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APC Back-UPS Pro BR1600MI vs Eaton 3S Gen2 UPS 3S550B

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 Eaton 3S Gen2 UPS 3S550B at 5.6/10.

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

The Eaton 3S Gen2 UPS 3S550B leads on NAS and server integration.

The biggest difference is NAS and server integration, where the Eaton 3S Gen2 UPS 3S550B scores 7/10 to the APC Back-UPS Pro BR1600MI's 4/10.

APC Back-UPS Pro BR1600MI

APC Back-UPS Pro BR1600MI

6.0/10verdict: good, not the best

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

Eaton 3S Gen2 UPS 3S550B

5.6/10verdict: good, not the best

The Eaton 3S Gen2 3S550B is a small standby UPS for a home desk or a compact homelab. It suits someone protecting a NAS, router and switch who wants USB-triggered shutdown and a user-replaceable battery. It doesn't suit anyone who needs a confirmed waveform, a published runtime or network management.

Typically about £83.99 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 Pro BR1600MIEaton 3S Gen2 UPS 3S550B
Topology and waveform25%5/104/10
NAS and server integration25%4/107/10
Capacity20%8/106/10
Runtime and battery15%7/105/10
UK outlets and build15%7/106/10
Overall6.0/105.6/10

Specifications

SpecAPC Back-UPS Pro BR1600MIEaton 3S Gen2 UPS 3S550B
Capacity (VA / W)1600 VA / 960 W550 VA / 330 W
TopologyLine-interactiveOffline/Standby
Outlets8 IEC C13: 6 with battery backup and surge, 2 surge-only; input IEC C146 UK outlets: 3 with battery backup and surge protection, 3 surge-only
Runtime at half load1 h 8 min at 100 W (manufacturer figure)not listed
USB / network managementUSB port presentUSB port (HID-compliant), Eaton UPS Companion software, auto shutdown function; no Ethernet or network card
BatterySealed lead-acid, 24 V nominal, replacement cartridge APCRBC166, user-replaceable without tools12 V / 5 Ah sealed VRLA, one battery, user replaceable

Strengths and weaknesses

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 ›

Eaton 3S Gen2 UPS 3S550B

  • + USB port is HID-compliant, with automatic shutdown support
  • + Battery is a single user-replaceable sealed unit
  • + Six UK outlets, three of them with battery backup
  • − Offline/standby topology; Gen2 waveform not confirmed by Eaton
  • − Half-load runtime isn't published by the manufacturer
  • − No Ethernet port or network card

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need a confirmed pure sine wave output
  • Anyone needing network-card monitoring for several servers
  • Users who need a published runtime figure before buying
Read the full Eaton 3S Gen2 UPS 3S550B review ›

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