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 3.4. The DuroMax XP5500HX leads on fuel options, CO safety and home hookup. The WEN GN5600 wins on run time and value. The WEN GN5600 costs $223 less ($376 vs $599).
WEN GN5600
#11 in SmallFull review
A cheap small gas generator for keeping essentials or an RV going in an outage, if you can live without CO shutoff and electric start.
Amazon $376$376
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), CO safety (shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up vs no CO shutoff) and home hookup (240 V outlet for a transfer switch vs 120 V 30 A outlet only (no 240 V)).
- Choose the WEN GN5600 for run time (12.5 hours on a tank at 50% load vs 9 hours on a tank at 50% load) and value ($0.08 per running watt vs $0.13 per running watt).
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 | WEN GN5600 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.4/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Value 30% | 87 $0.13 per running watt | 100 $0.08 per running watt |
| Run time 15% | 50 9 hours on a tank at 50% load | 85 12.5 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 | 40 120 V 30 A outlet only (no 240 V) |
| CO safety 10% | 100 shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up | 0 no CO shutoff |
| 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 | WEN GN5600 | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Gasoline | 4,500 W running, 5,500 W starting | 4,500 W running, 5,600 W starting |
| Propane | 4,275 W running, 5,225 W starting | - |
| Outlets | 2 × 120 V, L14-30, USB | 2 × 120 V, TT-30 (RV), L5-30 |
| Transfer switch ready | Yes, 240 V | 120 V only (L5-30) |
| Full power at 120 V | Yes | - |
| Price per watt | $0.13 | $0.08 |
| Fuel and run time | ||
| Fuel | Gasoline, propane | Gasoline |
| Tank | 4 gal | 4.4 gal |
| Run time (gasoline) | 9 hr at 50% load | 12.5 hr at 50% load |
| Run time (propane, 20 lb tank) | 8 hr | - |
| Engine | 210 cc | 224 cc |
| Noise and safety | ||
| Rated noise | 69 dBA | - |
| CO shutoff | Yes | No |
| CARB compliant | No | - |
| Build | ||
| Starting | Remote, electric and recoil | Recoil (pull) |
| Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 25 x 23 x 22 in | 22.8 x 23.6 x 23.0 in |
| Weight | 128 lb | 103.6 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 3 years |
| Released | 2020-08 | 2023-02 |