10 Best Mini UPS of 2026, Keep Your Router and Fibre Box Online in a Power Cut
When the power goes, your full-fibre ONT and Wi-Fi router go dark with it, and if your landline now runs through the router, so does the phone. After weeks with UK roundups, spec sheets and amazon.co.uk listings, the best mini UPS for most homes is the APC Back-UPS Connect CP12036LI, a 12V, 36-watt lithium-ion unit made for routers.
I didn't test these hands-on, and most are judged on their listings. The list mixes small DC units that feed a router through its barrel socket with compact AC models that take normal plugs, and the buying guide explains which you need. Match the voltage and connector first.
- Router backup power: Built for routers, VoIP and smart home hubs. Up to 4 hours runtime.
- Useful output options: Three different DC tips included. Fits common router barrel sockets.
- Clear power rating: 12V DC at 36 watts. Enough headroom for most single routers.
- Easy to place: Flat 15 x 15 cm body at 300 grams. Sits under a router.
- Straightforward hookup: LED indicators show status and battery level. Nothing to configure.
- Light lithium-ion battery: Lithium-ion, not lead-acid. Lighter and smaller than a desktop UPS.
- 12V only: A single 12V output. Routers needing 9V or 19V need another option.
- Router backup power: Covers routers, IP cameras and smart controllers. Rated 40 minutes to over five hours.
- Useful output options: Selectable 9, 12, 15 or 19V DC. Four barrel tips included.
- Clear power rating: 36W rating, matching the APC. Ample for most home routers.
- Easy to place: Just 95.5 x 30 x 136 mm. Silent, compact and easy to hide.
- Straightforward hookup: Tips run from 3.5 x 1.5 mm to 5.5 x 2.5 mm. Few adapters needed.
- Light lithium-ion battery: Lithium-ion battery of about 40Wh. Light for its capacity.
- Tip juggling: Four loose barrel tips to keep track of. Easy to lose in a drawer.
- Router backup power: Protects modems, routers, VoIP phones and cameras. Up to 240 minutes autonomy.
- Useful output options: 5, 9 and 12V DC outputs. PoE at 24V and 48V too.
- Clear power rating: 25W rating suits a router or a camera. Not meant for a PC.
- Easy to place: 500 grams, and it sits upright or flat. Fits a crowded shelf.
- Straightforward hookup: Replaces your modem's original power adapter. Ten connectors are included.
- Lower 25W ceiling: 25W caps it at modest loads. Check your router adapter's label first.
- Router backup power: Plug the router and ONT adapters straight in. No barrel tips needed.
- Useful output options: Two UK outlets on the back. Boost and buck AVR steadies voltage.
- Clear power rating: 650VA/360W capacity. Far more headroom than any DC mini UPS.
- Easy to place: Compact desktop box at 25.2 x 8.4 x 15.8 cm. Fits under a desk.
- Straightforward hookup: HID USB link to a PC. Cold start runs it from battery alone.
- Weight: About 4 kg on the spec sheet. Much heavier than any DC unit here.
- Router backup power: Keeps a computer, router and modem running. Covers outages and switchovers.
- Useful output options: Two sockets with battery backup and surge protection. AVR evens out voltage.
- Clear power rating: 625VA/360W capacity. Sized for a computer plus a router.
- Easy to place: A 31.5 x 10 x 14.3 cm footprint. Sits beside a desk tower.
- Straightforward hookup: LCD shows voltage, battery and load. Software for Windows, macOS and Linux.
- Shelf weight: 4.2 kg on the spec sheet. Needs the floor or a sturdy shelf.
- Router backup power: Rated for routers, modems and CCTV cameras. Hours of backup, says TalentCell.
- Useful output options: Four 12V DC ports and one 9V. USB-A and USB-C too.
- Clear power rating: A 99.9Wh, 9000mAh battery. USB-A and USB-C at 18W.
- Easy to place: 16 x 14 x 3.3 cm and 700 grams. Slim enough to lie flat.
- Barrel size: DC ports are 5.5 x 2.1 mm. Other plugs need an adapter cable.
- Separate charger: Runs from its own 12.6V charger. One more brick at the socket.
