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 EH-TW490 review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£180Native panel resolution:1280x800ANSI lumens:3000Throw ratio:1.3-1.56:1Lamp life:5000 hours

Epson EH-TW490 Review: Compare 86 technical specifications and 7 expert reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

Epson EH-TW490
6.5/10

Overall score

Score
6.5/ 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 84% of models
Score components

35%

6.0

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

6.0

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 84% of projectors
7.5

Value for money

Value for money
7.5/ 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–² Better than 74% of models
Score components

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

â–²Better than 74%
6.0

Technical score

Technical score
6.0/ 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 71% of models
Score components

42%

6.8

Image Quality

22%

6.0

Projection & Lens

12%

5.9

HDMI & Gaming

10%

5.7

Audio & Features

8%

4.4

Connectivity

6%

3.8

Design & Power

â–¼Worse than 71%
6.0

Reviews score

Reviews score
6.0/ 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 83% of models

6.0

Mark 7.8 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.8

Average grade

20%

8.0

Popularity

Grades by review (7)
7 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 4 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 83%
?

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 EH-TW490

Based on 7

Reviewers find it bright, easy to set up and colourful, but black levels are weak and resolution feels low.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of projector Epson EH-TW490

Technical score
Technical score
6.0/ 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 71% of models
Score components:

42%

6.8

Image Quality

22%

6.0

Projection & Lens

12%

5.9

HDMI & Gaming

10%

5.7

Audio & Features

8%

4.4

Connectivity

6%

3.8

Design & Power

6.0
Reviews score
6.0
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.5/ 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–² Better than 74% of models
Score components:

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

7.5
ANSI lumens
3,000
Market range: <280 – >4k
This projector reaches 3,000 ANSI lumens, brighter than 62.9% of projectors and equal to 8.4% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
12,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 12000:1, higher than 50% of projectors and equal to 2.2% 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
What reviewers say
Throw ratio
1.3-1.56:1
Min throw distance
0.9 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >1.651 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 0.9 m, shorter than 63.3% of projectors and equal to 2.7% of projectors.
Max projection size
318 inch
Market range: <120 inch – >301 inch
This projector supports projection sizes up to 318 inch, larger than 94.2% of projectors and equal to 0.3% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
1.2
Market range: <1.1 – >2.06
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
1.4
This projector supports HDMI 1.4, older than 54% of projectors and equal to 35.7% of projectors.
Max HDMI bandwidth
?
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This projector has 1 HDMI port/s, fewer than 54.2% of projectors and equal to 42.9% 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
Smart TV features
no
This projector does not have built-in smart TV features. 43.9% of projectors offer this.
Operating system
none
Android OS
no
This projector does not run Android OS. 19.1% of projectors run Android OS.
Dedicated smartphone app
no
This projector does not come with a dedicated smartphone app. 36.8% 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: <3.5k 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)
6,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers eco-mode lamp life of 6,000 hours, longer than 78.8% of projectors and equal to 7.3% of projectors.
Operating power consumption
270 W
Market range: <57 W – >390 W
This projector uses 270 W of power, more than 59.8% of projectors and equal to 1.4% of projectors.
Show more

Epson EH-TW490 vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • 68 inch larger image size
    This projector has a higher projection size than the average projector (318 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    318 inch vs 250 inch
  • 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
    This projector corrects keystone distortion automatically, while the average projector does not. 36.9% of projectors offer this.
  • 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 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.
    Includes RCA stereo input.
    1 vs 0
  • Supports AirPlay
    This projector supports AirPlay, while the average projector does not. 40.3% of projectors offer this.
  • 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
  • 0.11 m shorter throw distance
    This projector has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.9 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    0.9 m vs 1.0055 m
  • 3.67x cheaper
    Epson EH-TW490 is cheaper than the average projector (£180 vs £660).
    £180 vs £660
  • 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
  • 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 (12000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    12,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 68 inch larger image size
    This projector has a higher projection size than the average projector (318 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    318 inch vs 250 inch
  • Supports auto keystone correction
    This projector corrects keystone distortion automatically, while the average projector does not. 36.9% of projectors offer this.
  • 0.11 m shorter throw distance
    This projector has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.9 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    0.9 m vs 1.0055 m
  • Supports AirPlay
    This projector supports AirPlay, while the average projector does not. 40.3% of projectors offer this.
  • 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.
  • 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.
    Includes RCA stereo input.
    1 vs 0
  • 0.22 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.
    0.28 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 HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 1 fewer HDMI ports
    This projector has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.
    1 vs 2
  • 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 Wi-Fi connectivity
    This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks, while the average projector does. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
  • 18.9% lower review score
    Reviews score
    6.0/ 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 83% of models

