While many individuals can manage a household power outage with minimal inconvenience, often by locating spare flashlight batteries and engaging in board games, it’s not uncommon for lights and television to resume operation swiftly. However, for those aiming to maintain continuous access to their home Wi-Fi network and essential electronic devices during such situations, considering the acquisition of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) could prove to be a prudent decision.
Following an exhaustive 34-hour endeavor of interviewing experts, evaluating over 100 models priced below $250, and subjecting the leading contenders to rigorous testing, our conclusion is clear: the CyberPower CP900AVR stands out as the premier choice for individuals seeking to safeguard a selection of small electronics (such as a modem, router, PC, external hard drive, or game server) during a blackout lasting up to four hours.
Everything we recommend
CyberPower CP900AVR
The best UPS for a home network
Featuring a configuration of five outlets dedicated to battery backup and a total of 10 outlets overall, this UPS ensures a dependable provision of power. It is adept at sustaining your Wi-Fi network operation for up to four hours during a blackout, or alternatively, it can effectively power your home-office setup, affording you ample time to secure your work and perform a graceful shutdown when necessary.
The CyberPower CP900AVR offers essential support for the majority of individuals during typical, short-lived power outages. Through our rigorous testing, it proved capable of sustaining power for crucial household devices like broadband modems and Wi-Fi routers for up to four hours. This ensures uninterrupted connectivity during blackout scenarios, facilitating access to emergency services, real-time news updates, or leisurely browsing on preferred websites. Notably, its setup requires nothing more than a simple plug-in, and it boasts automatic voltage regulation—an essential feature often lacking in cheaper alternatives. Half of its outlets, totaling five out of ten, are supported by a battery backup system. Additionally, its compact dimensions, roughly equivalent to that of a standard three-ring binder, coupled with a 6-foot cord, facilitate convenient storage under a desk or nightstand.
Important specifications include:
- Duration of operation with a 20 W load (modem and router): 4 hours
- Duration of operation with a 300 W load (modem, router, PC, and hard drive): 17 minutes
- Peak power output recorded at: 738 watts
- Surge protection measured at: 540.4 let-through volts
- Number of outlets supported by battery backup: five
- Warranty coverage: three years
APC BR1500MS2
Powers larger setups for longer
Among the UPS models we examined, this one boasts the highest peak power output and run time, enabling it to power a greater array of devices for an extended period compared to its counterparts. Additionally, its superior power quality ensures compatibility with even the most delicate electronic devices.
The APC BR1500MS2 emerges as the priciest UPS we recommend for most households or small offices, yet its added features justify its cost with considerable value. For those requiring power for numerous or larger devices at their computer workstation during an outage, this UPS delivers up to 847 W—our testing struggled to overload it with typical home-office equipment. Similar to our top choice, it sustains operation for an average modem and router for up to four hours, affording ample time to safeguard work and await the restoration of power. Resembling a small PC tower in size and shape, it offers a total of 10 outlets, six of which are backed by the battery. Additionally, it incorporates two USB ports (one USB-A and one USB-C) for convenient device charging sans an extra power adapter. With its pure sine-wave inverter, it ensures power consistency akin to a standard wall outlet, thus safeguarding even sensitive equipment like a CPAP machine. Notably, its backlit screen furnishes helpful information such as remaining battery life and the cumulative wattage of connected devices.
Important specifications include:
- Duration of operation with a 20 W load (modem and router): 4 hours
- Duration of operation with a 300 W load (modem, router, PC, and hard drive): 21 minutes
- Peak power output recorded at: 847 watts
- Surge protection measured at: 593.2 let-through volts
- Number of outlets supported by battery backup: six
- Warranty coverage: three years
Amazon Basics Standby UPS 800VA
A bare-bones UPS
While this UPS may not boast premium features, it compensates with ample outlets and power capacity. With its robust performance, it can sustain a home Wi-Fi network for up to an hour and a half during power outages, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity when needed most.
For those adhering to a stringent budget, the Amazon Basics Standby UPS 800VA presents an economical option without compromising on essential features. Despite its affordability, it rivals pricier models in terms of battery capacity and run time, capable of sustaining a typical router and modem for up to one and a half hours. While its maximum output may be comparatively lower (measured up to 470 W in our evaluation), it adequately powers the six battery-backed outlets necessary for supporting fundamental home Wi-Fi equipment. Distinctively, this budget-friendly model utilizes standby power management rather than automatic voltage regulation (AVR) found in higher-end options. While suitable for most scenarios, it’s not recommended for sensitive audiovisual equipment or medical devices due to increased battery strain. Additionally, it’s worth noting that Amazon offers a one-year warranty on its UPS models, contrasting with the three-year warranties provided by established brand-name companies.
Important specifications include:
- Duration of operation with a 20 W load (modem and router): 1.5 hours
- Duration of operation with a 300 W load (modem, router, PC, and hard drive): 6 minutes
- Peak power output recorded at: 470 watts
- Surge protection measured at: 402.8 let-through volts
- Number of outlets supported by battery backup: six
- Warranty coverage: one year
