Generators are an essential item for anyone who lives in an area where power outages are common. They provide a reliable source of electricity during emergencies or when you’re off the grid. However, not everyone can afford a high-end generator, which is why we’ve researched and tested the best generators under $300.
Best Generators under $300
We understand how important it is to have a reliable generator that won’t break the bank. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best generators under $300 that are perfect for camping trips, outdoor events, or as a backup power source for your home. These generators are compact, easy to use, and offer a range of features that make them a great value for their price. So whether you’re looking for a generator to power your appliances during a power outage or to keep your devices charged on your next camping trip, we’ve got you covered with our top picks.
GRECELL Portable Power Station
If you’re looking for a portable power station that’s perfect for your outdoor activities, then GRECELL Portable Power Station is a great choice.
Pros
- The 288Wh huge capacity but light weight makes it compact and perfect for camping, car trips and other family outings.
- Upgraded battery management system provides built-in overload, overcharge, and short-circuit protection.
- Equipped with 1 AC output, 1 USB-C PD 60W output, 3 USB-A QC3.0 18W outputs, 1 Car port, 2 DC outputs, GRECELL solar generator can power eight devices at the same time.
Cons
- It may not be powerful enough for larger appliances.
- The price may be a bit high for some people.
- It may take a while to fully charge.
We recently had the chance to try out the GRECELL Portable Power Station, and we were impressed with its performance. The 288Wh capacity is perfect for camping trips and other outdoor activities, and the light weight makes it easy to carry around. We also appreciated the upgraded battery management system, which provides built-in overload, overcharge, and short-circuit protection.
One of the best features of this power station is its ability to power up to eight devices at once. With 1 AC output, 1 USB-C PD 60W output, 3 USB-A QC3.0 18W outputs, 1 Car port, and 2 DC outputs, there’s plenty of options for charging all your devices. We were able to charge our phones, tablets, and laptops quickly and efficiently.
However, it’s worth noting that the GRECELL Portable Power Station may not be powerful enough for larger appliances. It’s best suited for smaller devices like laptops, tablets, phones, lights, fans, CPAP medical devices, projectors, TV, mini-refrigerator, speaker, and camera (rated power less than 330W). Additionally, the price may be a bit high for some people, and it may take a while to fully charge.
Overall, we would recommend the GRECELL Portable Power Station for anyone looking for a reliable and portable power source for their outdoor activities. With its huge capacity, upgraded battery management system, and multiple output options, it’s a great choice for camping, car trips, and other family outings.
GENMAX Portable Inverter Generator
If you’re looking for a reliable generator under $300, the GENMAX Portable Inverter Generator is a great option to consider.
Pros
- With its powerful engine and inverter technology, this generator can produce 1200 Starting Watts/ 1000 Running Watts clean power, making it safe for sensitive electronics such as TVs, lights, fans, and small power tools.
- The GENMAX Portable Inverter Generator is ultralight and small, making it easy to carry for long distances.
- This generator is extremely quiet, with a noise output as low as 58 dBA with 25% loading at 23 feet. It’s also fuel-efficient, with up to 6.5 hours of run time with 50% loading on a 0.66 Gallon Gas Tank.
Cons
- The GENMAX Portable Inverter Generator only has one 120V/20A outlet and one 5V/1A outlet, which may not be enough for some users.
- While the generator is parallel ready, the parallel kit is sold separately.
- Some users have reported issues with the generator’s durability over time.
Overall, the GENMAX Portable Inverter Generator is a solid choice for those looking for a portable and affordable generator. It’s lightweight, quiet, and safe for sensitive electronics, making it ideal for camping trips or as a backup power source for your home. However, it may not have enough outlets for some users and may not be the most durable option in the long run.
Westinghouse 194Wh Portable Power Station
We highly recommend the Westinghouse 194Wh Portable Power Station for anyone who needs a reliable and versatile power source for their outdoor adventures or emergency situations.
Pros
- The Westinghouse 194Wh Portable Power Station can charge up to 6 devices at the same time, making it a great option for those who need to power multiple devices simultaneously.
- With 194 watt hours of power, this power station can last for hours on a single charge, making it perfect for camping, tailgating, and other outdoor activities.
- The Westinghouse 194Wh Portable Power Station is lightweight and compact, making it easy to take with you wherever you go.
Cons
- While the Westinghouse 194Wh Portable Power Station is great for charging small devices, it may not be powerful enough to run larger appliances like refrigerators or air conditioners.
- The power station does not come with a solar panel, so you will need to purchase one separately if you want to charge it using solar power.
- The Westinghouse 194Wh Portable Power Station is not as powerful as some other portable power stations on the market.
We were impressed by the Westinghouse 194Wh Portable Power Station’s versatility and ease of use. The power station’s control panel features three USB ports, two household outlets, a 12V DC outlet, and an LED display that provides information on the wattage, charging status, and remaining battery life. We also appreciated the power station’s lock feature, which protects against accidental power drain.
The Westinghouse 194Wh Portable Power Station is perfect for camping, tailgating, and other outdoor activities. It is lightweight and compact, making it easy to take with you wherever you go. We also appreciate the power station’s eco-friendliness, as it produces no noise or fumes for safe use indoors or outdoors.
Overall, we highly recommend the Westinghouse 194Wh Portable Power Station for anyone who needs a reliable and versatile power source for their outdoor adventures or emergency situations.
