It will greatly depend on how you plan to use your generator. A standby generator will automatically turn on by itself when it detects a loss of power. If you travel and the safety of your home and your family rely on their being power then a standby generator is the only way to go. If you want to option of taking your generator with you to the shop, the farm, or camping, and you are adept at connecting cables then a portable generator will certainly be a flexible option for you.