What are the best portable inverter generators below $500?
First off, why use an inverter generator rather than a conventional generator? For one, the newer and more technologically advanced inverter generators are much more fuel-efficient. Thus, saving you money in the long run. Inverter generators are also much quieter and less annoying to be around. Lastly, we believe that inverter generators are typically a much better bang for the buck.
There are numerous reasons why people either want or need a portable generator. Just about any tailgater, camper, or person with an RV either wants a generator or already has one.
But for obvious reasons, everyone wants their generator to produce high Wattage while remaining on the more affordable and reliable side. Before the creation of portable generators, people thought owning one would be incredibly inconvenient. Luckily, owning a portable generator in today’s day in age is relatively convenient, portable, and affordable.
We are lucky enough that technological advancements have made it possible to find an inverter generator with high wattage of under $500. After extensive research and reviews; We formulated a list of the 8 best portable inverter generators under $500.
In Short, Here Are The 9 Best Portable Inverter Generators Under $500
- A-iPower SUA2000iV
- Dirty Hand Tools 104609
- Rainier R2200i
- Pulsar G2319N
- JEGS 81963
- Briggs & Stratton 30651
- PAXCESS
- POWERSMITH PGA2200i
1. A-iPower SUA2000iV (2000-1600 Watts)
First up, the A-iPower SUA2000iV is an affordable inverter generator running below $500. It is relatively popular and highly reviewed. For the compact size, it’s very powerful producing starting Watts and 1600 rated Watts. The fuel efficiency is stupendous.
With only 1.1 gallons of capacity, the A-iPower runs for 7 hours straight with a 50% load. Better yet, you get the “low idle” feature that gives you 9 hours of run-time on a 50% load. Even for an inverter, this is an impressive amount in comparison.
If you’re ever in need of more Wattage, this generator has parallel capabilities right off the bat. No need to purchase any additional parallel Kits or cables. With a weight of only 46 pounds and a suitcase like a handle at the top, this unit is easily portable and convenient.
The A-iPower SUA2000iV is a quiet generator with only 58 decibels of self-noise. You will get nothing but clean power for any electronics. Since it’s both CARB and EPA certified, this generator is available in all states. Another great attribute is its 30-Amp RV plug located on the bottom display.
This is ideal for anyone with a camper. With confidence in their product, A-iPower 2 years manufacture warranty. They also have lifetime free tech support in case you ever have any issues. One of the main downsides to this unit is the few customer complaints of receiving a defective product. Be sure to purchase this from a trusted website.
Overall, the A-iPower SUA2000iV is a fantastic inverter generator below $500 for anyone who only needs starting watts of 2000 and rated watts of 1600.
Details & Tech Specs
- Starting Watts: 2000
- Rated Watts: 1600
- Fuel capacity: 1.1 gallon
- Run time: 7 hours off 50% load
- Run time with “low idle” is 9 hours of run time
- 2 years manufacture warranty
- Parallel capable
- Self-noise: 58dBA
- EPA compliant
- CARB compliant
- Weight: 46 pounds
2. Dirty Hand Tools 104609 (800-700 Watts)
Here is the most affordable inverter generator on this list. However, don’t be fooled by the low price. It is incredibly reliable and a great bang for the buck. The Dirty Hand Tools 104609 has an 800-Watt peak and 700 rated Watts. This inverter generator is very fuel-efficient, producing 7 hours of run time on a 50% load.
Even more importantly, it only holds 0.55 gallons of gas. To get it started, the recoil is secure and reliable. Something I find very beneficial is the automatic shut off when oil levels get dangerously low. This feature helps prolong the overall longevity of this unit. Considering this generator is both EPA and CARB compliant, it is available to be shipped anywhere in the United States.
Weighing only 19 pounds, the Dirty Hand Tools 104609 is possibly the lightest generator on the market. The suitcase-style handle makes it incredibly portable and convenient for travel. On the panel, you will find a 12V DC power receptacle, a 120V AC power outlet, and a USB port. With only 58dBA of self-noise, this generator is very quiet.
Dirty Hand Tools offer a 2-year limited warranty on this unit. Overall, the Dirty Hand Tools 104609 is an incredible inverter generator at an extremely affordable price well below $500. If you’re looking for a lightweight, low-priced, inverter generator with 800 peak Watts, this is the one for you.
Details & Tech Specs
- Peak Watts: 800
- Rated Watts: 700
- 2-year limited warranty
- 7 hour run-time on 50% load
- Recoil start
- Auto shut off sensor when oil is too low
- EPA compliant
- CARB compliant
- Circuit protection
- Uses Unleaded gasoline
- Fuel capacity: 0.55 gallon
- Self-noise: 58dBA
3. Rainier R2200i (2200-1800 Watts)
Next up, the Rainier R2200i is an astounding value portable generator running far below $500. While this generator is the most affordable on this list, it packs an enormous punch for the size. This inverter generator is extremely quiet and fuel-efficient. The self-noise goes as low as 52dBA, making it bearable to hold a conversation in its vicinity.
