The best inverters in the UK 2023

There's nothing like a good UPS to protect your electrical devices from power outages and surges. Not only does this device offer convenience, but it can also bypass outages and achieve up to 95.7 percent efficiency. Since there are a variety of models on the market, find a quality UPS via our guide.

Eaton Ellipse ECO 650 FR 1
8/10

Best value for money

Eaton Ellipse ECO 650 FR

The best inverter in 2021

Using Off-line technology, the Eaton Ellipse Eco 650 FR inverter can provide 650 VA of power and 9 minutes of autonomy at 50% load.

62,39 £ on Amazon

Behind its sophisticated and timeless design, the Eaton Ellipse Eco 650 FR UPS is silent (no fan) and has a 2-year warranty. On the technical side, it has a power of 650 VA, 400 W, with an autonomy of 9 minutes at 50% of load. With a transfer time of 5 ms, it will effectively protect your electronic devices. Intelligent, it automatically tests the state of the battery and broadcasts the information on the small screen in front.

It is a compact UPS that can be easily slipped under a table or desk. Versatile, it is equipped with 3 plugs, French, lightning and autonomy, as well as a last one which has the Eco Control function, only lightning. The Eco Control allows you to save up to 25% of energy. In addition, it has a USB type-B input and two others capable of accommodating: Internet box, telephone, etc.

Infosec Z1 Zenergy Cube Inverter 2
8/10

Best value for money

Infosec Z1 Zenergy Cube Inverter

The best entry-level inverter

The Infosec Z1 Zenergy Cube UPS falls into the category of off-line technology. It displays a power of 400 VA capable of supporting 1 PC for 10 minutes.

57,16 £ on Amazon

With an electrical power of 400 VA, the Infosec Z1 Zenergy Cube UPS offers good performance for regular use on conventional appliances. It is more suitable for a domestic use than for a professional use. Weighing 2.25 kg, it has a 10 minutes autonomy for 1 PC, and is provided with a protection against overload and deep discharge.

Equipped with 3 French plugs, it has a voltage range with a minimum of 180 VAC and works optimally in an environment with a temperature between 0 and 40 °C. It will warn you with a continuous beep in case of overload and the noise level is acceptable: less than 40 dB.

APC Power PRO (BR900G-EN) inverter 3
9/10

Best premium value

APC Power PRO (BR900G-EN) inverter

The best high-end inverter

With its full functionality and 900 VA for 540 W, the APC Power PRO (BR900G-EN) is suitable for any application.

270

The APC Power PRO (BR900G-EN) Line interactive UPS meets all needs. Its 900 VA power is equivalent to 540 W and allows you to bypass any electrical failure. For more security, it includes a voltage regulator (AVR) and Powerchute software that allows you to configure and monitor the general status of the device.

The backup battery has an autonomy of 23.2 minutes, approximately, at 50% charge with a recharge time of 8 hours. On the back, you have 3 surge/short circuit outlets and 3 surge-only outlets. The power saving mode allows you to have a lower bill by connecting your PC to the master plug and other peripherals to the 3 slave plugs. Finally, the USB cable (USB to RJ45) is included as well as a wire to connect your box or fax.

APC Back-Ups BE650G2-EN 4
9/10

Very good

APC Back-Ups BE650G2-EN

The best compact inverter

The APC Back-Ups BE650G2-FR is a UPS with 650 VA battery backup, a lightning surge protector and a surge protector.

105 £ on Amazon

The APC Back-Ups BE650G2-EN is not limited to professional use. In fact, private individuals can also benefit from the advantages of this surge protector. In addition, it acts as an inverter and includes a 650 VA battery backup. Note the 8 available outlets, 6 of which offer simultaneous battery power and overload protection (surge protector) and 2 of which offer only overload protection.

In addition, 2 USB Type-A ports allow fast charging of your phones and tablets . The APC Back-Ups BE650G2-EN provides guaranteed power protection for wireless networks, computers, game consoles, and other electronic devices in both the home and business.

Eaton 3S 700 FR inverter 5
8/10

Excellent

Eaton 3S 700 FR inverter

A great value

The Eaton 3S provides reliable protection against the most common power problems. Its attractive design and glossy finish allow it to blend easily into a modern environment.

68,80 £ on Cdiscount

With 700 VA / 420 watts of power, the Eaton 3S UPS provides effective protection for your equipment against unpredictable events such as grid overloads and thunderstorms, disrupting the grid without warning. In the event of a power failure, the 3S runs on battery power, giving you about 30 minutes in standard mode to save your work in progress.

