All Categories
  • Categories
    • Appliances
    • Bathroom
    • Bedroom
    • Cleaning
    • Electronics
    • Furniture
    • Organizing
    • Garden & Outdoor
    • Home Climate
    • Kitchen
    • Office
    • Tools
  • More
    • About
    • Contact
logo
  • Home
  • Electronics
Unclutterer.com may earn commissions if you purchase a product through one of our affiliate links. Learn more

9 Best Uninterruptible Power Supplies (Review) In 2021

Written by:
Unclutterer
Last Updated: February 11, 2021
Best Choice
CyberPower-1500VA-Intelligent-UPS-image
CyberPower 1500VA Intelligent UPS
PRICING
Check Latest Price
Best Value
APC-450VA-Backup-Battery-Power-Supply-and-UPS-image
APC 450VA Backup Battery Power Supply and UPS
PRICING
Check Latest Price
Premium Pick
CyberPower-1500VA-Sinewave-UPS-image
CyberPower 1500VA Sinewave UPS
PRICING
Check Latest Price
Show Contents
Contents
  • 1. CyberPower 1500VA Intelligent UPS
  • 2. APC 650VA Backup Surge Protector and UPS
  • 3. APC 600VA Battery Backup and UPS
  • 4. CyberPower 1500VA Sinewave UPS
  • 5. AmazonBasics 800VA Standby UPS
  • 6. CyberPower 650VA Compact UPS
  • 7. APC 450VA Backup Battery Power Supply and UPS
  • 8. Tripp Lite 1000VA Smart UPS
  • 9. Tripp Lite 900VA Compact UPS
Award
Brand
Rating
image

Award:

Best Choice
image

Brand:

CyberPower 1500VA Intelligent UPS

Rating:

10
image

Award:

Premium Pick
image

Brand:

CyberPower 1500VA Sinewave UPS

Rating:

9
image

Award:

Eco-Friendly Model
image

Brand:

CyberPower 650VA Compact UPS

Rating:

8
image

Award:

Best Value
image

Brand:

APC 450VA Backup Battery Power Supply and UPS

Rating:

7
image

Award:

Budget Pick
image

Brand:

APC 600VA Battery Backup and UPS

Rating:

7

The Best Uninterruptible Power Supply

Has your computer ever lost power before you had the chance to save your work? Or has your gaming console cut out mid-game? Maybe you've had a power cut that has stopped you accessing the internet on your mobile or laptop. These situations are unbelievably frustrating and affect us all from time to time. Whether you experience a complete power cut, power surges, or brownouts (low power), this unstable power connection can cause some serious problems to work and entertainment. But what if there was an easy way to prevent these issues from happening, keeping your equipment safe and your progress saved? Well, we're here to tell you that with an uninterruptible power supply (or UPS for short), you'll never have to worry about these problems again.

A UPS system works by plugging into the mains and connecting your most important devices directly to it. As the devices use to power through the UPS, internal battery charges and standbys, waiting until the main power goes out. While your lights and other equipment will switch off with no power, all devices connected to the UPS will continue to power for a few minutes to an hour, depending on the device.

Whether you work from home or just take your entertainment seriously, a UPS is an essential device to keep your most important devices working when all else fails. Choosing a UPS for your home can be a daunting task if you don't know much about the device itself, that's why we've put together this article to help you find the best uninterruptible power supply. To do that, we'll cover the features, pros, and cons of the top 9 devices, we'll go over the best features to consider when choosing one, and cover some frequently asked questions.

1. CyberPower 1500VA Intelligent UPS

Best Choice
product-image
product-image
product-image
product-image
product-image

Key Features

    Automatic voltage regulation (AVR)

    High output capacity (1500VA/900W)

    12 outlets

    Multifunction LCD screen

Check Latest Price
offer-image
CyberPower 1500VA Intelligent UPS
Check Latest Price

If you’re looking for one of the best uninterruptible power supplies, the CyberPower 1500VA Intelligent UPS might be exactly that. Its impressive features and slim, modern design make it hugely useful in any home or office, without jeopardizing your interior design or decor. Plus, it features an attractive LCD display which shows detailed information regarding the battery and power conditions, such as, the load and battery capacity, estimated runtime, and current power input. With 12 outlets, all of which featuring surge protection using sinewave battery regulation, the UPS keeps your devices running smoothly during brownouts or surges. As far as the UPS battery goes, you can expect up to 12 minutes of additional power with a half load. Another neat feature is the device’s free management software which can be downloaded to your devices to keep a closer eye on your power usage, input, and output capacity.

