OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
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Scored using Projectors Methodology v3.0
Projectors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Projectors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Projectors Methodology v3.0

Epson EB-685W review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£1,020Native panel resolution:1280x800ANSI lumens:3500Throw ratio:0.28-0.37:1Lamp life:5000 hours

Epson EB-685W Review: Compare 86 technical specifications to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

Epson EB-685W
7.0/10

Overall score

Score
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

35%

6.2

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

?

Reviews scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–¼Worse than 58% of projectors
6.5

Value for money

Value for money
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the projector's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a projector with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
Score components

70%

7.0

Overall score

30%

5.1

Price

â–¼Worse than 66%
6.2

Technical score

Technical score
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
Score components

42%

7.4

Image Quality

22%

3.6

Projection & Lens

12%

6.5

HDMI & Gaming

10%

7.1

Audio & Features

8%

6.9

Connectivity

6%

3.8

Design & Power

â–¼Worse than 65%
?

Reviews score

Reviews score
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (0)
We have not found an independent test of this model yet. Until we do, its review part counts as 7.8.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
No expert tests yet
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of projector Epson EB-685W

Technical score
Technical score
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
Score components:

42%

7.4

Image Quality

22%

3.6

Projection & Lens

12%

6.5

HDMI & Gaming

10%

7.1

Audio & Features

8%

6.9

Connectivity

6%

3.8

Design & Power

6.2
Reviews score
7.8
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the projector's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a projector with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
Score components:

70%

7.0

Overall score

30%

5.1

Price

6.5
ANSI lumens
3,500
Market range: <250 – >4k
This projector reaches 3,500 ANSI lumens, brighter than 76.8% of projectors and equal to 2.9% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
14,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 14000:1, higher than 53.5% of projectors and equal to 0.2% of projectors.
Native panel resolution
1280x800
This projector uses a native resolution of 1280x800, lower than 73.7% of projectors and equal to 8.2% of projectors.
Output resolution
1280x800
This projector supports output resolution up to 1280x800, lower than 74.8% of projectors and equal to 8.4% of projectors.
Projection technology
3LCD
Show more
Throw ratio
0.28-0.37:1
Min throw distance
0.36 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >2 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 0.36 m, shorter than 93.8% of projectors.
Max projection size
100 inch
Market range: <100 inch – >300 inch
This projector supports projection sizes up to 100 inch, smaller than 92% of projectors and equal to 6.7% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
N/A
Motorized zoom
no
This projector does not have motorised zoom. 14.8% of projectors offer this.
Show more
Input lag
?
Auto low latency mode (ALLM)
no
This projector does not switch to low-latency mode automatically. 16.1% of projectors offer this.
Variable refresh rate (VRR)
no
This projector does not support variable refresh rate. 1.8% of projectors offer this.
HDMI version
?
Max HDMI bandwidth
?
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
3
Market range: <1 – >6
This projector has 3 HDMI port/s, more than 93.3% of projectors and equal to 6.4% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This projector connects to Wi-Fi networks for streaming. 46.7% of projectors offer this.
Wi-Fi version
?
Bluetooth connectivity
no
This projector does not support Bluetooth. 50.7% of projectors offer this.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Show more
Smart TV features
no
This projector does not have built-in smart TV features. 43.9% of projectors offer this.
Operating system
?
Android OS
no
This projector does not run Android OS. 19.1% of projectors run Android OS.
Dedicated smartphone app
yes
This projector comes with a dedicated smartphone app. 63.3% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
Remote control
yes
This projector includes a remote control. 1.5% of projectors offer this.
Show more
Light source type
lamp
This projector uses lamp light source technology, less advanced than 66.5% of projectors and equal to 33.5% of projectors.
Laser light source
no
This projector does not have a laser light source. 26.8% of projectors offer this.
Lamp life
5,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers lamp life of 5,000 hours, longer than 70.6% of projectors and equal to 5% of projectors.
Lamp life (eco mode)
10,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers eco-mode lamp life of 10,000 hours, longer than 64.8% of projectors and equal to 9.7% of projectors.
Operating power consumption
354 W
Market range: <50 W – >400 W
This projector uses 354 W of power, more than 86.4% of projectors.
Show more

