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Sony VPL HW55ES Review | 85 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£2,640
  • ANSI lumens: 1700
  • Native panel resolution: 1920x1080
  • Throw ratio: 1.36-2.16:1

Sony VPL HW55ES review. Compare 85 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among projectors and if it is worth buying.

5.4

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the projector's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best projectors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

5.1

Technical Score

10.0%

7.4

User score

Good
5.1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the projector's technical performance, covering eight key areas: image quality, brightness, contrast, connectivity, gaming features, smart features, audio, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare projectors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

42.0%

5.9

Image Quality

22.0%

5.4

Projection & Lens

12.0%

5.0

HDMI & Gaming

10.0%

2.5

Audio & Features

8.0%

3.5

Connectivity

6.0%

5.9

Design & Power

Good
7.4

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the projector.

When it matters: When you want to know how a projector performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

10

User reviews

30.0%

1.3

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
5.0
(2)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Very good
  • 8.0
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    8.2

    Input lag

    25.0%

    10

    Refresh rate

    20.0%

    8.6

    Output Resolution

    10.0%

    1.0

    HDR10 support

    10.0%

    ?

    Audio output power

  • 3.7
    Portable

    Score components:

    35.0%

    4.6

    Weight

    20.0%

    ?

    Has A Built-In Speaker

    15.0%

    1.0

    Bluetooth connectivity

    15.0%

    1.0

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    15.0%

    1.0

    Smart TV features

  • 4.8
    Home theatre

    Score components:

    30.0%

    8.6

    Output Resolution

    25.0%

    1.0

    HDR10 support

    20.0%

    1.0

    Dolby Vision support

    15.0%

    4.9

    ANSI lumens

    10.0%

    10

    Audible noise

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Sony VPL-HW55ES is a high-performance Full HD (1920x1080) 3D home theatre projector featuring advanced SXRD panel technology and a 1,700 ANSI lumen light output. It boasts a notable 120,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio supported by Advanced Iris 3 technology, alongside Sony's 'Reality Creation' processing for enhanced detail and 'Motionflow' for smoother action. Key pros include exceptional out-of-the-box colour accuracy, an industry-leading 21 dB whisper-quiet fan noise, and a long lamp life of up to 5,000 hours in eco mode. However, notable cons include its entirely manual lens controls (zoom, focus, and shift), which prevent lens memory for different screen aspect ratios, and the use of older infrared 3D glasses which some users find heavy or prone to crosstalk compared to modern RF versions.

Technical Specifications of Sony VPL HW55ES

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the projector's technical performance, covering eight key areas: image quality, brightness, contrast, connectivity, gaming features, smart features, audio, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare projectors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

42.0%

5.9

Image Quality

22.0%

5.4

Projection & Lens

12.0%

5.0

HDMI & Gaming

10.0%

2.5

Audio & Features

8.0%

3.5

Connectivity

6.0%

5.9

Design & Power

5.1
Sony VPL HW55ES has a technical score of 5.14 points, which is lower than 78% of projectors.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the projector.

When it matters: When you want to know how a projector performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

10

User reviews

30.0%

1.3

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
5.0
(2)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

7.4
Sony VPL HW55ES has a user score of 7.38 points, which is lower than 72.3% of projectors.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the projector.
When it matters: When you prefer to buy a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
1.3
Sony VPL HW55ES has a popularity of 1.3 points, which is lower than 53.6% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

5.4

Overall score

40.0%

1.0

Price

4.1
Sony VPL HW55ES has a quality-to-price ratio of 4.1 points, which is lower than 96.6% of products in this category.
ANSI lumens
What it is: Brightness output measured in ANSI lumens.
When it matters: When you watch with ambient light or on a large screen, higher brightness matters.

Importance: HIGH

1,700
Sony VPL HW55ES reaches 1700 ANSI lumens, dimmer than 62.5% of projectors and equal to 0.4% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
What it is: Ratio of brightest white to darkest black displayed by the projector.
When it matters: When you watch movies in a dark room, stronger contrast matters.

Importance: HIGH

120,000:1
Sony VPL HW55ES has a contrast ratio of 120000:1, higher than 75.4% of projectors and equal to 1.1% of projectors.
Dynamic contrast ratio.
Native panel resolution
What it is: Native resolution of the display panel or imaging device.
When it matters: When picture sharpness matters enough that you want to know the projector's true native imaging resolution, not just supported input formats.

