APC vs. Cyberpower: Which Backup Battery Is Best?

No matter what you use computers for, voltage spikes, overcurrents, and outages could damage your hardware. This is where battery backup and uninterrupted power supply (UPS) systems step in. These units are essentially big batteries designed to kick in when the power goes out and regulate the current input when the power is on, preventing damage and data loss.

Finding the right battery backup can be challenging, though. Whether you listen to engineers or computer freaks, everyone seems to have a favorite brand. However, most folks agree that APC and CyberPower are two of the most noteworthy companies.

If you don’t know which to pick and don’t want to scour the forums, this in-depth comparison between APC and CyberPower might help you decide.

Let’s dive right in!

APC vs. CyberPower: Side-by-Side Comparison

Best for Business

APC UPS 1500VA Sine Wave UPS Battery Backup

$270.41

• Offers comprehensive solutions
• Also caters to big businesses and government institutions
• 1500VA / 900W battery backup power supply
• Two USB Charger Ports

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11/25/2023 08:15 pm GMT

APC vs. CyberPower: What’s the Difference?

Founded in 1981, the American Power Conversion Corporation (APC) is one of the most popular manufacturers of battery backup and uninterrupted power supply solutions in the USA. Like many tech companies in the country, APC’s story starts in a garage. However, years of research and innovation turned the small business into one of Schneider Electric’s flagship brands.

Today, APC offers a variety of systems and solutions for individuals, businesses, and institutions alike. Beyond battery backups, the brand also offers full-scale data center infrastructures, security and environmental monitoring, and power distribution services, among others.

Like APC, CyberPower is an American — albeit much younger — company. Its history started in 1997, and from its beginnings, CyberPower focused on consumer backup battery solutions. In 1998, it became the first Microsoft Windows 98 compatible UPS vendor in the world. Today, all its products are compatible with the Microsoft OS.

In 2006, CyberPower expanded its range of products with an interest in energy-saving technology. Shortly after, it launched the GreenPower UPS. Today, the company offers battery backup solutions and solar power systems for homes and businesses.

The two companies could seem similar at first glance, but they have their own strengths and downsides. Here’s everything you need to know about each of them.

Solutions

Both APC and CyberPower offer a variety of battery backup and UPS systems for individuals and businesses. However, there are some differences in their offers. APC has the upper hand with comprehensive solutions for home, business, and institutional use.

Home solutions vary from small backup battery units designed for home offices to smart or modular solutions. Most smart solutions can power and protect your gaming gear and sensitive devices and even back up your whole house.

Companies in need of big data and IT infrastructures can also find a variety of solutions from APC. Examples include edge computing solutions for the IoT, data centers, server rooms, network closets, and industrial power solutions. In addition, APC offers customized backup solutions for federal, state, and local government agencies, educational institutions, and other official bodies.

CyberPower’s solutions are similar to APC’s for the most part, but there is an essential difference. While APC focuses on governmental and educational solutions, CyberPower is a better option for those in need of an energy-efficient or green backup battery for on-grid and off-grid homes.

Performance

As far as home backup batteries go, both APC and CyberPower offer a variety of options. APC’s lineup includes desktop PC backup batteries with capacities ranging from around 400VA and 220W to 1,500VA and 900W. The higher-capacity UPS units are powerful enough to support high-performance computers, including gaming systems.

Most entry-level units are simple but dependable. In the Advanced and Performance range, you can find smart backup batteries that include USB charging ports, audible alarms when changing the utility power, as well as information about the UPS’ power conditions. Most units offer a runtime per charge of around four minutes at full load or 15 minutes at half load, and most smart backup batteries can shut down your PC automatically to prevent damage.

CyberPower’s backup batteries for home use are similar to APC in terms of capacity. They range from 350VA and 255W to 1,500VA and 900W. Performance-level units also offer features similar to APC, including LCD screens that display the charge level and load, USB ports, and alerts. However, the runtime is a bit shorter compared to APC (around three minutes at full load and 12 minutes at half load). Most CyberPower units also have fewer outlets compared to APC.

Beyond these differences, the true concern regards reliability. APC’s systems are generally more reliable than CyberPower. They experience fewer battery failures compared to CyberPower and are a better option for high-performance or gaming computers.

UPS Management

Entry-level UPS systems from both APC and CyberPower only provide a few minutes of runtime in the event of a blackout, allowing you to turn off the computer. Mid-range and high-end models, however, come with UPS management software.

These programs allow the backup battery to communicate with the computer and shut it off safely when the power is off without any intervention from your side. Both management programs work wonderfully for their intended purpose, but CyberPower wins this round with its fresh-looking and user-friendly application.

APC’s app feels more cluttered and could require some learning curve if you’re not exactly a tech geek. Overall, the interface also looks stuck in the Windows XP days, and it could really use a design upgrade.

Equipment Coverage

An important factor to consider when buying a backup battery unit is the equipment coverage. Both APC and CyberPower offer this type of coverage that protects you against equipment damage while the device is properly and directly connected to the UPS unit.

APC offers equipment coverage for most of its home and business units, but the company is often unclear about the exact coverage amount. We do know that the policy doesn’t cover the restoration of lost data or reinstallation of software, and there are multiple situations that could void this warranty. While information about the covered amount is scarce, it rarely exceeds $75,000.

CyberPower policy’s terms and conditions are similar to those of APC, but this company typically offers compensation of up to $350,000. That said, submitting a claim is not exactly straightforward, and there have been cases when the company refused to repay the damage.  

Best for Home Use

CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD3 Intelligent LCD UPS System

$189.95

• Features a multifunction, color LCD panel
• Automatic voltage regulation
• 3-Year warranty
• 15 Outlets

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11/25/2023 08:20 pm GMT

Warranty

In addition to equipment coverage, you should also consider the warranty. The tables turn in APC’s favor in this case. This brand offers three years of limited warranty for its home backup batteries and five years of coverage for most business products. CyberPower offers two years of warranty for most of its products, except for some premium models that come with a three-year warranty.

Support

While APC offers a longer warranty than CyberPower, the latter wins in terms of support. Some issues are challenging to solve, especially if you want to claim payment for damaged equipment, but the customer service is friendly and responsive — this is also one of the few companies that respond to negative comments and feedback.

APC might have higher quality products, but claiming payment or assistance in case of a faulty unit can be a nightmare. Customer service is not the most helpful, and in some cases, you might have to wait a long time for a response or not get a reply at all. According to Better Business Bureau, APC has a B- rating, whereas CyberPower is rated A+.

Price

Backup battery prices vary widely depending on their power rating and wattage output. Generally, though, CyberPower is more affordable than APC. The difference in price isn’t excessive, though, and considering APC’s reliability, a backup battery from this brand is undoubtedly a better choice.

APC vs. CyberPower: 5 Must-Know Facts

• APC and CyberPower are two American manufacturers of backup batteries and uninterrupted power supply units.
• Both brands address individuals, small businesses, industries, and institutions. Solutions vary from compact backup batteries to network closets and data centers.
• CyberPower also offers solar power solutions for on-grid and off-grid homes.
• Home battery backups from both brands vary in capacity from around 400VA to 1,500VA. These units can offer enough backup power for all types of PCs.
• APC’s backup batteries are slightly more expensive than CyberPower, but they offer a higher build quality and are more reliable.

APC vs. CyberPower: Which One Wins?

A backup battery unit should protect your computer (and other electronics) from power surges and outages. There is no use in having a battery that’s prone to failure, which is why APC is undoubtedly the better option.

That said, CyberPower is more affordable, and most high-end units are energy-efficient. This company also offers higher equipment coverage in case of damage, so it could be worth your while.