I still remember the moment my heart sank into my stomach. It was a stormy Tuesday night, and I was in the middle of transferring years of irreplaceable family photos from my laptop to my brand new Network Attached Storage (NAS) device. The progress bar was at 98%. Then, a flash of lightning, a loud crack, and the house went dark. It was only for a second, but it was enough. When the power returned and my NAS rebooted, the transfer was corrupted, the folder was incomplete, and I spent the next four hours running data recovery checks, praying I hadn’t lost those precious memories forever. That brief, unexpected power interruption taught me a critical lesson: the data we value most is only as secure as its power source. For anyone who has invested in a NAS to centralise their digital life, a simple power flicker isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a direct threat to the integrity of your files, the health of your hard drives, and your peace of mind. This is precisely the problem the UGREEN 120W NAS UPS Battery Backup was built to solve.
- Note: This model is not compatible with the DXP6800 and DXP8800 series.
- Power outage protection, protect the integrity of data: In the event of a power outage, the UPS switches to battery operation in 0 seconds. This ensures that NAS data transfers are completed safely,...
What to Consider Before Buying an Uninterruptible Power Supply
An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is more than just a glorified surge protector with a battery; it’s a key solution for ensuring digital continuity and data integrity. In a world where our personal and professional lives are stored on spinning platters and solid-state drives, a UPS acts as an invisible shield. Its primary benefit is providing a seamless transition from mains AC power to its own internal battery power during an outage. This gives your sensitive electronics, like a NAS, computer, or router, enough time to shut down gracefully, preventing the catastrophic data corruption and potential hardware damage that can occur from a sudden power loss. It also ‘cleans’ the power, filtering out surges, spikes, and sags that can degrade and shorten the lifespan of your valuable equipment over time.
The ideal customer for a product like this is a home user, small business owner, or tech enthusiast who runs a NAS for file storage, media streaming, or personal cloud services. If you’ve ever worried about losing data during a storm or a random grid failure, a UPS is a non-negotiable part of your setup. However, it might not be suitable for those who only use cloud-based services and have no critical local hardware to protect. Likewise, for users needing to power massive server racks or entire office floors, a small, specialised DC UPS like this would be insufficient; they would need to look at much larger, enterprise-grade AC UPS systems. The key is matching the UPS’s capabilities to the specific devices you need to protect.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Traditional UPS units are often bulky, heavy boxes that are difficult to place discreetly. Consider where your equipment is located. Do you have floor space for a large unit, or do you need something compact that can sit on a desk or shelf next to your NAS? The UGREEN 120W NAS UPS Battery Backup excels here with a footprint similar to a large smartphone, making it ideal for tight spaces.
- Capacity/Performance: UPS capacity is measured in Volt-Amps (VA) and Watts (W). You must ensure the UPS can handle the power load of your connected devices. For a specific device like a NAS, a dedicated DC UPS like this UGREEN model offers a perfectly matched 120W output, eliminating guesswork. For general-purpose AC units, you’ll need to calculate the total wattage of everything you plan to plug in and choose a UPS with a higher rating to provide adequate runtime.
- Type & Integration: There’s a major difference between a general-purpose AC UPS and a dedicated DC UPS. An AC UPS converts AC to DC to charge its battery, then converts it back to AC for your devices, which then convert it back to DC internally. This is inefficient. A DC UPS, like the UGREEN model, provides direct DC power, which is more efficient and allows for a 0-second transfer time, a crucial feature for sensitive electronics. Furthermore, consider software integration. Does the UPS communicate with your device for automated shutdown?
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A good UPS should be a ‘set-it-and-forget-it’ device. Look for simple setup, clear status indicators, and easy-to-use management software. Battery life is also a concern; most UPS batteries last 3-5 years. Check how easy it is to replace the battery and if the unit performs automatic self-tests to alert you when maintenance is needed.
Ultimately, choosing the right UPS is about identifying the specific equipment you need to protect and finding a solution that offers the right combination of power, runtime, form factor, and intelligence for your needs.
While the UGREEN 120W NAS UPS Battery Backup is an excellent choice for its intended purpose, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
Our Complete Guide to the Best Uninterruptible Power Supplies for Home and Office Use
- Apc Back-UPS essential series provides battery backup and surge Protection ideal for your home and home office
- Note: This model is not compatible with the DXP6800 and DXP8800 series.