ALLWEI Portable Power Station 300W(Peak 600W)
If you’re looking for a portable power station that won’t break the bank, the ALLWEI Portable Power Station 300W(Peak 600W) is a great choice. We’ve used it on several outdoor trips and it has never let us down.
Pros
- The ALLWEI portable power station is equipped with 280Wh/78000mAh capacity, peak 600W, and built-in 3-level LED light and SOS mode to satisfy your outdoor needs.
- It can power up to 9 devices such as drone, tablet, phones, iPad, laptop, camera, CPAP, etc. Great emergency portable power stations for pleasant road trip.
- The solar portable power station provides all-round protection to protect your devices against short-circuit, over-current, over-voltage, low-voltage, over-load and over-heating.
Cons
- It takes a long time to fully charge the battery using the AC wall outlet.
- The solar panels are sold separately, which can add to the cost.
- The LCD screen can be difficult to read in bright sunlight.
Overall, we highly recommend the ALLWEI Portable Power Station 300W(Peak 600W) for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable portable power station. It’s perfect for outdoor activities, emergency power supply, and home backup. Plus, with a 5-year warranty and friendly customer service, you can’t go wrong.
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300
If you’re looking for a portable power station that is both powerful and versatile, then the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300 might be just what you need.
Pros
- Rechargeable in just 2 hours
- Lightweight and portable
- Multiple charging ports for various devices
Cons
- Solar panel not included
- Limited runtime
- Limited power output
We recently had the opportunity to test out the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300, and we were impressed with its performance. The power station features a 293Wh lithium-ion battery pack, which can be recharged in just 2 hours using the wall outlet and 60W PD USB-C port simultaneously. It also has an AC adapter for home use and a car outlet for road trips.
The Explorer 300 is lightweight, weighing only 7.1 pounds, making it easy to carry around. It features 2 Pure Sine Wave AC outlets that deliver stable and safe 300W power, as well as a PD 60W USB-C port, fast charge 3.0 port, USB-A port, and DC car port. This means you can recharge up to 6 devices at the same time, including drones, Macbooks, cameras, and more.
One downside is that the solar panel is not included, but the power station is compatible with the Jackery SolarSaga 100 solar panel. The integrated MPPT controller enables the solar generator set to operate at its max power point, so that it speeds up the battery recharge, making them ideal portable power kits for tent camping, overland journey and etc.
Overall, the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300 is a great option for those looking for a portable power station that is easy to use and versatile. It’s perfect for outdoor activities like camping, travel, and hunting, as well as for emergency backup power during blackouts.
Check it out on Amazon and make sure to grab a solar panel to go with it.
Buying Guide
When looking for a generator under $300, it’s important to consider a few key factors to ensure that you get the best product for your needs. Here are some features to look at when choosing a generator:
Power Output
The power output of a generator is measured in watts and determines what appliances and devices it can power. When choosing a generator, consider what devices you need to power and make sure the generator you choose has enough wattage to handle them. Keep in mind that some devices, such as refrigerators or air conditioners, require more power to start up than to run continuously.
Fuel Type
Generators can run on a variety of fuels, including gasoline, propane, and diesel. Gasoline generators are typically the most affordable, but propane and diesel generators may be more efficient and longer-lasting. Consider what fuel source is most readily available to you and what your budget allows.
Portability
If you plan to use your generator for camping or other outdoor activities, portability is an important factor to consider. Look for generators that are lightweight and have built-in handles or wheels for easy transport.
Noise Level
Generators can be noisy, so if you plan to use your generator in a residential area or around other people, look for generators with low noise levels. Some generators may have noise-reducing features, such as mufflers or soundproofing materials.
Run Time
The run time of a generator refers to how long it can run on a single tank of fuel. Consider how long you will need to use your generator and choose a model with a run time that meets your needs.
By considering these factors, you can choose a generator that meets your needs and fits within your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest generator available on Amazon?
The cheapest generator available on Amazon is the WEN 56105 1000-Watt Portable Generator. It costs around $120 and is perfect for powering small appliances and electronics during power outages or camping trips.
What size generator is required to power a refrigerator?
A refrigerator requires a generator with a minimum capacity of 800-1,000 watts to operate. However, it’s recommended to use a generator with a higher wattage capacity to ensure that other appliances can also be powered simultaneously.
What are the different types of home generators?
There are three main types of home generators: portable generators, standby generators, and inverter generators. Portable generators are the most common and can be moved around easily. Standby generators are permanently installed and automatically turn on during power outages. Inverter generators are more fuel-efficient and produce cleaner power than traditional generators.
What are the most efficient small generators?
The most efficient small generators are inverter generators. They are more fuel-efficient and produce cleaner power than traditional generators. Some examples of efficient small generators include the Honda EU2200i and the Yamaha EF2000iSv2.
Where can I find gas generators under $100?
It’s difficult to find gas generators under $100 as they are typically more expensive due to the cost of fuel and maintenance. However, some options include the Sportsman GEN2000DF Dual Fuel Generator and the WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator.
What are the best portable generators available at Walmart?
Some of the best portable generators available at Walmart include the Champion Power Equipment 76533 Dual Fuel Portable Generator, the Westinghouse iGen2200 Portable Inverter Generator, and the Briggs & Stratton P2200 Power Smart Series Inverter Generator.
