Whether it’s for indoor use or for a camping trip a portable generator will always be a handy accessory to own. The only problem is that not everyone knows where to start or how to pick the right one.
Finding a good 3000 Watt generator is relatively easy but looking for one that is quiet as well can be quite a task.
The best part is, here I’ve managed to round up 9 quiet portable 3000 watt generators that have a low noise rating of about 50-60 decibels. Now these portable generators are great for an outdoor camping trip, powering a small house and the best part is that they’re so quiet you can even sleep soundly while they’re running.
So, let’s get started and take a look at the best quietest 3000 watt portable generators you can buy right now:
| Top 9 Quietest 3000 Watt Portable Generators | Features | Best For |
| Generac 7129 GP3000i | Running Wattage:2300W Surge Wattage:3000W Noise Level:58dB | Overall Best Quietest 3000W Portable Generator |
| WEN 56380i Super Quiet | Running Wattage:3400W Surge Wattage:3800W Noise Level: 57dB | Best Efficient Quietest 3000W Portable Generator |
| Champion 3400 Dual Fuel | Running Wattage:3100W Surge Wattage:3400W Noise Level: 59dB | Best Duel Fuel Quietest 3000W Portable Generator |
| Honda EU3000IH1A Handi | Running Wattage:2600W Surge Wattage:3000W Noise Level: 57-65dB | Best Portable Quietest 3000W Portable Generator |
| Briggs & Stratton P3000 | Running Wattage:2600W Surge Wattage:3000W Noise Level: 58dB | Best High-Capacity Quietest 3000W Portable Generator |
| Westinghouse IGen2200 | Running Wattage:1800W Surge Wattage:2200W Noise Level: 52dB | Best Outdoor Quietest 3000W Portable Generator |
| Predator 3500 | Running Wattage:3000W Surge Wattage:3500W Noise Level: 57dB | Best Air-Cooled Quietest 3000W Portable Generator |
| Champion 75537i Quiet Inverter | Running Wattage:2800W Surge Wattage:3100W Noise Level: 58dB | Best Durable Quietest 3000W Portable Generator |
| Yamaha EF3000iS | Running Wattage:2800W Surge Wattage:3000W Noise Level: 53-60dB | Best Easy-to-Clean Quietest 3000W Portable Generator |
Recommended Read: Best Quietest Propane Generator
Table of Contents
Top 9 Best Quietest 3000 Watt Portable Generators
The market is flooded with different kinds of portable generators and finding the right one can prove tiresome. However, if you’re searching for a specific type of generator that is both quiet and energy-efficient then these products are what you’re looking for.
Here are 9 of the best quietest 3000W portable generators you can buy today.
Generac 7129 GP3000i
The Generac GP3000i is a quiet inverter with PowerRush advanced technology that delivers over 50% more starting capacity. Basically it’s capable of increasing electric current upon demand when starting electric motors.
It’s quite silent when in use and helps deliver optimal performance thanks to the TruePower technology that provides clean and stable power making it perfect for sensitive electrical devices.
The GP300i is lightweight and weighs a total of 59.5 lbs making it easy to carry and move around your home.
Generac has even equipped the GP3000i with adjustable modes, USB ports and there’s a generator status light to indicate when the oil levels are low or there’s an overload. It’s parallel ready allowing you to pair two generators of the same model together for twice the power.
| Running Wattage | 2300W |
| Surge Wattage | 3000W |
| Half-Load Run-Time | 5.8 Hours |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 1.06 Gallons |
| Volume Level | 58 dBa |
WEN 56380i Super Quiet
The WEN 56380i Super Quiet Portable Inverter uses a 212 cc 4-stroke OHV engine that produces 3800 surge watts and 3400 rated watts.
With a 57 decibel noise rating, the WEN 56380i is extremely quiet and acts as an ideal backup unit for household devices and outdoor activities. This super-efficient 2.2 gallons fuel tank provides the generator with a half-load run time of 8.5 hours.
It is capable of generating clean power with less than 1.2% harmonic distortion, this prevents damage to sensitive electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, etc.
The WEN 56380i is equipped with two three-prong 120V receptacles, one AC 120V NEMA TT-30R RV receptacle, one 12V DC receptacle, one 5V USB port, a digital load and fuel display.
Specifications
| Running Wattage | 3400W |
| Surge Wattage | 3800W |
| Half-Load Run-Time | 8.5 Hours |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 2.2 Gallons |
| Volume Level | 57 dBa |
Champion 3400 Dual Fuel
The Champion Dual Fuel is a generator that is convenient and versatile at the same time as it uses a 3100W motor that is whisper quiet and has a noise rating of 59 decibels. This is a reliable unit for homes and is RV Ready which means that this particular model is designed to be compatible with RV units.
