APC BR1500MS2 review

Who it is for

The BR1500MS2 is for the household that runs a desktop computer, a network closet, or audio and video gear that should see clean power when the grid drops. APC's manual rates it at 1,500 VA and a maximum load of 900 watts, with a sine-wave output on battery; its datasheet lists six battery-backed NEMA 5-15 outlets and four surge-only ones. Automatic voltage regulation boosts the output by 11.5 percent when the incoming voltage sags, so brownouts are corrected without draining the battery.

It is more than a router needs. For a modem and router alone, see the smaller units on our router battery backup comparison.

Why a sine wave matters

Cheaper UPS units produce a stepped approximation of a sine wave on battery. Many desktop power supplies with active power-factor correction, and some sensitive equipment, misbehave or shut down on that waveform. A true sine wave is what the wall delivers, so everything that runs from the wall runs from the BR1500MS2 on battery. The transfer to battery takes 8 milliseconds maximum by the manual, 8 typical and 10 maximum by the datasheet, fast enough for a computer to ride through.

The two USB charging ports, one Type-C and one Type-A sharing 15 watts, keep supplying power when the UPS is on battery, which makes it a phone-charging point during an outage without touching the backed outlets.

Battery, runtime and upkeep

The battery is lead-acid and user-replaceable; APC's manual names the APCRBC163 cartridge, says the battery typically lasts 3 to 5 years, and tells owners to replace it at least every 5 years. The datasheet gives a typical recharge time of 16 hours, so after a long outage the UPS is not back to full until the next day. Warranty is three years, and APC's equipment protection policy covers connected equipment.

APC does not publish a runtime in the manual; it points to its online runtime chart. Expect minutes at a full 900-watt load and longer at lighter loads. A UPS is for riding through blips and shutting down cleanly, not for powering through a long outage; for hours, pair it with a power station. The unit weighs 27.6 pounds, is for indoor use only, and is rated for 32°F to 104°F. It is ENERGY STAR certified and TUV certified for the US and Canada.

How it compares with the other picks

On our router battery backup comparison, the APC BE600M1 is the compact pick for a modem and router. The APC BX1500M is the same 1,500 VA, 900-watt rating with a stepped sine wave, five battery outlets and no USB charging, for less money. CyberPower's CP1500PFCLCD is the direct sine-wave rival with an LCD, and its CP850PFCLCD the smaller sine-wave option.

If you are unsure whether your equipment needs a sine wave, the BR1500MS2 is the safe choice; if it is all routers and laptops, the BX1500M will do.

Verdict

The home-office UPS to buy when the equipment matters: true sine wave, ten outlets, voltage regulation, USB charging that works on battery, and a replaceable battery. It is heavy and it recharges slowly, which are the costs of the capacity.

Skip it if you only need to keep the internet on, if your computer is a laptop, or if you expect a UPS to carry a desk through an outage of hours rather than minutes.

What is the replacement battery for the APC BR1500MS2?

APC's manual names the APCRBC163. APC says the battery typically lasts 3 to 5 years and should be replaced at least every 5 years.

Does the BR1500MS2 output a pure sine wave?

Yes. APC's manual lists the on-battery waveshape as sine wave, which suits desktop power supplies with active power-factor correction and sensitive electronics.

Can I charge a phone from the BR1500MS2 during an outage?

Yes. The manual says the USB-C and USB-A charging ports, sharing 15 watts, provide power even when the UPS is on battery.

How long does the BR1500MS2 take to recharge?

APC's datasheet gives a typical recharge time of 16 hours, so after a deep discharge it is not at full capacity until the next day.