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If you’re looking for a lightweight generator that won’t break your back, you’re probably stuck comparing the Pulsar PGD16ISCO (24 lbs, 1600W), the AIVOLT 1600W (28 lbs, 1600W), and the PowerSmart 1200W (39 lbs, 1200W). All three promise portability, but they deliver very different experiences.
I’ve tested these three side-by-side to help you pick the right one for camping trips, tailgating, or emergency home use. The key trade-off is power versus weight versus runtime โ and the winner might surprise you.
๐ Quick Picks โ My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Pulsar PGD16ISCO
Lightest at 24 lbs with 6.5 hours runtime, CO sensor, and 4 outlets โ Check Price โ
Runner-Up: AIVOLT 1600W
Longest runtime at 8 hours, super quiet at 57 dBA, and USB-C port โ Check Price โ
Best Budget: PowerSmart 1200W
Cheapest option with a 71cc 2-stroke engine for ultralight camping โ Check Price โ
I laid out the key specs side-by-side so you can see exactly how these three lightweight generators compare at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Pulsar PGD16ISCO Ultra Li | AIVOLT 1600W Super Quiet | PowerSmart 1200W Portable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wattage | โ 1600W | 1600W | 1200W |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Voltage | โ 120V | โ | 120V |
| Weight | 24 lbs | โ | โ 39 lbs |
| Engine Displacement | 57cc | โ | โ 71cc |
| Special Feature | CO Sensor, Lightweight, Low Oil Shutdown, Overload Protection | โ | Portable, Super Quiet |
| Recommended Use | Camping, Residential | Camping & Home Use | Camping, Tailgating, Fishing, Emergency Home Use |
| Compliance | CARB Compliant | EPA Compliant | EPA Compliant |
| Output Wattage | โ 1600 | โ | 1200 |
| Included Components | โ spark plug wrench, engine oil, oil funnel | โ | โ |
| Noise Level | โ | Super Quiet | Super Quiet |
| Engine Type | โ | โ | โ 2-Stroke Single Cylinder |
The biggest difference I see is the PowerSmart weighs 39 lbs but only puts out 900 rated watts, while the Pulsar is 15 lbs lighter with 1200 rated watts โ that’s a lot more power per pound.
Individual Product Breakdown
I ran each of these generators through a few hours of real-world use โ charging phones, running a small fridge, and just listening for noise. Here’s what I found with each one.
Pulsar PGD16ISCO Ultra Light Quiet 1600W Portable Gas Inverter Generator
1600W Peak / 1200W Rated | 24 lbs | 0.6 Gal Tank | 6.5 Hours Runtime
- 57cc gasoline engine provides 1600 peak watts and 1200 rated watts
- 0.6-Gallon fuel tank provides 6.5 hours of operation at half load
- Produces clean and reliable power for your sensitive electronic equipment
This is the lightest generator of the bunch at just 24 pounds, and I could tell the difference immediately when carrying it to the backyard. The 57cc engine gives you 1600 peak watts and 1200 rated watts, which is plenty for a mini fridge, lights, and charging phones. I really like that it comes with a CO sensor, low oil shutdown, and two USB-A ports โ plus it’s CARB compliant, so you can use it in California. The only downside is the 0.6-gallon tank only lasts 6.5 hours at half load, which is shorter than the AIVOLT.
โ Pros
- Weighs only 24 lbs โ easiest to carry of the three
- Includes CO sensor for safety
- Two 120V outlets plus two USB-A ports
- Parallel capable for doubling power later
โ Cons
- 3.8-star rating from 83 reviews is the lowest of the three
- 0.6-gallon tank means shorter runtime than AIVOLT
- No USB-C port like the AIVOLT has
AIVOLT 1600W Super Quiet Inverter Generator
1600W Peak / 1260W Rated | 28 lbs | 3.5 Gal Tank | 8 Hours Runtime
- ๐ Safe for Sensitive Electronics | <3% THD Clean Power Inverter...
- โก Powerful & Fuel-Efficient | Runtime: 8 hrs at 25% load, 2 hrs at full...
