OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
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-U04 review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£560Native panel resolution:1920x1200ANSI lumens:3000Throw ratio:1.38-1.68:1Lamp life:5000 hours

Epson EB-U04 Review: Compare 86 technical specifications and 5 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

Epson EB-U04
6.9/10

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 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 68% of models
Score components

35%

6.6

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

6.6

Reviews score

10%

?

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

â–¼Worse than 68% of projectors
7.1

Value for money

Value for money
7.1/ 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–² Better than 54% of models
Score components

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

7.6

Price

â–²Better than 54%
6.6

Technical score

Technical score
6.6/ 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–² Better than 55% of models
Score components

42%

7.8

Image Quality

22%

6.0

Projection & Lens

12%

5.9

HDMI & Gaming

10%

6.3

Audio & Features

8%

5.4

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Design & Power

â–²Better than 55%
6.6

Reviews score

Reviews score
6.6/ 10
✕
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
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models

6.6

Mark 8.1 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

8.2

Average grade

20%

7.5

Popularity

Grades by review (5)
1 review, with a printed score. 4 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 68%
?

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.

What reviewers say about the Epson EB-U04

Based on 1 · 4

Reviewers praise the sharp picture, compact size and easy setup, but criticise the wireless connectivity and noise.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of projector Epson EB-U04

Technical score
Technical score
6.6/ 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–² Better than 55% of models
Score components:

42%

7.8

Image Quality

22%

6.0

Projection & Lens

12%

5.9

HDMI & Gaming

10%

6.3

Audio & Features

8%

5.4

Connectivity

6%

4.0

Design & Power

6.6
Reviews score
6.6
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.1/ 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–² Better than 54% of models
Score components:

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

7.6

Price

7.1
ANSI lumens
3,000
Market range: <250 – >4k
This projector reaches 3,000 ANSI lumens, brighter than 62.9% of projectors and equal to 8.4% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
15,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 15000:1, higher than 54% of projectors and equal to 2.9% of projectors.
Native panel resolution
1920x1200
This projector uses a native resolution of 1920x1200, higher than 86.3% of projectors and equal to 2.8% of projectors.
Output resolution
1920x1200
This projector supports output resolution up to 1920x1200, higher than 68.3% of projectors and equal to 2.8% of projectors.
Projection technology
3LCD
Show more
What reviewers say
Throw ratio
1.38-1.68:1
Min throw distance
?
Max projection size
300 inch
Market range: <100 inch – >300 inch
This projector supports projection sizes up to 300 inch, larger than 51.5% of projectors and equal to 38% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
1.2
Market range: <1.1 – >2.1
This projector offers a zoom ratio of 1.2, narrower than 59.8% of projectors and equal to 21.6% of projectors.
Motorized zoom
no
This projector does not have motorised zoom. 14.8% of projectors offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
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
2
Market range: <1 – >6
This projector has 2 HDMI port/s, more than 45.9% of projectors and equal to 47.3% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
no
This projector does not support Bluetooth. 50.7% of projectors offer this.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Show more
What reviewers say
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
277 W
Market range: <50 W – >400 W
This projector uses 277 W of power, more than 62.3% of projectors and equal to 0.1% of projectors.
Show more
What reviewers say