Importance: HIGH

1920x1080
Sony VPL HW55ES uses a native resolution of 1920x1080, higher than 26.2% of projectors and equal to 60.1% of projectors.
Output Resolution
What it is: The resolution the projector can actually display through its imaging system.
When it matters: When you want to know the actual image detail the projector can put on screen rather than just the source format it accepts.

Importance: HIGH

1920x1080
Sony VPL HW55ES supports output resolution up to 1920x1080, higher than 24.9% of projectors and equal to 41% of projectors.
Projection technology
What it is: Projection imaging technology used by the projector.
When it matters: When color character, contrast behavior, and overall image personality matter before you compare brightness alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

LCoS
Show more
Throw ratio
What it is: Ratio between projection distance and image width.
When it matters: When room size and screen size have to match properly instead of guessing whether the projector will fit the space.

Importance: MEDIUM

1.36-2.16:1
Min throw distance
What it is: Minimum distance required between projector and screen.
When it matters: When room depth is limited and you still need a large image from a short placement distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

1.2 m
Sony VPL HW55ES needs a minimum throw distance of 1.2 m, longer than 59.4% of projectors and equal to 8.9% of projectors.
Minimum throw distance is 1.2 m for a 40-inch screen.
Max projection size
What it is: Maximum supported image size for projection, measured diagonally.
When it matters: When you want a cinema-size picture, maximum projection size matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

300 inch
Sony VPL HW55ES supports projection sizes up to 300 inch, larger than 51.8% of projectors and equal to 38% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
What it is: Optical zoom capability expressed as a ratio.
When it matters: When projector placement is not ideal and you need optical zoom to frame the image correctly.

Importance: MEDIUM

1.6
Sony VPL HW55ES offers a zoom ratio of 1.6, wider than 58.4% of projectors and equal to 18.6% of projectors.
Motorized zoom
What it is: Motorized control of the optical zoom function.
When it matters: When the projector position is fixed but screen size or framing still needs to be adjusted from a distance.

Importance: LOW

no
Sony VPL HW55ES does not have motorized zoom. 16.3% of projectors have motorized zoom.
Show more
Input lag
What it is: Time delay between input signal and displayed image, measured in milliseconds.
When it matters: When gaming responsiveness matters and you want controls to feel more immediate on fast titles.

Importance: MEDIUM

26 ms
Sony VPL HW55ES has input lag of 26 ms, lower than 53.7% of projectors and equal to 0.7% of projectors.
In Game Mode.
Auto low latency mode (ALLM)
What it is: Automatically reduces input lag when gaming.
When it matters: When you play fast games, lower latency matters.

Importance: LOW

no
Sony VPL HW55ES does not support ALLM. 20.3% of projectors support ALLM.
Variable refresh rate (VRR)
What it is: Support for variable refresh rate to reduce screen tearing.
When it matters: When gaming matters and you want the projector to handle variable frame rates with less tearing or stutter.

Importance: LOW

no
Sony VPL HW55ES does not support VRR. 1.9% of projectors support VRR.
HDMI version
What it is: Version of the HDMI standard supported.
When it matters: When source devices push newer HDMI features, refresh rates, or bandwidth levels that older ports may limit.

Importance: LOW

1.4
Sony VPL HW55ES supports HDMI 1.4, older than 54.6% of projectors and equal to 34.1% of projectors.
Max HDMI bandwidth
What it is: Maximum bandwidth supported by HDMI inputs, measured in Gbps.
When it matters: When newer consoles, gaming PCs, or media boxes need more HDMI throughput than older projectors can handle.

Importance: LOW

10.2 Gbps
Sony VPL HW55ES supports HDMI bandwidth up to 10.2 Gbps, lower than 52.1% of projectors and equal to 45.4% of projectors.
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
What it is: Number of available HDMI input ports.
When it matters: When you need a console, streamer, set-top box, and another source connected at the same time without swapping cables.

Importance: LOW

2
Sony VPL HW55ES has 2 HDMI port/s, more than 45.5% of projectors and equal to 47% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Support for Wi-Fi network connectivity.
When it matters: When the projector should handle network features, updates, or streaming functions without needing wired Ethernet only.

