Generac iQ5200 DF
#4 in Mid-sizeFull review
A dual-fuel inverter with enough surge for an RV air conditioner and long propane run time. A good fit for home essentials and 30 A campers willing to use an adapter.
Amazon $1,039.75$1,039.75
The Generac iQ5200 DF is the better inverter generator overall, rated 3.9 to 3.7. The Generac iQ5200 DF leads on run time. The WEN DF480iX wins on value. The WEN DF480iX costs $392.75 less ($647 vs $1,039.75).
WEN DF480iX
#6 in Mid-sizeFull review
A light, low-cost dual-fuel inverter for RVs and outages, with CO shutoff and electric start. Plan on frequent refuelling or a propane tank for long runs.
Amazon $647$647
Prices were last checked October 22, 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 Generac iQ5200 DF for run time (15 hours on a tank at 25% load vs 9.2 hours on a tank at 25% load (scaled from 50%)).
- Choose the WEN DF480iX for value ($0.16 per running watt vs $0.27 per running watt).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every mid-size inverter generator; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Generac iQ5200 DF | WEN DF480iX |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.9/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Value 30% | 71 $0.27 per running watt | 97 $0.16 per running watt |
| Quiet 20% | 50 noise level not published (neutral score used) | 25 62 dBA at light load, maker rating |
| Run time 15% | 75 15 hours on a tank at 25% load | 27 9.2 hours on a tank at 25% load (scaled from 50%) |
| Fuel options 10% | 70 gasoline or propane | 70 gasoline or propane |
| CO safety 10% | 100 shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up | 100 shuts off when carbon monoxide builds up |
| Warranty 10% | 50 3-year warranty | 50 3-year warranty |
| Starting 5% | 80 push-button electric start | 80 push-button electric start |
Specifications
| Generac iQ5200 DF | WEN DF480iX | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Gasoline | 3,900 W running, 5,200 W starting | 4,000 W running, 4,800 W starting |
| Propane | 3,500 W running, 4,700 W starting | 3,600 W running, 4,320 W starting |
| Outlets | 4 × 120 V, L5-30, USB | 4 × 120 V, TT-30 (RV), USB |
| Parallel capable | Yes | Yes |
| Total harmonic distortion | under 3% | under 1.2% |
| Price per watt | $0.27 | $0.16 |
| Fuel and run time | ||
| Fuel | Gasoline, propane | Gasoline, propane |
| Tank | 3.2 gal | 1.9 gal |
| Run time (gasoline) | 15 hr at 25% load | 7 hr at 50% load |
| Run time (propane, 20 lb tank) | 20 hr | 12 hr |
| Engine | 223 cc | 224 cc |
| Noise and safety | ||
| Rated noise (light load) | - | 62 dBA |
| CO shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Starting | Electric and recoil | Electric and recoil |
| App | No | No |
| Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 24.6 x 20.3 x 22.5 in | 23.8 x 12.6 x 22.1 in |
| Weight | 107 lb | 78.5 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |