We have put the quietest 4000-watt generators to our test for 2021, and finally had this rounded-up list of the five best options. Our team particularly noted down in detail how these options were picked and which of them will suit you most.
We also give you a useful buying guide and other pieces of related information to help with your decision-making. Now, let’s get started!
Here are the quietest 4000-watt generators you can buy in 2024:
- Lightweight: WEN GN400i
- RV Ready: CHAMPION POWER EQUIPMENT 4000-Watt
- Best For Consistent Performance: Westinghouse iGen4500
- Parallel Capable: Pulsar Products G450RN
- Easy To Operate: Briggs & Stratton 30795 P4500
| 5 Quietest 4000-Watt Generators | ||
|---|---|---|
Lightweight | WEN GN400i | |
RV Ready | CHAMPION POWER EQUIPMENT 4000-Watt | |
Best For Consistent Performance | Westinghouse iGen4500 | |
Parallel Capable | Pulsar Products G450RN | |
Easy To Operate | Briggs & Stratton 30795 P4500 | |
Lightweight: WEN GN400i
- Eco-friendly & safe - CARB- and EPA-III-compliant OHV engine
- Lightweight & easy to be moved around – the weight of 66.1 pounds
- Convenient to use – parallel capability, RV-ready design, & USB outlets
- No wheels for easy transporting
Of all the 15 highly-rated 4000W generators we tested, the WEN GN400i is the cheapest yet with amazing quality.
While giving many practical features – such as USB adapters, an RV-ready outlet, and eco mode, it is outstanding for the CARB- and EPA-III-compliant OHV engine.
Achieving these two certifications means that it absolutely emits no harmful smoke for eco-friendly operation. Besides, the energy output is clean and steady enough (with no drops nor voltage spikes) to safely keep sensitive electronics going.
For higher power demand, the GN400i is parallel-ready.
It is also the most lightweight out of a bunch, at around 66 pounds, so that you can easily lift it up and carry it around.
Just a pity that it doesn’t come with wheels or a telescoping handle for easy transportation. But for this price, it is unbeatable.
| WEN GN400i Specifications | |
|---|---|
Peak Watts/Running Watts | 4000w/3500w |
Noise Level | 77 to 87 decibels. |
Max Runtime | over 7 hours of 50% load |
Highlight Features | CARB- and EPA-III-compliant OHV engine the weight of 66.1 pounds parallel capability, RV-ready design, & USB outlets |
At just 66.1 pounds, the WEN GN400i is a powerful yet lightweight 4000W generator that’s good for those who need something easy to lift and move around.
RV Ready: CHAMPION POWER EQUIPMENT 4000-Watt
- Able to meet extended off-grid RV living – feature a 4-stroke 224cc OHV inverter technology engine
- Great value – include a parallel kit & other useful additions
- No electric start or wireless remote control
- No wheels or telescoping handles
Similar to the WEN GN400i, this generator is RV-ready.
But it is distinguished by delivering a significantly longer runtime, up to 17 hours at 25% load, which comes in handy for stable off-grid RV living or for places where power shortages are very common.
We were pleasantly surprised that despite its open-frame design, the CHAMPION POWER EQUIPMENT 4000-Watt still delivers clean energy (under 3% THD) and runs relatively quiet.
The price also includes a parallel kit for higher energy demands, an oil funnel for easy oil-refilling, and the manufacturer’s three-year warranty.
| CHAMPION POWER EQUIPMENT 4000-Watt Specifications | |
|---|---|
Peak Watts/Running Watts | 4000W/3500W |
Noise Level | 64 dBA |
Max Runtime | 17 hours |
Highlight Features | feature a 4-stroke 224cc OHV inverter technology engine include a parallel kit & other useful additions |
The CHAMPION POWER EQUIPMENT 4000-Watt is our confident pick for full-time RV-ers or campers.
