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

Sony VPL-EX246 review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£780Native panel resolution:1024x768ANSI lumens:3200Throw ratio:1.4-2.27:1Lamp life:5000 hours

Sony VPL-EX246 Review: Compare 86 technical specifications to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

Sony VPL-EX246
6.9/10

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 69% of models
Score components

35%

5.7

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

▼Worse than 69% of projectors
6.7

Value for money

Value for money
6.7/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 60% of models
Score components

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

6.4

Price

▼Worse than 60%
5.7

Technical score

Technical score
5.7/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 83% of models
Score components

42%

6.1

Image Quality

22%

5.5

Projection & Lens

12%

5.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

6.4

Audio & Features

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

5.1

Design & Power

▼Worse than 83%
?

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
▼
<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
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Where to buy
    N/A~ £780
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 Sony VPL-EX246

Technical score
Technical score
5.7/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 83% of models
Score components:

42%

6.1

Image Quality

22%

5.5

Projection & Lens

12%

5.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

6.4

Audio & Features

8%

4.6

Connectivity

6%

5.1

Design & Power

5.7
Reviews score
7.8
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
6.7/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 60% of models
Score components:

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

6.4

Price

6.7
ANSI lumens
3,200
Market range: <280 – >4k
This projector reaches 3,200 ANSI lumens, brighter than 72% of projectors and equal to 2.8% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
3,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 3000:1, lower than 63.1% of projectors and equal to 5.6% of projectors.
Native panel resolution
1024x768
This projector uses a native resolution of 1024x768, lower than 88.6% of projectors and equal to 5.6% of projectors.
Output resolution
1024x768
This projector supports output resolution up to 1024x768, lower than 89.4% of projectors and equal to 5.6% of projectors.
Projection technology
3LCD
Show more
Throw ratio
1.4-2.27:1
Min throw distance
0.85 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >1.651 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 0.85 m, shorter than 68.2% of projectors and equal to 0.3% 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
1.6
Market range: <1.1 – >2.06
This projector offers a zoom ratio of 1.6, wider than 61.5% of projectors and equal to 17% 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
4.95 Gbps
Market range: <10.2 Gbps – >48 Gbps
This projector supports HDMI bandwidth up to 4.95 Gbps, lower than 97.9% of projectors and equal to 2.1% 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
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)
7,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers eco-mode lamp life of 7,000 hours, longer than 76.6% of projectors and equal to 1.9% of projectors.
Operating power consumption
?
Show more

Sony VPL-EX246 vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • 45.5% brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (3,200 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    3,200 vs 2,200
  • 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
  • 0.3 2x wider zoom range
    This projector has a higher zoom ratio than the average projector (1.6 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
    1.6 vs 1.3
  • 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
  • 1 more USB ports
    This projector has more USB ports than the average projector (2 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    2 vs 1
  • 60% stronger audio output
    This projector has a higher audio output power than the average projector (16 W vs 10 W). The average projector has 10 W of audio output power.
    16 W vs 10 W
  • 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
  • 0.16 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.
    0.85 m vs 1.0055 m
  • 45.5% brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (3,200 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    3,200 vs 2,200
  • 9.4% higher refresh rate
    This projector has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (93 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    93 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • 0.3 2x wider zoom range
    This projector has a higher zoom ratio than the average projector (1.6 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
    1.6 vs 1.3
  • 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
  • 0.16 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.
    0.85 m vs 1.0055 m
  • 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
  • 1 more USB ports
    This projector has more USB ports than the average projector (2 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    2 vs 1
  • VGA input included
    This projector supports VGA input, while the average projector does not. 44.1% of projectors support VGA input.
  • 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
  • 60% stronger audio output
    This projector has a higher audio output power than the average projector (16 W vs 10 W). The average projector has 10 W of audio output power.
    16 W vs 10 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.
  • Lower output resolution
    This projector supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (1024x768 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    1024x768 vs 1920x1080
  • Low native resolution
    This projector has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (1024x768 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    1024x768 vs 1920x1080
  • 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
  • 2 bit lower color depth
    This projector has a lower color depth than the average projector (8 bit vs 10 bit). The average projector has 10 bit of color depth.
    8 bit vs 10 bit
  • 72.5% lower HDMI bandwidth
    This projector has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (5 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
    4.95 Gbps vs 18 Gbps
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • Lower output resolution
    This projector supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (1024x768 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    1024x768 vs 1920x1080
  • Low native resolution
    This projector has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (1024x768 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    1024x768 vs 1920x1080
  • 2 bit lower color depth
    This projector has a lower color depth than the average projector (8 bit vs 10 bit). The average projector has 10 bit of color depth.
    8 bit vs 10 bit
  • No 3D video
    This projector does not support 3D video, while the average projector does. 55.4% of projectors support 3D video.
  • Lower contrast ratio
    This projector has a lower contrast ratio than the average projector (3000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    3,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 8 earlier release
    This projector was released earlier than the average projector (2013 vs 2021). The average projector was released in 2021.
    May 2013
    2013 vs 2021
  • No 3D glasses support
    This projector does not display 3D with glasses, while the average projector does. 54.4% of projectors offer 3D with glasses.
  • 10 degrees less vertical correction
    This projector offers less vertical keystone correction than the average projector (20 degrees vs 30 degrees). The average projector offers vertical keystone correction of 30 degrees.
    20 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • 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
  • 72.5% lower HDMI bandwidth
    This projector has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (5 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
    4.95 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.
  • 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
  • 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
  • 13,000 hours shorter eco lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life in eco mode than the average projector (7,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life in eco mode.
    7,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 68 mm wider body
    This projector is wider than the average projector (365 mm vs 297 mm). The average projector has a width of 297 mm.
    365 mm vs 297 mm
  • 34.2% heavier weight
    This projector is heavier than the average projector (4 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    4 kg vs 2.98 kg

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony VPL-EX246

  • High brightness (3200 lumens) makes it effective for well-lit classrooms or conference rooms
  • Long lamp life of up to 7,000 hours in eco mode reduces maintenance frequency
  • Compact and lightweight design (approx. 2.5–3.9 kg) suitable for portability
  • Generous 1.6:1 zoom ratio provides flexibility in projector placement
  • Includes a powerful 16W built-in speaker, which is louder than many competitors in its class
  • Versatile connectivity options including HDMI, dual VGA, and USB ports

What customers don't like about Sony VPL-EX246

  • Native XGA resolution (1024x768) is lower than modern 1080p or 4K standards
  • Not ideal for dedicated home cinema use where higher contrast and color precision are prioritized
  • Discontinued status makes it harder to find new units or specialized official support
  • Lack of advanced smart features like built-in streaming apps or Bluetooth
  • The 4:3 native aspect ratio is dated for wide-format modern video content

Verdict

The Sony VPL-EX246 is a versatile 3LCD portable projector featuring a native XGA (1024 x 768) resolution, a 3000:1 contrast ratio, and a brightness of 3,200 lumens, making it well-suited for bright classrooms or meeting rooms. Its core characteristics include Sony's BrightEra™ panel technology for enhanced image reliability, a flexible 1.6x manual zoom, and multiple eco-friendly modes that can extend lamp life up to 7,000 hours in 'Low' mode. Main pros include a powerful built-in 16W monaural speaker that often eliminates the need for external audio, wireless-ready capabilities via an optional USB module, and energy-saving features like auto lamp dimming. Notable cons include its status as a discontinued model, a native 4:3 aspect ratio that is less ideal for modern widescreen content, and the lack of full-HD native resolution.

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