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Head-to-head · Best UPS Battery Backups

Eaton 5P 1550 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

Eaton 5P 1550 and Tripp Lite SMART1500LCDT score essentially the same (4.5 vs 4.5). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Eaton 5P 1550
Ranked #1 in Best UPS Battery Backups
Eaton 5P 1550
2 sources1 derived$760as of Jul 31

The Eaton 5P1550GR is a rackmount UPS for data center environments, rated 1550 VA / 1100 W with true sine wave output. Reviewers noted the compact 1U form factor and the 6 C13 outlets, which can be grouped programmatically so critical and non-critical equipment are handled separately. ABM battery management extends battery life and warns you ahead of a replacement. Performance is solid for the class, though swapping the battery is on the user and the included power cord runs only 6 feet. It fits anyone who needs dependable rackmount power protection.

Strengths
  • — 1U rackmount form factor with compact footprint suitable for data center environments
  • — True sine wave output waveform for reliable power delivery to sensitive equipment
  • — 6 C13 outlets with programmable groups for critical and non-critical device management
Watch-outs
  • — Battery replacement requires user intervention and is not plug-and-play
  • — Limited runtime options without extended battery capability
  • — Power cord is only 6-foot length which may require additional cable management
$760 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Tripp Lite SMART1500LCDT
Ranked #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
$239.75 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

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

Eaton 5P 1550

The Eaton 5P 1550 offers a 1U rackmount form factor and true sine wave output, features not available in the Tripp Lite OMNI 1500LCD. However, it requires user intervention for battery replacement and has a shorter power cord compared to the more user-friendly APC Back-UPS Pro 1500VA.

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

SpecEaton 5P 1550Tripp Lite SMART1500LCDT
VA Rating1550 VA1500
Wattage1100 W900
TopologyLine-interactiveLine-Interactive
WaveformTrue Sine WaveSine Wave
Battery TypeSealed, lead-acidValve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA)
Outlets6 C1310
Runtimeupwards of 70 minutes8–10 minutes
Input Voltage230V default (200/208/220/230/240V)120V
MaterialMetalMetal
Voltage120 volts120 volts
Dimensions—15.6"D x 5.75"W x 8"H
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