Top 10 Best UPS Battery Backups: Buying Guide (2024)
We live in a world where electronic devices run our personal and professional lives. A reliable uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is essential for protecting our valuable equipment and staying connected.
APC Back-UPS Pro 1500VA BR1500MS2
Best overall combination of value, quality and features. Great unit for most needs.
CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
If you’re looking for a slightly more affordable alternative that still gives you great capacity, this unit is a great option.
Tripp Lite Smart1500LCD
If you need a rack unit to go with your audio/video or server equipment, this is the unit for you.
Amazon Basics Standby UPS 800VA
Allergic to higher prices? This unit will give you great balance between a low price yet reasonable capacity
APC Gaming UPS
Hands down, the best unit for gaming rigs. The APC Gaming UPS will have your gear covered.
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I strongly believe everyone should have a UPS battery backup. I use one in my home recording studio, and it’s saved my equipment from a crash many times when there was a power outage.
In this article, I’ve compiled a list of the best UPS battery backups based on my experience, so you can find one that best suits your needs.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Best UPS Battery Backups: Top Picks for Reliable Power Protection
Investing in a UPS battery backup system is about more than just avoiding unexpected power outages. A suitable UPS system can act as a surge protector, protect your equipment against voltage fluctuations, and offer valuable features that make managing power supply and battery life more convenient.
The top units I’ve listed offer a balance of performance and affordability. I’ve also included higher-end units that will cover just about any situation you can throw at it.
We all rely more and more on our technology, and protecting it with a quality UPS battery backup system is more important than ever!
When considering purchasing a UPS, or any other electronics, I always recommend figuring out where your requirements and budget overlap.
Your choice will ultimately depend on your specific requirements, including the devices you must protect and the power demands of your home or office setup. But the price range is also important as it’ll help you filter out equipment that does way more than you need.
Without further ado, let’s get into my list of UPS units!
1. APC Back-UPS Pro 1500VA BR1500MS2
Tero’s Thoughts
The APC Back-UPS Pro 1500VA BR1500MS2 delivers. It’s the perfect balance between top features and reasonable price range. It will keep your electronics protected and powered during storms and power outages.
4.5 / 5
Best For
Homes Users, Small Business
Price Range
Reasonable
Recommended Use
Desktop PC, Smaller Devices
Covers
Most Common Needs
This high-performance UPS efficiently handles power fluctuations while keeping your equipment safe. With 10 outlets and a 1500VA capacity, you can confidently run multiple devices without disruption, including gaming consoles and workstations.
Features like Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) ensure optimal power delivery.
Key Features:
User Experience:
The APC Back-UPS Pro 1500VA BR-1500MS2 provides enough power and protection for your typical home and smaller business setups. The tower format make it a breeze to use, and being able to see its status from the LCD screen gives you peace of mind that your valuable devices will have plenty of time to shut down safely in case of a power outage.
Pricing:
This unit falls within what I’d call reasonable price range; it’s not going to break the bank, and it’s easily worth it for the quality protection your electronics will get.
What I Like/Dislike About the Product
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2. CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
Tero’s Thoughts
The CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD gives my first choice a run for its money. This unit is very similar and provides a great alternative option with plenty enough protection for home and small business use.
4 / 5
Best For
Homes Users, Small Business
Price Range
Reasonable
Recommended Use
Desktop PC, Smaller Devices
Covers
Most Common Needs
Featuring a 1500VA/900 watts capacity, the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD ensures smooth power delivery during outages. The Pure Sine Wave output supports sensitive electronics, and the multifunction LCD panel helps monitor its performance. With 12 outlets and two USB charging ports, it can handle a variety of devices.
Key Features:
User Experience:
The mini-tower format and color LCD make this unit easy to operate. The multifunction control panel quickly confirms your unit’s status and alerts. Its battery backup capacity and surge protection are enough for home and small business use. It also includes helpful USB charging ports for your smaller devices.
Pricing:
This unit is another one within a reasonable price range. It’s basically affordable insurance protecting your valuable gear.
What I Like/Dislike About the Product
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3. Tripp Lite SMART1500LCD
Tero’s Thoughts
The Tripp Lite SMART1500LCD is a great choice if you’re looking for a rack mountable option. It’s especially an attractive option if you have racks of audio gear to protect as it will integra well both visually and with its connections.
4 / 5
Best For
Recording setups, small business
Price
Reasonable
Recommended Use
Entertainment centers, av equipment
Covers
Most Common Needs
Tripp Lite Smart1500LCD brings a high reliability to your devices with line-interactive topology for power regulation. These UPS units boast advanced features like plugging into your network for remote management, robust surge protection, and reliable battery backup times.
