Portable Power Station vs. UPS: How to Pick the Best Backup Power ...

There are all kinds of reasons you might want backup power: to keep your home safe during a storm, to charge electronics while camping, or to protect sensitive devices from power outages. 

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Outside of gas-powered home generators, two of the most popular options are portable power stations and uninterruptible power supplies (commonly known as a UPS). Both are large batteries at their core, but they have different capabilities. A portable power supply might pack more power, but that comes at a price. A UPS, meanwhile, can be cheaper and more seamless but won't last quite as long due to continuous use. 

So which one is right for you? Here's a rundown of both technologies and expert advice to help you decide for yourself. 

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What is a portable power station? 

A portable power station is basically a large battery that you can carry around and plug your devices into. 

Portability is the main feature here: They're light enough to move around your house and take on a camping trip, and come with lots of outlets built in, so you can connect appliances or gadgets.

"Because they're portable, you're not looking at a lot of [energy] storage," said Sequoya Cross, vice president of energy storage at Briggs and Stratton Energy Solutions.

They're ideal for powering laptops, phones or smaller appliances like a fan. That's why they're popular for RVs and campers, or as a small source of emergency power during a storm or blackout to keep the essentials running. Larger portable power stations can run a fridge for a couple of hours, but that's pushing toward the limits of their power.

Some portable power stations can also plug into portable solar panels, which allows you to keep the battery charged even if you're not connected to the grid.

Some portable power station models can also be used as an uninterruptible power supply. In this mode, you'd keep your electronics plugged all the time with the portable power station providing pass-through power, and the battery switches over in the event of a power outage, keeping your electronics running without a blip. Normally this process happens in milliseconds, with the Ecoflow River 3 switching over in 20 milliseconds and the River 3 Plus doing it even faster, in 10 milliseconds. 

Pros and cons of a portable power station

Pros

• Small and portable
• Many can connect to portable solar panels to charge 
• Versatile, with lots of onboard plugs and USB ports for output

Cons

• Limited in how much power it can store. Can't power your entire home during a long blackout 
• Expensive, running from hundreds to thousands of dollars

What is an uninterruptible power supply? 

An uninterruptible power supply is not all that different from a portable power station. At the end of the day, it's another battery storage device that you can plug into.

But a UPS is usually designed to be more stationary. A common type of UPS, which basically looks like a bulky power strip, is often used to power computer systems. Half the plugs might be labeled something like "Battery," and another half might say "Battery+Surge," as in the case of Cyberpower or APC systems. If it just says surge, it means there's no battery backup via that plug, while "battery+surge" means that it'll act as a surge protector with battery backup. 

In this setup, the UPS is plugged into a wall outlet, and the computer is then plugged into the battery/surge plug on the UPS. Most of the time, the UPS simply acts as a power strip to protect against surges, but during a power outage, the UPS automatically kicks on and uses its battery to keep your electronics running (hence, "uninterruptible.") for a period of time so that it can be safely shut down. 

These devices usually store a lot less power than a portable power station, and are more suited to brief power interruptions, not sustained blackouts, according to Cross. Aside from computer setups, UPS devices are often used to protect other sensitive electronics or medical devices that can't afford to lose power, even for a minute.

The difference between pure sine wave and simulated sine wave UPS

Not all UPS devices are created equal. Some are "pure sine wave," which refers to the waveform generated by the power supply. With sensitive electronics, "you're going to want to have something that is [pure] sine wave," Cross said, because that translates to a smoother, less "interrupted" supply of power.

Other devices are "simulated sine wave," which means they produce a more "jagged" power waveform, Cross said, which can cause power fluctuations and, in turn, damage to sensitive electronics.

"The cleaner [the waveform] is, the better it is for electronics," Cross said. She noted that pure sine wave UPS units were traditionally more expensive, but that it has come down in price over the years and is now a more common option.

Pros and cons of a UPS 

Pros

• Some can be smaller than portable power stations
• A UPS is generally less expensive than a portable power station
• They can switch on instantly in an outage and discharge backup power quickly

Cons

• The battery duration of a UPS is much shorter than a portable power station
• A UPS is more stationary and can't be moved around as easily

Portable power station vs. UPS: Which one should you choose? 

Deciding between a portable power station and a UPS really depends on what you want to use it for. 

