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PowerSmart HB5040DC Dual Fuel Inverter Generator vs Pulsar GX400BN Dual Fuel Inverter Generator

Both are dual-fuel inverter generators with CO shutoff, but they suit different buyers. The PowerSmart HB5040DC is lighter at 50.7 lbs, has a higher 4.8 rating from 140 owners, and runs longer on a tank of gas. The Pulsar GX400BN has more peak watts, a quieter 62 dB claim, a 30A RV outlet with USB-C, and wheels plus a telescoping handle. Owners of the Pulsar report more assembly and display complaints, so the PowerSmart is the safer pick unless you need the extra watts or the rolling cart.

  • Choose the PowerSmart HB5040DC if you want a lighter generator with a strong owner rating, long gas runtime and a simple pull start you can carry by hand.
  • Choose the Pulsar GX400BN if you need more peak watts, a 30A RV outlet, USB-C and a wheeled trolley you can roll instead of lift.

Prices

  • PowerSmart HB5040DC Dual Fuel Inverter Generator: $449.99 at orviroo (checked today)
  • Pulsar GX400BN Dual Fuel Inverter Generator: $499.00 at Walmart (checked today)
  • Difference: the PowerSmart HB5040DC Dual Fuel Inverter Generator is $49.01 cheaper than the Pulsar GX400BN Dual Fuel Inverter Generator today
3
3800W Gas/Propane Dual Fuel Inverter Generator w/ CO Alert HB5040DC

PowerSmart HB5040DC Dual Fuel Inverter Generator

3800W Gas/Propane Dual Fuel Inverter Generator w/ CO Alert HB5040DC

4.8(140 ratings)
$449.99at orvirooObserved at 1:00 PM
See all prices and details
Visit orviroo
Pros
  • Light at 50.7 lbs for a dual-fuel inverter
  • High 4.8 owner rating across 140 ratings
  • Long gas runtime, up to 13.8 hours
  • CO alert shuts the unit down on dangerous carbon monoxide
  • 5-in-1 display shows fuel level, hours and output
Cons
  • 70 dB is louder than the Pulsar's claim
  • Manual pull start only
  • Some owners could not start it on propane
  • Lower peak watts than the Pulsar
Pulsar Products
Pulsar Dual Fuel Inverter Generator 4000W GX400BN

Pulsar GX400BN Dual Fuel Inverter Generator

Pulsar Dual Fuel Inverter Generator 4000W GX400BN

4.2(127 ratings)
$499.00at WalmartObserved at 1:33 PM
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • 4000W peak, the most power of the two
  • 62 dB claimed, quietest on paper
  • 30A RV outlet plus USB-A and USB-C
  • Wheels and telescoping handle for rolling
  • 2.1-gal tank for longer runs between fills
Cons
  • Owners say it is louder than 62 dB
  • Display does not show watts or track runtime accurately
  • Reports of case gaps and damaged packaging
  • Some units needed valve lash adjustment out of the box
  • Lower 4.2 owner rating

What separates them

PowerSmart HB5040DC Dual Fuel Inverter GeneratorPulsar GX400BN Dual Fuel Inverter Generator
Peak and running watts3800W peak, 3300W running on gas; 3500W peak, 3100W running on propane4000W peak, 3200W running
Weight and portability50.7 lbs, no wheels, carry by hand55 lbs with trolley design, wheels and telescoping handle
Noise70 dB at 23 ft62 dB claimed, though owners say it is louder in practice
Runtime on gasUp to 13.8 hours; about 4.5 hours at 50% load on a 1.3-gal tankAbout 8 hours at 50% load on a 2.1-gal tank
OutletsTwo 120V 20A, one 120V 30A, USBTwo 5-20R, one TT-30R RV outlet, USB-A and USB-C
Owner rating4.8 out of 5 from 140 ratings4.2 out of 5 from 127 ratings
Build and assembly reportsOwners call it sturdy; ABS shell; complaints center on propane startingOwners report case gaps, damaged boxes and valve lash adjustment out of the box
Display5-in-1 panel shows voltage, frequency, hours, fuel level and outputDigital hour meter; owners say it does not show watts or track runtime well

