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 Home Cinema 2030 review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£790Native panel resolution:1920x1080ANSI lumens:2000Throw ratio:1.22-1.47:1Lamp life:5000 hours

Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 2030 Review: Compare 86 technical specifications and 14 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 2030
7.0/10

Overall score

Score
7.0/ 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 56% 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%

8.3

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 56% of projectors
6.8

Value for money

Value for money
6.8/ 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 57% of models
Score components

70%

7.0

Overall score

30%

6.3

Price

â–¼Worse than 57%
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 79% of models
Score components

42%

6.6

Image Quality

22%

5.4

Projection & Lens

12%

5.1

HDMI & Gaming

10%

5.9

Audio & Features

8%

5.4

Connectivity

6%

3.7

Design & Power

â–¼Worse than 79%
8.3

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.3/ 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–² Better than 51% of models

80%

8.2

Average grade

20%

8.7

Popularity

Grades by review (14)
10 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 4 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 51%
?

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-powerlite-home-cinema-2030
epson-powerlite-home-cinema-2030
Where to buy
    N/A~ £790
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 Home Cinema 2030

Based on 8 · 4

Bright with plenty of inputs and solid 3D, but contrast and sharpness disappoint and the colour modes divide opinion.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of projector Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 2030

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 79% of models
Score components:

42%

6.6

Image Quality

22%

5.4

Projection & Lens

12%

5.1

HDMI & Gaming

10%

5.9

Audio & Features

8%

5.4

Connectivity

6%

3.7

Design & Power

5.8
Reviews score
8.3
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
6.8/ 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 57% of models
Score components:

70%

7.0

Overall score

30%

6.3

Price

6.8
ANSI lumens
2000
Market range: <280 – >4k
This projector reaches 2000 ANSI lumens, dimmer than 54% of projectors and equal to 5% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
15,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 15000:1, higher than 54% of projectors and equal to 2.9% of projectors.
Dynamic contrast ratio.
Native panel resolution
1920x1080
This projector uses a native resolution of 1920x1080, higher than 27% of projectors and equal to 59.2% of projectors.
Output resolution
1920x1080
This projector supports output resolution up to 1920x1080, higher than 25.9% of projectors and equal to 42.3% of projectors.
Projection technology
3LCD
Show more
What reviewers say
Throw ratio
1.22-1.47:1
Min throw distance
0.84 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >1.651 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 0.84 m, shorter than 68.6% of projectors and equal to 0.6% of projectors.
Max projection size
328 inch
Market range: <120 inch – >301 inch
This projector supports projection sizes up to 328 inch, larger than 95.2% of projectors and equal to 0.1% 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
34 ms
Market range: <8 ms – >68 ms
This projector has input lag of 34 ms, higher than 59.5% of projectors and equal to 1.7% of projectors.
In Fast Mode.
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
What reviewers say
N. of HDMI ports
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This projector has 2 HDMI port/s, more than 45.9% of projectors and equal to 47.3% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
no
This projector does not support Bluetooth. 50.7% of projectors offer this.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Show more
What reviewers say
Smart TV features
no
This projector does not have built-in smart TV features. 43.9% of projectors offer this.
Operating system
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.
Normal mode power draw.
Show more

Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 2030 vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • 78 inch larger image size
    This projector has a higher projection size than the average projector (328 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    328 inch vs 250 inch
  • 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
  • 12.2% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.3/ 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–² Better than 51% of models

    80%

    8.2

    Average grade

    20%

    8.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (14)
    10 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 4 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.3 vs 7.4
  • 0.17 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.
    0.84 m vs 1.0055 m
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (15000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Dynamic contrast ratio.
    15,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • VGA input included
    This projector supports VGA input, while the average projector does not. 44.1% of projectors support VGA input.
  • 0.14 W lower standby power
    This projector uses less standby power than the average projector (0.4 W vs 0.5 W). The average projector uses 0.5 W of standby power.
    0.36 W vs 0.5 W
  • 12.2% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.3/ 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–² Better than 51% of models

    80%

    8.2

    Average grade

    20%

    8.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (14)
    10 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 4 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.3 vs 7.4
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (15000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Dynamic contrast ratio.
    15,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 78 inch larger image size
    This projector has a higher projection size than the average projector (328 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    328 inch vs 250 inch
  • 0.17 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.
    0.84 m vs 1.0055 m
  • 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
  • 0.14 W lower standby power
    This projector uses less standby power than the average projector (0.4 W vs 0.5 W). The average projector uses 0.5 W of standby power.
    0.36 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.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 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
  • 9.1% dimmer image
    This projector has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (2000 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    2,000 vs 2,200
  • 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
  • 7 ms higher input lag
    This projector has a higher input lag than the average projector (34 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    In Fast Mode.
    34 ms vs 27 ms
  • 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.
  • 80% weaker audio output
    This projector has a lower audio output power than the average projector (2 W vs 10 W). The average projector has 10 W of audio output power.
    2 W vs 10 W
  • No sleep timer
    This projector does not have a sleep timer, while the average projector does. 82.4% of projectors have one.
  • 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
  • 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.
    Normal mode power draw.
    283 W vs 230 W
  • 96 mm thicker body
    This projector is thicker than the average projector (246 mm vs 150 mm). The average projector has a thickness of 150 mm.
    246 mm vs 150 mm

