What’s the most important factor for you when buying a generator?
There are a lot of things to consider such as power output, design, type, and portability. Some may want a powerful machine; others may want a quiet generator.
Today, we will help you get the best of both worlds by showing you how to choose the best quiet 4000-watt generators.
Here are the best quiet 4000 watt generators you can buy in 2024:
- Best Overall (Inverter Generator): Westinghouse iGen4500
- Best For RVs (Inverter Generator): Champion 4000-Watt RV Ready DH Series
- Best For Home Backup (Inverter Generator): WEN GN400i
- Best Overall (Open Frame Generator): DuroStar DS4000S
- Best For Camping (Open Frame Generator): Sportsman GEN4000
- Best For Consistent Performance (Open Frame Generator): WEN GN4500
| 6 Best Quiet 4000 Watt Generators | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Westinghouse iGen4500
| |
Best For RVs | Champion 4000-Watt RV Ready DH Series
| |
Best For Home Backup | WEN GN400i
| |
Best Overall | DuroStar DS4000S
| |
Best For Camping | Sportsman GEN4000
| |
Best For Consistent Performance | WEN GN4500
| |
Best Overall (Inverter Generator): Westinghouse iGen4500
- Perfect for trailer use - 30-amp receptacle, two 220V receptacles, and parallel capability
- Convenient to power your electronics - two USB outlets
- Safe to use - fuel shutoff
- Easy to start - a push-button start pairing with a key fob & a backup recoil start
- Heavy
We’ll start with one of the most inexpensive models in the 4000W inverter generator realm, the Westinghouse iGen4500.
It is obviously a powerful machine, featuring a 7HP OHV engine, giving 4500 starting watts and 3700 running watts, and reaching a max runtime of 18 hours at 25% load.
If you’re going to run your AC that might cut down, this should get you through the night. In fact, it can handle a 15,000 BTU air conditioner with no problem.
The Westinghouse iGen4500 is specifically designed for the travel trailer due to its trailer-ready 30-amp receptacle and two 220V receptacles. Plus, it can be paralleled so you have the possibility to increase your output.
Another unique feature is the two USB outlets on the front, fuel shutoff, ON/OFF power knob, a push-button start pairing with a key fob, and a backup recoil start if the battery was to die.
| Westinghouse iGen4500 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Engine Displacement | 224cc |
Noise Level | 60 dBA |
Half-Load Run Time | 9 hours |
AC Rated Output Running Watts | 3700 Rated Watts |
AC Maximum Output Starting Watts | 4500 Peak Watts |
Highlight Features | Trailer-ready 30-amp receptacle |
The Westinghouse iGen4500 does an impressive job compared to other counterparts, making it the best overall performer in this category.
Best For RVs (Inverter Generator): Champion 4000-Watt RV Ready DH Series
- 50% quieter and 20% lighter than the Champion 3500W model - Advanced Open Frame Inverter Design
- RV-ready design – a standard 30-amp RV outlet, 12V DC outlet accessories, a dual-port USB adapter, and a pair of automotive-style battery charging cable
- Versatile – able to be run by gasoline or propane
- No remote start kit
- A bit expensive
- No wheels or telescoping handle
Next up is the Champion 4000-Watt RV Ready DH Series, which can run on propane or gasoline straight out of the box.
Using quiet technology, this open-frame inverter generator is 50% quieter and 20% lighter than its 3500W sibling.
It is also specifically designed for recreational use with RVs, thanks to the standard 30-amp RV outlet. It has enough power to start and run a 15,000 BTU RV air conditioner.
12V DC outlet accessories include a dual port USB adapter and a pair of automotive-style battery charging cables. You can also connect another compatible generator using a Champion parallel operation kit for increased power output.
| Champion 4000-Watt RV Ready DH Series Specifications | |
|---|---|
Engine Displacement | 224cc |
Noise Level | 64 dBA |
Half-Load Run Time | 8.5 hours |
AC Rated Output Running Watts | 3500-watt |
AC Maximum Output Starting Watts | 4000 starting watts |
Highlight Features | Advanced Open Frame Inverter Design |
The Champion 4000-Watt RV Ready DH Series earn our top ranking for RV use after making an immediate positive impression on our testers with its RV-ready design.
