Generators are a necessity if you reside in a neighborhood that experiences many power outages or if you are doing a remodeling project. They often cost a lot of money but you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg to get one. You can find the best generator under $400 online.
View the best generators under $400, right here
When shopping for generators online, be sure to read the reviews to make sure you find a high-quality and easy to use machine. Here are some of the best generators for under $400 in 2026.
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Best Inexpensive Portable Gas Generator
PowerSmart Powered Portable Inverter Generator Review
The PowerSmart Powered Portable Inverter Generator is one of the best inexpensive portable gas generators. It can hold four gallons of fuel and has a 79cc OHV engine. The engine runs at 2500 watts surge and 1900 watts rated. The low oil shut down will help extend the life of the engine.
This generator is very portable. It has a built-in carry handle. Just because it is lightweight doesn’t mean it isn’t powerful. You can charge and power your devices using the two 120 volt duplex outlets and the 120/240 volt outlet.
Best Rated Portable Generator under $400
PROYAMA 4000W Portable Gas Inverter Generator Review
The PROYAMA 4000W Portable Gas Inverter Generator is one of the best portable generators under $400. It is carb compliant and can be purchased anywhere in the US. It has a powerful engine that runs at 3200 watts and has a 4000 watts surge. The engine can run for 5 hours at half load.
There are plenty of outlets on this unit including a RV receptacle, a 120 volt twist lock and a 120 volt duplex outlet. The lightweight design is made from a durable plastic that will protect the engine during transport.
Best Portable Generator for the Money
DuroMax XP4400E Gas Powered Portable Generator Review
The DuroMax XP4400E Gas Powered Portable Generator is the best portable generator for the money. It comes with a wheel kit and a tool kit. The steel frame roll cage helps prevent damage to the engine. The engine is not carb compliant so it is not sold in California. It is, however, EPA approved.
The engine has a volt meter that prevents overloads and contains an electrical starting system. There are various outlets including two 120 volt 20 amp outlets and a 12 volt DC outlet. It has a fuel capacity of four gallons and can run as long as eight hours at half load. The low oil shut down will protect the engine from damage. This truly is one of the best portable generators for the money.
Best Quiet Small Generator with Long Run Time
WEN 56235i Portable Generator Review
The WEN 56235i Portable Generator is small enough that it is easy to wheel around to wherever you need it. It contains a 79cc 4-stroke OHV engine and can run for a long time on one tank of fuel. The power indicator light allows you to see that it is still running while the fuel gauge helps you monitor the fuel capacity. It can hold four gallons. The engine will run at 1900 watts continuous with a 2350 watts surge.
The fold down carrying handle makes this generator easy to store. The low oil shut down will protect the engine but if something were to happen, the two year limited warranty will help you out. It is one of the quietest generators on the market at 51 dba sound output while running.
Best Electric Start Portable Generator
DuroStar DS4400E Gas Powered Portable Generator Review
The DuroStar DS4400E Gas Powered Portable Generator is the best electric start portable generator available in 2026. It contains an air cooled OHV 7 hp engine that can be started using the electrical starting system. The low oil warning and volt meter will shut down the engine for either low oil or overloads. This will keep the engine running in perfect condition for many years to come.
The engine is EPA approved and the entire generator weighs only 125 pounds. It has circuit breaker power outlets. Outlets include two 120 volt 20 amp outlets – three prongs – and a 120/240 volt 30 amp twist lock outlet.
The Durostar DS4400E runs at 3500 watts with a 4400 watts surge. The wheel kit helps make this the best electric start portable generator.
Click here to see more top rated generators under $400 on Amazon.com
Any one of the generators reviewed here would be a good option for someone looking for the best generator under $400. They each provide a variety of features that are worth having in a backup power source. Take a closer look at each unit and determine which generator best fits your needs.