Importance: LOW

no
Sony VPL HW55ES does not support Wi-Fi. 52.7% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi version
What it is: Supported Wi-Fi standard version.
When it matters: When wireless stability and throughput matter for streaming, updates, or projector ecosystem features.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
What it is: Support for Bluetooth wireless connectivity.
When it matters: When you plan to pair wireless speakers, headphones, remotes, or other accessories directly with the projector.

Importance: LOW

no
Sony VPL HW55ES does not support Bluetooth. 50% of projectors support Bluetooth.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Supported Bluetooth version.
When it matters: When wireless accessory compatibility and connection quality matter beyond Bluetooth being a simple checkbox.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Show more
Smart TV features
What it is: Includes built-in Smart TV functions or operating system.
When it matters: When you prefer built-in apps and streaming convenience instead of adding an external media stick or box.

Importance: LOW

no
Sony VPL HW55ES does not have smart TV features. 43.8% of projectors have smart TV features.
Operating system
What it is: The built-in software platform that runs the projector interface, streaming apps, and smart features.
When it matters: When you care about which apps are available, how modern the smart interface feels, and whether the projector includes a built-in streaming platform.

Importance: LOW

none
Android OS

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Dedicated smartphone app
What it is: Availability of a dedicated smartphone control app.
When it matters: When you want setup, input switching, or basic control handled from your phone without always reaching for a remote.

Importance: LOW

no
Sony VPL HW55ES does not come with a dedicated smartphone app. 35.6% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
Remote control
What it is: Comes with a dedicated remote control for operation.
When it matters: When you want easier everyday control without extra gear, built-in convenience features matter.

Importance: LOW

yes
Sony VPL HW55ES includes a remote control. 1.6% of projectors include a remote control.
Show more
Light source type
What it is: Type of light source used by the projector.
When it matters: When maintenance expectations, startup behavior, brightness stability, and long-term running costs all matter in the buying decision.

Importance: LOW

lamp
Sony VPL HW55ES uses lamp light source technology, less advanced than 67.1% of projectors and equal to 33% of projectors.
Laser Light Source
What it is: Whether the projector uses a laser light source instead of a traditional lamp.
When it matters: When lower maintenance, faster startup, and a lamp-free light engine matter over the long term.

Importance: LOW

no
Sony VPL HW55ES does not use a laser light source. 28.1% of projectors use a laser light source.
Lamp life
What it is: Expected operational lifespan of the lamp in standard mode, measured in hours.
When it matters: When you care about running costs and maintenance intervals, light-source lifespan matters.

Importance: LOW

?
Lamp life (eco mode)
What it is: Expected operational lifespan of the lamp in eco mode, measured in hours.
When it matters: When you care about running costs and maintenance intervals, light-source lifespan matters.

Importance: LOW

5,000 hours
Sony VPL HW55ES offers eco-mode lamp life of 5000 hours, longer than 86.6% of projectors and equal to 5.6% of projectors.
Operating power consumption
What it is: Average power consumption during normal operation.
When it matters: When electricity use and heat output matter because the projector runs for long sessions or frequent daily use.

Importance: LOW

300 W
Sony VPL HW55ES uses 300 W of power, more than 67.5% of projectors and equal to 3.3% of projectors.
Show more

Sony VPL HW55ES vs the average projector

  • 2.82x higher refresh rate
    Sony VPL HW55ES has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (240 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    What it is: Number of screen refreshes per second, measured in hertz.
    When it matters: When motion clarity matters for gaming, sports, or fast-moving video instead of slower cinematic content only.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony VPL HW55ES has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (240 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.240 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • Higher contrast ratio
    Sony VPL HW55ES has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (120000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Dynamic contrast ratio.
    What it is: Ratio of brightest white to darkest black displayed by the projector.
    When it matters: When you watch movies in a dark room, stronger contrast matters.

