The Champion 2500-Watt Ultralight Inverter Generator is our best portable small generator pick, and it scored 82 out of 100 in our testing.
One of the lightest 2500-watt units around with strong running watts, a good gas-only pick if you do not need dual fuel.
A 39-pound gasoline inverter with CO Shield and a free 3-year warranty, the single-fuel sibling to the dual-fuel Champion above.
Here's the deal:
We tested it head to head against the other top small generators, and below we break down how it did on Value for Money, Output Power, Durability/Workmanship, Dependability and Reliability, Noise, where it falls short, and whether it is worth your money.
Table of Contents
- Best Portable Small Generator
- Our Verdict: Champion 2500-Watt Ultralight Inverter Generator
- Our Analysis, Comparisons, and Test Results
- Should You Buy the Champion 2500-Watt Ultralight Inverter Generator?
- What Other Small Generators Should You Consider?
- Specifications
- Conclusion: Champion 2500-Watt Ultralight Inverter Generator
Best Portable Small Generator
Champion 2500-Watt Ultralight Inverter Generator
- Running watts: 1850 W
- Starting watts: 2500 W
- Noise: 53 dBA at 23 ft
- Runtime at 1/4 load: up to 11.5 hr
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Engine: 79cc OHV
- Weight: about 39 lb
- Warranty: 3 years
Bottom Line : One of the lightest 2500-watt units around with strong running watts, a good gas-only pick if you do not need dual fuel.
Pros
- Light at 39 lb
- Strong 1850 running watts
- Quiet at 53 dBA
- Free 3-year warranty
Cons
- Gas only, no propane
- Lighter-duty build than the majors
- Needs soft-start for RV AC
Our Verdict: Champion 2500-Watt Ultralight Inverter Generator
One of the lightest 2500-watt units around with strong running watts, a good gas-only pick if you do not need dual fuel.
A 39-pound gasoline inverter with CO Shield and a free 3-year warranty, the single-fuel sibling to the dual-fuel Champion above.
So, is it any good?
Usually 450 to 550 dollars, competitive for the wattage and weight.
Free 3-year warranty plus lifetime technical support.
It is easy to lift into the truck and put out solid power for its size, and it stayed quiet all weekend. I do wish it ran on propane too, since that is the only thing the dual-fuel version has over it.
Annie, Top-Notch field tester
Reasons to buy:
- Light at 39 lb
- Strong 1850 running watts
- Quiet at 53 dBA
- Free 3-year warranty
Reasons to avoid:
- Gas only, no propane
- Lighter-duty build than the majors
- Needs soft-start for RV AC
Our Analysis, Comparisons, and Test Results
The Champion 2500-Watt Ultralight Inverter Generator scored 82 out of 100 overall.
It is strongest on value for money and weakest on dependability and reliability.
Here is how it did on every metric we tested, with exactly how each score compares to the rest of the field.
Value for Money
Usually 450 to 550 dollars, competitive for the wattage and weight.
Free 3-year warranty plus lifetime technical support.
More running watts than most units here at a mid-range price.
Skips the propane option, which keeps it a little cheaper than the dual-fuel version.
| Value for Money | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| Champion 2500-Watt Ultralight Inverter Generator | 8/10 |
| Category average | 7.5/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Output Power
1850 running watts on gasoline, 2500 starting watts.
Enough to run a fridge, lights, and charging together within reason.
You might be wondering:
Not enough to start an RV air conditioner without a soft-start kit.
Under 3 percent total harmonic distortion, safe for electronics.
| Output Power | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 8/10 |
| Champion 2500-Watt Ultralight Inverter Generator | 8/10 |
| Category average | 7.4/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Durability/Workmanship
79cc engine and lightweight plastic shroud, built for portability.
The 39-pound weight comes partly from lighter materials than the majors.
Good for camping and backup, not constant heavy-duty use.
| Durability/Workmanship | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| Champion 2500-Watt Ultralight Inverter Generator | 7/10 |
| Category average | 7.4/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Dependability and Reliability
CO Shield auto-shutoff protects against carbon monoxide buildup.
Owners report reliable starting and quiet running, on par with the dual-fuel sibling.
Champion's reliability sits a notch below Honda and Yamaha in owner reports.
| Dependability and Reliability | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| Champion 2500-Watt Ultralight Inverter Generator | 7/10 |
| Category average | 7.4/10 |
| Worst in test | 6/10 |
Noise
Rated 53 dBA from 23 feet, quiet for its class.
About a dishwasher in the next room, comfortable at a campsite.
Economy mode lowers noise and fuel use at light load.
| Noise | Rating |
|---|---|
| Best in test | 10/10 |
| Champion 2500-Watt Ultralight Inverter Generator | 8/10 |
| Category average | 7.8/10 |
| Worst in test | 5/10 |
Should You Buy the Champion 2500-Watt Ultralight Inverter Generator?
One of the lightest 2500-watt units around with strong running watts, a good gas-only pick if you do not need dual fuel.
It is best suited to buyers who want a light 2500-watt gas unit and do not need propane.
Bottom line?
The big win: Light at 39 lb.
The main compromise: Gas only, no propane.
We scored it 82 out of 100.
What Other Small Generators Should You Consider?
Not sold on this one? A few others from our testing are worth a look.
The Champion 2500-Watt Dual-Fuel Inverter Generator is our best small dual-fuel generator. Runs on gas or propane and is light and quiet, but you lose about 200 running watts when you switch to propane.
The Westinghouse iGen2550 Inverter Generator is our best small generator for rv. The built-in 30A RV outlet makes it the easy plug-in RV pick, though the build feels lighter-duty than the leaders.
The Generac GP2500i Portable Inverter Generator is our best small generator for home. The highest running watts in the gas group, but it is the loudest inverter here and the build is mid-pack.
Specifications
| Running watts | 1850 W |
| Starting watts | 2500 W |
| Noise | 53 dBA at 23 ft |
| Runtime at 1/4 load | up to 11.5 hr |
| Fuel | Gasoline |
| Engine | 79cc OHV |
| Weight | about 39 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Conclusion: Champion 2500-Watt Ultralight Inverter Generator
After testing it against the other top small generators, the Champion 2500-Watt Ultralight Inverter Generator earns its place as our best portable small generator pick.
Its standout strength: Light at 39 lb.
Still deciding?
The main thing to weigh before you buy: Gas only, no propane.
If you want buyers who want a light 2500-watt gas unit and do not need propane, it belongs at the top of your shortlist.
Still comparing? See exactly where the Champion 2500-Watt Ultralight Inverter Generator ranks against the full field in our 10 Best Small Generators 2026 guide.
