The best generators and backup power, ranked

Plain-English rankings with the numbers that matter: what it runs, how long it lasts, and the catch. Every pick links to a full review.

Jump to: Generators · Battery Backup & Power Stations · Transfer Switches

Best generators for home backup, ranked

  1. 1
    Westinghouse WGen11500DFc Best overall Dual fuel generator · 11,500W running · 5% THD
    4.6/5
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  2. 2
    Westinghouse WGen11500TFc Best tri-fuel Tri-fuel generator · 11,500W running · natural gas
    4.5/5
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  3. 3
    Honda EU2200i Best small inverter Inverter generator · 1,800W running · 48–57 dBA
    4.5/5
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  4. 4
    Westinghouse WGen10500DFc Best value Dual fuel generator · 10,500W running · CO sensor
    4.4/5
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  5. 5
    DuroMax XP12000EH Most outlets Dual fuel generator · 9,500W running · 50A outlet
    4.3/5
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  6. 6
    Yamaha EF2200iS Best for RVs Inverter generator · 1,800W running · 30A RV outlet
    4.3/5
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  7. 7
    Westinghouse WGen9500DF Lighter pick Dual fuel generator · 9,500W running · 50A outlet
    4.3/5
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  8. 8
    Oxseryn 12000W Open Frame Inverter Lightest clean power Inverter generator · 9,000W running · 159 lbs
    3.9/5
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Best battery backup and power stations, ranked

  1. 1
    EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Best home battery Home battery · 4,096Wh · 4,000W · 240V
    4.5/5
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  2. 2
    Anker SOLIX F3800 Plus Most battery output Home battery · 3,840Wh · 6,000W · 240V
    4.4/5
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  3. 3
    Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 Best budget battery Portable power station · 1,024Wh · 2,000W
    4.4/5
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  4. 4
    Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Best mid-size battery Portable power station · 2,042Wh · 2,200W
    4.3/5
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  5. 5
    Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus Biggest battery Home battery · 5,040Wh · 7,200W · 240V
    4.2/5
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  6. 6
    BLUETTI Apex 300 Best value battery Home battery · 2,765Wh · 3,840W · 240V
    4.2/5
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Best transfer switches

  1. 1
    Westinghouse WATS200 Automatic Transfer Switch Best automatic switch Automatic transfer switch · 200A · auto-starts generator
    4.3/5
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Rankings are based on published specs, owner reports, and the watt and fuel math in each review. Prices change often, so the buttons open the current price on Amazon. How I rank and review.

Three things to figure out before you buy

1

How many watts you need

Add up what you want running at the same time, then leave room for the biggest motor to start. Most houses need the essentials plus one big load, not everything at once.

2

Whether you need clean power

Many conventional generators put out 20%+ THD. Fridges and pumps don't care. Computers and newer HVAC boards can. Look for 5% THD or less, an inverter, or a battery.

3

How you'll connect and fuel it

Use a transfer switch or interlock installed by an electrician. Then do the fuel math: a 9,500W generator at half load burns about 20 gallons of gas a day.