Top 10 Best Generator Under 500 of 2022 – Expert Buyer Guide

Are you tired of seeking the best generator under 500 but not being able to discover any? Given how many items there are now, its understandable. Furthermore, with the advent of marketing strategies, finding the correct generator under 500 this year may be more difficult. There is good news! We have already done the legwork for you. Our specialists were able to identify the best ones available after going through many different brands and a large number of products! They are as follows:

Comparison Chart for Top Rated Generator Under 500

Ranking	Products Name	Action
01	Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment WGen3600v Portable Generator 3600 Rated and 4650 Peak Watts, RV Ready, Gas Powered, CARB Compliant	Check Price
02	Champion Power Equipment 200951 2500-Watt Portable Inverter Generator, Ultralight	Check Price
03	WEN 56203i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator w/Fuel Shut Off, CARB Compliant, Ultra Lightweight	Check Price
04	GENMAX Quiet Power Series Inverter Generator，Gas Powered, EPA Compliant, Eco-Mode Feature, Ultra Lightweight for Backup Home Use & Camping (GM1200i)	Check Price
05	Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300, 293Wh Backup Lithium Battery, 110V/300W Pure Sine Wave AC Outlet, Solar Generator (Solar Panel Not Included) for Outdoors Camping Travel Hunting Blackout	Check Price
06	Portable Power Station 300W,Solar Outdoor Generators 280Wh/75000mAh,Lithium Battery Backup Power Source with Flashlight,inverter Generator with DC AC Outlet for Home Use Camping RV Travel Emergency	Check Price
07	Pulsar 2,200W Portable Dual Fuel Quiet Inverter Generator with USB Outlet & Parallel Capability, CARB Compliant, PG2200BiS	Check Price
08	300W Solar Generator, FlashFish 60000mAh Portable Power Station Camping Potable Generator, CPAP Battery Recharged by Solar Panel/Wall Outlet/Car, 110V AC Out/DC 12V /QC USB Ports for CPAP Camp Travel	Check Price
09	The Generator	Check Price
10	DuroMax XP5500E Gas Powered Portable Generator-5500 Watt Electric Start-Camping & RV Ready, 50 State Approved, Blue/Black	Check Price

10 Best Generator Under 500 Reviews

01 Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment WGen3600v Portable Generator 3600 Rated and 4650 Peak Watts, RV Ready, Gas Powered, CARB Compliant

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

Features One 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 Shutdown

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

Check Price Now

01 Champion Power Equipment 200951 2500-Watt Portable Inverter Generator, Ultralight

ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT: At only 39 pounds, this inverter is one of the lightest 2500-watt inverters in the industry

QUIET OPERATION: 53 dBA from 23 feet is perfect for camping, tailgating or to backup a few home essentials, featuring 2500 starting watts, 1850 running watts and up to 11.5 hours run time

PARALLEL READY: The optional clip-on parallel kit enables this inverter to connect with another 2500-watt Champion inverter to double your output power

CLEAN POWER: Includes two covered 120V 20A household outlets with clean electricity (less than 3% THD)

CHAMPION SUPPORT: Includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts

Check Price Now

03 WEN 56203i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator w/Fuel Shut Off, CARB Compliant, Ultra Lightweight

Ultralight body weighs in at a mere 39 pounds for easy transport and storage

Extremely quiet operation comparable to the sound of a normal conversation according to the US Department of Health and Human Services

Produces 2000 surge watts and 1700 rated watts of clean power for safe charging of sensitive electronics (phones, tablets, televisions, computers, etc.)

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 12V DC receptacle, two 5V USB ports, and a two-year warranty

Check Price Now

04 GENMAX Quiet Power Series Inverter Generator，Gas Powered, EPA Compliant, Eco-Mode Feature, Ultra Lightweight for Backup Home Use & Camping (GM1200i)

【Powerful Engine and Safe For Sensitive electronics 】The GENMAX 1200 Starting Watts Inverter Generator is powered by a 57cc 4- stroke OHV gas engine,with inverter technology produce 1200 Starting Watts/ 1000 Running Watts clean power (less than 3% THD),  confidently connect your sensitive electronics such as TV, lights, fans, small power tools and more on camping trips, etc.

【Ultralight and Small Size】At only 25.3pounds, GM1200i is one of the lightest 1000w inverter in this industry. The sturdy handle makes it easy to carry for long distance.

【Extremely Quiet,Fuel Efficient】 As Low as 58 dBA Noise Output with 25% loading at 23 feets, and up to 6.5 Hours of Run Time with 50% loading on a 0.66 Gallon Gas Tank – Features “Economy Mode” for Maximum Fuel Efficiency.

【Power Panel】Includes low oil alarm, overload alarm,Co warning light and output indicator features “Eco mode” for conserving energy and maximum fuel efficiency ，120V/20A outlets and one5V / 1A outlets , one 5V / 2.1A outlets ,parallel ready.

【CO Detect Shutdown】 Includes CO Detect shutdown sensor for Prevention of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.