- Router backup power: Built for UGREEN NAS boxes. Switches to battery in 0 seconds.
- Useful output options: Constant 120W DC output. Matched to UGREEN NAS voltage needs.
- Clear power rating: 120W rating and a 12000mAh battery. Far beyond a router's needs.
- Easy to place: 441 grams and 20.5 x 13.5 x 3.7 cm. Sits beside the NAS.
- NAS-specific: Designed around UGREEN NAS. Not for the DXP6800 or DXP8800 series.
- Router mismatch: Router use isn't its focus. Check the connector before relying on it.
- Router backup power: Backs up a router, modem or smart hub. Switches over automatically in a cut.
- Useful output options: 12V DC plus a 5V USB output. Charges a phone in a pinch.
- Clear power rating: 30W rating with a 7800mAh battery. Fine for a single router.
- Easy to place: Pocket-sized at 0.28 kg. Easy to hide behind a router.
- Straightforward hookup: Plugs between your 12V adapter and the device. No mains wiring involved.
- No adapter included: Needs your existing 12V adapter. Nothing in the box plugs into the wall.
- Single voltage: Only suits 12V DC devices. Check the router label first.
- Power-bank build: Sold as a power-bank-style backup. Not a classic UPS design.
- Router backup power: Keeps routers, modems and cameras going. Aimed at home and small office.
- Useful output options: 9V and 12V DC plus 5V USB. Dual-input charging options.
- Clear power rating: 8800mAh battery with 18W maximum. Suits a light router load.
- Easy to place: Compact ABS and PC housing. Sits easily beside networking kit.
- 1A output limit: The 12V and 9V ports give 1A each. Bigger routers may need more.
- Short warranty: The listing quotes a 90-day manufacturer warranty. Short for a battery product.
- Router backup power: For routers, ONTs, LED lights and CCTV. Switches over in 0 seconds.
- Useful output options: 19V, 12V, 9V and 5V DC outputs. One USB port too.
- Clear power rating: 13200mAh, 48.84Wh lithium-ion battery. A solid reserve for its size.
- Easy to place: 105 x 105 x 27.5 mm and about 280g. Fits in a palm.
- No brand in title: The title carries no brand name. It's sold under RGTTOTG on Amazon.
- Spec contradictions: Listed wattage figures don't add up. Check output current before buying.
Other Mini UPS Units Worth Considering
- Two 12V 2A outputs plus one 9V 1A output.
- Charges from your router's own 12V adapter.
- Doubles as a power bank for phones.
- The 12V adapter is not included in the box.
- No editorial backing turned up.
- Rated for up to 5 hours on a 24W router and modem.
- Indicator shows the remaining battery.
- Short-circuit and temperature protection.
- The smallest battery in this grid.
- Only a 90-day manufacturer warranty.
- Replaces the router's power adapter directly.
- PoE output alongside 5V, 9V and 12V DC.
- Rated for 4 to 8 hours depending on the router.
- Check your router is 12V or 9V before buying.
- A listing-only pick with no editorial backing.
- Two UK outlets plus generator compatibility, per the title.
- RJ45 surge protection for a network line.
- USB monitoring and safe-shutdown software.
- Backup is quoted in minutes, not hours.
- The title lacks the Powercool name.
In-Depth Reviews of Our 10 Mini UPS Picks
What each spec means for a UK router and fibre box, and where each unit falls short.
#1 · Editor's Choice
APC Back-UPS Connect CP12036LI 12V DC Lithium-Ion Mini UPS
For the job in this article's title, keeping a router online through a power cut, the CP12036LI is the one I'd buy. It's a 12V DC mini UPS rated at 36 watts, with a lithium-ion battery, three DC tips for common router sockets, LED status lights and up to 4 hours of runtime by APC's figure. One UK router-backup roundup picks a different APC Back-UPS Connect model. There's only a single 12V output, though, so a router and ONT with their own adapters won't both fit, and a full recharge is rated at 12 hours. (It would sit flat under my router.)
The verdict: The best fit for most routers, provided yours runs on 12V.
