Protect Your Devices with the Top 5 UPS and Surge Protectors in 2023

Published: 17 March 2023

Last Updated: 19 April 2023

Photo by Thomas Kelley

In today's digital age, electronic devices have become an integral part of our lives. We use them for work, communication, entertainment, and much more. However, one of the biggest risks to our devices is power surges and outages, which can cause irreversible damage and data loss.

To prevent this, it's important to invest in a reliable uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and surge protector. A UPS ensures that your devices continue to receive power during a blackout, giving you enough time to save your work and safely shut down your device. A surge protector, on the other hand, safeguards your devices from power surges and spikes that can cause irreparable damage.

In this article, we'll be discussing the top 5 UPS and surge protectors of 2023 to help you find the best product to protect your devices. We'll provide a detailed review of each product, highlighting their features and benefits, as well as their pros and cons. We'll also compare the five products to help you make an informed decision.

In addition to reviewing the top 5 UPS and surge protectors, we'll also provide tips on how to choose the best product for your needs and how to install and use them effectively. By the end of this article, you'll have all the information you need to safeguard your devices from power surges and outages.

Top 5 UPS and Surge Protectors of 2023

Investing in a reliable UPS and surge protector is crucial to protecting your electronic devices from power surges, spikes, and outages. Here are the top 5 UPS and surge protectors of 2023, along with their features, benefits, and drawbacks.

APC UPS Battery Backup & Surge Protector with USB Charger, 600VA APC Back-UPS (BE600M1)

APC BE600M1 Back-UPS 600VA UPS Battery Backup & Surge Protector is a budget-friendly UPS that provides reliable battery backup and surge protection for your devices. With its 7 outlets, 5 of which are battery backup outlets, this UPS can protect all of your important devices from power surges, outages, and spikes. This UPS is also compact and lightweight, making it a great choice for home or office use. One of the drawbacks of this UPS is that it has a relatively short battery life, which may not be sufficient for some.

Features

  • 600VA / 330W UPS Battery Back up. Transfer Time-6ms typical : 10ms maximum
  • 7 Total Outlets: 5 Battery Backup & Surge Protector; 2 Surge Protector Only
  • One USB Charger Port (1.5A)
  • 3-5 year battery life. UPS replacement battery sold separately (part # APCRBC154)
  • 5' Power Cord, right-angle 3-prong wall plug, wall-mountable, plus FREE power-management software
  • Audible alarms: Provides notification of changing utility power and UPS power conditions

APC Back-UPS Pro 1500VA UPS Battery Backup & Surge Protector (BR1500G)

APC Back-UPS Pro 1500VA UPS Battery Backup & Surge Protector (BR1500G) is a high-performance UPS that provides reliable battery backup and surge protection for all of your devices. With its 10 outlets, 5 of which are battery backup outlets, this UPS can protect all of your important devices from power surges, outages, and spikes. The BR1500G also has a sleek design and user-friendly interface, making it a great choice for home or office use. One of the drawbacks of this UPS is that it's quite heavy, weighing around 26 pounds, which may not be ideal for some users.

Features

  1. Output Power Capacity: 600 Watts/1000 VA
  2. Nominal Output Voltage: 120V
  3. Output Frequency (sync to mains): 50/60 Hz and/- 3 Hz user adjustable and/- 0.1
  4. Output Connections: (4) NEMA 5-15R (Battery Backup), (4) NEMA 5-15R (Surge Protection)
  5. Battery Type: Maintenance-free sealed Lead-Acid battery with suspended electrolyte : leakproof
  6. Surge energy rating: 354Joules

CyberPower EC850LCD Ecologic Battery Backup & Surge Protector UPS System 850VA/510W

CyberPower EC850LCD Ecologic Battery Backup & Surge Protector UPS System is an energy-efficient UPS that provides reliable battery backup and surge protection for all of your devices. With its 12 outlets, 6 of which are battery backup outlets, this UPS can protect all of your important devices from power surges, outages, and spikes. The EC850LCD also features an LCD display that provides real-time information about the status of the UPS and the connected devices. One of the unique features of this UPS is its eco-mode, which allows the UPS to automatically turn off non-essential peripherals when the computer is not in use, saving energy and reducing electricity costs. However, the eco-mode may not be suitable for all users as it may affect the performance of some devices.

Features

  1. 850VA/510W Ecologic Battery Backup Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) System uses simulated sine wave output to safeguard workstations, networking devices, and home entertainment equipment
  2. 12 NEMA 5-15R OUTLETS: Six battery backup & surge protected outlets; Six surge protected outlets (Three ECO controlled); INPUT: NEMA 5-15P right angle, 45 degree offset plug with five foot power cord
  3. MULTIFUNCTION LCD PANEL: Displays immediate, detailed information on battery and power conditions
  4. ECO MODE: When the UPS detects a computer is off or in sleep mode, it will automatically turn off power to computer peripherals connected to ECO mode outlets, reducing power usage and lowering energy costs
  5. 3-YEAR WARRANTY – INCLUDING THE BATTERY; $100,000 Connected Equipment Guarantee and FREE PowerPanel Personal Edition Management Software (Download)

Amazon Basics Standby UPS 800VA 450W Surge Protector Battery Power Backup

Amazon Basics Standby UPS 800VA 450W Surge Protector Battery Power Backup is a budget-friendly UPS that provides reliable battery backup and surge protection for your devices. With its 12 outlets, 6 of which are battery backup outlets, this UPS can protect all of your important devices from power surges, outages, and spikes. The compact design of the UPS makes it a great choice for smaller workspaces or home use. One of the unique features of this UPS is its audible alarm, which alerts users when the UPS is running on battery power. However, the battery life of this UPS may not be as long as some of the more expensive models, so it may not be suitable for users who require longer battery backup.

