Generac vs. Cummins: Which Standby Generator Should You Choose?
By LumoWatt Editorial Team · Updated 2026-06-15
| Generac | Cummins | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,000–$8,000 | $3,500–$10,000 |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
| Noise | 61–67 dB | 64–65 dB |
Warranty terms are sourced directly from each manufacturer, see Sources below. Price is a LumoWatt directory estimate, no manufacturer publishes MSRP for standby generators, they're sold through dealer networks with regional pricing, so confirm exact pricing with an installer. Noise figures are manufacturer-published where sourced below, otherwise a directory estimate, actual output varies by the specific model size within a product line, not a single fixed number per brand. Cummins' warranty varies by model size: 5 years on their smaller residential QuietConnect models (13-20 kW, the common whole-house range), 2 years on their larger liquid-cooled models.
Quick answer
Generac wins on price and installer availability, it has the largest certified-installer network of any brand, so you'll typically get more competing quotes. Cummins wins on consistency (a flat, predictable noise output across its whole residential line) and a broader diesel option for larger homes.
Price
Generac: $2,000–$8,000 (unit only, before installation). Cummins: $3,500–$10,000. Cummins commands a premium primarily for its higher-end liquid-cooled units.
Noise
Generac: 61–67 dB at 23 feet, varying by model size. Cummins: a consistent 64–65 dB at 23 feet across its residential lineup (13-20 kW), per Cummins's own spec sheet, its output barely changes as you go up in size. Generac's smallest model can actually run quieter than Cummins, but Cummins is more predictable across sizes and its largest models don't get as loud as Generac's largest.
Warranty
Both brands offer a standard 5-year limited warranty on residential standby units; extended warranties are available from both through certified installers.
Which is right for you
Choose Generac if: you want the widest choice of local certified installers and the lowest entry price for a mid-size home.
Choose Cummins if: predictable, consistent noise output matters more than a potentially quieter small model, or you need a diesel-fuel option for a larger property.
Frequently asked questions
- Which brand has more certified installers?
- Generac generally has the largest network of certified installers in most US metros, which tends to mean more competing quotes and easier access to warranty service.
Sources
- 5-Year Limited Warranty, Air-Cooled Standby Generators — Generac Power Systems, checked 2026-08-08
- Guardian Series 10/14/18 kW Residential Standby Generator Spec Sheet — Generac Power Systems, checked 2026-08-08
- QuietConnect Series Home Generators (warranty varies by model size, see note above) — Cummins Inc., checked 2026-08-08
- Quiet Connect Series RS13A/RS17A/RS20A/RS20AC Spec Sheet — Cummins Inc., checked 2026-08-08