Verdict
Head-to-head · Best UPS Battery Backups

CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD vs Tripp Lite SMART1500LCDT

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Tripp Lite SMART1500LCDT comes out ahead by a clear margin (3.5 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about home office users wanting basic protection — read the strengths below before deciding.

CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
Ranked #5 in Best UPS Battery Backups
CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
2 sourcesall derived$239.95as of Jul 31

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.

Strengths
  • Features line-interactive topology for reliable power protection
  • Includes LCD display showing power statistics like voltage and frequency
  • Provides 1500VA capacity suitable for high-end PC setups
Watch-outs
  • Outputs simulated sine wave instead of true sine wave
  • Battery replacement kit is lower capacity (8AH) than original (9AH)
  • Larger physical footprint compared to some competitors
Tripp Lite SMART1500LCDT
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best UPS Battery Backups
Tripp Lite SMART1500LCDT
1 source$239.75as of Jul 31

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.

Strengths
  • Provides 1500VA/900W power-handling capacity suitable for entry-level PCs and home entertainment systems
  • Includes 10 built-in outlets with 5 battery-protected and 5 surge-only options
  • Features LCD screen with real-time UPS and power status including input voltage, output voltage, load percentage, and runtime
Watch-outs
  • Fan runs continuously after battery replacement, causing noise issues
  • Some users report difficulty with USB port recognition for certain devices
  • Outlets are positioned too close together, requiring extension cords for some setups

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD

The CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD offers a user-replaceable battery and LCD display, features not found in the APC Back-UPS Pro 1500VA. However, it's bulkier than the Tripp Lite SMART1500LCDT and outputs simulated sine wave instead of true sine wave, unlike the Eaton 5E 850LI which provides true sine wave output.

Tripp Lite SMART1500LCDT

The Tripp Lite SMART1500LCDT provides a built-in USB port for OS-level shutdown and an LCD screen showing real-time power status, features not available in the APC BR1500G. However, it has continuous fan noise issues and outlet spacing limitations that the Eaton 5P 1550 avoids with its rackmount design and better runtime options.

Specs side-by-side

SpecCyberPower CP1500PFCLCDTripp Lite SMART1500LCDT
VA Rating1500 VA1500
Wattage900 W900
TopologyLine-InteractiveLine-Interactive
WaveformSimulated Sine WaveSine Wave
Outlets12 NEMA 5-15R10
Runtime10 minutes at half load8–10 minutes
Input Voltage120 VAC120V
Dimensions3.9" D x 11.0" W x 14.0" H15.6"D x 5.75"W x 8"H
Battery TypeSealed Lead-AcidValve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA)
MaterialPlasticMetal
Voltage120 volts120 volts
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