Product Comparison: UDPOWER S1200 vs. S2400
ZacharyWilliamChoosing between the S1200 and S2400 usually comes down to two questions: (1) how many watts you need to run at once, and (2) how long you want to run your essentials. This guide breaks down real, spec-based differences, then translates them into practical “what it means for you” scenarios.
- S1200: 1,190Wh nominal, 1,200W rated AC, UDTURBO up to 1,800W
- S2400: 2,083Wh, 2,400W rated AC, UDTURBO up to 3,000W
- Both: LiFePO4 chemistry and UPSPRIME switchover ≤10ms (device compatibility varies)
Quick verdict
Pick the S1200 if you want the lightest “serious” backup for essentials
The S1200 is built for core loads—fridge, CPAP, router, lights, laptops—without the bulk of a larger unit. It’s rated for 1,200W AC continuous with UDTURBO up to 1,800W, and weighs about 26.0 lb. Official S1200 details: see product page.
Pick the S2400 if you need heavier appliances or longer multi-device runtime
The S2400 doubles down on both capacity and output: 2,083Wh and 2,400W AC continuous, with UDTURBO surge support up to 3,000W, plus 6 AC outlets. It weighs about 40.8 lb. Official S2400 details: see product page.
Reality check: Any runtime you see online depends on inverter efficiency, battery temperature, and (for motors) compressor/pump startup spikes. Always confirm your device wattage on the nameplate (or with a plug-in power meter) and stay under the unit’s rated continuous output.
At-a-glance spec comparison (official)
| Spec | S1200 | S2400 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 1,190Wh (nominal) | 2,083Wh |
| AC output (rated) | 1,200W, pure sine wave | 2,400W, pure sine wave |
| Surge / motor-start support | UDTURBO up to 1,800W | UDTURBO surge support up to 3,000W |
| AC outlets | 5 AC outlets (also sold in a 3-AC version on the same product page) | 6 AC outlets |
| USB-C | 2× USB-C, up to 100W (total spec shown on product page) | 2× USB-C, up to 100W each (PPS supported) |
| USB-A | 4× USB-A | 4× USB-A |
| DC outputs | DC5521 ×2, 12V car outlet, 15W wireless charging | DC5521 ×2, 12V car outlet, 15W wireless charging |
| UPSPRIME switchover | ≤10ms | ≤10ms |
| Solar input (max) | 400W max (12–75V, 12A) | Up to 400W solar charging (12–50V, 10A max) |
| AC input (listed) | 800W max (120V~60Hz) | 120V~60Hz, 15A max |
| Weight | ~26.0 lb | ~40.8 lb |
| Dimensions | 13.7 × 9.5 × 9.7 in | 15.8 × 9.5 × 10.1 in |
| Certifications (listed) | UL2743, PSE, FCC, ROHS, UN38.3 | UL2743, FCC, ROHS, UN38.3 |
Tip: If you’re comparing for “what can it run,” prioritize rated AC watts first (can it run your device), then Wh capacity (how long it lasts).
Power output: what you can run (and start)
“Rated AC output” is the continuous power the inverter can supply. “Surge / UDTURBO” helps with brief startup spikes from compressor/motor loads (like fridges, freezers, pumps). The key is: surge helps you start some loads, but you still need the rated wattage to run them.
| Category | S1200 | S2400 |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous AC output | 1,200W (pure sine wave) | 2,400W (pure sine wave) |
| Motor-start / surge support | UDTURBO up to 1,800W | UDTURBO surge support up to 3,000W |
| Best fit loads | Essentials + moderate appliances:
router CPAP laptops TV fridge (typical) small tools
|
Essentials + higher-demand appliances:
multiple essentials at once microwave coffee maker larger tools more motor loads
|
| What to watch out for | High-draw heaters / big cooking appliances often exceed 1,200W continuous. | You still need to add up total watts if running multiple devices simultaneously. |
For refrigerators: UDPOWER’s own examples reference “standard refrigerator (60–100W average)” and estimate about 10–15 hours on the S1200 and 18–30 hours on the S2400 (actual results vary by compressor cycling and conditions). See the official pages: S1200 / S2400.
