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The 13 best generators under $500 of 2025

The 13 best generators under $500 of 2025

Updated: May, 08 2025

Damien Volkman
Damien Volkman

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In this June 2025 review, we explore the 13 best generators under $500 options available. Our expert analysis, led by Damien Volkman, ensures you find the perfect fit.

Power Equipment 4000 Watts Inverter Generator Gas Powered, Portable Open Frame Generator, Low Noise with ECO Mode and Inverter Technology, RV Ready, Emergency Home Backup
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The 13 best generators under $500 of 2025

best generators under $500

Power Equipment 4000 Watts Inverter Generator Gas Powered, Portable Open Frame Generator, Low Noise with ECO Mode and Inverter Technology, RV Ready, Emergency Home Backup
Power Equipment 4000 Watts Inverter Generator Gas Powered, Portable Open Frame Generator, Low Noise with ECO Mode and Inverter Technology, RV Ready, Emergency Home Backup

4.6

$314.99
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  • 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗽𝘂𝘁: 4000 peak watts and 3200 running watts, gas powered by 208CC 4-stroke OHV engine, perfect for RV camping and home backup.

  • 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶-𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Includes 2*120V AC ports, 1*12V DC port, 1*RV port.

  • 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲: Runs for up to 14 hours at 25% load with ECO mode, 2 gallon fuel tank with fuel gauge, allows you to check fuel levels at a glance, keeping you prepared.

  • 𝐋𝐨𝐰 𝐍𝐨𝐢𝐬𝐞: Under 72 dBA from 23FT away, this generator provides steady power for your home during a power outage or RV nights.

  • 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲: Only 56lbs, easy to move around.

  • 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲: All generators are functionally tested in the factory, there may be a slight smell of gas when you receive it. Don't worry about it, it's not second-hand.

WEN 3600-Watt Portable Inverter Generator, RV-Ready, Quiet and Lightweight with Fuel Shut Off (56360i)
WEN 3600-Watt Portable Inverter Generator, RV-Ready, Quiet and Lightweight with Fuel Shut Off (56360i)

4.5

$473.68
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  • 149cc engine generates up to 3600 surge watts and 2900 rated watts

  • Produces clean power to prevent damage to sensitive electronics such as smart phones, tablets and laptops

  • Ultralight body weighs in at a mere 46 pounds for easy transport and torage

  • Fuel shutoff maximizes the generator’s lifespan by using up the remaining fuel in the carburetor before shutting down

  • Includes two three-prong 120V receptacles, one TT-30R RV receptacle, one 12V DC receptacle, two 5V USB ports, and a three-year warranty

Aceup Energy 4500 Watt Inverter Generator 223CC, Gas Powered Generator for Camping, Home Use, RV-Ready EPA Compliant
Aceup Energy 4500 Watt Inverter Generator 223CC, Gas Powered Generator for Camping, Home Use, RV-Ready EPA Compliant

4.2

$389.99
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  • 223cc 4-stroke OHV engine produces 4500 peak watts and 3600 rated watts with recoil start for up to 10 hours at quarter-load on 2.65 gallon, 60Hz

  • Intelligent gauge keeps track of voltage ,run-time and hertz and track power output, plus feature low oil led and economic mode to save fuel and reduce volume

  • Includes 120V AC two 20A outlets and one 30A Twist-Lock, one 12V DC 8.3A outlet, Type A/C ports; Parallel ready to connect 2 generators for twice the power (parallel kit sold separately)

  • Aceup Energy's inverter technology produces the clean power required by a variety of sensitive electronics, such as phones, laptops and other outdoor electronics

  • 5-in-1 Knob:fuel on/shut-off,engine on/off,choke;When turning off the engine, the fuel switch is turned off at the same time, which avoids the risk

  • All portable generators are functionally tested in the factory to guarantee quality; EPA compliant; Backed by a 2 year limited and free lifetime technical guidance from experts

Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 4650 Peak Watt Portable Generator, RV Ready 30A Outlet, Gas Powered, CO Sensor
Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment 4650 Peak Watt Portable Generator, RV Ready 30A Outlet, Gas Powered, CO Sensor

4.6

$369.00
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  • 3600 Running Watts and 4650 Peak Watts; Recoil Start; 4 Gallon Fuel Tank With Fuel Gauge; Up to 14 Hours of Run Time Per Tank

