The Generac iQ3500 and Harbor Freightโs Predator 3500 are two highly rated inverter generators with the perfect blend of functionality and portability. In other words, they run quietly and provide a pretty long runtime, and theyโre easy to carry around to boot.
Across the board, the two share a lot of similarities. In fact, theyโre hard to tell apart at first glance if it werenโt for their different brandings. However, each one has its own unique benefits, and weโre here to clear them up so you can choose which one will fit your needs best.
Generac iQ3500 vs Predator 3500 Comparison Chart
Performance
The iQ3500 has a longer runtime than the Predator 3500.

Right off the bat, the iQ3500 and Predator 3500 have the same 3,500 starting watts and 3,000 running watts. That means they more or less deliver a similar performance when it comes to powering appliances and jump-starting motor-driven ones. The two also have electric and recoil pull starters, so itโs easy to get the ball rolling on either one.
One big difference is in their runtime. While the iQ3500 can go up to 14.1 hours at 25 percent capacity, the Predator 3500 can only last up to 11 hours, which is decent but shorter in comparison. They even have the same fuel capacity of 2.6 gallons and engine displacement of 212 cc, so the takeaway here is the former is more energy efficient.
Now Generac didnโt exactly outline how loudโor rather, how quietโthe iQ3500 is, but coming straight from the horseโs mouth, it says itโs more than 5 dB(A) quieter than the Honda EU3000is. Meanwhile, the Predator 3500 is rated at 57 dB. At any rate, both wonโt make too much noise, and theyโre well within the average range of 50 and 65 dB of any quiet generator worth its salt.
Both also have a low THD. The iQ3500 comes in at less than three percent, and the Predator 3500 at less than five percent. Basically, they can juice up delicate electronic devices without damaging them.
Portability
The iQ3500 is heavier and bigger than the Predator 3500.

Touted as portable inverter generators, the two are lightweight enough to bring along, say, camping trips. On that note, the iQ3500 measures 18โ x 21.7โ x 23.7โ in width, height, and length, respectively, and weighs 109.1 lbs. On the other hand, the Predator 3500 is 17.3โ x 20โ x 22.7โ and 99.2 lbs. To put two and two together, the latter is lighter with a smaller form factor, making it the more portable machine of the two.
Both have two handles so you can grip them easily, so there’s that. But only the Predator 3500 has wheels, so lugging it around is a breeze compared to the iQ3500.
Features
Both have three AC outlets and one DC outlet.

Each one has three AC outlets and one DC outlet, but neither of them have GFCI receptacles. Both also have an LCD screen that displays metrics such as remaining runtime and indicator lights for low oil, overload, and output.
However, one advantage the iQ3500 has over the Predator 3500 is it has two USB ports, so you can plug your smartphones or tablets directly into it. On top of that, it has an Economy Mode that reduces noise and fuel consumption even further.
The two also have staples such as overload protection and low oil shutdown, so thereโs nothing to worry on those fronts.
In terms of warranty, Generac provides a three-year warranty for the iQ3500. In contrast, the Predator 3500 comes with two years.
Verdict
The iQ3500 and Predator 3500 have their own strong points.
In summary, the iQ3500 has better fuel efficiency and, by the same token, a longer runtime on average. In comparison, the Predator 3500 is more portable and, as a result, itโs better for tailgating and RVs.
That said, deciding between them is just a matter of whatโs more important to you: the iQ3500 for better efficiency or the Predator 3500 for better portability.
FAQs
The iQ3500 has better fuel efficiency than the Predator 3500, but the latter is more portable.
The iQ3500 has a longer runtime of 14.1 hours as opposed to the Predator 3500โs 11 hours. However, the Predator 3500 is lighter at 99.2 lbs compared to the 109.1-pound iQ3500.
Harbor Freight manufactures Predator generators. The retailer has been around since the 1970s, producing affordable power equipment and other tools.
Generac offers a three-year warranty for the iQ3500, while Harbor Freight throws in a two-year guarantee with the Predator 3500.
Last update on 2022-07-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API