What is the best overall generator for camping?
The best overall generator for camping is the Anker SOLIX C1000 Power Station, a 27.6 lb, 1,056 Wh battery that recharges in under an hour and puts out 1,800 W.
Anker SOLIX C1000 Power Station
- Capacity: 1,056 Wh
- AC output: 1,800 W continuous
- Weight: 27.6 lb
- Charging: Full recharge in under an hour
Bottom Line : A 1kWh battery that recharges in under an hour from a 27.6 lb box, though the fastest charging needs the phone app and it runs short on multi-day trips.
Pros
- Full recharge in under an hour
- 1,800W output from a 27.6 lb box
- Sub 20ms switchover for home backup
- Five year warranty on the LiFePO4 cells
Cons
- Fastest charging needs the phone app
- 1,056Wh runs short on multi-day trips
- No add-on expansion battery
Who it's best for
Campers who want a compact battery with fast wall charging and a good app. We have no field notes from our testers on this one; this section rests on the maker's ratings and owner reports.
Why we love it
Anker lists 1,800 W of output from a 27.6 lb box, a full recharge in under an hour and a five-year warranty on the LiFePO4 cells. Anker also says the case is about 15 percent smaller than comparable 1kWh units.
What we didn't like
The fastest charging mode needs the phone app, 1,056 Wh runs short on multi-day trips and there's no add-on expansion battery. Owners also report that it's loud while fast-charging.
Should you buy it?
The Anker suits anyone who wants a compact battery with fast wall charging. For silence, the Jackery 1000 Plus is the battery our testers ran.
Read our full Anker SOLIX C1000 review →
What is the best generator for CPAP camping?
The best generator for CPAP camping is the Honda EU2200i, which ran a ResMed CPAP and an OLED TV with no hum and read about 48 dBA at a quarter load.
Honda EU2200i
- Output: 1,800 W running, 2,200 W surge
- Our noise reading: about 48 dBA, quarter load
- Weight: 47.4 lb
- Our runtime: about 8.5 hr, quarter load
Bottom Line : The quietest gas unit here, with clean power for a CPAP and years of service, at a premium price.
Pros
- 121cc GXR120 engine
- No hum on a CPAP, an OLED TV or laptop bricks
- Very quiet in Eco Throttle mode
- Starts on the first or second pull
Cons
- Premium price
- No RV outlet on the standard model
- 1800W continuous is modest
- Bluetooth app drops its connection, owners say
Who it's best for
Campers who want the quietest gas unit and clean power for sleep gear. Ryan and John ran it on a cabin build site and a three-day truck camping trip.
Why we love it
A ResMed CPAP, an OLED TV and laptop power bricks ran off it with no hum or misbehavior, and it read about 48 dBA at a quarter load on a UNI-T UT353 at 23 feet. At 30 feet in Eco Throttle mode it blended into the wind and river noise at camp.
We tell all our friends to buy the Honda EU2200i. … At 47 pounds, anyone can carry it. It is impossibly quiet, sips fuel for over 8 hours on less than a gallon, and delivers clean pure sine wave power for sensitive electronics.
Ryan and John
What we didn't like
1,800 W of continuous power is modest. Ryan and John ran a 15,000 BTU RV air conditioner off it with a Micro-Air SoftStart fitted, and a heavy continuous load gave about 3.2 hours on one 0.95-gallon tank. Honda's My Generator app drops its connection, which owners call a widespread complaint, and there's no fuel gauge on the cap.
Should you buy it?
Quiet and clean power are what the Honda sells, and they are worth the price tag for CPAP camping. If weight comes first, the WEN 56235i is about 39 lb.
Read our full Honda EU2200i review →
What is the best solar generator for RV camping?
The best solar generator for RV camping is the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Power Station, which ran a full-size fridge for more than 14 hours and charged from 0 to 80 percent in about 70 minutes from a wall socket.
EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Power Station
- Capacity: 2,048 Wh LiFePO4
- AC output: 2,400 W continuous
- Wall charging: 0 to 80 percent in about 70 min
- Fuel: None
Bottom Line : The premium battery for heavy RV use, with the fastest charging here, but it needs warmth to charge and its casing scratches easily.
Pros
- Ran a 1,500 W hair dryer and a full-size fridge
- 0 to 80 percent from the wall in about 70 minutes
- LiFePO4 cells rated for 3,000+ cycles to 80 percent
- Safe indoors: no gas, no carbon monoxide
Cons
- Fans loud under heavy draw
- Owners report the casing scratches easily
- Owners report it won't charge until the cells warm up after a freezing night
- Owners report the screen flashes all night with a cycling fridge
Who it's best for
Campervan and RV campers who want a big silent battery. Our testers ran it as indoor emergency backup and in a campervan.
Why we love it
It ran a ResMed CPAP, a full-size kitchen fridge, a laptop workstation, a 1,500 W hair dryer and a TV. The fridge ran for more than 14 hours continuously, and the battery went from 0 to 80 percent in about 70 minutes from a wall socket. With no gas, no maintenance and no carbon monoxide, it's safe to run indoors.
