Buying Guide
The Best UPS for a Gaming PC
From the CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD to the APC Back-UPS Pro Gaming: five UPS units ranked on VA rating and wattage, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A gaming PC needs a UPS rated in watts well above its load, with sine wave output that suits active PFC power supplies. Every pick here states both its watt rating and a sine wave output.
We sorted these picks by capacity (VA), capacity (watts) and output waveform, working from the makers' own data; nothing here was tested in-house, and if a maker skips warranty, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Highest Wattage
CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD (1500VA/1000W)
The highest wattage here (1000W).
Best for: A desk with a PC, monitor and networking gear on battery.
Our take Check price for CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD (1500VA/1000W) (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD3 (1500VA/900W)
Twelve outlets in total.
Best for: Buyers who want twelve outlets in total.
Our take Check price for CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD3 (1500VA/900W) (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
APC BR1500MS2 (1500VA/900W)
Ethernet and coax surge protection.
Best for: Buyers who want Ethernet and coax surge protection.
Our take Check price for APC BR1500MS2 (1500VA/900W) (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
APC Back-UPS Pro Gaming BGM1500B (1500VA/900W)
12 customisable RGB LED colours at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD costs less.
Our take Check price for APC Back-UPS Pro Gaming BGM1500B (1500VA/900W) (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD (1000VA/600W)
Undercutting the CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD3 on price when we checked.
Best for: Keeping the cost under $250.
Our take Check price for CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD (1000VA/600W) (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Highest Wattage1 of 5
CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD (1500VA/1000W) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD is built around a colour LCD with battery and power conditions, with automatic voltage regulation on top.
Best for
- A desk with a PC, monitor and networking gear on battery.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it is rated for 1500VA and is rated for 1000W. On VA rating it ties with the CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD3, the APC BR1500MS2 and the APC Back-UPS Pro Gaming at 1500VA. Its 1000W wattage is the highest here; the CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD3 comes next at 900W.
It shares a PFC sine wave output waveform with the CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD; the CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD3 goes with a simulated sine wave output waveform. It also comes with a $500,000 connected equipment guarantee. Add up the real draw of your PC at load plus the monitor and router, and keep it below the unit's watt rating, not its VA rating; the watt figure is the one that limits a PC. Its price falls between the CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD3 and the APC BR1500MS2, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Capacity (VA): 1500VA
- Capacity (watts): 1000W
- Output waveform: PFC sine wave
- Battery-backed outlets: 6 outlets
- Surge-only outlets: 6 outlets
- Warranty: 3 years, including the battery
Pros
- 1000W of rated output
- PFC sine wave output, suited to active PFC power supplies
- Colour LCD with battery and power conditions
- Automatic voltage regulation
Cons
- Costs more than the CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD3 (1500VA/900W) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD3 brings to the table is twelve outlets in total, plus a colour LCD panel.
Best for
- Buyers who want twelve outlets in total.
Skip if
- Pass on it if simulated sine wave output, which some active PFC power supplies handle poorly rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It also is rated for 1500VA and is rated for 900W. It matches the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD, the APC BR1500MS2 and the APC Back-UPS Pro Gaming on VA rating (1500VA). It is the only pick here with a simulated sine wave output waveform; the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD has a PFC sine wave output waveform instead.
You also get free PowerPanel software. Add up the real draw of your PC at load plus the monitor and router, and keep it below the unit's watt rating, not its VA rating; the watt figure is the one that limits a PC. Check your power supply's manual before pairing it with a simulated sine wave unit; some active PFC supplies shut off or reset on battery. When we checked, only the CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD cost less, and the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Capacity (VA): 1500VA
- Capacity (watts): 900W
- Output waveform: Simulated sine wave
- Battery-backed outlets: 6 outlets
- Surge-only outlets: 6 outlets
- Warranty: 3 years, including the battery
Pros
- 900W of rated output
- Twelve outlets in total
- Colour LCD panel
- Free PowerPanel software
Cons
- Simulated sine wave output, which some active PFC power supplies handle poorly
- Costs more than the CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
APC BR1500MS2 (1500VA/900W) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The APC BR1500MS2 is built around Ethernet and coax surge protection, with front USB-C and USB-A charging ports on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want Ethernet and coax surge protection.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it is rated for 1500VA and is rated for 900W. On VA rating it ties with the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD, the CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD3 and the APC Back-UPS Pro Gaming at 1500VA. You get a pure sine wave output waveform here, which sets it apart from the CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD and its a PFC sine wave output waveform.