For added safety, shutdown software, included with the UPS, automatically saves your data and shuts down your applications before the batteries run out. A 10-amp thermal switch protects the system from overload.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best inverter

Any specific needs?

The best inverter in 2021

The best entry-level inverter

The best high-end inverter

The best compact inverter

A great value

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best inverters

TOP OF THE TOP NOT EXPENSIVE TOP OF THE RANGE Good Excellent
Eaton Ellipse ECO 650 FR 6
8/10
Infosec Z1 Zenergy Cube Inverter 7
8/10
APC Power PRO (BR900G-EN) inverter 8
9/10
APC Back-Ups BE650G2-EN 9
9/10
Eaton 3S 700 FR inverter 10
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Eaton Ellipse ECO 650 FR
Infosec Z1 Zenergy Cube Inverter
APC Power PRO (BR900G-EN) inverter
APC Back-Ups BE650G2-EN
Eaton 3S 700 FR inverter
Using Off-line technology, the Eaton Ellipse Eco 650 FR inverter can provide 650 VA of power and 9 minutes of autonomy at 50% load.
The Infosec Z1 Zenergy Cube UPS falls into the category of off-line technology. It displays a power of 400 VA capable of supporting 1 PC for 10 minutes.
With its full functionality and 900 VA for 540 W, the APC Power PRO (BR900G-EN) is suitable for any application.
The APC Back-Ups BE650G2-FR is a UPS with 650 VA battery backup, a lightning surge protector and a surge protector.
The Eaton 3S provides reliable protection against the most common power problems. Its attractive design and glossy finish allow it to blend easily into a modern environment.
Power
650 VA / 400 W
400 VA
900 VA / 540 W
650 VA / 400W
700 VA
Number of outlets
4
3
6
8
8
Lightning function
Yes
Yes
Yes
Oui
Yes
Autonomy
6 - 9 min
11 min
8.5 - 23.2 min
20 min
30 min
Dimensions
26.3 x 8.1 x 23.5 cm
16.1 x 8.67 x 16.6 cm
38.2 x 10 x 25 cm
44.2 x 19.4 x 18.6 cm
33.5 x 8.6 x 17 cm
270

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Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!

Buying guide - inverter

Primary Item (H2)Sub Item 1 (H3)

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How to choose your inverter

No more unexpected power cuts and brownouts that continue to damage your electronic and computer equipment! To remedy this as quickly as possible, you must absolutely equip yourself with a UPS, but not just any UPS. In view of the different prices and choices available to you, it would be wiser to look around to find what you need. It's true that choosing the right inverter for your needs is not easy, so we've put together the most important criteria to make it easier for you.

#1 - The technology

Before launching into a hunt for the best inverter, which could be endless without some knowledge, start by listing your needs and uses. This way, you will be better able to define the other parameters to take into account. The first step is to determine the technology of the device, which means choosing between the different types of inverters available on the market. Between para-surge, off-line inverter, in-line inverter or on-line inverter, how to make the right choice? Although the power will be your first clue, don't hesitate to evaluate the sensitivity of your electronic and computer devices. While the para-surge protector essentially protects against lightning strikes, the other technologies offer more protection. However, their actions are not the same! Indeed, an off-line UPS is suitable for use on non-critical equipment, while the on-line UPS is suitable for use on large servers and extremely sensitive equipment. An in-line UPS is in the middle, offering better voltage regulation than the former, but a less efficient performance than the latter.

#2 - The power

To make sure you make the right investment, it is imperative to look at the power of the device that equals the power it can handle. In most cases, the power of this type of equipment is expressed in VA or Volts Amps. During your research, you must add up the consumption of the devices that will be connected to a protection device in order to define the product that will best meet your expectations. As a rule, the power of devices such as computers, monitors or hi-fi systems is expressed in Watts. Therefore, you need to convert to VA by dividing the number of Watts by 0.66. For example, if you plan to connect a 500 Watt gamer PC to an inverter, the latter must have a power of between 730 and 760 VA. Below 730 VA, the risk of malfunctions is more or less high. To avoid major expenses, we advise you to opt for a product that offers a much higher power than your equipment combined. This way, you will be able to connect one or two additional devices without having to invest in a new inverter.

#3 - Autonomy

If you want to equip yourself with an inverter to deal with electrical failures, you might as well make sure that its autonomy is compliant and adapted as much as possible. You should know that the battery of an on-line UPS is permanently charged on the mains. On the other hand, in the context of a classic use (domestic use or use of a professional workstation), the best would be to choose a UPS with a long autonomy. In this way, you will be able to switch off your device properly without fear of losing important data. In any case, it is known that an in-line UPS has a better lifespan than other options, as long as it uses the voltage regulator function during sudden voltage peaks or drops.

