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Eaton 3S Gen2 UPS 3S550B vs PowerWalker Basic VI 2200 STL

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

both judged against UPS units at a similar price

The PowerWalker Basic VI 2200 STL scores 5.9/10 overall, ahead of the Eaton 3S Gen2 UPS 3S550B at 5.6/10.

The Eaton 3S Gen2 UPS 3S550B leads on runtime and battery and UK outlets and build.

The PowerWalker Basic VI 2200 STL leads on topology and waveform and capacity.

They score the same on NAS and server integration.

Eaton 3S Gen2 UPS 3S550B

5.6/10verdict: skip

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

PowerWalker Basic VI 2200 STL

PowerWalker Basic VI 2200 STL

5.9/10verdict: skip

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

CriterionWeightEaton 3S Gen2 UPS 3S550BPowerWalker Basic VI 2200 STL
Topology and waveform25%4/105/10
NAS and server integration25%7/107/10
Capacity20%6/108/10
Runtime and battery15%5/104/10
UK outlets and build15%6/105/10
Overall5.6/105.9/10

Specifications

SpecEaton 3S Gen2 UPS 3S550BPowerWalker Basic VI 2200 STL
Capacity (VA / W)550 VA / 330 W2200VA / 1320W
TopologyOffline/StandbyLine-interactive
Output waveformnot listedSimulated sine wave
Outlets6 UK outlets: 3 with battery backup and surge protection, 3 surge-onlyType F, Type E or Type G (4)
Runtime at half loadnot listed3.9 minutes at half load
USB / network managementUSB port (HID-compliant), Eaton UPS Companion software, auto shutdown function; no Ethernet or network cardUSB with HID support
Battery12 V / 5 Ah sealed VRLA, one battery, user replaceable2 x 12V / 9Ah

Strengths and weaknesses

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 ›

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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