Runtime: how long each lasts (with a simple calculator)
Step 1: Use this quick formula
A realistic planning efficiency for AC use is often ~0.85 (your results can be higher or lower).
Step 2: Compare common loads (estimates)
The table below uses 0.85 efficiency and official capacities (S1200: 1,190Wh nominal; S2400: 2,083Wh). If a load exceeds a model’s rated AC output, it’s marked accordingly.
| Example load | Typical watts (W) | S1200 est. runtime | S2400 est. runtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi router | 10 | ~101.2 hours | ~177.1 hours |
| CPAP (no heated humidifier) | 40 | ~25.3 hours | ~44.3 hours |
| Laptop charging | 60 | ~16.9 hours | ~29.5 hours |
| TV | 100 | ~10.1 hours | ~17.7 hours |
| Refrigerator (average draw varies) | 80 | ~12.6 hours | ~22.1 hours |
| Blender / small appliance | 300 | ~3.4 hours | ~5.9 hours |
| Coffee maker (brewing) | 900 | ~1.1 hours (energy use is intermittent) | ~2.0 hours (energy use is intermittent) |
| Microwave (cooking) | 1,000 | ~1.0 hours (short bursts) | ~1.8 hours (short bursts) |
| Max continuous (model limit) | 1,200 / 2,400 | ~0.84 hours at 1,200W | ~0.74 hours at 2,400W |
| Space heater | 1,500 | Not recommended (exceeds 1,200W rated) | ~1.18 hours |
| High draw load | 2,000 | Not recommended (exceeds 1,200W rated) | ~0.89 hours |
Why your real runtime may differ: compressor cycling, inverter efficiency, battery temperature, and whether you’re using AC vs. DC outputs. For fridge-specific official examples, see: S1200 / S2400.
Ports & usability
If you routinely power several small devices at the same time (phones, tablets, cameras, laptops), ports matter as much as watts. Both models offer a similar “real life” mix of USB, DC, car outlet, and wireless charging—while the S2400 adds one more AC outlet.
| Port / feature | S1200 | S2400 |
|---|---|---|
| AC outlets | 5× AC (pure sine wave) on the 5-AC variant; a 3-AC variant is also listed on the same product page | 6× AC (pure sine wave) |
| USB-C | 2× USB-C (spec shows up to 100W total on the product page section) | 2× USB-C up to 100W each + PPS (3.3–21V) |
| USB-A | 4× USB-A | 4× USB-A |
| DC5521 ports | 2× DC5521 | 2× DC5521 (12V⎓10A max per spec section) |
| 12V car outlet | 12V car outlet | 12V car outlet (12V⎓10A max per spec section) |
| Wireless charging | 15W max | 15W max |
| Built-in light | (Not highlighted in the S1200 spec section) | Built-in light with steps + SOS mode (listed on product page) |
Charging options & solar compatibility
Solar compatibility is mostly about the power station’s input voltage/current range and connector setup. Always check your panel’s open-circuit voltage (Voc) stays within the station’s listed input range.
| Charging method | S1200 (official) | S2400 (official) |
|---|---|---|
| Wall / AC | AC input listed: 120V~60Hz, 800W max | AC input listed: 120V~60Hz, 15A max |
| Solar | 12–75V, 12A, 400W max | 12–50V⎓10A max; “up to 400W solar charging” and supports 75W–400W panels |
| DC / car-style input | DC7909 listed: 12V–12A, 144W max | DC7909 listed: 12V–50V⎓10A max |
| Charging modes | “Fast” and “Optimized” modes are referenced on the S1200 page (fast charge claim shown on product page) | “Fast charging” and “Optimized charging” modes are listed on the S2400 page |
Solar rule of thumb: your panel string’s voltage must stay within the station input range. S1200 allows up to 75V input, while S2400 lists up to 50V input (see official pages linked above).
Size, weight, and portability
S1200: easier carry for frequent moves
The S1200 is listed at approximately 26.0 lb and 13.7 × 9.5 × 9.7 in. If you’re moving the unit between rooms, vehicles, or campsites regularly, this matters. Official S1200 specs.