#2 · Runner-Up
Eaton 3S Mini 36W DC UPS with Four Barrel Tips, 3SM36B
Most DC mini UPS units assume your router wants 12V. The Eaton 3S Mini doesn't: it switches between 9, 12, 15 and 19V and ships with four barrel tips, from 3.5 x 1.5 mm up to 5.5 x 2.5 mm. It's rated at 36W like the APC, on a lithium-ion battery, with runtime anywhere from 40 minutes to more than five hours depending on load, and it's silent at 95.5 x 30 x 136 mm. The downside is the loose tips, which will vanish into a cable drawer. No UK roundup I read covered it.
The verdict: The flexible choice when you're unsure of your router's voltage.
#3 · Best for PoE Devices
Tecnoware Era Plus Mini UPS with 8800mAh Power Bank and PoE
If you run a PoE camera or VoIP handset alongside the router, this is the unusual one. Tecnoware's Era Plus adds PoE at 24V and 48V to 5, 9 and 12V DC outputs, comes with ten connectors, and replaces your modem's original power adapter rather than sitting between two of them. Its 8800mAh battery is rated for up to 240 minutes of autonomy at a 25W ceiling, and it doubles as a phone power bank. It weighs 500 grams and stands upright or lies flat. That 25W cap is lower than the Eaton 3S Mini's 36W, so check your kit's draw.
The verdict: Worth it for PoE kit; overkill if you only have a router.
#4 · Best Compact AC UPS
PowerWalker VI 650VA/360W Compact UPS with 2 UK Outlets
Some homes don't need a barrel plug at all: if your router, ONT and maybe a small PC all have their own mains adapters, a compact AC UPS like the PowerWalker VI 650VA is simpler: plug the adapters into its two UK outlets and you're done. It's rated at 650VA/360W, with boost and buck AVR, a HID USB link for a PC, and cold start from battery alone. This version has no LCD. The trade-off is bulk; at 4 kg it's a different object from the 300-gram APC, and I found no editorial coverage.
The verdict: The simple AC answer for a router, ONT and small PC together.
#5 · Best for Home Office
SKE 625VA/360W UPS Battery Backup and Surge Protector
Despite some listing data, this isn't a power bank. The SKE is a 625VA/360W AC UPS with two sockets for battery backup and surge protection, made for a computer, router and modem. Automatic voltage regulation handles wobbles in the supply, an LCD shows input and output voltage, battery level and load, and you can mute the beeper by holding the button for three seconds (handy at night). Software for Windows, macOS and Linux can shut a PC down. It measures 31.5 x 10 x 14.3 cm and weighs 4.2 kg. Like the PowerWalker, it's listing-based.
The verdict: A home-office UPS that happens to suit routers too.
#6 · Most Output Ports
TalentCell 9000mAh 99.9Wh Mini UPS with 12V and 9V DC Output
Seven ports stand out immediately: four 12V DC outputs, one 9V, plus USB-A and USB-C at 18W. Behind them sits a 99.9Wh, 9000mAh lithium-ion pack with short-circuit, over-current and over-charge protection, and TalentCell includes its own 12.6V/3A charger. That suits an ONT and router on separate 12V adapters, which the single-output APC can't manage. Plug size is where some buyers get caught. Every DC port is 5.5 x 2.1 mm, and TalentCell warns that other sizes need an adapter cable. It's another listing-led pick.
The verdict: The one to buy if your ONT and router both need backing up.
#7 · Best for NAS
Ugreen NAS UPS 120W DC Battery Backup, 12000mAh
I'll be blunt: unless you own a UGREEN NAS, this probably isn't your UPS. It's a 120W DC unit with a 12000mAh battery that switches over in 0 seconds and, through the UGREEN app, can shut a NAS down cleanly and restart it when power returns. The listing names compatible models and rules out the DXP6800 and DXP8800 series. For a NAS owner that's a tidy match at 441 grams. For a router, the TalentCell or Eaton make more sense, because nothing here is built around barrel plugs.
The verdict: Excellent fit for its own NAS family, and a niche pick otherwise.