What we didn't like
The cooling fans are noticeably loud under heavy draw, and internal fans spin up above about 1,000 W. Owners report the screen flashing all night with a cycling fridge, a casing that scratches easily, and a refusal to charge until the cells warm up after a freezing night.
Should you buy it?
The EcoFlow is for a campervan or an RV where silence and fast charging matter. For a long stay with no way to recharge, the WEN 3600 Dual Fuel runs on gas or propane.
Read our full EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max review →
What is the best budget generator for camping?
The best budget generator for camping is the WEN 56235i Super Quiet Inverter, which read about 51 dBA at a quarter load and ran about 10.5 hours on 1.1 gallons.
WEN 56235i Super Quiet Inverter
- Output: 2,350 W peak
- Our noise reading: about 51 dBA, quarter load
- Weight: about 39 lb
- Our runtime: about 10.5 hr, quarter load
Bottom Line : A light budget inverter with a fuel shutoff that dries the carburetor for storage, though it isn't the clean-power benchmark the Honda is.
Pros
- About 51 dBA
- About 10.5 hours at a quarter load
- Fuel shutoff prevents varnish
- Light at 39 lb
Cons
- Not the clean-power benchmark the Honda is
Who it's best for
Budget campers and tailgaters. Our testers ran it for RV boondocking and a suburban tailgate.
Why we love it
It read about 51 dBA at a quarter load and ran about 10.5 hours at a quarter load on 1.1 gallons. Our testers ran a 13,500 BTU air conditioner, a toaster, a CPAP and a TV off it, and they like the carburetor fuel shutoff switch, which prevents fuel varnish building up.
What we didn't like
It isn't the clean-power benchmark the Honda is. Our testers ran a 13,500 BTU air conditioner, a toaster, a CPAP and a TV off it across the trip, and we have no record of whether those ran together or whether the air conditioner needed a soft starter.
Should you buy it?
The WEN 56235i is the light, cheap, quiet inverter. For the longest life, the Honda EU2200i is the premium pick.
Read our full WEN 56235i review →
What is the best solar generator for home and camping?
The best solar generator for home and camping is the Jackery 1000 Plus Power Station, which kept a 12V cooler running for more than two full days in silence.
Jackery 1000 Plus Power Station
- Capacity: 1,024 Wh LiFePO4
- Our test: 12V cooler for 2+ days
- Controls: Three buttons and an app
- Current model: HomePower 1000 Plus v2
Bottom Line : The simplest, most dependable power station here, with a couple of quirks every family should know.
Pros
- Dead simple to use
- Long-life LiFePO4 battery
- Silent in our test
- Best-regarded customer service in the category
Cons
- Buttons can switch the output to 50Hz by accident, owners report
- Solar charging can stay throttled after a cloud, owners report
Who it's best for
Tent and truck campers who want silent, simple power for a cooler, a CPAP and chargers. Ryan and John ran it in an overland truck bed and at a tent camp.
Why we love it
It was silent throughout and powered a 12V portable fridge-freezer for more than two full days, along with a camera charging dock, a CPAP and an electric kettle. Our testers rated the LiFePO4 build as sturdy, the app as responsive and the solar input as clean and easy to set up.
What we didn't like
Owners report the buttons can switch the output frequency to 50 Hz by accident, and that solar charging can stay throttled after a cloud passes. Neither happened in our test. Jackery now sells this unit as the HomePower 1000 Plus v2, and the button goes to that current version.
Should you buy it?
The Jackery is the simple, silent pick. If you need more capacity, the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max has about twice the capacity.
Read our full Jackery 1000 Plus review →
What is the best generator for travel trailers?
The best generator for travel trailers is the WEN 3600-Watt Dual Fuel RV-Ready Inverter, which has a TT-30R RV plug and a CO shutdown sensor and ran a fridge, a freezer and a window air conditioner through a storm outage.
WEN 3600-Watt Dual Fuel RV-Ready Inverter
- Output: 2,900 W gas, 2,600 W propane
- Fuel: Gas or propane
- Our noise reading: about 58 dBA
- Manufacturer: WEN
Bottom Line : The biggest WEN dual fuel inverter here: a TT-30R RV plug and a CO shutdown sensor, on gas or propane, and easy to start.
Pros
- 2900 running watts on gas
- Runs on gas or propane
- TT-30R RV outlet
- Watchdog CO shutdown
Cons
- Bigger than the unit it replaces
- About 58 dBA in our test
Who it's best for
Travel-trailer campers who want dual fuel and a camper plug. Our testers ran it as storm outage backup.
Why we love it
Our testers ran a fridge, a freezer, a 120V window air conditioner, a router and lamps off it in a storm outage, and it ran 8.5 hours on 1.85 gallons of gas at about 58 dBA. It starts easily on the recoil on gas or propane.
What we didn't like
At about 58 dBA it's louder than the Honda or the Westinghouse iGen2550.
Should you buy it?
The WEN 3600 suits a travel trailer where you want dual fuel. For a quieter camp, the Honda EU2200i.