Check Price Now

05 Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300, 293Wh Backup Lithium Battery, 110V/300W Pure Sine Wave AC Outlet, Solar Generator (Solar Panel Not Included) for Outdoors Camping Travel Hunting Blackout

SPEED UP YOUR RECHARGEABILITY: It takes only 2 hours to recharge 80% battery of the power station through the wall outlet and 60W PD USB-C port simultaneously. You can also recharge your power station with an AC adapator when at home, through the car outlet during a road trip or simply use a Jackery SolarSaga 100.

SAFE & STEADY POWER SUPPLY: Armed with a 293Wh lithium-ion battery pack, the Explorer 300 features 2 Pure Sine Wave AC outlets that deliver stable and safe 300W power. The portable power station weighs only 7.1 pounds. You can simply rest assured in outdoor off-grid activities.

POWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS: Featuring 2* AC outlet, 1* PD 60W USB-C port (input/output supported) , 1* fast charge 3.0 port, 1*USB-A port and 1* DC car port, the power station can recharge itself and charge (up to) 6 devices (e.g.Drones, Macbook, Cameras, etc.) at the same time to satisfy your outdoor needs.

GREEN POWER SUPPLY: The power station is compatible with the Jackery SolarSaga 100 solar panel. The integrated MPPT controller enables the solar generator set to operate at its max power point, so that it speeds up the battery recharge, making them ideal portable power kits for tent camping, overland journey and etc.

WHAT YOU GET: 1* Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station , 1*AC adapter, 1* car charger cable, 1* user guide

Check Price Now

06 Portable Power Station 300W,Solar Outdoor Generators 280Wh/75000mAh,Lithium Battery Backup Power Source with Flashlight,inverter Generator with DC AC Outlet for Home Use Camping RV Travel Emergency

?【300Watt portable power station Peak 600Watt】Equipped with a 280Wh/75000mAh superior lithium-ion battery pack, ZeroKor power station is powerful enough to charge a smartphone 23+ times, laptops 4+ times, CP-AP machine 1+ nights(using DC converter), mini-refrigerator 5+ hours, Lamps,headphones or other outdoor small Camping supplies (Tips:If the power of the device used is >300W, it may damage this power station, especially some devices that are prone to heat ;such as coffee maker )

?【Multiple Charging outlets for camping gear with SOS Flashlight】With 2* 110V/300W AC outlets , 1* DC output port (9V-12.6V/10A max ), 3* 5V/3A MAX USB ports, 1*quick charge USB port ； Flashlight with reading mode and SOS emergency mode for your outdoor Van Life Explorer

?【Four charging options, Green Solar Generator (Solar panels not included)】ZeroKor portable battery can be recharged by wall AC outlet, solar panel (built-in MPPT), car cigarette lighter port and gas generator. with soft handle, we can easily put it in our backpack or car. Take this camping generator with you on-the-go and never worry about power shortage.

?【Configure Multiple Protection Mechanisms, Run More Safely】Built in BMS , ZeroKor power station features short circuit protection, over-current protection, over-voltage protection, overload protection and overheating protection. The intelligent cooling system will automatically turn on when the unit is hotter to maintain the unit at the constant temperature without running the fan constantly. The gasless design make it more environmentally friendly.

?【Ideal Gift, The wise choice of power camping accessories,7*24 hr customer service】ZeroKor 300Watt portable power station is the holiday gift for friend or family member who loves travel outdoor. We offer professional customer assistance and 14 months warranty. Package includes 1*280Wh Portable Power Station, 1*AC power adapter, 1*Cigarette Lighter Adapter, 1*Car Charging Cable and 1*user manual(Solar panel not included)

Check Price Now

07 Pulsar 2,200W Portable Dual Fuel Quiet Inverter Generator with USB Outlet & Parallel Capability, CARB Compliant, PG2200BiS

2, 200 peak watts/ 1, 800 Rated watts (gas) & 2, 000 peak watts/ 1, 600 Rated watts (LPG)

80cc, 3Hp, single cylinder, 4-stroke, OHV, air cooled Engine

Inverter technology With parallel capability & super quiet operation (60Db)

(2) 120V 15A AC outlets, (1) 5V integrated USB outlet, parallel sockets

Stable sine WAVE to use with sensitive electronic equipment & dual fuel capability (gas or LPG)

Check Price Now

08 300W Solar Generator, FlashFish 60000mAh Portable Power Station Camping Potable Generator, CPAP Battery Recharged by Solar Panel/Wall Outlet/Car, 110V AC Out/DC 12V /QC USB Ports for CPAP Camp Travel

222Wh Back-up Power Supply: Wide applications make it suitable for lots of devices; 110V AC outlets can charge your CPAP machine, tablet, laptop, TV, fan, Christmas lights etc; 2 * 12V DC Ports can be used for car vacuum, car refrigerator, car air fan and car charger etc; 2* QC3.0 USB and 1 * 2.4A USB ports can charge your phones, drones, iPad, GPS, mp3, camera, etc.