Key Features:
User Experience:
Having this unit in your audio/video gear rack makes it a very pleasurable experience to use, and it looks good! The outlets are of course in the back, so if you need to plug in more gear you’d have to either access the back of your rack setup, or detach and pull the unit out. But it’s easily worth it for the looks when integrated in a rack.
Pricing:
The unit’s price is a little higher but still falls within a reasonable range. I wouldn’t heistate to get this one if you need a rackmount unit and the capacity is enough for your needs.
What I Like/Dislike About the Product
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4. Amazon Basics Standby UPS 800VA
Tero’s Thoughts
Great unit at a very reasonable price. It provides enough coverage for most smaller home and business setups and fits nicely under your desk.
3.5 / 5
Best For
Small home and business setups
Price
Budget
Recommended Use
Desktop PC, home network, smaller devices
Covers
Most common smaller setup needs
The Amazon Basics Standby UPS offers a reliable 800VA/450 watts capacity, providing smooth power delivery during outages. It features 12 outlets for connecting multiple devices and an LED display for monitoring performance.
Key Features:
User Experience:
I’m a fan of many of the Amazon Basics products, and this UPS is no exception. The Amazon Basics Standby UPS 800VA 450W UPS is hands down the best budget option if you need decent capacity but don’t care about all the bells and whistles like an LED control panel.
Pricing:
Great budget option! I use many Amazon Basics products, including this one for some of my random peripherals that couldn’t be plugged in to my main UPS units in my studio.
What I Like/Dislike About the Product
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5. APC Gaming UPS
Tero’s Thoughts
If you’re a gamer, or you have all sorts of gaming consoles for your kids, this is the unit for you! The APC Gaming UPS is specifically designed to accommodate gaming gear.
4.5 / 5
Best For
Gaming setups
Price
Reasonable
Recommended Use
Gaming PCs, game consoles, network, smaller devices
Covers
Most common setup needs
The APC Gaming UPS is specially designed for gaming and streaming equipment, with a powerful 1350VA/810 watts capacity. Ten outlets and AVR technology ensure consistent power delivery while the compact design fits seamlessly into your gaming setup.
Key Features:
User Experience:
Amazing unit for gaming rigs! The APC Gaming UPS has all you could need for a gaming setup, including a extra long 6′ power cord with a spacesaving right-angle wall plug, and user-upgradeable batteries. My kids’ game rig has one of these and I wouldn’t bother even look for anything else, it’s so good.
Pricing:
More expensive than some options on this list, but still within a reasonable price range.
What I Like/Dislike About the Product
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6. CyberPower CP900AVR
Tero’s Thoughts
When you need quality protection and you’re not ready to go for the lowest budget option then the CyberPower CP900AVR is a great unit to consider. It delivers still enough to run most home electronics and small business setups, with a lower price tag.
4 / 5
Best For
Homes Users, Small Business
Price
Affordable
Recommended Use
Desktop PC, Smaller Device
Covers
Most Common Needs
Featuring 900VA/560W capacity, the CyberPower CP900AVR provides reliable surge protection and battery backup. Its 12 outlets (six with battery backup) make it perfect for protecting your workstation or home office equipment. The AVR maintains consistent power output during voltage fluctuations.
Key Features:
User Experience:
The CyberPower CP900AVR packs a punch for being a more affordable unit. It’s another tower format UPS which makes it easily accessible, yet it fits under your desk nicely out of the way. The LED status lights are helpful.
Pricing:
This unit falls within what I’d call a reasonable price range. You get plenty of features and quality for your lower price.
What I Like/Dislike About the Product
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7. CyberPower CP EC850LCD
Tero’s Thoughts
The CyberPower CP EC850LCD is a great option if you’re looking for decent capacity in a quality floor unit. It has a LCD screen which makes management and checking power status a breeze, and there’s enough outlets to cover most basic needs.
3.5 / 5
Best For
Small home and business setups
Price
Low Budget
Recommended Use
Computers, external hard drives, home network
Covers
Most common needs
The CyberPower CP EC850LCD offers an 850VA/510 watts capacity that keeps your electronics running during power outages. Its compact design fits well in tight spaces, and the eight outlets provide sufficient connections for most devices. The LCD panel helps monitor performance efficiently.
Key Features:
User Experience:
I find these units easy to use and access due to their ‘floor’ design. The LCD panel also adds another level of convenience.
