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Standby vs Portable Generator

A standby generator is a permanent, wired-in system that kicks on automatically during an outage, while a portable generator is a lower-cost unit you roll out and connect as needed. The right choice depends on how often you lose power, your budget, and whether you're home to manage a portable unit during an outage.

	Standby Generator	Portable Generator
Price	$5,000-$15,000+ installed, including transfer switch	$400-$2,500 for the unit alone
Power output	10,000-50,000+ watts, can run a whole house	2,000-10,000 watts, covers essential circuits
Installation	Requires licensed electrician, transfer switch, permit	None; plug in and go with extension cords or an inlet
Fuel source	Runs on natural gas or propane, connected to a supply line	Gasoline, propane, or dual-fuel; needs refueling every 8-12 hours
Startup	Automatic within seconds of an outage, even if you're away	Manual start; you must be home to set it up and run it
Maintenance	Annual professional service, self-test cycles	Oil changes, carburetor upkeep, off-season storage prep
Noise	Quieter, often enclosed in a sound-dampened cabinet	Louder, especially non-inverter models
Best for	Frequent or extended outages, homeowners who travel	Occasional outages, renters, budget-conscious buyers

Choose Standby GeneratorChoose a standby generator if you experience frequent or multi-day outages, want whole-home coverage, and don't want to think about backup power when the lights go out.Shop Generators

Choose Portable GeneratorChoose a portable generator if outages are rare, you're on a tighter budget, or you need power that can also travel to a job site or campsite.Shop Generators

The verdict

Standby generators cost far more upfront but deliver hands-off, whole-house power automatically, which matters most if outages are common where you live. Portable generators are the practical choice for occasional outages or anyone who needs power flexibility beyond just the house.

FAQs

Can a portable generator power a whole house?

Only a large portable unit (7,000+ watts) paired with a manual transfer switch can cover most essential circuits, but few portables match a standby generator's capacity to run central AC, well pumps, and everything else at once.

Do standby generators run on natural gas or propane?

Most standby units can run on either, connected directly to your home's natural gas line or a dedicated propane tank, which means no manual refueling during long outages.

How long can a portable generator run continuously?

Typically 8-12 hours on a full tank of gasoline, so multi-day outages require you to wake up and refuel, unlike a standby unit tied to a continuous fuel supply.

EquipDepot carries both — compare specs and get freight quoted to your ZIP at checkout.