-Fuel
What We Love
Champion Power Equipment is a household name for reliable, affordable dual-fuel generators. The brand offers a balanced mix of features, including CO-sense shutoff and cold-start technology, making it a strong performer in emergency situations.
We rate it 4.5 stars for affordability, innovation, and fuel efficiency.
Cost Information
- Portable Generators: $450 to $1,400
- Home Standby Systems: $7,500 to $14,000
- Transfer Switch Installation: $900 to $2,000
Champion’s generators require minimal maintenance and are easy to fuel-switch during prolonged outages, offering long-term savings.
Best Series
The Champion Dual-Fuel Inverter Series combines portability, safety, and clean energy output for reliable home and RV backup power.
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Westinghouse
- Average Cost: Portable/inverter $400 to $1,300
- Products Offered: Portable, Inverter
- Fuel Types: Gasoline, Dual-Fuel
What We Love
Westinghouse is a long-standing American brand known for dependable and budget-friendly generators. Its portable and inverter models deliver consistent, quiet operation and low emissions, making them a top choice for homes, RVs, and light emergency use.
We rate it 4.5 stars for affordability, performance, and clean power delivery.
Cost Information
- Inverter Models: $400 to $1,000
- Dual-Fuel Options: $600 to $1,300
- Optional Transfer Kits: $300 to $700
Installation costs are minimal for portable models, though adding a transfer switch can significantly improve safety and convenience for home use.
Best Series
The Westinghouse iGen Inverter Series offers quiet, efficient power with remote start, dual-fuel capability, and built-in CO-sense safety technology.
Yamaha
- Average Cost: Inverter $850 to $2,200
- Products Offered: Portable, Inverter
- Fuel Types: Gasoline
What We Love
Yamaha’s inverters rival Honda in performance, with ultra-quiet operation and long runtimes. Designed for efficiency, these units are ideal for smaller homes, apartments, and backup during moderate outages.
We rate it 4.5 stars for reliability, fuel efficiency, and quiet operation.
Cost Information
- Compact Inverters: $850 to $1,200
- Larger Units: $1,400 to $2,200
- Maintenance Costs: $100 to $200 annually
Yamaha generators require little upkeep, and their low emissions make them eco-friendly. They’re perfect for homeowners prioritizing quiet, efficient operation.
Best Series
The Yamaha EF2200iS Series provides long runtime, quiet performance, and efficient power for small to mid-size household needs.
EcoFlow
- Average Cost: $800 to $3,500+
- Products Offered: Solar Generators, Smart Panels
- Fuel Types: Solar, Battery, Grid Charging
What We Love
EcoFlow leads the solar generator category with its smart ecosystem of battery storage, solar panels, and home power integration. Perfect for eco-conscious homeowners, these systems provide clean, maintenance-free power for essentials during outages.
We rate it 4.5 stars for innovation, sustainability, and modern design.
Cost Information
- Generators: $800 to $2,500
- Solar Panel Bundles: $1,500 to $3,500+
- Expansion Batteries: $1,000 to $2,000
Prices vary by capacity and home integration level. EcoFlow units can pair with your main panel for automatic circuit backup.
Best Series
The EcoFlow DELTA Pro Series offers expandable battery capacity, lightning-fast charging, and smart home integration for reliable off-grid energy.
DuroMax
- Average Cost: Portable/inverter $450 to $1,500
- Products Offered: Portable, Inverter
- Fuel Types: Gasoline, Propane, Dual-Fuel
What We Love
DuroMax offers heavy-duty, dual-fuel power at a competitive price. Ideal for large appliances or partial home backup, these generators provide rugged dependability and long runtimes for emergency preparedness.
We rate it 4 stars for power, versatility, and value-driven design.
Cost Information
- Portable Units: $450 to $1,500
- Dual-Fuel Models: $700 to $1,200
- Transfer Switch Installation: $800 to $1,800
Fuel flexibility helps reduce long-term costs, while high surge power supports larger loads like HVAC systems or sump pumps.
Best Series
The DuroMax XP Dual-Fuel Series delivers high-output, dual-fuel power with durable construction for homes and worksites.
Jackery
- Average Cost: $600 to $2,500
- Products Offered: Solar Power Stations, Solar Panels
- Fuel Types: Solar, Battery
What We Love
Jackery is a trusted name in portable solar generators, offering reliable, user-friendly options for small household devices and emergency backup. Their lightweight designs make setup easy, with flexible solar panel configurations for extended use.
We rate it 4 stars for convenience, accessibility, and everyday practicality.
Cost Information
- Solar Power Generators: $600 to $2,000
- Solar Panel Kits: $800 to $2,500
- Battery Expansions: $400 to $1,000
Jackery’s kits include everything needed for plug-and-play power. Perfect for apartments, condos, and smaller homes.
Best Product
The Jackery Explorer 2000 Pro delivers quiet, zero-emission solar power for essential appliances and mobile living.
Bluetti
- Average Cost: $700 to $3,200
- Products Offered: Solar Generators and Solar Power Stations
- Fuel Types: Solar, Battery
What We Love
Bluetti stands out for its large-capacity, expandable solar systems ideal for multi-day outages. Its advanced LiFePO₄ battery chemistry offers excellent longevity, making it a future-proof option for sustainable home energy storage.
We rate it 4 stars for battery life, versatility, and scalability.
Cost Information
- Solar Kits: $1,000 to $3,000
- Modular Expansion Systems: $1,500 to $3,200
- Power Stations: $700 to $2,500
While heavier and more expensive upfront, Bluetti units can sustain full-home essentials longer than most portable power stations.
Best Series
The Bluetti Apex300 Series provides expandable, high-capacity power with long-lasting LiFePO₄ batteries for off-grid and emergency backup use.
