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Sony VPL VW290ES Review | 84 Data compared

Avg. price:~£3,510Native panel resolution:4096x2160ANSI lumens:1500Throw ratio:1.38-2.83:1Lamp life:6000 hours

Sony VPL VW290ES Review: Compare 84 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

Sony VPL VW290ES
6.9/10

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 63% of models
Score components

90%

6.8

Technical score

10%

8.0

User score

â–²Better than 63% of projectors
5.1

Value for money

Value for money
5.1/ 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 92% of models
Score components

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

â–¼Worse than 92%
6.8

Technical score

Technical score
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Projectors category across these key areas: Image Quality, Projection & Lens, HDMI & Gaming, Connectivity, Audio & Features, Design & Power.
When it matters
When you want to compare projectors based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 62% of models
Score components

42%

7.4

Image Quality

22%

7.1

Projection & Lens

12%

7.3

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.9

Audio & Features

8%

5.4

Connectivity

6%

4.8

Design & Power

â–²Better than 62%
8.0

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 68% of models
Score components

70%

10

User ratings

30%

3.0

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–²Better than 68%
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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.
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Technical Specifications of projector Sony VPL VW290ES

Technical score
Technical score
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Projectors category across these key areas: Image Quality, Projection & Lens, HDMI & Gaming, Connectivity, Audio & Features, Design & Power.
When it matters
When you want to compare projectors based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 62% of models
Score components:

42%

7.4

Image Quality

22%

7.1

Projection & Lens

12%

7.3

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.9

Audio & Features

8%

5.4

Connectivity

6%

4.8

Design & Power

6.8
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 68% of models
Score components

70%

10

User ratings

30%

3.0

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.0
Popularity
Popularity
3.0/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
Popularity:
Sony VPL VW290ES has a popularity score of 3 points, which is lower than 57.8% of projectors.
3.0
Value for money
Value for money
5.1/ 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 92% of models
Score components:

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

5.1
ANSI lumens
1,500
Market range: <250 – >4k
This projector reaches 1,500 ANSI lumens, dimmer than 63.4% of projectors and equal to 1.2% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
350,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 350000:1, higher than 80.9% of projectors and equal to 0.4% of projectors.
Dynamic contrast ratio.
Native panel resolution
4096x2160
This projector uses a native resolution of 4096x2160, higher than 95.3% of projectors and equal to 4.7% of projectors.
Output Resolution
4096x2160
This projector supports output resolution up to 4096x2160, higher than 95.3% of projectors and equal to 3.6% of projectors.
Projection technology
LCoS
Show more
Throw ratio
1.38-2.83:1
Min throw distance
1.74 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >2 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 1.74 m, longer than 91.9% of projectors and equal to 0.4% of projectors.
Max projection size
300 inch
Market range: <100 inch – >300 inch
This projector supports projection sizes up to 300 inch, larger than 51.9% of projectors and equal to 37.9% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
2.06
Market range: <1.1 – >2.1
This projector offers a zoom ratio of 2.06, wider than 90.1% of projectors and equal to 3.3% of projectors.
Motorized zoom
yes
This projector has motorized zoom. 83.8% of projectors have motorized zoom.
Show more
Input lag
27 ms
Market range: <8 ms – >68 ms
This projector has input lag of 27 ms, lower than 49.4% of projectors and equal to 2.2% of projectors.
Auto low latency mode (ALLM)
no
This projector does not support ALLM. 17.2% of projectors support ALLM.
Variable refresh rate (VRR)
no
This projector does not support VRR. 1.6% of projectors support VRR.
HDMI version
2
This projector supports HDMI 2, more modern than 45.3% of projectors and equal to 36.8% of projectors.
Max HDMI bandwidth
18 Gbps
Market range: <10 Gbps – >50 Gbps
This projector supports HDMI bandwidth up to 18 Gbps, higher than 47.7% of projectors and equal to 40.1% of projectors.
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
2
Market range: <1 – >6
This projector has 2 HDMI port/s, more than 45% of projectors and equal to 47.7% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This projector does not support Wi-Fi. 52.9% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
no
This projector does not support Bluetooth. 50.5% of projectors support Bluetooth.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Show more
Smart TV features
no
This projector does not have smart TV features. 43.8% of projectors have smart TV features.
Operating system
none
Android OS
no
This projector does not run Android OS. 18.8% of projectors run Android OS.
Dedicated smartphone app
no
This projector does not come with a dedicated smartphone app. 35.2% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
Remote control
yes
This projector includes a remote control. 1.6% of projectors include a remote control.
Show more
Light source type
lamp
This projector uses lamp light source technology, less advanced than 67.1% of projectors and equal to 33% of projectors.
Laser Light Source
no
This projector does not use a laser light source. 28.1% of projectors use a laser light source.
Lamp life
6,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers lamp life of 6,000 hours, longer than 67.1% of projectors and equal to 2.9% of projectors.
Lamp life (eco mode)
6,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers eco-mode lamp life of 6,000 hours, longer than 78% of projectors and equal to 7.2% of projectors.
Operating power consumption
390 W
Market range: <50 W – >400 W
This projector uses 390 W of power, more than 90% of projectors and equal to 0.5% of projectors.
Show more

