After searching and considering carefully, we’ve bought 15 out of the shiniest candidates from the market. We tested each option as we would do when choosing one for ourselves, relying on their sound levels, power, runtime, and even the ease of maneuver.
Now, we’ve got a complete review list for you, along with our experience to look for the right one that matches specific needs.
Here are the best quiet 3500-watt generators you can buy in 2024:
- Best Overall: Generac GP3500iO
- Best For Home Backup: Westinghouse iGen4500
- Best For RVs: WEN GN400i
- Fuel-Efficient: Champion 4000-Watt RV Ready DH Series Open Frame Inverter
4 Best Quiet 3500-Watt Generators | ||
---|---|---|
Best Overall | Generac GP3500iO | |
Best For Home Backup | Westinghouse iGen4500 | |
Best For RVs | WEN GN400i | |
Fuel-Efficient | Champion 4000-Watt RV Ready DH Series Open Frame Inverter |
Best Overall: Generac GP3500iO
- Up to 50% quieter than other similar counterparts - True Power Technology
- Ultra-powerful, up to 50% more starting capacity – PowerRush Advanced Technology
- Ideal for running electronics – USB outlets
- No transportation wheels
- There is a lot of plastic in the case.
We’re pleasantly surprised by the overall performance of this 3500W generator by Generac despite its incredibly low price point.
While delivering 3500 peak watts and 3000 surged watts, which is powerful enough to run most 15,000 BTU RV air conditioners, it only emits 40-48 decibels of noise.
According to the manufacturer, it is up to 50% quieter than other similar counterparts, which is perfect for noise-sensitive environments. One of the key elements adding up to such impressive performance is its True Power Technology.
Besides, the unit is decently powerful. It offers up to 50% more starting capacity, which means when starting electric motors, it increases electrical current upon demand above rated output. In other words, it lets you do more with less.
Some other highlight points are the parallel ready for linking two Generac generators together for extra power output, and USB outlets for ease of charging your electronics.
Generac GP3500iO Specifications | |
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Engine Displacement | Two handles |
Noise Level | 45-48 decibels |
Output Running Watts | 3000W |
Output Starting Watts | 3500W |
Highlight Features | True Power Technology PowerRush Advanced Technology USB outlets |
Generac GP3500iO is a great price for a powerful 3500W generator that emits only 48 decibels of noise at the max loads, along with many other benefits. No doubt, this is our best overall performer for 2020.
Best For Home Backup: Westinghouse iGen4500
- Optimal energy efficiency & ultra-quiet - Economy Mode
- Convenient & easy to use – a remote start enclosed with a key fob, recoil, and electric start, multiple outlets, and a LED data center
- Maneuverable - two transportation wheels plus a telescoping handle
- Safe and reliable - meets CARB, USFS, and EPA safety standards
- The remote start could be better
- A bit heavy
The Westinghouse iGen4500 might not be the most inexpensive out there but one thing we can assure you that it’s the most powerful option at the lowest noise levels you could find at this price point.
The unit generates up to 4500 opening watts and 3700 running watts whereas emitting only 52 decibels. It would be even quieter if at “Economy Mode”, which is perfect for home backup. Offering more than just a basic generator, it is designed with your convenience in mind.
With this purchase, you’re also beneficial from the additional remote start enclosed with a key fob, two transportation wheels plus a telescoping handle, both recoil and electric start, and multiple outlets.
The best part is a LED data center where you can easily track the device’s lifetime hours, voltage output, remaining run time, power output, and fuel level.
Use it with ease in mind because this generator not only meets CARB, USFS, and EPA safety standards but is also backed by a three-year limited service.
Westinghouse iGen4500 Specifications | |
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Engine Displacement | Two wheels & a Telescoping Handle |
Noise Level | 52 dBA |
Output Running Watts | 3700W |
Output Starting Watts | 4500W |
Highlight Features | Economy Mode A remote start enclosed with a key fob, recoil, and electric start, multiple outlets, and a LED data center Two transportation wheels plus a telescoping handle Meets CARB, USFS, and EPA safety standards |
The Westinghouse iGen4500 is powerful yet lightweight, ultra-quiet, safe/reliable to use, and easy to control, which is ideal for home backup.
Best For RVs: WEN GN400i
- Energy-efficient - eco mode
- Quiet – noise level of 60 decibels at a distance of 20’
- Safe - low-fuel and low-oil automatic shutdown, overload protection, and indicator lights
- The WEN Parallel Connection Kit is sold separately
- Wish the fuel tank was bigger for longer runtime
- Heavy and bulky
The WEN GN400i highlights a reliable 212cc four-stroke CARB-compliant OHV engine and a 120V RV-ready TT-30R receptacle, along with other multiple outlets.
It gives you 4000 starting watts and 3500 running watts, but if you want more, just link it with other WEN inverter generators using the parallel-ready connection kit. Meanwhile, the ultra-efficient 1.85-gallon tank offers 7+ hours of ½ runtime and at eco mode, it could last longer.
The noise level is around 60 decibels at a distance of 20’, which is pretty quiet compared to other counterparts.
What we appreciate the most is its safety design. Aside from the low-fuel and low-oil automatic shutdown feature, it is equipped with the built-in overload protection and indicator lights. Plus, your purchase is backed by a 2-year warranty.
WEN GN400i Specifications | |
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Engine Displacement | Two handles |
Noise Level | 60-62 dB at 20 feet. |
Output Running Watts | 3500W |
Output Starting Watts | 4000W |
Highlight Features | Eco mode Noise level of 60 decibels at a distance of 20’ Low-fuel and low-oil automatic shutdown, overload protection, and indicator lights |
Built with a 120V RV-ready TT-30R receptacle and a powerful 212cc four-stroke CARB-compliant OHV engine, the WEN GN400i persuasively becomes our top pick for RVs.