    Importance: HIGH

    Sony VPL HW55ES has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (120000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.120,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 9 dB quieter operation
    Sony VPL HW55ES has a lower audible noise than the average projector (21 dB vs 30 dB). The average projector has 30 dB of audible noise.
    What it is: Sound level produced during operation, measured in decibels.
    When it matters: When you watch in a quiet room close to the projector, lower noise matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony VPL HW55ES has a lower audible noise than the average projector (21 dB vs 30 dB). The average projector has 30 dB of audible noise.21 dB vs 30 dB
  • Supports frame interpolation
    Sony VPL HW55ES supports frame interpolation, while the average projector does not. 39.9% of projectors support frame interpolation.
    Via Motionflow.
    What it is: Support for frame interpolation to smooth motion.
    When it matters: When you watch sports or camera pans and want motion to look smoother than basic playback allows.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony VPL HW55ES supports frame interpolation, while the average projector does not. 39.9% of projectors support frame interpolation.
  • 0.3 2x wider zoom range
    Sony VPL HW55ES has a higher zoom ratio than the average projector (1.6 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
    What it is: Optical zoom capability expressed as a ratio.
    When it matters: When projector placement is not ideal and you need optical zoom to frame the image correctly.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony VPL HW55ES 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
  • 7 dB quieter eco mode
    Sony VPL HW55ES has a lower audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (21 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.
    What it is: Sound level produced in eco or quiet mode, measured in decibels.
    When it matters: When you watch in a quiet room close to the projector, lower noise matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony VPL HW55ES has a lower audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (21 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.21 dB vs 28 dB
  • 1 more audio input ports
    Sony VPL HW55ES has more audio input ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    What it is: Number of analog audio input ports available.
    When it matters: When you connect several devices at the same time, port count matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony VPL HW55ES has more audio input ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.1 vs 0
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    Sony VPL HW55ES has more RJ45 ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 RJ45 ports.
    What it is: Number of RJ-45 Ethernet ports available.
    When it matters: When wired network or control connections matter and one Ethernet jack may not be enough for the setup.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony VPL HW55ES has more RJ45 ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 RJ45 ports.1 vs 0
  • 2.82x higher refresh rate
    Sony VPL HW55ES has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (240 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
  • Higher contrast ratio
    Sony VPL HW55ES has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (120000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
  • 6.05 ms faster response time
    Sony VPL HW55ES has a lower response time than the average projector (2.5 ms vs 8.55 ms). The average projector has 8.55 ms of response time.
  • 0.3 2x wider zoom range
    Sony VPL HW55ES has a higher zoom ratio than the average projector (1.6 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
  • 50 inch larger image size
    Sony VPL HW55ES has a higher projection size than the average projector (300 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
  • 11 % more vertical lens shift
    Sony VPL HW55ES has more vertical lens shift than the average projector (71 % vs 60 %). The average projector has 60 % vertical lens shift.
  • Supports frame interpolation
    Sony VPL HW55ES supports frame interpolation, while the average projector does not. 39.9% of projectors support frame interpolation.
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    Sony VPL HW55ES has more RJ45 ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 RJ45 ports.
  • Includes VGA
    Sony VPL HW55ES includes VGA input, while the average projector does not. 43.1% of projectors include VGA input.
  • 1 more audio input ports
    Sony VPL HW55ES has more audio input ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
  • 9 dB quieter operation
    Sony VPL HW55ES has a lower audible noise than the average projector (21 dB vs 30 dB). The average projector has 30 dB of audible noise.
  • 7 dB quieter eco mode
    Sony VPL HW55ES has a lower audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (21 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.