S2400: heavier, but a big step up in capability
The S2400 is listed at approximately 40.8 lb and 15.8 × 9.5 × 10.1 in. You’re carrying more capacity and more inverter power—great for longer outages or heavier appliances, but less “grab-and-go.” Official S2400 specs.
Which one should you pick?
Decision matrix (practical scenarios)
| Your priority | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Carry it often, still run essentials | S1200 | Lower weight (~26 lb) with 1,200W rated output for common essentials. |
| Run higher-watt appliances (microwave, more tools) or combine more devices at once | S2400 | 2,400W rated output and UDTURBO surge support up to 3,000W. |
| Longer runtime for the same essentials | S2400 | 2,083Wh capacity vs. 1,190Wh nominal means fewer compromises during outages. |
| Backup a fridge as the main goal | Depends | Both list fridge examples; S2400 is positioned for longer fridge runtime on the official page. Compare official examples: S1200 / S2400. |
| Need more AC outlets without a power strip | S2400 | 6 AC outlets vs. 5 on the common S1200 variant. |
| Wider solar input voltage headroom | S1200 | S1200 lists 12–75V input; S2400 lists 12–50V input. |
| UPSPRIME (UPS-style switchover ≤10ms) for essentials | Either | Both list UPSPRIME/UPS mode with ≤10ms switchover; always test with your specific device. |
Fast checklist
- If your must-run device is over 1,200W continuous, start with S2400.
- If you want “same devices, longer hours,” the capacity jump favors S2400.
- If you want a more carry-friendly unit for essentials, S1200 is typically the better fit.
- If solar wiring is complex (series strings), double-check voltage: S1200 up to 75V vs. S2400 up to 50V.
FAQ
Can the S1200 run a refrigerator?
UDPOWER’s S1200 page references a “standard refrigerator (60–100W)” and gives an example runtime estimate on a full charge. Real performance varies with compressor cycling and startup spikes. Check the official example here: S1200 product page.
Why does S2400 feel like more than “just bigger capacity”?
Because it upgrades both sides of the equation: more energy (2,083Wh) and more inverter headroom (2,400W rated), plus surge support up to 3,000W for motor start-ups, as listed on the official page: S2400 product page.
Are both models safe for sensitive electronics?
Both list pure sine wave AC output on their product pages, which is typically preferred for sensitive electronics. See the official spec sections: S1200 / S2400.
Do both have UPS functionality?
Both list UPSPRIME/UPS mode with a switchover time of ≤10ms. Compatibility can vary by device, so it’s smart to test your specific setup. Official sources: S1200 / S2400.
What solar panels can I use?
Match your panel string voltage to the station input range. S1200 lists 12–75V (400W max), while S2400 lists 12–50V (up to 400W solar charging). Check the official input specs: S1200 / S2400.
What’s the biggest “gotcha” when comparing these?
People often focus on Wh and forget rated watts. If your appliance needs more than 1,200W continuous, the S1200 won’t be the right fit, even if the surge/UDTURBO rating looks close. Always start with continuous output, then move to Wh for runtime planning.
Why do some places say 1,190Wh but the S1200 spec section shows 1,191Wh?
The S1200 page shows “1,190Wh” as a headline capacity while the detailed specification section lists “1191Wh.” When planning, that 1Wh difference doesn’t change decisions—use the official page values as your reference: S1200 product page.
Can I estimate runtime for my exact setup?
Yes. Add up your running watts (or measure with a power meter), then use: (Wh × 0.85) ÷ W. If you’re running motor loads (fridge/pump), account for startup spikes and keep margin under the rated output.
Sources (official)
- UDPOWER S1200 product page (capacity, output, ports, UPSPRIME, input specs, weight/dimensions, certifications): https://udpwr.com/products/udpower-s1200-portable-power-station
- UDPOWER S2400 product page (capacity, output, ports, UPSPRIME, input specs, weight/dimensions, certifications): https://udpwr.com/products/udpower-s2400-portable-power-station
Prices, availability, and bundle contents can change. For the latest, rely on the official product pages linked above.