Pricing:
The CyberPower CP EC850LCD just about falls under what I’d call budget price range. It won’t break the bank but you’ll get still great protection for all your gear.
What I Like/Dislike About the Product
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Get Started with the CyberPower CP EC850LCD.
8. CyberPower CP800AVR
Tero’s Thoughts
The CyberPower CP800AVR is yet another great lower budget option that still provides enough capacity and protection for smaller setups.
3.5 / 5
Best For
Small home and business setups
Price
Budget
Recommended Use
Desktop PC, home network, smaller devices
Covers
Most common smaller setup needs
With an 800VA/450 watts capacity, the CyberPower CP800AVR provides solid protection against power outages and inconsistent voltage. The eight outlets can accommodate a range of devices, while the AVR feature ensures stable power output.
Key Features:
User Experience:
The CyberPower CP800AVR UPS is yet another great lower budget option that still provides plenty of backup capacity and protection for smaller setups. It’s easy to use and access and has the LCD panel to make management even easier. 8 outlets is enough for your basic needs.
Pricing:
This unit is a great budget option, the price is reasonable for all the features and protection it provides.
What I Like/Dislike About the Product
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Get Started with the CyberPower CP800AVR.
9. CyberPower EC650LCD
Tero’s Thoughts
If you don’t need as much capacity but still want quality protection, then the CyberPower CPEC650 is a great option. It works well for smaller setups that don’t require as much power.
3.5 / 5
Best For
Small home and business setups
Price
Budget
Recommended Use
Desktop PC, home network, smaller devices
Covers
Most common smaller setup needs
Designed for residential or office use, the CyberPower EC650LCD provides 650VA/390 watts capacity. Its eight outlets and LCD are perfect for managing your electronics, and the compact design allows for easy placement.
Key Features:
User Experience:
This unit’s user experience is a pleasant surprise in this budget price range. It actually includes an LCD panel, which makes checking your power unit’s condition a breeze. Accessing it is also easy due to its relatively light weight (batteries are by design not light!) and ‘on the floor’ design.
Pricing:
This unit is a great budget option, the price is very reasonable.
What I Like/Dislike About the Product
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Get Started with the CyberPower EC650LCD.
10. APC UPS BE600M1
Tero’s Thoughts
Last but not least, we have the APC UPS BE600M1. These units are ‘no frills, just business,’ meaning there’s no fancy LCD screens but they get the job done. I use 2 of these in my house, one for each kid’s room. They provide enough capacity for basic electronics.
3.5 / 5
Best For
Small home and business setups
Price
Budget
Recommended Use
Home network, smaller devices
Covers
Most common smaller setup needs
With a 600VA/330 watts capacity, the APC UPS BE 600M1 offers essential protection for your electronics. Seven outlets and one USB charging port make it suitable for small devices, while the compact design allows easy placement.
Key Features:
User Experience:
What can I say… It works, it’s easy to use, it’s reliable. And most of all, I can turn all the annoying beeps off! The APC UPS BE600M1 is the unit I would wholeheartedy recommend for any bedroom situation.
Pricing:
Great budget option.
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Best UPS Battery Backups: Key Factors in Choosing a UPS
Battery Power
When selecting a UPS battery backup, one of the essential specs to consider is the battery power provided by the unit.
Battery power, measured in volt-amperes (VA), will determine how much power the UPS can supply to your devices.
Keep in mind that the power factor, a ratio expressed as a number or percentage, can affect the actual power provided; a UPS with a power factor of 1.0 offers 100% of its rated capacity.
More affordable units might appear to have a high VA capacity, but their power factor is lower.
Battery Capacity
Battery capacity is another crucial factor of any UPS system. It determines how long the UPS can continue to supply power to your devices during a power outage.
Battery capacity is measured in ampere-hours (Ah), and a higher capacity allows the UPS to provide backup for a longer period.
On a basic level, this means the more equipment you want to be connected to the battery backup, and the more power they use, the higher Ah you’ll need.
The calculations for the detailed numbers on Ah you’d need can look daunting, but fear not! APC has a great calculator on their website.
Power Consumption
You need to know the total power consumption of all your devices, measured in watts. It will help you choose a UPS with sufficient capacity to meet this demand.
Leaving some extra buffer for future additions or increased power utilization is also a good idea.
Load Capacity
Load capacity refers to the maximum amount of power (measured in watts) the UPS can handle.
It’s crucial to select a UPS with a load capacity that can manage the combined power consumption of your devices.
