Guide
Quietest inverter generators
Among inverter generators with a published noise figure, these are the quietest, ranked by the lowest manufacturer dBA rating. Manufacturers measure at different loads and distances, so treat small differences as ties.
| Generator | Published noise | Running / starting |
|---|---|---|
| Honda EU2200i | 48 dB(A) at 1/4 load, 57 dB(A) at rated load | 1,800 / 2,200 W |
| Honda EU3000iS | 50 dB(A) at 1/4 load, 57 dB(A) at rated load | 2,800 / 3,000 W |
| Westinghouse iGen4500DFc | 52 dBA | 3,700 / 4,500 W |
| Predator 3500 Super Quiet Inverter | 56 dBA at 25% load | 3,000 / 3,500 W |
| Champion 4500W Dual Fuel Inverter (200988) | 61 dBA | 3,500 / 4,500 W |
| Predator 9500 Super Quiet Inverter | 67 dB at 25% load | 7,600 / 9,500 W |
Inverter models without a published dBA figure are left out rather than guessed.
Safety first
- Run a generator outdoors only, at least 20 feet from the house, with the exhaust pointed away from doors, windows and vents. Never in a garage, basement, shed or crawlspace, even with the door open.
- Carbon monoxide is odorless and can kill in minutes. Keep battery CO alarms working inside the home.
- Never backfeed a house by plugging a generator into a wall outlet or dryer receptacle. It can energize utility lines and kill a lineworker or a neighbor.
- Connecting to home wiring requires a transfer switch or a listed breaker interlock with a power inlet box, installed by a licensed electrician and permitted where your jurisdiction requires it.