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Epson EH TW490 Review | 85 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£180
  • ANSI lumens: 3000
  • Native panel resolution: 1280x800
  • Throw ratio: 1.3-1.56:1

Epson EH TW490 review. Compare 85 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among projectors and if it is worth buying.

5.2

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the projector's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best projectors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

5.1

Technical Score

10.0%

6.8

User score

Good
5.1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the projector's technical performance, covering eight key areas: image quality, brightness, contrast, connectivity, gaming features, smart features, audio, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare projectors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

42.0%

6.1

Image Quality

22.0%

4.8

Projection & Lens

12.0%

5.0

HDMI & Gaming

10.0%

4.0

Audio & Features

8.0%

2.6

Connectivity

6.0%

3.6

Design & Power

Good
6.8

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the projector.

When it matters: When you want to know how a projector performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

7.4

User reviews

30.0%

5.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.6
(36)
amazon
3.9
(21)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Good
  • 6.9
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    ?

    Input lag

    25.0%

    10

    Refresh rate

    20.0%

    7.2

    Output Resolution

    10.0%

    1.0

    HDR10 support

    10.0%

    1.0

    Audio output power

  • 5.3
    Portable

    Score components:

    35.0%

    9.3

    Weight

    20.0%

    ?

    Has A Built-In Speaker

    15.0%

    1.0

    Bluetooth connectivity

    15.0%

    1.0

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    15.0%

    1.0

    Smart TV features

  • 4.1
    Home theatre

    Score components:

    30.0%

    7.2

    Output Resolution

    25.0%

    1.0

    HDR10 support

    20.0%

    1.0

    Dolby Vision support

    15.0%

    8.2

    ANSI lumens

    10.0%

    2.4

    Audible noise

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

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.

Technical Specifications of Epson EH TW490

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the projector's technical performance, covering eight key areas: image quality, brightness, contrast, connectivity, gaming features, smart features, audio, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare projectors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

42.0%

6.1

Image Quality

22.0%

4.8

Projection & Lens

12.0%

5.0

HDMI & Gaming

10.0%

4.0

Audio & Features

8.0%

2.6

Connectivity

6.0%

3.6

Design & Power

5.1
Epson EH TW490 has a technical score of 5.05 points, which is lower than 82.2% of projectors.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the projector.

When it matters: When you want to know how a projector performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

7.4

User reviews

30.0%

5.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.6
(36)
amazon
3.9
(21)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

6.8
Epson EH TW490 has a user score of 6.76 points, which is lower than 86.4% of projectors.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the projector.
When it matters: When you prefer to buy a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
5.2
Epson EH TW490 has a popularity of 5.2 points, which is higher than 68.2% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

5.2

Overall score

40.0%

9.6

Price

6.5
Epson EH TW490 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.5 points, which is higher than 66.6% of products in this category.
ANSI lumens
What it is: Brightness output measured in ANSI lumens.
When it matters: When you watch with ambient light or on a large screen, higher brightness matters.

Importance: HIGH

3,000
Epson EH TW490 reaches 3000 ANSI lumens, brighter than 64.2% of projectors and equal to 9.1% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
What it is: Ratio of brightest white to darkest black displayed by the projector.
When it matters: When you watch movies in a dark room, stronger contrast matters.

Importance: HIGH

12,000:1
Epson EH TW490 has a contrast ratio of 12000:1, higher than 50.9% of projectors and equal to 2.3% of projectors.
Native panel resolution
What it is: Native resolution of the display panel or imaging device.
When it matters: When picture sharpness matters enough that you want to know the projector's true native imaging resolution, not just supported input formats.

Importance: HIGH

1280x800
Epson EH TW490 uses a native resolution of 1280x800, lower than 74.6% of projectors and equal to 7.8% of projectors.
Output Resolution
What it is: The resolution the projector can actually display through its imaging system.
When it matters: When you want to know the actual image detail the projector can put on screen rather than just the source format it accepts.

