The Best Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) with Built-In Backup Batteries
Power outages can strike unexpectedly, putting your electronics and data at risk. An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is way more that just a surge protector, its meant to save your time as well as your devices. These surge protectors with a built-in backup battery provide a safety net by delivering continuous power during an outage, giving you time to save your work and safely shut down your equipment.
A good quality UPS (universal power supply) can protect your electronics and data when there is a blackout or power surge.
Personally, I have them on the two devices in my house one for my PC where my computer will backup data before switching off and the second on the home entertainment system so that playback isn’t interupted during quick power outages (i hate having to restart my device in the middle of a movie) everything else valuable gets a purge connector socket allocated.
So, whether you're protecting a home office, gaming setup, network infrastructure or security devices, here are the best UPS units with built-in backup batteries available in 2024.
APC Back-UPS Pro 1500VA (BR1500G)
Specifications
Capacity: 1500VA / 865W
Outlets: 10 total (5 with battery backup, 5 surge protection only)
Additional Features: LCD display, automatic voltage regulation (AVR), data line protection
Pros
High power capacity suitable for multiple devices
Real-time monitoring via the LCD display
AVR stabilizes voltage to protect against fluctuations
Cons
Larger and heavier than lower-capacity models
Higher price point
Why I Recommend It
The APC Back-UPS Pro 1500VA is a top-tier choice for those needing reliable power backup for their critical devices. With its 1500VA capacity, this UPS can support a range of electronics, including computers, routers, and even home entertainment systems.
The built-in automatic voltage regulation (AVR) ensures that your devices receive a consistent power supply, protecting them from voltage fluctuations. For me the LCD display is a standout feature, providing real-time information about battery life, load level, and input voltage, so I can monitor the power situation at a glance.
While it's on the pricier side and it doesn’t take up too much space I like that it is vertically mounted and fairly modern-looking compared to other models on the market. This is the one I use on the PC setup in my office, and having used it for over a year now it does exactly what it does on the tin; in every brownout and blackout we have had, I see it kick into action, giving me enough time to back up my workload. For me, it offers robust protection and peace of mind for your most important devices.
CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD Intelligent LCD UPS
Specifications
Capacity: 1500VA / 900W
Outlets: 12 total (6 with battery backup, 6 surge protection only)
Additional Features: LCD display, automatic voltage regulation (AVR), energy-efficient design
Pros
High capacity with 12 outlets for comprehensive protection
Energy-efficient with GreenPower UPS technology
Easy-to-read LCD for monitoring power conditions
Cons
Bulky design may not fit in tight spaces
Fan noise can be noticeable under heavy load
Why I Recommend It
The CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD is an good choice for those who need a high-capacity UPS with advanced features. Its 1500VA / 900W capacity is ample for supporting multiple devices, from computers to networking equipment.
The unit's GreenPower UPS technology is a notable advantage, reducing energy consumption and heat buildup, making it a more eco-friendly option. The LCD display is huge and bright and provides detailed information about the UPS status, including load level, battery capacity, and input voltage.
With its venting top and bottom, it does look a little too industrial to be out in the open and viewed from the side, but given its capabilities, I can see why they need to work hard to cool it aggressively.
Although it’s bulkier and I found it noisy when running at high loads, the CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD offers reliable protection and power management. It's a trusted and well-respected brand that is well known, and the company stands behind its products.
Eaton 5S1500LCD
Specifications
Capacity: 1500VA / 900W
Outlets: 10 total (5 with battery backup, 5 surge protection only)
Additional Features: LCD display, AVR, compact design
Pros
Compact design fits easily into tight spaces
High power capacity with efficient AVR
LCD display for real-time monitoring
Cons
Limited number of outlets with battery backup
Lacks USB charging ports
Why I Recommend It
The Eaton 5S1500LCD is a reliable and compact uninterruptible power supply (UPS) suitable for small to medium-sized offices or home use. One of its key advantages is the LCD screen, which is smaller than the others on the list but still provides real-time status updates on power conditions and battery life, making it easy to monitor. The UPS delivers 1500VA/900W of power, offering ample backup time for connected devices and ensuring a smooth shutdown during power outages. Additionally, it has a compact industrial design that saves space, and I found the unit operates very.