Read our full WEN 3600 Dual Fuel review →
What is the best generator for RV air conditioners?
The best generator for RV air conditioners is the Champion 4000-Watt Dual Fuel RV Generator, which Champion rates at 3,000 running watts on gas and 2,700 on propane with a TT-30R outlet.
Champion 4000-Watt Dual Fuel RV Generator
- Output: 3,000 W gas, 2,700 W propane
- Fuel: Gas or propane
- Rated noise: 64 dBA at 23 ft
- Manufacturer: Champion
Bottom Line : Enough running power to start a single RV rooftop air conditioner, at the cost of more noise and weight.
Pros
- Rated 3,000 W for one RV A/C
- Dual fuel and electric start
- 30A RV outlet built in
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Rated 64 dBA, loud
- Heavier to move
- Retailer running-watt claims conflict
Who it's best for
RV campers who want to run a rooftop air conditioner and can accept noise and weight. We have no field notes from our testers on this one; this section rests on the maker's ratings and owner reports.
Why we love it
Champion rates it at 3,000 running watts on gas and 2,700 on propane, with a TT-30R outlet, electric start and a 3-year warranty, sized so one unit can run a 13,500 BTU rooftop air conditioner.
What we didn't like
It's rated 64 dBA at 23 feet, far above the Honda's 48, and it's heavier to move. Some retailer listings claim different running watts, so check the maker's rating.
Should you buy it?
The Champion is for a rooftop air conditioner when noise is secondary. For a quieter dual fuel unit, the WEN 3600 Dual Fuel.
Read our full Champion 4000 Dual Fuel review →
What is the best silent generator for tent camping?
The best silent generator for tent camping is the Bluetti AC180 Portable Power Station, a 1,152 Wh battery with no engine noise, though we have not run it ourselves and it weighs 37.4 lb.
Bluetti AC180 Portable Power Station
- Capacity: 1,152 Wh LiFePO4
- AC output: 1,800 W, 2,700 W peak
- Weight: 37.4 lb
- Fuel: None
Bottom Line : A 37.4 lb, 1,152 Wh battery with no fuel and no engine noise, that wins no single category but does everything well.
Pros
- 1800W output runs kettles, coffee makers and power tools
- Full recharge in about an hour
- Five-year warranty, cells rated past 3,500 cycles
- Takes expansion batteries
Cons
- 37.4 lb means it lives in the vehicle
- 500W solar ceiling is modest
- Wins no single category outright
Who it's best for
Tent campers and CPAP users who want no fuel and no noise. We have no field notes from our testers on this one; this section rests on the maker's ratings and owner reports.
Why we love it
Bluetti rates the AC180 at 1,152 Wh of LiFePO4 with 1,800 W output, 2,700 W peak and 3,500 cycles. It takes expansion batteries and refills in about an hour at 1,440 W of AC input.
What we didn't like
At 37.4 lb it lives in the vehicle, not the backpack, and its 500 W solar ceiling is modest. Owners report it ships with Eco mode on, which can switch it off overnight.
Should you buy it?
The Bluetti is for a silent tent camp. The Jackery 1000 Plus is the quiet battery our testers ran.
Read our full Bluetti AC180 review →
What is the best small generator for camping?
The best small generator for camping is the Westinghouse iGen2550 Inverter Generator, which has a data display for fuel and runtime and ran about 12 hours on 1.1 gallons at a quarter load.
Westinghouse iGen2550 Inverter Generator
- Output: 1,900 W gas, 2,550 W surge
- Our noise reading: about 52 dBA, quarter load
- Weight: about 42 lb
- RV outlet: TT-30R, 30 amp
Bottom Line : A light inverter with a handy data display and a long runtime; the recoil pull is slightly awkward and there's no electric start.
Pros
- LED display shows hours, voltage and runtime left
- About 12 hours at a quarter load
- Light at about 42 lb
- Built-in 30 amp outlet
Cons
- Recoil start only
- Pull cord angle is slightly awkward
- Owners report some early failures
Who it's best for
Campers who want a light unit with a long runtime. Ryan and John used it at a summer tailgate and a jobsite battery charging station.
Why we love it
The LED data center shows fuel percentage, remaining runtime, voltage and power draw, and it's the feature Ryan and John liked most. On 1.1 gallons it ran about 12 hours at a quarter load, at about 52 dBA with a smooth, low-pitched note, and circular saws, fast chargers, slow cookers and a 43-inch TV ran off it.
What we didn't like
It starts by recoil only, and the cord comes out at a slightly awkward angle. Owners report some early failures, and we have no air conditioner run on it.
Should you buy it?
The iGen2550 is the light pick with the long runtime. For a bigger dual fuel unit, the Westinghouse iGen2800DFc ran a 15,000 BTU air conditioner on gas and propane.
Read our full Westinghouse iGen2550 review →
What is the best budget generator for RV AC?
The best budget generator for RV AC is the Firman Dual Fuel Inverter Generator, a 3,000 W dual fuel unit that owners say runs an RV air conditioner once you learn its cold-propane start routine.
