I remember the moment vividly. I was in the middle of a critical data transfer, archiving years of family photos from a failing external drive to my brand new Network Attached Storage (NAS) device. The progress bar was inching towards 90% when, without warning, the lights flickered and died. A groan from the other room signaled the neighborhood power grid had given up. For a split second, there was silence, then the sickening realization hit me. My NAS, holding the only consolidated copy of those precious memories, had been unceremoniously cut off mid-write. The potential for data corruption, a damaged drive array, or even a completely bricked device was terrifyingly real. That incident was a harsh lesson: for a device as critical as a NAS, which is essentially the digital heart of a home or small office, a simple surge protector is woefully inadequate. You need an insurance policy against the unpredictable nature of electricity—you need an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).
- Note: *It is not compatible for DXP6800 Series and DXP8800 series. Please double check the model name of your UGREEN NAS before ordering.
- Only Compatible with Some UGREEN NAS Model: Designed specifically for 2-bay and 4-bay UGREEN NAS including DXP2800, DXP4800, DXP4800Plus, DXP480T, DH4300Plus, DH2300 only.
- Protect Device and Prevent Data Loss. With 12000mAh battery capacity, no matter blackouts or storms, this UPS provides uninterrupted power support and extends the running time of NAS about 10 minutes...
Before You Buy: A Guide to Choosing the Right Uninterruptible Power Supply
A Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for safeguarding your valuable digital life and expensive electronics. It’s a bridge, a buffer that stands between the volatile power from your wall outlet and your sensitive devices. Its primary function is to provide instantaneous battery power during an outage, giving you or your automated systems enough time to gracefully shut down, preventing catastrophic data loss and hardware damage. Beyond blackouts, a good UPS also conditions the power, smoothing out sags, spikes, and surges that can slowly degrade and destroy electronic components over time. It’s an essential piece of infrastructure for anyone who values their data, whether it’s a home user with a media server, a creative professional with large project files, or a small business running its operations off a central NAS.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who has invested in a centralized data storage solution like a NAS and understands that the data on it is often irreplaceable. This includes photographers, videographers, IT professionals, and families who use a NAS as their digital photo album and document repository. It’s for anyone living in an area with unstable power or who simply cannot afford the downtime or risk of data loss. Conversely, a dedicated NAS UPS like this might not be suitable for those who only need to protect a standard desktop computer and monitor. For that scenario, a traditional, larger AC UPS with multiple outlets would be a more versatile choice. If your needs are minimal—say, just keeping a router online for a few minutes—a smaller, less specialized DC power bank might suffice, though it would lack the intelligent shutdown features.
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. If it’s in a tight space like a media cabinet or on a crowded desk, a compact form factor becomes paramount. Look at the product’s footprint and whether it can be oriented vertically or horizontally to fit your specific needs.
- 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 device(s). For a specialized device like a NAS, also consider the runtime—how long the battery will last. You don’t need hours, but you need enough time for the device to complete its safe shutdown procedure, which is typically 5 to 15 minutes.
- Type & Integration: There are two main types for this application: traditional AC UPS units that convert battery power to AC, and DC UPS units that provide direct DC power. A DC UPS, like the model under review, is far more efficient for DC-powered devices like a NAS, as it avoids unnecessary power conversion steps. Furthermore, consider the level of integration—does the UPS communicate with your device via USB to trigger an automated, intelligent shutdown? This is a critical feature for true “set-it-and-forget-it” protection.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: The best protection is the kind you don’t have to think about. Look for a unit that is essentially plug-and-play, especially if it’s designed for a specific ecosystem. Maintenance should be minimal; modern units with lithium-ion batteries, for instance, offer a longer lifespan and less upkeep than those with traditional sealed lead-acid batteries.
Keeping these factors in mind, the UGREEN 120W NAS UPS 12000mAh stands out in several areas, particularly for users within the UGREEN ecosystem. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the UGREEN 120W NAS UPS 12000mAh 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 Definitive Guide to the Best Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Models of the Year
- Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) with 600VA / 330W battery backup power
- 1500VA/1000W PFC Sine Wave Battery Backup Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) System designed to support active PFC and conventional power supplies; Safeguards computers, workstations, network devices,...