Exceeding the load capacity of your UPS may cause it to malfunction or fail during a power outage, so it’s vital to take this into account.
Personally, I’ve learned this one the hard way a couple of times when I purchased a unit I thought was enough, only to find out 6 months later I needed some additional gear for my recording studio and had to upgrade my UPS units.
Power Source
Most UPS units utilize alternating current (AC) from the power grid or a dedicated generator. However, some UPS systems can also utilize direct current (DC) from solar panels or other renewable energy sources.
Who would ever need a DC UPS power system, you ask? Let’s say you wanted to live off the grid in a cabin in the woods for the summer. But you still need also work. The DC UPS would let you use your electronics directly off a solar panel system while protecting your gear.
Selecting a UPS compatible with your power source ensures seamless integration into your existing infrastructure.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
The type of battery in your UPS can significantly affect its performance and lifespan. Lithium-ion batteries offer several advantages compared to traditional lead-acid batteries, including longer life cycles, a higher energy density, and a faster charge rate.
Moreover, lithium-ion batteries tend to be lighter and require less maintenance. In return, their prices reflect these awesome benefits.
I have not yet switched over the Lithium-ion batteries in my studio, but it’s definitely in the cards for the near future.
Best UPS Battery Backups: Benefits
Surge Protection
A UPS battery backup provides surge protection, safeguarding your electronic devices from the damage caused by power surges.
Using a UPS, you can protect your valuable equipment, such as computers, home theater systems, and gaming consoles, from voltage fluctuations, resulting in a longer lifespan for your devices and peace of mind.
Living in Florida, the world’s capital of thunderstorms, I have a lot of experience with this great benefit of UPS battery backups:
A few years ago, I had one of my old computers still plugged in but mostly unused. It was not connected through this UPS backup. A huge thunderstorm rolled through and caused a massive power spike in the grid before the power outage. The computer’s motherboard and a network switch connected via an ethernet cable got fried.
All my other equipment was connected through two separate UPS battery backups, which made it through the undamaged storm.
Automatic Voltage Regulation
Another benefit of UPS battery backups is automatic voltage regulation (AVR). This feature helps maintain a stable power supply by regulating the input voltage, preventing voltage drops or spikes that could damage your electronics or cause data loss.
With AVR, you can trust that your devices receive a consistent and clean power supply, reducing the risk of malfunctions and costly damage.
Continuous Power Supply
One of the primary benefits of UPS battery backups is the continuous power supply they provide. In a power outage, a UPS switches to battery power, allowing your devices to continue operating without interruption.
This feature is incredibly valuable in preventing data loss, maintaining productivity, and ensuring your devices remain functional until power is restored.
Data Loss Prevention
A UPS battery backup is crucial for preventing data loss, especially in professional settings where sensitive information is stored on computers or servers. Power outages or voltage fluctuations can cause data corruption or loss, which can be time-consuming and costly to recover.
Using a UPS ensures that your devices receive a continuous power supply, protecting your valuable data and keeping your systems up and running.
Best UPS Battery Backups: Additional Features of UPS Devices
LCD Display
An LCD on your UPS device is a helpful feature that provides easy monitoring of important data, such as battery life, wattage usage, and operation mode.
A unit with an LCD display makes it simple to monitor your UPS performance and know when it’s time to replace batteries or troubleshoot any issues.
USB Port
A UPS with a USB port is great because it lets you connect your computer or other devices directly to the backup system. This convenient feature ensures a secure connection between your electronics and the UPS.
Additionally, some models offer software that can be installed on your computer, providing further control, firmware update, and monitoring capabilities over the UPS through the USB connection.
Charging Port
A built-in charging port on a UPS can be incredibly useful, especially during blackouts when your phone’s battery is running low. These ports provide a reliable power source for mobile devices and other electronics requiring USB charging.
Surge-Protected Outlets
Surge-protected outlets help safeguard your connected equipment during power surges or voltage fluctuations. These outlets ensure that only the necessary amount of power is delivered to your devices, preventing electrical damage.
It’s crucial to look for a UPS with sufficient surge-protected outlets to accommodate all your electronics.
Simulated Sine Wave Output
Some UPS devices feature simulated sine wave output, approximating a pure sine wave. While less accurate than a pure sine wave, this output type offers a more affordable solution and is suitable for most consumer electronics.
However, sensitive devices or more sophisticated equipment may require a UPS with a pure sine wave output for optimal performance. This, of course, comes with a higher price tag.
