Generac vs Cummins Generators
Last updated: March 2026
Generac sells more home generators than anyone. Cummins builds engines for semis, hospitals, and data centers: and happens to make a residential line that's quieter than anything else on the market.
Choose Generac if...
Choose Generac if you need a size above 20 kW, want the largest dealer network, or value having the most options.
Choose Cummins if...
Choose Cummins if noise is a top concern, you want built-in load management at no extra cost, or you need extreme cold weather performance down to -40°F.
Head to Head
| Spec | Generac 22kW | Cummins RS20A |
|---|---|---|
| Power (LP/NG) | 22 / 19.5 kW | 20 / 18 kW |
| Unit price | $6,119 | $5,804 |
| Installed cost | $12,000–$17,000 | $11,000–$16,000 |
| Noise | 67 dB | 65 dB |
| Load management | Add-on | Built-in (4 loads) |
| Footprint | 48" × 25" | 34" × 36" |
| Cold weather | Standard | -40°F option |
Noise
Cummins wins outright. 65 dB across all models in all modes. Generac matches at 14 and 18 kW (65 dB) but jumps to 67 dB at 22kW+. During a multi-day outage, that 2 dB gap is noticeable.
Selection
Generac offers seven sizes (10–28 kW). Cummins offers three (13, 17, 20). If you need more than 20 kW, Cummins doesn't have a residential air-cooled option.
Load Management
Cummins includes it on every model: 4 managed loads, no extra charge. Cummins claims the RS20A can start a 5-ton AC under full pre-load. Generac offers load management through specific transfer switch models but it's not built in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Generac or Cummins better for a home?▾
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Sources & Citations
| Claim / Statistic | Source |
|---|---|
| Generac ~75% North American residential standby market share | investing.com(accessed 2025-03) |
| Generac dealer network (9,200+) | generac.com(accessed 2025-03) |
| Generac owner reviews (1.6/5 from 130+ reviews) | pissedconsumer.com(accessed 2025-03) |
| Generac 22/24kW alternator issues (reported, class action status unverified) | topclassactions.com(accessed 2025-03) |
| Cummins QuietConnect specifications | cummins.com(accessed 2025-03) |
| PissedConsumer generator brand reviews | pissedconsumer.com(accessed 2025-03) |
| ConsumerAffairs generator reviews | consumeraffairs.com(accessed 2025-03) |
| U.S. Energy Information Administration (fuel costs) | eia.gov(accessed 2025-03) |
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