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Eaton 3S Gen2 UPS 3S550B vs SKE UPS Battery Backup 1500VA/900W -SK1500

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

all judged against UPS units at a similar price

The Eaton 3S Gen2 UPS 3S550B scores 5.6/10 overall, ahead of the SKE UPS Battery Backup 1500VA/900W -SK1500 at 4.9/10.

The Eaton 3S Gen2 UPS 3S550B 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 NAS and server integration, where the Eaton 3S Gen2 UPS 3S550B scores 7/10 to the SKE UPS Battery Backup 1500VA/900W -SK1500's 3/10.

Eaton 3S Gen2 UPS 3S550B

5.6/10verdict: wait for deal

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

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

CriterionWeightEaton 3S Gen2 UPS 3S550BSKE UPS Battery Backup 1500VA/900W -SK1500
Topology and waveform25%4/104/10
NAS and server integration25%7/103/10
Capacity20%6/108/10
Runtime and battery15%5/107/10
UK outlets and build15%6/103/10
Overall5.6/104.9/10

Specifications

SpecEaton 3S Gen2 UPS 3S550BSKE UPS Battery Backup 1500VA/900W -SK1500
Capacity (VA / W)550 VA / 330 W1500VA / 900W rated
TopologyOffline/Standbynot listed
Output waveformnot listedSimulated sine wave in battery mode (third-party, GP1500 related model)
Outlets6 UK outlets: 3 with battery backup and surge protection, 3 surge-only8 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 loadnot listed40W = 3 hrs; 80W = 90 mins; 180W = 35 mins; 260W = 22 mins; 360W = 8 mins
USB / network managementUSB port (HID-compliant), Eaton UPS Companion software, auto shutdown function; no Ethernet or network cardLCD and alarm, plus UPS management software; no USB HID or network port named by manufacturer
Battery12 V / 5 Ah sealed VRLA, one battery, user replaceable2 × 12V 9Ah lead-acid (24V, 9AH×2)

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 ›

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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