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

Optoma EH501 review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£2,480Native panel resolution:1920x1080ANSI lumens:5000Throw ratio:1.37-2.05:1Lamp life:2500 hours

Optoma EH501 Review: Compare 86 technical specifications to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

Optoma EH501
7.2/10

Overall score

Score
7.2/ 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 53% 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%

?

Reviews scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

?

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

â–²Better than 53% of projectors
5.3

Value for money

Value for money
5.3/ 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 96% of models
Score components

70%

7.2

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

â–¼Worse than 96%
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–² Better than 52% of models
Score components

42%

7.8

Image Quality

22%

5.6

Projection & Lens

12%

5.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

7.9

Audio & Features

8%

4.5

Connectivity

6%

4.7

Design & Power

â–²Better than 52%
?

Reviews score

Reviews score
✕
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
Grades by review (0)
We have not found an independent test of this model yet. Until we do, its review part counts as 7.8.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
No expert tests yet
?

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
  • optoma-eh501
optoma-eh501
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.
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Technical Specifications of projector Optoma EH501

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–² Better than 52% of models
Score components:

42%

7.8

Image Quality

22%

5.6

Projection & Lens

12%

5.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

7.9

Audio & Features

8%

4.5

Connectivity

6%

4.7

Design & Power

6.5
Reviews score
7.8
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
5.3/ 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 96% of models
Score components:

70%

7.2

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

5.3
ANSI lumens
5,000
Market range: <280 – >4k
This projector reaches 5,000 ANSI lumens, brighter than 92.9% of projectors and equal to 2.5% 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.
Static 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
DLP
Show more
Throw ratio
1.37-2.05:1
Min throw distance
1.2 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >1.651 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 1.2 m, longer than 62.1% of projectors and equal to 7.4% 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
1.5
Market range: <1.1 – >2.06
This projector offers a zoom ratio of 1.5, wider than 58% of projectors and equal to 3.4% 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
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
?
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
2,500 hours
Market range: <3.5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers lamp life of 2,500 hours, longer than 96% of projectors and equal to 0.5% of projectors.
Lamp life (eco mode)
4,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers eco-mode lamp life of 4,000 hours, longer than 93.8% of projectors and equal to 2.7% of projectors.
Operating power consumption
355 W
Market range: <57 W – >390 W
This projector uses 355 W of power, more than 86.5% of projectors and equal to 0.2% of projectors.
Typical power draw.
Show more

