Choose for the load and workflow.
The APC is rated at 1,000 W / 1,440 VA; the CyberPower at 1,500 W / 1,500 VA. If the load exceeds 1,000 W, the APC is outside its watt rating. Below that, compare runtime at your actual watts, management requirements and total ownership cost.
Side by side, in the same units
| Decision factor | APC SMT1500RM2UC | CyberPower PR1500RT2UC |
|---|---|---|
| Exact model | SMT1500RM2UC | PR1500RT2UC |
| Rated VA | 1,440 VA | 1,500 VA |
| Rated watts | 1,000 W | 1,500 W |
| Nominal voltage | 120 V | 120 V |
| Topology | Line-interactive | Line-interactive |
| Battery waveform | Sine wave | Sine wave |
| Input plug | NEMA 5-15P | NEMA 5-15P |
| Battery-backed outputs | 6 × NEMA 5-15R | 8 × NEMA 5-15R |
| Rack height | 2U | 2U; rack / tower |
| Chassis depth | 477 mm | 411 mm |
| Weight | 26.5 kg | 25.31 kg |
| Cloud monitoring | SmartConnect | Built-in cloud monitoring |
| Other communication | USB / serial; SmartSlot | USB / serial / EPO; optional RMCARD205 |
| Warranty | 3 years UPS; 2 years battery | 3-year limited, including batteries |
| Replacement cartridge | APCRBC159 | RB1290X4J |
| Four-post rail kit | Listed included; verify bundle | CP2RAIL02 separate; verify bundle |
| Our runtime testing | Not tested | Not tested |
Manufacturer sources: Schneider Electric and CyberPower, checked 15 October 2026.
What would change the choice?
When the APC belongs on the shortlist
Your load fits both its watt and VA limits, six receptacles are sufficient or compatible distribution is planned, and APC’s monitoring and shutdown options suit the installation. Confirm service terms and any required accessories before comparing total prices.
When the CyberPower belongs on the shortlist
You need more than 1,000 W of rated output, eight battery-backed receptacles, or its rack/tower format. Verify the current PR1500RT2UC suffix: the older PR1500RT2U is a different, discontinued model.
When neither is the right starting point
The project needs 208/230 V, a different input connector, online double-conversion topology, larger capacity, or a runtime target these exact units cannot support. Start with those requirements rather than choosing a brand first.
The runtime comparison we will not guess
Half load means 500 W for the APC and 750 W for the CyberPower. Comparing half-load minutes would compare different loads. Use each manufacturer’s exact-model runtime resources at the same measured watts. We have no equal-load discharge results and assign no runtime winner.
Runtime depends on battery condition, temperature and operating conditions. For a critical load, validate the complete shutdown process in the intended environment. A successful alert is not the same as a successful host shutdown.
Check the models and offers
APC Smart-UPS SMT1500RM2UC
Read our full research review and the manufacturer specifications.
Find SMT1500RM2UC on AmazonAmazon.com search. Verify model, seller, condition and warranty.
CyberPower PR1500RT2UC
Read our full research review and the manufacturer specifications.
Find PR1500RT2UC on AmazonAmazon.com search. Verify model, seller, condition and warranty.
Sources & limitations
This is an editorial interpretation of manufacturer documentation, checked 15 October 2026. No purchase prices, stock status, user ratings or original test results are asserted. Read the methodology.