Firman Dual Fuel Inverter Generator
- Output: 3,000 W running, 3,300 W surge
- Fuel: Gas or propane
- Model: WH03041
- Manufacturer: Firman
Bottom Line : A budget dual fuel unit with clean power for RV air conditioning, once you learn its cold-propane start routine.
Pros
- Gas or propane
- Rated 3,000 W for an RV air conditioner
- Clean pure sine wave output, Firman says
Cons
- Owners report cold propane starts are hard
- The 3,200 W sibling had a higher engine pitch under load
- The sibling was marginal on propane with a 15,000 BTU air conditioner
Who it's best for
RV campers who want dual fuel and the watts for an air conditioner on a budget. Our testers ran the 3,200 W Firman, a sibling, at Lake Tahoe; this model, the WH03041, we haven't run.
Why we love it
Firman rates the WH03041 at 3,000 running watts and 3,300 starting watts, on gas or propane. At Lake Tahoe our testers ran the 3,200 W Firman, which was marginal on propane with a 15,000 BTU air conditioner (the fan on low, the lights off) and read 60.5 dBA with the air conditioner running.
What we didn't like
Owners report it's hard to start on cold propane, and they say to check it for shipping damage on arrival. Our Tahoe sibling had a higher engine pitch under load.
Should you buy it?
The Firman is the budget dual fuel option for RV air conditioning. For a unit our testers ran with a camper plug, the WEN 3600 Dual Fuel.
How did we test the camping generators?
We tested the six camping generators we ran by running real camp loads off them and reading the gas units' noise at 23 feet, and rated the other four from their makers' specs and owner reports, then scored all ten on six qualities.
A camping generator has to be quiet where you sleep and strong enough for what you plug in. Our testers ran the Honda on a cabin build and a truck camping trip, the EcoFlow in a campervan, the WEN 56235i for RV boondocking and a tailgate, the Jackery at a tent camp, the WEN 3600 through a storm outage and the Westinghouse iGen2550 at a tailgate and a jobsite.
Sound was read with a UNI-T UT353 at 23 feet, at about a quarter load where our testers recorded the load; the batteries were judged by ear and by their fans. The Anker SOLIX C1000, Champion 4000, Bluetti AC180 and Firman WH03041 have no tester notes, so their sections rest on the makers' ratings and owner reports, and the tables say "rated" or "owners" where that's the source. Our testers did run the Firman's 3,200 W sibling at Lake Tahoe.
- Noise Output: decibels at 23 feet and the tone
- Power Output: what it really ran, and what tripped or bogged it
- Ease of Use: starting, charging, controls and the app
- Durability: engine or cells, build and how it fared in the field
- Weight & Portability: how easily one person carries it
- Accessories: outlets, displays and the extras that matter at a campsite
Each unit is scored out of 10 on every quality, and the overall score out of 100 is our editors' mark. We then checked our findings against owner reports, and say so wherever we use them. You can meet the testers at the bottom of this page.
Which camping generator suits your trip?
The right camping generator depends on whether you need silence, fuel or raw power, so match your trip to the row below.
| If you are… | Buy |
|---|---|
| Wanting a compact battery with fast wall charging | Anker SOLIX C1000 |
| Powering a CPAP and wanting the quietest gas unit | Honda EU2200i |
| Living in a campervan or RV and wanting a big silent battery | EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max |
| Camping on a budget with a light, quiet inverter | WEN 56235i |
| Wanting simple, silent power for a tent or truck bed | Jackery 1000 Plus |
| Towing a travel trailer and wanting dual fuel | WEN 3600 Dual Fuel |
| Starting an RV air conditioner and accepting some noise | Champion 4000 Dual Fuel |
| Tent camping with no fuel and no noise | Bluetti AC180 |
| Wanting a light unit with a long runtime and a display | Westinghouse iGen2550 |
| Wanting dual fuel for RV air conditioning on a budget | Firman Dual Fuel |
What did our camping generator tests show?
Our camping generator tests showed that noise at a real load, what a unit will run and how simple it is to use separate these ten more than the capacity on the box.
How loud is a camping generator?
The quietest camping generators are the batteries, which make no engine noise, and of the gas units our testers read, the Honda EU2200i is quietest at about 48 dBA at a quarter load.
Where we tested it. We read decibels with a UNI-T UT353 at 23 feet for the gas units we ran, and noted the batteries that were silent in use.
What separated them. The Honda read about 48 dBA, the WEN 56235i about 51, the Westinghouse iGen2550 about 52 and the WEN 3600 about 58. The Jackery was silent, and the EcoFlow was silent apart from its fans under heavy draw. The Bluetti is rated silent in use. The Champion 4000 is rated 64 dBA, and owners report the Anker is loud while fast-charging. Our testers read 60.5 dBA on the 3,200 W Firman at Lake Tahoe with the air conditioner running.