People who are looking for backup power they can take on the go, for camping or similar activities, are more likely going to prefer a portable power station. "A portable power station does afford a lot of flexibility, especially with the addition of solar," Cross said. Companies like Jackery allow you to pair power stations like the Jackery Solar Generator Pro with up to six SolarSaga 200W solar panels. 

But folks who are trying to protect specific electronics in their home, like an expensive computer or important medical device, might benefit more from a stationary but reliable UPS that makes use of pure sine wave. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the options.

Functionality

Both a portable power station and a UPS will provide battery power to back up electronics. In that sense, their functionality is very similar.

A UPS, however, is designed to kick on automatically (without interruption) to prevent damage during a power outage or surge. While some portable power stations also have this capability, it's not their main purpose. 

Power stations are intended more to be the occasional backup during outages, so you're unlikely to use them constantly. However, unlike a UPS that can usually only be charged with AC input, a portable power station can often also be paired with solar panels so you can still top it up off-grid. 

A UPS can also come with power management software like CyberPower PowerPanel, which lets you check its status, manage automatic and scheduled shutdowns and notifies you about power events. 

Power capacity

Portable power stations generally have more power capacity than a UPS, with larger power stations like the Jackery Explorer Plus having a 2,042.8 watt-hour capacity and can keep devices like kitchen appliances, electronics, and TVs running for hours. By contrast, a UPS like the Cyberpower CPPFCLCD, which supports 1,000 watts (1,500 volt-ampere) has a runtime of 10 minutes at half load and 2.5 minutes at full load.

A portable power station makes more sense if it needs to power electronics for hours or days at a time. Some models also let you connect and stack additional batteries for even more runtime. 

Because a UPS is going to be a lot smaller, it's designed for brief power interruptions, not prolonged battery power. The battery also wears out over time due to power cycling during constant use. On the plus side, the lead acid battery on a UPS is usually user-replaceable, which isn't always the case with a portable power station.

Portability

It's in the name: A portable power station is a lot more mobile than a UPS. 

Portable power stations can be moved around your house, or even taken on the road. A UPS, while you could change its location from time to time, is meant to be a more permanent fixture. A UPS often doesn't have a handle or wheels, and it's usually hooked up to devices like a desktop PC computer, which is intended to be stationary.

Price

UPS units are generally more affordable than portable power stations. A UPS can cost from $50 to $250, while portable power stations are at least a few hundred dollars and often run into the thousands, depending on size, capacity and features. 

Frequently Asked Questions

An Easy Guide to Buying the Right UPS for your NAS System

The popularity of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) has risen significantly in recent years. Not just for businesses, but for home users as well, who often have limited power setups such as houseboats, pop-up offices, and mobile homes. The value of having a safety net for your power-consuming devices is undeniable. Additionally, for those whose data is critical and whose business or personal life relies on constant access and read/write operations, a UPS can provide peace of mind. In the past, power failure solutions were only accessible to large enterprises and high-level businesses, with prices starting in the five figures. However, with the rise of network-attached storage (NAS) in homes and the increased efficiency of mass production techniques, owning a UPS device to protect data in both homes and businesses has become more affordable. However, choosing the right UPS for your NAS device, such as a QNAP or Synology, and finding one that fits within your budget can be challenging. In this guide, we will address the three commonly asked questions by users considering a UPS but unsure of which device to choose: 1) How does a UPS work and how will I benefit? 2) How do I determine the right Watts, Volts, and Amps to choose the best UPS? 3) How much will a UPS cost? We hope this guide is helpful for NAS buyers looking at brands such as Synology, QNAP, Asustor, Terramaster, and others, and also for anyone looking to choose the right UPS for other devices.

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What Are the Factors I need to consider when buying a UPS for my NAS?

Choosing the right UPS (uninterruptible power supply) for your Synology or QNAP NAS (network-attached storage) can be a complex task, as there are many factors to consider. However, by following a few key guidelines, you can ensure that your NAS is protected against power outages and other issues that could cause data loss or corruption. The first thing to consider when choosing a UPS for your NAS is the amount of power that your NAS requires. Desktop NAS devices with external PSUs typically have a power consumption of around 60-120 watts and rackmounts generally 250W and above, although this can vary depending on the specific model and the number of hard drives that are installed. It is important to choose a UPS that can provide at least this much power, as well as a bit extra to account for any other devices that may be connected to the NAS. Another important factor to consider is the runtime of the UPS. This is the amount of time that the UPS can keep your NAS running in the event of a power outage. The runtime of a UPS is typically measured in minutes, and you should choose a UPS that has a runtime that is long enough to allow you to properly shut down your NAS in the event of a power outage.