Importance: HIGH

1280x800
Epson EH TW490 supports output resolution up to 1280x800, lower than 75.9% of projectors and equal to 7.9% of projectors.
Projection technology
What it is: Projection imaging technology used by the projector.
When it matters: When color character, contrast behavior, and overall image personality matter before you compare brightness alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

3LCD
Show more
Throw ratio
What it is: Ratio between projection distance and image width.
When it matters: When room size and screen size have to match properly instead of guessing whether the projector will fit the space.

Importance: MEDIUM

1.3-1.56:1
Min throw distance
What it is: Minimum distance required between projector and screen.
When it matters: When room depth is limited and you still need a large image from a short placement distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.9 m
Epson EH TW490 needs a minimum throw distance of 0.9 m, shorter than 62.2% of projectors and equal to 3.4% of projectors.
Max projection size
What it is: Maximum supported image size for projection, measured diagonally.
When it matters: When you want a cinema-size picture, maximum projection size matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

318 inch
Epson EH TW490 supports projection sizes up to 318 inch, larger than 94.4% of projectors and equal to 0.2% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
What it is: Optical zoom capability expressed as a ratio.
When it matters: When projector placement is not ideal and you need optical zoom to frame the image correctly.

Importance: MEDIUM

1.2
Epson EH TW490 offers a zoom ratio of 1.2, narrower than 63.1% of projectors and equal to 22.1% of projectors.
Motorized zoom
What it is: Motorized control of the optical zoom function.
When it matters: When the projector position is fixed but screen size or framing still needs to be adjusted from a distance.

Importance: LOW

no
Epson EH TW490 does not have motorized zoom. 16.3% of projectors have motorized zoom.
Show more
Input lag
What it is: Time delay between input signal and displayed image, measured in milliseconds.
When it matters: When gaming responsiveness matters and you want controls to feel more immediate on fast titles.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Auto low latency mode (ALLM)
What it is: Automatically reduces input lag when gaming.
When it matters: When you play fast games, lower latency matters.

Importance: LOW

no
Epson EH TW490 does not support ALLM. 20.3% of projectors support ALLM.
Variable refresh rate (VRR)
What it is: Support for variable refresh rate to reduce screen tearing.
When it matters: When gaming matters and you want the projector to handle variable frame rates with less tearing or stutter.

Importance: LOW

no
Epson EH TW490 does not support VRR. 1.9% of projectors support VRR.
HDMI version
What it is: Version of the HDMI standard supported.
When it matters: When source devices push newer HDMI features, refresh rates, or bandwidth levels that older ports may limit.

Importance: LOW

1.4
Epson EH TW490 supports HDMI 1.4, older than 54.6% of projectors and equal to 34.1% of projectors.
Max HDMI bandwidth
What it is: Maximum bandwidth supported by HDMI inputs, measured in Gbps.
When it matters: When newer consoles, gaming PCs, or media boxes need more HDMI throughput than older projectors can handle.

Importance: LOW

?
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
What it is: Number of available HDMI input ports.
When it matters: When you need a console, streamer, set-top box, and another source connected at the same time without swapping cables.

Importance: LOW

1
Epson EH TW490 has 1 HDMI port/s, fewer than 54.6% of projectors and equal to 42.2% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Support for Wi-Fi network connectivity.
When it matters: When the projector should handle network features, updates, or streaming functions without needing wired Ethernet only.

Importance: LOW

no
Epson EH TW490 does not support Wi-Fi. 52.7% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi version
What it is: Supported Wi-Fi standard version.
When it matters: When wireless stability and throughput matter for streaming, updates, or projector ecosystem features.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
What it is: Support for Bluetooth wireless connectivity.
When it matters: When you plan to pair wireless speakers, headphones, remotes, or other accessories directly with the projector.

Importance: LOW

no
Epson EH TW490 does not support Bluetooth. 50% of projectors support Bluetooth.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Supported Bluetooth version.
When it matters: When wireless accessory compatibility and connection quality matter beyond Bluetooth being a simple checkbox.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Show more
Smart TV features
What it is: Includes built-in Smart TV functions or operating system.
When it matters: When you prefer built-in apps and streaming convenience instead of adding an external media stick or box.

Importance: LOW

no
Epson EH TW490 does not have smart TV features. 43.8% of projectors have smart TV features.
Operating system
What it is: The built-in software platform that runs the projector interface, streaming apps, and smart features.
When it matters: When you care about which apps are available, how modern the smart interface feels, and whether the projector includes a built-in streaming platform.

