When you’re trying to choose the best small generator, the goal is simple: reliable power without the bulk, noise, or fuel headaches of traditional generators. If you’re prepping for outages, camping off-grid, or keeping tools powered at a job site, these compact units offer impressive performance in a portable size.
Below is a detailed look at today’s best small generators: tested, compared, and organized by real-world usefulness. So, let’s know –
Top Small Generators at a Glance
| Generator | Capacity / Power | Key Advantages | Best For |
| Westinghouse iGen160s | 155Wh / 150W Peak | Ultra-light, budget-friendly | Camping, small devices |
| Westinghouse iGen200s | 194Wh / 300W Peak | More output, still compact | Travel, backup essentials |
| LIVOWALNY 550W Power Station | 550W | Dewalt battery ecosystem support | Job sites, power tools |
| Jackery Explorer 300 | 293Wh | Fast charging, reliable brand | Outdoors, car camping |
| DieHard 300W | 288Wh / 600W Peak | Rugged build | Emergencies, recreation |
| Portable Power Station 600W | 655Wh | Large battery, pure sine wave | RV, home backup |
| BLUETTI AC70 | 768Wh / 1000W | LiFePO4, powerful | Road trips, power outages |
| DieHard 1000W | 1000W / 2000W Peak | Heavy-duty | Home backup, job sites |
| Champion 2500 Dual-Fuel | 2500W | Gas or propane fuel | Whole campsite, appliances |
The 9 Best Small Generators & Portable Power Stations
These generators are essentially giant, portable batteries with outlets. They are silent, emission-free, and perfect for powering everything from smartphones to small appliances.
1. Westinghouse 155Wh Portable Power Station (iGen160s)
The Westinghouse iGen160s is one of the most lightweight and budget-friendly portable power stations available. With 155Wh capacity and 150 peak watts, it’s perfect for charging small electronics when camping or during short outages. It’s easy to carry, simple to use, and offers AC, DC, USB-A, and USB-C ports for flexible charging.
Pros:
- Ultra-lightweight
- Very affordable
- Good for phones, lights, small electronics
Cons:
- Not suitable for high-wattage devices
- Limited capacity for long trips
Best Use-Case: Day hikes, basic camping, small emergency kits.
2. Westinghouse 194Wh Portable & Small Power Station (iGen200s)
If you want a little more power without sacrificing portability, the iGen200s is a great step up. With 194Wh capacity and a 300W peak, it handles more devices and lasts longer. It’s a strong entry-level option for road trips and light home backup.
Pros:
- More output than the iGen160s
- Compact and easy to transport
- Affordable for the performance
Cons:
- Still not ideal for appliances or tools
- Modified sine wave
Use-Case: Travelers and light backup users needing more runtime.
3. LIVOWALNY 550W Power Station (Dewalt-Compatible)
A standout for DIY users, this 550W power station connects directly to Dewalt 20V batteries—ideal for job sites where you already use the Dewalt ecosystem. With pure sine wave output and dual AC outlets, it’s surprisingly capable for tools, lights, and field charging.
Pros:
- DeWalt battery compatibility
- Pure sine wave AC
- Great for small power tools
Cons:
- Tool-only (battery sold separately)
- Not a large-capacity unit on its own
4. Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station
The Jackery Explorer 300 remains one of the most trusted compact power stations on the U.S. market. It charges fast, delivers stable 293Wh capacity, and supports solar input for off-grid trips. It’s reliable, durable, and easy for beginners to use.
Pros:
- Excellent reliability
- USB-C PD and faster charging
- Solid customer support
Cons:
- Slightly pricier than competitors
- No wireless charging
Best Usable: Road trips, car camping, weekend adventures.
5. DieHard 300-Watt Portable Power Station
This 300W DieHard model offers a rugged build with a 288Wh battery, ideal for emergency kits or outdoor recreation. It’s compact but strong enough for lights, CPAP machines, cameras, and small appliances. Good value for users who want dependable backup power.
Pros:
- Durable and rugged
- Good surge output at 600W
- Emergency-friendly design
Cons:
- No high-speed USB-C
- Slower solar charging
6. Portable Power Station 600W (655Wh)
A bigger powerhouse in the “small generator” category, this 655Wh power station delivers 600W continuous output with pure sine wave AC outlets and 100W USB-C. It’s ideal for RVs, longer trips, and home backup scenarios where you need extended runtimes.
Pros:
- Large battery for the size
- Pure sine wave AC for sensitive devices
- Strong USB-C output
Cons:
- Bulkier than entry-level units
- Charging time is longer
Best Use For: RV travel, multi-day camping, home emergency backup.
7. BLUETTI AC70 Portable Power Station & Small Generator (768Wh)
The BLUETTI AC70 brings serious power with 768Wh capacity, dual 1000W AC outlets, and LiFePO4 battery technology, one of the longest-lasting chemistries available. It’s reliable for powering appliances, camping gear, and outage essentials.
Pros:
- Long-life LiFePO4 battery
- High AC output with Power Lifting
- Excellent build quality
Cons:
- Heavier than mid-range units
- Premium pricing
8. DieHard 1000W Small Power Generator
This 1000W (2000W peak) DieHard model is a strong choice when you need appliance-level power in a portable package. Lightweight for its class, it handles refrigerators, power tools, and multiple devices at once.
Pros:
- High output for appliances
- Lightweight for the wattage
- Excellent for emergencies
Cons:
- Higher cost
- Not ultra-compact
Best Use-Case: Home backup, job sites, outdoor power needs.
9. Champion 2500-Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator
For users who prefer a fuel-powered generator, this Champion 2500W dual-fuel unit delivers excellent performance with quiet technology and propane/gas flexibility. It’s great for running appliances, RVs, and campsite setups.
Pros:
- Dual fuel (gas + propane)
- Very quiet operation for a fuel unit
- Strong 2500W output
Cons:
- Requires fuel storage
- Heavier than battery units
Best Use Cases: RV owners, full campsites, and extended power outages.
Featured Post: Best Generators for Home Power Outage
Which is the Best Small Generator for You?
The right choice depends entirely on your primary use case.
For Camping & Tailgating: The Jackery Explorer 300 offers the perfect blend of portability, power, and trusted reliability.
For Home Backup & Emergencies: The BLUETTI AC70 is a superior long-term investment due to its durable battery, or the DieHard 1000W for higher-wattage needs.
For High-Power & Extended Use: The Champion 2500-Watt Dual Fuel generator is unbeatable for running multiple appliances for days.
For Tradespeople: The LIVOWALNY DEWALT Adapter is a clever and cost-effective solution if you’re already using the battery platform.
No matter your need, the best small generator is the one that provides peace of mind, keeping you connected and powered wherever you are.