Total
Image Quality
Projection & Lens
HDMI & Gaming
Connectivity
Audio & Features
Design & Power
  • No HDR10 support
    Sony VPL HW55ES does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 56.3% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 2 bit lower color depth
    Sony VPL HW55ES has a lower color depth than the average projector (8 bit vs 10 bit). The average projector has 10 bit of color depth.
  • 22.7% dimmer image
    Sony VPL HW55ES has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (1,700 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
  • 0.14 m longer throw distance
    Sony VPL HW55ES has a higher throw distance than the average projector (1.2 m vs 1.06 m). The average projector has 1.06 m of throw distance.
    Minimum throw distance is 1.2 m for a 40-inch screen.
  • 5 % less horizontal lens shift
    Sony VPL HW55ES has fewer horizontal lens shift than the average projector (25 % vs 30 %). The average projector has 30 % horizontal lens shift.
  • Limited HDMI format
    Sony VPL HW55ES 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.
  • 43.3% lower HDMI bandwidth
    Sony VPL HW55ES has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
  • Older HDMI version
    Sony VPL HW55ES has Old HDMI standard than the average projector (1.4 vs 2.0). The average projector supports HDMI 2.0.
  • No Wi-Fi support
    Sony VPL HW55ES does not support Wi-Fi, while the average projector does. 52.6% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
  • 1 fewer USB ports
    Sony VPL HW55ES has fewer USB ports than the average projector (0 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
  • No built-in speaker
    Sony VPL HW55ES drawback: no built-in speaker. 85.3% of projectors have a built-in speaker.
  • No sleep timer
    Sony VPL HW55ES does not have a sleep timer, while the average projector does. 80.8% of projectors have a sleep timer.
  • Basic light source
    Sony VPL HW55ES has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
  • 3.1x heavier weight
    Sony VPL HW55ES is heavier than the average projector (9.6 kg vs 3.1 kg). The average projector weighs 3.1 kg.
  • 15,000 hours shorter eco lamp life
    Sony VPL HW55ES 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.
  • 66.1 W higher power use
    Sony VPL HW55ES uses more power than the average projector (300 W vs 233.9 W). The average projector uses 233.9 W of power.
  • 107.9 mm wider body
    Sony VPL HW55ES is wider than the average projector (407.4 mm vs 299.5 mm). The average projector has a width of 299.5 mm.
  • 8 older model
    Sony VPL HW55ES was released earlier than the average projector (2,013 vs 2,021). The average projector was released in 2,021.
    November 2013
  • 52.2 mm taller body
    Sony VPL HW55ES is taller than the average projector (179.2 mm vs 127 mm). The average projector has a height of 127 mm.
  • No HDR10 support
    Sony VPL HW55ES does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 56.3% of projectors support HDR10.
    What it is: Support for HDR10 high dynamic range standard.
    When it matters: When you want the projector to handle mainstream HDR movie and streaming content instead of standard dynamic range only.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony VPL HW55ES does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 56.3% of projectors support HDR10.
  • Limited HDMI format
    Sony VPL HW55ES 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.
    What it is: Highest HDMI input format supported by the projector.
    When it matters: When you want to confirm the exact signal format the projector can accept from high-end modern sources.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony VPL HW55ES 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
    Sony VPL HW55ES has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    What it is: Type of light source used by the projector.
    When it matters: When maintenance expectations, startup behavior, brightness stability, and long-term running costs all matter in the buying decision.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony VPL HW55ES has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.lamp vs laser
  • 2 bit lower color depth
    Sony VPL HW55ES has a lower color depth than the average projector (8 bit vs 10 bit). The average projector has 10 bit of color depth.
    What it is: Number of bits per color channel for color depth.
    When it matters: When you care about accurate tones and refined image quality, color precision matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony VPL HW55ES 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
  • 43.3% lower HDMI bandwidth
    Sony VPL HW55ES has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
    What it is: Maximum bandwidth supported by HDMI inputs, measured in Gbps.
    When it matters: When newer consoles, gaming PCs, or media boxes need more HDMI throughput than older projectors can handle.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony VPL HW55ES 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 support
    Sony VPL HW55ES does not support Wi-Fi, while the average projector does. 52.6% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
    What it is: Support for Wi-Fi network connectivity.
    When it matters: When the projector should handle network features, updates, or streaming functions without needing wired Ethernet only.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony VPL HW55ES does not support Wi-Fi, while the average projector does. 52.6% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
  • Older HDMI version
    Sony VPL HW55ES has Old HDMI standard than the average projector (1.4 vs 2.0). The average projector supports HDMI 2.0.
    What it is: Version of the HDMI standard supported.
    When it matters: When source devices push newer HDMI features, refresh rates, or bandwidth levels that older ports may limit.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony VPL HW55ES has Old HDMI standard than the average projector (1.4 vs 2.0). The average projector supports HDMI 2.0.1.4 vs 2.0
  • No built-in speaker
    Sony VPL HW55ES drawback: no built-in speaker. 85.3% of projectors have a built-in speaker.
    What it is: Whether the projector includes a built-in speaker for basic sound output.
    When it matters: When you want basic sound without carrying extra speakers for quick setups, travel use, or casual viewing.

