Choosing a UPS for critical power protection is often a trade-off between a clean, modern unit and one that can handle a heavier load. In this head-to-head, the APC Smart-UPS Lithium-Ion 500VA SCL500RM1U represents the first path: it's brand-new, silver, and built around a lithium-ion battery. The CyberPower OR2200LCDRT2U takes the opposite approach: it's used, but it packs a much larger capacity and a suite of protection features aimed at enterprise and data-center racks. Both are rack-mountable and run on 120V, but they serve very different roles. The right choice comes down to how much equipment you need to support and how you feel about used hardware.
Quick Verdict
If you want a new unit with lithium-ion technology and your setup is modest, the APC is the easy pick. If you need a broader safety net and accept pre-owned gear, the CyberPower is the stronger candidate.
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Product | Listed Price | VA Rating | Condition | Standout Feature | Price Bar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| APC Smart-UPS Lithium-Ion 500VA | USD 399.00 | 500VA | New | Lithium-ion battery | |
| CyberPower OR2200LCDRT2U | USD 184.98 | 2200VA | Used | AVR and surge protection |
Where Each Product Wins
APC Smart-UPS Lithium-Ion 500VA wins if: a brand-new battery is non-negotiable and you want a clean, silver unit.
CyberPower OR2200LCDRT2U wins if: you want AVR, surge protection, and an audible alarm from a single unit and are open to used gear.
Product Notes
APC Smart-UPS Lithium-Ion 500VA
The APC Smart-UPS Lithium-Ion 500VA SCL500RM1U is a brand-new, rack-mountable UPS with a lithium-ion battery and a silver finish. The lithium-ion battery is designed for long-lasting backup power, and the unit is listed as compatible with a universal range of devices, so it can be paired with a variety of servers and network gear. Being new means there is no prior usage to account for, which can be a meaningful benefit in a critical power setup. The main limitation is the modest capacity: once your connected equipment approaches that ceiling, there is no room for expansion. If your load stays small and you prefer a pristine unit, this is the one to choose.
CyberPower OR2200LCDRT2U
The CyberPower OR2200LCDRT2U is a used, rack-mountable UPS with automatic voltage regulation, surge protection, an audible alarm, and a 2U form factor. It also includes USB and serial ports and supports an optional remote management card, which is useful for administrators. The used condition is the main thing to weigh: you lose the clean slate of a new unit, but the unit is aimed at enterprise/data-center environments, so it brings a level of heavy-duty capability that a small office UPS won't match. If your rack is crowded and you need robust protection, this CyberPower makes a compelling case.
Final Choice by Use Case
Choose the APC when you want a new, small UPS and your equipment list is short. Choose the CyberPower when your rack has more demanding gear and you're comfortable with a used unit, especially since it's priced significantly lower. For most busy racks, the CyberPower is the practical workhorse.
