Whether you’re looking for a portable power source for camping, boating or the job site or you want the peace of mind a generator provides during extended power outages, a 2,000-watt inverter generator is an excellent option for most consumers. Generators of this size are affordable and easy to transport, and their inverter design provides a clean source of electricity that won’t damage sensitive devices like laptops and smartphones.
With dozens of 2,000-watt generators on the market, choosing one can be a bit intimidating. Read on for all the information you’ll need to make the best selection for your family, including our take on the best 2,000-watt generators out there.
Buyer’s Guide to 2000 Watt Generator Options
First, let’s examine what makes an inverter generator different from—and superior to—a conventional generator. Inverter generators produce AC power the same way non-inverter generators do, but then the current is converted to DC power and inverted back to AC power, creating a clean, pure sine wave with lower harmonic distortion that can potentially harm appliances and electronic devices connected to the generator.
2000 Watt Inverter Generator Advantages
Inverter generators offer several other advantages over conventional generators:
- Compact size and weight: Inverter generators tend to be smaller and lighter weight than conventional generators with the same wattage capabilities, so they’re easier to store and transport.
- Fuel efficiency: Inverter generators incorporate load monitoring technology that allows them to adjust power output based on the requirements of connected devices, so they only use precisely as much fuel as they truly need.
- Noise levels: Inverter generators tend to average about 50 to 60 decibels from 23 feet away, which is roughly equivalent to the noise produced by a normal conversation. Conventional generators average closer to 75 decibels—louder than most vacuum cleaners—which can be at best inconvenient and at worst potentially dangerous.
- Parallel capability: Many inverter generators are parallel-ready, meaning they can be easily connected to a second generator to produce double the power.
2000 Watt Inverter Generator Disadvantages
Despite these benefits, inverter generators aren’t perfect, and you should be aware of the potential down sides as well as the good before making this investment.
- Lower power output: Because they are intended to be lightweight and portable, inverter generators tend to have smaller engines than their conventional counterparts, reducing the amount of overall power they can produce. However, this reduced power capability doesn’t really become an issue until you look at the higher end of the spectrum in generators producing 5,000 watts or more.
- Higher price: Because they incorporate more complex technology, inverter generators are more expensive than conventional models, especially if you’re considering one with dual-fuel design.
Factors to Consider when Choosing a 2000 Watt Generator
As you narrow down your 2000 watt generator choices, weigh the following factors to help you make your decision:
- Run time: Inverter generators typically have small fuel tanks and correspondingly short runtimes. To maximize the length of time you can use your generator without needing to refuel, look for the generator with the largest fuel tank available or consider a dual-fuel model.
- Portability: The weight and design of the generator play a significant role in how easy it will be to take it from place to place; if a generator is especially heavy or bulky, be sure it includes a comfortable folding handle and sturdy wheel kit.
- Noise level: Consider where you expect to use your generator. Will it be used at a remote campsite, a busy job site or a residential neighborhood? If you plan to use it for backup household power, look for generators with low decibel ratings to avoid disturbing your neighbors.
- Price: Obviously, a generator will need to fit your budget, but don’t automatically pick the cheapest generator you can find. Evaluate the model’s ratings, warranty and construction quality and choose the best one you can afford. Remember, in most cases, you get what you pay for.
- Engine: Choose a generator with an overhead valve (OHV) engine; they tend to be more durable and more fuel-efficient, with lower maintenance costs to boot.
- Other key features: Finding a generator with both electric and recoil start options add convenience and reliability. Low oil protection features automatically shut down the engine if oil levels get dangerously low, preventing costly damage to the unit. Circuit breaker protection prevents overloads that can be hazardous to you as well as the generator.
Best 2000 Watt Generators: Our Top Picks
Generac 6866 iQ2000
This reliable unit from one of the most trusted brands in generators offers a wide range of features at an affordable price. Its OHV engine includes three settings—Regular, Turbo and Economy—to fine-tune power levels based on load for maximum fuel efficiency and reduced noise levels. Its uniquely-designed alternator incorporates a built-in digital inverter to convert output from DC to AC power, producing an extremely clean current with less than 3% total harmonic distortion (THD).
The control panel on the iQ2000 is bright and easy to read, with LED lights clearly indicating fuel level, wattage use and battery life as well as generator status. The intuitive PowerDial allows you to start, run and stop the generator and change the engine setting with the twist of your wrist. It’s also parallel-ready for connection to a second generator for situations where you need additional power.
At less than 50 pounds, the Generac 6866 iQ2000 is fairly easy to move, although it doesn’t include a wheel kit to make transport seamless. It also offers just one duplex household outlet, which limits somewhat the type and number of devices you can use it to operate.