    6.0

    Mark 7.8 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.8

    Average grade

    20%

    8.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (7)
    7 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 4 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    6.0 vs 7.4
  • 18.9% lower review score
    Reviews score
    6.0/ 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 83% of models

    6.0

    Mark 7.8 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.8

    Average grade

    20%

    8.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (7)
    7 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 4 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    6.0 vs 7.4
  • 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.
  • 8 earlier release
    This projector was released earlier than the average projector (2013 vs 2021). The average projector was released in 2021.
    September 2013
    2013 vs 2021
  • 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
  • Older HDMI version
    This projector has Old HDMI standard than the average projector (1.4 vs 2). The average projector supports HDMI 2.
    1.4 vs 2
  • 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
  • 1 fewer HDMI ports
    This projector has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.
    1 vs 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 headphone jack
    This projector does not have a 3.5 mm audio jack, while the average projector does. 84.4% of projectors offer a 3.5 mm audio jack.
  • 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
  • 14,000 hours shorter eco lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life in eco mode than the average projector (6,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life in eco mode.
    6,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 1 dB louder eco mode
    This projector has a higher audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (29 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.
    29 dB vs 28 dB

Video reviews

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

Shop video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

6.0
homecinemachoice.com
✓ explicit
31/03/2014
Review · Compact home projector
Verdict
The Epson EH-TW490 is a bright, compact projector with pleasing color, best for presentations and occasional home viewing rather than serious movie nights.
8.0
techadvisor.com
✓ explicit
20/02/2014
Review · Gaming projector
Verdict
The Epson EH-TW490 is a bright, easy-to-set-up 720p projector that suits gaming and sport, though its grey blacks limit movie nights.
7.0
insideci.co.uk
≈ estimated
23/02/2014
Review · Entry-level projector
Verdict
The Epson EH-TW490 is a bright projector that sets up quickly for media rooms and bedrooms, but its grey blacks rule out dedicated theater use.
8.0
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
24/12/2013
Review · Compact coffee-table projector
Verdict
The Epson EH-TW490 is a small, bright projector that handles sports, games and HD TV well, though its weak speaker and 720p image show its limits.
8.0
gadgetspeak.com
≈ estimated
13/02/2014
Review · Movie-night projector
Verdict
The Epson EH-TW490 is a bright, color-accurate projector for family movie nights, but its grey blacks and noisy iris are its weak points.
7.0
ltpaterson.com
≈ estimated
06/10/2014
Hands-on test · Entry-level projector
Verdict
The Epson EH-TW490 is a solid entry-level projector, bright enough for a lit room and good for gaming, but 720p shows its limits on large screens.
7.0
akihabarablues.com
≈ estimated
29/10/2013
Review · Gaming room projector
Verdict
The Epson EH-TW490 is a sharp, flexible projector for gaming and presentations, but it cannot play mp4 or mkv video from a USB stick.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Epson EH-TW490

  • High brightness (3,000 lumens) makes it usable even in well-lit rooms.
  • Vivid color reproduction and fidelity typical of Epson 3LCD technology.
  • Compact, lightweight design (2.4kg) and included carry case for portability.
  • Excellent value for money, frequently cited as a 'sweet spot' for budget buyers.
  • Easy setup with automatic vertical keystone correction.
  • Good performance for gaming and sports due to bright, breezy image quality.

What customers don't like about Epson EH-TW490

  • Poor black levels; dark areas often appear as a greyish 'mush' or washed out.
  • Noisy operation, especially the dynamic iris and the cooling fan in standard mode.
  • Limited to 720p (WXGA) resolution, lacking the crispness of Full HD 1080p models.
  • Visible motion judder during fast-moving scenes or 24p Blu-ray playback.
  • Lack of advanced picture settings to correct default contrast and shadow detail issues.
  • Remote control is not backlit, making it difficult to use in dark rooms.

Verdict

The Epson EH-TW490 is a compact, 2.4kg HD-Ready 3LCD projector featuring WXGA (1280 x 800) native resolution and a high brightness of 3,000 lumens, making it suitable for both home cinema and gaming in moderately lit environments. Its main advantages include vibrant color reproduction, a portable design with an included carry case, and easy setup via automatic vertical and manual horizontal keystone sliders. Key specifications include a 12,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, a lamp life of up to 6,000 hours in Eco mode, and flexible connectivity with HDMI, VGA, and USB ports. However, common drawbacks include a lack of deep black levels, resulting in a somewhat greyish appearance in dark scenes, and an audible cooling fan that may be distracting during quiet moments.

Compare Epson EH-TW490 with other products in the Projectors category

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