    Pros

    3 year warranty

    Up to $500,000 connected device guarantee

    3-12 minute runtime (full/half load)

    Sinewave battery regulation

    Cons

    Tower device requires more space

2. APC 650VA Backup Surge Protector and UPS

product-image
product-image

Key Features

    8 outlets

    3 year warranty

    $75,000 connected device protection

    Affordable

Check Latest Price
offer-image
APC 650VA Backup Surge Protector and UPS
Check Latest Price

The APC 650VA Backup Surge Protector and UPS features all the basic features you could hope for in a UPS device, housed in a small yet sturdy unit. The device’s small size and 5ft power cable make it perfect for any office or living space and it can even be mounted on a wall for your convenience. While all 8 outlets feature surge protection, 4 of them also battery backup, giving you additional protection for the devices which need it most. If the power goes out, the UPS battery backup outlets run for up to 29 minutes at 100 watts, depending on the number of connected devices. For additional peace of mind and to keep your devices safe, the unit also comes with a 3 year warranty and up to $75,000 protection for your connected devices.

    Pros

    Small unit size

    5ft power cable

    Wall mountable

    Replaceable battery

    Cons

    Lower output capacity (600VA)

    Fewer outlets than other devices

3. APC 600VA Battery Backup and UPS

Budget Pick
product-image
product-image
product-image

Key Features

    5ft power cord

    Wall mountable

    7 outlets and 1 USB port

Check Latest Price
offer-image
APC 600VA Battery Backup and UPS
Check Latest Price

This APC 600VA Battery Backup and UPS features 7 outlets and 1 USB port, making it a convenient device for any desk or home entertainment system. While it features fewer outlets than some other devices, this allows the device to be much smaller, making it perfect for tighter spaces or even for wall mounting. The 7 outlets feature 5 battery backup and surge protection outlets, with the remaining 2 offering surge protection only. Thanks to its convenient size and 5ft cable, the APC UPS is perfect for almost any environment. The 3 year warranty protects the device and the battery can easily be replaced if necessary, while the $75,000 offers additional protection against your connected devices. With all these features, it’s even more impressive that this neat but of tech is affordable too, making it one of the best UPS backup batteries on a budget.

    Pros

    3 year warranty

    $75,000 connected device protection

    Replaceable battery

    Affordable

    Cons

    Less outlets than others

    Lower output capacity (600VA/330W)

4. CyberPower 1500VA Sinewave UPS

Premium Pick
product-image
product-image
product-image
product-image

Key Features

    Sinewave battery backup

    12 outlets in total

    3 year warranty

    $500,000 protection guarantee

Check Latest Price
offer-image
CyberPower 1500VA Sinewave UPS
Check Latest Price

This robust and versatile UPS comes with some pretty impressive features which make it ideal for a number of users in various environments. The CyberPower 1500VA Sinewave UPS has 12 outlets and 2 USB outlets, the model by CyberPower is perfect for home work spaces, entertainment setups or offices where multiple devices require power with additional protection. This is easy thanks to 6 out of the 12 outlets which feature both surge protection and battery backup, ideal in case you experience a loss of power. An additional feature that helps provide a smooth power supply is the sinewave voltage regulation which converts DC into AC power in a consistent and reliable format. For additional protection, the device comes with a 3 year warranty which includes the battery and offers a guarantee of $500,000 against damages to connected devices.

    Pros

    Automatic voltage regulation

    LCD screen with 22 degree tilt

    2 USB charge ports

    Warranty includes battery

    Cons

    2.5 minutes of power with full load

    More expensive than others

5. AmazonBasics 800VA Standby UPS

product-image
product-image
product-image

Key Features

    12 outlets

    Standby device

    5ft cord

    6 dual-function outlets

Check Latest Price
offer-image
AmazonBasics 800VA Standby UPS
Check Latest Price

The AmazonBasics 800 VA Standby UPS provides 12 power outlets in total, all of which offer surge protection, while 6 also provide battery backup for when the power goes entirely. This small and compact device comes in a durable black case with a 5ft power cable so you don’t have to worry about moving your devices near to the mains. As the power supply doesn’t feature a screen, you’ll have to figure out the power usage of each device to ensure you keep the load under 80% power consumption. This ensures optimal performance and reduces the risk of overloading the device. After a complete loss of power, the device continues to provide power for up to 2.3 minutes with a full load, or up to 12.5 minutes when powering a half load.