Video reviews

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

9.0
Netcruzer
≈ estimated
16/05/2016
Unboxing and review · ceiling install, gaming and settings
Verdict
Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 2030 gives a very good picture for gaming and movies, but fan noise is its main drawback.
8.0
Inquisitive Techie
≈ estimated
17/05/2015
Hands-on review · picture, brightness and bulb tests
Verdict
Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 2030 is good value for the money, but weak black levels and expensive bulb replacements hold it back.
7.0
G&B Mike
≈ estimated
12/10/2014
Hands-on review · build, picture and fan noise
Verdict
Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 2030 is a decent buy for loud households, but the picture washes out with room lights on.
Brand video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
projectorreviews.com
≈ estimated
07/10/2013
Hands-on review · 3D viewing
Verdict
The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 2030 is a very bright 3D projector suited to large screens, though its short 1.2:1 zoom limits where you can place it.
8.0
uk.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
20/01/2014
Expert review · Budget 1080p projector
Verdict
The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 2030 is a budget 1080p projector for 2D and 3D that never shows rainbows, but it lacks lens shift.
8.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
21/01/2014
Lab test · Home entertainment projector
Verdict
The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 2030 is a capable 1080p projector for 2D and 3D with no rainbow effect, but it lacks lens shift.
5.0
soundandvision.com
≈ estimated
30/01/2014
Lab test · Gaming and 3D
Verdict
The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 2030 looks better in 3D than 2D, but its laggy Fine mode and weak contrast hold it back.
6.7
cnet.com
✓ explicit
07/03/2014
Lab test · LCD home projector
Verdict
The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 2030 gives a decent 1080p image and plenty of features, but drab colors and weaker blacks than rivals hold it back.
9.0
hometheaterhifi.com
≈ estimated
28/04/2014
Hands-on review · Compact 3D projector
Verdict
The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 2030 is a small projector for portable movie nights, strong on brightness and inputs but weak on black levels.
10
projectorcentral.com
✓ explicit
27/08/2013
Lab test · Home video projector
Verdict
The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 2030 is a bright projector with clean 3D, but its green-tinted Dynamic mode is poor for accurate color.
9.0
projectorreviews.com
≈ estimated
27/08/2013
Hands-on review · Bright 3D projector
Verdict
The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 2030 is a very bright 1080p projector whose picture looks good out of the box, suiting sports fans and bright living rooms.
9.0
geardiary.com
≈ estimated
24/08/2014
Hands-on test · Church and home use
Verdict
The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 2030 is easy to set up and bright enough for a church sanctuary with daylight, but 3D glasses are not included.
8.0
geeksandcom.com
✓ explicit
02/03/2014
Home test · Living room projector
Verdict
The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 2030 is a bright, natural-looking projector for lit living rooms, but its fan noise and missing 3D glasses are drawbacks.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 2030

  • High brightness (2000 lumens) suitable for rooms with ambient light
  • Excellent value for a 1080p native 3D-capable projector
  • Long lamp life (up to 6,000 hours in Eco mode) with affordable replacements
  • No 'rainbow effect' artifacts due to 3LCD technology
  • Compact and lightweight design, making it highly portable
  • Fast 3D glasses recharging (3 minutes for a full movie)
  • Wide connectivity options including dual HDMI and MHL support

What customers don't like about Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 2030

  • Poor black level and contrast performance compared to more expensive models
  • Noticeable fan noise, especially in 'Normal' brightness mode
  • Lack of lens shift for more flexible ceiling mounting
  • Weak internal 2W mono speaker system
  • 3D glasses are sold separately and can be expensive
  • No 'Creative Frame Interpolation' (CFI) for smoother motion in sports
  • Mediocre color accuracy out of the box requiring manual adjustment

Verdict

The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 2030 is a versatile 3LCD projector featuring native 1080p resolution and a brightness of 2,000 lumens for both color and white light. It delivers vibrant, high-definition images up to 300 inches and supports full 3D content alongside MHL connectivity for easy streaming via smartphones or tablets. Key advantages include its impressive out-of-the-box color accuracy, a long lamp life of up to 6,000 hours in Eco mode, and the elimination of 'rainbow effect' artifacts common in DLP models. However, it lacks manual lens shift for easier placement and exhibits relatively weak black levels and mediocre contrast compared to high-end home theater models.

Compare Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 2030 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 PowerLite Home Cinema 2030 and other products in the Projectors category

No results found