It also offers a user-replaceable battery. Add up the real draw of your PC at load plus the monitor and router, and keep it below the unit's watt rating, not its VA rating; the watt figure is the one that limits a PC. Its price falls between the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD and the APC Back-UPS Pro Gaming, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Capacity (VA): 1500VA
- Capacity (watts): 900W
- Output waveform: Pure sine wave
- Battery-backed outlets: 6 outlets
- Surge-only outlets: 4 outlets
- Stated runtime: up to 73 minutes at 100W
Pros
- 900W of rated output
- Pure sine wave output, suited to active PFC power supplies
- Ethernet and coax surge protection
- Front USB-C and USB-A charging ports
Cons
- Costs more than the CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD at the time of writing
Premium Pick4 of 5
APC Back-UPS Pro Gaming BGM1500B (1500VA/900W) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The APC Back-UPS Pro Gaming is built around 12 customisable RGB LED colours, with a tilted status display showing runtime and load on top.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD costs less.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it is rated for 1500VA and is rated for 900W. On VA rating it ties with the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD, the CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD3 and the APC BR1500MS2 at 1500VA. A sine wave output waveform is unique to it among these picks, while the CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD3 uses a simulated sine wave output waveform.
It also offers a design aimed at gaming desks. Add up the real draw of your PC at load plus the monitor and router, and keep it below the unit's watt rating, not its VA rating; the watt figure is the one that limits a PC. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the APC BR1500MS2 and the rest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Capacity (VA): 1500VA
- Capacity (watts): 900W
- Output waveform: Sine wave
- Battery-backed outlets: 6 outlets
- Surge-only outlets: 4 outlets
Pros
- 900W of rated output
- 12 customisable RGB LED colours
- Tilted status display showing runtime and load
- Design aimed at gaming desks
Cons
- Costs more than the CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD (1000VA/600W) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD brings to the table is a colour LCD panel, plus a $350,000 connected equipment guarantee.
Best for
- Keeping the cost under $250.
Skip if
- Skip it if VA rating matters most to you; the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD offers 1500VA.
Why we like it
It also is rated for 1000VA and is rated for 600W. Its 1000VA VA rating is the lowest in this group; the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD leads at 1500VA. Its 5 outlets battery outlets is the fewest in this group; the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD leads at 6 outlets.
Like the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD, it has a PFC sine wave output waveform, while the CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD3 uses a simulated sine wave output waveform. It also comes with support for active PFC and conventional power supplies. Add up the real draw of your PC at load plus the monitor and router, and keep it below the unit's watt rating, not its VA rating; the watt figure is the one that limits a PC.
No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD3 was closest. VA rating is its weakest area, and the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD covers it better at 1500VA.
Key dimensions & specs
- Capacity (VA): 1000VA
- Capacity (watts): 600W
- Output waveform: PFC sine wave
- Battery-backed outlets: 5 outlets
- Surge-only outlets: 5 outlets
- Warranty: 3 years, including the battery
Pros
- 600W of rated output
- PFC sine wave output, suited to active PFC power supplies
- Colour LCD panel
- $350,000 connected equipment guarantee
Cons
- VA rating trails the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD (1500VA)
- Wattage trails the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD (1000W)
- Battery outlets trails the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD (6 outlets)
How We Chose These UPS for a Gaming PC
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We set side by side five UPS units on VA rating, wattage, output waveform and battery outlets as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 5 of the 6 fields compared are stated for every pick, while warranty has gaps.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD to the CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD, state VA rating, wattage and output waveform.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The APC BR1500MS2 and the APC Back-UPS Pro Gaming give no warranty.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD ($150 to $250) to the APC Back-UPS Pro Gaming ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a UP for a Gaming PC
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
VA rating
Here VA rating runs from 1000VA on the CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD to 1500VA on the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD, a 50% spread. For less, the CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD3 is the runner-up at 1500VA.