#4 - The features

Like

any other device, UPSs have their own specificities and some have features not necessarily found on other models. To make sure you choose an inverter that is both efficient and versatile compatible with your uses, consider going through the list of features it offers.Among the most common features, for example, are different types of power supplies. Instead of a power source, the UPS can be powered by photovoltaic panels and generators. In addition, other features related to the development of the technology have been integrated into the inverters. These include advanced features such as :

  • An LCD screen
  • A management software
  • A back-up application (data backup, shutdown, etc.)
  • A battery optimization software
  • Etc.

Finally, functionality means solutions! To help you understand, here is a small summary of the electrical failures that each inverter technology can act against:

  • Surge protector: lightning strikes, overvoltages
  • Off-line UPS: outages
  • In-line UPS: outages, surges, voltage drops, noise, spikes
  • On-line UPS: outages, overvoltages, voltage drops, noise, distortions, spikes.

#5 - The type of connection

To avoid unpleasant surprises when unpacking and installing your new inverter, the connectivity remains a crucial criterion in your choice. Indeed, no one would like to be caught off guard when realizing that the type of connection of the inverter is not compatible with their electronic devices. Therefore, it is imperative to check the plugs of these devices and to make sure that the one of the UPS you have chosen corresponds to them before buying. Usually, the most common connectors on the market are :

  • IEC C13 sockets
  • Antenna sockets
  • French sockets
  • Ethernet ports
  • USB ports
  • RJ11 ports
  • Serial ports
  • etc.

#6 - Design and size

After you've covered the technical aspects, all that's left to do is determine some secondary criteria such as the design and size of your new UPS. In reality, it will be more a matter of taste and space, knowing that not all inverters have the same dimensions or the same style. An inline or off-line UPS can easily fit under your desk, thanks to its compact size. On the other hand, an on-line inverter has a more cumbersome size. In order not to be mistaken, whatever the model you choose, do not hesitate to choose its location in advance.

#7 - Choose the best brands

Although it serves to protect your electronic and computer equipment, the UPS is not immune to damage. We therefore advise you to choose the best brands, in addition to refining your choice thanks to these criteria raised previously.

What are the advantages of a UPS?

Also known as UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) and ASI (Alimentation Statique sans Interruption), the UPS had its beginnings in the professional environment. Over the years, it has become an indispensable piece of equipment as it secures the devices that are connected to it. This energy source offers many advantages to those who use it; advantages that we propose to discover below.

Allows to secure a work in progress

Who has never been the victim of an interruption, however small, in the middle of working on a desktop computer or recording a movie on a player? You can easily avoid these inconveniences thanks to UPS systems. These energy batteries are responsible for powering the electronic and computer devices you use. This way, you will have enough time to back up and shut down everything when a power outage would have left you completely without electricity indefinitely.

Prevents technical damage to electrical networks

Routers, computers, smartphones, tablets, landlines, televisions, players, projectors, printers, subwoofers... None of these devices or the peripherals connected to them are immune to the vagaries of electricity. To name a few common damages, the motherboard, the hard drive and the RAM are the ones that suffer the most. Your devices may also be at risk of damage due to changes in electrical voltage, which may drop or spike. By installing the right UPS, you can avoid the worst while ensuring the longevity of your devices and machines.

Reduces energy consumption

This is a recent feature of the latest UPS technology, and one that you may not think about when it comes to UPS. Nevertheless, innovations have made it possible to integrate programming systems for switching off machines that are still on or on standby. The hassle of forgetting to turn off the power or of being in an emergency situation is now over, because you just have to program a time to turn off the power and the UPS will do it automatically for you. In the end, you reduce your consumption and your device is free of any technical damage until you return.

Serves as a substitute in case of power failure

Power outages are no longer the sworn enemy of electronic devices, thanks to the relay provided by the inverter. No more panic attacks because your screen suddenly shuts down and you risk losing your data. If it has an excellent autonomy, your UPS will let you finish your work quietly, or at least save your progress.

Offers a better quality of electric current

Electrical disturbances are neither predictable nor manageable. With a UPS at your fingertips, you're in control, not to mention enjoying stable power that can only spare your equipment.

Caution!

Don't wait until it's too late to get an inverter, because you never know when a climatic event might occur!

The different types of inverters

Are you looking for the right UPS to protect your electronic and computer equipment from the mishaps often caused by the power grid? You've come to the right place! However, before you are seduced by any model, it would be best to learn to distinguish them from each other. We therefore propose an overview of the different types of inverters available on the market.

