Which is better for running an RV air conditioner?

Both can start a typical 13,500 BTU RV air conditioner. The iGen5000 has more running watts and a much longer runtime, so it is the better choice for all-night RV use. The PowerSmart adds a 30A twist-lock outlet that plugs straight into an RV cord.

Which one is quieter?

The iGen5000 is rated as low as 52 dBA, well below the PowerSmart's 71 dB at 7 meters. Owners of the PowerSmart still call it quieter than expected, but the Westinghouse is the quieter machine on paper.

Is the CO shutdown on the PowerSmart worth having?

Yes if you run a generator near a tent, camper or open window. It cuts the engine when carbon monoxide reaches unsafe levels. The iGen5000 does not list that feature, so you would rely on placement and a separate CO alarm.

Which lasts longer on a tank?

The iGen5000, by a wide margin: about 15 hours at half load versus about 9 for the PowerSmart, on nearly the same tank size. That means fewer refuels during an outage.

Is the Westinghouse worth stepping up to over the PowerSmart?

For home backup, long outages or quiet campsites, yes. You get more power, longer runtime, remote start and a longer warranty. Pick the PowerSmart instead if weight and CO safety come first.

Can either one run sensitive electronics?

Both use inverter technology with pure sine wave output, so laptops, phones and TVs are fine. The iGen5000 also lists total harmonic distortion under 3%.

Westinghouse iGen5000 Generator vs PowerSmart PS5046CE Inverter Generator

The Westinghouse iGen5000 is the stronger pick for most shoppers: it makes more power, runs far longer on a tank, and is quieter. The PowerSmart PS5046CE is lighter and adds a CO safety shutoff, which matters if you run it near a tent or open window. Both use inverter output clean enough for electronics, and owners of both report easy electric starts.

Choose the Westinghouse iGen5000 if you want more running watts, long overnight runtime, remote start and quieter operation.
Choose the PowerSmart PS5046CE if you want a lighter unit with a CO sensor that shuts the engine down automatically.

Prices

Westinghouse iGen5000 Generator: $799.00 at Amazon (checked today)
PowerSmart PS5046CE Inverter Generator: $599.99 at PowerSmart (checked today)
Difference: the PowerSmart PS5046CE Inverter Generator is $199.01 cheaper than the Westinghouse iGen5000 Generator today