Another important feature to look for when choosing a UPS is the ability to communicate with the NAS. Some UPS’ have built-in USB or serial ports that allow them to communicate with the NAS and provide status information. This can be very useful in case of power outage, as it can allow you to monitor the status of the UPS and take appropriate action. Finally, you should also consider the size and weight of the UPS, as well as its overall design. A UPS that is smaller and lighter may be more convenient to deploy, but you should also make sure that it is well-designed and built to last. When choosing a UPS for your NAS, it is important to consider the amount of power that your NAS requires, the runtime of the UPS, the ability to communicate with the NAS, compatibility and the size and weight of the UPS. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your NAS is protected against power outages and other issues that could cause data loss or corruption.

What is a UPS and Why Should I Buy One for my NAS?

The most frequently asked question about UPS is typically “What exactly is a UPS and what does it do?” UPS stands for Uninterruptible Power Supply and many users believe that purchasing a UPS means they can run their devices and access data from their NAS, DAS, or SAN for hours after a power failure. While this is technically true, it would require a significant financial investment in the form of a 5-figure sum. In reality, most users do not require hours of protection for their read/write data operations on HDD media. Instead, what is often needed is enough time to safely shut down the server or RAID storage. This can be achieved by spending only hundreds of pounds, not thousands, as it depends on the number of devices drawing power, their specific needs, and the efficiency of the chosen UPS. For more information on UPS and how to choose one, please watch the video below.

How Does a UPS Draw Power and How Do I Connect My Devices?

This topic can be challenging for some, so we will break it down and explain it in a simple way. Before delving into technical terms like Watts, Volts, and Power, let’s use an analogy that’s easy to understand. Imagine receiving electricity to your device as drawing water from a tap.

To understand this concept, we can use an analogy of a tap and water. Just like a tap needs water and pressure to deliver it through the pipe, an electrical circuit needs electrons and voltage to deliver electricity to a device. The water represents the electrons that carry electricity from the power source to the destination device, like a NAS, DAS, or PC. The tap represents the destination device and the water/electrons are going around in a circuit back to the water/power source, which is mostly unseen in the cables.

The pressure in the analogy represents the VOLTAGE, which is the strength of the electricity being pushed by the electrons in the circuit. It’s important to measure this as some devices are designed to only accept a specific amount of voltage. If the voltage is too high or too low, the device will not function correctly.

AMPS represent the amount of electrical charge that passes a given point in a second, similar to how much water passes through the pipe per second.

So, now we need to know the WATTS of the device. This is compiled with the following equation:

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AMPS x VOLTS = WATTS

or

Water Volume x Water Pressure = Water Power

If you’ve ever experienced weak water pressure in a shower while living in an apartment on a higher floor, this is likely due to the water pressure not being strong enough to deliver the water to the destination device. Similarly, a smaller battery pack is often measured in milliampere-hours (mAh), which represents the amount of charge available, rather than time. Using the analogy of water, this would be like a large drum of water. The amount of water and how fast it travels from the drum is not as important as the available water that can be carried over to the tap. The output and result is heavily affected by the AMPS and VOLTS, similar to the pressure of water and the maximum or minimum amount of water the tap can receive.

Choosing the right UPS Battery for your Home or Office

The majority of UPS devices have a similar setup. You connect one end to your main power outlet (3 Pin, 2 Pin, etc) and the UPS has multiple ports for connecting your destination devices (PC, NAS, etc). Inside the UPS chassis, there is one or more batteries that are charged from the wall plug, while your devices are powered directly from the wall and not drawing from the batteries unless there is a power failure. In the event of a power failure in your home or business, the destination devices will switch to drawing power from the batteries, giving you time to save your data and shut down your devices safely, protecting your digital storage from corruption or loss. It’s worth noting that when buying a UPS, there are many figures to consider, but the power drawn by computing equipment is typically measured in Watts or Volt-Amps(VA).

BUT

The power in Wattsis the real power drawn by the equipment.Volt-Amps are called the “apparent power” and are the product of the voltage applied to the equipment times the current drawn by the equipment.

Inexpensive UPS devices typically have a shorter running time because they don’t provide as much charge. Mid-range UPS devices, on the other hand, offer longer charge times, more features, and additional functionality such as network alerts, internet alerts via SMS or , an LCD display, USB connectivity for maintenance, and the ability to automatically save or shut down certain NAS or PC machines in the event of a power failure, eliminating the need for manual intervention.