Epson EB-685W vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • 59.1% brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (3,500 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    3,500 vs 2,200
  • 0.65 m shorter throw distance
    This projector has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.4 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    0.36 m vs 1.0055 m
  • 3 more audio input ports
    This projector has more audio input ports than the average projector (3 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    3 vs 0
  • Smartphone app support
    This projector supports smartphone app control, while the average projector does not. 36.7% of projectors support smartphone app control.
  • 41.2% higher refresh rate
    This projector has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (120 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    120 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    This projector has more RJ45 ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 RJ45 ports.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more HDMI ports
    This projector has more HDMI ports than the average projector (3 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.
    3 vs 2
  • 1 more USB ports
    This projector has more USB ports than the average projector (2 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    2 vs 1
  • 59.1% brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (3,500 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    3,500 vs 2,200
  • 41.2% higher refresh rate
    This projector has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (120 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    120 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (14000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    14,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 0.65 m shorter throw distance
    This projector has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.4 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    0.36 m vs 1.0055 m
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    This projector has more RJ45 ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 RJ45 ports.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more HDMI ports
    This projector has more HDMI ports than the average projector (3 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.
    3 vs 2
  • 1 more USB ports
    This projector has more USB ports than the average projector (2 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    2 vs 1
  • Supports Miracast mirroring
    This projector supports Miracast, while the average projector does not. 46.4% of projectors offer this.
  • VGA input included
    This projector supports VGA input, while the average projector does not. 44.1% of projectors support VGA input.
  • 3 more audio input ports
    This projector has more audio input ports than the average projector (3 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    3 vs 0
  • Smartphone app support
    This projector supports smartphone app control, while the average projector does not. 36.7% of projectors support smartphone app control.
  • 60% stronger audio output
    This projector has a higher audio output power than the average projector (16 W vs 10 W). The average projector has 10 W of audio output power.
    16 W vs 10 W
  • 0.13 W lower standby power
    This projector uses less standby power than the average projector (0.4 W vs 0.5 W). The average projector uses 0.5 W of standby power.
    0.37 W vs 0.5 W
  • Basic light source
    This projector has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    lamp vs laser
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 150 inch smaller image size
    This projector has a lower projection size than the average projector (100 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    100 inch vs 250 inch
  • Low native resolution
    This projector has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    1280x800 vs 1920x1080
  • Lower output resolution
    This projector supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    1280x800 vs 1920x1080
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • 27 degrees less vertical correction
    This projector offers less vertical keystone correction than the average projector (3 degrees vs 30 degrees). The average projector offers vertical keystone correction of 30 degrees.
    3 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • 27 degrees less horizontal correction
    This projector offers less horizontal keystone correction than the average projector (3 degrees vs 30 degrees). The average projector offers horizontal keystone correction of 30 degrees.
    3 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • 7.5% worse value for money
    Epson EB-685W has a lower value-for-money score than the average projector (6.46 vs 6.9).
    6.46 vs 6.95
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • Low native resolution
    This projector has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    1280x800 vs 1920x1080
  • Lower output resolution
    This projector supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    1280x800 vs 1920x1080
  • No 3D video
    This projector does not support 3D video, while the average projector does. 55.4% of projectors support 3D video.
  • 4 earlier release
    This projector was released earlier than the average projector (2017 vs 2021). The average projector was released in 2021.
    2,017 vs 2,021
  • No 3D glasses support
    This projector does not display 3D with glasses, while the average projector does. 54.4% of projectors offer 3D with glasses.
  • 150 inch smaller image size
    This projector has a lower projection size than the average projector (100 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    100 inch vs 250 inch
  • 27 degrees less vertical correction
    This projector offers less vertical keystone correction than the average projector (3 degrees vs 30 degrees). The average projector offers vertical keystone correction of 30 degrees.
    3 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • 27 degrees less horizontal correction
    This projector offers less horizontal keystone correction than the average projector (3 degrees vs 30 degrees). The average projector offers horizontal keystone correction of 30 degrees.
    3 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • Basic light source
    This projector has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    lamp vs laser
  • 4 dB louder operation
    This projector has a higher audible noise than the average projector (35 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    35 dB vs 31 dB
  • 15,000 hours shorter lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life than the average projector (5,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life.
    5,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 124 W higher power use
    This projector uses more power than the average projector (354 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    354 W vs 230 W
  • 2 dB louder eco mode
    This projector has a higher audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (30 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.
    30 dB vs 28 dB
  • 91.3% heavier weight
    This projector is heavier than the average projector (5.7 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    5.7 kg vs 2.98 kg
  • 10,000 hours shorter eco lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life in eco mode than the average projector (10,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life in eco mode.
    10,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 70 mm wider body
    This projector is wider than the average projector (367 mm vs 297 mm). The average projector has a width of 297 mm.
    367 mm vs 297 mm

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Epson EB-685W

  • 3500 lumens keep the picture bright with the lights on.
  • A throw distance of 0.36 m lets it sit close to the wall.
  • Three HDMI ports and three audio inputs suit a busy setup.
  • The 16 W built-in speaker is enough for a small room.
  • A dedicated app and a remote make setup simple.
  • Standby power of 0.37 W is very low when it sits idle.

What customers don't like about Epson EB-685W

  • The 1280x800 panel is modest by today's standards.
  • There is no HDR10 support for modern high dynamic range films.
  • The image stops at 100 inch.
  • Vertical and horizontal keystone correction is only 3 degrees, so the image must be lined up with care.
  • At 5.7 kg it is heavy to carry between rooms.
  • It draws 354 W in use, and the noise reaches 35 dB in normal mode.

Verdict

Classrooms, small offices and living rooms suit the Epson EB-685W, which is bright enough with the lights on. Its 3500 lumens are the main strength, so the picture stays clear in a room with daylight. It can sit close to the wall, at 0.36 m, and it has three HDMI ports and three audio inputs for a laptop, a console and a set-top box. Standby power is only 0.37 W, and a phone app handles the settings. The trade-off is the picture itself: the 1280x800 panel is modest by today's standards, and there is no HDR10. The image also stops at 100 inch. It suits a buyer who wants a bright, flexible machine for presentations and everyday viewing rather than a sharp home cinema picture.

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