How much wattage you need
The CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD tops wattage at 1000W and the CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD sits lowest at 600W. The CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD3 comes second at 900W, in the same price tier as the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD.
How much battery outlets you need
Across these 5 picks battery outlets spans 5 outlets (the CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD) to 6 outlets (the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD). For less, the CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD3 is the runner-up at 6 outlets.
Surge-only outlets
The CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD and the CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD3 list 6 outlets; the APC BR1500MS2 and the APC Back-UPS Pro Gaming list 4 outlets; the CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD lists 5 outlets. Settling surge-only outlets first narrows 5 picks to 2 or 2 or 1.
Features beyond the spec table
The APC BR1500MS2: front USB-C and USB-A charging ports. The APC Back-UPS Pro Gaming: a tilted status display showing runtime and load. The CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD: a $350,000 connected equipment guarantee.
How to Choose a UP for a Gaming PC
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A desk with a PC, monitor and networking gear on battery | CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD | The highest wattage here (1000W) |
| Buyers who want twelve outlets in total | CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD3 | Twelve outlets in total |
| Buyers who want Ethernet and coax surge protection | APC BR1500MS2 | Ethernet and coax surge protection |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD costs less | APC Back-UPS Pro Gaming | 12 customisable RGB LED colours at the highest price in the group |
| Keeping the cost under $250 | CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD | Undercutting the CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD3 on price when we checked |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD leads on VA rating at 1500VA, ahead of the CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD3 at 1500VA.
| UPS Unit | Capacity (VA) | Capacity (watts) | Output waveform | Battery-backed outlets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD | 1500VA | 1000W | PFC sine wave | 6 outlets |
| CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD3 | 1500VA | 900W | Simulated sine wave | 6 outlets |
| APC BR1500MS2 | 1500VA | 900W | Pure sine wave | 6 outlets |
| APC Back-UPS Pro Gaming | 1500VA | 900W | Sine wave | 6 outlets |
| CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD | 1000VA | 600W | PFC sine wave | 5 outlets |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD, sat in the $150 to $250 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the APC Back-UPS Pro Gaming at $250 to $500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | UPS Units |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD, CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD3, CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD |
| About $250 to $500 | APC BR1500MS2, APC Back-UPS Pro Gaming |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD3 compare with the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD on wattage?
The CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD leads at 1000W, with the CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD3 at 900W. The spread runs down to the CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD at 600W.
Is the APC Back-UPS Pro Gaming worth paying more than the CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD?
The spec sheets show VA rating (1500VA against 1000VA), wattage (900W against 600W) and battery outlets (6 outlets against 5 outlets) in its favour. The CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD sat in the $150 to $250 tier and the APC Back-UPS Pro Gaming in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if VA rating and wattage decide your purchase.
What makes the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD the Highest Wattage?
It carries the badge for the highest wattage here (1000W). The CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD3 is next on wattage at 900W, so this pick's 1000W is 11% further out. It is aimed at A desk with a PC, monitor and networking gear on battery.
Do the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD and the CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD3 differ on output waveform?
The CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD and the CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD use PFC sine wave; the CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD3 uses Simulated sine wave; the APC BR1500MS2 uses pure sine wave; the APC Back-UPS Pro Gaming uses sine wave.
Beyond the specs, what sets the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD and the CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD3 apart?
The CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD: a colour LCD with battery and power conditions. The CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD3: twelve outlets in total. The APC BR1500MS2: Ethernet and coax surge protection.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD. Look at the CyberPower CP1500AVRLCD3 for twelve outlets in total, the APC BR1500MS2 for Ethernet and coax surge protection and the APC Back-UPS Pro Gaming for 12 customisable RGB LED colours at the highest price in the group if those matter more to you.
Add the PC's peak draw to the monitor and router, then stay under the unit's watt rating.