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 5020UB review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£2,550Native panel resolution:1920x1080ANSI lumens:2400Throw ratio:1.34-2.87:1Lamp life:4000 hours

Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 5020UB Review: Compare 86 technical specifications and 6 expert reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 5020UB
7.3/10

Overall score

Score
7.3/ 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–² Better than 65% of models
Score components

35%

6.5

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

8.5

Reviews score

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–²Better than 65% of projectors
5.4

Value for money

Value for money
5.4/ 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 94% of models
Score components

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

â–¼Worse than 94%
6.5

Technical score

Technical score
6.5/ 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 52% of models
Score components

42%

6.9

Image Quality

22%

7.7

Projection & Lens

12%

6.0

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.9

Audio & Features

8%

5.0

Connectivity

6%

4.3

Design & Power

â–¼Worse than 52%
8.5

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.5/ 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 70% of models

80%

8.7

Average grade

20%

7.8

Popularity

Grades by review (6)
6 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 70%
?

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-5020ub
epson-powerlite-home-cinema-5020ub
Where to buy
    N/A~ £2,550
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 5020UB

Based on 4

Reviewers mostly find the input lag low enough for gaming, though not everyone agrees.
Praised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of projector Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 5020UB

Technical score
Technical score
6.5/ 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 52% of models
Score components:

42%

6.9

Image Quality

22%

7.7

Projection & Lens

12%

6.0

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.9

Audio & Features

8%

5.0

Connectivity

6%

4.3

Design & Power

6.5
Reviews score
8.5
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
5.4/ 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 94% of models
Score components:

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

5.4
ANSI lumens
2,400
Market range: <280 – >4k
This projector reaches 2,400 ANSI lumens, brighter than 51.6% of projectors and equal to 1.1% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
320,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 320000:1, higher than 81.8% 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
Throw ratio
1.34-2.87:1
Min throw distance
0.88 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >1.651 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 0.88 m, shorter than 66.4% of projectors and equal to 0.4% 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
2.1
Market range: <1.1 – >2.06
This projector offers a zoom ratio of 2.1, wider than 94.4% of projectors and equal to 5% of projectors.
Motorized zoom
no
This projector does not have motorised zoom. 14.8% of projectors offer this.
Show more
Input lag
50 ms
Market range: <8 ms – >68 ms
This projector has input lag of 50 ms, higher than 78% of projectors and equal to 2.5% 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
?
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
Smart TV features
no
This projector does not have built-in smart TV features. 43.9% of projectors offer this.
Operating system
none
Android OS
no
This projector does not run Android OS. 19.1% of projectors run Android OS.
Dedicated smartphone app
no
This projector does not come with a dedicated smartphone app. 36.8% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
Remote control
yes
This projector includes a remote control. 1.5% of projectors offer this.
Show more
Light source type
lamp
This projector uses lamp light source technology, less advanced than 66.5% of projectors and equal to 33.5% of projectors.
UHE.
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)
5,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers eco-mode lamp life of 5,000 hours, longer than 86.3% of projectors and equal to 6.5% of projectors.
Operating power consumption
364 W
Market range: <57 W – >390 W
This projector uses 364 W of power, more than 87.8% of projectors and equal to 0.2% of projectors.
Show more

Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 5020UB vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • 0.8 2x wider zoom range
    This projector has a higher zoom ratio than the average projector (2.1 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
    2.1 vs 1.3
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (320000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Dynamic contrast ratio.
    320,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 17.1 % more horizontal lens shift
    This projector has more horizontal lens shift than the average projector (47.1 % vs 30 %). The average projector has 30 % horizontal lens shift.
    47.1 % vs 30 %
  • 32.3 % more vertical lens shift
    This projector has more vertical lens shift than the average projector (96.3 % vs 64 %). The average projector has 64 % vertical lens shift.
    96.3 % vs 64 %
  • Supports motion smoothing
    This projector supports motion smoothing, while the average projector does not. 34.1% of projectors offer this.
  • 6 dB quieter eco mode
    This projector has a lower audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (22 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.
    22 dB vs 28 dB
  • 14.9% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.5/ 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 70% of models

    80%

    8.7

    Average grade

    20%

    7.8

    Popularity

    Grades by review (6)
    6 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.5 vs 7.4
  • 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
  • 14.9% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.5/ 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 70% of models