Optoma EH501 vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • 2.27x brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (5,000 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    5,000 vs 2,200
  • 3 more audio input ports
    This projector has more audio input ports than the average projector (3 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    3 vs 0
  • 3x stronger audio output
    This projector has a higher audio output power than the average projector (30 W vs 10 W). The average projector has 10 W of audio output power.
    30 W vs 10 W
  • 10 degrees more vertical correction
    This projector offers more vertical keystone correction than the average projector (40 degrees vs 30 degrees). The average projector offers vertical keystone correction of 30 degrees.
    40 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • 3 more USB ports
    This projector has more USB ports than the average projector (4 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    4 vs 1
  • Includes stereo speakers
    This projector has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 47.8% of projectors have stereo speakers.
  • 0.18 inch larger DMD chip
    This projector has a higher DMD chip size than the average projector (0.7 inch vs 0.47 inch). The average projector has 0.47 inch of DMD chip size.
    0.65 inch vs 0.47 inch
  • 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
  • 2.27x brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (5,000 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    5,000 vs 2,200
  • 0.18 inch larger DMD chip
    This projector has a higher DMD chip size than the average projector (0.7 inch vs 0.47 inch). The average projector has 0.47 inch of DMD chip size.
    0.65 inch vs 0.47 inch
  • 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
  • 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.
    Static contrast ratio.
    15,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 10 degrees more vertical correction
    This projector offers more vertical keystone correction than the average projector (40 degrees vs 30 degrees). The average projector offers vertical keystone correction of 30 degrees.
    40 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • 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
  • 0.2 2x wider zoom range
    This projector has a higher zoom ratio than the average projector (1.5 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
    1.5 vs 1.3
  • 3 more USB ports
    This projector has more USB ports than the average projector (4 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    4 vs 1
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    This projector has more RJ45 ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 RJ45 ports.
    1 vs 0
  • DVI input included
    This projector supports DVI input, while the average projector does not. 5.3% of projectors support DVI input.
  • VGA input included
    This projector supports VGA input, while the average projector does not. 44.1% of projectors support VGA input.
  • 3 more audio input ports
    This projector has more audio input ports than the average projector (3 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    3 vs 0
  • 3x stronger audio output
    This projector has a higher audio output power than the average projector (30 W vs 10 W). The average projector has 10 W of audio output power.
    30 W vs 10 W
  • Includes stereo speakers
    This projector has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 47.8% of projectors have stereo speakers.
  • 4 dB quieter operation
    This projector has a lower audible noise than the average projector (27 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    Eco mode figure.
    27 dB vs 31 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.
    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
  • 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.
  • 44 % less vertical lens shift
    This projector has fewer vertical lens shift than the average projector (20 % vs 64 %). The average projector has 64 % vertical lens shift.
    20 % vs 64 %
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • 30.6% worse value for money
    Optoma EH501 has a lower value-for-money score than the average projector (5.32 vs 6.9).
    5.32 vs 6.95
  • 3.76x more expensive
    Optoma EH501 is more expensive than the average projector (£2,480 vs £660).
    £2,480 vs £660
  • 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.
    December 2013
    2013 vs 2021
  • 44 % less vertical lens shift
    This projector has fewer vertical lens shift than the average projector (20 % vs 64 %). The average projector has 64 % vertical lens shift.
    20 % vs 64 %
  • 0.19 m longer throw distance
    This projector has a higher throw distance than the average projector (1.2 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    1.2 m vs 1.0055 m
  • 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 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.
  • 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
  • 17,500 hours shorter lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life than the average projector (2,500 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life.
    2,500 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 16,000 hours shorter eco lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life in eco mode than the average projector (4,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life in eco mode.
    4,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 125 W higher power use
    This projector uses more power than the average projector (355 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    Typical power draw.
    355 W vs 230 W
  • 51% heavier weight
    This projector is heavier than the average projector (4.5 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    4.5 kg vs 2.98 kg
  • 89 mm wider body
    This projector is wider than the average projector (386 mm vs 297 mm). The average projector has a width of 297 mm.
    386 mm vs 297 mm

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Optoma EH501

  • High brightness (5,000 lumens) makes it ideal for large venues and well-lit rooms
  • Excellent 1080p image quality with sharp text and vibrant colours
  • Full 3D compatibility is highly praised for sports and cinematic experiences
  • Comprehensive connectivity including HDMI, DVI, and multiple USB ports
  • Vertical lens shift provides significant installation flexibility
  • Relatively quiet operation (27 dB) compared to other high-lumen projectors
  • Powerful built-in 30W stereo speakers (2 x 15W) reduce the need for external audio

What customers don't like about Optoma EH501

  • Lens shift limitations prevent the projector from being centered directly with the screen on a shelf
  • Strictly business-oriented; colour saturation may drop when pushed to maximum brightness
  • Placement issues reported when trying to fit specific screen sizes without tilting
  • Lack of built-in wireless (requires an optional mini-WiFi dongle)
  • Significant heat generation can lead to focus drifting during extended use
  • Bulb-based light source has a shorter lifespan (approx. 4,000 hours) compared to newer laser models

Verdict

The Optoma EH501 is a high-performance Full HD 1080p DLP projector specifically designed for large venues, conference rooms, and lecture theatres. It delivers a powerful brightness of 5,000 ANSI lumens and an impressive 15,000:1 contrast ratio, ensuring clear images even in rooms with ambient light. Key characteristics include vertical lens shift for easy installation, a 1.5x manual zoom, and extensive connectivity options including HDMI, DVI-D, dual VGA, and RJ45 for network management. Main pros are its sharp image quality, exceptionally loud 30W (2 x 15W) internal speakers that can act as a basic PA system, and a relatively quiet operation at 27dB in Eco mode. However, notable cons include its bulky physical footprint at 4.5kg, a lack of horizontal lens shift, and limited lamp life compared to modern laser-based alternatives.

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