Best home generator: standby vs portable vs battery
For frequent or multi-day outages, a home standby generator on natural gas or propane is the most hands-off option. Short outages are often covered by a portable fuel generator or a battery. We don't test units.
| Type | Best for | Cost note |
|---|---|---|
| Home standby | Frequent or multi-day outages | $6,000–$11,000 installed typical (HomeGuide); see whole house generator cost |
| Portable fuel generator | Occasional outages, budget | Needs an outdoor spot plus a transfer switch or interlock to power circuits |
| Battery / power station | Short outages, quiet indoor use | See power stations |
Never run a fuel generator indoors or in a garage. Use a licensed electrician for any connection to home wiring.
Brands and where outages run longest
Standby makers to compare (A–Z, unscored): Briggs & Stratton, Champion, Cummins, Generac, Kohler. Not affiliated with any brand listed.
States with the most outage minutes: South Carolina, Maine, Texas, North Carolina, Florida.