Power outages can be a real buzzkill, especially when one is in the middle of a thrilling gaming session. In fact, it’s not just an inconvenience. It can lead to plenty of issues, ranging from lost progress, disrupted multiplayer sessions, and even potential damage to expensive gaming equipment. This is where a UPS, or Uninterruptible Power Supply, comes to the rescue. For gamers using high-end gaming PCs or the best gaming consoles, having a reliable UPS is crucial. An uninterrupted power supply usually provides enough buffer time to save the game and shut down the system properly, preserving both your progress and your equipment. Additionally, a UPS with a higher wattage can handle multiple devices, including a TV, monitor, router, and even gaming peripherals. That said, with so many options to choose from, it can be a tedious task to decide the best uninterrupted power supply for one’s gaming needs. In this guide, Game Rant lists some of the best UPS on the market that users can buy for their gaming needs. Whether it’s for a high-end gaming PC, a console, or a multi-device setup, investing in a quality uninterrupted power supply can provide peace of mind and risk-free gaming sessions. Game Rant’s Picks of Best Uninterrupted Power Supplies for Gaming The CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD stands out as the best overall UPS for gaming, offering a robust combination of power, reliability, and advanced features. With a power capacity of 1500VA/1000W, this uninterrupted power supply can handle high-performance gaming PCs with ease. This ensures that one’s gaming sessions remain uninterrupted during power outages. The unit features an Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR), which stabilizes voltage fluctuations, protecting sensitive gaming hardware from damage. What makes the CP1500PFCLCD particularly appealing is its user-friendly LCD. This screen provides real-time information on battery status, load capacity, and estimated runtime, making it easy for gamers to monitor their power usage and plan accordingly. The UPS also comes with 12 outlets, six of which offer battery backup and surge protection, while the other six provide surge protection only. This allows for flexible setup options, accommodating multiple devices. On top of that, there are USB charge ports, as well as LAN ports to keep network devices online too. For gamers on a budget, the APC BE600M1 Back-UPS offers excellent value without compromising on essential features. This compact UPS provides 600VA/330W of power, which is sufficient for protecting gaming consoles, mid-range gaming PCs, and other smaller devices. The inclusion of a USB charging port is a bonus, allowing users to keep their mobile devices charged even during power outages. The BE600M1 includes seven outlets, five of which offer battery backup and surge protection, and two with surge protection only. This setup ensures that the most critical devices remain powered and protected. Despite its budget-friendly price, this UPS still features APC’s reliable build quality and performance, making it a trusted option for many users. It’s also quite compact, allowing for easier storage in tight spaces and gaming setups. For gamers who have invested in a top-of-the-line gaming rig, the CyberPower OR2200PFCRT2U PFC is the ultimate shield. With a whopping 2200 VA rating, this uninterrupted power supply is built to handle even the most demanding gaming PCs, including those with flagship graphics cards and overclocked processors. This CyberPower UPS delivers a pure Sine Wave output, meaning the electricity is delivered in a clean, smooth wave. This is essential for sensitive electronic components, like those in a gaming PC. Further, the UPS is designed with versatility in mind, featuring a rack or tower convertible form factor that fits into various setups. It includes eight outlets with battery backup and surge protection, six of which are NEMA 5-15R outlets, while the other two are NEMA 5-20R. CyberPower also offers a 3-year warranty, including a $300,000 guarantee on all connected equipment to further sweeten the deal. The APC BR1500G & BR24BPG Combo is the best choice for gamers who require extended battery life. This combination includes the BR1500G UPS and the BR24BPG external battery pack, providing prolonged power during outages. With a capacity of 1500VA/865W, this UPS can support gaming PCs, consoles, and other peripherals for extended periods. The UPS features an intuitive LCD panel that offers real-time information on power usage and battery status. With 10 outlets — five with battery backup and surge protection, and five with surge protection only — this unit can accommodate a variety of devices. The external battery pack significantly extends the runtime, making it perfect for gamers who need to keep their systems running during long power outages. It’s worth noting that the internal fan of the BR1500G is quite loud, something that multiple customers have also highlighted. As such, it’s recommended to keep the UPS and the battery pack tucked away in a corner. Other than that, the APC BR1500G & BR24BPG Combo is perfect for gamers who need a UPS with extended battery life. The CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD is the ideal UPS for gaming consoles, providing 1000VA/600W of power to ensure uninterrupted gameplay. This unit features Pure Sine Wave output, which is crucial for the sensitive electronics in gaming consoles, ensuring they receive clean and stable