#8 · Best Budget
Konnected 12V DC UPS Backup Battery Power Bank, 7800mAh
Konnected sells this as a UPS backup battery, but it's really a 12V DC power bank that sits inline. It sits between your existing 12V adapter and the device, switching to battery automatically when the mains fails. Inside is a 7800mAh lithium-ion cell rated at 30 watts, with a 5V USB port beside the 12V output. It was made for Konnected's own alarm kit (up to 14 hours, the company says), but suits a 12V router too. There's no adapter in the box, and it only does 12V, unlike the Eaton 3S Mini.
The verdict: A cheap 12V stopgap, if you already have the adapter.
#9 · Best for Light Loads
Walfront Mini DC UPS 8800mAh Battery Backup, 18W 9V 12V
The Walfront is about as basic as a mini UPS gets, with an 8800mAh battery, 9V and 12V DC outputs, a 5V USB port and 18W maximum, with charging from a 9V or 12V adapter or USB and protection against short circuits, overcharging and temperature. The limit is current: the 12V and 9V outputs give 1A each, so check your router adapter's label before relying on it. The listing quotes a 90-day manufacturer warranty.
The verdict: Fine for a frugal router; check the current rating first.
#10 · Solar Charging Option
Rgttotg 13200mAh Mini UPS with 19V, 12V, 9V and 5V DC Output
Let's start with the problem: the listing title carries no brand, and the spec table contradicts itself on wattage, so I'm going on the title and bullet points. Those describe a 13200mAh, 48.84Wh lithium-ion mini UPS with 19V, 12V, 9V and 5V DC outputs plus USB, 0-second switching and optional solar charging (panel sold separately). It's 105 x 105 x 27.5 mm and about 280g. A 19V output is rare outside the Eaton 3S Mini. It's sold under the RGTTOTG name, so treat it as a cautious, listing-only pick.
The verdict: Interesting on paper; buy with your eyes open.
How We Researched and Scored These Mini UPS Units
We didn't test these units hands-on or in a lab. The ranking is built from UK and international editorial roundups, manufacturer spec sheets and amazon.co.uk listings, checked against one another. Those roundups mostly cover full-size AC UPS models; only the APC links to one, through a sibling Back-UPS Connect model, so the other picks are judged on their published specs. Where a listing contradicted its own title, as with the SKE and RGTTOTG spec tables, I followed the title or left the figure out.
What we compared for every unit:
- DC barrel output or AC sockets, and the voltages on offer
- Rated power in watts or VA
- Battery capacity and chemistry
- Quoted runtime, where the maker gives one
- Connectors and tips in the box
- Extras such as PoE, USB ports, LCDs and shutdown software
- Editorial backing versus listing-only evidence
How we weighted the scores:
- Router and ONT fit (30%): voltages, connectors and number of outputs
- Power and battery (25%): rated output, capacity and quoted runtime
- Ease of setup (15%): tips, adapters and indicators
- Build and protection (15%): AVR, surge and short-circuit protection
- Evidence (15%): editorial coverage versus listing claims
What to Look For in a Mini UPS for Your Router
First, decide between DC and AC, because a DC mini UPS, like the APC, Eaton or TalentCell, sits between your router's power adapter and the router, feeding it through a barrel plug. It's small and quiet, which makes it the natural mini ups for router and ONT backup in most homes. A compact AC UPS such as the PowerWalker VI 650VA or SKE 625VA has normal sockets, so the router's own adapter plugs straight in, and it can carry a small PC long enough to shut down safely. It's heavier and it beeps, but it doesn't care what voltage your kit runs at.
For a DC unit, read the label on your router's power adapter, which gives the output voltage and current; the mini UPS must match the voltage, supply at least that current, and have a plug that fits. On UK full fibre, the ONT on the wall usually has its own adapter too, so you need two outputs at the right voltages, or a unit with several, like the TalentCell. If your landline has moved to digital voice through the router, the same box keeps the phone working.
Runtime is the figure every listing flatters. The honest maths is the battery's watt-hours divided by what your router draws, minus conversion losses, so a mini ups for wifi router use lasts far longer on a frugal router than on a mesh base station. Treat quoted hours as a best case.
Keep the electrical side boring: plug an AC UPS straight into a wall socket rather than an extension lead, never daisy-chain extension leads, and don't load the outlets past the rating printed on the listing. Heaters, kettles and laser printers stay on the wall, not the UPS.
