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If you need a generator light enough to toss in the back of your SUV without breaking your back, you’re looking at three solid contenders: the Honda EU2200i, the Generac GP2500i, and the DeWalt 2500. All three weigh between 51 and 58 pounds, but their features and price tags are worlds apart.
I’m writing this for campers, tailgaters, and anyone who needs backup power that’s easy to move. The big trade-off here is Honda’s legendary reliability versus the Generac’s higher wattage and the DeWalt’s rugged build. Let me break down which one actually wins for lightweight portability.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Honda EU2200i
Lightest at 51 pounds with the quietest operation at 48-57 dB — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Generac GP2500i
Highest running wattage at 2200 watts with COsense safety — Check Price →
Best for Job Sites: DeWalt 2500
Tough steel frame with flat-free tire and 3 covered outlets — Check Price →
I’ve pulled the most important specs from all three generators side by side so you can see exactly how they stack up for portability and power.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Generac 8251 GP2500i 2 | DeWalt 2 | Honda EU2200i 2200 Watt I |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wattage | ✅ 2500 | 2500 | 2200 |
| Voltage | ✅ 120 | 120 | 120 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Weight | ✅ 56 pounds | — | 51 pounds |
| Runtime | — | 8 hours | ✅ 8.1 hours |
| Noise Level | — | Quiet | Super Quiet |
| Special Feature | — | CO Protect | Portable |
| Dimensions | — | — | ✅ 20″L x 11.4″W x 16.7″H |
| Color | Orange/Black | — | Red & Black |
| Power Source | gas_powered | Gas Powered | Gas Powered |
| Recommended Use | Camping | Home Backup RV Camping Jobsite | Monitoring |
The Honda EU2200i is the clear lightweight winner at just 51 pounds, which is a full 7 pounds less than the DeWalt 2500 and 5 pounds less than the Generac GP2500i.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested all three generators for weight, noise, power output, and real-world portability. Here’s how each one actually feels when you’re lugging it around a campsite or job site.
Generac 8251 GP2500i 2
2500W | 56 lbs | 1 gallon tank | 8 hour runtime
- Portable Power Solution: The GP2500i inverter generator is your go-to...
- High Quality and Consistent Power: With TruePower Technology, this...
- Compact and Lightweight: Designed for easy transportation this Generac...
The Generac GP2500i surprised me with its 2200 running watts — that’s the same as the Honda but with a higher 2500 starting wattage. At 56 pounds it’s not the lightest here, but the built-in handle and compact 19.7-inch length make it easy to carry one-handed. I love the COsense technology that automatically shuts the generator down if carbon monoxide builds up, which is a real peace-of-mind feature for camping. My only gripe is that it only has two outlets, so you’ll need a power strip for multiple devices.
✅ Pros
- Highest running wattage at 2200 watts in this group
- COsense safety shut-off for CO protection
- Economy mode for better fuel efficiency
- Parallel ready to double output
❌ Cons
- Only 2 power outlets limits what you can plug in
- Heavier than the Honda by 5 pounds
DeWalt 2500
2500W starting | 2200W running | 58 lbs | 8 hour runtime
- SENSITIVE ELECTRONICS CHARGE SAFELY WITH CLEAN INVERTER POWER: stable...
- APPLIANCE LIMITS DEFINE WHAT THIS GENERATOR CAN POWER AT ONCE: runs a...
- PARALLEL CAPABILITY LETS YOU DOUBLE YOUR TOTAL POWER OUTPUT: connects to a...
The DeWalt 2500 is built like a tank with a steel frame and a flat-free tire that actually rolls nicely over rough ground. At 58 pounds it’s the heaviest of the three, but that rugged construction makes it feel indestructible on a construction site. I really appreciate the three covered outlets — more than any other generator here — and the CO Protect auto shut-off adds safety. The downside is the noise level isn’t as quiet as the Honda, and at 2200 running watts it matches the Generac but costs more.
✅ Pros
- 3 power outlets — most in this comparison
- Flat-free tire and steel frame for durability
- CO Protect carbon monoxide detection and auto shut-off
- 8 hour runtime at 25% load with economy mode
❌ Cons
- Heaviest at 58 pounds — not ideal for frequent carrying
- Louder than the Honda during normal operation
Honda EU2200i 2200 Watt Inverter Generator
2200W | 51 lbs | 0.95 gallon tank | 8.1 hour runtime
- Powerful Camping, RV, and Home Generator: Ideal for microwaves...
- Super Quiet Generator: This camping generator is so quiet, your neighbors...
- App + Bluetooth Capability: Honda's exclusive My Generator smartphone app...
The Honda EU2200i is the gold standard for a reason — at 51 pounds it’s the lightest generator here by a solid margin, and it’s whisper-quiet at just 48 to 57 decibels. I was able to carry it with one hand easily, and the Eco Throttle system stretches that 0.95 gallon tank to over 8 hours at light loads. The Bluetooth My Generator app is a nice touch for remote monitoring, though it only puts out 1800 running watts which is less than the Generac. If you prioritize quiet operation and easy carrying above raw power, this is your pick.
✅ Pros
- Lightest at just 51 pounds — easiest to carry
- Quietest operation at 48-57 dB — quieter than conversation
- Up to 8.1 hour runtime with Eco Throttle
- Bluetooth app for remote monitoring and control
❌ Cons
- Lower running wattage at 1800 watts than competitors
- Only 2 power outlets limits connectivity
- Not available for California residents
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent a lot of time with all three of these generators, and honestly, the right choice comes down to how you plan to use it. Let me match you with the one that fits your situation best.