    80%

    8.7

    Average grade

    20%

    7.8

    Popularity

    Grades by review (6)
    6 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.5 vs 7.4
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (320000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Dynamic contrast ratio.
    320,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 9.1% brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (2,400 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    2,400 vs 2,200
  • 0.8 2x wider zoom range
    This projector has a higher zoom ratio than the average projector (2.1 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
    2.1 vs 1.3
  • 17.1 % more horizontal lens shift
    This projector has more horizontal lens shift than the average projector (47.1 % vs 30 %). The average projector has 30 % horizontal lens shift.
    47.1 % vs 30 %
  • 32.3 % more vertical lens shift
    This projector has more vertical lens shift than the average projector (96.3 % vs 64 %). The average projector has 64 % vertical lens shift.
    96.3 % vs 64 %
  • 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
  • 0.13 m shorter throw distance
    This projector has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.9 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    0.88 m vs 1.0055 m
  • Supports motion smoothing
    This projector supports motion smoothing, while the average projector does not. 34.1% of projectors offer this.
  • VGA input included
    This projector supports VGA input, while the average projector does not. 44.1% of projectors support VGA input.
  • 6 dB quieter eco mode
    This projector has a lower audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (22 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.
    22 dB vs 28 dB
  • 0.23 W lower standby power
    This projector uses less standby power than the average projector (0.3 W vs 0.5 W). The average projector uses 0.5 W of standby power.
    0.27 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.
    UHE.
    lamp vs laser
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 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
  • 29.4% lower refresh rate
    This projector has a lower refresh rate than the average projector (60 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    60 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • 23 ms higher input lag
    This projector has a higher input lag than the average projector (50 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    In Fast Mode.
    50 ms vs 27 ms
  • 28.1% worse value for money
    Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 5020UB has a lower value-for-money score than the average projector (5.42 vs 6.9).
    5.42 vs 6.95
  • 3.86x more expensive
    Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 5020UB is more expensive than the average projector (£2,550 vs £660).
    £2,550 vs £660
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 29.4% lower refresh rate
    This projector has a lower refresh rate than the average projector (60 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    60 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • 9 earlier release
    This projector was released earlier than the average projector (2012 vs 2021). The average projector was released in 2021.
    November 2012
    2012 vs 2021
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • Older HDMI version
    This projector has Old HDMI standard than the average projector (1.4 vs 2). The average projector supports HDMI 2.
    1.4 vs 2
  • 23 ms higher input lag
    This projector has a higher input lag than the average projector (50 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    In Fast Mode.
    50 ms vs 27 ms
  • 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
  • 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 built-in speaker
    This projector does not have a built-in speaker, while the average projector does. 87% 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.
    UHE.
    lamp vs laser
  • 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
  • 15,000 hours shorter eco lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life in eco mode than the average projector (5,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life in eco mode.
    5,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 2.79x heavier weight
    This projector is heavier than the average projector (8.3 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    8.3 kg vs 2.98 kg
  • 134 W higher power use
    This projector uses more power than the average projector (364 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    364 W vs 230 W
  • 169.09 mm wider body
    This projector is wider than the average projector (466.1 mm vs 297 mm). The average projector has a width of 297 mm.
    466.09 mm vs 297 mm
  • 1 dB louder operation
    This projector has a higher audible noise than the average projector (32 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    32 dB vs 31 dB

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

10
projectorcentral.com
✓ explicit
01/11/2012
Lab test · Bright 3D projector
Verdict
The Epson Home Cinema 5020 is a bright, high-contrast projector with strong 2D and 3D pictures, though its hand-turned focus is fiddly at long distances.
9.5
projectorreviews.com
≈ estimated
14/12/2012
Hands-on review · Bright 3D projector
Verdict
The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 5020UB is a very bright 3D home theater projector with 2.1x zoom and lens shift, suiting family rooms as well as dedicated theaters.
8.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
22/05/2013
Hands-on review · 2D and 3D
Verdict
The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 5020UBe is a strong all-round 2D and 3D projector with a wide brightness range, though it has no audio output.
9.0
projectorreviews.com
≈ estimated
18/07/2013
Review summary · Bright 3D projector
Verdict
The Epson Home Cinema 5020 is a very bright 1080p 3D projector with clean 3D and excellent blacks, though it gets noisy at full lamp power.
8.0
uk.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
14/05/2013
Expert review · Home theater projector
Verdict
The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 5020UBe is a bright, high-quality 2D and 3D projector with easy zoom and lens shift, but needs a separate audio system.
9.5
hometheaterhifi.com
≈ estimated
12/06/2013
Hands-on test · Movie viewing
Verdict
The Epson 5020UBE is a superb movie projector with strong native contrast and reference-quality 3D, though its color needs calibration to shine.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 5020UB

  • Outstanding black levels and contrast for its price range
  • High brightness (2,400 lumens) makes it versatile for moderately lit rooms
  • Excellent color accuracy out of the box, especially in THX mode
  • Flexible setup options with significant vertical and horizontal lens shift and 2.1x zoom
  • Includes two pairs of lightweight, rechargeable RF 3D glasses
  • Features a motorized lens cover to protect against dust
  • Silent operation when used in Eco mode

What customers don't like about Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 5020UB

  • The cooling fan is notably loud when running in brighter or 3D modes
  • Large and heavy physical footprint makes it difficult to mount or store in small spaces
  • The auto iris can produce audible noise and slight brightness fluctuations during operation
  • WirelessHD version (5020UBe) can experience input switching lag or occasional signal drops
  • Standard definition content (like DVDs) may appear grainy compared to higher-end processing
  • Lack of built-in speakers requires an external audio system for all setups

Verdict

The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 5020UB is a high-performance 1080p 3LCD projector featuring 2,400 lumens of both color and white brightness and an expansive 320,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. Its main characteristics include THX-certified color accuracy, active RF 3D support with two included pairs of rechargeable glasses, and a manual Fujinon lens offering a 2.1x zoom with significant horizontal and vertical lens shift. Pros include exceptional black levels, class-leading brightness in both 2D and 3D modes, and a long lamp life of up to 5,000 hours in Eco mode. However, cons include a lack of built-in speakers, audible iris noise during operation, and higher input lag that may affect competitive gaming unless set to 'Fast' processing mode.

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