power. Furthermore, the Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) feature protects devices by correcting minor power fluctuations. The CP1000PFCLCD uninterrupted power supply includes a bright LCD panel that shows real-time information on battery status, load capacity, and estimated runtime. Additionally, the UPS also includes a USB-A and a USB-C port up front with a peak output of 3.1A. Users can connect their controllers or other peripherals for quick charging to these USB ports as well. Gamers whose gaming setup includes multiple devices, such as a PC, console, monitor, router, and speakers, need an uninterrupted power supply that can handle it all. As such, the APC BX1500M UPS is the perfect solution. With a power capacity of 1500VA/900W, it offers ample power to protect the entire gaming ecosystem for most users. This UPS includes 10 outlets — five with battery backup and surge protection, and five with surge protection only. This allows gamers to protect multiple devices from power surges while ensuring critical devices remain powered during outages. In addition to that, the UPS also comes with a 1Gb network data line protection. As for longevity, the battery should last for a couple of years, after which it can easily be replaced, so you won’t have to buy an entirely new UPS again. How to Choose the Right UPS for Gaming Choosing the right uninterrupted power supply for gaming can seem a bit overwhelming, especially with all the technical jargon. Let’s break down some essential factors to consider that should help with the purchase decision. Power Capacity: VA and Wattage One of the first things to look at when choosing a UPS is its power capacity, which is typically measured in VA (Volt-Amperes) and wattage. These numbers indicate how much power the UPS can deliver to the gaming equipment. VA is a unit that represents the apparent power that the uninterrupted power supply can handle. It combines both the voltage and current to give an idea of the total electrical load the UPS can support. However, VA alone doesn’t give the complete picture. The actual power that devices consume is measured in wattage. Ideally, one should get a UPS with enough wattage to handle the gaming setup’s combined power needs. For example, if a gaming PC and monitor together require 600 watts, the uninterrupted power supply must have a wattage rating higher than that to ensure it can support the load during an outage. Sine Wave Output The power coming from the wall outlet is in the form of a sine wave. This is a smooth, continuous wave that ensures devices operate correctly. Many modern uninterrupted power supplies, especially those designed for gaming PCs and consoles, offer Pure Sine Wave output, which closely mimics this smooth wave from the wall socket. The thing to keep in mind is that a pure sine wave output is generally better for sensitive electronic equipment like gaming PCs, as it provides cleaner power. Battery Capacity and Runtime Another critical factor is how long the uninterrupted power supply can keep devices running during an outage. UPS models with larger batteries will offer longer runtimes, which is particularly useful if the power goes out in the middle of an intense gaming session. For instance, if a UPS has a runtime of 10 minutes under full load, this means it can keep the gaming PC and other connected devices running for about 10 minutes after the power goes out. Users can opt for either attaching an external battery pack or opting for a higher wattage UPS that will, consequently, offer a better runtime, albeit at a higher cost. Number of Outlets and Surge Protection One should also consider how many appliances or equipment they are planning to connect to the UPS, and accordingly opt for the number of outlets. However, it’s worth noting that not all outlets on an uninterrupted power supply perform the same. Typically, a UPS will have a mix of battery backup outlets and surge protection-only outlets. The battery backup outlets are where the critical devices, like a gaming PC and monitor, should be connected. These outlets not only provide power during an outage, but also offer surge protection. On the other hand, surge protection outlets work to simply safeguard devices from voltage spikes. These outlets will not provide battery backup in the event of a blackout. Additional Features Some uninterrupted power supply models come with additional features that can enhance the overall experience and convenience. For instance, LCD panels provide real-time information on the uninterrupted power supply’s status, such as battery life, power load, and estimated runtime. On top of that, some UPS models offer software that one can use to monitor their device using their PC itself. Similarly, many UPS units include USB charging ports, allowing users to charge smartphones, tablets, or other small devices even during a power outage. This feature can be handy if the main power is down for an extended period. FAQ Q: Can a UPS protect my gaming PC from power surges? Yes, a UPS can protect your gaming PC from power surges. Most UPS units have built-in surge protection that prevents voltage spikes from damaging your equipment, ensuring your gaming setup remains safe. Q: How do I calculate the right wattage UPS for my gaming PC? To estimate the required wattage for your gaming PC UPS, add up the wattage of your PC, monitor, and other connected devices. Multiply this total by 1.2 to account for power surges. This will give you a rough estimate of the wattage you need.