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Specifications and Features:
- Engine: 79cc OHV
- Starting watts: 2,000
- Running watts: 1,600
- Weight: 46 pounds
- Fuel tank capacity: 1.06 gallons
- Runtime: 7.7 hours at 25 percent load
- Outlets: One 120V 20A duplex
- Noise level: 53 decibels
- Warranty: 3 years
- CARB compliant
Pros:
- Affordable
- Lightweight and portable
- Quiet
- User-friendly LED control panel
- Clean power with low harmonic distortion
Cons:
- Limited outlet options
- Construction and components less durable than many competitors
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Honda EU2200i
In the world of 2000 watt generator choices, the Honda EU2200i is widely considered to be the gold standard. Designed to replace the wildly popular EU2000i in 2018, the updated model brought with it virtually all of the passionate and loyal followers that made its predecessor a best-seller.
In addition to the respected Honda name, the EU2200i also boasts one of the lowest noise levels available: a whisper-soft 48 decibels. Yet it’s still incredibly powerful, with enough wattage to operate power tools, camping equipment and even some household appliances during a power outage.
Its muscular Honda 121cc OHC GXR120 is shockingly fuel-efficient, with a runtime of more than 8 hours at 25 percent load on its one-gallon fuel tank. Its thriftiness with fuel is largely due to the patented Eco-Throttle system, which aligns the engine’s power exactly to match the load. Advanced inverter technology produces power that’s as safe as the outlets in your house, so there’s no need to worry about sudden power surges frying your smartphone or laptop.
While the price tag on the Honda EU2200i might be hard to swallow—it’s almost twice as expensive as many of its peers—the majority of buyers insist it’s well worth the initial investment for the years of reliable power you’ll get from it.
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Specifications and Features:
- Engine: 121cc OHC
- Starting watts: 2,200
- Running watts: 1,800
- Weight: 47 pounds
- Fuel tank capacity: .95 gallons
- Runtime: 8.1 hours at 25 percent load
- Outlets: One 120V 20A duplex
- Noise level: 48 decibels
- Warranty: 3 years
- CARB compliant
- Safety features include circuit breakers, USDA-qualified spark arrestor mufflers and automatic voltage regulators
Pros:
- Low maintenance
- Quiet
- Durable, high-quality build
- Fuel-efficient
- Parallel-ready
Cons:
- Expensive
- Recoil start
- No fuel gauge or hour meter
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WEN 56200i
If you’re hoping to find a more affordably-priced alternative to the Honda EU2200i, the WEN 56200i is your best option. The price tag is less than half of the Honda’s, and its performance is comparable, albeit not quite identical. It’s just a shade louder at 51 decibels, and it uses the same ultra-clean sine wave technology to protect delicate electronics.
The WEN 56200i relies on a small-but-mighty 4-stroke 79.7cc gas-powered engine that delivers a whopping 6 hours of runtime at 50 percent load. It owes its remarkable fuel efficiency in large part to the integrated Eco-Mode setting, which adjust fuel usage to load demand while also reducing the noise it produces—a win-win. It’s also EPA III certified and CARB-compliant, so it’s safe and legal to use in national parks as well as all 50 states.
The versatile WEN 56200i offers users a wide variety of outlets, including one 5V USB port, two three-prong 120V AC outlets and one 12V DC outlet. It also features an intuitively-designed control panel, automatic low fuel shutdown, low oil shutdown and overload protection.
This compact unit is just 18 inches by 11 inches by 18 inches and 48 pounds, so it’s a snap to carry and store almost anywhere.
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Specifications and Features:
- Engine: 79.7cc OHV
- Starting watts: 2,000
- Running watts: 1,600
- Weight: 48 pounds
- Fuel tank capacity: 1 gallon
- Runtime: 6 hours at 50 percent load
- Outlets: Two three-prong 120V outlets, one 12V DC outlet, one 5V USB port
- Noise level: 51 decibels
- Warranty: 2 years
- EPA certified and CARB compliant
- Low-oil shutoff
Pros:
- Affordable
- Quiet operation
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Incredibly clean power mirrors a pure sine wave
- Good customer service
- Fuel-efficient
Cons:
- Requires second unit with parallel connection for large power needs.
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Westinghouse iGen2200
This portable inverter generator comes from one of the oldest, most respected companies in the electric industry, and the iGen2200 more than lives up to the lofty standards set for it by its heritage.
The iGen2200 is lightweight and easy to carry, weighing in at just 46 pounds and equipped with a comfortable carrying handle. It’s also extremely quiet, with its 52-decibel noise level matching that of a standard conversation.
The generator comes with a solid set of outlets, including two 120V 20A standard household outlets and two 5V USB ports, all of which are covered to shield the interior components from dust and debris. With a THD less than 3%, you can feel comfortable using it to charge your phone, tablet, laptop and other expensive electronic devices. It also includes a 20A circuit breaker and overload reset button for additional security.
Most notably, the Westinghouse iGen2200 is incredibly efficient, providing an incredible 12 hours of runtime at 25 percent load on a single 1.2-gallon tank of fuel. You can use its Efficiency Mode on smaller loads to squeeze the greatest life from each tank of gas.
