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 EX5230 Pro review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£480Native panel resolution:1024x768ANSI lumens:3500Throw ratio:?Lamp life:5000 hours

Epson EX5230 Pro Review: Compare 86 technical specifications and 4 expert reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

Epson EX5230 Pro
6.4/10

Overall score

Score
6.4/ 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 88% of models
Score components

35%

5.8

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

5.8

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 88% of projectors
6.9

Value for money

Value for money
6.9/ 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 54% of models
Score components

70%

6.4

Overall score

30%

8.0

Price

â–¼Worse than 54%
5.8

Technical score

Technical score
5.8/ 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 80% of models
Score components

42%

6.4

Image Quality

22%

5.9

Projection & Lens

12%

5.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

6.3

Audio & Features

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

3.7

Design & Power

â–¼Worse than 80%
5.8

Reviews score

Reviews score
5.8/ 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 87% of models

5.8

Mark 7.9 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

8.0

Average grade

20%

7.1

Popularity

Grades by review (4)
4 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 87%
?

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
  • epson-ex5230-pro
epson-ex5230-pro
Where to buy
    N/A~ £480
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 EX5230 Pro

Based on 4

Most reviewers like the brightness, though not everyone finds it satisfying.
Praised
Pick a topic to see who said what
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of projector Epson EX5230 Pro

Technical score
Technical score
5.8/ 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 80% of models
Score components:

42%

6.4

Image Quality

22%

5.9

Projection & Lens

12%

5.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

6.3

Audio & Features

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

3.7

Design & Power

5.8
Reviews score
5.8
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
6.9/ 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 54% of models
Score components:

70%

6.4

Overall score

30%

8.0

Price

6.9
ANSI lumens
3,500
Market range: <280 – >4k
This projector reaches 3,500 ANSI lumens, brighter than 76.8% of projectors and equal to 2.9% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
10,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 10000:1, lower than 50.1% of projectors and equal to 7.4% of projectors.
Native panel resolution
1024x768
This projector uses a native resolution of 1024x768, lower than 88.6% of projectors and equal to 5.6% of projectors.
Output resolution
1024x768
This projector supports output resolution up to 1024x768, lower than 89.4% of projectors and equal to 5.6% of projectors.
Projection technology
3LCD
Show more
What reviewers say
Throw ratio
?
Min throw distance
0.8 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >1.651 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 0.8 m, shorter than 69.8% of projectors and equal to 4.9% of projectors.
Max projection size
300 inch
Market range: <120 inch – >301 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 – >2.06
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
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
4.95 Gbps
Market range: <10.2 Gbps – >48 Gbps
This projector supports HDMI bandwidth up to 4.95 Gbps, lower than 97.9% of projectors and equal to 2.1% of projectors.
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
Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
This projector uses Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), which is newer than 50.1% of projectors and the same as in 5.4% of projectors.
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
yes
This projector comes with a dedicated smartphone app. 63.3% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
Epson iProjection 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
283 W
Market range: <57 W – >390 W
This projector uses 283 W of power, more than 63.7% of projectors and equal to 1% of projectors.
Show more

Epson EX5230 Pro 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
  • Supports HDR10+
    This projector supports HDR10+, while the average projector does not. 15.2% of projectors support HDR10+.
  • Smartphone app support
    This projector supports smartphone app control, while the average projector does not. 36.7% of projectors support smartphone app control.
    Epson iProjection app.
  • 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
  • 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
  • 0.21 m shorter throw distance
    This projector has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.8 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    0.8 m vs 1.0055 m
  • 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
  • VGA input included
    This projector supports VGA input, while the average projector does not. 44.1% of projectors support VGA input.
  • 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
  • Supports HDR10+
    This projector supports HDR10+, while the average projector does not. 15.2% of projectors support HDR10+.
  • 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
  • 0.21 m shorter throw distance
    This projector has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.8 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    0.8 m vs 1.0055 m
  • 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.
    Epson iProjection app.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • Lower output resolution
    This projector supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (1024x768 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    1024x768 vs 1920x1080
  • Low native resolution
    This projector has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (1024x768 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    1024x768 vs 1920x1080
  • 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
  • 2 bit lower color depth
    This projector 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
  • 72.5% lower HDMI bandwidth
    This projector has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (5 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
    4.95 Gbps vs 18 Gbps
  • 21.6% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.8/ 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 87% of models

