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Professional Guide

Best UPS for Router: 2025 Expert Review to Stay Connected

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Oli at OR Electrics

18th Edition Fully Qualified Electrician

Published 17 December 2025

There is nothing more frustrating than the power flickering for a split second, only to find you have to wait ten minutes for your router to reboot and reconnect. In Leeds, especially in older areas with overhead lines or student HMOs where circuits often get overloaded, these nuisance outages are a common headache.

A Mini UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) for your router is one of the smartest, cheapest upgrades you can make. It sits between the mains and your router, keeping the WiFi broadcasting even if the fuse board trips or the street loses power. For those working from home or relying on WiFi-connected security cameras, it is an absolute essential.

In this review, I've looked at three options available right now. I've categorised them into a budget pick for standard use, a quality multi-voltage option, and a higher-amp unit for those power-hungry fibre routers that regular batteries can't handle.

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Specs vs. The Real World

The Spec: "Battery Duration Claims"

The Theory

"Manufacturers often claim 8-10 hours of backup time."

The Reality

This depends entirely on your router's power draw. A modern Virgin Media or Sky Q hub draws significantly more current than a basic router. Expect 2-4 hours of real-world usage on high-performance routers.

The Spec: "Universal Compatibility"

The Theory

"Claims to work with '95% of routers'."

The Reality

Connector sizes vary wildly. Whilst most use a 5.5mm x 2.1mm DC jack, voltage is critical. Plugging a 12V router into a 9V output can cause instability, and vice versa can fry the unit. Always check the label on your existing plug.

My Top 3 Recommendations

Three options to cover different needs and budgets

Generic Mini USB Interface UPS 8800mAh High Capacity Compact Uninterruptible Power Supply

Budget Pick
Generic Mini USB Interface UPS 8800mAh High Capacity Compact Uninterruptible Power Supply

Generic

This is a straightforward, no-nonsense backup battery that does exactly what it says on the tin. Ideally suited for standard ADSL routers or simpler setups, it offers decent capacity without breaking the bank. It's a great entry-level safeguard against nuisance tripping.

Price£16.04 (at time of writing)
Capacity8800mAh
Key ProtectionShort circuit & overcharge protection
The Good
  • Very affordable price point
  • Decent 8800mAh capacity for the size
  • Simple LED indicators for battery status
The Bad
  • Generic branding means documentation may be sparse
  • Not suitable for high-power enterprise routers

Installer Tip:

Before you plug this in, turn your router upside down and look at the sticker. Ensure the output Voltage (V) matches your router exactly. This unit is great, but don't force it if the connectors feel tight—you don't want to damage the DC port.

Priced at £16.04 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

RGTTOTG POE Mini UPS 8000mah POE Output 24V Gateway Landline DC12V9V5V Router

Quality Option
RGTTOTG POE Mini UPS 8000mah POE Output 24V Gateway Landline DC12V9V5V Router

RGTTOTG

This unit is a step up in quality and versatility. The standout feature is the POE (Power Over Ethernet) 24V output, which is brilliant if you're running a specific wireless access point or a VOIP phone that needs power through the network cable. It feels robust and handles voltage switching seamlessly.

Price£49.98 (at time of writing)
OutputsDC 9V/12V, USB 5V, POE 24V
Switching Time0 seconds (instant)
The Good
  • Supports multiple voltages (9V, 12V, and 24V POE)
  • Zero-second switching ensures absolutely no drop
  • Can power a router and a separate ONT (Optical Network Terminal) simultaneously if voltages align
The Bad
  • More expensive than standard battery packs
  • Slightly bulkier form factor

Installer Tip:

If you are using the POE port, be absolutely certain your device requires 24V passive POE. Plugging a standard non-POE device into that specific port can cause damage. Use the standard DC barrel ports for your normal router.

Priced at £49.98 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

UTTASU Router Uninterruptible Power Supply DC 12V 3A Mini UPS

Problem-solving
UTTASU Router Uninterruptible Power Supply DC 12V 3A Mini UPS

UTTASU

This is the 'problem solver' for a specific reason: Amperage. Many modern high-speed fibre routers draw more than 1 or 2 Amps. Standard mini UPS units often cut out under that load. This UTTASU unit pushes 3A at 12V, making it capable of handling heavier networking gear that causes other batteries to fail.

Price£23.91 (at time of writing)
Output12V 3A (High Current)
Capacity10400mAh
The Good
  • Higher 3A output suitable for power-hungry routers
  • Large 10400mAh capacity for extended runtime
  • Compact footprint despite the power
The Bad
  • Limited to 12V only (check your device voltage)
  • Not suitable for 5V or 9V devices

Installer Tip:

If your router keeps restarting even with a UPS attached, it's usually because the UPS can't supply enough current (Amps). Check your router's original plug; if it says 'Output: 12V 2.5A' or '3A', this is the only unit on this list that will reliably run it.

Priced at £23.91 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need a UPS for my router?
A UPS prevents your internet from dropping out during power cuts or momentary flickers. In Leeds, where old wiring or storms can cause momentary interruptions, a UPS keeps your router (and WiFi) live. It's also vital if you have WiFi security cameras that need to keep recording if a burglar cuts the main power.
Will these work with Virgin Media or Sky routers?
Generally, yes, but you must check the voltage. Most Virgin Hubs are 12V, but some Sky Q hubs have specific connectors or different power requirements. Always compare the Voltage (e.g., 12V) and Amperage (e.g., 2A) on your router's sticker with the UPS specs.
Is it safe to leave a Mini UPS plugged in all the time?
Yes, they are designed for this 'pass-through' operation. However, like all Lithium-ion battery devices, ensure it's in a well-ventilated spot. Don't bury it under a pile of cushions or in a strictly confined cupboard where heat can build up.
Can I install this myself?
Absolutely. It's plug-and-play. You unplug the power cable from your router, plug it into the UPS 'Input', and then use the cable provided with the UPS to connect to your router. No tools required.
My power trips frequently. Do I have a bigger problem?
If your RCD (fuse box switch) trips often without an obvious cause, a UPS is just a plaster on the wound. You likely have a wiring fault or a dodgy appliance. At OR Electrics, we can perform a proper fault-finding service to identify why your power is unstable in the first place.
What happens when the battery runs out?
Once the battery is depleted during a long power cut, the router will switch off. When mains power returns, the UPS will automatically restart the router and begin recharging itself. You don't need to do anything manually.

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