Portable vs. standby generator: which is better?
Both portable and standby generators can keep your home running during outages, but they solve the problem in very different ways.
This guide compares the two approaches so you can decide which type of generator fits your needs and budget.
How portable and standby generators differ
Portable generators are typically gasoline, diesel, or dual-fuel units on wheels that you roll out, start, and connect with cords or a transfer switch. Standby generators are permanently installed units that start automatically and are tied into your home's fuel supply and electrical system.
Pros and cons at a glance
- Portable generators – pros: lower upfront cost, flexible use (home, jobsite, camping), and no permanent installation required.
- Portable generators – cons: manual setup in bad weather, limited runtime on small tanks, and more noise for neighbors.
- Standby generators – pros: automatic operation, larger fuel supplies, quieter running, and the ability to power much of or all of a home.
- Standby generators – cons: high upfront and installation cost, permitting, and less flexibility.
Which is right for you?
A portable generator is often the better fit if you mainly want to protect food, basic comfort, and electronics, and you're comfortable rolling a unit out and managing fuel. A standby generator makes more sense if frequent outages would seriously disrupt work, health needs, or your household, and the budget allows for a larger investment.
Tip: you can use the runtime, fuel cost, and size planners on the GeneratorCalc home page to turn these ideas into rough numbers for your specific generator and situation.