Best UPS Battery Backups

The Tripp Lite SMART1500LCDT is a line-interactive tower UPS for desktop computers and audio/visual equipment, rated 1500VA/900W with 10 outlets, 5 of them battery-protected. Users report reliable performance and effective AVR, with many crediting it for keeping their systems up through outages. Two recurring problems: continuous fan noise after a battery replacement, and a USB port that doesn't play well with certain devices. Home offices and entertainment systems needing basic power protection are the fit; extended runtime and quieter operation are not what it offers.

The APC Back-UPS Pro 1500G is a line-interactive UPS for power users and small businesses, rated 1500VA/865W with 10 outlets, 5 of them battery-backed. Reviewers liked the solid build quality and the bundled PowerChute Personal Edition software for monitoring, but several found 5 battery-backed outlets too restrictive. Output is stepped sine wave, and the battery is replaceable under a 3-year warranty. Reviewers rated its performance well; the sticking point is EU pricing, which looks poor next to US availability.

The OR1000LCDRM1U is a 1U rackmount line-interactive UPS rated 1000 VA and 600 W, with automatic voltage regulation, six NEMA 5-15R outlets and an LCD that cycles through eleven power readouts. Output on battery is a simulated sine wave, which suits network gear but not active-PFC power supplies. Runtime is short — 13 minutes at half load — and remote management needs the optional RMCARD205.

The CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD is a line-interactive UPS meant to protect high-end PC systems, rated at 1500VA with an LCD that lays out power statistics in detail. Tom's Hardware found the protection reliable and the interface easy to read, while Custom PC Review flagged that the simulated sine wave output won't suit every piece of sensitive equipment. It weighs 24.7 lb and runs 14.2 inches deep, so it works on a desktop but takes up more room than some alternatives. Mid-to-high-end systems are the target; anyone who specifically needs true sine wave output should look elsewhere.

The Eaton 5E 850LI is a line-interactive UPS for home and small office use, with AVR and a wide voltage tolerance backing up its electrical protection. Reviews report it handles power fluctuations reliably and offers USB monitoring, though some users hit inconsistent USB detection and poor customer service. The backup function itself is solid; the USB interface and the support behind it are what draw criticism. It fits anyone who wants basic UPS protection without complex monitoring needs.

The APC Back-UPS 600VA BE600M1 improves on the model before it with faster transfer times, better surge protection, and longer battery life. Reviewers measured 67 minutes of runtime at 40 Watts, against 43 minutes on the older unit. It's also more compact, at 10.8 x 4.1 x 5.5 inches, and adds a 1.5A USB port. What it drops is the Ethernet surge protection previous models included. Users recommend it for home offices and small workstations that need reliable power backup.