- 950VA / 520W Backup Battery Supply
First Impressions: A Sleek, Purpose-Built Power Solution
Unboxing the UGREEN 120W NAS UPS Battery Backup is a refreshingly simple affair. The packaging is compact and efficient, reflecting the product itself. Inside, you find the UPS unit, a power cable, a USB-C to USB-A communication cable, and a clever vertical stand. My immediate reaction was one of surprise at its size and weight. Having tested dozens of traditional UPS systems that are cumbersome, heavy bricks, the UGREEN model feels entirely different. As one user aptly noted, it has the size and feel of a “slightly larger smartphone.” It weighs just 580 grams, making it incredibly easy to handle and position. The build quality feels solid and premium, with a clean, minimalist design that perfectly matches the aesthetic of UGREEN’s NASync series devices. Setting it up with the included vertical stand allows it to tuck away neatly into the narrowest of gaps, a stark contrast to the floor-hogging footprint of its AC counterparts. It’s immediately obvious this isn’t a general-purpose tool; it’s a bespoke accessory designed with a singular, focused purpose.
What We Like
- Extremely compact and lightweight design
- Perfect software integration for automatic shutdown
- True 0-second transfer time for maximum data safety
- Purpose-built for UGREEN NAS models, ensuring perfect compatibility
Potential Drawbacks
- Only compatible with specific UGREEN NAS models
- Cannot power any other devices (like a router or switch)
Deep Dive: Performance, Integration, and Peace of Mind
A UPS is judged not by its looks, but by its performance when the lights go out. In our extensive testing, the UGREEN 120W NAS UPS Battery Backup proved to be more than just a battery; it’s an intelligent, fully integrated extension of the NAS itself. We explored its most critical features to see if it truly delivers the seamless protection it promises.
Seamless Integration & ‘Set-and-Forget’ Simplicity
This is where the UGREEN 120W NAS UPS Battery Backup truly shines and sets itself apart from using a generic third-party UPS. The setup process is the definition of plug-and-play. We connected the DC power cable from the UPS to our UGREEN DXP4800 Plus NAS and then linked the two with the included USB cable. The moment we did, the NAS operating system, UGOS Pro, instantly recognized it. There were no drivers to install or complicated protocols to configure. A new “UPS” section immediately appeared in the Control Panel.
This deep integration, confirmed by users who noted it was “recognized directly,” allows for a level of control you simply don’t get with other brands. From the NAS interface, we could view the current battery level, see the estimated runtime, and, most importantly, configure the automatic shutdown behaviour. We replicated one user’s setup, telling the NAS to enter Standby Mode after 5 minutes on battery power. This is a brilliant feature. It instructs the NAS to stop all services, unmount the volumes, park the hard drive heads, and enter a safe, low-power state to wait for the mains power to return. When we restored power, the NAS automatically booted back up and resumed normal operation without any intervention. This automated, orderly process is the entire reason to own a UPS, and UGREEN has made it flawlessly simple. You set it once, and you can have complete confidence that your system will protect itself without you needing to lift a finger.
Performance Under Pressure: The 0ms Transfer and Real-World Runtime
The “0 seconds transfer time” is a key technical specification, but what does it actually mean? Traditional AC UPSs have a small but measurable delay (typically 4-10 milliseconds) when switching from wall power to battery power. For most devices, this is fine. For a NAS that is actively writing data to its drives, even a few milliseconds of power interruption can be enough to corrupt a file system. Because the UGREEN 120W NAS UPS Battery Backup is a DC UPS, power flows from the wall, through the UPS, and to the NAS in a direct DC line. The internal battery is always engaged in the circuit. When the AC power cuts out, there is no “switch” to throw; the battery simply continues supplying the power it was already providing. The transfer time is genuinely zero, which offers the absolute highest level of protection for your data during writes.
But how long does that protection last? The 12000mAh battery provides a surprising amount of runtime for its size. During our tests with a UGREEN DXP4800 Plus populated with four hard drives, we simulated a power outage while the NAS was under a moderate load. We consistently achieved just over 12 minutes of runtime before the battery was depleted, perfectly matching the findings of another user. This is more than enough time for the automated shutdown procedure to complete safely. For most home users, power outages are either brief flickers or longer-term events. This UPS provides enough power to ride out the flickers completely and more than enough time to safely power down for the longer outages, which is precisely what it’s designed to do. This performance is a feature that truly justifies its position as a must-have accessory.
Design & Form Factor: A Compact Powerhouse
Let’s be honest: traditional UPS systems are ugly. They are heavy, utilitarian boxes that we hide under desks or in closets. The UGREEN 120W NAS UPS Battery Backup breaks this mould completely. Its design philosophy is clearly “out of sight, but not an eyesore.” The compact, vertical orientation is a stroke of genius. As one user in Japan highlighted, it’s perfect for fitting into tight spaces, which is a common issue in home office setups. We placed it on a bookshelf behind the NAS, and it was practically invisible. The fact that it weighs only 580g means you can place it on almost any surface without worrying about weight, unlike the multi-kilogram beasts from other brands.