Best For Home Backup (Inverter Generator): WEN GN400i
- Ultra-lightweight – weigh 66.1 pounds, 30% weighing less than other WEN generators
- Optimize the fuel burn for maximum runtime and power - an eco-mode switch
- Safe - indicator lights, overload protection function, low-fuel, and low-oil automatic shutdown
- Wish it had wheels or telescoping handles
- The fuel tank could be larger
One of the most lightweight 4000W inverter generator we’ve tested (30% weighing less than other WEN siblings) and it is our pick for home backup.
The fully-packed panel is designed with one 120V RV-ready TT-30R receptacle, two 5V USB ports, and two 120V NEMA 5-20R receptacles. It features a 212cc 4-stroke OHV engine with a max runtime of 7 hours at 50% load, and if you want more power, just connect the machine to another WEN generator using the WEN Parallel Connection Kit.
To optimize fuel use, it is built with an eco-mode switch. The way it works is to adjust the fuel consumption due to the current power output.
What we like the most about this product is its safety construction with indicator lights, overload protection function, low-fuel, and low-oil automatic shutdown.
| WEN GN400i Specifications | |
|---|---|
Engine Displacement | 212cc |
Noise Level | 60-62 dB |
Half-Load Run Time | 7 hours |
AC Rated Output Running Watts | 3500 rated watts |
AC Maximum Output Starting Watts | 4000 surge watts |
Highlight Features | Weigh 66.1 pounds, 30% weighing less than other WEN generators |
The ultra-lightweight, safe construction, user-friendly design, and efficient fuel consumption earn the WEN GN400i solid scores when considering for home backup use.
Best Overall (Open Frame Generator): DuroStar DS4000S
- Dependable and eco-friendly - EPA and CARB approved
- Deliver the perfect balance of power and functionality - full-featured power panel
- Easy to move around - two portable no-flat semi-solid wheels and a telescoping handle
- Not really accurate fuel gauge
The DuroStar DS4000S is particularly created for protecting your family during a power outage, running your electric-powered devices on the road camping, or powering your RVs.
It’s super-easy to start by featuring a reliable recoil start for a quick start every time.
With an 8.3-gal fuel capacity, this environmentally-friendly EPA and CARB approved generator will run a full 8 to 10 hours on a single tank of gasoline.
The full-featured power panel has been designed to deliver the perfect balance of power and functionality, with the engine shutoff switch, voltmeter, circuit breaker, and power outlets.
It includes one 120/240V 50A heavy duty outlet, one 120/240V 30A twist-lock outlet, one 120V 30A twist-lock outlet, and two 120V household outlets just to supply power to all of your appliances. We’re glad that it is added with two portable no-flat semi-solid wheels and a telescoping handle for easier transporting.
| DuroStar DS4000S Specifications | |
|---|---|
Engine Displacement | 440cc |
Noise Level | 72dB |
Half-Load Run Time | 8 hours |
AC Rated Output Running Watts | 8,000 running watts |
AC Maximum Output Starting Watts | 10,000 peak watts |
Highlight Features | Two portable no-flat semi-solid wheels and a telescoping handle |
If you’re looking for the best overall 4000W quiet, open-frame generator, the DuroStar DS4000S has you covered.
Best For Camping (Open Frame Generator): Sportsman GEN4000
- Fuel-efficient - 10 hours at 50% load on a full 3.6-gal tank of gasoline
- Able to run many things at a time – four 120 volt outlets beside the main 120V RV outlet & a 12V DC outlet
- Need a bit time for warming up
- No wheel kit
The Sportsman GEN4000 is our favorite choice for camping because it is lightweight, easy to transport, powerful yet quiet. If restricting some of the vapor flow in the tank return line by clamping it slightly, the machine purrs like a kitten all day long.
It is easy to start from the first pull. The fuel consumption is efficient – up to 10 hours at 50% load on a full 3.6-gal tank of gasoline.
One thing we really like about this machine is its multiple power outlets, including four 120 volt outlets beside the main 120V RV outlet, which is enough to run many things at once. Plus, there is a 12V DC outlet for charging batteries.
| Sportsman GEN4000 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Engine Displacement | 212cc |
Half-Load Run Time | 5 hours |
Noise level | 69dB |
AC Rated Output Running Watts | 3,500 Watts |
AC Maximum Output Starting Watts | 4,000 Watts |
Highlight Features | Four 120 volt outlets beside the main 120V RV outlet & a 12V DC outlet |
The Sportsman GEN4000 earns it our highest honor and a strong recommendation for camping.