    5.8

    Mark 7.9 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.0

    Average grade

    20%

    7.1

    Popularity

    Grades by review (4)
    4 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    5.8 vs 7.4
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • Lower output resolution
    This projector supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (1024x768 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    1024x768 vs 1920x1080
  • Low native resolution
    This projector has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (1024x768 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    1024x768 vs 1920x1080
  • 2 bit lower color depth
    This projector 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
  • 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.
    January 2013
    2013 vs 2021
  • 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
  • 72.5% lower HDMI bandwidth
    This projector has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (5 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
    4.95 Gbps vs 18 Gbps
  • 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
  • 2.4 W higher standby power
    This projector uses more standby power than the average projector (2.9 W vs 0.5 W). The average projector uses 0.5 W of standby power.
    2.9 W vs 0.5 W
  • 53 W higher power use
    This projector uses more power than the average projector (283 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    283 W vs 230 W
  • 79 mm thicker body
    This projector is thicker than the average projector (229 mm vs 150 mm). The average projector has a thickness of 150 mm.
    229 mm vs 150 mm

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
27/03/2014
Lab test · Business projector
Verdict
The Epson EX5230 Pro is a bright, lightweight XGA projector for classrooms and meetings, but video looks soft and whites have a green tint.
8.0
projectorreviews.com
≈ estimated
30/03/2014
Hands-on review · Portable business projector
Verdict
The Epson EX5230 Pro is a bright, sharp portable projector for conference rooms with moderate lighting, though it struggles with films in a dark room.
7.0
uk.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
27/03/2014
Hands-on test · Portable classroom projector
Verdict
The Epson EX5230 Pro is a bright, portable projector that suits budget-conscious schools and offices, though its video looks soft and it lacks 3D.
8.0
projectorreviews.com
≈ estimated
30/03/2014
Hands-on review · Portable business projector
Verdict
The Epson EX5230 Pro is a bright, sharp portable projector for conference rooms with moderate lighting, though it struggles with films in a dark room.
8.0
projectorreviews.com
≈ estimated
15/04/2014
Lab test · Portable business projector
Verdict
The Epson EX5230 Pro is a very bright portable projector for conference rooms, though its fan is noticeable in normal lamp mode.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Epson EX5230 Pro

  • High brightness (3,500 lumens) performs well in ambient light
  • Excellent portability weighing only 5.3 lbs with an included carrying case
  • Sharp image quality with high text readability for presentations
  • Long lamp life (up to 5,000 hours in Normal and 6,000 in Eco mode)
  • Easy setup with horizontal and vertical keystone correction
  • Versatile connectivity including HDMI and PC-free USB slideshows

What customers don't like about Epson EX5230 Pro

  • Native XGA resolution (1024x768) is lower than newer HD standards
  • Small 2W built-in speaker is only adequate for small rooms
  • Noticeable fan noise when operated in Normal (high brightness) mode
  • Lacks 3D capabilities and built-in wireless (requires an optional adapter)
  • Remote control is not backlit, making it difficult to use in dark rooms
  • Average contrast ratio makes it less ideal for home cinema compared to business use

Verdict

The Epson EX5230 Pro is a portable 3LCD, 3-chip business projector featuring a native XGA (1024 x 768) resolution and a high brightness of 3,500 lumens for both white and colour light output, making it effective in rooms with ambient light. It offers a 10,000:1 contrast ratio and versatile connectivity including HDMI and a USB Type A port for PC-free slideshows. Main advantages include its lightweight 5.3 lb design, easy setup with automatic vertical keystone correction, and a long lamp life of up to 6,000 hours in ECO mode. However, notable drawbacks include its lack of 3D capability, a relatively weak 2W mono internal speaker for larger rooms, and the requirement of an optional module for wireless connectivity.

Compare Epson EX5230 Pro with other products in the Projectors category

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of Epson EX5230 Pro and other products in the Projectors category

No results found