Generator Prices Compared: What Each Budget Buys
Generator prices vary widely, and many manufacturers do not publish one at all. This guide sticks to the prices we could verify on 2 November 2026 and shows what each budget buys, then gives a method for the models without a published price. All figures come from the sources linked in our comparison tool. Prices are listed prices at that date and change often, so treat them as estimates.
What we could verify
Five of the eleven models we compare show a price on the page we reviewed. The Honda, Yamaha, Champion and Generac models did not, so we do not quote a price for them. Check a retailer for those.
| Model | Listed price | Running watts | Price per running watt | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse WGen3600DF | $629 MSRP | 3,600 | about $0.17 | Westinghouse |
| Predator 3500 CO Secure | $799.99 | 3,000 | about $0.27 | Harbor Freight |
| Westinghouse iGen5000DF | $1,199 MSRP | 3,900 | about $0.31 | Westinghouse |
| Westinghouse WGen9500DF | $1,249 MSRP | 9,500 | about $0.13 | Westinghouse |
| DuroMax XP13000EH | $1,299 (compare-at $1,699) | 10,500 | about $0.12 | DuroMax |
The price per running watt is our own division of the listed price by the gasoline running watts.
Under $700
The Westinghouse WGen3600DF is the one verified option, at 629 USD MSRP. For that you get 3,600 running watts, dual fuel and remote start. The trade-offs are 120 lb, 68 dBA and output with up to 23% THD, so it suits tools and basic backup rather than sensitive electronics.
$700 to $1,000
The Predator 3500 with CO Secure at 799.99 USD is an inverter with electric start, CO shutdown and 3,000 running watts. It weighs about 102 lb, and Harbor Freight sale prices vary, so check the current listing.
$1,000 to $1,300
Three options sit here. The iGen5000DF (1,199 USD) is a dual fuel inverter at 52 dBA with remote start. The WGen9500DF (1,249 USD) and XP13000EH (1,299 USD) are large conventional units for home backup and heavy use. If you need clean power for electronics, the iGen5000DF is the fit. If you need to back up a house, choose between the other two.
Models without a published price
The Honda EU2200i and EU7000iS, the Yamaha EF2200iS, the Champion 100809 and 201050, and the Generac GP3500iO do not state a price on the manufacturer pages we reviewed. For these, compare retailers on the same day, and note whether the price includes extras such as a propane hose, battery or parallel kit. Compare them on the other rows in the tool, since weight, noise, runtime and features are published.
Purchase price is only part of the cost
Fuel and maintenance add up over the years. Our generator cost calculator combines price, fuel and yearly use into a cost per kWh, and the comparison tool shows derived fuel use per kWh for each model. See also our guides to oil changes and storage.
Frequently asked questions
Why don’t you list a price for every generator?
Because several manufacturers do not publish one on their product or spec pages, and retail prices vary. We would rather show Not published than guess.
Is the cheapest generator the best value?
Not always. Price per running watt favors large conventional units, but they are heavy and loud and give less clean power. Match the type to your use.
How current are these prices?
They are listed prices on 2 November 2026. Promotions change them often, so confirm on the maker’s page.