What it felt like. The Honda blended into wind and river noise at 30 feet in Eco Throttle mode, and the Jackery was silent while it kept a cooler running for more than two days.
| Camping Generator | What we found |
|---|---|
| Honda EU2200i | about 48 dBA at a quarter load |
| Jackery 1000 Plus | silent in our test |
| EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max | silent; fans loud under heavy draw |
| Bluetti AC180 | rated: no engine noise |
| WEN 56235i | about 51 dBA |
| Westinghouse iGen2550 | about 52 dBA, smooth low note |
| Anker SOLIX C1000 | owners: loud on fast charge |
| WEN 3600 Dual Fuel | about 58 dBA |
| Champion 4000 Dual Fuel | rated: 64 dBA at 23 ft |
| Firman Dual Fuel | sibling read 60.5 dBA with the air conditioner |
How much power does a camping generator need?
A camping generator needs enough running watts for what you plug in at once and enough starting watts for the biggest motor, and a rooftop air conditioner is where the units separate.
Where we tested it. Our testers ran real camp and home loads off the units they tested: air conditioners, refrigerators and freezers, a CPAP, a kettle, a toaster, a hair dryer, saws and a TV.
What separated them. The EcoFlow ran a 1,500 W hair dryer, a full-size fridge, a CPAP and a TV, and the WEN 3600 ran a fridge, a freezer and a window air conditioner through a storm outage. The Champion 4000 and the Firman are rated for a rooftop air conditioner. The 1,800 W Honda ran a 15,000 BTU air conditioner only with a Micro-Air SoftStart fitted. Our testers ran a 13,500 BTU unit, a toaster, a CPAP and a TV off the WEN 56235i, and we have no record of a soft starter. The Jackery ran a kettle, a CPAP, a camera dock and a 12V fridge. The Firman's 3,200 W sibling was marginal on propane with a 15,000 BTU air conditioner.
What it felt like. The Honda needed a SoftStart for the 15,000 BTU air conditioner, and the Firman sibling ran it on propane only with the fan on low and the lights off.
| Camping Generator | What we found |
|---|---|
| EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max | CPAP, full-size fridge, 1,500 W hair dryer, TV |
| Champion 4000 Dual Fuel | rated: 3,000 W gas, 2,700 W propane |
| WEN 3600 Dual Fuel | fridge, freezer and a window air conditioner |
| Anker SOLIX C1000 | rated: 1,800 W continuous |
| Jackery 1000 Plus | kettle, CPAP, camera dock and a 12V fridge |
| Bluetti AC180 | rated: 1,800 W, 2,700 W peak |
| Firman Dual Fuel | rated 3,000 W; sibling marginal on propane with a 15,000 BTU air conditioner |
| Honda EU2200i | 15,000 BTU air conditioner with a SoftStart; CPAP and TV |
| WEN 56235i | 13,500 BTU air conditioner, toaster, CPAP and TV |
| Westinghouse iGen2550 | saws, chargers, slow cookers, a 43-inch TV |
Which camping generator is the easiest to use?
The easiest camping generators to use are the Jackery 1000 Plus, which runs on three buttons and an app, and the Honda EU2200i, which starts on the first or second pull.
Where we tested it. We noted how each unit started or charged, what the controls and app were like, and what went wrong.
What separated them. The Jackery was dead simple and its app responsive. The Honda started on the first or second pull every time, and the WEN 3600 started easily on the recoil on gas or propane. The EcoFlow charged from 0 to 80 percent in about 70 minutes. The WEN 56235i has a fuel shutoff that dries the carburetor, and the Westinghouse iGen2550 has an LED display but a slightly awkward pull cord. Owners report the Firman is hard to start on cold propane and the Bluetti ships with Eco mode on.
What it felt like. The Jackery was the simplest to run, and the Westinghouse's pull cord was slightly awkward from flat ground.
| Camping Generator | What we found |
|---|---|
| Jackery 1000 Plus | three buttons and a responsive app |
| Honda EU2200i | first or second pull, hot or cold |
| Anker SOLIX C1000 | rated: fastest charging needs the app |
| EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max | 0 to 80 percent in about 70 minutes |
| WEN 56235i | fuel shutoff dries the carburetor |
| Champion 4000 Dual Fuel | rated: electric plus recoil start |
| Bluetti AC180 | owners: ships with Eco mode on |
| Westinghouse iGen2550 | LED display; slightly awkward pull cord |
| WEN 3600 Dual Fuel | easy recoil on gas or propane |
| Firman Dual Fuel | owners: hard to start on cold propane |
Which camping generator is the most durable?
The most durable camping generator we know of is the Honda EU2200i, with a commercial GXR120 engine, and the Jackery 1000 Plus is the sturdiest battery our testers ran.
Where we tested it. We looked at engines and cells, controls and the build, and checked them against owner reports.
What separated them. John's own older Honda EU2000i is on year 8, and our testers rated the Jackery's LiFePO4 build as sturdy. The EcoFlow's LiFePO4 cells are rated for 3,000 cycles to 80 percent, and the Bluetti for past 3,500. Owners report some iGen2550 units fail early and that the EcoFlow's casing scratches easily. We have no durability notes from our testers for the WEN 56235i, WEN 3600 or Firman, so their marks are defaults.