  • Feature Two 5–20R 120V Household Duplex Receptacle, One RV-Ready TT-30R 30 Amp Receptacle, and One L5-30R 30 Amp Receptacle; All Outlets Have Rubber Covers for Added Safety

  • Plug-and-Play: Comes With Oil, an Oil Funnel, a Tool Kit, and a User’s Manual to Get You Started Right Out of the Box (Minimal Assembly Required)

  • Powered by a 212cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine Featuring a Long-Lasting Cast Iron Sleeve With Automatic Low Oil and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Shutdown

  • All Westinghouse Portable Generators are Functionally Tested in the Factory and May Contain Minimum Residual Oil and/or Fuel Odor; EPA Compliant; Backed by 3-Year Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage with Nationwide Customer Service Network

Pulsar 1,200W Carrying Handle, PG1202SA Gas-Powered Portable Generator, 1200W, Black/White
Pulsar 1,200W Carrying Handle, PG1202SA Gas-Powered Portable Generator, 1200W, Black/White

4

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  • 1,200 Peak Watts/ 900 Running Watts of power

  • The Single Cylinder, 2-Stroke Engine with Recoil Start and Durable, Compact Design are perfect for camping and other outdoor recreation

  • 1.1 Gallon Fuel Tank gives you up to 5 hours of continuous operation at half load

  • (2) 120V Outlets and (1) 12V DC Output provide you with ample space for powering tools and other devices

  • Backed by a 1 Year Limited Warranty

  • Not supposed to run AC units. We are not responsible for any customer misuse

ERAYAK 2400W Portable Inverter Generator for Home Use, Super Quiet Small Generator for Camping Outdoor Emergency Power Backup, Gas Powered Engine, EPA Compliant
ERAYAK 2400W Portable Inverter Generator for Home Use, Super Quiet Small Generator for Camping Outdoor Emergency Power Backup, Gas Powered Engine, EPA Compliant

4.4

$395.00
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  • Powerful & Clean Energy Output:2400W peak watts / 1800W running watts, delivering dependable power for RVs, camping, home backup, and outdoor work. Advanced inverter technology provides clean and stable electricity, making it safe for sensitive electronics like laptops, CPAP machines, and mobile devices.

  • Quiet Generator: Ultra-quiet operation at just 52.5 dB(7meters distance & 25% load)—perfect for campgrounds, RV parks, and residential areas. Eco Mode dynamically adjusts engine speed to optimize fuel efficiency and reduce noise.

  • Compact, Lightweight & RV Generaor: Portable inverter generator 2400P weighs just 42 lbs for easy transport and storage. Compact dimensions: 18.82" (L) x 11.73" (W) x 18.11" (H). Compatible with Erayak wheel kit & telescoping handle for enhanced mobility.

  • Versatile Power Supply for All Your Needs :2 x AC outlets, 2 x USB ports, and 1 x DC output for charging multiple devices. Less than 1.2% THD provides clean and safe power for sensitive electronics.

  • Clean Power Protect your Sensitive Electronics: Low THD (0.2%-1.2%) inverter technology ensures safe power for laptops, TVs, gaming consoles, and medical devices.

  • Fuel Efficient Generator: At 100% power load, the generator consumes only 0.2375 gallons per hour (0.95 gallons per 4 hours). At 25% load (450W), it consumes just 0.21 gallons per hour (0.84 gallons per 4 hours). It can work for 16 hours at 25% load under eco mode.

  • What’s included: Oil Funnel, Tools Kit, User Manual, Erayak 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support

PowerSmart 4400-Watt Portable Generator with Inverter Technology, CO Sensor, RV Ready, DL5040C
PowerSmart 4400-Watt Portable Generator with Inverter Technology, CO Sensor, RV Ready, DL5040C

4.1

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  • Power: 4400 starting watt and 3600 running watt clean power (less than 3% THD), 5.1 hours run time at 50% load

  • Convenience: Equipped with a 30A outlet, efficient power for RV, Emergencies, and Outdoor Adventures

  • Quiet Operation: 59 dBA from 23 feet at 25% load, 76 dBA from 23 feet at full load

  • Panel: Two three-prong 120V 20A receptacle, one 120V 30A receptacle, one 12V DC Outlet, parallel ports