You May Also Like: Best Portable Generators

    Pros

    Small, compact size

    1 year warranty

    Guarantee up to $75,000

    Cons

    No screen interface

    2.3 minutes runtime with full load

6. CyberPower 650VA Compact UPS

Eco-Friendly Model
product-image
product-image
product-image
product-image

Key Features

    8 outlets

    Eco-mode

    Multifunction LCD display

    Up to 8.4 minutes runtime

Check Latest Price
offer-image
CyberPower 650VA Compact UPS
Check Latest Price

This CyberPower 650VA Compact UPS features 8 outlets with surge protection, 4 of which come with battery backup, while another 3 feature Eco mode. A unique feature of this device is its Eco mode which automatically switches off power to connected devices if it detects they are switched off or on standby mode. With this mode enabled, you can expect to reduce your power usage and lower energy costs which ultimately saves you money. The device also comes with an LCD display screen that conveniently provides useful information regarding the current power and load capacity as well as estimate running time.

    Pros

    Up to $100,000 protection for connected devices

    3 year warranty

    Simulated sinewave power regulation

    Cons

    Lower power capacity (650VA/390W)

7. APC 450VA Backup Battery Power Supply and UPS

Best Value
product-image
product-image

Key Features

    3 year warranty

    $75,000

    6 power outlets

    Up to 37 minutes runtime (50W)

Check Latest Price
offer-image
APC 450VA Backup Battery Power Supply and UPS
Check Latest Price

If you’re searching for a sleek-looking surge protector with battery backup, this APC 450VA Backup Battery Power Supply and UPS might be the best one for you.  It boasts all the basic features you could hope for with the added benefit of an impressive runtime should a power failure occur. With a reduced load and 50W capacity, this APC unit runs for up to 37 minutes, giving you plenty of time to finish your tasks or save your work. Thanks to its slim black design and 5ft power cable, your UPS device and be positioned almost anywhere you like or it can be wall-mounted for your convenient use. For additional protection, the device comes with a 3 year warranty and $75,000 connected device guarantee.

    Pros

    Small, sleek design

    Wall mountable

    5ft power cord

    Cons

    Fewer outlets

    Lower power capacity

8. Tripp Lite 1000VA Smart UPS

product-image
product-image
product-image
product-image
product-image
product-image

Key Features

    AVR corrects under/overloading

    8 power outlets

    Multifunction LCD display

    Replaceable batteries

Check Latest Price
offer-image
Tripp Lite 1000VA Smart UPS
Check Latest Price

This versatile UPS device features impressive battery power and voltage regulation through sinewave output. With 4 UPS and 4 surge protection outlets, the Tripp Lite 1000VA Smart UPS is capable of keeping your devices running smoothly through brownouts and surges, as well as giving you extra time to save your work during blackouts. The device can power a desktop computer and monitor for up to 60 minutes without power or up to 10 minutes with a half load. Keeping track of your power usage, battery, and load capacity and estimated runtime is easy thanks to the LCD display which shows you all the important information you need to know.

    Pros

    $250,000 insurance for connected devices

    3 year warranty

    Up to 60 minute runtime

    Sinewave power output

    Cons

    Tower devices require more space

9. Tripp Lite 900VA Compact UPS

product-image
product-image
product-image
product-image
product-image

Key Features

    Compact UPS system

    12 power outlets

    900VA/480W battery UPS backup

    LCD display screen

Check Latest Price
offer-image
Tripp Lite 900VA Compact UPS
Check Latest Price

This reliable and basic UPS with battery backup comes in a conveniently small size, making it suitable for most desks, office, or living spaces, and can be wall-mounted if you’re especially tight on space. The Tripp Lite 900VA Compact UPS with 6 outlets features surge protection and battery backup while offering 6 surge suppressions. This lets you connect your most important devices to the UPS outlets such as a desktop PC and monitor, giving you additional time to save your work or continue for up to 30 minutes. You can even keep track of power/load capacity and estimated runtime using the LCD display.

    Pros

    3 year warranty

    $100,000 insurance for connected devices

    Eco mode

    10+ minutes of runtime

    Cons

    Lower power capacity than some

Features To Consider With Uninterruptible Power Supplies

Automatic Voltage Regulation

Automatic voltage regulation (otherwise known as AVR) is one of the best features found in 'line-interactive' UPS devices. This impressive feature helps to protect you against brownouts or power surges as it regulates the power going into and out of your device. It does this by making use of the internal battery power as a surge protector, utilizing the saved power to regulate incoming power. The best UPS devices feature either AVR or sinewave regulation (or both) to protect devices.

You May Also Like: Best Outlet Timers

the best uninterruptible power supply

Pure Sinewave Inverter

Sinewave inverters work by converting external power (DC) to AC power which your home devices use. While there are other ways of converting power, a sinewave inverter provides the smoothest power supply which assists in regulating power during surges or brownouts.

Cord Length

To many people, cord length won't matter much if they have sufficient power outlets near their work or entertainment setups. However, if you don't have an outlet near your desk in your home office or workplace, a long cord length is essential. The best uninterruptible power supplies usually come with a power cord of around 5ft which gives you plenty of space in pretty much any work environment.

