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 PowerLite 1781W review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£790Native panel resolution:1280x800ANSI lumens:3200Throw ratio:1.04-1.26:1Lamp life:4000 hours

Epson PowerLite 1781W 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 PowerLite 1781W
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 83% 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 83% of projectors
6.5

Value for money

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

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

6.3

Price

â–¼Worse than 66%
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 70% of models
Score components

42%

7.0

Image Quality

22%

5.6

Projection & Lens

12%

5.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

6.3

Audio & Features

8%

5.0

Connectivity

6%

3.5

Design & Power

â–¼Worse than 70%
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 8.2 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

8.4

Average grade

20%

7.1

Popularity

Grades by review (4)
4 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 1 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 PowerLite 1781W

Based on 3

Reviewers agree on one thing: the built-in speaker sounds weak and needs external audio.
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of projector Epson PowerLite 1781W

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 70% of models
Score components:

42%

7.0

Image Quality

22%

5.6

Projection & Lens

12%

5.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

6.3

Audio & Features

8%

5.0

Connectivity

6%

3.5

Design & Power

6.0
Reviews score
6.0
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the projector's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a projector with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 66% of models
Score components:

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

6.3

Price

6.5
ANSI lumens
3,200
Market range: <280 – >4k
This projector reaches 3,200 ANSI lumens, brighter than 72% of projectors and equal to 2.8% 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.
Dynamic contrast ratio.
Native panel resolution
1280x800
This projector uses a native resolution of 1280x800, lower than 73.7% of projectors and equal to 8.2% of projectors.
Output resolution
1280x800
This projector supports output resolution up to 1280x800, lower than 74.8% of projectors and equal to 8.4% of projectors.
Projection technology
3LCD
Show more
Throw ratio
1.04-1.26:1
Min throw distance
0.67 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >1.651 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 0.67 m, shorter than 81.1% of projectors and equal to 0.7% 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
10.2 Gbps
Market range: <10.2 Gbps – >48 Gbps
This projector supports HDMI bandwidth up to 10.2 Gbps, lower than 51.2% of projectors and equal to 46.5% 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
yes
This projector connects to Wi-Fi networks for streaming. 46.7% 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
What reviewers say
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
4,000 hours
Market range: <3.5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers lamp life of 4,000 hours, longer than 78.8% of projectors and equal to 9.6% of projectors.
Lamp life (eco mode)
7,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers eco-mode lamp life of 7,000 hours, longer than 76.6% of projectors and equal to 1.9% of projectors.
Operating power consumption
309 W
Market range: <57 W – >390 W
This projector uses 309 W of power, more than 73.8% of projectors and equal to 0.2% of projectors.
Normal mode power draw.
Show more

Epson PowerLite 1781W vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • 45.5% brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (3,200 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    3,200 vs 2,200
  • 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.
  • Advanced focus control
    This projector offers more advanced focus control than the average projector (motorized vs manual). Typical projector: manual.
    motorized vs manual
  • 0.34 m shorter throw distance
    This projector has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.7 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    0.67 m vs 1.0055 m
  • 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.
    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
  • 45.5% brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (3,200 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    3,200 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
  • Advanced focus control
    This projector offers more advanced focus control than the average projector (motorized vs manual). Typical projector: manual.
    motorized vs manual
  • 0.34 m shorter throw distance
    This projector has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.7 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    0.67 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
  • Motorized focus
    This projector supports motorized focus, while the average projector does not. 45.6% of projectors support motorized focus.
    Remote-controlled electronic focus.
  • 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.
    1 vs 0
  • 39.3% lighter weight
    This projector is lighter than the average projector (1.8 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    1.81 kg vs 2.98 kg
  • 69 mm lower height
    This projector is shorter than the average projector (53 mm vs 122 mm). The average projector has a height of 122 mm.
    53 mm vs 122 mm
  • 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
  • 43.3% lower HDMI bandwidth
    This projector has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
    10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps
  • 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 8.2 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.4

    Average grade

    20%

    7.1

    Popularity

    Grades by review (4)
    4 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 1 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 8.2 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.4