There is more to choosing the right UPS than matching the WATTS of your destination device and that of the UPS

UPS capacities are giving in VOLT-AMPS , not WATTS

Remember again,

VAULTS x AMPS = WATTS

Well, Resistance present in electrical load means that the WATTS cannot be matched Like for Like. So:

How do I Choose the Correct VA for the Watts on my NAS, PC and more?

You will need to consider a UPS with a VOLT-AMP 50-70% higher than the WATTS present on your destination device. Don’t forget to factor into your consumption any other devices that are drawing from the UPS, as this consumption is not per device, but TOTAL.

What is Line Interaction on a UPS?

Some UPS devices have a “Line Interactive” feature that can strengthen a weak or inconsistent power supply, particularly useful for those in remote areas where maintenance may be less frequent. When it comes to sizing a UPS, it’s important to note that equipment nameplate ratings are often in VA which can make it difficult to determine the Watt rating. To avoid oversizing the UPS, it’s recommended to configure the system such that the VA rating of the load is no greater than 60% of the UPS VA rating. This will prevent exceeding the Watt rating of the UPS. However, this approach may result in an oversized UPS and a longer run time than expected.

– Battery Packs, Listed in VOLTS and can be added to an existing UPS

– Replacement Battery Cartridges, an Internal Upgrade, RANGE specific

– Available in Desktop or Rack mount

What Are the most popular brands in the UPS Market?

There are many brands that provide UPS (uninterruptible power supply) devices in the market, but some of the most popular ones include:

1. APC (American Power Conversion) – APC is a well-known brand that has been providing UPS devices for many years. They offer a wide range of UPS devices, including standalone units, rack-mount units, and network-grade units. They also offer a variety of software and accessories to help manage and monitor their UPS devices.
2. Tripp Lite – Tripp Lite is another well-known brand that provides UPS devices. They offer a wide range of UPS devices, including standalone units, rack-mount units, and network-grade units. They also offer a variety of software and accessories to help manage and monitor their UPS devices.
3. Eaton – Eaton is a well-established brand that provides UPS devices. They offer a wide range of UPS devices, including standalone units, rack-mount units, and network-grade units. They also offer a variety of software and accessories to help manage and monitor their UPS devices.
4. CyberPower – CyberPower is a brand that provides a wide range of UPS devices, including standalone units, rack-mount units, and network-grade units. They also offer a variety of software and accessories to help manage and monitor their UPS devices.
5. Schneider Electric – Schneider Electric is a brand that provides a wide range of UPS devices, including standalone units, rack-mount units, and network-grade units. They also offer a variety of software and accessories to help manage and monitor their UPS devices.
6. Liebert – Liebert is a brand that provides a wide range of UPS devices, including standalone units, rack-mount units, and network-grade units. They also offer a variety of software and accessories to help manage and monitor their UPS devices.

These are just a few examples of the many brands that provide UPS devices in the market. There are many other brands available, each with their own set of features, specifications, and pricing options, so it is worth researching different options to find the one that best suits your needs.

How Do Synology, QNAP, Asustor and Terramaster NAS work with a UPS?

Almost all NAS drive brands support the use of a smart UPS, connected via USB for monitoring or via the network. That said, how each NAS system reacts to a power cut and switching to the UPS battery does differ. I recently tested the CyberPower system with a selection of 4-Bay UPS systems to see how each NAS brand’s hardware and software react. Below is the video for each brand. Just click the video, or you can open them up in a separate tab by clicking the title.

Recommended UPS for Different NAS Drives from Synology, QNAP, Asustor or Terramaster

Below are a number of tiered UPS systems for your individual power needs and budget. These are based on the Watts you need to cover and based on a single NAS  of different size each. This, of course, is just the tip of the iceberg and for more precise advice based on a whole office or server room of hardware, we recommend getting in touch with us directly using the Free Advice section (no commitment and the advice is totally impartial) so we can save you money as well as provide you with a solution that will help you sleep at night! All solutions that I recommend below have to arrive with at least 2 Years of Manufacturers’ Warranty, 2 Years of Battery Warranty/Replacement Coverage, USB and/or Network Support, NAS compatibility, provides at least 10-20mins of continued client operation in a power-cut, support of line interaction and AT LEAST 6x mains power points for devices

Budget/Basic UPS (No Frills!) for Value and/or ARM-Based NAS

For much more modest Synology or QNAP NAS setups, as well as factoring in additional home/office equipment I would recommend the following UPS Device.