  • Features: Eco Mode, Low Oil Shutdown, Overload Reset

  • EPA compliant low-emission generator, UL 2201 safe generator with CO shutoff

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station(2024 New),1070Wh LiFePO4 Battery,1500W AC/100W USB-C Output, 1 Hr Fast Charge, Solar Generator for Outdoor Camping,Emergency, RV, Off-Grid Living
Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station(2024 New),1070Wh LiFePO4 Battery,1500W AC/100W USB-C Output, 1 Hr Fast Charge, Solar Generator for Outdoor Camping,Emergency, RV, Off-Grid Living

4.7

$579.00
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  • Powerful yet Compact: Boasting a 1,500W AC output and a 3,000W surge peak, the Solar Generator 1000 V2 can power multiple appliances, including AC units, fridges, and electric pots. With a 1,070Wh capacity and a lightweight build of only 23.8 lbs, along with a foldable handle, it makes an excellent companion for outdoor camping, road trips, or emergencies.

  • One Hour Fast Charging: Charge your Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station from 0% to 100% battery level in just one hour with emergency charging activated via the Jackery App. It defaults to 1.7 hours for a full charge to optimize battery health. Engineered with advanced ChargeShield 2.0 technology, this power station charges safer, faster, and smarter.

  • 10 Year Lifespan: The Explorer 1000 v2 portable power station is equipped with a durable LFP battery, maintaining over 70% of its original capacity even after 4,000 charge cycles, offering longevity exceeding 10 years.

  • Tailored for Versatility: Featuring two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, one DC car port, and three pure sine wave AC ports, along with LED lights, the Solar Generator 1000 V2 is capable of charging multiple devices simultaneously, meeting power needs in various scenarios. PD 100W fast USB-C charging ensures a rapid charging speed, even without power adapters.

  • Smart App Control: Effortlessly switch between different charging modes with Jackery’s App—including one hour emergency charging from 0 to 100%, 30 dB quiet overnight charging mode, and energy efficiency mode. Maximize the freedom to adjust the power station to meet your needs.

  • What You Get: 1 * Explorer 1000 v2, 1 * User Manual, 1 * AC Charging Cable. (𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞: To enjoy the 1-hour super charging, please enable the emergency charging function in the Jackery App before charging each time. The E1000v2 defaults to a 1.7-hour charging mode to optimize battery health.)

  • 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭: 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬. 𝐔𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲, 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐏𝐎 𝐁𝐨𝐱 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬.

WEN 5,600-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator with Wheel Kit, Electric Start, and CO Watchdog (DF5600X)
WEN 5,600-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator with Wheel Kit, Electric Start, and CO Watchdog (DF5600X)

4.4

$433.29
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  • Dual fuel design runs on both gasoline (5600 surge watts, 4500 rated watts) and propane (5000 surge watts, 4050 rated watts)

  • Electric start functionality turns the 224cc engine on with the press of a switch

  • The WEN Watchdog CO Shutdown Sensor helps protect both you and your family by automatically turning off the generator if dangerous levels of carbon monoxide are detected

  • 4.3-gallon gas tank provide up to 12.5 hours of half-load run time

  • Includes a wheel kit, two standard 120V 5-20R 20-amp outlets, one RV-ready 120V 30-amp TT-30R outlet, one transfer-switch-ready 120V 30-amp NEMA L5-30R twist lock receptacle, and a three-year warranty

PowerSmart 1200-Watt Portable Generator with Super Quiet, Ultralight for Camping, PS50
PowerSmart 1200-Watt Portable Generator with Super Quiet, Ultralight for Camping, PS50

4.1

$159.97
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  • 1200 Starting Watt/ 900 Running Watt; gas powered, Generator for Camping

  • The 71cc 2-stroke engine includes a single-cylinder forced air cooling system, easy to recoil start.

  • Operates on 50:1 2-cycle mixture, no need to change the oil.

  • Equipped with one 120V 20A 5-20R household outlet and one 12V DC plug for powering tools and other smaller appliances, 12v battery charging ready.

  • 1.1-gallon fuel tank, up to 5 hours on a 50% load. Not supposed to run AC units and Refrigerator devices.

  • Weight of 37.8 lbs and a carrying handle, easy transport. Suitable for camping, outdoor activities, and applications for emergency power.