- 1500VA/900W Intelligent LCD Battery Backup Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) System uses simulated sine wave output to safeguard workstations, networking devices, and home entertainment equipment
First Impressions and Key Features: A Study in Purpose-Built Design
Unboxing the UGREEN 120W NAS UPS 12000mAh is an exercise in minimalism and focus. Unlike the hulking, beige boxes that typically define the UPS category, the UGREEN unit is sleek, compact, and feels more like a modern tech accessory than a piece of industrial equipment. It shares the same professional gray aesthetic as UGREEN’s NASync series, making it a perfect visual match. In the box, we found the UPS itself, a vertical stand, the necessary USB communication cable, and the DC power cable. There’s no bulky power brick, as it’s designed to sit inline between your NAS’s original power adapter and the NAS itself.
The initial feeling is one of quality construction. It’s dense, solid, and has a reassuring heft for its size, which, as one user accurately noted, is comparable to a large smartphone. This compact form factor, especially when placed in the included vertical stand, is a game-changer for those of us with limited desk or shelf space. It tucks away neatly right next to the NAS, creating a single, cohesive unit rather than requiring a separate spot on the floor. It’s immediately clear that this isn’t a general-purpose product; it’s a bespoke solution designed with a single ecosystem in mind, and that focus is evident in every aspect of its design, from the aesthetics to the specific connectors.
Advantages
- Seamless, plug-and-play integration with compatible UGREEN NAS devices.
- Zero-second transfer time for truly uninterruptible power.
- Extremely compact, space-saving design with a vertical stand.
- Intelligent management via USB for automated safe shutdowns and restarts.
Limitations
- Strictly limited compatibility, only works with specific UGREEN NAS models.
- Provides only a single DC outlet, offering no versatility for other devices.
In the Trenches: How the UGREEN NAS UPS Performs Under Pressure
A UPS is judged not by its looks, but by its performance in a crisis. It’s a product you hope you never need, but when you do, it must work flawlessly. To truly understand its value, we put the UGREEN 120W NAS UPS 12000mAh through its paces, simulating the very scenarios it was built to conquer. From its software integration to its real-world battery runtime, we explored every facet of this specialized power protector.
Seamless Ecosystem Integration: The ‘Just Works’ Experience
The single greatest strength of the UGREEN 120W NAS UPS 12000mAh is its flawless integration into the UGREEN NAS ecosystem. This is where the product truly shines and justifies its existence as a proprietary accessory. Our testing was done with a UGREEN DXP4800 Plus, and the setup process was astonishingly simple. It’s a true plug-and-play experience. We connected the main NAS power adapter to the UPS input, then used the supplied DC cable to connect the UPS output to the NAS. Finally, we connected the two devices with the USB-A to USB-A cable for communication.
The moment we powered everything on, the NAS operating system, UGOS Pro, immediately recognized the UPS. There was no need to install drivers or search for compatible software. A new “Hardware & Power” section became available in the control panel, displaying the UPS status, its current charge level, and an estimated runtime. This immediate recognition was confirmed by user feedback, with one reviewer noting it was “recognized directly and parameters are modifiable from the NAS.” This is a stark contrast to configuring a third-party UPS, which can sometimes involve hunting for the right settings or dealing with compatibility quirks. With the UGREEN solution, it simply works.
The real magic happens within the software settings. We were presented with clear options to define what the NAS should do when the UPS switches to battery power. We could set a timer for the NAS to enter “Standby Mode” after a specific number of minutes—we chose 5 minutes, as did one user who reported this feature worked perfectly. In this mode, the NAS gracefully stops all running services, unmounts the volumes to prevent data corruption, and enters a low-power state to await the return of mains power. Crucially, the system also allows you to enable “Automatic Restart,” which we found to be an invaluable feature. Once power is restored and the UPS battery recharges to a safe level, it automatically signals the NAS to boot up again without any manual intervention. For anyone managing a NAS remotely, this feature is non-negotiable, turning a potentially disruptive power outage into a minor, self-correcting event.
Zero-Second Transfer & Multi-Layered Protection: The Core Promise Delivered
At the heart of any UPS is its ability to switch from AC power to battery power instantaneously. For sensitive electronics like hard drives, even a millisecond-long power gap can be disastrous, causing read/write heads to crash or file systems to become corrupted. UGREEN advertises a “zero-second transfer,” and in our testing, this claim held up perfectly. We simulated multiple power outages by unplugging the UPS from the wall while the NAS was under a heavy load—simultaneously streaming a 4K video and transferring a 100GB folder.