Importance: LOW

none
Android OS

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Dedicated smartphone app
What it is: Availability of a dedicated smartphone control app.
When it matters: When you want setup, input switching, or basic control handled from your phone without always reaching for a remote.

Importance: LOW

no
Epson EH TW490 does not come with a dedicated smartphone app. 35.6% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
Remote control
What it is: Comes with a dedicated remote control for operation.
When it matters: When you want easier everyday control without extra gear, built-in convenience features matter.

Importance: LOW

yes
Epson EH TW490 includes a remote control. 1.6% of projectors include a remote control.
Show more
Light source type
What it is: Type of light source used by the projector.
When it matters: When maintenance expectations, startup behavior, brightness stability, and long-term running costs all matter in the buying decision.

Importance: LOW

lamp
Epson EH TW490 uses lamp light source technology, less advanced than 67.1% of projectors and equal to 33% of projectors.
Laser Light Source
What it is: Whether the projector uses a laser light source instead of a traditional lamp.
When it matters: When lower maintenance, faster startup, and a lamp-free light engine matter over the long term.

Importance: LOW

no
Epson EH TW490 does not use a laser light source. 28.1% of projectors use a laser light source.
Lamp life
What it is: Expected operational lifespan of the lamp in standard mode, measured in hours.
When it matters: When you care about running costs and maintenance intervals, light-source lifespan matters.

Importance: LOW

5,000 hours
Epson EH TW490 offers lamp life of 5000 hours, longer than 70.3% of projectors and equal to 3.6% of projectors.
Lamp life (eco mode)
What it is: Expected operational lifespan of the lamp in eco mode, measured in hours.
When it matters: When you care about running costs and maintenance intervals, light-source lifespan matters.

Importance: LOW

6,000 hours
Epson EH TW490 offers eco-mode lamp life of 6000 hours, longer than 79.5% of projectors and equal to 7% of projectors.
Operating power consumption
What it is: Average power consumption during normal operation.
When it matters: When electricity use and heat output matter because the projector runs for long sessions or frequent daily use.

Importance: LOW

270 W
Epson EH TW490 uses 270 W of power, more than 58% of projectors and equal to 1.3% of projectors.
Show more

Epson EH TW490 vs the average projector

  • 68 inch larger image size
    Epson EH TW490 has a higher projection size than the average projector (318 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    What it is: Maximum supported image size for projection, measured diagonally.
    When it matters: When you want a cinema-size picture, maximum projection size matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Epson EH TW490 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
    Epson EH TW490 has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (3,000 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    What it is: Brightness output measured in ANSI lumens.
    When it matters: When you watch with ambient light or on a large screen, higher brightness matters.

    Importance: HIGH

    Epson EH TW490 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
    Epson EH TW490 has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (120 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    What it is: Number of screen refreshes per second, measured in hertz.
    When it matters: When motion clarity matters for gaming, sports, or fast-moving video instead of slower cinematic content only.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Epson EH TW490 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
  • Supports AirPlay
    Epson EH TW490 supports AirPlay, while the average projector does not. 41.6% of projectors support AirPlay.
    What it is: Support for Apple AirPlay wireless streaming.
    When it matters: When you want smoother casting from Apple devices instead of relying on cables or third-party workarounds.

    Importance: LOW

    Epson EH TW490 supports AirPlay, while the average projector does not. 41.6% of projectors support AirPlay.
  • 1 more audio input ports
    Epson EH TW490 has more audio input ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    Includes RCA stereo input.
    What it is: Number of analog audio input ports available.
    When it matters: When you connect several devices at the same time, port count matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Epson EH TW490 has more audio input ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.1 vs 0
  • 0.16 m shorter throw distance
    Epson EH TW490 has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.9 m vs 1.06 m). The average projector has 1.06 m of throw distance.
    What it is: Minimum distance required between projector and screen.
    When it matters: When room depth is limited and you still need a large image from a short placement distance.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Epson EH TW490 has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.9 m vs 1.06 m). The average projector has 1.06 m of throw distance.0.9 m vs 1.06 m
  • Includes VGA
    Epson EH TW490 includes VGA input, while the average projector does not. 43.1% of projectors include VGA input.
    What it is: Presence of a VGA connector for analog video input.
    When it matters: When older laptops, PCs, or legacy AV hardware still need an analog video input path.

