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 5030UB review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£2,380Native panel resolution:1920x1080ANSI lumens:2400Throw ratio:?Lamp life:4000 hours

Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 5030UB Review: Compare 86 technical specifications and 8 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 5030UB
7.6/10

Overall score

Score
7.6/ 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 80% of models
Score components

35%

6.4

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

8.6

Reviews score

10%

9.4

Sentiment score

â–²Better than 80% of projectors
5.6

Value for money

Value for money
5.6/ 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 89% of models
Score components

70%

7.6

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

â–¼Worse than 89%
6.4

Technical score

Technical score
6.4/ 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%

7.1

Image Quality

22%

7.3

Projection & Lens

12%

6.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.9

Audio & Features

8%

5.0

Connectivity

6%

4.2

Design & Power

â–¼Worse than 52%
8.6

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.6/ 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 78% of models

80%

8.8

Average grade

20%

8.1

Popularity

Grades by review (8)
5 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 3 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 78%
?

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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  • epson-powerlite-home-cinema-5030ub
  • epson-powerlite-home-cinema-5030ub
epson-powerlite-home-cinema-5030ub
epson-powerlite-home-cinema-5030ub
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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 Home Cinema 5030UB

Based on 5 · 3

Reviewers love the image quality and deep blacks, but they're split on whether the lens is any good.
Praised
Mixed views
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of projector Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 5030UB

Technical score
Technical score
6.4/ 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%

7.1

Image Quality

22%

7.3

Projection & Lens

12%

6.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.9

Audio & Features

8%

5.0

Connectivity

6%

4.2

Design & Power

6.4
Reviews score
8.6
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
5.6/ 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 89% of models
Score components:

70%

7.6

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

5.6
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
600,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 600000:1, higher than 84.4% of projectors and equal to 0.9% 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
?
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
What reviewers say
Input lag
37 ms
Market range: <8 ms – >68 ms
This projector has input lag of 37 ms, higher than 65.6% of projectors and equal to 2.3% 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
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
350 W
Market range: <57 W – >390 W
This projector uses 350 W of power, more than 84% of projectors and equal to 2% of projectors.
Show more

Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 5030UB vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (600000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Dynamic contrast ratio.
    600,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 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 %
  • Supports motion smoothing
    This projector supports motion smoothing, while the average projector does not. 34.1% of projectors offer this.
    Creative Frame Interpolation.
  • 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
  • 16.2% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.6/ 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 78% of models

    80%

    8.8

    Average grade

    20%

    8.1

    Popularity

    Grades by review (8)
    5 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 3 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.
    8.6 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
  • 16.2% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.6/ 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 78% of models

    80%

    8.8

    Average grade

    20%

    8.1

    Popularity

    Grades by review (8)
    5 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 3 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.
    8.6 vs 7.4
  • 25.3% higher sentiment score
    9.4 vs 7.5
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (600000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Dynamic contrast ratio.
    600,000:1 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.
    Creative Frame Interpolation.
  • 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
  • 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
  • No built-in speaker
    This projector does not have a built-in speaker, while the average projector does. 87% of projectors have one.
  • 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
  • 3.61x more expensive
    Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 5030UB is more expensive than the average projector (£2,380 vs £660).
    £2,380 vs £660
  • 23.5% worse value for money
    Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 5030UB has a lower value-for-money score than the average projector (5.63 vs 6.9).
    5.63 vs 6.95
  • 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.
    2013 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
  • 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
  • 10 ms higher input lag
    This projector has a higher input lag than the average projector (37 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    In Fast Mode.
    37 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.
  • 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
  • 2.82x heavier weight
    This projector is heavier than the average projector (8.4 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    8.4 kg vs 2.98 kg
  • 120 W higher power use
    This projector uses more power than the average projector (350 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    350 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
  • 2.3 W higher standby power
    This projector uses more standby power than the average projector (2.8 W vs 0.5 W). The average projector uses 0.5 W of standby power.
    2.8 W vs 0.5 W
  • 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