Best For Consistent Performance: Westinghouse iGen4500
- Easy and versatile to start – feature a recoil start, an electric start, and remote control with a key fob
- User-friendly - LED data center
- Long-lasting & consistent - Westinghouse iGen Series inverter technology engine
- Wish it had a telescoping handle
With the Westinghouse iGen4500, we hardly have any complaints.
It is the quietest, the most powerful, and the easiest to start (featuring a recoil start, an electric start, and remote control with a key fob). It’s also user-friendly thanks to the added LED data center.
But what truly sets this generator apart from others is its Westinghouse iGen Series inverter technology engine that can modify the energy output to fit just enough the load demands.
By not running at the same speed all the time, it is highly fuel-efficient, meaning for extended runtime.
The added transporting wheels are a big bonus for easy maneuverability. We just wish that it also had a telescoping handle so that you can pull it around without bending your upper body.
| Westinghouse iGen4500 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Peak Watts/Running Watts | 4500W/3700W |
Noise Level | 52 dBA |
Max Runtime | 18 hours |
Highlight Features | feature a recoil start, an electric start, and remote control with a key fob LED data center Westinghouse iGen Series inverter technology engine |
Engineered with a highly fuel-efficient engine, the Westinghouse iGen4500 stands out from our list for the longest runtime with the most consistent performance.
Parallel Capable: Pulsar Products G450RN
- Offer increase energy output at the most compact size
- Approved to be used in 50 states - CARB compliant
- Portable – a telescoping handle
- A bit difficult to change the oil
- Run roughly at little to no load
When it comes to generators with parallel capabilities, there are a variety of options in the market, but the Pulsar Products G450RN is the most compact model.
That means it is just as powerful as similar counterparts once being paralleled, but with no hassles coming along with having a much larger unit. The added telescoping handle is a nice bonus, since it makes portability a lot simpler.
Using this generator, you can run more home appliances or electronics simultaneously. It features two DC outlets, two AC, and one RV while most of its competitors only have a total of four outlets as the maximum.
Lastly, the Pulsar Products G450RN is CARB compliant so that it’s approved to be used in all 50 states.
| Pulsar Products G450RN Specifications | |
|---|---|
Peak Watts/Running Watts | 4500W/3700W |
Noise Level | 63 dB |
Max Runtime | up to 15 hours at half load |
Highlight Features | Parallel capability & compact size feature 5 different outlets CARB compliant a telescoping handle & two wheels |
If you’re in need of the quietest 4000W generator with the best parallel capability, then consider the Pulsar Products G450RN
Easy To Operate: Briggs & Stratton 30795 P4500
- Easy to start – the electric start with automatic choke
- Able to run the most different devices at a time – feature 7 outlets
- Safe and reliable during operation - CO Guard carbon monoxide shutdown technology
- Expensive
The Briggs & Stratton 30795 P4500 is the only option in this list that features a push-button electric start with an automatic choke, making it obviously the easiest to operate.
It also features the most outlets (totally seven) for the capabilities of running different devices, power tools, and home appliances at a time.
Regardless, the onboard display panel allows for simple controls at one spot and you can easily track different indicators, including runtime remaining, fuel level, and power usage.
A big bonus is its CO guard sensor feature that will automatically shut the generator down if detecting harmful levels of carbon monoxide. Therefore, it runs more reliably and safely.
| Briggs & Stratton 30795 P4500 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Peak Watts/Running Watts | 4500W/3700W |
Noise Level | 60 dB |
Max Runtime | up to 16 hours at 1/4 load. |
Highlight Features | an electric start with automatic choke feature 7 outlets CO Guard carbon monoxide shutdown technology |
The Briggs & Stratton 30795 P4500 is built with a push-button electric start with an automatic choke, making it super-easy to turn on.
How To Choose The Quietest 4000-Watt Generator?
Noise Levels
Noise levels of generators are measured in decibels (dB or dBA). Most 4000W generators create noise at 65-87dB, equivalent to the sound of a hairdryer.
But to what extent is the noise acceptable for you?
We believe that each of us has a different sense of how something is considered “quiet”.