It produces 2200 peak Watts and 1800 rated watts. On “Eco Mode,” this generator is exceptionally great at saving fuel. With only 1.3 gallons of fuel capacity, it produces 13 hours of run time.
Believe it or not, this compact unit is tough enough to power up an 11,000BTU air conditioner. It produces very clean power and is both EPA and CARB compliant. Another few great features are its overload protection and low oil alarms. These features help prolong the overall life of the R2200i.
The compact design is incredibly convenient. With a very low weight of 44 pounds, it is easily portable with its suitcase-like handlebar. In case you want to double your wattage, this generator allows parallel capabilities with other Rainier R2200i units.
One of the only downsides I noticed about this generator is the lack of the TT-30R outlet. If you require a 30-amp RV plug, one of the other units on this list should be a great pick. Overall, the Rainier R2200i is an excellent bang for the buck portable inverter generator. It is currently priced below $500. We highly recommend it.
Tech Specs & Details
- Peak Watts: 2200
- Rated-Watts: 1800
- Inverter
- “Eco Mode” feature
- Recoil start
- Gas capacity: 1.3 gallons
- 13 hours of run time off a full tank
- EPA Compliant
- CARB Compliant
- 79cc OHV 4 Stroke Engine
- Weight: 44 pounds
- Parallel capabilities
4. Pulsar G2319N
The Pulsar GN200KT is a parallel kit capable inverter generator below $500. You get a peak of 2300-Watts, and 1800 rated Watts. In short, the G2319N is extremely powerful. It is pretty lightweight at about 47 pounds. Making it easier to travel, the suitcase handle design is incredibly convenient.
On “Eco Mode,” this generator is relatively quiet. However, the generator gets significantly louder while trying to handle high loads. On Eco mode at lower loads, the self-noise ranges around 59 decibels.
One of the main downsides of the Pulsar GN200KT is the lack of the TT-30R outlet. However, this generator pair is fantastic for tailgating, camping, or home back up. Another great thing about Pulsar GN200KT is its incredible reliability. Overall, this inverter generator is an excellent choice. Be sure to check out the reviews below.
Details & Tech Specs
- Total Watts: 4600-peak, 3600-rated
- Each generator provides 2 AC 120V (4 total)
5. JEGS 81963 (2000-1600 Watts)
Next up, the JEGS 81963 is a portable inverter generator at an affordable price. For a good reason, it’s tremendously reviewed and rated. It has a fuel capacity of 1.1 gallons and produces 7 hours of run time at 50% load. The robust 79cc OHV Engine is incredibly tough and reliable.
On the front, you will find a 120V AC outlet, a DC adapter, and a 120V 30A 5-30R outlet. Considering it is both CARB and EPA compliant, it is available to be shipped anywhere in the United States.
The JEGS 81963 is relatively lightweight and easy maneuverability. It has a suitcase-like handlebar and weighs about 46 pounds. Like all inverter generators, this unit produces clean power. You can plug in your sensitive electronics without them being harmed.
Overall, this portable and easy-to-use generator is a solid choice. It produces immense power for its compact size and is priced very well. Be sure to check out the reviews below.
Details & Tech Specs
- Starting Watts- 2000
- Rated Watts- 1600
- Fuel-capacity: 1.1 gallon
- Run time: 7 hours at 50% load
- 79cc OHV Engine
- 120V AC Outlet
- DC Adapter
- 120V 30A 5-30R Outlet
- EPA Certified
- CARB Certified
- Weight: 46 pounds
- Parallel capabilities
6. Briggs & Stratton 30651
Here is another popular inverter generator below $500. For many reasons, the Briggs & Stratton 30651 is a solid choice. On the front, you will find one 12-Volt DC Outlet, two 12-Volt AC outlets, and a parallel kit plug. The power produced by this unit is very stable and clean. You are safe to use sensitive electronics without any harmful power surges. Coming with both wheels and a travel handle, this generator is very portable and convenient.
This generator is incredibly fuel-efficient, offering 8 hours of run-time at a 25% load. This is due to the adapting engine speed depending upon how much energy is being used. For example, if you are powering on a furnace, once the furnace stops, it automatically slows its engine speed.
This feature enables a much better fuel efficiency saving you money in the long run. One of the great attributes this unit offers is its low-self noise of 59dBA.
Showing their confidence, Briggs & Stratton offers a 2-year limited warranty for this unit. One of the downsides to this unit is the few claims of people receiving a defective unit. Be sure to purchase a generator from a trusted website! Overall, the Briggs & Stratton 30651 is a powerful and portable inverter generator. Be sure to check out the reviews.