What it felt like. John's older Honda is on year 8, and the Jackery felt sturdy to our testers.
| Camping Generator | What we found |
|---|---|
| Honda EU2200i | GXR120 engine; John's older EU2000i is on year 8 |
| Jackery 1000 Plus | sturdy LiFePO4 build |
| Anker SOLIX C1000 | rated: five-year warranty on the cells |
| Champion 4000 Dual Fuel | rated: 3-year warranty |
| Bluetti AC180 | rated: cells past 3,500 cycles |
| EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max | rated 3,000+ cycles to 80 percent; owners: casing scratches |
| WEN 56235i | no durability notes; default mark |
| WEN 3600 Dual Fuel | CO shutdown sensor; no build notes |
| Firman Dual Fuel | no durability notes; default mark |
| Westinghouse iGen2550 | owners: some early failures |
Which camping generator is the easiest to carry?
The easiest camping generators to carry are the Anker SOLIX C1000 at 27.6 lb and the WEN 56235i at about 39 lb.
Where we tested it. We weighed the units our testers ran where they recorded a weight, and used the makers' figures for the rest.
What separated them. The Anker weighs 27.6 lb, the Bluetti 37.4 lb, the WEN 56235i about 39 lb and the Westinghouse iGen2550 about 42 lb. Our testers weigh the Honda at 47.4 lb and say anyone can carry it. We have no weight from our testers for the EcoFlow, Jackery, WEN 3600, Champion 4000 or Firman WH03041, so their marks are defaults. The 3,200 W Firman our testers ran at Tahoe was a solo lift at about 90 lb.
What it felt like. Our testers say anyone can carry the Honda at 47 pounds.
| Camping Generator | What we found |
|---|---|
| Anker SOLIX C1000 | 27.6 lb |
| WEN 56235i | about 39 lb |
| Westinghouse iGen2550 | about 42 lb |
| Honda EU2200i | 47.4 lb; anyone can carry it |
| WEN 3600 Dual Fuel | no weight from our testers; default mark |
| Bluetti AC180 | 37.4 lb |
| Jackery 1000 Plus | no weight from our testers; default mark |
| Champion 4000 Dual Fuel | no weight from our testers; default mark |
| EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max | no weight from our testers; owners: heavy |
| Firman Dual Fuel | sibling about 90 lb, a solo lift |
Which camping generator has the best features?
The best featured camping generators are the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max, with its app and ecosystem, and the Westinghouse iGen2550, with its LED data center.
Where we tested it. We looked at outlets, displays, apps and the extras that matter at a campsite.
What separated them. The Westinghouse shows fuel, runtime, voltage and draw on one display and has a 30 amp outlet, the Jackery takes add-on battery packs and has a responsive app, and the EcoFlow has an app and an ecosystem that owners rate highly. The WEN 3600 has a TT-30R, a CO shutdown sensor and two USB ports, the Champion has a 30 amp outlet and electric start, and the Honda has a Bluetooth app that owners say drops its connection.
What it felt like. Our testers liked the Westinghouse display most.
| Camping Generator | What we found |
|---|---|
| EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max | app and ecosystem (owners) |
| Champion 4000 Dual Fuel | rated: 30 amp outlet, electric start |
| Bluetti AC180 | rated: takes expansion batteries |
| Westinghouse iGen2550 | LED data center and a 30 amp outlet |
| Anker SOLIX C1000 | rated: app-controlled charging |
| Honda EU2200i | Bluetooth app that owners say drops |
| Jackery 1000 Plus | responsive app; takes add-on battery packs |
| WEN 3600 Dual Fuel | TT-30R, CO sensor, two USB |
| Firman Dual Fuel | rated: gas or propane |
| WEN 56235i | fuel shutoff dial |
How do you choose a camping generator?
You choose a camping generator by adding up what you want to run, checking the starting watts, and then deciding how much noise, weight and fuel you will accept.
Which features should you look for in a camping generator?
Not sure which of these you actually need? Tick your fridge, your kettle and everything else you plan to plug in, and the generator size calculator works out your running and starting watts, then filters our reviewed generators down to the ones that clear both.
Different Types Of Camping Generators
There are three main types of generator:
- Portable / recreational generators
- Stand by or emergency backup generators
- Industrial stationary generators
In this review, we focus on portable models that can be used for a range of recreational activities such as camping, fishing, road trips, and even for trips in your RV.
Portable generators are usually inverter generators, which convert the DC power back into 120Volt, 60Hz AC power. They also keep the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) levels to less than 6%. That makes them perfectly safe for electronic devices with sensitive microprocessors.
Portable generators should have carry handles and wheels to make them easier to transport and move. They may also have an extension cord.
RVs and caravans may also be set up with onboard generators meaning you can switch to it when you’re not connected to mains.
Generators can also be solar-powered or battery powered.
Features To Look Out For
Input and Output Ports
Most smaller generators will have two 120V AC outlets, and might also have DC ports and USB charging ports. On larger generators (over 4000 watts) you’ll find 240V plugs. The number of ports and the type will determine how you can charge your devices and what you can charge.