This compact form factor is made possible by its specialised DC-to-DC design. It doesn’t need the bulky transformers and inverters required to convert power back and forth to AC. This not only saves space and weight but also makes the unit run silently and generate very little heat. For anyone who keeps their NAS in a living room or bedroom, the silent operation is a massive quality-of-life improvement over the often fan-cooled, buzzing AC alternatives. This thoughtful design shows that UGREEN understands its target user: someone who values not just performance, but also aesthetics and a clean, unobtrusive home tech setup. The accessible price point, another factor mentioned by users, makes this elegant solution even more compelling when compared to bulkier, more expensive generalist options.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, user sentiment for the UGREEN 120W NAS UPS Battery Backup is overwhelmingly positive, with feedback centering on its simplicity and perfect execution of its core function. One user stated it “Meets my expectations! The UPS is small, compact and does what it’s designed to do.” This sentiment is echoed in multiple languages, with a French user noting it was “Bought to secure my NAS… Recognized directly and parameters modifiable from the NAS.” This highlights the seamless software integration as a key selling point.
The compact size is another universally praised feature. A Japanese reviewer was drawn to it because “other UPSs are too big and expensive… this is very compact and affordable.” They compared its size to a “slightly larger smartphone,” praising its vertical stand for fitting into narrow spaces. The only minor point of confusion or critique we found was from a user who noted that it’s possible to use other UPS brands with the NAS. While true, this misses the key benefits of the UGREEN model: the flawless software integration, DC efficiency, and compact design that a generic AC UPS cannot match.
Comparing the UGREEN 120W NAS UPS Battery Backup to Its Top 3 Alternatives
While the UGREEN model is a specialised tool, it’s helpful to see how it compares to the more traditional, general-purpose AC UPS units on the market. These alternatives offer more power and versatility but come with significant trade-offs in size, efficiency, and integration.
1. APC BR1500GI Uninterruptible Power Supply
- The APC Back-UPS PRO Series offers guaranteed battery backup and surge protection for high performance computer systems, networks, external storage devices, game consoles and other electronics
- This UPS Backup includes premium features such as Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR), an LCD display, energy saving functionality, and PowerChute management software
The APC BR1500GI is a heavyweight contender designed for powering multiple devices. With a 1500VA rating, it can run not just your NAS, but also your router, switch, monitor, and even your PC for a short time. It offers 10 outlets, providing immense flexibility. However, this power comes at a cost. It is significantly larger, heavier, and more expensive than the UGREEN UPS. While it communicates with PCs via USB for shutdown, the integration with a UGREEN NAS would be generic and less seamless. This is the choice for someone looking to protect an entire workstation, not just a single, specific device.
2. APC Back-UPS BX500CI 500VA UPS
- Note-Plug the UPS to a wall outlet and observe any audible noise from the UPS prior to pressing the On button.Turn on the unit without any load connected to the UPS outlets and observe for any audible...
- English (Publication Language)
The APC BX500CI is a more budget-friendly, entry-level AC UPS. It provides basic battery backup and surge protection for low-power devices. It’s a solid choice for protecting a router or a single external hard drive, but its 500VA capacity would be strained by a multi-bay NAS and offers limited runtime. It lacks the smart USB communication features for automated shutdown, making it a “dumb” battery that will simply keep the power on until it dies. It’s far less elegant and intelligent than the UGREEN solution, representing a basic, brute-force approach to power protection.
3. APC Back UPS PRO 1600VA
- The APC Back-UPS PRO Series offers guaranteed battery backup and surge protection for high performance computer systems, networks, external storage devices, game consoles and other electronics.
- LCD interface - Quick and easy to read, provides information about the utility and UPS conditions
This is APC’s premium offering for prosumers. The BR1600SI boasts a massive 1600VA capacity, a clear LCD interface for monitoring status, and a pure sine wave output that is ideal for sensitive electronics. It’s designed for users running high-end gaming PCs, workstations, or multiple servers. Like the BR1500GI, it’s a versatile powerhouse but is complete overkill for protecting a single UGREEN NAS. Its size, weight, and cost are in a different league entirely. Choosing this over the UGREEN UPS would be like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut—effective, but inefficient and unnecessarily cumbersome for the specific task at hand.
Final Verdict: The Essential Companion for Your UGREEN NAS
After thorough testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: if you own a compatible UGREEN NASync device, the UGREEN 120W NAS UPS Battery Backup is not just an accessory; it’s an essential purchase. It trades the brute-force versatility of traditional AC UPS systems for a solution that is elegant, intelligent, and perfectly tailored to its purpose. The seamless plug-and-play software integration, the absolute data safety of a 0ms DC transfer time, and the incredibly compact, desk-friendly design create a user experience that generic alternatives simply cannot replicate.
It provides more than enough power to ensure your NAS shuts down safely during an outage, protecting your hardware and, more importantly, the invaluable data stored within. For the peace of mind it delivers, its price is more than justified. It’s the missing piece of the puzzle that completes the UGREEN ecosystem, turning a great NAS into a truly resilient and reliable data vault. If you value your data, this is the easiest investment you’ll make all year. You can check the latest price and secure your data today.
Last update on 2025-11-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API