APC BX1500M
The affordable 1500 VA pick from APC, for a desktop PC with a conventional power supply.
Amazon $189.99$189.99
The APC BX1500M is the better UPS battery backup overall, rated 3.6 to 3.3. The APC BX1500M leads on value. The APC Smart-UPS SMC1500C wins on features. The APC BX1500M costs $350.01 less ($189.99 vs $540).
Prices were last checked November 9, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon or the retailer's site at the time of purchase apply. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
APC Smart-UPS SMC1500C
A Smart-UPS tower for network closets and small servers that want remote monitoring.
Amazon $540$540
Which should you buy?
- Choose the APC BX1500M for value ($21.11 per 100 W ($189.99, 900 W) vs $60 per 100 W ($540, 900 W)).
- Choose the APC Smart-UPS SMC1500C for features (automatic voltage regulation, LCD, software or network management vs automatic voltage regulation, LCD).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every tower (1,000 to 2,000 VA) UPS battery backup; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | APC BX1500M | APC Smart-UPS SMC1500C |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.6/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 25% | 84 $21.11 per 100 W ($189.99, 900 W) | 33 $60 per 100 W ($540, 900 W) |
| Output 15% | 42 900 W rated output | 42 900 W rated output |
| Topology and waveform 20% | 55 line-interactive, waveform not published | 80 line-interactive, sine wave |
| Runtime 10% | 89 68 min at 100 W | 50 runtime at 100 W not published (neutral score used) |
| Features 15% | 45 automatic voltage regulation, LCD | 65 automatic voltage regulation, LCD, software or network management |
| Warranty 15% | 35 3-year warranty, no equipment guarantee published | 32 2-year warranty, $150,000 equipment guarantee |
Specifications
| APC BX1500M | APC Smart-UPS SMC1500C | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | ||
| Rated apparent power | 1,500 VA | 1,500 VA |
| Rated real power | 900 W | 900 W |
| Topology | Line-interactive | Line-interactive |
| Battery waveform | - | Sine wave |
| Automatic voltage regulation | Yes | Yes |
| Battery and runtime | ||
| User-replaceable battery | Yes | - |
| Runtime at 100 W | 68 min | - |
| Outlets and features | ||
| Outlets | 10 (5 on battery) | 8 (6 on battery) |
| Format | Tower | Tower |
| Display | LCD | LCD |
| USB charging ports | No | No |
| Data port, software or network option | No | Yes |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years |
| Connected-equipment guarantee | - | $150,000 |