On budget, the Konnected and Walfront are entry level, the Tecnoware, RGTTOTG, Eaton, PowerWalker, APC and SKE are mid-range, and the TalentCell and UGREEN sit at the top. If you just want a 12V router to ride out a power cut, buy the APC and call it a day; if the ONT needs covering too, the TalentCell is the easier route.
Key Specs Compared
| Product | Output | Battery | Max Power | Our Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| APC Back-UPS Connect CP12036LI 12V DC Lithium-Ion Mini UPS | 12V DC, 36W | lithium-ion | 36 Watts | 9.9 |
| Eaton 3S Mini 36W DC UPS with Four Barrel Tips, 3SM36B | 9/12/15/19V DC selectable, 36W | lithium-ion, approx 40Wh | 36 Watts | 9.7 |
| Tecnoware Era Plus Mini UPS with 8800mAh Power Bank and PoE | 5/9/12V DC plus PoE 24V/48V | 8800mAh | 25 Watts | 9.5 |
| PowerWalker VI 650VA/360W Compact UPS with 2 UK Outlets | 2 x UK 13A | Not listed | 360 Watts | 9.3 |
| SKE 625VA/360W UPS Battery Backup and Surge Protector | 2 sockets | Not listed | 360 Watts | 9.1 |
| TalentCell 9000mAh 99.9Wh Mini UPS with 12V and 9V DC Output | 12V and 9V DC, USB-A, USB-C 18W | 99.9Wh / 9000mAh | Not listed | 8.9 |
| Ugreen NAS UPS 120W DC Battery Backup, 12000mAh | 120W DC | 12000mAh | 120 Watts | 8.7 |
| Konnected 12V DC UPS Backup Battery Power Bank, 7800mAh | 12V DC + USB | 7800mAh | 30 Watts | 8.5 |
| Walfront Mini DC UPS 8800mAh Battery Backup, 18W 9V 12V | 9V/12V DC, 18W | 8800mAh | 18 Watts | 8.3 |
| Rgttotg 13200mAh Mini UPS with 19V, 12V, 9V and 5V DC Output | 19/12/9/5V DC | 13200mAh / 48.84Wh | Not listed | 8.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a mini UPS do?
It keeps small, low-power kit running when the mains fails. A DC mini UPS sits between a router's adapter and the router, charging while the power's on and switching to battery in a cut, so your Wi-Fi and any digital-voice landline stay up. Compact AC models do the same with normal sockets.
What is the best small UPS?
For a router, the APC Back-UPS Connect CP12036LI is my pick: 12V, 36W, lithium-ion and made for networking kit. If your router isn't 12V, the Eaton 3S Mini covers 9, 12, 15 and 19V. For a router plus a small PC, a compact AC unit like the PowerWalker VI 650VA makes more sense.
How long will a mini UPS keep my router running?
It depends on the battery and how much your router draws: divide the watt-hours by the router's wattage and allow for conversion losses. Makers quote figures such as up to 4 hours for the APC and up to 240 minutes for the Tecnoware, but treat those as best cases.
Will a mini UPS work with my full-fibre ONT?
Usually, if the voltage and plug match, so check the label on the ONT's power adapter as well as the router's. Most homes want both backed up, so look for a unit with more than one DC output, such as the TalentCell, or a compact AC UPS that takes both adapters.
Should a mini UPS be plugged in all the time?
Yes, that's how it's designed to work: it sits inline, keeps its battery topped up while the mains is on, and takes over in a cut. Give it some airflow, keep it away from heaters and radiators, and follow the maker's guidance on battery care.
Which brand of UPS is the best?
There isn't one best brand, but APC and Eaton are long-established UPS names, and both have DC mini models on this list. PowerWalker covers compact AC units. Many mini UPS listings come from smaller brands, so judge the voltage, outputs and protection details rather than the name alone.
The Bottom Line
If you want your router to stay online through a power cut, the APC Back-UPS Connect CP12036LI is the one I'd buy. Not sure of your router's voltage? The Eaton 3S Mini covers four. If the ONT and router both need covering from one box, try the TalentCell, and if a small PC needs a clean shutdown too, step up to the PowerWalker VI 650VA.
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