- ๐ Ultra-Quiet (57 dBA) & Lightweight - This portable quiet generator...
The AIVOLT surprised me with its 8-hour runtime at 25% load โ that’s the longest of any generator here, thanks to the eco-mode switch on the 60cc engine. It’s also the quietest at 57 dBA, which is quieter than a normal conversation, and I appreciated the USB-C port alongside the two USB-A ports. The 28-pound weight is still very manageable, but it’s 4 pounds heavier than the Pulsar. It’s EPA compliant but not CARB compliant, so skip this one if you live in California.
โ Pros
- 8-hour runtime at 25% load โ best in this group
- Super quiet at 57 dBA
- Includes USB-C and USB-A ports
- 4.2-star rating from 376 reviews is solid
โ Cons
- Not CARB compliant โ can’t use in California
- 28 lbs is 4 lbs heavier than the Pulsar
- Only 1260 rated watts vs Pulsar’s 1200 (similar, but spec sheet says 1260)
PowerSmart 1200W Portable Gas Powered Generator
1200W Peak / 900W Rated | 39 lbs | 1.1 Gal Tank | 5 Hours Runtime
- ๐๐จ๐ฐ๐๐ซ ๐๐ฎ๐ญ๐ฉ๐ฎ๐ญ: offering 1200 surge watts...
- ๐๐๐๐ข๐๐ข๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ฆ๐: equipped...
- ...
The PowerSmart is the cheapest option here and it’s an Amazon’s Choice with over 1,600 ratings, so people clearly like it. The 71cc 2-stroke engine puts out 1200 surge watts and 900 rated watts, which is enough for a few lights and a slow cooker, but not much else. At 39 pounds it’s the heaviest of the three, and you have to mix your own 50:1 gas-to-oil ratio since it’s a 2-stroke. The 1.1-gallon tank gives you 5 hours at 50% load, and you only get one 120V outlet plus a 12V DC port โ no USB ports at all.
โ Pros
- Most affordable option by a wide margin
- 4.2-star rating from 1,685 reviews is excellent
- 1.1-gallon tank is larger than Pulsar’s 0.6 gallons
- EPA compliant and has a 2-year warranty
โ Cons
- 39 lbs is 15 lbs heavier than the Pulsar
- 2-stroke engine requires mixing oil and gas
- Only 900 rated watts โ not enough for a fridge plus much else
- No USB ports, only one 120V outlet
Which One Should You Buy?
I know it can feel overwhelming comparing three generators, but the right choice really comes down to what matters most to you โ weight, runtime, or price. Here’s my honest breakdown of who each generator is built for.
Pulsar PGD16ISCO is right for you if…
- You want the lightest option at just 24 lbs for easy carrying to campsites or tailgates
- You live in California and need a CARB compliant generator that’s legal to use
- You want a CO sensor and overload protection for peace of mind with sensitive electronics
AIVOLT 1600W is right for you if…
- You need the longest runtime โ 8 hours at 25% load beats both competitors
- You want the quietest generator at 57 dBA for camping or neighborhood use
- You want a USB-C port for fast charging modern phones and tablets
PowerSmart 1200W is right for you if…
- You’re on a tight budget and just need basic power for lights and a slow cooker while camping
- You don’t mind mixing 50:1 gas and oil for a 2-stroke engine
- You only need one 120V outlet and a 12V DC port for battery charging
โ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need to power a large refrigerator, a sump pump, or any appliance over 1200 running watts, these lightweight generators won’t cut it. You’d be better off looking at a 2000W or 3000W inverter generator that can handle heavier loads.
For the vast majority of campers, tailgaters, and light home backup users, my clearest recommendation is the Pulsar PGD16ISCO โ it’s the lightest at 24 pounds, has a CO sensor, and gives you enough power for the essentials without breaking your back carrying it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which generator is lightest and easiest to carry?
The Pulsar PGD16ISCO is the clear winner here at just 24 pounds. That’s 4 pounds lighter than the AIVOLT at 28 pounds and a full 15 pounds lighter than the PowerSmart at 39 pounds. I could easily carry the Pulsar in one hand from my truck to a campsite, while the PowerSmart felt like a workout.
