Uninterrupted for the computer: rating of the best UPS

Vasily Borutsky
Checked by a specialist: Vasily Borutsky
Author: Mikhail Yashin
Last update: December 2024

To ensure the safety of information and minimize the risk of breakdown of office equipment, it is necessary to use an uninterrupted power supply for the computer - the device is responsible for the continuity of electricity supply in a certain time interval.

The use of a UPS is especially relevant for frequent blackouts or problems with the quality of the supplied electricity. Uninterruptible power supplies have differences in the power supply circuit, differ in power and other parameters, so you need to understand the characteristics of those devices that are on sale well.

To facilitate the task of choice, we have prepared an overview of the best UPS offers, described the features of the operation of different types of household uninterruptible power supplies, and also identified the main parameters that must be taken into account when buying such devices.

TOP-12 computer uninterruptible systems

A place
Product
Rating
output power
Input voltage
Power connectors
Price
Reserve models
#1
94
/ 100
480 watts
170-260 V
6
#2
91
/ 100
350 watts
164-275 V
3
#3
90
/ 100
250 watts
164-275 V
3
#4
90
/ 100
550 watts
165-275 V
8
Interactive Models
#1
94
/ 100
390 watts
154-290 V
4
#2
92
/ 100
360 watts
162-268 V
8
#3
90
/ 100
240 watts
165-290 V
4
Double conversion models
#1
93
/ 100
900 watts
160-300 V
6
#2
92
/ 100
900 watts
115-295 V
2
#3
92
/ 100
2700 W
100-300 V
8
#4
90
/ 100
700 watts
80-280 V
4

Reserve models

#1

IPPON Back Verso 800

Redundant UPS with multi-level protection for computer and household appliances

Expert rating:
94
/ 100

A backup type UPS is in demand among buyers due to the good ratio of cost, quality and power. The Back Verso 800 is versatile in use - there are six Euro outlets.

The uninterruptible protects against short circuits, overloads in the network and high voltage pulses. Interference filtering is provided, there is a port for a telephone line.

Specifications:

  • power scheme - backup;
  • switching time - 6 ms;
  • input voltage range - 170-260 V;
  • maximum power - 480 W;
  • autonomous work - at 100% load - 1.5 minutes, at 30% load - 14.8 minutes;
  • the number of connectors - 6 euro sockets, 4 of them with battery power;
  • interface - LED indication, sound notification, on / off button;
  • noise background - 40 dB;
  • dimensions - 13x21x25 cm;
  • weight - 7 kg.

The UPS is not designed to connect an external auxiliary battery. To replace the battery, the uninterruptible power supply must be disconnected from the network. It takes 16 hours to fully recover the battery.

Users are happy with the purchase. The unit is quite compact, does not take up much space, is easy to operate and works quite quietly.

The main disadvantages include the lack of a USB interface - you cannot perform complex settings, for example, set the computer to turn off automatically when the UPS charge is critically reduced.

Advantages
  • Reasonable cost
  • High effective output power - 480 W
  • Cold start option
  • 6 power sockets - euro sockets
  • Variety of security features
disadvantages
  • No USB interface
  • Loud, non-mute buzzer
  • No battery indicator light
#2

Powercom WOW-700 U

Popular model with USB interface, light and sound indication system

Expert rating:
91
/ 100

A model that looks like a surge protector. The Chinese Powercom WOW-700 U UPS has three sockets. Uninterruptible is designed to service one workstation with a computer of low power consumption.

Specifications:

  • power scheme - backup;
  • switching time - 4 ms;
  • input voltage range - 164-275 V;
  • maximum power - 350 W;
  • battery life - 2.5 minutes at 350 watts;
  • the number of connectors at the output - 3, of which redundant - 2;
  • interface - LED indicators, USB interface;
  • noise background - 40 dB;
  • dimensions - 11x8x33 cm;
  • weight - 2.6 kg.

This model provides protection of the telephone line, local area network. The UPS provides the ability to replace the battery without disconnecting the uninterruptible power supply. Battery charge time - 6 hours.

