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APC Back-UPS BE850G2-UK vs SKE UPS Battery Backup 1500VA/900W -SK1500

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

both judged against UPS units at a similar price

The APC Back-UPS BE850G2-UK scores 5.4/10 overall, ahead of the SKE UPS Battery Backup 1500VA/900W -SK1500 at 4.9/10.

The APC Back-UPS BE850G2-UK leads on NAS and server integration and UK outlets and build.

The SKE UPS Battery Backup 1500VA/900W -SK1500 leads on capacity and runtime and battery.

They score the same on topology and waveform.

The biggest difference is UK outlets and build, where the APC Back-UPS BE850G2-UK scores 7/10 to the SKE UPS Battery Backup 1500VA/900W -SK1500's 3/10.

APC Back-UPS BE850G2-UK

APC Back-UPS BE850G2-UK

5.4/10verdict: skip

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

SKE UPS Battery Backup 1500VA/900W -SK1500

SKE UPS Battery Backup 1500VA/900W -SK1500

4.9/10verdict: skip

The SKE SK1500 is a 1500VA / 900W rated battery backup for buyers who want a lot of rated capacity and an LCD showing voltage and load. It suits someone protecting a small NAS, router and switch who will check the voltage and outlet details before buying. It is a weaker fit for anyone who needs confirmed USB shutdown signalling or a clearly stated pure sine output.

Typically about £140.99 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-UKSKE UPS Battery Backup 1500VA/900W -SK1500
Topology and waveform25%4/104/10
NAS and server integration25%4/103/10
Capacity20%7/108/10
Runtime and battery15%6/107/10
UK outlets and build15%7/103/10
Overall5.4/104.9/10

Specifications

SpecAPC Back-UPS BE850G2-UKSKE UPS Battery Backup 1500VA/900W -SK1500
Capacity (VA / W)850 VA / 520 W1500VA / 900W rated
TopologyStandbynot listed
Output waveformStepped approximation to a sinewaveSimulated sine wave in battery mode (third-party, GP1500 related model)
Outlets8 total: 6 battery-backed with surge protection and 2 surge-only, all BS 1363A UK sockets8 outlets per manufacturer product page (6 battery-backed plus surge, 2 surge-only, 3.0 column); 2.0 variant shows 4 battery-backed plus 4 surge-only; sources conflict
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)40W = 3 hrs; 80W = 90 mins; 180W = 35 mins; 260W = 22 mins; 360W = 8 mins
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 verifiedLCD and alarm, plus UPS management software; no USB HID or network port named by manufacturer
BatteryOne sealed lead-acid battery, user-replaceable (RBC17 sold separately); expected life 2 to 5 years; typical recharge 16 hours2 × 12V 9Ah lead-acid (24V, 9AH×2)

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 ›

SKE UPS Battery Backup 1500VA/900W -SK1500

  • + 900W rating leaves wide headroom over a 100-150W load
  • + Listed 90 minutes at 80W and 35 minutes at 180W
  • + LCD shows input and output voltage and load
  • − No USB HID or network port named by manufacturer
  • − Topology not stated; simulated sine wave in battery mode
  • − Input voltage and outlet details conflict between sources

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need confirmed USB HID support for automatic NAS or server shutdown
  • Buyers who want a stated pure sine or online double-conversion output
  • Buyers who can't confirm the 230V input and UK socket type before purchase
Read the full SKE UPS Battery Backup 1500VA/900W -SK1500 review ›

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