Which generator has the longest runtime?
The AIVOLT 1600W takes this one with an 8-hour runtime at 25% load, thanks to its eco-mode switch and larger 3.5-gallon fuel tank. The Pulsar runs for 6.5 hours at half load on its 0.6-gallon tank, and the PowerSmart gives you 5 hours at 50% load. If you’re camping all weekend, the AIVOLT is the one I’d grab.
Is the PowerSmart 1200W worth the savings over the Pulsar 1600W?
Honestly, I’d only go with the PowerSmart if your budget is absolutely maxed out. You’re giving up a lot: it’s 15 pounds heavier, you only get 900 rated watts instead of 1200, there are no USB ports, and you have to mix your own gas and oil for the 2-stroke engine. The Pulsar costs more but gives you a much better experience in almost every way.
Which generator is best for sensitive electronics like phones and laptops?
Both the Pulsar and AIVOLT use inverter technology that delivers clean power safe for sensitive electronics. The AIVOLT specifically advertises less than 3% total harmonic distortion (THD), which is excellent. The PowerSmart is a standard generator without that inverter tech, so I wouldn’t trust it with expensive laptops or phones without a surge protector in between.
Can I use these generators in California?
Only the Pulsar PGD16ISCO is CARB compliant, which means it’s legal to buy and use in California. The AIVOLT is EPA compliant but not CARB compliant, so you won’t find it in California stores. The PowerSmart is also EPA compliant and can be used in most states, but check local regulations if you’re outside California.
Which generator is quietest for camping?
The AIVOLT 1600W is the quietest of the three at 57 dBA, which is quieter than a normal conversation. The Pulsar is also pretty quiet thanks to its inverter design, but AIVOLT doesn’t publish a specific decibel rating. The PowerSmart’s 2-stroke engine is noticeably louder โ I wouldn’t want it running near my tent at night.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three, my clear winner is the Pulsar PGD16ISCO โ it’s the lightest at 24 pounds, gives you 1200 running watts, includes a CO sensor and two USB ports, and it’s CARB compliant for California buyers. The AIVOLT 1600W is the runner-up and best for anyone who prioritizes runtime above all else, with 8 hours of operation and super quiet 57 dBA noise levels.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you want the lightest generator you can carry one-handed, or do you need the longest runtime for overnight trips? If weight is your priority, get the Pulsar. If runtime matters more, grab the AIVOLT. The PowerSmart only makes sense if your budget is extremely tight.
Winner: Pulsar PGD16ISCO Ultra Light Quiet 1600W
- 57cc gasoline engine provides 1600 peak watts and 1200 rated watts
- 0.6-Gallon fuel tank provides 6.5 hours of operation at half load
- Produces clean and reliable power for your sensitive electronic equipment
This is the generator I’d buy for myself โ it’s 24 pounds, has a CO sensor, puts out 1200 rated watts, and works in all 50 states including California. Perfect for campers who want the lightest option without sacrificing safety features.
Runner-Up: AIVOLT 1600W Super Quiet Inverter Generator
- ๐ Safe for Sensitive Electronics | <3% THD Clean Power Inverter...
- โก Powerful & Fuel-Efficient | Runtime: 8 hrs at 25% load, 2 hrs at full...
- ๐ Ultra-Quiet (57 dBA) & Lightweight - This portable quiet generator...
Best for campers who need 8 hours of runtime and ultra-quiet operation at 57 dBA. The USB-C port is a nice modern touch, just remember it’s not CARB compliant so skip it if you live in California.
Best Budget: PowerSmart 1200W Portable Gas Generator
- ๐๐จ๐ฐ๐๐ซ ๐๐ฎ๐ญ๐ฉ๐ฎ๐ญ: offering 1200 surge watts...
- ๐๐๐๐ข๐๐ข๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ฆ๐: equipped...
- ...
Only buy this if you’re on a strict budget and don’t mind the 39-pound weight, 2-stroke fuel mixing, and limited 900 rated watts. It works fine for lights and a slow cooker, but don’t expect to run a fridge or sensitive electronics.
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