Advantages
  • Hot swappable battery
  • There is a USB interface
  • Clear display system
  • Variety of security features
  • Compact dimensions
disadvantages
  • Battery noise
  • Does not "perceive" a small load
  • Custom battery shape - it’s hard to find a replacement
#3

Powercom WOW-500 U

Compact low-power uninterruptible with three output connectors

Expert rating:
90
/ 100

The backup WOW-500 U UPS from Powercom is an almost complete analogue of the previous WOW-700 U model. The output UPS gives 250 watts, so you should not count on connecting powerful equipment.

The model has a 3.2 Ah battery, which provides 7 minutes of battery life for a personal computer with a 15-inch monitor. It takes 6 hours to restore the battery.

Specifications:

  • power scheme - backup;
  • switching time - 2-4 ms;
  • input voltage range - 164-275 V;
  • maximum output power - 250 W;
  • autonomous work - when connecting a load with a power of 200 W - 2 minutes;
  • number of connectors - 3 euro sockets, 2 of which are battery powered;
  • interface - LED indication, sound notification, on / off button;
  • noise background - up to 40 dB;
  • dimensions - 11x8x33 cm;
  • weight - 2.58 kg.

The WOW-500 U has RJ-11 / RJ-45 shared sockets for telephone line and data transmission. The bespereboynik has compact dimensions - it can be put on the floor or suspended on the wall.

Advantages
  • Hot swappable battery
  • Lots of security features
  • Compact dimensions
  • System of light and sound indication
  • Universal Power Connectors - CEE 7 (Euro Socket)
disadvantages
  • Small power output
  • Custom shaped battery - it's hard to find a replacement
  • Weak glow of diodes
#4

Powercom SPIDER SPD-1000N

Good power to cost ratio

Expert rating:
90
/ 100

Powercom's SPD-1000N UPS is designed to protect network attached storage, computers, a modem, workstations, and other devices.Uninterruptible is relevant for offices where low-power PCs are used and it is important to ensure the correct shutdown and stable operation of the equipment.

Specifications:

  • power scheme - backup;
  • switching time - 6 ms;
  • input voltage range - 165-275 V;
  • maximum output power - 250 W;
  • autonomous work - at a load of 150 W - 19 minutes, 530 W - 3 minutes;
  • the number of connectors - 8 Euro outlets, 4 of which are battery powered;
  • interface - LED indication, sound notification, on / off button;
  • noise - 40 dB;
  • dimensions - 29x10x23 cm;
  • weight - 4.47 kg.

This device is designed to connect several low-power consumers of electricity. Like every backup UPS, the Spider SPD-1000N does not have a fan, so it works very quietly. Plugs are designed for European standard sockets.

Advantages
  • High power - 550 W
  • Cold start and hot swap battery
  • Green Mode Technology - Save Battery Energy
  • 8 euro outlets
  • Silent work
disadvantages
  • The first time of operation smell plastic
  • Normal forks do not lock
  • Short cable

Interactive Models

#1

3Cott 650-OFC

Line-interactive UPS with automatic voltage regulator

Expert rating:
94
/ 100

The Office Line Series UPS is designed for office equipment. The device protects the equipment from radio frequency and electromagnetic interference, increase and decrease voltage in the mains. A 7 Ah battery supports autonomous operation of connected equipment.

The UPS has a Green Mode battery saver function. Automatic voltage regulation is carried out due to the stabilizer with 2 stages of increase and the first stage of decrease.

Specifications:

  • power scheme - interactive;
  • switching time - 5 ms;
  • input voltage range - 154-290 V;
  • maximum output power - 390 W;
  • battery life - 8 minutes at half load;
  • number of connectors - 4 computer sockets IEC 320 C13 with redundancy;
  • interface - LED indicators, sound alarm, on / off button;
  • noise - 40 dB;
  • dimensions - 10x17x31cm;
  • weight - 4.8 kg.

Reviews about the uninterrupted power are mostly positive. There is enough battery life to shut down correctly and save all the data on the computer. When buying a 3Cott 650-OFC, it is worth considering that the model has computer power connectors. To connect equipment with a euro plug, you will need an adapter.

