UPS Runtime Comparison: Actual Minutes at Your Load
A UPS cannot be compared by VA alone. The same unit can last well over an hour at a light network load and only minutes near its output limit. These are manufacturer-published runtime points for each exact model, shown against load in watts.
| Product | Price | vs list | Output W | Published load: runtime, Sep 11, 2026 | Curve | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| APC BE600M1 Back-UPS 600VA | $83.99 | 40% | 330 | 10W: 4h 18m · 40W: 1h 7m · 80W: 30m | Source | Amazon |
| CyberPower CP850PFCLCD 850VA | $169.95 | — | 510 | 255W: 9m · 510W: 3m | Source | Amazon |
| CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD 1000VA | $179.95 | — | 600 | 300W: 6m · 600W: 2m | Source | Amazon |
| CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD 1500VA | $239.95 | — | 1,000 | 500W: 10m · 1000W: 2.5m | Source | Amazon |
| APC BR1500MS2 Back-UPS Pro 1500VA | $299.99 | 37% | 900 | 40W: 2h 30m · 79W: 1h 34m · 119W: 1h 6m · 240W: 32m · 335W: 21m | Source | Amazon |
| APC SMC1500C Smart-UPS 1500VA | $563.30 | 41% | 900 | 100W: 1h 30m · 200W: 49.2m · 300W: 32.5m · 500W: 18m · 600W: 14.2m · 700W: 11.5m · 900W: 7.8m | Source | Amazon |
| Eaton 5S 1500VA | est. ~$486 | — | 900 | 120W: 1h 11m · 240W: 31m · 360W: 16m · 480W: 10m · 600W: 7m · 720W: 5m · 900W: 2m | Source | Manufacturer |
| APC SMT2200C Smart-UPS 2200VA | $1,489.89 | 32% | 1,920 | 100W: 5h 39m · 200W: 2h 55m · 500W: 1h 3m · 1000W: 26.8m · 1400W: 16.7m · 1920W: 10.1m | Source | Amazon |
| CyberPower PR1500LCDRT2U 1500VA | $700.95 | — | 1,350 | 675W: 11m · 1350W: 4m | Source | Amazon |
| APC SMT3000RM2UC Smart-UPS 3000VA | $1,719.00 | 49% | 2,700 | 100W: 3h 1m · 200W: 1h 39m · 500W: 38.4m · 1000W: 16.5m · 1600W: 8.3m · 2000W: 5.6m · 2700W: 2.8m | Source | Amazon |
| CyberPower CP900AVR 900VA | $159.95 | — | 560 | 280W: 16m · 560W: 5m | Source | Amazon |
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
What the curves say at network loads
Router and modem setups often draw around 15 to 35W. Only 2 of the 11 UPS models in this table have a manufacturer-published point at 40W or below. The other models may run a light load, but their listed points do not establish how long.
| Exact UPS model | Published low-load points, Sep 11, 2026 | Manufacturer source |
|---|---|---|
| APC BE600M1 Back-UPS 600VA | 10W: 4h 18m · 40W: 1h 7m | View curve |
| APC BR1500MS2 Back-UPS Pro 1500VA | 40W: 2h 30m | View curve |
These are estimates at the stated loads, not a runtime promise for a different setup. Published runtimes can differ substantially even at the same watt load. Measure every powered network box and check the exact model's current curve and battery condition. For the full sizing method, read how long a UPS can run a router and modem.
How to use the table
Measure the watt draw of the devices connected to the battery-backed outlets, then look for a published point near that load. Do not treat a point below your load as a promise: runtime falls quickly as load rises. If your load sits between two points, avoid turning them into a precise runtime estimate; battery condition and the manufacturer's test setup also matter.
First check that the UPS output-watt rating clears your measured peak with headroom. Then check runtime. The VA label is an apparent-power limit, not an energy tank and not a duration. Read How Long Will a UPS Run? for the sizing method or Watts vs Volt-Amps for the VA conversion. Our methodology for UPS runtime figures explains where these curves come from and why we do not interpolate between their points.
Portable power stations are ranked by usable capacity on the home page. Need to estimate your device load? Try the calculator.