Warning! Can’t Be Shipped To California
Details & Tech Specs
- 2-year limited warranty
- Four 12-Volt AC outlets
- One 12-Volt DC Outlet
- 30-Amp RV plug
- One USB
- Recoil start
- Wheels
- Travel handle
7. PAXCESS (2300-1800 Watts)
The PAXCESS is a powerful inverter generator for its compact size. This portable unit produces 2300 starting Watts and 1800 rated Watts. With a full tank of 1.1 gallons of gas, it gives you 11 hours of run time on a 25% load. The LCD screen on the front panel shows frequency, volts, fuel, and run time.
By using the “Eco Mode” feature, the generator becomes much more efficient on fuel and becomes quieter. On the front, you will find a 12V DC outlet, a 120V 20A, one USB port, and one 120V 30A outlet.
Confident in their generators, PAXCESS offers a 2-year warranty and free tech support. In case you prefer more power in the future, this unit provides parallel abilities. Producing pure and clean power, it’s both CARB and EPA III Compliant. It’s also available to be shipped to any state.
This generator is one of the more quiet inverters on the market. Depending on the load, the self-noise falls anywhere between 53-63dBA.
Something I enjoy about this generator is the options for easy portability. Weighing only 50 pounds, it is exceptionally light for a generator of this much Wattage. You can either carry it via suitcase design handle or drag it with the pull up handle and wheels. Coming with a 30-Amp RV plug, it is highly compatible with campers. Overall, the inverter generator is a steller value. It’s reliable, produces high Wattage for the price, and is very quiet. We highly recommend it.
Details & Tech Specs
- Fuel capacity: 1.1 gallons
- 11-hour run time on 25% load
- LCD display shows frequency, volts, fuel, and run time.
- “Eco Mode Feature” helps save fuel efficiency
- 12V DC outlet
- 120V 20A
- USB port
- 120V 30A outlet.
- 2-year warranty
- Free lifetime tech support
- Parallel capabilities
- EPA III Compliant
- CARB Compliant
- Self-noise: 53-63dBA
- Recoil start
8. POWERSMITH PGA2200i (2200-1700 Watts)
Last but not least, the highly-rated POWERSMITH PGA2200i is a fantastic inverter portable generator running below $500. With a surge of 2,200-Watts and running at 1700-Watts, this unit is authoritative for the size. It weighs 50 pounds and has a suitcase like a handlebar for easy travel. Right off the bat, POWERSMITH offers a 3-year warranty.
This unit is relatively quiet at 61dBA of self-noise. The 80cc OHV 4-stroke engine is mighty and is effortless to get started using the manual recoil. As a side note, POWERSMITH ships this product relatively quick in case a storm is nearby.
Something that may come in handy is the overload protection along with a reset button. This feature helps prolong the overall life of the engine. Another great feature is its Auto-Idle fuel-saving technology. With only one gallon of fuel capacity, you get 6 straight hours of run time on a 50% load and 10 hours on a 25% load. In other words, this inverter generator is very efficient on fuel.
Overall, the POWERSMITH PGA2200i is a tremendous portable inverter generator currently running below $500 on the market. It’s reliable, easy to use, produces high wattage, and very portable. We highly recommend it.
Details & Tech Specs
- Starting Watts: 2200 Watts
- Rated Watts: 1700 Watts
- Weight: 50 pounds
- 3-year warranty
- Self-noise: 61dBA
- 80cc OHV 4-stroke engine
- Foldable handle
- Fast shipping
- Overload protection
- Fuel capacity- 1 gallon
Quick Recap
In Short, Here Are The 9 Best Portable Inverter Generators Under $500
- A-iPower SUA2000iV
- Dirty Hand Tools 104609
- Rainier R2200i
- Pulsar G2319N
- JEGS 81963
- Briggs & Stratton 30651
- PAXCESS
- POWERSMITH PGA2200i
What’s a portable generator?
A generator is a machine that turns mechanical energy into electricity. It’s used to power electronics portably.
What’s a portable inverter generator?
An inverter generator is more energy-efficient and quieter than a standard generator. This is because the engine throttles in accordance with how much energy is needed rather than full-throttle consistently.
How much does a portable generator cost?
While most generators hover between $450-$1400, you can find some generators as low as $100 and as high as $5000.
How much does a generator weigh?
With a few exceptions, most generators weigh anywhere between 21-235 pounds. Keep in mind, the heavier generators usually have built-in wheels for easier mobility.
How much does an inverter generator weigh?
Most inverter generators weigh anywhere between 21-115 pounds.
When do generators come in handy?
Generators come in handy anytime you need portable electric power such as camping trips, tailgating, off-grid living, RV trips, etc. They’re also essential if your home loses electricity.