DuroMax XP5500HX
#1 in SmallFull review
A small dual-fuel generator for keeping a fridge, freezer, sump pump and lights going through a transfer switch, with remote start and a five-year warranty.
Amazon $599$599
The DuroMax XP5500HX is the better portable generator overall, rated 4.4 to 4.1. The DuroMax XP5500HX leads on fuel options, starting and warranty. The Champion 5000-Watt RV Ready CARB wins on run time. The Champion 5000-Watt RV Ready CARB costs $99.01 less ($499.99 vs $599).
Champion 5000-Watt RV Ready CARB
#4 in SmallFull review
The cheapest way in this group for a California buyer to back up a few house circuits through a 240 V transfer switch. It also runs a 30 A RV.
Tractor Supply $499.99$499.99
Prices were last checked October 28, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the DuroMax XP5500HX for fuel options (gasoline or propane vs gasoline only), starting (electric start with a remote fob or app vs pull start only) and warranty (5-year warranty vs 3-year warranty).
- Choose the Champion 5000-Watt RV Ready CARB for run time (14 hours on a tank at 50% load vs 9 hours on a tank at 50% load).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every small portable generator; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | DuroMax XP5500HX | Champion 5000-Watt RV Ready CARB |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.4/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Value 30% | 87 $0.13 per running watt | 90 $0.12 per running watt |
| Run time 15% | 50 9 hours on a tank at 50% load | 100 14 hours on a tank at 50% load |
| Fuel options 15% | 70 gasoline or propane | 0 gasoline only |
| Home hookup 15% | 100 240 V outlet for a transfer switch | 100 240 V outlet for a transfer switch |
| CO safety 10% | 100 shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up | 100 shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up |
| Warranty 10% | 100 5-year warranty | 67 3-year warranty |
| Starting 5% | 100 electric start with a remote fob or app | 0 pull start only |
Specifications
| DuroMax XP5500HX | Champion 5000-Watt RV Ready CARB | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Gasoline | 4,500 W running, 5,500 W starting | 4,000 W running, 5,000 W starting |
| Propane | 4,275 W running, 5,225 W starting | - |
| Outlets | 2 × 120 V, L14-30, USB | 2 × 120 V, TT-30 (RV), L14-30 |
| Transfer switch ready | Yes, 240 V | Yes, 240 V |
| Full power at 120 V | Yes | Yes |
| Price per watt | $0.13 | $0.12 |
| Fuel and run time | ||
| Fuel | Gasoline, propane | Gasoline |
| Tank | 4 gal | 4.7 gal |
| Run time (gasoline) | 9 hr at 50% load | 14 hr at 50% load |
| Run time (propane, 20 lb tank) | 8 hr | - |
| Engine | 210 cc | 224 cc |
| Noise and safety | ||
| Rated noise | 69 dBA | 68 dBA |
| CO shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| CARB compliant | No | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Starting | Remote, electric and recoil | Recoil (pull) |
| Wheels | Yes | No |
| Dimensions | 25 x 23 x 22 in | 23.2 x 18.3 x 20.2 in |
| Weight | 128 lb | 106 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 3 years |
| Released | 2020-08 | 2023-12 |