Cool Features: The silver case is metal and the black ends are plastic, more durable than other soalr generators.With 300W continuous power, 350W peak power, 60000mAh battery capacity and pure sine wave, this power generator can charge your devices more stably;5.6lb light weight makes it perfectly fit in your backpack. Key Product Features.

Recharge Solar Generator: The battery pack can be recharged from the sun with a solar panel (NOT INCLUDED); can be fully charged by being plugged into the wall outlet; and it can also be charged by plugging into your car 12V socket (car charger included).KINDLY NOTE THAT THE POWER STATION CAN NOT BE CHARGE AND USE AT THE SAME TIME.

Safety Warranty: Built-in multi safety protections like short-circuit protection, low-voltage protection, overheat protection, lock-on protection, over-voltage protection and over-current protection. THE LABEL INDICATED ON THE ITEM SHOWS 20Ah (20000mAh), PLEASE KINDLY NOTE THAT THIS IS NOT THE TOTAL CAPACITY. THE 300W SOLAR GENERATOR BUILDS INTO 3 LITHIUM BATTERIES, EACH ONE IS 20000mAh, SO THE TOTAL CAPACITY OF FLASHFISH G300 IS 60000mAh.

Enjoy Outdoor Activities: Our generator has an easy-to-carry handle, convenient for camping, fishing, travelling, other outdoor activities and emergency usage. Eliminate your worry about no electricity in your devices and power outage at home.

Check Price Now

09 The Generator

SPEED UP YOUR RECHARGEABILITY: It takes only 2 hours to recharge 80% battery of the power station through the wall outlet and 60W PD USB-C port simultaneously. You can also recharge your power station with an AC adapator when at home, through the car outlet during a road trip or simply use a Jackery SolarSaga 100.

SAFE & STEADY POWER SUPPLY: Armed with a 293Wh lithium-ion battery pack, the Explorer 300 features 2 Pure Sine Wave AC outlets that deliver stable and safe 300W power. The portable power station weighs only 7.1 pounds. You can simply rest assured in outdoor off-grid activities.

POWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS: Featuring 2* AC outlet, 1* PD 60W USB-C port (input/output supported) , 1* fast charge 3.0 port, 1*USB-A port and 1* DC car port, the power station can recharge itself and charge (up to) 6 devices (e.g.Drones, Macbook, Cameras, etc.) at the same time to satisfy your outdoor needs.

GREEN POWER SUPPLY: The power station is compatible with the Jackery SolarSaga 100 solar panel. The integrated MPPT controller enables the solar generator set to operate at its max power point, so that it speeds up the battery recharge, making them ideal portable power kits for tent camping, overland journey and etc.

WHAT YOU GET: 1* Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station , 1*AC adapter, 1* car charger cable, 1* user guide

Check Price Now

10 DuroMax XP5500E Gas Powered Portable Generator-5500 Watt Electric Start-Camping & RV Ready, 50 State Approved, Blue/Black

Plenty of Power – With 5,500 starting watts and 4,500 running watts, this unit can handle heavy loads, from lights and a refrigerator to a home air conditioner and high amperage power tools.

Powerful Engine – The DuroMax 224cc OHV engine is a workhorse that provides plenty of power to handle multiple jobs, from powering high voltage appliances to heavy duty power tools.

MX2 Technology – Get the maximum power from each of the 120-volt receptacles. Choose between operating the generator at both 120V and 240V simultaneously, or at 120V only with full power. Ideal for usage with RVs.

Low Oil Shutoff – Protects your investment by automatically shutting the generator off when it senses that the oil is low.

Fully Featured Power Panel – The power panel includes a wide selection of outlets for maximum compatibility in your applications including: (2) 120V household GFCI outlets, and (1) 120/240V 30A twist lock outlet. The panel also includes a voltmeter and 12V DC charging posts for charging external batteries.

Check Price Now

Buying Guide

When you have to pick the right generator under 500 from thousands of options available in online marketplaces, there are a few factors that can help you pick. Along with the warranty and price of the item, there are some other factors that you should have in mind before making your purchase. Here are some of the key subjects that our experts recommend you should check before buying generator under 500 .

Material

The material of generator under 500 affects the quality of it. Better material results in higher durability. That’s why you should always check what materials the generator under 500 is made of. Compare different items and pick one that has better material construction. This will make the selection process much easier and help you find the proper generator under 500 for your needs!

Ease of Use

There are far too many generator under 500 out there that are not suitable for fast operation. Ease of use is a big factor considering you would want to use the item without too much issue. That is why checking out how the item works is a great idea while picking your generator under 500 .

Final Note

When it comes to safety, choosing an item from a well-known brand is always a good idea. You can, however, choose items from newer names that have received positive evaluations. Whatever method you use to make your purchase, be sure you have all of the necessary information before making a decision.
Check out our shopping guide for generator under 500 to learn more about how to get the best one for you!