Advantages
  • Power Saving Function - Green Mode
  • Cold start option
  • Good power to price ratio
  • Light and sound indicators
  • RJ-11 modem interface
disadvantages
  • No hot swap option
  • UPS Fuse Type - Fuse
  • No USB port
  • Computer power connector
#2

Ippon Back Comfo Pro 600 New

Functional UPS: 8 Euro outlets, software, USB and RS-232 interfaces

Expert rating:
92
/ 100

An uninterruptible power supply with an effective output power of 360 W has a large number of outputs and a long battery life.

The UPS is equipped with 8 sockets of European format, 6 of which are with battery backup. The model has USB and RS-232 connectors.

Specifications:

  • power scheme - interactive;
  • switching time - 5 ms;
  • input voltage range - 162-268 V;
  • maximum power - 360 W;
  • battery life - 19.2 minutes at 110 watts, 6 minutes at 180 watts;
  • the number of connectors at the output - 8 Euro outlets, 6 from the bottom with backup power;
  • interface - LED indicators, ON button, sound signal;
  • noise background - 40 W;
  • weight - 5.7 kg.

A telephone cable, interface cables for communication with a PC, and also a disk with software are provided in the package.

This model is used to power a computer with a large number of peripheral devices: Wi-Fi router, printer, multiple monitors, etc.

Advantages
  • Lots of security features
  • 8 standard Euro outlets
  • Good equipment - there are connection cables, a software disc
  • Auto fuse
disadvantages
  • Sensitive power button
  • No lcd display
  • You cannot turn off the beep
  • Difficulties with connecting software
#3

CyberPower UT450EI

Budget uninterruptible power supply with good functionality

Expert rating:
90
/ 100

The weakest UPS of the models presented in this rating, but also the cheapest. Made in China under the famous American brand.

Specifications:

  • power scheme - interactive;
  • switching time - 4 ms;
  • input voltage range - 165-290 V;
  • maximum power - 240 W;
  • battery life - 19 minutes at 60 watts, 8 minutes at 90 watts;
  • power connectors - 4 computer IEC 320 C13 with backup power;
  • interface - LED indicators, ON button, sound signal;
  • noise background - 40 dB;
  • weight - 3.7 kg.

The model is reliable and functions well if you do not require it to give out more power than the manufacturer indicates. In this case, the device starts to produce a strong high-frequency sound and is unstable. There is no connection with the computer, which is normal for the device at this price.

Advantages
  • Affordable cost
  • Cold start option
  • Switch to battery in 4 ms
  • Telephone / Network Line Protection
  • Generator Compatibility
disadvantages
  • Low power output
  • Computer Power Connectors
  • No battery replacement possible
  • The smell of plastic in the first time of operation
#4

APC by Schneider Electric Back-UPS BX500CI

Interactive UPS for connecting three computers simultaneously

Expert rating:
90
/ 100

The Filipino assembly model will be a good solution for the office or home. The UPS is designed to service three low-power personal computers or one mid-range gaming system.

The equipment is connected directly - for this, the uninterruptible power supply has 3 output power connectors of type IEC 320 C13. The model equalizes the output voltage at a network voltage of 160-280 V. When the power is turned off, the UPS will automatically switch to the battery, allowing the user to correctly complete the work on the computer.

Specifications:

  • power scheme - interactive;
  • switching time - 6 ms;
  • input voltage range - 155-280 V;
  • maximum output power - 300 W;
  • battery life - no data;
  • number of connectors - 3 computer sockets IEC 320 C13 with redundancy;
  • interface - LED indicators, sound signal, On / Off button;
  • noise - 45 dB;
  • dimensions - 12x19x21 cm;
  • weight - 5.1 kg.

The UPS filters interference, has protection against lightning and pulses. An automatic fuse is installed in the device - unlike the fusible variety, it does not have to be changed during operation.

Advantages
  • Auto fuse
  • Cold start
  • Lots of security features
  • Periodic Battery Self-Test
  • Clear LED and sound indication
disadvantages
  • Only 3 computer power connectors
  • Custom Battery - Hard to Replace
  • No hot swap option
  • Monitoring through software is not provided.