The surge protector

Although not really considered a UPS, the surge protector subtly slips into the list of equipment required to protect your devices from potential power surges. You'll also recognize it as a "lightning arrestor" because that's its main function. Presented in the form of a power strip, it is not equipped with a battery and therefore cannot remedy power outages.

Recommended for both domestic and professional use, the surge protector is suitable for any use that requires protection against lightning and power surges. Among other things, it can protect certain equipment from lightning, including PCs, desktop computers, audiovisual equipment (video projector, player, television, etc.) as well as telephone lines.

The Off-line Inverter

The off-line inverter is considered as a classic equipment, but it is also essential if you want to maintain your equipment that is not very sensitive to the hazards of electricity. We often understand by low sensitivity equipment, the devices with large capacitors for domestic or basic office use. The off-line UPS, also known as standby UPS, is a kind of battery backup that allows you to quickly save your current activities or to switch off the device.

As soon as the current voltage drops below a certain level, the battery of this type of UPS is automatically triggered. Its power is usually 1 kVA and it has a micro cut-off of about 6 ms.

In-line inverter (or interactive line)

Considered by most as a revisited and enriched variant of the off-line UPS, the in-line UPS is also called line interactive. It includes a voltage regulator which is its main difference from the first one, because this integrated device allows it to compensate for a micro cut of less than 2 ms. Moreover, this avoids using the battery a lot, thus giving it a better durability.

As for its power, it can range from 500 VA to 5 kVA depending on the model chosen, which allows you to use it for professional purposes. However, it is not powerful enough to protect extremely sensitive devices and its main purpose is to correct unstable voltages, outages, micro outages, noises and spikes.

Inverter or generator?

Inverter

Since they both serve as energy inputs and relays during power outages, the uses of an inverter and a generator are often confused. Remember, the inverter is first and foremost a protective device. It is only intended for small appliances that require less than 1000 W of energy flow. Also, it allows you to gain a few extra minutes of autonomy during their use, and then gives you the chance to save your work in progress and turn off said machines more gently.

Generator

On the other hand, a generator is mainly used for appliances that consume a lot of energy, such as large household appliances, washing machines and/or freezers. However, you should know that it can be used for appliances whose consumption exceeds 2000 W, while providing a more important electrical current in the house.

Verdict

In any case, your choice should be based on the size of the devices you want to protect and their power. In the case of electronic devices, an inverter is undoubtedly your greatest ally.

Why buy an inverter?

To avoid untimely shutdowns of the devices

Using an inverter gives you the time you need to properly shut down your appliances in the event of a power failure. Indeed, they can be damaged by sudden power cuts. You can therefore connect an inverter to your office computer or any other sensitive device.

To save your work

Inverters are generators that you need to charge and connect to your devices. In the event of a power failure, they restore the energy they have accumulated so that your equipment can have autonomy. This feature allows you to save the data you just entered or finish your work and then shut down your computer normally until the power comes back on. As a rule of thumb, an inverter can run for 1 hour without being powered by an electrical source.

To save electrical energy

There are stand-alone inverters that produce a fixed and adjustable current. These inverters are capable of operating without a power grid. Thus, they allow you to save on your electricity bill.

To improve the longevity of your appliances

The inverters are equipped with an automatic voltage regulator. Thus, they protect your connected electronic equipment against voltage variations. Indeed, inverters provide a stable electrical current while adjusting the voltage. It's also easy to use, as you simply plug it into an outlet and connect it to your computer to get it working. It's also space-saving and easily fits right next to your desk or CPU.

To avoid electromagnetic interference

Inverters don't just solve the problem of power outages or fluctuations. They also serve to filter out the interference caused by the proximity of devices. Thus, you will not be disturbed by electromagnetic interference noises.

The best brands of inverters

In our opinion, the best brands of inverters in 2022 are :

Eaton
Infosec
APC
Trust
Belkin

Eaton is a world-renowned brand that specializes in providing services and manufacturing technologies to improve energy management. It is at the top of the list in the market, especially thanks to its inverters, whose quality is sufficient to effectively protect various computer and electronic systems. We therefore appreciate the power, performance and diversity of its products.

The French brand Infosec has been present on the electronics market for over 25 years. It turns to both the manufacture and sale of equipment such as inverters and para-surge protectors that allow professionals as well as the general public to benefit from an excellent protection of their electronic and computer devices. We find that the versatility and efficiency of its products make it an essential brand.

APC, or American Power Conversion, is a leading American brand in the field of reliable power supplies, offering unparalleled protection for electronic and computer equipment. Over its 39 years of existence and experience in the field, the brand offers an array of inverters, surge protectors and mobile accessories among its thousands of items. We appreciate the autonomy, power and resistance offered in all of its products.