    Average grade

    20%

    7.1

    Popularity

    Grades by review (4)
    4 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 1 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
  • 7.1% worse value for money
    Epson PowerLite 1781W has a lower value-for-money score than the average projector (6.49 vs 6.9).
    6.49 vs 6.95
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • Low native resolution
    This projector has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    1280x800 vs 1920x1080
  • Lower output resolution
    This projector supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    1280x800 vs 1920x1080
  • No 3D video
    This projector does not support 3D video, while the average projector does. 55.4% of projectors support 3D video.
  • 4 earlier release
    This projector was released earlier than the average projector (2017 vs 2021). The average projector was released in 2021.
    2017 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.
  • 10 degrees less horizontal correction
    This projector offers less horizontal keystone correction than the average projector (20 degrees vs 30 degrees). The average projector offers horizontal keystone correction of 30 degrees.
    20 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • 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
  • 43.3% lower HDMI bandwidth
    This projector has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
    10.2 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 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.
  • 90% weaker audio output
    This projector has a lower audio output power than the average projector (1 W vs 10 W). The average projector has 10 W of audio output power.
    1 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
  • 8 dB louder operation
    This projector has a higher audible noise than the average projector (39 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    39 dB vs 31 dB
  • 16,000 hours shorter lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life than the average projector (4,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life.
    4,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 13,000 hours shorter eco lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life in eco mode than the average projector (7,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life in eco mode.
    7,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 2 dB louder eco mode
    This projector has a higher audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (30 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.
    30 dB vs 28 dB
  • 79 W higher power use
    This projector uses more power than the average projector (309 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    Normal mode power draw.
    309 W vs 230 W

Video reviews

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

Shop video
Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
20/03/2017
Lab test · Portable data projector
Verdict
The Epson PowerLite 1781W is a light, bright business projector with good text and video quality, but it cannot show 3D and its speaker is weak.
10
techradar.com
✓ explicit
17/07/2017
Hands-on test · Business projector
Verdict
The Epson PowerLite 1781W is a light, easy-to-set-up business projector for carrying between meetings, though its built-in speakers are weak.
8.0
au.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
21/03/2017
Lab test · Portable data projector
Verdict
The Epson PowerLite 1781W is a thin, light projector with crisp text and rainbow-free video, suited to slides and classrooms, though it can't show 3D.
8.0
patrickgaubert.net
≈ estimated
28/04/2021
Hands-on test · Business projector
Verdict
The Epson PowerLite 1781W is a strong, well-connected 3LCD business projector with clear text and rainbow-free video, though its lamp lasts only 4,000 hours in normal mode.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Epson PowerLite 1781W

  • Ultra-portable, slim, and lightweight design similar to a laptop
  • Excellent image quality with vibrant colors and sharp detail, even in lit rooms
  • Versatile connectivity options including Wi-Fi, NFC, HDMI, and USB
  • Fast and easy setup with auto-keystone, auto-focus, and auto-screen fitting
  • High brightness at 3,200 lumens suitable for various lighting conditions
  • Long lamp life of up to 7,000 hours in Eco mode
  • Included padded carrying case and multiple connector cables

What customers don't like about Epson PowerLite 1781W

  • Weak and soft built-in sound system with low maximum volume
  • Lack of a dedicated 3.5mm audio output jack for external speakers on some models
  • Device can get quite hot during extended operation
  • Cooling fan can be noisy
  • No support for 3D content projection
  • Slight lag when streaming high-quality video wirelessly
  • Steep initial price point

Verdict

The Epson PowerLite 1781W is an ultra-portable 3LCD projector designed for mobile professionals, weighing just 4 lbs and measuring a slim 2.1 inches in height. It delivers a bright 3,200 lumens of both color and white brightness with a native WXGA (1280 x 800) resolution and a 10,000:1 contrast ratio, ensuring vivid presentations even in well-lit rooms. Key advantages include its extensive wireless connectivity with support for Miracast, NFC, and the Epson iProjection app, alongside advanced setup features like auto horizontal/vertical keystone correction and Screen Fit technology. However, users should note that the built-in 1-watt mono speaker is relatively weak for large spaces, it lacks 3D capability, and the device can become quite warm during extended operation.

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