Some people find the sound created by a working hairdryer is no problem for them while others feel it’s noisy.
If you want something quieter than that, consider a model with inverter technology or constructed of an enclosed frame. Their noise levels usually range from 50-62dB, which is similar to the sound of normal conversions of two people.
For example, the Westinghouse iGen4500 generator in our review list runs at only 52 decibels thanks to its exclusive inverter technology engine.
Fuel Types
There are three options when it comes to fuels used for 4000W generators:
- Diesel
- Gasoline
- Propane
Among them, propane is considered to be quieter than the two others – especially gasoline because it runs more cleanly. It is also the cheapest out of a bunch.
The two drawbacks of this fuel are that 1) it’s not as popular as gasoline, which means it is more difficult to buy, and 2) it’s not energy-efficient, leading to shorter runtime.
Diesel, despite running cleanly, being eco-friendly, and energy-efficient, is very expensive so it isn’t popular to use.
Other Features
The following features are optional but they impact significantly on a 4000W generator’s convenience:
Number Of Outlets
A powerful 4000W generator is often used for operating different electric appliances at a time, meaning that it would be more convenient if the equipment comes with different outlets.
For RV use, it’s a must for the generator to have an RV-ready cable.
For charging vulnerable electronics, there should be some USB ports.
Besides, 240V 30A outlets are for heavy-duty power tools and 120V outlets are for household appliances.
Portability
Portability is one of the most important features if you intend to use the generator for camping or tailgating. In this case, a lightweight and compact model would come in handy.
It’d be best if the machine features a carrying handle, a telescoping handle, or transporting wheels.
Which Brands Make The Quietest 4000-Watt Generator?
WEN Products
WEN Products, since 1951, is well-known as the world’s reliable company in manufacturing portable generators with unbeatable durability and performance at a very good price. Their products have also adopted the latest technologies for amazingly quiet operation.
Champion Power Equipment
One of the most popular US generator manufacturers at the current, Champion Power Equipment builds a reputation on providing outstanding generators not only in the appearance but also the quietness, overall performance, and practicality.
Westinghouse
This is one of the oldest brands based in the United States that produce and distribute world-class portable power equipment. Aside from owning many large-scale facilities across North America, they are the leader in inverter technologies for ultra-quiet operation.
Pulsar
Pulsar’s generators are known for unparalleled quality innovation yet at an amazingly budget-friendly price. Their lines are all built from two keys – reliability and ingenuity with high focus on the consumers’ needs.
We guess that explains why they are the fastest growing brand in offering a comprehensive assortment of portable generators at the current.
Briggs & Stratton
Briggs & Stratton has over 100 years’ expertise in manufacturing portable power equipment and owns the most patents in the world. Therefore, it’s no strange that they are one of the most dependable brands for the quietest generators.
FAQs
Can a 4000-watt generator run a house?
No, it can’t. A 4000W generator is just powerful enough to run ALMOST essential household appliances.
Is a 4000-watt generator the right one for you?
To know if a 4000W generator is right for you, you should determine your power needs by listing out the essentials needed for charging, then, sum up the starting wattage and running wattage of all of them.
If the result is around 3500-4000W, then yes, a 4000W generator is suitable for you.
How many dB is a quiet generator?
A quiet generator should have a decibel rating of equal or under 60dB.
How many amps does a 4000-watt generator produce?
A 240V 4000W generator produces nearly 16.6 amps and a 120V 4000W model produces nearly 33.3 amps.
What appliances will a 4000-watt generator run?
A 4000W generator will run all the small to medium essentials in a house, such as medium radiant heater, small power tools, small electric appliances, VCD/DVD player, laptop, small heating system, and so on.
Conclusion
This experience-based, comprehensive buying guide is the result of our testing over the 15 quietest 4000-watt generators to categorize which one is best for RV use, which is the lightest, and which has the easiest operation, etc.
That’s why we feel confident that all of our readers will easily find the right one for their needs. Hopefully, the included FAQs and other sections also come in handy for you.
Thanks for reading!