    Importance: LOW

    Sony VPL HW55ES drawback: no built-in speaker. 85.3% of projectors have a built-in speaker.
Total
Overall
Image Quality
Projection & Lens
HDMI & Gaming
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Audio & Features
Design & Power

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
5.0
2 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Sony VPL HW55ES?

  • Exceptional 2D picture quality with natural skin tones and punchy colors
  • Incredibly quiet operation, especially in low lamp mode
  • Excellent black levels and shadow detail for its price class
  • High brightness levels suitable for both dedicated theaters and rooms with some ambient light
  • Reality Creation technology provides impressive dynamic sharpening and detail enhancement
  • Low input lag (approx. 26ms in Game mode), making it great for gaming
  • Flexible placement with horizontal and vertical lens shift
  • Solid out-of-the-box color accuracy in Reference mode

What customers dislike about Sony VPL HW55ES?

  • Lacks motorized lens controls and lens memory for 2.35:1 screens
  • Included 3D glasses use older IR technology and are reported to be heavy or uncomfortable
  • Visible crosstalk (ghosting) in 3D mode, particularly with high brightness settings
  • Manual focus and zoom controls can be imprecise and difficult to adjust single-handedly
  • Limited to two HDMI inputs, which may be insufficient for complex setups
  • 3D mode significantly increases fan noise compared to 2D viewing
  • Lacks a 12V trigger for automated screen integration

Expert reviews

P
projectorreviews.com
07/12/2013
Review: Sony VPL-HW55ES Home Theater Projector

The Sony VPL-HW55ES is a dedicated 1080p LCoS home theater projector that retails for $3,999 (bundled with two pairs of 3D glasses and a spare lamp) and earned the reviewer's "Hot Product" award. It is highly praised for delivering an exceptional, natural picture with out-of-the-box color accuracy that requires almost no calibration to hit Rec. 709 standards. With a measured 964...Read more

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trustedreviews.com
16/12/2013
Sony VPL-HW55ES Review - Trusted Reviews

The Sony VPL-HW55ES is a high-performance Full HD SXRD home theatre projector lauded for exceptional 2D image quality, deep black levels, and superior motion handling. Key strengths include stunning out-of-the-box sharpness, enhanced detail via the Reality Creation engine, and incredibly quiet operational noise even on high lamp settings. However, the review highlights significant...Read more

H
hometheaterhifi.com
03/01/2014
Sony VPL-HW55ES Three-Chip SXRD (LCoS) Projector

The Sony VPL-HW55ES is a 3-Chip SXRD (LCoS) 1080p projector that delivers high-quality video performance and significant evolutionary updates over its predecessor. A primary pro highlighted in the review is the drastically improved automatic dynamic iris system, which seamlessly enhances contrast ratios up to 120,000:1 without causing visible light pulsing or image flickering during...Read more

H
homecinemachoice.com
21/02/2014
Sony VPL-HW55ES review | Home Cinema Choice

The Sony VPL-HW55ES is a £2,800 Full HD 1080p 3D SXRD projector offering exceptional picture quality, high visual dynamic range, and accurate, subtle color definition out of the box. It is praised for producing rich saturations and impressive, subtle colors in dark scenes, though its larger chassis requires significant space compared to competitors. The primary constraints include a...Read more

A
avforums.com
18/03/2014
Sony VPL-HW55ES 3D Projector Review - AVForums

The AVForums review of the Sony VPL-HW55ES, a 1080p SXRD 3D home cinema projector, praises its exceptional mid-range picture quality, characterized by natural colors, deep blacks, and excellent motion handling, earning it a "Highly Recommended" rating. It delivers a bright, immersive 3D experience with minimal crosstalk, and while initial calibration shows a blue tint, it is easily...Read more

W
whathifi.com
19/03/2014
Sony VPL-HW55ES review - What Hi-Fi?

The Sony VPL-HW55ES is an award-winning home cinema projector that delivers a stunning, highly natural, and precise full HD picture performance. Outperforming its direct rivals, it excels with incredibly smooth motion handling, very strong black levels, and highly detailed, organic color gradients. The projector also provides a bright, vibrant 3D performance with great depth....Read more

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techradar.com
21/05/2015
Sony VPL-HW55ES Projector review - TechRadar Would you like a comparison of the calibration results or input lag performance mentioned across these sp...