Price history

$499.99$404.00
Nov 1Nov 9
  • PowerSmart HB5040DC Dual Fuel Inverter Generator: lowest $449.99 on Nov 9 at Wellbots.
  • Pulsar GX400BN Dual Fuel Inverter Generator: lowest $404.00 on Nov 1 at Walmart; $499.00 on Nov 9.

Prices at every store

PowerSmart HB5040DC Dual Fuel Inverter Generator

  • orvirooNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $449.99Observed at 1:00 PM
    Visit orviroo
  • Elite Prime 04New

    In stockReturn policy

    $489.99Observed at 1:00 PM
    Visit Elite Prime 04
  • Nova Prime03New

    In stockReturn policy

    $489.99Observed at 1:00 PM
    Visit Nova Prime03
  • WellbotsNew

    Availability unknown

    $449.99Observed at 1:36 PM
    Visit Wellbots

Also available at

  • PowerSmartCheck price at PowerSmart
  • Urban Supply IncorporatedCheck price at Urban Supply Incorporated
All 18 stores and price history →

Pulsar GX400BN Dual Fuel Inverter Generator

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by SkytechReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $499.00Free shippingObserved at 1:33 PM
    Visit Walmart
  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $499.00Free shippingObserved at 12:49 PM
    Visit Best Buy
  • Explorer BearNew

    In stock

    $499.00Free shippingObserved at 12:49 PM
    Visit Explorer Bear
  • eBayNew

    In stockSold by skytechgaming

    $499.00Free shippingObserved at 12:49 PM
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

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Specs compared

SpecPowerSmart HB5040DC Dual Fuel Inverter GeneratorPulsar GX400BN Dual Fuel Inverter Generator
Noise level70 dB62 dB
Weight50.7 lbs55 lbs
CO SensorYes (CO alert)Yes
Low Oil ShutdownYesYes
Overload ProtectionYesYes
Connectivity PortsUSBUSB-C, USB-A
Number Of OutletsMultiple AC outlets2 (5-20R)
Fuel TypePropane, Dual Fuel, GasolinePropane, Gasoline
Fuel Capacity5 L2.1 Gallons
Fuel GaugeYesYes
Continuous Output3300 W (GAS)3200 W (Rated Watts)
Power Output3500 W (Propane)4000 W (Peak Watts)
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecPowerSmart HB5040DC Dual Fuel Inverter GeneratorPulsar GX400BN Dual Fuel Inverter Generator
Voltage120 V120V
Peak Output3800 W (GAS)4000 W (Peak Watts)
Starting MethodManualRecoil
EfficiencyOptimized fuel efficiency (with ECO Mode)Reduces fuel consumption (Eco Mode)
Frequency60 HzFrequency
ProtectionOverload protectionAutomatic Voltage Regulator (N/A)
Depth13.58 inches (Package dimensions)12.2 in
Height19.88 inches (Package dimensions)18.9 in
Width22.05 inches (Package dimensions)20 in

What reviewers say

PowerSmart HB5040DC Dual Fuel Inverter Generator

  • 4.8 / 5140 ratings

Owners rate it 4.8 out of 5 across 140 ratings. Most praise easy first-pull starting, sturdy build and steady power for travel trailers and appliances.

What people mention
  • StartingPraisedBuyers report it fires on the first pull and runs as advertised.
  • Build qualityPraisedOwners describe it as sturdy and durable.
  • Load handlingPraisedOne owner ran a travel trailer for nearly 4 days with multiple appliances without it quitting.
  • PortabilityPraisedBuyers find it light enough to carry and like the multiple outlets.