9.0
NeVa GoNeGaTiV
≈ estimated
17/04/2015
Hands-on review · room demo, live TV and light tests
Verdict
Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 5030UB has phenomenal picture quality, though room light and screen choice affect the results.
9.0
MADKING35 PinoyWood
≈ estimated
26/11/2014
Short review · mounting and picture impressions
Verdict
Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 5030UB is recommended for its deep blacks and near-cinema picture, though black bars show on a 16:9 screen.
9.0
Barnacules Nerdgasm
≈ estimated
05/12/2013
First impressions · unboxing, install and picture check
Verdict
Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 5030UB looks fantastic, with bright color, natural blacks and sharp detail; the reviewer gives it two thumbs up.
9.0
Let’s Win!
≈ estimated
02/11/2013
First impressions · room demo and picture
Verdict
Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 5030UB has a picture that looks amazing, enough to make cinema trips unnecessary.
9.0
Let’s Win!
≈ estimated
22/10/2013
First look · unboxing and first picture test
Verdict
Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 5030UB's picture looks amazing straight out of the box, better than the old Samsung TV it was compared against.
Overview video
Overview video
Overview video
Shop video
Overview video
Not graded
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.4
cnet.com
✓ explicit
14/02/2014
Lab test · Light output
Verdict
The Epson 5030UB is a bright, accurate LCD projector for moderately lit rooms, but its blacks fall short of D-ILA rivals.
8.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
24/06/2014
Hands-on test · Wireless and 3D
Verdict
The Epson 5030UBe suits buyers who want rainbow-free 2D and 3D pictures plus wireless HDMI, though it has no built-in audio.
10
projectorcentral.com
✓ explicit
06/11/2013
Reader Q&A · Model comparison
Verdict
The Epson 5030UB has deeper blacks, RF 3D glasses and panel alignment, but gives up powered lens controls and anamorphic stretch.
9.5
projectorreviews.com
≈ estimated
27/10/2013
Lab test · Black level performance
Verdict
The Epson 5030UB has the best black levels in its class, plus strong brightness for family rooms and 3D viewing.
9.5
hometheaterhifi.com
≈ estimated
20/08/2014
Hands-on test · Picture calibration
Verdict
The Epson 5030UBe is a very bright, easy-to-calibrate LCD projector whose lower black levels and auto-iris suit rooms with some ambient light.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 5030UB

  • Excellent black level performance that rivals much more expensive competitors.
  • High brightness (2400 lumens), which allows for clear viewing even in moderately lit rooms.
  • Flexible setup with horizontal and vertical lens shift and a wide zoom range.
  • Superior 3D performance with minimal crosstalk and included rechargeable RF glasses.
  • Accurate 'out-of-the-box' picture quality, specifically in THX mode.
  • Long lamp life (up to 5,000 hours in Eco mode) and relatively affordable replacement costs.

What customers don't like about Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 5030UB

  • Noticeable fan noise when running at full lamp power or in high-brightness modes.
  • Lack of motorized lens features like lens memory for 2.35:1 widescreen setups.
  • Large physical size and weight, which can make mounting more challenging.
  • Slightly slow response when switching between HDMI sources.
  • Input lag (approx. 50ms) may be considered 'just acceptable' for competitive gamers.
  • The white chassis can be reflective in dark-ceilinged home theatres.

Verdict

The Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 5030UB is a high-performance 1080p 3LCD projector designed for dedicated home theatres, offering a bright 2,400 lumens of both colour and white light output alongside a remarkable 600,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. Key characteristics include THX certification for out-of-the-box colour accuracy, a versatile 2.1x manual zoom lens with extensive vertical (±96.3%) and horizontal (±47.1%) lens shift for flexible placement, and support for Full HD 2D/3D content with included rechargeable RF glasses. Its main pros are its industry-leading brightness in 3D mode, exceptionally deep black levels for an LCD model, and a long lamp life of up to 5,000 hours in ECO mode. However, notable cons include its lack of motorised lens controls, relatively large and uninspired chassis design, and the absence of an anamorphic stretch mode for wide-screen setups without an external processor.

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