However, the 5S1500LCD does have some drawbacks. The UPS has a limited number of outlets, which might require additional power strips for multiple devices. The battery replacement process can be cumbersome down the line, requiring some technical know-how. Additionally, while it offers good basic protection, it lacks more advanced features found in higher-end models, such as network management capabilities. Overall, it's a solid choice for basic power protection needs and is competitively priced, especially if you just intend to use it for homes.
Tripp Lite SMART1500LCDT
Specifications
Capacity: 1500VA / 900W
Outlets: 10 total (5 with battery backup, 5 surge protection only)
Additional Features: LCD display, AVR, USB port for monitoring software
Pros
High capacity with multiple outlets for versatile protection
AVR corrects brownouts and overvoltages
USB port for integrating with power management software
Cons
Larger footprint compared to other models
Display can be challenging to read in low light
Why I Recommend It
The Tripp Lite SMART1500LCDT is a versatile and dependable uninterruptible power supply (UPS) designed for home offices and small businesses. With a 1500VA/900W capacity, it provides sufficient backup time to ensure safe shutdowns during power outages. The unit includes 10 outlets, five of which are dedicated to battery backup and surge protection, accommodating multiple devices. Its compact design and quiet operation are additional benefits for any workspace.
On the downside, the SMART1500LCDT has some limitations. The UPS is relatively heavy and bulky, which could be a consideration for users with limited space. Its a hulking beast of a unit when compared to those listed above but it is very well made. Overall, it’s a strong performer for basic to moderate power protection needs.
Vertiv Liebert PST5-500MT120
Specifications
Capacity: 500VA / 300W
Outlets: 6 total (3 with battery backup, 3 surge protection only)
Additional Features: Surge protection, compact design
Pros
Compact and lightweight design ideal for small setups
Budget-friendly with reliable performance
Provides essential protection for small devices
Cons
Lower capacity limits usage to smaller devices
Fewer features compared to higher-end models
Why I Recommend It
The Vertiv Liebert PST5-500MT120 is a basic, cost-effective, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) ideal for home offices or small electronic setups. For me, this was the second UPS I bought and the one I use with my home cinema system specifically to continue playback during the frequent power blips we get in rainstorms here. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to fit in tight spaces, and it provides 500VA/300W of power, which is smaller than the other units on this list but more than sufficient for those quick interruptions. The unit includes 8 outlets, 4 of which offer battery backup, ensuring connected devices are safe during power fluctuations. Additionally, it operates quietly, making it unobtrusive in a home environment.
The PST5-500MT120 has some limitations. As mentioned, its power capacity is on the lower side, making it unsuitable for larger setups or high-power devices. While it does feature an LCD display, it's not a great-looking UPS (I think it really just looks like a large power outlet strip), and I keep mine in a cabinet, so it's a bit redundant. Overall, it’s a solid entry-level UPS for basic power protection needs.
Considerations for Choosing a UPS with Built-In Backup Batteries
When selecting a UPS, consider the following factors:
Capacity: Choose a UPS with enough VA/W capacity to support all your critical devices during an outage.
Number of Outlets: Ensure the UPS has enough outlets to accommodate your devices, with a mix of battery backup and surge protection.
Features: Look for features like automatic voltage regulation (AVR), LCD displays, and USB ports for power management.
Size and Noise: Consider the size of the UPS and whether it will fit in your setup, as well as any noise it might generate under load.
Conclusion
A UPS with built-in backup batteries is essential for protecting your devices from power outages, surges, and other electrical disturbances. Whether you opt for the high-capacity APC Back-UPS Pro 1500VA or the compact and budget-friendly Vertiv Liebert PST5, each UPS on this list offers reliable protection and peace of mind. Consider your specific power needs, the number of devices you need to protect, and any additional features you might require to choose the best UPS for your setup.
