APC by Schneider Electric BR1500MS2 vs CyberPower BRG1500AVRLCD2: Specification Comparison
Both units are 1500 VA / 900 W line-interactive tower UPS systems designed for desktop workstations, home offices, networking gear, and light AV or gaming setups running on 120 V North American power. The APC BR1500MS2 and CyberPower BRG1500AVRLCD2 occupy the same capacity tier and are sold into the same buyer segments, making them a direct cross-shop. Key differentiators span output waveform quality, outlet count and charging features, and warranty coverage with connected-equipment protection.
In This Guide
- Which UPS delivers cleaner power and how long will it keep equipment running?
- How many outlets and connectivity options does each unit provide, and which supports modern device charging?
- What warranty, surge protection ratings, and safety certifications back each unit?
- Which should you choose: the BR1500MS2 or the BRG1500AVRLCD2?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Which UPS delivers cleaner power and how long will it keep equipment running?
The APC BR1500MS2 outputs a true sine wave, which is specified in its datasheet as 'Sine wave.' The CyberPower BRG1500AVRLCD2 outputs a simulated sine wave. For loads that are sensitive to waveform shape — active PFC power supplies common in modern workstations, medical-grade equipment, or high-end audio gear — a true sine wave is the preferred topology. Simulated sine wave (stepped approximation) is generally adequate for resistive or less-sensitive loads.
Runtime figures are provided only for the CyberPower unit: 12 minutes at half load (450 W) and 2 minutes at full load (900 W). The APC BR1500MS2 spec set does not include a runtime table. The CyberPower achieves those runtimes with two 12 V / 9 Ah batteries (total 18 Ah at 24 V), while the APC lists one included battery module with no Ah rating disclosed in the provided specs.
Both units implement line-interactive topology with automatic voltage regulation. The CyberPower specifies ±10% boost/buck AVR and an input voltage range of 57–120 VAC. The APC lists an input voltage range of 88–147 V with a 12 A maximum input current; no AVR boost/buck percentage is stated in the provided specs. Transfer time for the APC is 8 ms typical / 10 ms maximum; no transfer time is listed in the CyberPower spec set.
How many outlets and connectivity options does each unit provide, and which supports modern device charging?
The CyberPower BRG1500AVRLCD2 provides 12 total NEMA 5-15R outlets: 6 with battery backup plus surge, and 6 with surge protection only. The APC BR1500MS2 provides 10 total outlets: 6 NEMA 5-15R with battery backup and 4 NEMA 5-15R with surge only. Installers managing desktops with multiple peripherals, switches, or NVRs will find the CyberPower's two additional outlets meaningful.
The CyberPower adds two USB charging ports not present on the APC — one USB-A at 2.4 A and one USB-C at 18 W Power Delivery — enabling direct charging of tablets, phones, or IP cameras without consuming an AC outlet. The APC spec sheet lists no USB charging ports.
For data-line surge protection the two units differ: the APC BR1500MS2 includes coaxial (CATV/SATV/modem/audio-video) protection. The CyberPower BRG1500AVRLCD2 includes RJ-45 Ethernet in/out protection. Neither spec set lists both types simultaneously; buyers with coax infrastructure should note the APC advantage, while those with PoE switches or NAS units on Ethernet should note the CyberPower's RJ-45 protection. Management connectivity: CyberPower ships with USB and DB9 serial plus optional SNMP/HTTP card; APC lists USB only with no mention of serial or network management card support in the provided specs.
What warranty, surge protection ratings, and safety certifications back each unit?
The CyberPower BRG1500AVRLCD2 carries a 5-year warranty and a $500,000 connected equipment guarantee per its spec sheet. The APC BR1500MS2 spec set does not state a warranty duration or a connected equipment guarantee; those values are absent from the provided specifications.
Surge energy ratings differ: CyberPower is rated at 1,500 joules; APC is rated at 1,080 joules. The CyberPower's 39% higher joule rating means it can absorb more cumulative surge energy before clamping performance degrades. APC specifies a clamping response time of zero (per 'zero clamping response time' in filtering spec) and 5% IEEE surge let-through, but no joule figure for clamping voltage is separately stated.
Certifications are listed only for CyberPower: UL 1778, cUL 107 5th edition, FCC DOC Class B, RoHS, and ENERGY STAR. The APC BR1500MS2 spec set does not list certifications in the provided data. Acoustic noise is specified only for APC at 45 dBA; CyberPower provides no acoustic rating. Battery design life for APC is stated as 3–5 years; CyberPower does not specify battery design life in the provided specs. Recharge time is stated only for APC at 16 hours.
Which should you choose: the BR1500MS2 or the BRG1500AVRLCD2?
