Which has more running power?

The Generac: 6,500 running watts and 8,125 starting watts on gasoline versus 5,250 running and 6,500 starting for the Champion. The Champion drops to 4,725 watts on propane and 4,253 on natural gas.

Is the Champion worth the extra $172.49?

If you want to run on natural gas or propane, yes. The fuel flexibility, CO Shield shutoff, and remote start are things the Generac does not offer. If you only burn gasoline, the Generac gives you more watts for less money.

Which is better for home backup?

The Champion, if you have a natural gas line. It can run indefinitely on piped gas without refueling. The Generac needs gasoline refills every 10.5 hours at half load.

Which is safer indoors or near a window?

Neither is safe indoors. The Champion's CO Shield shuts the unit off when carbon monoxide rises, an extra layer of protection the Generac lacks. Both must run outdoors, away from doors and windows.

Which runs longer on a tank?

The Champion: 18 hours on its 8.5-gallon gasoline tank versus 10.5 hours at half load for the Generac's 6.9-gallon tank. On propane the Champion runs about 6.5 hours at half load.

Which is easier to start?

The Champion, with electric start plus a remote fob good to 80 ft. The Generac has electric start with recoil backup but no remote.

Generac GP6500E Portable Generator vs Champion 6500-Watt Electric Start Tri-Fuel Portable Generator with CO Shield

Buy the Generac GP6500E if you want the most watts per dollar and will run it on gasoline. Buy the Champion Tri-Fuel if you want to run on natural gas or propane, want CO Shield auto-shutoff, or want remote start. As of November 4, 2026, the Generac is $826.51 at Wholesale Electric Caribe and the Champion is $999.00 at The Home Depot, a $172.49 gap.

Today the Generac GP6500E Portable Generator costs $172.49 less at its best price.

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