    Importance: LOW

    Epson EH TW490 includes VGA input, while the average projector does not. 43.1% of projectors include VGA input.
  • 4.28x cheaper
    Epson EH TW490 is cheaper than the average projector (£180 vs £770).
    Epson EH TW490 is cheaper than the average projector (£180 vs £770).£180 vs £770
  • 36.4% brighter image
    Epson EH TW490 has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (3,000 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
  • 41.2% higher refresh rate
    Epson EH TW490 has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (120 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
  • 68 inch larger image size
    Epson EH TW490 has a higher projection size than the average projector (318 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
  • 0.16 m shorter throw distance
    Epson EH TW490 has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.9 m vs 1.06 m). The average projector has 1.06 m of throw distance.
  • Supports AirPlay
    Epson EH TW490 supports AirPlay, while the average projector does not. 41.6% of projectors support AirPlay.
  • Includes VGA
    Epson EH TW490 includes VGA input, while the average projector does not. 43.1% of projectors include VGA input.
  • 1 more audio input ports
    Epson EH TW490 has more audio input ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
  • 0.22 W lower standby power
    Epson EH TW490 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.

Total
Overall
Image Quality
Projection & Lens
Connectivity
Audio & Features
Design & Power
  • No HDR10 support
    Epson EH TW490 does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 56.3% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 2 bit lower color depth
    Epson EH TW490 has a lower color depth than the average projector (8 bit vs 10 bit). The average projector has 10 bit of color depth.
  • Low native resolution
    Epson EH TW490 has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
  • Lower output resolution
    Epson EH TW490 supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
  • No 3D support
    Epson EH TW490 does not support 3D playback, while the average projector does. 55.1% of projectors support 3D playback.
    No supported 3D playback format is stated.
  • 0.1 2x narrower zoom range
    Epson EH TW490 has a lower zoom ratio than the average projector (1.2 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
  • Limited HDMI format
    Epson EH TW490 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.
  • Older HDMI version
    Epson EH TW490 has Old HDMI standard than the average projector (1.4 vs 2.0). The average projector supports HDMI 2.0.
  • Old HDCP version
    Epson EH TW490 has Old HDCP version than the average projector (1.4 vs 2.2). The average projector supports HDCP 2.2.
  • 1 fewer HDMI ports
    Epson EH TW490 has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.
  • No Wi-Fi support
    Epson EH TW490 does not support Wi-Fi, while the average projector does. 52.6% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
  • No 3.5 mm jack
    Epson EH TW490 does not include a 3.5 mm audio jack, while the average projector does. 82.2% of projectors include a 3.5 mm audio jack.
  • No RS-232 control
    Epson EH TW490 does not support RS-232 control, while the average projector does. 52.1% of projectors support RS-232 control.
  • 80% weaker audio output
    Epson EH TW490 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.
  • Basic light source
    Epson EH TW490 has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
  • 7 dB louder operation
    Epson EH TW490 has a higher audible noise than the average projector (37 dB vs 30 dB). The average projector has 30 dB of audible noise.
  • 15,000 hours shorter lamp life
    Epson EH TW490 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.
  • 14,000 hours shorter eco lamp life
    Epson EH TW490 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.
  • 1 dB louder eco mode
    Epson EH TW490 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.
  • 8 older model
    Epson EH TW490 was released earlier than the average projector (2,013 vs 2,021). The average projector was released in 2,021.
    September 2013
  • No HDR10 support
    Epson EH TW490 does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 56.3% of projectors support HDR10.
    What it is: Support for HDR10 high dynamic range standard.
    When it matters: When you want the projector to handle mainstream HDR movie and streaming content instead of standard dynamic range only.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Epson EH TW490 does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 56.3% of projectors support HDR10.
  • Limited HDMI format
    Epson EH TW490 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.
    What it is: Highest HDMI input format supported by the projector.
    When it matters: When you want to confirm the exact signal format the projector can accept from high-end modern sources.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Epson EH TW490 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
    Epson EH TW490 has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    What it is: Type of light source used by the projector.
    When it matters: When maintenance expectations, startup behavior, brightness stability, and long-term running costs all matter in the buying decision.