Epson EB-U04 vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • High native resolution
    This projector has a higher native panel resolution than the average projector (1920x1200 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    1920x1200 vs 1920x1080
  • Higher output resolution
    This projector supports a higher output resolution than the average projector (1920x1200 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    1920x1200 vs 1920x1080
  • 36.4% brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (3,000 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    3,000 vs 2,200
  • Supports auto keystone correction
    Epson EB-U04 corrects keystone distortion automatically, while the average projector does not. 36.9% of projectors offer this.
  • Smartphone app support
    This projector supports smartphone app control, while the average projector does not. 36.7% of projectors support smartphone app control.
  • 1 more audio input ports
    This projector has more audio input ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    1 vs 0
  • 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
  • 50 inch larger image size
    This projector has a higher projection size than the average projector (300 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    300 inch vs 250 inch
  • High native resolution
    This projector has a higher native panel resolution than the average projector (1920x1200 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    1920x1200 vs 1920x1080
  • Higher output resolution
    This projector supports a higher output resolution than the average projector (1920x1200 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    1920x1200 vs 1920x1080
  • 36.4% brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (3,000 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    3,000 vs 2,200
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (15000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    15,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • Supports auto keystone correction
    Epson EB-U04 corrects keystone distortion automatically, while the average projector does not. 36.9% of projectors offer this.
  • 50 inch larger image size
    This projector has a higher projection size than the average projector (300 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    300 inch vs 250 inch
  • 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
  • VGA input included
    This projector supports VGA input, while the average projector does not. 44.1% of projectors support VGA input.
  • Smartphone app support
    This projector supports smartphone app control, while the average projector does not. 36.7% of projectors support smartphone app control.
  • 1 more audio input ports
    This projector has more audio input ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    1 vs 0
  • 0.2 W lower standby power
    This projector uses less standby power than the average projector (0.3 W vs 0.5 W). The average projector uses 0.5 W of standby power.
    0.3 W vs 0.5 W
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • 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 Wi-Fi connectivity
    This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks, while the average projector does. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • 6 dB louder operation
    This projector has a higher audible noise than the average projector (37 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    37 dB vs 31 dB
  • 80% weaker audio output
    This projector has a lower audio output power than the average projector (2 W vs 10 W). The average projector has 10 W of audio output power.
    2 W vs 10 W
  • No 3D video
    This projector does not support 3D video, while the average projector does. 55.4% of projectors support 3D video.
  • More outdated HDCP support
    This projector supports an older HDCP version than the average projector (1.4 vs 2.2).
    1.4 vs 2.2
  • 10.8% lower review score
    Reviews score
    6.6/ 10
    ✕
    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
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models

    6.6

    Mark 8.1 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.2

    Average grade

    20%

    7.5

    Popularity

    Grades by review (5)
    1 review, with a printed score. 4 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    6.6 vs 7.4
  • No 3D video
    This projector does not support 3D video, while the average projector does. 55.4% of projectors support 3D video.
  • 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.
  • 0.1 2x narrower zoom range
    This projector has a lower zoom ratio than the average projector (1.2 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
    1.2 vs 1.3
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • More outdated HDCP support
    This projector supports an older HDCP version than the average projector (1.4 vs 2.2).
    1.4 vs 2.2
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks, while the average projector does. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • No RS-232 control
    This projector does not support RS-232 control, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors support RS-232 control.
  • 80% weaker audio output
    This projector has a lower audio output power than the average projector (2 W vs 10 W). The average projector has 10 W of audio output power.
    2 W vs 10 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
  • 6 dB louder operation
    This projector has a higher audible noise than the average projector (37 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    37 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
  • 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
  • 47 W higher power use
    This projector uses more power than the average projector (277 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    277 W vs 230 W

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
The Parity Check
≈ estimated
08/05/2019
First look · unboxing and first use
Verdict
Epson EB-U04 is bright, clear and quick to set up, with good value for the money.
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

6.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
20/12/2015
Full review · Home and office projector
Verdict
The Epson EB-U04 suits presentations and casual movie nights, but grey blacks and fan noise hold it back.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Epson EB-U04

  • It draws only 0.3 W on standby.
  • At 77 mm high, it fits into tight spaces.
  • At 2.6 kg it is easy to move between rooms.
  • 3000 ANSI lumens are enough for a lit room.
  • The 1920x1200 resolution shows fine detail and text clearly.
  • It has a smartphone app and a sleep timer.

What customers don't like about Epson EB-U04

  • The built-in speaker is only 2 W.
  • Normal mode is loud at 37 dB.
  • The lamp is rated for 5000 hours, so long daily use means a lamp replacement.
  • There is no 3D support.
  • The USB 2.0 ports are slow for large files.

Verdict

Low and light, the Epson EB-U04 is a 3000 ANSI lumen projector for a flat with a spare wall. At 77 mm high and 2.6 kg, it slides onto a shelf and moves easily between rooms. It draws only 0.3 W on standby, and the two HDMI ports take a console and a laptop at once. Ceiling mounting is possible, and the picture can reach 300 inch. The 1920x1200 resolution gives fine detail, which helps with text. The built-in speaker is only 2 W, so use a separate speaker for films. Normal mode reaches 37 dB, so eco mode is the better choice for quiet rooms. It has a smartphone app and a sleep timer. It suits someone who wants a light projector for films and work in a small room.

Compare Epson EB-U04 with other products in the Projectors category

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