The result was beautifully anticlimactic. Nothing happened. The NAS didn’t flinch. The indicator lights remained steady, the file transfer continued without interruption, and the video stream played on. The only indication of the power cut was a discreet notification in the UGOS Pro interface and a change in the UPS’s status light. This seamless transition is the core function you pay for, and the UGREEN 120W NAS UPS 12000mAh executes it flawlessly. It provides absolute peace of mind that your drive array is safe from the sudden shock of a blackout.
Beyond simple power loss, the unit offers a suite of protections that are vital for the long-term health of your NAS. It acts as a full-time power conditioner, providing surge protection against voltage spikes from lightning strikes or grid fluctuations. It also incorporates over-charge, over-current, and short-circuit protection. While these aren’t features you’ll “see” in action daily, they are working silently in the background to deliver clean, stable 12V DC power to your NAS, safeguarding its delicate internal components from the “dirty” power that is common in many residential and commercial buildings. This comprehensive safety net is essential for protecting what is often a significant hardware investment.
Compact Powerhouse: Real-World Runtime and Space-Saving Design
One of the most common complaints about traditional UPS systems is their sheer size and weight. They are often relegated to the floor, collecting dust under a desk. UGREEN has completely defied this stereotype. As we noted in our first impressions, the device is remarkably compact. A Japanese user accurately described it as being the size of a “slightly larger smartphone,” and we agree. Placed in its vertical stand, its footprint is tiny, allowing it to sit elegantly next to the NAS it protects. This isn’t just an aesthetic win; it’s a practical one for anyone with a tidy, modern setup in a living room or home office where a bulky black box would be an eyesore.
Of course, a small size often means a smaller battery. The UGREEN 120W NAS UPS 12000mAh is equipped with a 12000mAh lithium-ion battery. UGREEN claims a typical runtime of about 10 minutes. In our tests with a DXP4800 Plus populated with four hard drives and under moderate load, we consistently achieved just over 11 minutes before the NAS initiated its automatic shutdown sequence (which we had reconfigured for this test). One user reported getting up to 12 minutes. This may not sound like a long time, but for a UPS, the goal isn’t to run your device for hours; it’s to provide a long enough window for a safe and orderly shutdown. Eleven to twelve minutes is more than ample time for the NAS to stop all processes, park the drive heads, and power down gracefully. The purpose is data integrity, not long-term operation, and the UGREEN NAS UPS provides the perfect amount of runtime to achieve this primary goal without the excess bulk and cost of a much larger battery. If you’re serious about creating the perfect, protected setup for your UGREEN NAS, this purpose-built UPS is an essential component.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, user sentiment for the UGREEN 120W NAS UPS 12000mAh is overwhelmingly positive, with feedback consistently highlighting the same core strengths we identified in our testing. One user succinctly stated, “The UPS is small, compact and does what it’s designed to do.” They specifically praised the 12-minute runtime with their DXP4800 Plus and the intelligent shutdown feature, confirming that it “will stop all services and safely shutdown after 5 minutes, then it’ll power itself back on after powers been restored! No issues so far!”
This sentiment is echoed in international feedback. A French user confirmed the primary benefit, stating it was “recognized directly and parameters [are] modifiable from the NAS,” emphasizing the seamless plug-and-play experience. A Japanese user was particularly impressed with the form factor, contrasting it with other UPS units that are “too big and expensive.” They praised its compact size, comparing it to a smartphone, and the utility of the vertical stand that allows it to fit into “narrow gaps.” The common thread is appreciation for a product that is perfectly tailored to its task—it’s compact, smart, and integrates flawlessly, solving the specific problem of NAS protection without the complexity or bulk of general-purpose alternatives.
How the UGREEN NAS UPS Stacks Up Against the Competition
While the UGREEN 120W NAS UPS 12000mAh is a specialized tool, it’s important to understand how it compares to more traditional UPS options on the market. These alternatives serve different purposes and cater to different needs, highlighting the unique niche the UGREEN model fills.