It’s able to run for up to 7.5 hours on a full tank of gasoline or for up to 14.5 hours on a tank of propane.
There’s even a Cold Start Technology which ensures the generator can be started rather quickly even during the cold months. It’s equipped with a dual fuel system that lets you choose between gasoline or propane.
The 3400 Dual Fuel comes with one 120V 30A RV Ready outlet, two 120V 20A household outlets and a 12V DC automotive-style outlet with a dual USB adapter.
Specifications
| Running Wattage | 3100W |
| Surge Wattage | 3400W |
| Run-Time | 7.5 Hours on full tank of gas / 14.5 hours on Propane |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 1.6 Gallons |
| Volume Level | 59 dBa |
Honda EU3000IH1A Handi
The Honda EU3000IH1A is a quiet and powerful generator as compared to other models with similar specs. While running, the EW3000IH1A produces a total noise level rating of 57-65 dBa depending on the overall load.
This generator comes with a set of wheels and a handle allowing you to relocate the generator anywhere with ease, the device weighs a meager 78lbs which means that it can be carried from one place to another.
It comes with Honda’s exclusive Eco-Throttle system that offers outstanding fuel efficiency and can run upto 7.7 hours on a single fuel tank depending on the load.
The Honda EU3000IH1A is equipped with a 20A 125V Duplex receptacle and a 30A 125V Locking Plug. The only drawback with the EU3000IH1A is the pricing, it’s a tad bit too expensive for a portable generator from Honda.
Specifications
| Running Wattage | 2600W |
| Surge Wattage | 3000W |
| Half-Load Run-Time | 7.7 Hours |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 1.6 Gallons |
| Volume Level | 57-65 dBa |
Briggs & Stratton P3000
The Briggs & Stratton P3000 is a high-capacity 3000W generator that keeps all your appliances and other vital electronic devices running when there’s a power outage. This beast runs on a 4-stroke 212cc OHV engine that provides you with a run-time of up to 10 hours at 25% load.
It features a Stat-station LCD screen which displays the key metrics and performance values such as, amount of power being consumed, total unit hours and even maintenance reminders.
The P3000 Power-smart Series Portable Generator has four household outlets, one 12V 30A locking outlet with RV adapter DC charging outlet, and a USB port.
Specifications
| Running Wattage | 2600W |
| Surge Wattage | 3000W |
| Run-Time | 10 hours at 25% load |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 1.5 Gallons |
| Volume Level | 58 dBa |
Westinghouse IGen2200
The IGen2200 from Westinghouse is the quietest generator on this list with a noise rating level of 52 decibels. Apart from being extremely silent, this is a budget friendly power source that’s ideal for recreational activities.
The generator is equipped with asymmetrical cooling fans that are designed to prevent the 79cc 4 stroke machine from producing too much noise. One of the best parts about the IGen1200 is that it’s also one of the most lightweight generators on the market weighing in at 46 lbs making it very easy to transport and ideal for constant relocation.
It comes with a rather small 1.2 gallon gas tank that provides the generator with a run-time of up to 12 hours thanks to the featured Economy Mode that maximizes the fuel efficiency.
The Westinghouse IGen2200 is equipped with two three-prong 120V AC receptacles and two 5V DC USB ports for all your gadgets including the lighting.
A bonus with the IGen2200 is that you can connect two generators together by a single 3 pin connector to deliver double the power output.
Specifications
| Running Wattage | 1800W |
| Surge Wattage | 2200W |
| Half-Load Run-Time | 12 Hours |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 1.2 Gallons |
| Volume Level | 52 dBa |
Predator 3500
This super quiet inverter generator uses a 212cc air-cooled OHV gas engine to power your devices for up to 11 hours. Even while running at 25% capacity, the noise level is rather low with a rating of 57 decibels.
The Predator 3500 comes with an overload and output light indicators. It even features a digital LCD display which lets you keep track of the oil levels and power usage.
You would not have to worry about carrying this 110lbs generator around as it comes with built-in handles to make it easier to carry and even has 2 sets of wheels so it can be rolled to another room or location without stressing yourself out.
The outlets on the Predator prove to be beneficial considering the competitive price range of the generator, you have one 120V AC twist-lock outlet, one 12V DC two-pin outlet and two 120V AC grounded outlets.
Specifications
| Running Wattage | 3000W |
| Surge Wattage | 3500W |
| Run-Time | 11 hours at 25% load |
| Battery Type | Lead-Acid |
| Volume Level | 57 dBa |
Champion 75537i Quiet Inverter
The Champion 75537i is quite similar to the Wen 56310i-RV and cost roughly the same. This inverter can be used both indoors and outdoors and features a sturdy build while remaining quite portable.
