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25 best generator for $500 we tested in 2024

Let's take a look at some suggestions from our experts about the best generator for $500 to make an incredible purchase. Below, you can access many famous brands, including VTOMAN, BATINO, Jackery, Togo POWER, BLUETTI, OUKITEL, ALLWEI, ZeroKor, GOOLOO, BALDR, EF ECOFLOW, Bawaut, GENMAX, Apowking, EnginStar, Kingboss, LIPOWER, ROCKPALS, PAXCESS, Futuresolar, Welltek.


SOURCE

To provide you with a more objective and trustworthy article, we have researched and made use of the following sources:
Amazon.com
Wikipedia.com
Nytimes.com
Consumerreport.org
Bestbuy.com


WARRANTY

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FAQs

1. Is a generator under $500 worth the investment?

Yes. If you're looking for an affordable, reliable generator for emergency or camping power, it's definitely worth the investment. Most generators offered in this price range are powerful enough to run numerous appliances and electronics simultaneously during a power outage. They also provide battery charging capabilities, which can come in handy if you need extra power but don't want to hassle connecting the Generator to the grid.

2. Can I hook up a generator to a solar panel?

Yes, you can hook up a generator to solar panels. This will give the Generator an added energy source when needed. This also gives you more energy independence.

3. What is the best use for a generator?

The best uses for generators are camping, hunting, and emergencies. A portable generator can save your life when you need power during an emergency like a hurricane or earthquake and don't have access to pull at your home or office, which can come in handy if you're stuck in one place with no power access because of an emergency but still need to charge your phone or run devices that use electricity for comfort.


BUYING GUIDE

1. Fuel Tank Capacity

Aside from wattages, the fuel tank capacity is one of the criteria for a generator you're considering buying. Fuel tanks have sizes such as 1 gallon and 5 gallons. If you need to run your Generator for extended periods, opt for a larger fuel tank size.

2. Noise Level

The noise level of a generator indicates how much energy it uses and how much power it produces. The more sound it makes, the more point it uses and the less useful it is to you when you need a power source in emergencies or even for other regular uses like camping or hunting trips.

3. Maintenance

The maintenance cost is another factor to consider when buying any generator as a power source for your needs. The Generator's maintenance cost will be higher if it needs regular maintenance.

4. Accessories

Even when it's powered off, if you have access to electricity and know how to use it, some generators come with various accessories that you can use with them. This could include radios or other power accessories used while using the Generator.


OUR TOP PICKS

 

1. BEST OVERALL: Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300, 293Wh Backup Lithium Battery

View price on Amazon

  • SPEED UP YOUR RECHARGEABILITY: It takes only 2 hours to recharge 80% battery of the power station through the wall outlet and 60W PD USB-C port simultaneously. You can also renew your power station with an AC adaptor at home, through the car outlet during a road trip, or simply use a Jackery SolarSaga 100.
  • SAFE & STEADY POWER SUPPLY: Armed with a 293Wh lithium-ion battery pack, the Explorer 300 features 2 Pure Sine Wave AC outlets that deliver stable and safe 300W power. The portable power station weighs only 7.1 pounds. You can rest assured in outdoor off-grid activities.
  • Read more

The Jackery Powerstation Explorer is the best portable generator under $500 on Amazon. With its decent size and portability, the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer is one of the best generators priced under $500. 

It's also great for camping, hunting, and emergency outages.

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2. TOP RATED: Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500, 518Wh Outdoor Solar Generator

View price on Amazon

  • LONG LASTING ENDURANCE: The Explorer 500 portable power station is built with a lithium-ion battery pack in a safely designed frame structure to maximize and long last the power for every use of outdoor adventures and home use.
  • SUPPORT PASS-THROUGH CHARGING: This power station features a 1* AC outlet (110V 500W 1000W Peak), 3*USB-A ports, 2* DC ports, and one carport. It's Battery Management System governs each cell, improving the battery life cycle while being pass-through charged.
  • Read more

The Jackery Powerstation Explorer 500 is the best generator for $500. The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer is a lithium battery backup generator with USB ports. 

It has many useful features for its price point and can be used for camping, hunting, and other outdoor activities.

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3. BEST SELLER: 500W Portable Power Station, 296Wh Solar Generator

View price on Amazon

  • HIGH CAPACITY & PORTABLE POWER STATION: Apowking power bank with AC outlet 296Wh (80,000mAh) can power plenty of your devices, such as phones, laptops, tablets, Macbooks, lights, fans, TV, projector, small blender, car refrigerator, drones, switch, camera and CPAP machine with rated power less than 500 watts. NOTE: 500W is the output power, NOT the battery capacity. It is recommended that CPAP users use a DC converter to work with this portable battery pack for better effect.
  • MULTI-FUNCTION OUTPUTS: This portable laptop charger is equipped with 2*pure sine wave AC output ports (110V/500W), 4*QC USB (5V/2.4A, max 12W), and 1*DC vehicle output port (12-16V/10A max) to different power devices according to your needs. Moreover, the built-in cooling fan will auto-cool the unit when the working temperature rises too high after prolonged use. Please turn off the AC output when not used to save the battery power.
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Portable Power Station, 500W, 296Wh Solar Generator Backup Battery Pack with 110V/500W AC Outlet Portable Power Bank Outdoors

The best generator for $500 on Amazon is the Jackery Powerstation. The Jackery Portable Power Station has a reliable lithium battery and can be used as an emergency generator or power bank. It also comes with a solar panel for extra energy independence.

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OTHER CHOICES

The prices of the products are just right at the moment when we check. They are subject to changes by the Seller, so some may be slightly different from those found on Amazon when you see them. Please note that they are just for reference. If you want to know the exact price, don't hesitate to check Amazon. 


MORE SUGGESTED PRODUCTS

Showing  1 - 10  in  25 results
1
  • SCORE
    10.0
    AI Score

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  • Brand
    VTOMAN
2
  • SCORE
    9.6
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  • Brand
    BATINO
3
  • SCORE
    9.6
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  • Brand
    Jackery
4
  • SCORE
    9.4
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  • Brand
    Togo POWER
5
  • SCORE
    9.2
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  • Brand
    BLUETTI
6
  • SCORE
    9.2
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  • Brand
    OUKITEL
7
  • SCORE
    9.2
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  • Brand
    ALLWEI
8
  • SCORE
    9.2
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  • Brand
    ZeroKor
9
  • SCORE
    9.0
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  • Brand
    GOOLOO
10
  • SCORE
    8.8
    AI Score

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  • Brand
    BALDR

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Lawrence Byrne
Lawrence Byrne
From a young age, Lawrence Byrne lived in a family with his own company specializing in machinery and electronics. That's why he's always been interested in things that revolve around technology. As an adult, working and pursuing his hobby, he continued to learn about the artist and then gained 7 years of rich experience. He also wants to share his insights with everyone through social networks. Therefore, he regularly publishes an electronics technician about technology to help people read entertainment and gain more experience in choosing the right type of device and computer for themselves.
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