    Importance: LOW

    Epson EH TW490 has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.lamp vs laser
  • 2 bit lower color depth
    Epson EH TW490 has a lower color depth than the average projector (8 bit vs 10 bit). The average projector has 10 bit of color depth.
    What it is: Number of bits per color channel for color depth.
    When it matters: When you care about accurate tones and refined image quality, color precision matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Epson EH TW490 has a lower color depth than the average projector (8 bit vs 10 bit). The average projector has 10 bit of color depth.8 bit vs 10 bit
  • 1 fewer HDMI ports
    Epson EH TW490 has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.
    What it is: Number of available HDMI input ports.
    When it matters: When you need a console, streamer, set-top box, and another source connected at the same time without swapping cables.

    Importance: LOW

    Epson EH TW490 has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.1 vs 2
  • Low native resolution
    Epson EH TW490 has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    What it is: Native resolution of the display panel or imaging device.
    When it matters: When picture sharpness matters enough that you want to know the projector's true native imaging resolution, not just supported input formats.

    Importance: HIGH

    Epson EH TW490 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
    Epson EH TW490 supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    What it is: The resolution the projector can actually display through its imaging system.
    When it matters: When you want to know the actual image detail the projector can put on screen rather than just the source format it accepts.

    Importance: HIGH

    Epson EH TW490 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 support
    Epson EH TW490 does not support Wi-Fi, while the average projector does. 52.6% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
    What it is: Support for Wi-Fi network connectivity.
    When it matters: When the projector should handle network features, updates, or streaming functions without needing wired Ethernet only.

    Importance: LOW

    Epson EH TW490 does not support Wi-Fi, while the average projector does. 52.6% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
Total
Overall
Image Quality
Projection & Lens
HDMI & Gaming
Connectivity
Audio & Features
Design & Power

Graphic comparison of Epson EH TW490 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
3.6
36 Reviews
amazon
3.9
21 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

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 dislike 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.

Expert reviews

H
homecinemachoice.com
31/03/2014
Epson EH-TW490 review - Projectors - Home Cinema Choice

The Epson EH-TW490, as reviewed by Home Cinema Choice, is a highly portable, budget-friendly 3LCD projector designed for flexible, mixed-use environments. Key pros highlighted include a high brightness output of 3,000 ANSI Lumens for viewing in ambient light, accurate colors, and convenient setup features such as manual horizontal keystone adjustment. However, the review cites...Read more

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techadvisor.com
20/02/2014
Epson EH-TW490 review - Tech Advisor

The Epson EH-TW490 is a lightweight, highly portable 720p budget projector (1280 x 800 resolution) designed primarily for casual gaming, TV sports, and bright room viewing on a white wall. Highly praised for its straightforward setup, the unit features generous throw distances, a best-in-class 3000-lumen output, and versatile horizontal and vertical keystone correction. Its 3LCD...Read more

I
insideci.co.uk
23/02/2014
Epson EH-TW490 projector review - Inside CI

The Epson EH-TW490 is an entry-level, 2D-only HD Ready projector evaluated by reviewer Steve May as a highly cost-effective, versatile option for media dens, bedrooms, and informal freestyle environments. Retailing at £549, this compact 2.4kg unit stands out for its exceptional ease of installation and immense brightness, boasting 3,000 lumens that easily counteract ambient light in...Read more

E
expertreviews.co.uk
24/12/2013
Epson EH-TW490 Review | Expert Reviews

Epson EH-TW490 Review Summary The Epson EH-TW490 is a compact, lightweight 3-LCD projector designed as an affordable and portable option for users who cannot permanently install a home cinema setup. Its standout features include a very small footprint that easily fits on a coffee table or bookshelf, a quiet front-facing exhaust, and bright, colorful images rated at 3,000 lumens that...Read more

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gadgetspeak.com
13/02/2014
Review: Epson EH-TW490 - GadgetSpeak