Even with these excellent efficiency stats, the engine on the iGen2200 packs plenty of power, with 2,200 starting watts and 1,800 running watts—enough to run both a small refrigerator and air conditioner in an RV or several small appliances and electronics in the event of a household power outage. If you’re using it on a job site, it can easily handle tools like a breaker hammer, hand drill and air compressor. It can also be coupled with a second generator for additional power capability.
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Specifications and Features:
- Engine: 79cc OHV
- Starting watts: 2,200
- Running watts: 1,800
- Weight: 46 pounds
- Fuel tank capacity: 1.2 gallons
- Runtime: 12 hours at 25 percent load
- Outlets: Two 120V 20A outlets, two 5V USB ports
- Noise level: 52 decibels
- Warranty: 3 years
- EPA certified and CARB compliant
- Low-oil indicator
- Covered outlets
Pros:
- Very long runtime
- Excellent value
- Compact and lightweight
- Quiet operation
Cons:
- No electric start
- No fuel gauge or runtime meter
- No GFCI outlets
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Yamaha EF2000iS V2
The Yamaha EF2000iS V2 has earned rave reviews from thousands of satisfied online customers, but does it live up to the hype (and hefty price tag)? For the most part, the answer is yes.
The generator enjoys the strong commitment to quality motors for which Yamaha is known. This recently redesigned model (indicated by the V2 in its name) offers an enhanced ability to run longer at maximum loads, so it can be used to start large appliances like RV air conditioners, which demand a high extended surge wattage before settling into the lower-power running mode.
The revamped controller board in this model can operate up to 13 minutes at maximum load—a massive improvement over the original version’s one-minute peak effort.
When it’s not maxing out its wattage, the EF2000iS V2 is remarkably quiet, averaging less than 52 decibels at 25 percent load. Its runtime is equally impressive, delivering 10.5 hours of operation at a quarter-load.
Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of the Yamaha EF2000iS V2 is its striking design: it looks more like a bubbly retro radio than the hardworking generator that lies just below its glossy blue exterior. If looks matter to you, this is without question the 2000 watt generator you’ll want to own.
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Specifications and Features:
- Engine: 79cc OHV
- Starting watts: 2,000
- Running watts: 1,600
- Weight: 44 pounds
- Fuel tank capacity: 1.1 gallons
- Runtime: 10.5 hours at 25 percent load
- Outlets: Two 120V 20A outlets, 12V DC outlet
- Noise level: 51.5 decibels
- Warranty: 3 years
- EPA certified and CARB compliant
- Low-oil shutoff, electrical overload breaker
Pros:
- Stunning design
- Very portable and comfortable to carry
- Multiple safety features
- Parallel-ready for power expansion
Cons:
- Very expensive
- No electric start
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Pulsar PG2000iS
The Pulsar PG2000iS delivers a steady source of clean, safe power in a compact, easily portable suitcase-style design.
With a 1.18-gallon fuel tank and an efficient 80cc engine, the PG2000iS lets you work or play for up to eight hours at 50 percent load before requiring you to refuel. The convenient Economy Mode setting enhances fuel efficiency to extend runtime well beyond many of its competitors.
Connect power tools, appliances and more to the dual 120-volt household-style outlets and 12V DC 8A outlet and charge your phone or tablet using the direct-connect USB outlet. Sturdy exterior construction and a convenient carrying handle mean you can take it almost anywhere.
The Pulsar PG2000iS includes multiple features designed to protect your investment. Integrated circuit breakers automatically shut off the power supply to connected appliances or devices when the circuit overloads. A low-oil indicator lets you know when it’s time to add oil and will shut down the engine before it can lock up due to insufficient oil supply.
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Specifications and Features:
- Engine: 80cc OHV
- Starting watts: 2,000
- Running watts: 1,600
- Weight: 47 pounds
- Fuel tank capacity: 1.18 gallons
- Runtime: 8 hours at 50 percent load
- Outlets: Two 120V 13A AC outlets, one 12V 8A DC outlet, one 5V DC USB outlet
- Noise level: 59 decibels
- Warranty: 1 year
- EPA certified and CARB compliant
- Low-oil shutoff
- Automatic voltage regulator
Pros:
- Affordable
- Solid construction
- Excellent runtime
- Parallel-ready for connection to a second unit
Cons:
- Short warranty
- No electric start
- Slightly louder than most competitors
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Final Thoughts
For most households, a 2,000-watt inverter generator is a wise investment: it ensures you can charge phones and operate essential devices during an unexpected power outage, and it can bring extra fun and comfort to camping trips, tailgating and other outdoor activities. It’s also a must if your work or hobbies require a portable power source for tools or lights.
The 2000 watt generator choices on this list represent a wide range of features, designs and price points, but they all offer the highest levels of reliability, quality and convenience money can buy. Any one of them would make a valuable addition to your toolkit.