Features

  1. Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) with 800VA / 450W battery backup; ideal for desktop computers, home networks, IoT devices, and home entertainment devices
  2. Power management software is available for download in the "Product Description" section of this page
  3. 12 outlets total (NEMA 5-15R), consisting of 6 surge-protected outlets and 6 surge-protected/battery-backup outlets
  4. 5-foot cord with NEMA 5-15P right angle and 45-degree offset plug (120V - 50Hz / 60Hz)
  5. Small compact size for easily integrating into home or office environment

APC 1500VA UPS Battery Backup & Surge Protector, APC UPS Back-UPS Pro (BX1500M)

APC 1500VA UPS Battery Backup & Surge Protector, APC UPS Back-UPS Pro (BX1500M) is a high-performance UPS that provides reliable battery backup and surge protection for all of your devices. With its 10 outlets, 5 of which are battery backup outlets, this UPS can protect your important devices from power surges, outages, and spikes. The BX1500M also features an LCD display that provides real-time information about the status of the UPS and the connected devices. One of the unique features of this UPS is its automatic voltage regulation (AVR), which adjusts high and low voltage conditions without using battery power, prolonging the life of the battery. The BX1500M also includes a USB charging port for mobile devices. However, the price point of this UPS may be higher than some of the other models on the market, making it less accessible for budget-conscious users.

Features

  1. 1500VA / 900W UPS Battery backup power supply
  2. 10 Total Outlets (NEMA 5-15R): 5 Outlets have battery backup plus surge protection
  3. Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) adjusts for minor power fluctuations and maintains safe voltage conditions without using battery backup power
  4. 6 Power cord (NEMA 5-15P) with right angle 3 prong wall plug and free power-management software
  5. 1 Gigabyte network dataline surge protection prevents dangerous surges traveling along datalines from damaging your equipment

How to Choose the Best UPS and Surge Protector

When choosing the best UPS and surge protector for your needs, there are a few key factors to consider. First, you'll want to consider the size and number of devices you need to protect. This will determine the number of outlets and the amount of backup power you'll need. Next, you'll want to consider the type of protection the UPS offers, including voltage regulation and surge protection. Additionally, you should consider the battery life and recharge time of the UPS, as well as any additional features such as LCD displays or USB charging ports. Finally, it's important to consider your budget, as higher-end models may offer more features and longer battery life but may be more expensive. By considering these factors, you can choose the UPS and surge protector that best fits your needs and budget.

Read more about the importance of UPS and surge protectors and how to choose the best one for you here:
The Importance of Surge Protectors or UPS for Your Home or Office

How to Install and Use a UPS and Surge Protector

A UPS and surge protector is an important investment to protect your devices from power outages and surges. Here are some steps to install and use your UPS and surge protector:

  1. Choose a location
    Place your UPS and surge protector in a location that is easily accessible and free from obstructions. Make sure the location has adequate ventilation to prevent overheating.
  2. Plug in devices
    Plug your devices into the appropriate outlets on the UPS and surge protector. Make sure to only plug devices that are compatible with the UPS and surge protector.
  3. Charge the battery
    Most UPS and surge protectors require an initial charge before use. Plug the UPS and surge protector into a power outlet and let it charge for the recommended time.
  4. Test the UPS and surge protector
    Once the UPS and surge protector is fully charged, test it by unplugging it from the power outlet. If your devices continue to receive power, then the UPS and surge protector is working properly.
  5. Monitor the UPS and surge protector
    Keep an eye on the UPS and surge protector to ensure it's working properly. Check the battery level and replace the battery as needed.
  6. Follow manufacturer instructions
    Always follow the manufacturer instructions when installing and using your UPS and surge protector. This will ensure that you're using it properly and maximizing its effectiveness.

By following these steps, you can properly install and use your UPS and surge protector to protect your devices from power outages and surges.

Conclusion

A UPS and surge protector is an essential tool for protecting your electronic devices from power surges, outages, and spikes. Choosing the right UPS and surge protector can be a daunting task, but by considering factors such as the size of your devices, the type of protection offered, battery life and recharge time, and additional features, you can choose the best UPS and surge protector for your needs and budget. Installing and using your UPS and surge protector is also important, and by following the manufacturer instructions, you can ensure that you're using it properly and effectively. Overall, investing in a UPS and surge protector is a smart choice to protect your valuable devices and ensure their longevity.

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