Some generators can cost a lot of money, particularly standby generators. Yet, portable generators tend to be less expensive and more manageable. They are easy to take around where and when you need it most. There are a number of portable generators that sell for under $1,000 and are well worth the cost.

Shortcut to more Portable Generators under $1000

These generators may be a little larger than some other less expensive portable generators and may be a little heavier to maneuver it around, however, they are able to generate more power than other smaller ones. Here are a few of the best portable generators under $1,000 on the market.

If you want generator that will come on automatically when the power goes out at home, check out our standby generators reviews here.

Best Inverter Generator under $1000

This ergonomic designed Yamaha EF 2000is Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator  has a noise reduction with its absorbing glass wool construction. It has a low oil warning system that helps protect the life of the engine and an inverter system that works well with delicate machinery.

It weighs about 44 pounds and can run up to 12 hours at half load without having to refuel. It comes with a two year warranty and a 4 stroke OHV 79cc engine. It runs on 2,000 watts maximum output and 1,500 watts continuous.

It earned 4.5 stars from 175 Amazon reviewers and costs about $990, making this one of the best portable generators under $1000.

Best Portable Generator under $1000

This Generac 5943 GP 7500E Portable Generator has an electric start to make starting and stopping a lot easier with either a push of a button or the use of a remote control.

It costs about $1000 online and it received 4 stars from more than 50 Amazon reviewers, making this one of the best portable generators under $1000.

It weighs nearly 200 pounds and has a steel fuel tank for added durability. It has a fold down handle to easily store it away in a compact area. It runs on 7,500 watts rated and 9,375 watts maximum output. It has an hour meter to check voltage and a wheel kit for easy portability.

Best User Friendly Generator under $1000

This Briggs and Stratton 30470 Gas Powered Portable Generator has a wheel kit to improve mobility with two wheels that never go flat. The unit weighs about 158 pounds and runs on 7,000 watts continuous and 8,750 watts surge. It can run up to eight hours on 50 percent load and has a seven gallon tank.

It comes with four 120 volt AC outlets and one 120 volt locking outlet with 30 amps. It is non carb compliant and is not sold in the state of California. Its fuel gauge is easy to read as it is displayed on the front panel. There are easy to use buttons to operate the machine as well.

It received 4 stars from Amazon reviewers and costs about $900 online.

These are all among some of the best portable generators under $1000 online and in your local hardware store. They all will be able to power up your home in case of a power outage as well as at outdoor events.

See more Generators under $1000, here

There are many generators to choose from on the market. The best way to decide which one is best for you is to determine how you plan to use the generator and if you want a portable or stationary standby version.  We have reviews of many models on the site, so feel free to take a read through

You can look online and at your local hardware store to search for the best generators to buy.

Shortcut go the best generators for the money on Amazon

Here are a few good selections to get you started.

Best portable generator under $400

This WEN 56352 Gas Powered Portable Generator comes with a wheel kit for easy portability. It costs about $350 online and received 4.5 stars from more than 85 Amazon reviewers. It has a four gallon tank and an air cooled 7 hp OHV 212ccengine. It is non carb compliant and not sold in the state of California.

It can run for about 11 hours at half load. It runs on 3,500 watts peak and 3,000 watts rated. It has an automatic low oil shut down to help protect the life of the engine. There is a power indicator light and a digital hour counter.

It comes with a two year limited warranty along with several accessories including two 120 volt 20 amp three prong receptacle, one 120/240 volt 30 amp twistlock outlet, and a cigarette lighter style 12 volt DC outlet.

Best-rated inverter generator to buy

This Yamaha EF 2000is Gas Powered Portable Inverter Generator is fully powered by gas and from a strong 4 stroke OHV 79cc engine. It has an inverter system that allows you to generate delicate electronics as well.  Here are more inverter generators

It can run up to 12 hours without having to refuel it.  It has a noise absorbing glass wool construction that eliminates a lot of noise. It comes with a two year warranty and a low oil warning system to prevent burning out the engine.

It weighs about 44 pounds and has an ergonomic build to reduce fatigue. It is user friendly and runs on 2,000 watts surge. It earned 4.5 stars from 175 Amazon reviewers and costs just under $1000 online.

Best small portable generator under $200

This Champion Power Equipment 42436 1500-Watt Portable Generator received 5 stars from Amazon reviewers and costs just under $200 online. It is quiet and portable. It is carb complaint and sold in all 50 states along with being EPA approved. 

It has a cast iron sleeve to help protect the life of the engine and is lightweight at 56 pounds. It comes with a two year limited warranty and a low oil sensor and volt meter to help protect damaging the machine. An overload protection avoids blowing out the machine.

It can run up to 10 hours on 50 percent load and comes with one 120 volt outlet. This is considered one of the best generators to buy on the market with its features, price, and ability to power a home and tools.

Best small standby generator for the money

This carb compliant Generac Core power Series 5837 Natural Gas Powered Standby Generator is sold in all 50 states. It has a very quiet operation at 10 dba. It has a OHV air cooled engine and comes with a battery charger.  This generator will start up when the power goes out whether you are home or out. 

It has weather protection as it sits outside the home. A mounting pad comes with this stationary generator allowing you to remove the need for a concrete base.  

It is prepackaged with a 50 amp transfer switch and a main line circuit breaker. It received 4.5 stars from Amazon reviewers and costs about $1,800 online.  There are more large standby generators here

These are all among the best-rated generators to buy with various features and prices, see more types and models here