Fuel-Efficient: Champion 4000-Watt RV Ready DH Series Open Frame Inverter
- Fuel-efficient - Economy Mode
- Lighter and quieter than traditional Champion 3500W generators - Advanced Open Frame Inverter Design
- Super-long runtime, up to 17 hours – an ultra-big 2.9 fuel tank
- Multifunctional – feature a 12V DC outlet with a dual USB adapter, two 120V 20A household outlets, and a 120V 30A RV outlet
- No transportation wheels
The Champion 4000-Watt RV Ready DH Series Open Frame Inverter gives you two solid things: quiet operation (compared to its powerful performance) and fuel efficiency.
What sets it apart from other traditional Champion 3500W generators is the Economy Mode and Advanced Open Frame Inverter Design, which highlights 20% lighter and 50% quieter.
It’s also the lightest option but offers the longest runtime out of the bunch, up to 17 hours at ¼ load, all thanks to the ultra-big 2.9 fuel tank.
The unit is quite versatile – you can use it for home backup (due to the two 120V 20A household outlets and 12V DC outlet with dual USB adapter) or RVs (with a 120V 30A RV outlet). If you want more power, it is also parallel-ready, which allows you to connect up to two 2800W Champion inverter generators.
Ah, it’s backed by the manufacturer’s 3-year limited warranty.
Champion 4000-Watt RV Ready DH Series Open Frame Inverter Specifications | |
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Engine Displacement | Two handles |
Noise Level | 64 dBA |
Output Running Watts | 3500W |
Output Starting Watts | 4000W |
Highlight Features | Economy Mode Advanced Open Frame Inverter Design An ultra-big 2.9 fuel tank Feature a 12V DC outlet with a dual USB adapter, two 120V 20A household outlets, and a 120V 30A RV outlet |
If you’re looking for the most fuel-efficient 3500W inverter generator, we highly recommend the Champion 4000-Watt.
How To Choose The Best Quiet 3500-Watt Generator?
Noise Levels
Although noise is a bit on the subjective side, we qualify a quiet 3500W generator should emit sound lower than 65 decibels while running at ¼ load – the thing that all of our picks in this list have passed.
For comparison, the noise of a two-person conversation is rated at 60 decibels.
Generator Types
On the market, there are two common types of generators – the conventional and the inverter. If you’re looking for the quietest option, we highly recommend the inverter for some good reasons.
It utilizes new technology which helps produce clean electricity with a lower percentage of harmonic distortion. Besides, the efficiency of inverter generators is a lot higher than conventional designs, which also means it can generate the same levels of AC wattage while keeping the size smaller.
Another big bonus when using an inverter generator is fewer fuel costs during the use.
Fuel Type
Aside from generator type, the fuel type plays a huge role in the noise level of your machine. In other words, different fuel types contribute different noise levels, therein diesel is the noisiest since it requires really high compression in comparison to other gas-powered motors.
Contrasting to diesel generators, the propane engine is the quietest because it generates the least pressure during blowdown event.
However, take note that propane produces nearly 10% fewer watts than gasoline.
Throttle Control
Another key element for a generator’s quiet performance is throttle control. With this feature, your generator doesn’t have to run at full speeds all the time, therefore, the noise created during its operation is dramatically lowered.
Which Brands Make The Best Quiet 3500-Watt Generator?
Generac
This brand was the first to engineer affordable home standby generators as well as pioneered the residential power washer category.
They were founded in 1959, and at the current, they are the #1 manufacturer of home backup generators the widest range of power products, consisting of industrial, commercial, residential, and portable generators.
Westinghouse
Out of many brands, Westinghouse is the safest bet. They have had over 130 years’ experience in manufacturing generators, and their products are leading in durable, reliable, and user-friendly.
A notable mark their history is during the 20th century, Westinghouse engineers and scientists were granted more than 28,000 U.S. government patents.
WEN
WEN has been designing and distributing high-quality and budget-friendly power tools since 1951. Their strength is a professional team specialized in searching and developing a variety of common everyday tools.
In 2001, they had already sold over 50 million consumer units.
Champion
Champion Power Equipment has earned a reputation for designing and producing the market’s finest power equipment since 2003 with over 2.5 million generators sold in North America. It’s exaggerating to say that Champion is the market leader in power generation equipment these days.
FAQs
Is a 3500-watt generator enough?
Yes, a 3500W generator is powerful enough for running your essential appliances during a blackout or short-term RV trip.
What can a 3500 W generator power?
In a Recreational Vehicle setting, a 3500W generator can power a DVD player, portable Fan, laptop PC, flat screen Television, electric heater, coffee maker, hairdryer, electric grill, and blender.
In a household setting, it can power a 1/3 HP sump pump, a refrigerator, a freezer, and energy-saving LED or CFL lights.
Are 3500 W generators quieter than 4000 W generators?
Not at all. Although a smaller generator generally emits less noise than the bigger ones, there are a few other elements affecting this issue, such as inverter technology.
How do I quiet a noisy generator?
Consult this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6O2f1lzorVg
How long will a 3500-watt generator last?
7-18 hours at ½ load.
Conclusion
That’s all of our hard work!
We spent weeks on end with all 15 of these chairs, taking everywhere we went – RVs, camping, home power shortage, and more. We got to know each product in this review, from their large impressions to smaller details.
Whether you’re looking for the best quiet 3500-watt generator for home backups or RVs, we’ve got you covered. Finally, thanks for reading!