Pulsar GX400BN Dual Fuel Inverter Generator

  • 4.2 / 5127 ratings

Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 127 ratings, buyers mostly like the dual-fuel flexibility, quiet propane running and RV outlet.

What people mention
  • NoiseMixedOwners call it quiet on propane but say it is louder than the 62 dB rating under load.
  • Dual fuelPraisedBuyers like switching between gasoline and propane, and propane runs clean and starts easily.
  • DisplayCriticisedThe display does not show watts and does not track run time accurately.
  • RV powerPraised

Questions and answers

Which is better for running an RV air conditioner?
The Pulsar GX400BN has the 30A TT-30R RV outlet and 4000W peak, so it plugs straight into a camper and starts a roof AC more easily. The PowerSmart needs an adapter for a 30A RV cord but has been reported running a travel trailer for days.
Which is quieter in real use?
The Pulsar claims 62 dB and the PowerSmart claims 70 dB, but Pulsar owners say it is louder than the claim. Both are inverter units, so noise drops at light loads in eco mode.
Which lasts longer on a tank?
The PowerSmart runs up to 13.8 hours on gas, or about 4.5 hours at half load on its 1.3-gal tank. The Pulsar runs about 8 hours at half load on a larger 2.1-gal tank.
Is the Pulsar worth stepping up to over the PowerSmart?
Step up if you need the 30A RV outlet, USB-C, more peak watts or a wheeled cart. Otherwise the PowerSmart is lighter, rated higher by owners and simpler to live with.
Which is easier to move?
The PowerSmart is lighter at 50.7 lbs but has no wheels, so you lift it. The Pulsar is 55 lbs but rolls on a trolley with a telescoping handle.
Do both shut off on carbon monoxide?
Yes. Both have a CO sensor that shuts the generator down when carbon monoxide builds up, plus low-oil shutdown and overload protection.

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More comparisons

  • 3800W Gas/Propane Dual Fuel Inverter Generator w/ CO Alert HB5040DC vs BILT HARD 5500W Dual Fuel Inverter Generator
  • Pulsar Dual Fuel Inverter Generator 4000W GX400BN vs WEN DF480iX
  • 3800W Gas/Propane Dual Fuel Inverter Generator w/ CO Alert HB5040DC vs Pulsar 5000-Watt Dual Fuel RV Ready Inverter Generator with Remote Start and CO Sentry
  • 3800W Gas/Propane Dual Fuel Inverter Generator w/ CO Alert HB5040DC vs WEN DF480iX
  • 3800W Gas/Propane Dual Fuel Inverter Generator w/ CO Alert HB5040DC vs ERAYAK 4500PD Dual Fuel Inverter Generator
  • Pulsar Dual Fuel Inverter Generator 4000W GX400BN vs WEN RV-Ready 4000-Watt Open Frame Inverter Generator (GN400i)
  • Pulsar Dual Fuel Inverter Generator 4000W GX400BN vs ERAYAK 4500PD Dual Fuel Inverter Generator

Buying guides that pick them

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  • Best 4000W inverter generators with electric start
All 7 stores and price history →
Inverter TechnologyYesYes
Peak wattage gas3800 peak watts—
Running wattage gas3300 running watts—
Runtime gasup to 13.8 hours—
Runtime propaneup to 7 hours on a 20 lb. propane tank—
AC outlets120V 20A AC(2),120V 30A AC(1)—
Total harmonic distortionTHD below 3%—
Fuel tank capacity1.3-gal—
Automatic Shut OffYes (low oil shutoff)—
Smart FeaturesSmart Display, CO Protect technology—
continuous_wattage—4000 W
capacity—4000 watts
color—Gray
size—20.00" x 12.20" x 18.90"
Runtime—8 Hours (at 50% Load)
Receptacle Type—TT-30R, 5-20R
Run time—8 h
Surge wattage—4000 Watts
Decibel rating—62 dB
The 30A outlet runs an RV air conditioner for hours.