When choosing a deskup battery backup, the goal is to find a reliable, compact unit that can keep your essential electronics powered during outages without breaking the bank. The Staples TECH 650VA stands out for its straightforward support of multiple devices with a compact form, ideal for users with basic needs. Meanwhile, the CyberPower SL700U offers slightly more power, USB charging, and a sleek profile, making it suitable for home offices with more diverse device setups. Both options trade off higher capacity for size and feature set, so your choice depends on your specific power needs and budget.
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Key Takeaways
- The Staples TECH 650VA is best for users prioritizing compactness and basic backup power for multiple devices.
- CyberPower SL700U provides additional USB ports and a higher surge capacity, suited for tech-heavy setups.
- Both units have limited capacity, so high-power devices are not recommended on either.
- The lead-acid battery in the Staples unit may require replacement over time, unlike the sealed batteries in the CyberPower model.
- Choosing between these depends on whether size, USB features, or capacity is your main concern.
| Staples TECH 650VA UPS Battery Backup, 8 Outlets, Surge Protection, Black |  | Reliable, compact backup with basic surge protection | Voltage: 120 volts | Form Factor: Compact | Maximum Power: 360 watts | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| CyberPower SL700U Standby UPS Battery Backup and Surge Protector |  | Enhanced backup with USB charging and sleek profile | VA: 700VA | Wattage: 370W | Outlets: 8 NEMA 5-15R (5 backup & surge protected, 3 surge protected) | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| deskups battery backup | Voltage | Form Factor | Maximum Power | Number of Outlets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Staples TECH 650VA UPS Battery | 120 volts | Compact | 360 watts | 8 |
| CyberPower SL700U Standby UPS | — | — | — | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Staples TECH 650VA UPS Battery Backup, 8 Outlets, Surge Protection, Black
The Staples TECH 650VA is a straightforward backup power solution suitable for desktops, modems, and peripherals. It provides 650VA/360W of power, enough to support multiple low- to mid-power devices during outages. Its biggest strength is its compact size, which makes it a natural fit for under desks or tight workspaces. Compared with the CyberPower SL700U, it lacks USB ports or advanced features, but it compensates with a simple, reliable design. The lead-acid battery, however, may need replacement after a few years, and its capacity limits its support for high-power equipment.
Pros:- Supports multiple devices with 8 outlets including surge-only options
- Provides reliable backup power during outages
- Built-in surge protection shields electronics from voltage spikes
- Compact size fits easily under desks
Cons:- Limited to 650VA/360W capacity, may not support high-power devices
- Lead acid battery may require replacement over time
- No USB or network connectivity features
Best for: Users who want a compact, no-frills backup for essential devices without extra features.
Not ideal for: Those with high-power devices or who need USB charging or advanced monitoring features.
- Voltage:120 volts
- Form Factor:Compact
- Maximum Power:360 watts
- Number of Outlets:8
- Output Voltage:120 volts
- Battery Cell Type:Lead Acid
Our verdict“A solid, space-saving choice for basic backup needs, especially when size is a concern.”
CyberPower SL700U Standby UPS Battery Backup and Surge Protector
The CyberPower SL700U offers 700VA/370W of backup power with a focus on convenience and versatility. It features 8 outlets, including space for larger plugs, and two USB charging ports, making it a better fit for modern home offices with mobile devices. Its slim profile allows for easy placement and less clutter. Compared to the Staples unit, it provides slightly more power and added USB capabilities, but the absence of an LCD screen or advanced monitoring limits real-time status checks. Its simulated sine wave output is suitable for most electronics, but some sensitive equipment may prefer pure sine wave units.
Pros:- Provides reliable backup power and surge protection
- Multiple outlets including wider spacing for larger plugs
- USB charging ports for mobile devices
- Slim profile for discreet installation
Cons:- Limited to 700VA/370W capacity, not suitable for high-power equipment
- Simulated sine wave output may not suit all electronics
- No LCD or detailed status display
Best for: Home office users who need a bit more power, USB charging, and a sleek form factor.
Not ideal for: Users with high-power or sensitive equipment that require pure sine wave output.
- VA:700VA
- Wattage:370W
- Outlets:8 NEMA 5-15R (5 backup & surge protected, 3 surge protected)
- USB Ports:2 USB charging ports, 2.4A shared
- Warranty:3 years
- Connected Equipment Guarantee:$100,000
Our verdict“A well-rounded option for users needing extra USB ports and a slim design, with slightly more power than basic models.”
How We Picked
Our selection process focused on units that are designed for desktop use, with emphasis on size, power capacity, and feature set. We prioritized models with at least 650VA capacity, reliable surge protection, and good user reviews. Battery type, additional features like USB ports or LCD screens, and warranty length were also key considerations to ensure these UPS units are practical, durable, and suited for typical home and office environments.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Deskups Battery Backups
Choosing the right deskup battery backup involves balancing power capacity, size, and features. For basic needs, a smaller, simple unit may suffice, but if you want USB charging or slightly more power, a slim profile model with extra outlets could be better. Always consider what devices you’ll support and where you’ll place the UPS to ensure compatibility and convenience.Capacity and Power Support
Look for at least 650VA to 700VA if you want to support multiple devices or a desktop with peripherals. Keep in mind that higher wattage capacity means more devices can run during an outage, but it also usually results in a larger, bulkier unit. Avoid overloading the UPS to prevent it from shutting down unexpectedly.
Size and Placement
Size matters when placing a UPS under or near your desk. Compact models like the Staples TECH 650VA are ideal for tight spaces, whereas larger units with more features tend to be bulkier. Decide if portability or a low-profile design is more important for your setup.
Additional Features
USB ports, LCD monitors, and network connectivity can add convenience, especially if you need to charge phones or monitor power status remotely. However, these features often come at a higher price and may not be necessary for basic backup needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can these UPS units run my devices during a power outage?
Both the Staples TECH 650VA and CyberPower SL700U are designed for short-term backup, typically providing power for a few minutes to save work and shut down safely. Actual runtime depends on the load, with lower power devices lasting longer. Neither is meant for extended outages, but they are perfect for brief interruptions.Is a lead-acid battery in the Staples unit a concern?
Lead-acid batteries are common in budget UPS units because they are inexpensive but tend to have a shorter lifespan compared to sealed AGM or lithium-ion batteries. Over time, they may require replacement, which adds to maintenance costs. This makes the Staples unit suitable for occasional use rather than continuous backup.Can I connect high-power devices to these UPS units?
Neither unit is designed for high-power devices like printers or gaming PCs, which often require more than 650VA or 700VA. Overloading can lead to shutdowns or damage. Always check the wattage of your equipment and stay within the UPS’s capacity.Do these UPS units provide surge protection?
Yes, both units include surge protection features. The Staples TECH 650VA has built-in surge protection for all outlets, while the CyberPower SL700U combines surge protection with USB charging. This helps shield your electronics from voltage spikes, but the degree of protection varies depending on the model.Is a pure sine wave output necessary for my devices?
A pure sine wave provides cleaner power, which is better for sensitive electronics. The CyberPower SL700U offers a simulated sine wave, which is generally sufficient for most peripherals, but high-end audio or medical equipment might require a pure sine wave unit. The Staples unit does not specify waveform type, but budget models usually have simulated sine wave output.Conclusion
If you need a simple, space-saving backup mainly for basic devices like modems and low-power desktops, the Staples TECH 650VA is a dependable choice. For those who want slightly more power, USB ports, and a sleeker profile for a modern setup, the CyberPower SL700U makes a compelling case. Heavy users with high-power devices should look for units with higher capacity beyond these options.
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