Our take: The BR1500MS2 is the stronger choice when connected loads include active PFC power supplies or other waveform-sensitive devices, because it delivers a true sine wave versus the BRG1500AVRLCD2's simulated sine wave. However, the CyberPower BRG1500AVRLCD2 holds concrete advantages in three measurable areas: it provides 12 outlets versus the APC's 10, its surge energy rating is 1,500 J versus APC's 1,080 J (a 39% margin), and it includes a stated 5-year warranty with a $500,000 connected equipment guarantee — neither of which appears in the APC's provided specifications. Runtime at load is quantified only for the CyberPower (12 min at 450 W). Buyers prioritizing waveform purity for sensitive electronics or audio-video systems should favor the BR1500MS2; those managing networking gear, NAS devices, or mixed-load office environments where outlet count, Ethernet data-line protection, USB-C charging, and documented warranty depth matter more will find the BRG1500AVRLCD2 the better-specified option at this capacity tier.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | APC by Schneider Electric BR1500MS2 | CyberPower BRG1500AVRLCD2 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity (VA) | 1500 VA | 1500 VA |
| Capacity (Watts) | 900 W | 900 W |
| Topology | Line-Interactive | Line-Interactive |
| Output Waveform | Sine wave | Simulated Sine Wave |
| Total AC Outlets | 10 (6 battery+surge, 4 surge only) | 12 (6 battery+surge, 6 surge only) |
| Input Voltage Range | 88–147 V | 57–120 VAC |
| Transfer Time | 8 ms typical / 10 ms max | — |
| Surge Energy Rating | 1,080 J | 1,500 J |
| AVR Boost/Buck | — | ±10% |
| Battery | Lead-Acid, 1 module (Ah not stated) | Sealed Lead-Acid, 2× 12V/9Ah |
| Runtime at Half Load | — | 12 min at 450 W |
| Runtime at Full Load | — | 2 min at 900 W |
| Battery Recharge Time | 16 h | — |
| Battery Design Life | 3–5 years | — |
| USB Charging Ports | — | 1× USB-A 2.4A, 1× USB-C 18W PD |
| Data Line Protection | Coaxial (CATV/SATV/modem/AV) | RJ-45 Ethernet in/out |
| Management Interfaces | USB | USB, Serial (DB9); optional SNMP/HTTP card |
| LCD Display | Multi-function LCD | Multifunction LCD (load, runtime, voltage, battery, faults) |
| Acoustic Noise | 45 dBA | — |
| Warranty | — | 5 years |
| Connected Equipment Guarantee | — | $500,000 |
| Certifications | — | UL1778, cUL 107 5th, FCC Class B, RoHS, ENERGY STAR |
| Weight | 27.6 lb (12.5 kg) | 23.8 lb |
| Power Cord Length | 6 ft (1.8 m) | 6 ft |
| Color | Black aluminium | Black |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the BR1500MS2 or the BRG1500AVRLCD2?
The BR1500MS2 is the stronger choice when connected loads include active PFC power supplies or other waveform-sensitive devices, because it delivers a true sine wave versus the BRG1500AVRLCD2's simulated sine wave. However, the CyberPower BRG1500AVRLCD2 holds concrete advantages in three measurable areas: it provides 12 outlets versus the APC's 10, its surge energy rating is 1,500 J versus APC's 1,080 J (a 39% margin), and it includes a stated 5-year warranty with a $500,000 connected equipment guarantee — neither of which appears in the APC's provided specifications. Runtime at load is quantified only for the CyberPower (12 min at 450 W). Buyers prioritizing waveform purity for sensitive electronics or audio-video systems should favor the BR1500MS2; those managing networking gear, NAS devices, or mixed-load office environments where outlet count, Ethernet data-line protection, USB-C charging, and documented warranty depth matter more will find the BRG1500AVRLCD2 the better-specified option at this capacity tier.
Is the BR1500MS2 or BRG1500AVRLCD2 better for a workstation with a modern power supply?
The BR1500MS2 is better suited if your workstation uses an active PFC power supply, because it outputs a true sine wave. The BRG1500AVRLCD2 outputs a simulated sine wave, which can cause compatibility issues or audible buzzing with active PFC supplies. If your load is a standard resistive or less-sensitive device, both units are rated identically at 1500 VA / 900 W, but for active PFC the APC's waveform specification is the deciding factor.
Which unit offers better surge protection and warranty coverage?
The CyberPower BRG1500AVRLCD2 is rated at 1,500 joules of surge energy absorption versus the APC BR1500MS2's 1,080 joules — a 39% difference. The CyberPower also carries a documented 5-year warranty and a $500,000 connected equipment guarantee per its spec sheet. The APC spec set provided does not state a warranty duration or a connected equipment guarantee value, so direct comparison on those terms is not possible from the available data.
Does either UPS include a runtime estimate so I can plan for a graceful shutdown?
Only the CyberPower BRG1500AVRLCD2 provides runtime figures in the supplied specifications: 12 minutes at half load (450 W) and approximately 2 minutes at full load (900 W). The APC BR1500MS2 spec set does not include a runtime table in the provided data. If runtime planning is critical to your deployment — for example, ensuring enough time to save work and shut down a server — the CyberPower is the only unit with published figures to plan against from these specs.
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