The TechRadar review of the Sony VPL-HW55ES highlights this premium projector as an exceptional, highly intuitive choice for home theatres, businesses, and classrooms. Priced at $3,999.99 (£2,591.60), this device is praised for its elegant design and outstanding performance features, including a 120,000:1 contrast ratio, 1,700 ANSI lumens of brightness, and a 240Hz refresh rate that...Read more

C
cine4home.de
01/11/2013
Sony VPL-HW55ES Calibration and Review: The New "Cine4Home Edition"

Review Overview The Sony VPL-HW55 is a full HD projector that stands out for its high performance and strong manufacturing tolerances, making it a highly competitive model in the home cinema market. The extensive "Cine4Home Edition" analysis reveals several major advantages, including an exceptional lack of pixel defects across production lines and very good factory color uniformity...Read more

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heimkinoraum.de
20/11/2014
HOME CINEMA ROOM: Sony HW40 and HW55 Long-Term Review

This long-term review by Heimkinoraum evaluates the image stability of the Sony VPL-HW40 and VPL-HW55 home cinema projectors over an extended operating period of up to 1,400 hours. The primary pro identified in the test is the exceptional long-term stability of the projectors' color space and gamma curve. Even after 1,400 hours of heavy use, the color gamut showed minimal deviation...Read more

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A
areadvd.de
08/11/2013
VIDEO TEST: Sony VPL-HW55 – How good is it really?

The Sony VPL-HW55 home cinema projector is a "facelift" upgrade over its predecessor, the HW50, maintaining the same 1,700 ANSI Lumen brightness and basic signal processing architecture. Priced at €3,199, its biggest technical upgrades include an increased contrast ratio of 120,000:1 and an improved lamp design that offers up to 2,000 additional hours of operating life. It provides...Read more

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E
erenumerique.fr
21/03/2014
Sony VPL-HW55ES: Evolution without revolution

The French review on Ere Numérique labels the Sony VPL-HW55ES as an evolutionary step, offering a stunning, sharp, and highly accurate Full HD 2D image out of the box with impressive deep blacks, while operating extremely quietly. Key pros include easy setup, exceptional color accuracy, and the "Reality Creation" tool, which effectively enhances fine detail and texture. Conversely,...Read more

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H
homecinema-fr.com
13/12/2013
HCFR Review of the Sony VPL-HW55ES

The HomeCinema-FR review details the Sony VPL-HW55ES, a 1080p Full HD home cinema projector priced at €3,199 that replaces the previous HW50ES model. Utilizing high-refresh-rate SXRD panels, the unit generates 1,700 ANSI lumens of brightness and delivers an upgraded dynamic contrast ratio of 120,000:1. Prominent features highlighted in the review include the integrated Full HD...Read more

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fwdmagazine.be
26/12/2013
Sony VPL-HW55ES Review - FWD Magazine

The FWD Magazine review praises the Sony VPL-HW55ES as an outstanding mid-range SXRD projector that delivers unexpected, high-quality performance improvements over its predecessor. It is highly commended for its whisper-quiet fan operation (even in high lamp mode), excellent reference color and gray-scale accuracy, and a deep contrast ratio reaching nearly 7,500:1. The 1,700-lumen...Read more

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T
tweakers.net
30/12/2013
Sony VPL-HW55ES White - HellBeast - Product reviews

The user review from Tweakers outlines a highly positive first-week experience with the Sony VPL-HW55ES Wit, a premium Full HD LCOS home theatre projector. The reviewer notes significant image upgrades over their previous Panasonic PT-AT6000. Prominent pros include an elegant, sturdy curved design with a luxurious gloss finish, incredibly whisper-quiet operation even in high lamp...Read more

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M
mediasluis.nl
26/06/2014
Sony VPL-HW55ES Review 26/06/14 - Mediasluis

The Sony VPL-HW55ES is a highly impressive 2K home cinema projector that delivers outstanding, filmic image quality with nearly invisible pixel structures due to its reflective SXRD (LCoS) technology. Its biggest strengths include an incredibly deep native black level further enhanced by an unnoticeable and silent Advanced Iris 3 system, alongside excellent shadow detail retention....Read more

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