• 1-4 HDD NAS Drive with 90-120w PSU
• 1x Desktop PC with 250W PSU and Laptops/tablets
• 1x Router 30W internal PSU
• + Misc Other Office Equipment (50W avg)
• Floor or Tower Versions
• No LCD available

Option – The Amazon Basics UPS, Available in different versions that cover 400VA to VA,  6-8 Ports – Starts at $49

Find it on Amazon HERE

Best UPS for a 1-2-Bay NAS Drive for Home or Home Office Use

For much more modest Synology or QNAP NAS setups, as well as factoring in additional home/office equipment I would recommend the following UPS Device.

• 1-2 HDD NAS Drive with 60-90w PSU
• 1x Desktop PC with 250W PSU
• 1x Router 30W internal PSU
• + Misc Other Office Equipment (50W avg)

Option – The APC BE600M1 , Available in different versions that cover 550VA to 850VA, 7 Ports – Starts at $99

Find it on Amazon HERE

Best UPS for a 1-2-Bay NAS Drive for Business

For much more modest Synology or QNAP NAS setups, as well as factoring in additional home/office equipment I would recommend the following UPS Device.

• 1-2 HDD NAS Drive with 60-90w PSU
• 1x Desktop PC with 250W PSU
• 1x Router 30W internal PSU
• + Misc Other Office Equipment (50W avg)

Option – The APC BE650G2, Available in different versions that cover 185W to 520W, 8 Ports – Starts at $169

Find it on Amazon HERE

Best UPS for a 4-8-Bay NAS Drive for Prosumers

For much more modest Synology or QNAP NAS setups, as well as factoring in additional home/office equipment I would recommend the following UPS Device.

• 4-8 HDD NAS Drive with 100-250W PSU
• 2x Desktop PC with 250W PSU
• 1x Router 30W internal PSU + Switch with 25W PSU
• + Misc Other Office Equipment (100W avg)
• Battery/Coverage Insurance ($500,000 Connected Equipment Guarantee)
• Tower Style

Option – The CyberPower CPPFCLCD PFC Sinewave UPS System, Available in different versions that cover 850-VA (W), 10-12 Ports – Starts at $389

Find it on Amazon HERE

Best UPS for an 8-12-Bay NAS Drive for Medium Large Business and Video/Photo Editors

For much more modest Synology or QNAP NAS setups, as well as factoring in additional home/office equipment I would recommend the following UPS Device.

• 8-12 HDD NAS Drive with 250-350W PSU
• Rackmount entry point (factor in dual/Redundant PSUs)
• 3x Desktop PC with 250W PSU
• 1x Router 30W internal PSU + 10GbE Switch with 90W PSU
• + Misc Other Office Equipment (400W avg)
• Rackmount Style (Desktop alternatives available, but cap at VA)

Option – The Tripp Lite SURTXL3U Sinewave UPS System, Available in different versions that cover 750-VA (W), 7-9 Ports – Starts at $799

Find it on Amazon HERE

How Long do UPS Batteries Last?

The lifespan of a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) battery can vary depending on several factors, including the type of battery, the quality of the battery, the usage, and the environment in which the UPS is used. However, on average, a UPS battery should last between 3-5 years with proper usage and maintenance. Lead-acid batteries, which are commonly used in UPS systems, have a typical lifespan of 3-5 years. However, this lifespan can be shortened or extended depending on the usage and maintenance of the battery. For example, if the battery is frequently discharged to a low level, this can shorten its lifespan, whereas proper charging and maintenance can prolong it.

It’s important to note that the lifespan of UPS batteries can also be affected by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity and the amount of use. High temperatures and humidity can shorten the battery life, while keeping the UPS in a cool and dry environment can extend it. It’s also worth noting that most of the UPS batteries have an end-of-life indicator, which will alert you when the battery is no longer performing as well as it should. This will give you an idea of when the battery needs to be replaced.

In conclusion, the lifespan of a UPS battery can vary depending on several factors, including the type of battery, the quality of the battery, the usage, and the environment in which the UPS is used. On average, a UPS battery should last between 3-5 years with proper usage and maintenance. Keeping an eye on the end-of-life indicator and maintaining the battery in a cool and dry environment can help to extend the battery’s lifespan.