Fuel Supply
You need to decide if you’re looking for a small solar-powered battery to charge your phones, a diesel generator, a regular gasoline generator, or a high-end propane option. Diesel fuel tends to be more expensive than gasoline but will deliver more power per gallon. Propane stores well and burns cleaner.
Propane stores well and burns cleaner, while gasoline gives more power per gallon.
Fuel Tank Size
The size of the fuel tank will determine how long you can go between refueling.
Most compact generators give a run time of around 6 to 8 hours at 50% load.
Depending on what you’re running, this may last longer.
Do keep in mind that a larger fuel tank will also add to the overall weight and dimensions.
Starter
Don’t fancy a recoil pull cord to get your generator going?
Worry not.
Portability
Given that generators, even portable generators, can be pretty heavy, look for a lift bar to make carrying it easier. Most heavier models come with a wheel or two for easy movement.
Wheel kits might be an optional extra, but if this is a concern for you, look for a generator with built-in wheels to make it easier to move around.
These Are Things To Consider
What Size Do I Need?
This all comes down to power consumption.
What are you using your generator for?
Do you just need to charge your phone, or are you powering lights?
What kitchen devices are you bringing?
Having a good idea of what you are going to be powering will help you decide which generator will suit you the best. For example:
- Portable TV: 60 watts
- Laptop: 60 watts
- Fan: 75 watts
- Fridge: 100-250 watts
- Microwave: 800 watts
- Kettle: 1200 watts
Knowing what you’ll be using the generator for will help determine which size you need.
Noise
Consider the dBA (decibel) rating. Some run much louder than others, while some, such as the ones with solar chargers, are silent. Generators that come within the 50 to 60-decibel range are good for camping. National parks set a limit of 60 dB(A) at 50 feet under 36 CFR 2.12.
Durability
Having your generator break down can cause a major headache when you’re out and about. Look for higher-end models that won’t disrupt power supply and will last a long time.
At the same time, a camping generator should be sturdy enough to withstand a few knocks. Metal frames and high-quality plastics are materials that make a model durable.
Size
Keep in mind the size and weight too. If you’re going to be moving it around a lot, you’ll want a very portable one.
If you’ve got an army of people helping you, size and weight might be less of a factor. In case you’re planning to use it in an RV, check the overall dimensions to make sure space won’t be an issue.
Accessories
Bear in mind that not all camping generators come complete with accessories.
Optional extras might include automatic voltage regulators or circuit breakers, which could be important if you have devices that are sensitive to power surges, such as laptops.
Price
Lastly, the cost is obviously a significant factor when choosing your generator. They come in at a wide range of prices, from budget models to premium ones
This is why it’s crucial to know exactly what specifications you’re looking for and what you’ll use it for so that you don’t end up disappointed, or overspending.
Guarantee/ Warranty
Like any piece of equipment you’ve invested in, you want to make sure you’re covered in terms of a warranty. This will vary according to the manufacturer and the model, but generally, the premium brands will provide up to five years warranty, whereas cheaper brands might only provide a 12-month warranty.
Look for warranties that cover failures resulting from defects or faults in the unit. The warranty will not cover accidental damage or negligence, which can include inferior repairs or using non-approved replacement parts.
Jargon Buster
Here are a few terms that you need to learn about while picking a generator:
Harmonic distortions
The harmonics are higher frequency waveforms that can distort the fundamental wave frequency of a circuit. These waveforms have an adverse effect on sensitive electronic circuits, including phones and laptops that you might be charging.
Ideally, any generator should produce a current with low harmonic distortions as that means more power factor, lower peak currents, and better efficiency.
Kilowatt (kW) and Kilowatt-hour (kWh)
A kilowatt is a measure of the power of 1,000 watts. A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a measure of energy.
A kW is the rate of electricity usage, whereas kWh reflects the total amount of electricity used.
dBA
Decibels, or dBA, are a measurement of noise in terms of the relative loudness as perceived by the human ear. In this scale, the lowest audible sound is 0 decibel. A sound ten times louder is 10 decibels and another 100 times louder is 20 decibels. Sounds that cross 85 decibels can lead to hearing loss.
What are our top tips for buying a camping generator?
Our top tips are to match the generator to your loads, pick the quietest unit that runs them, and check the starting watts of anything with a motor.
So you’re now equipped with all the basic guidelines for buying the perfect camping generator.
Next, it is time for some effective tips for buying your camping generators.
- A generator can run on diesel, petrol or gas and there are some that can run on dual fuel. So the choice of fuel depends on the dual factors of cost and availability. Keep in mind any local rules and guidelines that might impact your fuel choice.
- Make sure you determine how much power you need from the generator. To start with, you can sum up all the running wattage of all the appliances you use. Then, you can add the start-up wattage of the largest motor you have. If this seems complicated, you can talk to a dealer or an experienced user.