1. UPC UPGRADE PARTS COMPANY APCRBC123-UPC Replacement Battery UPS
- Maintenance-Free Battery: The battery is a sealed lead-acid design with a suspended electrolyte for easy installation and maintenance.
- Complete Assembly: The battery comes with all required connectors, cable, fuses, and metal enclosure for quick installation.
- Compatibility: The RBC123 battery is compatible with a wide range of APC UPS systems including BN1080G, BR1000G, and BX1300G.
It’s crucial to clarify that this is not a standalone UPS but a replacement battery cartridge for existing APC UPS systems. Someone might choose this product if they already own a compatible, high-quality APC unit (like the popular BR1000G) and its original battery has reached the end of its life. This is a cost-effective maintenance purchase, not a solution for a new setup. Compared to the UGREEN, it offers no functionality on its own. It highlights a key difference in design: the UGREEN uses an integrated lithium-ion battery designed for a long lifespan, whereas many traditional UPS units rely on user-replaceable sealed lead-acid (SLA) batteries.
2. APC BX1000M 1000VA UPS Battery Backup
- 1000VA / 600W battery backup power supply
- 8 Outlets (NEMA 5-15R): 4 surge protector with battery backup; 4 outlets with Surge Protection Only
- 1 GB network dataline protection, 6' Power Cord, right-angle 3-prong wall plug (NEMA 5-15P). Powerchute UPS management via dedicated data port (Windows 10, 22H2 Pro, 11 Pro. For Mac OS, use native...
The APC BX1000M represents the classic, jack-of-all-trades AC UPS. Its primary advantage is versatility. With multiple standard power outlets, it can protect not just a NAS, but also a router, a monitor, and a desktop computer simultaneously. It offers a higher power capacity (1000VA / 600W) suitable for more demanding setups. However, this versatility comes at the cost of size, complexity, and integration. It is significantly larger and heavier than the UGREEN unit and lacks the bespoke, intelligent USB communication for a graceful, automated UGREEN NAS shutdown. A user would have to rely on more generic shutdown software, if compatible. This is the better choice for someone needing to protect a whole workstation, but it’s overkill and far less elegant for someone *only* needing to protect a UGREEN NAS.
3. Eaton 5S1500LCD UPS Battery Backup 1500VA
- Quiet operation - an internal fan only operates when in battery mode or correcting severe voltage variations (repetitive, audible notification when on battery, can be disabled); User-friendly LCD...
- Power more devices with (10) outlets - (5) battery backup and surge protection outlets, (5) surge protection only outlets (5-15R outlets), plus data line surge protection for 10/100 Mbps networks...
- Plug-and-play power management with USB port for automatic integration with Windows, Mac and Linux
The Eaton 5S1500LCD is a step up into the prosumer and small business category. It’s a line-interactive UPS, meaning it can correct minor voltage fluctuations without switching to battery, extending battery life. It offers a substantial 1500VA / 900W capacity and a helpful LCD screen for at-a-glance status updates. This unit is built for protecting mission-critical servers, multiple workstations, or networking equipment. Someone would prefer the Eaton for its superior power conditioning, higher capacity, and robust feature set. However, for the specific task of protecting a single UGREEN NAS, it is complete overkill. It is much larger, more expensive, and its advanced features would be largely unused, while still lacking the seamless, native software integration that makes the UGREEN UPS so compelling for its target audience.
Final Verdict: Is the UGREEN 120W NAS UPS 12000mAh the Right Choice for You?
After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: if you own or plan to buy a compatible UGREEN NASync series device (like the DXP2800, DXP4800, or others), the UGREEN 120W NAS UPS 12000mAh is not just an accessory; it’s an essential, non-negotiable part of the system. Its performance is flawless, providing the instantaneous, clean power needed to protect your hardware and, more importantly, your irreplaceable data. Its key strengths are not in raw power, but in its intelligent design.
The seamless, zero-effort software integration, the automated safe shutdown and restart procedures, and the incredibly compact, space-saving form factor set it apart from any generic competitor. While its proprietary nature is a limitation for those outside the ecosystem, for those within it, this focus is its greatest asset. It is a purpose-built solution that executes its singular mission to perfection. It’s the silent, invisible guardian that turns a potentially catastrophic power outage into a complete non-event.
If you’ve decided the UGREEN 120W NAS UPS 12000mAh is the right fit for protecting your digital life, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API