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APC Back-UPS BE850G2-UK vs PowerWalker Basic VI 2200 STL

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

all judged against UPS units at a similar price

The PowerWalker Basic VI 2200 STL scores 5.9/10 overall, ahead of the APC Back-UPS BE850G2-UK at 5.4/10.

The APC Back-UPS BE850G2-UK leads on runtime and battery and UK outlets and build.

The PowerWalker Basic VI 2200 STL leads on topology and waveform, NAS and server integration and capacity.

The biggest difference is NAS and server integration, where the PowerWalker Basic VI 2200 STL scores 7/10 to the APC Back-UPS BE850G2-UK's 4/10.

APC Back-UPS BE850G2-UK

APC Back-UPS BE850G2-UK

5.4/10verdict: good, not the best

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

PowerWalker Basic VI 2200 STL

PowerWalker Basic VI 2200 STL

5.9/10verdict: good, not the best

The PowerWalker Basic VI 2200 STL is a line-interactive UPS for people who want a high power rating for a small stack of network and storage gear. It suits a NAS, router and switch setup that needs USB-signalled shutdown more than long battery time. Buyers should check the exact model before ordering, because the research could not confirm the listing matches this model.

Typically about £188.85 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-UKPowerWalker Basic VI 2200 STL
Topology and waveform25%4/105/10
NAS and server integration25%4/107/10
Capacity20%7/108/10
Runtime and battery15%6/104/10
UK outlets and build15%7/105/10
Overall5.4/105.9/10

Specifications

SpecAPC Back-UPS BE850G2-UKPowerWalker Basic VI 2200 STL
Capacity (VA / W)850 VA / 520 W2200VA / 1320W
TopologyStandbyLine-interactive
Output waveformStepped approximation to a sinewaveSimulated sine wave
Outlets8 total: 6 battery-backed with surge protection and 2 surge-only, all BS 1363A UK socketsType F, Type E or Type G (4)
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)3.9 minutes at half load
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 with HID support
BatteryOne sealed lead-acid battery, user-replaceable (RBC17 sold separately); expected life 2 to 5 years; typical recharge 16 hours2 x 12V / 9Ah

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 ›

PowerWalker Basic VI 2200 STL

  • + 1320W rating (2200VA at 0.60 power factor)
  • + USB with HID support listed
  • + Line-interactive topology
  • − Simulated sine wave output
  • − Only 3.9 minutes at half load
  • − Model identity unconfirmed on retailer listing

Skip it if:

  • Buyers whose equipment requires pure sine wave output
  • Anyone needing long battery runtime at half load
  • Buyers who need confirmed NAS compatibility or warranty detail before ordering
Read the full PowerWalker Basic VI 2200 STL review ›

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