The Epson EH-TW490 is an entry-level, "HD Ready" 720p 3LCD home cinema projector that delivers a bright and color-accurate viewing experience suitable for screens up to 100 inches. Priced around £550, it features a lightweight, portable 2.4kg glossy black design with geared focus and zoom rings that keep the image sharp during adjustments. To combat trapezoid distortion, it includes...Read more

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travgear.com
29/09/2014
REVIEWED: Epson EH-TW490 portable 3LCD projector - TravGear

The Epson EH-TW490 portable 3LCD projector is evaluated as a highly versatile and budget-friendly option tailored for business travelers, gamers, and movie enthusiasts alike. Weighing 2.4kg and bundled with a dedicated carrying case, the hardware emphasizes serious on-the-go portability over restrictive pico-projector limitations. The core selling points highlighted in the review...Read more

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konsument.at
01/07/2014
Projectors - The Big Picture

This review from ⁠KONSUMENT.AT evaluates 13 video projectors (9 DLP and 4 LCD models) and highlights a significant drop in market prices, making home theater setups more accessible than ever. The primary advantage of choosing a projector over a flat-screen television is the ability to achieve massive, cinematic image diagonals of up to 10 meters while maintaining a compact physical...Read more

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archiv.vki.at
22/05/2014
Test: Projector 6/2014 - VKI (hcinema.de)", "Epson EH-TW490 Datasheet and Info (prad.de)", "Top 10 Best 720p Projector List (Epson EH-TW490 listed) (c...

The provided 2014 projector comparison test evaluates 13 distinct devices, awarding a "GUT" (Good) rating to nine models and a "DURCHSCHNITTLICH" (Average) rating to four. The high-end Panasonic PT-AT6000E and Epson EH-TW7200 models lead the test with the highest total scores of 77% and 73% respectively, though they also carry the highest price tags exceeding €2,000. Top-tier...Read more

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hifitest.de
15/02/2014
Review - Projector Technical Specifications - Epson EH-TW490 - hifitest.de

The Epson EH-TW490 is a highly portable, budget-friendly 3LCD projector optimized for gaming, sports, and casual media room use rather than dedicated high-end home theaters. Pros include its excellent portability, weighing just 2.4 kg and arriving with a dedicated carrying case, alongside a powerful 3,000-lumen brightness that delivers vibrant, colorful imagery even in daylight...Read more

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ltpaterson.com
06/10/2014
Epson EH-TW490 projector review

The Epson EH-TW490 is evaluated as a highly competent, budget-friendly entry-level projector that excels in portability and ease of setup. Weighing just 2.4 kilograms with a compact footprint of 297 x 234 x 77 mm, the unit includes a dedicated transport pouch specifically designed for mobile users. A major strength is its high brightness output of 3,000 lumens, which delivers clear,...Read more

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F
fr.scribd.com
26/09/2013
New iPhones: Should You Buy or Skip? (Includes 01net's EH-TW490 Comparison Test)

The ⁠French tech magazine 01net offers a detailed evaluation of Apple's dual smartphone release, the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 5c. The review praises the premium iPhone 5s for its invisible but powerful technological upgrades, highlighting the breakthrough 64-bit A7 chip, an efficient M7 motion coprocessor, and the highly functional Touch ID fingerprint recognition system built into...Read more

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akihabarablues.com
29/10/2013
Analysis of the Epson EH-TW490 projector - Akihabara Blues

The Epson EH-TW490 is a mid-range HD Ready home projector designed with 3LCD technology, offering an impressive resolution of 1280x800 and a 12,000:1 contrast ratio. It is highly praised for its sharpness and incredible image definition when displaying high-definition movies and video games. With a brightness of 3,000 lumens and specialized white light, it effectively blocks out...Read more

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tech4u.it
26/11/2014
Epson EH-TW5200 Projector Review", "Epson EH-TW5200 Projector Test

The Epson EH-TW5200 is reviewed as a highly capable, compact, and versatile entry-level 1080p 3D projector designed primarily for gaming and home entertainment. A standout positive features its strong, well-controlled light emission (2,000 lumens) that delivers vibrant images even in rooms with ambient light. It features excellent setup flexibility via an aggressive wide-angle zoom,...Read more

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