Cyber Power CP1500 vs. APC 1500VA Pro: Which UPS is right for you?

If you still plug all your devices into a single white power cord that you stole from your roommate, you could put your power-sensitive electronics at risk. As an adult, start protecting expensive electronic devices by investing in an uninterruptible power supply or UPS. These relatively modest black stones greatly increase the capacity of your wall sockets, giving you extra sockets and surge protection, but also supply your devices with power in the event of a power failure thanks to the built-in battery.

There are tons of options, from consumer to commercial, but today we’re going to compare our top APC and Cyber power models to find out which model is best for you. While these accessories are probably the least attractive part of a home office or living room, they’re handy everyday insurance for some of your most sensitive electronic devices.

APC Back- UPS Pro 1500VA

Drawing

While aesthetics are hardly the strength of either UPS, both models have interesting design choices that make them easier to use. Both models are equipped with front LED panels that display the current UPS load, battery charge and preset input voltage.

The main difference here, however, is that Cyber Power’s LED display can be tilted upwards, allowing you to view the display without having to go down to the floor. APC took a slightly different approach, launching the UPS from the top corner to make way for an always-up LED display.

Both models also have a USB-A and USB-C port on the front, giving you an extra charging port or charging a mobile device in an emergency.

Probably the most noticeable difference between the two models is the number of outlets they offer. Cyber Power offers 6 surge protected plugs and 6 spare battery sockets, while APC only has 5 spare sockets and 5 spare battery sockets.

These are the best uninterrupted power supplies (UPS)

characteristics

Both Cyber Power and APC are equipped with Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) and an audible alarm if the voltage changes drastically or if the battery needs to work. While the alarm is turned on by default, both have a mute button on the front panel to turn it off. Both also have robust feature sets, including scheduling, fault detection, and Ethernet surge protection functions. And if one of the two UPSs is used as a node between desktop workstations, both can also be connected directly from the desktop and controlled via USB or serial.

There are some minor differences between these models in terms of power distribution. Because the Cyber Power 2 has extra connections, it can only run for 2.5 minutes on a full battery at full load, compared to the APC, which can run for up to 4 minutes due to its slightly lower payload.

Both models have a lot of slack in the AC cables, and while it probably makes little difference, the APC has a slightly longer cable, 6 feet compared to the Cyber Power’s 5 feet.

Cyber Power is equipped with an additional pair of Ethernet ports for installing a remote management card that allows you to monitor and control the UPS remotely. But the APC has a coaxial feed-through connection that extends the surge protection to the cable modem. So, depending on your priorities or the type of device you want to protect, one of these options is slightly better than the other.

Last judgement

The winner of this matchup is largely determined by the number and types of devices connected to the UPS. If you’re connecting multiple workstations in the office, we recommend the Cyber Power 1500VA UPS, not only for its large power outlet, but also for its extended warranty for connected devices and remote control options. However, if you use a UPS in your home, the APC 1500VA Pro gives you more than comprehensive insurance against any kind of power outage.