It comes with an electric starter along with three position switches and wireless fob allowing you to startup this bad boy easily.
Considered a quiet 3000W generator, the Champion 75537i operates at 58 dBa from approx 23 feet away so your neighbors won’t get disturbed if you’re using the inverter at night.
With a THD rating of 3%, you can comfortably plug in sensitive electronic devices without having to worry about power surges. It even comes with a wireless remote so you can start and stop the generator from up to 80 feet away.
Specifications
| Running Wattage | 2800W |
| Surge Wattage | 3100W |
| Run-Time | 8 Hours (Fuel Consumption – 0.2 GPH) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 1.6 Gallons |
| Volume Level | 58dBa at full load capacity |
Yamaha EF3000iS
The Yamaha EF3000iS portable inverter generator is a 171cc 5.5hp OHV engine that emits around 60 decibels of noise while running at full load, whereas on the lower end you’d maybe get a slight hum from the generator and this would register at approx 53 dBa.
The run-time of the EF3000iS is quite impressive and is capable of running for up to 19 hours. This generator comes with a unique feature that removes stagnant gas remaining in the carburetor so the clean-up task becomes easy and mess-free.
It is equipped with sound-proofing materials to help with noise reduction and though it weighs around 130lbs, you’re able to transport this inverter generator thanks to the lead-bearing wheels and heavy-duty handles.
With the Yamaha EF3000iS you have one 125V 30A AC twist-lock outlet, two 12V 12A DC three-pin outlets.
Specifications
| Running Wattage | 2800W |
| Surge Wattage | 3000W |
| Run-Time | 19 hours at 25% load with Smart Throttle |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 3.4 Gallons |
| Volume Level | 53 dBa at 25% load; 60dBa at full load capacity |
Best Quietest 3000W Portable Generators – Buyer’s Guide
Considering the fact that not all generators are built the same, you need to understand what you’re looking for and based on your requirements then pick the most appropriate portable generator. We took certain factors into consideration before developing this list and we’re now going to share the checklist with you, this will surely make the selection process much easier and ultimately you will be able to get just what you’re looking for.
- Noise Level – The most important factor to consider when buying a quiet portable generator is the amount of noise it produces and while this may not always be a part of the product specifications on the respective site, we have tested these generators using a sound meter to determine the decibel levels based on the load the generator is put under. The most apt generator you’re looking for will be within the range of 45-60dB as this is generally considered to be quiet in terms of machinery.
- Efficiency – Another factor to consider and keep in mind is the efficiency of the generator and whether it will run for t he duration you want it to. Other things such as compatible ports, USB slots and fuel efficiency are taken into consideration to determine which is the best quietest generator. In our opinion, the Honda Super Quiet generator is the most efficient in terms of fuel to power ratio. We found it to have an impressively long operating time which was an average of 20 hours on 25% fuel load.
- Control System – Regardless of what you’re planning on using the generator for, you need to consider the type of control system it comes with. You need a generator that can connect to a wide range of devices including your cell phone but it should be easy to operate and should not cost a lot. Built-in oil and fuel indicators are ideal because they will keep you informed about the levels of oil in the generator.
- Portability – The body or shell of a generator is built around how much power it produces. Typically a generator that delivers a higher wattage will be slightly bigger than one that delivers less wattage. That’s why a 1000W generator will be much small in size as compared to a 3000W generator. If the product gets too heavy or will be something you may not be able to handle moving around, search for one that comes with built-in wheels or a trolley system.
Takeaway
If you’re looking for something that can provide adequate power while still letting you rest at night then you can’t go wrong with any of the generators featured in this article. Personally i’d recommend the Yamaha EF3000iS as it’s one of the most versatile inverter generators on this list, that’s if you’re looking to shell out a bit for it.
If you’re looking for something a bit cheaper then the Wen 56380i or the Briggs & Stratton P3000 would be great choices as they even come with a variety of output ports so you can connect even your mobile phone to it.
At the end of the day you’d have to pick the one that best suits your needs, so feel free to check the power outputs, wattage, run-time and decibel units of the generators to help make an informed decision.
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Greetings! My name is Michael and this is my website Audio Sandwich.
I've been specializing in audio equipment and accessories for a while and have a little something in store for every kind of hi-fi enthusiast.
Based in California, I keep attending special launch events across the globe. This has helped me understand the products better, and with a unique hands-on experience I'm able to provide you with easy to understand reviews about the best in audio tech from around the world.