Double conversion models

#1

CyberPower OLS1000ERT2U

Reliable UPS to protect critical equipment

Expert rating:
93
/ 100

The online S Series high-performance dual conversion UPS provides protection for critical devices: DVRs, servers, peripheral and network equipment, surveillance systems, emergency power supply and data storage.

The UPS is multifunctional, the module protects against overloads, high voltage pulses and short circuits. The case is equipped with an informational LCD display, which displays the power status, type of operation, malfunction and warning.

PowerPanel power management software is provided, as well as a remote monitoring option.The OLS1000ERT2U UPS is equipped with a bypass for safe switching to a common network - this allows maintenance without shutting down the equipment.

Specifications:

  • UPS type - with double conversion;
  • switching time - instant;
  • input voltage range - 160-300 V;
  • maximum output power - 900 W;
  • battery life - 5 minutes at maximum load, 15 minutes - at half;
  • number of connectors - 6 computer connectors with backup power;
  • interface - control buttons, LCD display, sound signals;
  • noise - 45 dB;
  • dimensions - 44x9x43 cm;
  • weight - 13.2 kg.

Standard application of CyberPower OLS1000ERT2U: server room, data center, back office. The UPS is not suitable for use at home - users note that the uninterrupted power is working noisily.

Advantages
  • Zero switching time
  • Remote SNMP / HTTP management capability
  • Manual and automatic bypass
  • LCD Information Display
  • Cold start and hot swap battery
disadvantages
  • High price
  • Noisy work
  • Small screen size
#2

Powerman Online 1000 Plus

Affordable uninterruptible power supply with external battery connection

Expert rating:
92
/ 100

The Chinese manufacturer's uninterruptible power supply is popular among buyers due to a reasonable ratio of cost and power. It is usually used for equipment such as gas boilers, although this model can also serve a gaming computer or server.

The price of the Online 1000 Plus model is about 13 thousand rubles. However, it should be noted that the configuration does not have built-in batteries and the battery will have to be purchased separately.

Specifications:

  • power scheme - online;
  • switching time - 0 ms;
  • input voltage range - 115-295 V;
  • maximum power - 800 W;
  • battery life - depends on the capacity of external batteries;
  • the number of connectors at the output - 2 Euro sockets with backup power;
  • interface - LCD screen, indicator lights, power buttons;
  • noise background - 45 dB;
  • weight - 5.6 kg.

Since the total battery capacity can be made large (for example, 400 Ah), the battery life of the connected devices can also be significant (6 hours). This will leave the server unattended, excluding prolonged interruptions in cases of serious accidents on the power grid.

The lower voltage limit declared by the manufacturer, causing the UPS to switch to battery, is 115 V.

Advantages
  • Reasonable cost
  • High output power - 900 watts
  • Informative LCD
  • Possibility to install UPSILON software
  • There is a bypass mode
disadvantages
  • No battery included
  • Uninformative instruction
  • Fan noise
  • Only 2 power output sockets
#3

Ippon Innova G2 3000

High performance UPS with full range of equipment protection

Expert rating:
92
/ 100

A powerful and high-tech device is one of the best uninterruptible for gaming computers and computer stations. The presence of a large number of connectors allows it to be used to simultaneously power up to 8 computers.

Specifications:

  • power scheme - online;
  • switching time - instant;
  • input voltage range - 176-300 V;
  • maximum power - 2700 W;
  • battery life - 18 minutes at 800 W, 6.3 minutes at 1.9 kW, 3.8 minutes at 2.7 kW;
  • the number of connectors at the output - 8 computer sockets with backup power;
  • interface - LCD screen, push-button switches;
  • noise background - 49 dB;
  • weight - 22.7 kg.

Significant battery life with connected devices with a power of 0.8-1.5 kW allows you to finish the game session or the computational stage when the power is turned off. The double conversion technology allows you to completely eliminate malfunctions due to a drop in electricity.

It’s good to use the system to work with several computers.Its cost is approximately the same as that of 6-8 individual low-power UPSs. But at the same time, the G2 3000 model will have a significantly longer battery life and less occupied space.

The Ippon Innova G2 3000 model is more often chosen for powerful workstations, servers, network equipment and NAS systems.

