Ultra-Slim LiFePO₄ UPS vs Compact Lithium UPS for Edge & Embedded Applications
Both the Xtreme Power J60-350 and the Back-UPS Lithium BG500 from APC are lithium-based UPS systems designed to protect small IT, networking, and edge devices. While they serve a similar use case, they are engineered with very different priorities.
The J60-350 is purpose-built as an ultra-slim, mount-anywhere lithium UPS using Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) battery technology. The APC BG500 is a compact desktop lithium UPS optimized for higher VA capacity in traditional office environments.
Key differences appear in physical size, mounting flexibility, battery chemistry, temperature tolerance, construction durability, and long-term lifecycle value.
For modern edge, kiosk, and embedded installations where space constraints and long service life matter more than raw VA rating, the J60-350 delivers clear advantages.
Learn more about the Xtreme Power J60-350
https://xpcc.com/products/j60/
Key Differentiators at a Glance
- Ultra-slim 1.25-inch profile designed for tight and unconventional spaces
- LiFePO₄ (LFP) battery chemistry for extended life and improved safety
- Less than half the physical volume of the APC BG500
- Steel enclosure vs plastic construction
- Integrated mounting brackets included standard
- Operates up to 50 °C (122 °F) for harsh or poorly cooled environments
- Industry-leading 5-year warranty
Lithium UPS Feature Comparison
| Feature | Xtreme Power J60-350 | APC Back-UPS Lithium BG500 | J60-350 Advantage |
| Rated Capacity | 350VA / 200W | 500VA / 300W | APC offers higher capacity; J60 optimized for ultra-compact deployments |
| Form Factor / Size | 6.9″ H × 8.5″ D × 1.25″ W (≈73 cu in) | 11.4″ H × 7.5″ D × 2.1″ W (≈183 cu in) | Less than ½ the volume; fits where APC cannot |
| Construction | Steel enclosure | Plastic enclosure | Greater durability for edge and industrial locations |
| Mounting | Standard mounting brackets included | No mounting hardware | Wall, rack, kiosk, and under-counter mounting out of the box |
| Battery Chemistry | Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) | Lithium-ion (standard chemistry) | Longer life, safer chemistry |
| Battery Life Expectancy | Up to 15 years / 3,000–5,000 cycles | 5–8 years | Up to 3× longer service life |
| Operating Temperature | Up to 50 °C (122 °F) | Optimized for 25 °C (77 °F) | Reliable operation in hot or non-conditioned spaces |
| Runtime (Full Load) | ~6 minutes @ 200W | ~6 minutes @ 200W | Comparable runtime despite smaller footprint |
| Warranty | 5-year UPS & battery | 3-year | Longer coverage and lower lifecycle risk |
Where the J60-350 Excels
The J60-350 is engineered for environments where traditional desktop UPS systems are impractical:
- Embedded and OEM installations
- Kiosks and digital signage enclosures
- Wall-mount and under-counter deployments
- Edge IT and IoT infrastructure
- High-temperature or poorly ventilated locations
- Distributed sites where battery replacement is disruptive
When the APC Back-UPS Lithium BG500 May Be a Fit
The APC BG500 may be suitable for:
- Desktop or shelf-mounted office IT
- Applications requiring higher VA capacity in a small footprint
- Climate-controlled environments
- Scenarios where mounting flexibility is not required
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Xtreme Power J60-350 if you need:
- An ultra-slim UPS that fits where others cannot
- Long-life LiFePO₄ batteries with minimal maintenance
- Operation in hot or edge environments
- Flexible mounting without accessories
- Longer warranty and lower total cost of ownership
Choose APC Back-UPS Lithium BG500 if you need:
- Higher VA capacity in a desktop form factor
- Basic lithium UPS protection for office use
- A familiar APC form factor
Typical Applications
- Network switches and edge devices
- Wireless access points
- Security cameras and access-control systems
- Digital signage and kiosks
- Embedded controllers and IoT gateways
- Space-constrained IT enclosures
Final Takeaway
While both products provide lithium-based backup power, the Xtreme Power J60-350 delivers a dramatically smaller footprint, superior mounting flexibility, longer battery life, and higher temperature tolerance than the APC Back-UPS Lithium BG500.
For applications where space, durability, and lifecycle value matter more than raw VA capacity, the J60-350 is the stronger long-term choice.
Download the Printable Comparison
Xtreme J60-350 Lithium-Ion UPS to APC Back-UPS Lithium BG500 Comparison
Compare J60 to Other UPS Alternatives
Evaluating multiple compact UPS platforms or standardizing across deployments?
View all J60 UPS comparisons
https://xpcc.com/j60-ups-comparisons/
Plan with Confidence
Xtreme Power supports early specification, design-in, and lifecycle planning for edge IT, networking, AV, security, and regulated environments.
(800) 582-4524
sales@xpcc.com