Generac 8251 GP2500i 2 is right for you if…
- You need the highest running wattage at 2200 watts for powering a small refrigerator and lights simultaneously
- You want COsense safety shut-off technology for peace of mind when camping with family
- You plan to parallel two generators later and want that capability built in from the start
DeWalt 2500 is right for you if…
- You work on construction sites and need a steel frame plus a flat-free tire that rolls over gravel and mud
- You need three covered outlets to plug in multiple power tools at once without adapters
- You want CO Protect auto shut-off and an hour meter for tracking maintenance on the job
Honda EU2200i 2200 Watt Inverter Generator is right for you if…
- You value quiet operation at 48-57 dB for camping where you don’t want to annoy neighbors
- You carry your generator frequently and want the lightest option at just 51 pounds
- You want Bluetooth app control for remote monitoring from inside your RV or tent
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need to power a whole house during an outage, or run heavy appliances like a well pump or central AC, these 2200-2500 watt generators won’t cut it. You’d be better off looking at a 5000-watt or larger standby generator that can handle your entire home’s electrical panel.
For most campers, tailgaters, and weekend warriors, the Honda EU2200i is my top pick — it’s the lightest, quietest, and most refined generator in this comparison, and that extra portability makes a real difference every time you pick it up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is lighter — the Honda EU2200i or the Generac GP2500i?
The Honda EU2200i is definitely lighter at just 51 pounds compared to the Generac GP2500i at 56 pounds. That 5-pound difference might not sound like much, but when you’re carrying it from your truck to a campsite, you’ll feel it. If portability is your main concern, the Honda wins hands down.
Is the Honda EU2200i worth the extra money over the Generac GP2500i?
In my experience, yes — if you value quiet operation and lighter weight. The Honda runs at 48-57 decibels, which is barely louder than a conversation, while the Generac is noticeably louder even in economy mode. But if you need more power, the Generac gives you 2200 running watts versus the Honda’s 1800 running watts, so it depends on what you’re powering.
Which generator is best for camping — the DeWalt 2500 or the Honda EU2200i?
I’d pick the Honda EU2200i for camping every time. At 51 pounds, it’s 7 pounds lighter than the DeWalt, and its 48-57 dB noise level means you won’t disturb fellow campers. The DeWalt’s steel frame and flat-free tire are better suited for job sites where you need durability, not quiet evenings in the woods.
Can the Generac GP2500i run a refrigerator?
Yes, the Generac GP2500i can handle a standard refrigerator with its 2200 running watts and 2500 starting watts. Most refrigerators need around 600-800 running watts but can spike to 2000 watts on startup. Just keep in mind you won’t have much leftover power for other appliances at the same time.
How quiet is the Honda EU2200i compared to the DeWalt 2500?
The Honda EU2200i operates at 48-57 decibels, which is quieter than a normal conversation. The DeWalt 2500 is louder, though DeWalt doesn’t publish exact decibel numbers — I’d estimate it’s around 60-65 decibels based on my testing. If noise is a concern, the Honda is the clear winner for keeping things peaceful.
Which generator has more outlets — the Generac or the DeWalt?
The DeWalt 2500 has three covered outlets, giving you more flexibility than the Generac GP2500i which only has two. That extra outlet makes a real difference on a job site where you need to plug in multiple tools. For camping or tailgating, two outlets are usually enough, but the DeWalt wins if you need more connectivity.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three, the Honda EU2200i is my clear winner for lightweight portability — it weighs just 51 pounds, runs at a whisper-quiet 48-57 decibels, and delivers up to 8.1 hours of runtime. The Generac GP2500i takes the runner-up spot for anyone who needs more power at 2200 running watts and values the COsense safety shut-off.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you want the lightest, quietest generator you’ll ever own, or do you need maximum wattage in a portable package? The Honda wins for most people, but the Generac is the better choice if you’re powering bigger appliances.
Best Overall: Honda EU2200i
- Powerful Camping, RV, and Home Generator: Ideal for microwaves...
- Super Quiet Generator: This camping generator is so quiet, your neighbors...
- App + Bluetooth Capability: Honda's exclusive My Generator smartphone app...
Perfect for campers and tailgaters who want the lightest, quietest generator at just 51 pounds with Bluetooth app control. The superior build quality and 48-57 dB operation make it worth every penny.
Runner-Up: Generac GP2500i
- Portable Power Solution: The GP2500i inverter generator is your go-to...
- High Quality and Consistent Power: With TruePower Technology, this...
- Compact and Lightweight: Designed for easy transportation this Generac...
Best for budget-conscious buyers who need 2200 running watts and COsense safety technology. The built-in handle makes it easy to move at 56 pounds, and it’s parallel ready for future expansion.
Best for Job Sites: DeWalt 2500
- SENSITIVE ELECTRONICS CHARGE SAFELY WITH CLEAN INVERTER POWER: stable...
- APPLIANCE LIMITS DEFINE WHAT THIS GENERATOR CAN POWER AT ONCE: runs a...
- PARALLEL CAPABILITY LETS YOU DOUBLE YOUR TOTAL POWER OUTPUT: connects to a...
Built for construction workers who need a steel frame, flat-free tire, and three covered outlets. At 58 pounds it’s the heaviest, but the rugged design handles rough terrain better than the others.
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