Head-to-head · Best UPS Battery Backups

APC Back-UPS 600VA vs Tripp Lite SMART1500LCDT

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Tripp Lite SMART1500LCDT comes out ahead by a narrow margin (3.9 vs 4.1). The gap is mostly about home office users wanting basic protection — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #4 in Best UPS Battery Backups

APC Back-UPS 600VA

3.9

$83.99as of Jul 7

The APC Back-UPS 600VA BE600M1 offers significant improvements over its predecessor with faster transfer times, enhanced surge protection, and extended battery life. Reviewers noted it provides 67 minutes runtime at 40 Watts compared to 43 minutes on the older model. The unit is more compact at 10.8 x 4.1 x 5.5 inches and includes a 1.5A USB port. However, it lacks Ethernet surge protection found on previous models. Users recommend it for home offices and small workstations where reliable power backup is needed.

Strengths

— 67 minutes runtime with 40 Watt load versus 43 minutes on previous model
— 6ms typical transfer time versus 8ms on previous model
— 490 Joules surge energy rating versus 340 Joules on previous model

Watch-outs

— No Ethernet line surge protection (RJ45 port) included
— Battery life expected to be 3-5 years with 3-year warranty

$83.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best UPS Battery Backups

Tripp Lite SMART1500LCDT

4.1

$239.03as of Jul 7

The Tripp Lite SMART1500LCDT is a line-interactive tower UPS designed for desktop computers and audio/visual equipment, offering 1500VA/900W power capacity with 10 outlets including 5 battery-protected ones. Users praise its reliable performance and AVR functionality, with many reporting it successfully protected their systems during power outages. However, some reviewers have noted issues with continuous fan noise after battery replacement and USB port compatibility problems with certain devices. This unit is ideal for users seeking basic power protection for home offices and entertainment systems but may not suit those requiring extended runtime or quieter operation.

Strengths

— Provides 1500VA/900W power-handling capacity suitable for entry-level PCs and home entertainment systems
— Includes 10 built-in outlets with 5 battery-protected and 5 surge-only options
— Features LCD screen with real-time UPS and power status including input voltage, output voltage, load percentage, and runtime

Watch-outs

— Fan runs continuously after battery replacement, causing noise issues
— Some users report difficulty with USB port recognition for certain devices
— Outlets are positioned too close together, requiring extension cords for some setups

$239.03 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

APC Back-UPS 600VA

The APC Back-UPS 600VA offers faster transfer times and a more compact design compared to the CyberPower PR1000LCDRT2U, which is discontinued. However, it lacks Ethernet surge protection, unlike the Tripp Lite OMNI 1500LCD which provides more comprehensive surge protection for home setups.

Tripp Lite SMART1500LCDT

The Tripp Lite SMART1500LCDT provides a built-in USB port for OS-level shutdown and an LCD screen showing real-time power status, features not available in the APC BR1500G. However, it has continuous fan noise issues and outlet spacing limitations that the Eaton 5P 1550 avoids with its rackmount design and better runtime options.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	APC Back-UPS 600VA	Tripp Lite SMART1500LCDT
VA Rating	600	1500
Wattage	330W	900
Topology	Standby	Line-Interactive
Waveform	True Sine Wave	Sine Wave
Outlets	7	10
Runtime	67 minutes (40W load)	8–10 minutes
Input Voltage	120 volts	120V
Battery Type	Lead-Acid battery	Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA)

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