waveshare 5V UPS HAT for Raspberry Pi 4B/3B+/3B - Reliable Backup

In this review the waveshare 5V Uninterruptible Power Supply UPS HAT is examined as a practical backup power accessory for Raspberry Pi users. The bottom line: this HAT is for makers and small server projects that need seamless switchover to battery power and real time battery monitoring. It stands out because it supplies up to 5A through an onboard regulator and connects via pogo pins so the GPIO stays free, which makes it an attractive option for Pi systems that require stable 5V delivery during power interruptions.

Key Features

• Direct 5V output: Provides a regulated 5V output with up to 5A continuous current so even power-hungry Pi 4B setups stay stable under load.
• Pogo pins connector: Powers the Raspberry Pi without occupying GPIO pins, allowing other HATs or add-ons to remain installed without conflict.
• I2C real time monitoring: Exposes battery voltage, current, power and remaining capacity over I2C so projects can programmatically monitor backup status.
• Multi battery protection: Built-in over charge, over discharge, over current, short circuit and reverse protection keeps batteries and the Pi safer in the field.
• 5V USB output: Offers a convenient USB 5V output for powering ancillary boards or accessories alongside the Raspberry Pi.

Who It's For

The UPS HAT is aimed at hobbyists, makers, and small-scale deployments that run Raspberry Pi 3/3B+/4B and need a compact, integrated backup solution with monitoring. It is especially useful for headless systems, kiosks, or portable projects where automatic switchover and battery health data via I2C are valuable.

Users who need enterprise-grade battery management, hot-swappable external battery bays, or formal certifications should look elsewhere; this HAT suits DIY and lab environments rather than rugged industrial installations.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Seamless power handoff with up to 5A regulated 5V output keeps Pi boards stable during outages.
• Pogo pins connection preserves GPIO availability for other HATs or accessories.
• Real time I2C monitoring provides actionable battery data for safe shutdown or status displays.
• Multiple protection circuits and equalizing charge improve battery longevity and safety.

Cons

• Not intended as an industrial certified power system, so larger deployments may prefer a commercial UPS solution.
• Requires familiarity with I2C and battery selection to get the most from monitoring features.

Specifications

Product type	5V Uninterruptible Power Supply HAT
Compatibility	Raspberry Pi 3, 3B+, 4B
Output	5V regulated output, up to 5A
Connector	Pogo pins connector (no GPIO usage)
Communication	I2C bus for real time battery monitoring
Protections	Over charge/discharge, over current, short circuit, reverse and equalizing charge
Extras	5V USB output and battery warning indicators

Our Verdict

The waveshare 5V UPS HAT is a sensible, cost-effective backup solution for Raspberry Pi projects that need uninterrupted 5V power and live battery telemetry. It delivers solid protection features, a usable 5A regulator and a non-invasive pogo pin connection, making it good value for makers and small deployments that want reliable switchover and monitoring without sacrificing GPIO access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this work with a Raspberry Pi 4B?
Yes, the HAT is compatible with Raspberry Pi 4B and is rated to supply up to 5A to support typical Pi 4 power needs.

How do I monitor battery data?
Battery voltage, current, power and remaining capacity are available over the I2C bus so a Pi application can read real time metrics for status or graceful shutdown logic.

Does it protect the battery and Pi?
Yes, the board includes multi battery protection circuits for over charge/discharge, over current, short circuit and reverse connection, plus equalizing charge for safer operation.