- Obviously, the key to making any generator work efficiently is correct maintenance. It’s important to learn about the maintenance and the service issues. A brand that offers an annual service maintenance contract is definitely a good choice. If you lack time, a hardy device that needs the least maintenance is the best option.
What do people ask about camping generators?
People ask which camping generator to buy, how quiet it is, whether it can run overnight and what size runs an air conditioner.
What is the best generator to buy for camping?
What is the quietest generator for camping?
Can you run a generator overnight?
What is the difference between a generator and an inverter generator?
How can I make my camping generator quieter?
Is it cheaper to run a generator on propane or gas?
What size generator do I need to run my AC?
What are the 10 best generators for camping?
The 10 best generators for camping are the ten ranked above, led on score by the Anker SOLIX C1000 and, among the units our testers ran, by the Honda EU2200i.
Buy the Honda EU2200i for CPAP camping and the quietest gas unit, the WEN 56235i for a light budget inverter, and the Jackery 1000 Plus for silent, simple power. For a travel trailer the WEN 3600 ran a storm outage on gas or propane, and for a campervan the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max ran a full-size fridge for more than 14 hours.
Editor's Note, 1 November 2026: Rebuilt to our roundup layout, with the ten award headings, their anchors, the order and the overall scores unchanged. The page now says which six picks our testers ran (Honda EU2200i, EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max, WEN 56235i, Jackery 1000 Plus, WEN 3600, Westinghouse iGen2550) and which four rest on the makers' ratings and owner reports (Anker SOLIX C1000, Champion 4000, Bluetti AC180, Firman WH03041). The Anker stays at #1 on owner reports. Marks now follow the readings and the reviews: Noise for the WEN 3600 (7) and Jackery (10); Power for the WEN 3600 (8), Bluetti (7) and Firman (7); Weight for the Anker (9) and WEN 3600 (7). The Anker weight is the 27.6 lb in its review, not the 26.7 lb the old page printed. We replaced the old introduction, the claim that Ryan spent six months testing these units in muddy campgrounds, the closing conclusion, and two unsourced tips: a Westinghouse spark-plug swap, now removed, and a WEN jet kit at altitude, now credited to owners.
Editor's Note, 22 October 2026: We removed references to other websites and what they said about this product. The only ratings on this page are our own.
Editor's Note, 20 October 2026: Renamed the award and section headings so each one says what the pick or section is for, and moved these notes to the end of the page. Picks, scores and rankings are unchanged.
Editor's Note, 20 October 2026: Re-ranked highest score first after the score update below. The Anker SOLIX C1000 (90) is now #1 and our best camping generator overall; the Honda EU2200i (88) is #2 and our best gas camping generator.
Editor's Note, 20 October 2026: Scores brought into line with our single review of each product, so every page shows one score: Bluetti AC180 88 to 83, WEN 56235i 79 to 87, Anker SOLIX C1000 83 to 90.
Editor's Note, 17 October 2026: Cleaned up leftovers from the September product swaps. The opening, the analysis tables, the Final Verdict and the Conclusion now name the WEN 3600 Dual Fuel in the slot the Champion 2500 Dual Fuel held. The WEN 3600 write-up says our testers have now run it, and the DELTA 2 Max shows the charge time they measured, about 70 minutes to 80%. The WEN 3600 power output mark in the analysis table now matches its card. Scores and rankings are unchanged.
Editor's Note, 11 October 2026: Our testers have now used the WEN 3600-Watt Dual Fuel. We added what they found and linked the full review. Scores and rankings are unchanged.
Editor's Note, 10 October 2026: We revised the Honda EU2200i's score from 92 to 88 so it is the same across all our generator guides. Our RV test at Lake Tahoe found it needs a soft starter to start a 15,000 BTU air conditioner at altitude, so we lowered its output and reliability marks a notch. It stays at #1, level with the Bluetti AC180 on 88.
Editor's Note, 4 October 2026: The WEN 2800 Dual Fuel in our Best Value Dual Fuel slot is no longer available, so the slot moves to the WEN 3600-Watt Dual Fuel. We haven’t tested it, and its score carries over from the slot.
Editor's Note, 29 September 2026: We replaced the test-team quote on this page with what owners report, because it did not come from our own testing.
Editor's Note, 27 September 2026: The Champion 2500-Watt Dual Fuel at number 3 is no longer sold on Amazon, and Champion no longer lists a compact dual fuel model. That slot now goes to the WEN 2800-Watt Dual Fuel, which has not been through Ryan's field test.
Editor's Note, 25 September 2026: We rebuilt this list around our tester Ryan's six months of field notes, checked against long-term owner reports. Discontinued models were replaced.
Our Testers
This guide was edited by Sean Williams and tested by our lead tester, Ryan Williams, John Palmer and the rest of our testing team.
- Sean Williams, Editor-in-Chief. Sean built the team of researchers and testers behind our reviews and edits every guide. His rule: we say what we actually found.
- Ryan Williams, Lead Tester. Ryan leads our field tests and our generator and solar testing.
- John Palmer, Tester. John tests our generators alongside Ryan; his own Honda EU2000i is on year 8.