Wall Outlet Power
While many UPS devices are designed to sit on the floor or a table, some models are designed to plug directly into a wall outlet.
This option is great for those with limited space or who prefer a discrete setup. Check the weight and size restrictions of these models, as they should not compromise the stability or safety of the wall outlet.
Best UPS Battery Backups: Comparing UPS Systems
Pure Sine Wave vs. Simulated Sine Wave
Pure Sine Wave is only important for sensitive electronics that may malfunction or even be damaged by the less smooth, simulated sine wave. Devices like variable speed motors and communications equipment typically need pure sine wave UPS battery backups.
Some recording equipment also falls into this category, though nowadays, most studios use virtual software versions of all the complex audio gear.
Backup Time and Runtime
The main purpose of a UPS is to provide backup power during an outage, so figuring out the runtime you need is crucial.
Shorter runtimes may suffice for smaller loads, allowing your devices to safely shut down or switch to an alternate power source.
A UPS with a larger battery capacity will be necessary for longer runtime needs. Keep in mind that the runtime typically decreases as the load capacity increases.
Load Capacity
The load capacity refers to how much power a UPS system can handle. To select a suitable UPS, calculate the combined power requirements of your devices and ensure that the UPS can support that load.
Remember to factor in some headroom, as running a UPS at or near its maximum capacity may shorten its lifespan or lead to potential failures.
Tolerance for Sensitive Electronics
Sensitive electronics, such as advanced audio/video equipment or servers, may require a UPS system with more advanced features to prevent damage during power fluctuations.
Look for UPS systems with pure sine wave output and an automatic voltage regulator (AVR) to ensure stable power delivery to these devices.
Automatic Voltage Regulator
An automatic voltage regulator (AVR) is a feature that helps maintain stable voltage levels by compensating for power supply fluctuations. This is particularly important for sensitive electronics that voltage variations can negatively affect.
Choosing a UPS system with an AVR can minimize the risk of damage due to power inconsistencies and provide added peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal UPS battery backup for a home?
The ideal UPS battery backup for your home depends on your power needs and the devices you want to protect.
The APC BR1500G Backup Battery is a popular choice, which provides reliable power protection for computers, routers, and other sensitive electronics. Consider the power consumption of your devices and the desired runtime during power outages when choosing a UPS battery backup.
Which UPS battery backup is recommended for gaming PCs?
For gaming PCs, the CyberPower PR1500LCD UPS System is an excellent choice. It offers ample power capacity and advanced features to protect your gaming system from unexpected power outages. This UPS also has a durable design to ensure long-lasting performance for your gaming setup.
What are the top UPS battery brands?
Some of the top UPS battery brands include APC, CyberPower, and Amazon Basics. These brands offer a variety of models with different power capacities and features to cater to various needs and budgets.
Researching and comparing multiple brands can help you find the best UPS battery backup for your requirements.
How long can a 1500VA UPS provide power?
The runtime of a 1500VA UPS depends on the power consumption of the connected devices.
Generally, a 1500VA UPS can provide power to a desktop computer and monitor for about 20-30 minutes, giving you enough time to save work and shut down your system safely during a power outage.
To calculate a more accurate runtime, consider the total power draw of your equipment and the UPS’s battery capacity.
Which UPS provides long-lasting backup for computers?
The APC Back-UPS Pro 1500VA is a highly recommended UPS for providing a long-lasting computer backup. It offers reliable power protection and has a user-replaceable battery, allowing you to extend its lifecycle and maintain optimum performance.
Remember that the actual runtime will depend on the power consumption of your computer and other connected devices.
What factors should be considered when choosing a UPS battery backup?
When choosing a UPS battery backup, consider your power needs, device compatibility, battery life, and added features. Assess the total power draw of your equipment, and select a UPS with enough capacity to support your devices.
Also, look for user-replaceable batteries and features like surge protection and automatic voltage regulation. Finally, ensure that the UPS you choose offers ample runtime to meet your specific requirements during a power outage.
Conclusion
Here’s the bottom line. If you own home entertainment systems, a wireless router or other network equipment, any kind of audio equipment, or maybe you have a small office at home, then investing in the best uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a great way to protect these electrical devices from power failure and minor fluctuations.
UPS battery backups are even more important if you have a CPAP machine, as there are units specifically suitable for CPAP battery backup.
A smart UPS is a vital gear in today’s world, with technology reaching into almost every aspect of our lives.
There’s a UPS out there that’s right for you. Now it’s time to get down to business and find the one that matches your needs!