Best For Consistent Performance (Open Frame Generator): WEN GN4500
- Give the longest runtime of 13 hours at 50% load - automatic voltage regulator and a 4-gal gasoline tank
- Great controllability - user-friendly digital date meter
- Safe and reliable - EPA III and CARB compliant, a low-oil shutdown, a spark arrestor, backed by a manufacturer’s 2-year warranty
- Heavy and bulky
For those who focus more on the consistent performance of an open-frame generator besides its quiet level, this EPA III and CARB compliant model is worth considering.
It delivers the longest runtime out of a bunch, 13 hours at 50% load. That is a big thank you to the automatic voltage regulator and a 4-gal gasoline tank.
The WEN GN4500 is also praised for its great controllability, thanks to the user-friendly digital date meter where you can easily track many features at a glance, such as total runtime, session runtime, frequency, and voltage.
It is also designed with customer’s safety in mind by featuring a low-oil shutdown and a spark arrestor. Plus, it is backed by a manufacturer’s 2-year warranty.
| WEN GN4500 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Engine Displacement | 212cc |
Noise Level | 56 dB |
Half-Load Run Time | 13 hours |
AC Rated Output Running Watts | 3600 running watts |
AC Maximum Output Starting Watts | 4500 starting watts |
Highlight Features | Automatic voltage regulator and a 4-gal gasoline tank |
For the most consistent performance, the WEN GN4500 is a top-of-the-line product.
How To Choose The Best Quiet 4000 Watt Generator?
Noise Level
When you want a quiet generator, the noise level should be the first factor to consider. A normal conversation is 60 dB; a quiet machine should generate 62-69 dB sound.
With that in mind, you need to pick the right type of generator that offers the lowest noise level possible.
Between a traditional and inverter generator, the inverter type is quieter, generating around 55-68 dB sounds while the former generate 70-79 dB sounds. Moreover, inverter generators work more efficiently and for longer hours.
Throttle Control
To get the quietest generator, you should look for a machine with smart throttle control. A generator with this feature automatically changes the speed of the engine based on the required load. This means the engine can run at different output levels, reducing the noise level.
Other Features
- Air density: the ambient surroundings have a certain impact on the noise level.
- Exhaust: this is a big factor that can increase the noise level.
- Cooling fans: the noise level of the cooling fans also contributes to the noise level of the entire generator
Which Brands Make The Best Quiet 4000 Watt Generator?
Westinghouse
Founded 134 years ago, this brand aims at making life easier for people through its products. It’s well-known for its great performance and smart operation.
Champion
Since 2003, the brand has been trusted for making the finest power equipment in the market. Here, you will find excellent generators that meet your needs.
WEN
Over the past 70 years, this brand has built its reputation in making quality power equipment. It offers generators that are only well-designed but also affordable.
DuroStar
While being young, this is another brand that you should look at when shopping for a quiet generator. It makes reliable, durable, and high-quality products.
FAQs
Why is my generator so loud?
There are several factors determining how loud your generator is. Generally, a traditional generator is much louder than an inverter machine. Other responsible factors include air density, exhaust, and noise from the cooling fan.
Can I make my generator quieter?
Yes, if you have already bought a traditional generator or a non-quiet inverter generator, there are ways to reduce the noise level. You just have to figure out what contributes to the noise and work on it.
How do I quiet a noisy generator?
Here are a few things you can do to make your generator quieter:
Face the exhaust pipe up or away from your direction
- Place the generator far from where you are
- Put the generator on a soft surface
- Use sound deflectors
- Use an acoustic enclosure for your generator
- Replace the muffler
How long will a 4000-watt generator last?
In terms of the working time, a 4000W generator with a 3.8-gallon tank can work continuously for 12 hours at 50% load. In terms of the life span, a generator can last for 2,000 to 3,000 hours of operation.
How do you soundproof a portable generator?
You can build a soundproof box for the generator.
Step 1: measure the machine, write down the dimensions, and add a few inches to all of the sides.
Step 2: cut the box out based on the measurements, use a good soundproof material like fiberboard.
Step 3: make some ventilation holes
Step 4: add layers of vinyl for better sound insulation
Step 5: use green glue to fill in the holes on the first layer
Step 6: add the foam mat layer
Step 7: put the box together
Step 8: install the venting duct
Conclusion
We hope that this post has helped you figured out want to look for in the best quiet 4000-watt generators. Remember that inverter generators are the right type, and also include additional factors that contribute to the noise level like throttle control and cooling fans.