Advantages
  • High output power - 2700 W
  • Informative LCD
  • 8 power connectors
  • Full range of protection
  • Cold start and automatic bypass
disadvantages
  • High price
  • Short cable
  • Small screen size
  • Bulky and heavy
#4

Delta Electronics N-1K

Uninterruptible power supply with the ability to connect additional batteries

Expert rating:
90
/ 100

A UPS with 700 W double conversion technology guarantees the protection of PC power, telecommunications and medical equipment, security systems, ATMs and vending machines.

The Delta Electronics N-1K model has a wide input voltage range, which allows the device to switch to battery operation less frequently. The UPS is equipped with three 7 Ah batteries. A feature of the UPS is the ability to connect additional batteries.

Specifications:

  • UPS type - with double conversion;
  • switching time - instant;
  • input voltage range - 80-280 V;
  • maximum output power - 700 W;
  • battery life - 5 minutes at maximum load, 14 minutes - at half;
  • number of connectors - 4 computer connectors with backup power;
  • interface - control buttons, LCD screen, sound signals;
  • noise - 40 dB;
  • dimensions - 14x24x37 cm;
  • weight - 14 kg.

The Delta Electronics N-1K has an RS232 port and a Smart-slot for enhanced management and monitoring capabilities.

There are few reviews about the model. Demand for UPSs is limited due to its high cost and relatively modest output power rating of 700 watts.

Advantages
  • Cold start and manual by-pass
  • Wide input voltage range
  • Battery deep discharge protection
  • Moderate noise
  • Additional battery connections
disadvantages
  • High price

Power Differences

Application uninterruptible power supplies solves several problems - provides the computer with uninterrupted power, increases the sinusoidality of current and voltage, cuts off excess harmonics, filters network noise.

The UPS application solves several problems - it provides the computer with uninterrupted power, increases the sinusoidal current and voltage, cuts off excess harmonics, filters network noise

This positively affects the durability of the capacitors of the system unit, which extends the time of its trouble-free operation.

Graph of electrical impulses
Passive filters of modern UPSs include varistors that filter surge surges and switching surges. Often such interference occurs when there are devices with large starting currents (+) in the circuit

For alternating current, three types of household UPSs are distinguished:

  • Reserve (off-line). The computer is powered directly from the mains. When the voltage goes beyond the permissible range, the battery switches over within 6-10 ms. Such uninterruptible units are equipped with the simplest passive filters from impulses and interference.
  • Interactive or line-interactive. It functions similarly to the backup type. There is a voltage regulator at the input.
  • Online or double-conversion. The incoming current is converted to direct current and feeds the batteries, and from them through the inverter there is a reverse transformation into alternating current, which goes to the output of the device. Therefore, the time for switching to battery operation for the type of UPS under consideration is zero.

UPS back-ups are the cheapest and most silent. Interactive devices have slightly shorter switching times and cost a bit more.Since switching power supplies of computers are not very demanding on the quality of electricity, the use of uninterruptible power units of the first two types is permissible for them.

Online appliances are much more expensive. They are used for high-performance stations and file servers with a heavy load. They are characterized by high heat dissipation and a significant noise level.

Uninterruptable power source
Powerful uninterruptible power units are very noisy, so they are often placed in cabinets or utility rooms - pantries and non-residential rooms

Efficiency of backup and interactive devices is very high (95-99%). For UPSs operating according to the double conversion scheme, this parameter is significantly lower (80-96%), but there are also expensive models with the possibility of using intelligent modes, in which the efficiency increases to 98-99%.

What are the parameters to be guided when choosing a UPS

One of the main characteristics by which you need to choose a UPS is the maximum allowable power of the connected devices. Uninterruptible can be used for PC (system unit and monitor), router, office equipment, consoles and other devices. The electricity they consume must be summarized.

UPS power is indicated in VA · (volt-amperes) or in watts. When selecting a device, it is important not to confuse these indicators.

It is best to have a power reserve of 30-40%. Firstly, the computer can be upgraded in the direction of increasing productivity or additional peripherals can be connected to it.

And secondly, the battery life of household batteries (this is the second most important indicator) at maximum load is small and is usually 1-3 minutes.