Input Voltage

Finding the right input voltage isn't as complicated as it might sound. You simply need to look at the power requirements of the devices you'd like to connect and ensure the UPS offers sufficient voltage. This information can easily be found on your devices and in the UPS product description.

Output Capacity

When choosing the best UPS for your needs, you'll need to think about the output capacity you'll require. If you plan on connecting a TV or PC monitor, console, desktop computer or any other devices which require high power usage, it's essential to find a device that will meet your needs. However, if you only want to connect a couple of devices, then you won't need to worry much about the output capacity.

Number Of Outlets

The number of outlets you'll require on your UPS depends on home many devices you'd like to connect to it. Whether it's a home office, entertainment room or workplace, you could have several devices which you'd like to plug into your UPS for protection against surges and power loss. While more basic power supplies usually feature 6 outlets, the best options typically come with 12. These outlets usually have additional features such as protection against surges, or Eco modes which help save energy.

Battery Runtime

Estimating the battery runtime of a UPS is difficult as it depends on the specific model, the connected equipment, and their energy consumption. The best UPS systems come with 10+ minutes of battery power after a blackout if they have only a few, low energy pieces of tech connected. Alternatively, a full load may only have a battery life of 2-3 minutes, even with the best UPS.

the best uninterruptible power supply

Recharge Time

As soon as you start using your UPS, it begins charging. The time it takes for your UPS battery to recharge fully depends on the specific model and storage capacity. This kind of information can be found in the product description and should be consulted before making a purchase. However, you can expect an average device to charge in 4-24 hours.

Size

The size of any UPS is fairly standard so it won't vary much between each device. The size is usually perfect for it to sit on or under a desk, or if space is particularly tight, they can typically be mounted on a wall to save room. A tower UPS will take up a little more space than other types, but again, they can be easily moved or wall-mounted for your convenience.

Screen

Not all UPS systems come with an LCD screen but some of the best do. A screen display is perfect for showing you the battery capacity and load, energy usage, and expected running time. This impressive feature gives you ultimate control of your device and helps to monitor your device usage. Without a screen, you'll have to rely on the manufacturer's information and manually keep track of your device usage after a blackout. This can be difficult to do without a screen, especially when using multiple outlets with various energy requirements. For a safe and simple solution, the best idea is to choose one with a screen display to limit the risk of losing valuable work.

Replacement Battery

The best UPS back ups feature a replaceable battery which is ideal if you want to keep your device for a long period of time. While the average battery may last 3-5 years, some may last a little longer or shorter depending on the device's usage and capacity. If you've found a UPS with a replaceable battery, the manufacturer will typically sell replacement batteries for a fraction of the cost. This helps you save money and reduce waste.

Warranty

A warranty (and guarantee) is a hugely important feature to consider when purchasing a UPS. Since you have lots of equipment connected to the device, you'll want some reassurance that they'll be protected. The best UPS back ups come with a 3 year warranty which includes the battery, meaning you can get a replacement if the battery or device becomes faulty within that period of time. Insurance or monetary guarantees are also of great importance to keep your equipment safe from harm and to provide compensation in the off-chance that they're damaged when connected to a UPS. This essential information can be found in the product descriptions of each device and is crucial to be aware of before making any purchases.

the best uninterruptible power supply

Uninterruptible Power Supply FAQ

Q: How does an uninterruptible power supply work?

A:

The uninterruptible power supply works by using an internal battery that holds charge as the unit powers other devices. This allows connected devices to continue working for a set amount of time after a blackout. Depending on the specific UPS and the number of devices connected, the amount of runtime varies. The best UPS devices also work by providing a consistent level of power to your devices as they regulate the external DC power, converting it into steady AC power for your connected equipment. This prevents fluctuations in power levels which you would otherwise experience during surges or brownouts.

the best uninterruptible power supply

Q: Should I keep my UPS plugged in all the time?

A:

You should use your UPS system as often as you use the devices for which you want protection. If you want to protect your desktop PC, internet router or gaming system, you can simply keep them plugged into your UPS for continuous protection. The only adverse side effect is likely to be the battery's life which isn't a problem if it can be easily replaced. In short, your UPS should be used as often as you want protection and battery back-ups in case of power losses or surges.

Sources

    How Do Uninterruptible Power Supplies Work? - TPC Training

    How Does a Computers Uninterruptible Power Supply Work? - HowStuffWorks

Related Reads

Best Smart Plugs
Best Portable Generators
Best Outlet Timers
logo
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure
  • Reviews
DMCA.com Protection Status
  • 21781 Ventura Blvd PMB 32418 Woodland Hills, CA 91364
up