  • Porrtable Generator for camping with small handle and super quilet, ultral light, comact design, suitable for outdoor camping

WEN 56475 4750-Watt Portable Generator with Electric Start and Wheel Kit, Yellow and Black
WEN 56475 4750-Watt Portable Generator with Electric Start and Wheel Kit, Yellow and Black

4.6

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  • Digital readout helps manage oil changes and maintenance schedule

  • Features electric start, low-oil shutdown, an automatic voltage regulator and overload protection to maximize safety

  • CARB and EPA III meet requirements for sale in all 50 states

  • Includes wheel kit and foldable handles for easy transport

  • 223cc engine provides 4,750 surge watt and 3,750 rated watt

200W Portable Power Station, FlashFish 40800mAh Solar Generator With 110V AC Outlet/2 DC Ports/3 USB Ports, Backup Battery Pack Power Supply for CPAP Outdoor Advanture Load Trip Camping Emergency.
200W Portable Power Station, FlashFish 40800mAh Solar Generator With 110V AC Outlet/2 DC Ports/3 USB Ports, Backup Battery Pack Power Supply for CPAP Outdoor Advanture Load Trip Camping Emergency.

4.1

$109.99
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  • Multiple Charging Outputs Provide More Options: Features with AC/ DC/ USB OUTPUTS: 110 AC output (200W), 2 DC output, 2 QC 3.0 quick charge USB port and 1 USB ports (2.4A auto). Power your smartphone, tablet, laptop, camera, light, drones, fans, in-car appliances, CPAP machine and more at anytime.KINDLY NOTE THAT THE POWER STATION CAN NOT BE CHARGE AND USE AT THE SAME TIME.

  • High Performance And Handy Power Source: 151Wh (40800mAh) compact station is powerful enough to meet different kinds of electricity demands outdoor usage for home, travel, camping, backseat on long road trips.With a weight of 4.07lb and soft handle, we can easily put it in our backpack or car, take to everywhere need power.

  • Other Unique Design: 1)The standalone AC/DC provides easy operation when charging different devices;2)Mutifuction LCD display would show you the remaining energies/charge/discharge/AC output/DC output status.Ultra bright LCD screen let you know the statue of battery pack even no light source camping.

  • Triple Rechargeable Modes Efficient Solar Generator: FlashFish power station is equipped with a lithium battery pack, it can be charged by the 15-24 volt solar panel (not included), AC wall adapter and car charger efficiently. No memory effect, no worry about battery capacity reduction

  • MultiProtect And Warranty: The generation provides all-round protection to protect you against overcurrent, overvoltage, and over-temperature, ensuring the safety of you and your devices.❤Flashfish provides our dear customers with warranty of 12 months from the date of purchase and friendly customer service.

Westinghouse 2550 Peak Watt Super Quiet & Lightweight Portable Inverter Generator, RV Ready 30A Outlet, Gas Powered, CO Sensor, Parallel Capable, Long Run Time,Blue
Westinghouse 2550 Peak Watt Super Quiet & Lightweight Portable Inverter Generator, RV Ready 30A Outlet, Gas Powered, CO Sensor, Parallel Capable, Long Run Time,Blue

4.5

$479.00
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  • 2550 Peak Watts and 1800 Rated Watts at Less Than 3% THD – Weighs Only 42.4 Lbs. – Gas Powered – One RV Ready TT-30R Outlet, Two 120V 20 Amp Outlets, and Two USB Outlets

  • Great Choice for Home Use as an Emergency Backup in a Power Outage – Strong Enough to Run All Your Home Essentials

  • Extremely Quiet, Extremely Fuel Efficient: As Low As 52 dBA Noise Output and Up to 12 Hours of Run Time on a 1.16 Gallon Gas Tank – Features “Economy Mode” for Maximum Fuel Efficiency

  • Led Data Center: Rotating Digital Display Shows Fuel Level, Power Output, Remaining Run Time, and Voltage Output

  • All Westinghouse Portable Generators are Functionally Tested in the Factory and May Contain Minimum Residual Oil and/or Fuel Odor; EPA Compliant; Backed By 3-Year Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage and Nationwide Customer Service Network

4.3

35 ratings

Damien Volkman
Damien Volkman

contributing writer

I can make anything run. From old motors to batteries to generators to generators to generators, I am your generator expert. (As if that wasn’t enough.) I’m able to repair or rebuild any part of your system. I also know the ins and outs of working with generators; I can make sure you are running smoothly. You can depend on me to get the job done right and get it done right the first time. Contributing Writer.

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