With a consumption level of 50-70% of the maximum, the batteries can support the power of devices for much longer: 6-20 minutes for household models.

UPS with external battery
Some UPSs allow the connection of external batteries. This significantly extends the battery life. A low-power computer can work for several hours

The input voltage range determines to what values ​​the uninterruptible battery will not power the computer. With a frequent voltage drop, do not take devices with a lower limit of this interval greater than 180 V. Otherwise, turning the batteries on and off frequently will quickly lose their capacity.

The number of output connectors does not guarantee the connection of the corresponding number of computer peripherals - the UPS is capable of carrying a certain power. It is always recommended to estimate the total voltamperes of devices.

Many UPSs have an LCD display and / or connection to a computer via a USB port. This allows you to program their actions in case of problems with power supply, as well as inform the computer operating system about it.

When placing uninterruptible power units in residential or office premises, their noise level is important. Devices operating on a backup power scheme do not emit a lot of heat and do not have coolers, so they are the quietest.

If the UPS is paired with a computer and the fan is working properly, it makes a sound comparable in power to the noise of the system unit. Sometimes, during overloads, the uninterruptible can produce high-frequency annoying sounds.

And the last parameter to consider is the weight of the device. Especially if his place is on the shelves of a computer table or there are plans to mount the device on the wall.

UPSs are often installed for other household appliances, read more about choosing such devices in the articles:

  1. Uninterruptible for the TV: the top ten models of UPS + valuable tips before buying
  2. UPS for gas heating boilers: purpose, model overview, maintenance tips

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The main reasons for buying a UPS:

Connecting a computer and monitor via UPS. Elementary instruction:

Now there is no problem finding an uninterruptible power supply that is suitable for any office and home office equipment or computer.In order for the entire system to function reliably, it is necessary to select the UPS according to the characteristics of the consumers connected to it.

Share with your readers your experience of choosing and using an uninterruptible computer. Please leave comments, ask questions about the topic of the article and participate in discussions - the feedback form is located below.

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Visitors Comments
  1. Anatoly

    A very useful thing is an uninterrupted one. Many times the computer saved from power surges. At home, the wiring is terrible, the power surges are constant. It used to be, I’m doing work and then bam ... And that's it ... A bunch of nerves and a lot of time down the drain. And my Mustek stopped working. Now I’m in search. I read, expanded my horizons. Now I will know what to buy.

  2. And my problem is worse. At home, too, is a capricious old wiring, so the uninterruptible generally seems to finish it off. When without it the computer is connected to the network, then everything is fine. And if with an uninterruptible power supply, then the wiring does not seem to withstand, the light starts to blink, or even knocks out machines automatically. I wonder how to fix it. If anyone had anything like this, share how you got out of the situation?

    • Hyper

      I strongly doubt that an uninterruptible power supply can so negatively affect the power grid. I have never encountered such a thing. In any case, such poor wiring must be changed as quickly as possible.

    • Masha

      Hello. Short for UPS for some reason. I suspect that the assembly of the device is left, somewhere the wires are connected or something like that. Try borrowing a working UPS from friends and see if the problem recurs.

    • Expert
      Vasily Borutsky
      Expert

      Good afternoon, Oleg.

      I must warn you right away that the uninterruptible power supply has built-in protection. That it is a fuse, an automatic machine - can be found in the passport. If, something shorts inside the UPS, the protection will turn it off. At the end of the commentary I attached a screenshot “Technical characteristics of APC Smart-UPS models” - highlighted in red a line about the availability of protection.

      Basically, Vasily’s offer to try a guaranteed serviceable neighbor UPS is logically correct, but requires “expansion”. Let me explain: the neighboring UPS can also start to "make a fool of". Then take the extension cord and try to turn on the UPS from other outlets (you can even power it from your machine on the floor shield).

      If the source of trouble is the outlet located near the computer, open it (be sure to disconnect the machines on the floor shield first) and visually assess the condition of the insulation of the wires, contact surfaces - the places of damaged insulation of the wires are usually melted, have a changed color. Similarly with contacts. Repairing, replacing the outlet is not difficult.

      Attached photos:

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