Especially known in the design of audiovisual equipment and computer hardware, Trust is one of the best brands to be found today. Among its many talents, these inverters are considered to be a must-have in terms of electrical protection. We particularly like the quality/price ratio and performance of its products.

Originally from the United States, the Belkin brand has spread all over the world, thanks to the genius of its products and their diversity. In addition to the digital devices and accessories that accompany them, Belkin also offers multiple models of inverters. These are distinguished by their functionality to meet the needs of each user. We find its products innovative, efficient and above all well designed.

What is the price for an inverter

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
60 £ to 100 £
Mid-range
100 £ to 250 £
High-end
more than 250 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Observe the capacity specifications

Many AC appliances require more power to start than they consume while running. A 500-watt drill, for example, might need 1,000 watts to start, even if only for a second or two. It's important to check if your appliances have this demand (this is called "surge" or "spike"). Make sure your UPS has the capacity for your devices,

and likewise,

avoid overloading it and asking for more than it needs, respecting the maximum power for the number of devices you need to connect

.

Use your separate charger

If

your device has a separate charger, it is better to plug it into the inverter rather than charging the device directly

.

Get a car inverter

Portability is one of the great advantages of small inverters. If you travel or move around a lot, it can be useful to have one permanently installed in your vehicle. Installation is not complicated, and instructions are readily available online. If in doubt, consult an automotive electrician.

Beware of temperature variations

Beware of

temperature variations. This can affect the performance of modular inverters. For example, colder areas have been known to cause them to run very slowly and have trouble reaching their usual peak performance. Temperatures that are too hot can also have the same effect.

Use the battery

To

maintain the charge of the inverter battery, it must be used often. So remember to discharge the UPS battery at least once a month to recharge it to full capacity.

FAQ

What is the best inverter?

The best inverter depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide to find out which products are the best.

How to calculate the autonomy of an inverter?

Rather than making endless calculations when you buy your inverter, or even once you have used it, the information about its power will be of greater help in defining its autonomy. The more your inverter is overloaded (because you ask him more than it takes on the power side), the less autonomous it will be. Indeed, if you use it correctly, it can last for a good thirty minutes, sometimes even 1 hour. On the other hand, being overloaded with energy-consuming devices, it will only last a handful of minutes, sometimes 5 or 6 minutes at most.

How to recharge an inverter?

While the on-line inverters recharge automatically from the mains, the other models must be charged systematically by the user. To do so, you just have to leave it plugged in, turn it on and check that the green light is on. Your battery will recharge automatically. However, to recharge it every month, make sure it is not plugged in even if it is working. This will help you discharge it quickly and then refill it.

What is the difference between a converter and an inverter?

As the name suggests, the role of an inverter is to convert a current into an electrical voltage. For its part, the inverter is a type of converter that receives a direct current and delivers one that is alternating. In addition, it stores energy in its battery to distribute it to the devices connected to it in the event of a power outage.

How to maintain an inverter?

Proper maintenance will ensure a longer life for your inverter. In addition to placing it in a place where the temperature will not affect its operation, you can also clean it. For example, get rid of dust on a regular basis so that it doesn't get inside. Also, get a blower to effectively remove the dirt that is already in the inverter housing.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , apc.com
  2. , libertalia.org
  3. , bestreviews.com
  4. , consumersearch.com
  5. , infosec-ups.com
  6. , europ-computer.com
  7. , ecus.fr
  8. , emajit.com
  9. , zimaly.fr
  10. , boulanger.com
  11. , commentcamarche.net
  12. , fr.wikipedia.org
  13. , amazon.co.uk
  14. , ldlc.com
  15. , materiel.net
  16. , darty.com
  17. , europ-computer.com
  18. , ldlc.com
  19. , onduleurs.fr
  20. , infosec-ups.com
  21. , cdiscount.com
  22. , materiel.net
  23. , manomano.fr
  24. , iris.ma
  25. , grosbill.com
  26. , testmateriel.net
  27. , fnac.com
  28. , topachat.com
  29. , dinan-informatique.com
  30. , onduleur.shop
  31. , inmac-wstore.com
  32. , onduleur-store.fr
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Eaton Ellipse ECO 650 FR 11
Eaton Ellipse ECO 650 FR
Infosec Z1 Zenergy Cube Inverter 12
Infosec Z1 Zenergy Cube Inverter
APC Power PRO (BR900G-EN) inverter 13
APC Power PRO (BR900G-EN) inverter
APC Back-Ups BE650G2-EN 14
APC Back-Ups BE650G2-EN
Eaton 3S 700 FR inverter 15
Eaton 3S 700 FR inverter

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