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APC Back-UPS BE850G2-UK vs APC Back-UPS Pro BR1600MI

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against UPS units at a similar price

The APC Back-UPS Pro BR1600MI scores 6.0/10 overall, ahead of the APC Back-UPS BE850G2-UK at 5.4/10.

The APC Back-UPS Pro BR1600MI leads on topology and waveform, capacity and runtime and battery.

They score the same on NAS and server integration and UK outlets and build.

APC Back-UPS BE850G2-UK

APC Back-UPS BE850G2-UK

5.4/10verdict: wait for deal

The APC Back-UPS BE850G2-UK suits a home office or small desk setup that needs battery backup for a PC, router and switch. It offers six battery-backed UK sockets and a published runtime table. Buyers who need confirmed NAS shutdown support or a pure sine output should check those points first.

Typically about £120 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

APC Back-UPS Pro BR1600MI

APC Back-UPS Pro BR1600MI

6.0/10verdict: wait for deal

The APC Back-UPS Pro BR1600MI is a 1600 VA / 960 W line-interactive UPS for people who want to protect a NAS, router and switch. It suits buyers who want a battery they can swap themselves and six backed-up outlets. It is a weaker fit if automatic shutdown over USB is essential, because compatibility is unconfirmed.

Typically about £370.76 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightAPC Back-UPS BE850G2-UKAPC Back-UPS Pro BR1600MI
Topology and waveform25%4/105/10
NAS and server integration25%4/104/10
Capacity20%7/108/10
Runtime and battery15%6/107/10
UK outlets and build15%7/107/10
Overall5.4/106.0/10

Specifications

SpecAPC Back-UPS BE850G2-UKAPC Back-UPS Pro BR1600MI
Capacity (VA / W)850 VA / 520 W1600 VA / 960 W
TopologyStandbyLine-interactive
Output waveformStepped approximation to a sinewavenot listed
Outlets8 total: 6 battery-backed with surge protection and 2 surge-only, all BS 1363A UK sockets8 IEC C13: 6 with battery backup and surge, 2 surge-only; input IEC C14
Runtime at half load72 min at 50 W, 34.1 min at 100 W, 14.3 min at 200 W, 7.7 min at 300 W, 4.5 min at 400 W, 2.6 min at 500 W; no figure published at half load (260 W)1 h 8 min at 100 W (manufacturer figure)
USB / network managementTwo USB charging ports (Type A 2.4 A and Type C); ships with PowerChute automatic shutdown software; RJ-45 port is dataline surge protection only; USB HID compatibility with NAS systems not verifiedUSB port present
BatteryOne sealed lead-acid battery, user-replaceable (RBC17 sold separately); expected life 2 to 5 years; typical recharge 16 hoursSealed lead-acid, 24 V nominal, replacement cartridge APCRBC166, user-replaceable without tools

Strengths and weaknesses

APC Back-UPS BE850G2-UK

  • + Six battery-backed BS 1363A sockets plus two surge-only
  • + Runtime table published from 50 W to 500 W
  • + User-replaceable battery, with RBC17 sold separately
  • − Standby topology with stepped sinewave output
  • − USB HID compatibility with NAS systems not verified
  • − Warranty length conflicts between manufacturer and retailers

Skip it if:

  • Homelabbers who need confirmed automatic shutdown with Synology, QNAP, TrueNAS or NUT.
  • Anyone powering heaters, laser printers or other high-wattage loads.
  • Buyers who want a pure sinewave output from their UPS.
Read the full APC Back-UPS BE850G2-UK review ›

APC Back-UPS Pro BR1600MI

  • + 960 W / 1600 VA rating with six battery-backed outlets
  • + Battery is user-replaceable without tools
  • + Six battery-backed IEC C13 outlets plus two surge-only
  • − No confirmed USB HID or NUT support for NAS shutdown
  • − Waveform is disputed between retailers and unstated by APC
  • − Half-load runtime is not published

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need confirmed automatic NAS shutdown over USB HID or NUT
  • Buyers with equipment that requires a confirmed pure sine waveform
  • Buyers who need a published runtime at half load
Read the full APC Back-UPS Pro BR1600MI review ›

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