Every standby generator we track, side by side. Click any column to sort by it. Covers 10 models from Briggs & Stratton, Champion, Cummins, Generac, Kohler.
| Model | Score | Power | Fuel | Noise | Price tier | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Generac Guardian 26kW (7291) | 9.3 | 26 kW | Natural gas + liquid propane | 67 dB | Price tier: Premium, $6,000–$7,500 | Check price of the Generac Guardian 26kW (7291) on Amazon |
| Generac Guardian 24kW (7209) | 9.1 | 24 kW | Natural gas + liquid propane | 67 dB | Price tier: Mid-range, $4,500–$6,000 | Check price of the Generac Guardian 24kW (7209) on Amazon |
| Generac Guardian 22kW (7210) | 9.0 | 22 kW | Natural gas + liquid propane | 67 dB | Price tier: Mid-range, $4,500–$6,000 | Check price of the Generac Guardian 22kW (7210) on Amazon |
| Kohler 26RCAL 26kW | 8.9 | 26 kW | Natural gas (24kW) + liquid propane (26kW) | 69 dB | Price tier: Premium, $6,000–$7,500 | Check price of the Kohler 26RCAL 26kW on Amazon |
| Kohler 20RESCL 20kW | 8.8 | 20 kW | Natural gas (18kW) + liquid propane (20kW) | 64 dB | Price tier: Mid-range, $4,500–$6,000 | Check price of the Kohler 20RESCL 20kW on Amazon |
| Generac Guardian 18kW (7182) | 8.8 | 18 kW | Natural gas + liquid propane | 67 dB | Price tier: Mid-range, $4,500–$6,000 | Check price of the Generac Guardian 18kW (7182) on Amazon |
| Champion 14kW aXis (100837) | 8.7 | 14 kW | Natural gas (12.5kW) + liquid propane (14kW) | 62 dB | Price tier: Budget, under $4,500 | Check price of the Champion 14kW aXis (100837) on Amazon |
| Cummins QuietConnect RS20A 20kW | 8.5 | 20 kW | Natural gas + liquid propane | 65 dB | Price tier: Flagship, over $7,500 | Check price of the Cummins QuietConnect RS20A 20kW on Amazon |
| Briggs & Stratton 20kW PowerProtect (040657) | 8.4 | 20 kW | Natural gas + liquid propane | 66 dB | Price tier: Mid-range, $4,500–$6,000 | Check price of the Briggs & Stratton 20kW PowerProtect (040657) on Amazon |
| Generac Guardian 14kW (7228) | 8.3 | 14 kW | Natural gas + liquid propane | 67 dB | Price tier: Budget, under $4,500 | Check price of the Generac Guardian 14kW (7228) on Amazon |
Power and noise are manufacturer ratings. Prices are typical US street-price ranges as of October 2026 and change often; installation is extra.
Prices are street-price ranges, not live Amazon prices — and they exclude installation. Full numbers are in the comparison chart.
Power is only half the sizing story — your actual loads decide. Run the kW size calculator before choosing.
For reference: 60 dB(A) is normal conversation, 70 dB(A) is a vacuum cleaner. Exercise-cycle noise matters most — the generator self-tests weekly.
Large homes (2,500+ sq ft) with multiple AC zones, electric appliances, or a home office that can't go dark.
Large homes that want whole-house backup without quite paying the 26kW flagship price.
The most popular whole-house size in America — 2,500 sq ft homes with central air.
Generac skeptics who want the other big American brand — especially on propane, where it makes a full 26kW.
Mid-size homes that want Kohler build quality at a mid-range price — and the quietest exercise cycle in this roundup.
Mid-size homes (1,500–2,500 sq ft) that want whole-house Generac backup at a mid-range price.
Power (kW) is the standby rating — how much your home can draw at once. Air conditioning dominates the math: a 4-ton central AC needs roughly 5 kW running and up to 20 kW to start. Our kW size calculator adds up your loads. Fuel matters because most models derate on natural gas (e.g. 20 kW on propane becomes 18 kW on NG). Noise is the exercise-cycle figure — the weekly self-test your neighbors will hear. Read our sizing guide before you buy.