Sony VPL VW290ES vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • Higher output resolution
    This projector supports a higher output resolution than the average projector (4096x2160 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    4096x2160 vs 1920x1080
  • High native resolution
    This projector has a higher native panel resolution than the average projector (4096x2160 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    4096x2160 vs 1920x1080
  • 0.76 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.
    2.06 vs 1.3
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (350000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Dynamic contrast ratio.
    350,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • Wider color gamut
    This projector has a higher color gamut coverage than the average projector (88.57% DCI-P3 % vs 99% Rec.709 %). The average projector has 99% Rec.709 % of color gamut coverage.
    88.57% DCI-P3 % vs 99% Rec.709 %
  • Has motorized zoom
    This projector has motorized zoom, while the average projector does not. 16.3% of projectors have motorized zoom.
  • 25 % more vertical lens shift
    This projector has more vertical lens shift than the average projector (85 % vs 60 %). The average projector has 60 % vertical lens shift.
    Asymmetrical range: 85% to 80%.
    85 % vs 60 %
  • Supports frame interpolation
    This projector supports frame interpolation, while the average projector does not. 37.1% of projectors support frame interpolation.
    Via Motionflow.
  • Higher output resolution
    This projector supports a higher output resolution than the average projector (4096x2160 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    4096x2160 vs 1920x1080
  • High native resolution
    This projector has a higher native panel resolution than the average projector (4096x2160 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    4096x2160 vs 1920x1080
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (350000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Dynamic contrast ratio.
    350,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • Wider color gamut
    This projector has a higher color gamut coverage than the average projector (88.57% DCI-P3 % vs 99% Rec.709 %). The average projector has 99% Rec.709 % of color gamut coverage.
    88.57% DCI-P3 % vs 99% Rec.709 %
  • Supports HLG
    This projector supports HLG, while the average projector does not. 42.7% of projectors support HLG.
    HLG added by firmware.
  • 0.76 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.
    2.06 vs 1.3
  • Has motorized zoom
    This projector has motorized zoom, while the average projector does not. 16.3% of projectors have motorized zoom.
  • 25 % more vertical lens shift
    This projector has more vertical lens shift than the average projector (85 % vs 60 %). The average projector has 60 % vertical lens shift.
    Asymmetrical range: 85% to 80%.
    85 % vs 60 %
  • Advanced focus control
    This projector offers Advanced focus control than the average projector (motorized vs manual). The average projector uses manual focus control.
    motorized vs manual
  • 53.5 inch larger image size
    This projector has a higher projection size than the average projector (300 inch vs 246.5 inch). The average projector has 246.5 inch of projection size.
    300 inch vs 246.5 inch
  • Motorized focus
    This projector supports motorized focus, while the average projector does not. 47.2% of projectors support motorized focus.
  • Supports frame interpolation
    This projector supports frame interpolation, while the average projector does not. 37.1% of projectors support frame interpolation.
    Via Motionflow.
  • 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
  • 4 dB quieter operation
    This projector has a lower audible noise than the average projector (26 dB vs 30 dB). The average projector has 30 dB of audible noise.
    26 dB vs 30 dB
  • 2 dB quieter eco mode
    This projector has a lower audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (26 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.
    26 dB vs 28 dB
  • 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
  • 0.72 m longer throw distance
    This projector has a higher throw distance than the average projector (1.7 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.025 m of throw distance.
    1.74 m vs 1.025 m
  • No Wi-Fi support
    This projector does not support Wi-Fi, while the average projector does. 52.9% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
  • No Bluetooth support
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.5% of projectors support Bluetooth.
  • 31.8% dimmer image
    This projector has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (1,500 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    1,500 vs 2,200
  • 29.4% lower refresh rate
    This projector has a lower refresh rate than the average projector (60 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    60 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • No built-in speaker
    This projector drawback: no built-in speaker. 85.3% of projectors have a built-in speaker.
  • 4.56x more expensive
    Sony VPL VW290ES is more expensive than the average projector (£3,510 vs £770).
    £3,510 vs £770
  • 26.9% worse value for money
    Sony VPL VW290ES has a lower value-for-money score than the average projector (5.13 vs 6.5).
    5.13 vs 6.51
  • 31.8% dimmer image
    This projector has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (1,500 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    1,500 vs 2,200
  • 29.4% lower refresh rate
    This projector has a lower refresh rate than the average projector (60 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    60 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • 0.72 m longer throw distance
    This projector has a higher throw distance than the average projector (1.7 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.025 m of throw distance.
    1.74 m vs 1.025 m
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • No Wi-Fi support
    This projector does not support Wi-Fi, while the average projector does. 52.9% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
  • No Bluetooth support
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.5% of projectors support Bluetooth.
  • No built-in speaker
    This projector drawback: no built-in speaker. 85.3% of projectors have a built-in speaker.
  • 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
  • 4.52x heavier weight
    This projector is heavier than the average projector (14 kg vs 3.1 kg). The average projector weighs 3.1 kg.
    14 kg vs 3.1 kg
  • 14,000 hours shorter lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life than the average projector (6,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life.
    6,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 155 W higher power use
    This projector uses more power than the average projector (390 W vs 235 W). The average projector uses 235 W of power.
    390 W vs 235 W
  • 14,000 hours shorter eco lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life in eco mode than the average projector (6,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life in eco mode.
    6,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 196 mm wider body
    This projector is wider than the average projector (496 mm vs 300 mm). The average projector has a width of 300 mm.
    496 mm vs 300 mm
  • 319 mm thicker body
    This projector is thicker than the average projector (464 mm vs 145 mm). The average projector has a thickness of 145 mm.
    464 mm vs 145 mm
  • 78 mm taller body
    This projector is taller than the average projector (205 mm vs 127 mm). The average projector has a height of 127 mm.
    205 mm vs 127 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
HCFR
≈ estimated
04/02/2022
HDR test · calibration and tone mapping on film scenes
Verdict
Sony VPL-VW290ES handles HDR content well, though without metadata it cannot match each film's tone curve.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Hands-on video, no verdict
Shop video

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: October 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Sony VPL VW290ES

  • Native 4K resolution provides exceptional image sharpness and detail compared to pixel-shifting projectors.
  • Excellent HDR performance driven by the X1 for Projector processor and Dynamic HDR Enhancer.
  • Superior upscaling of 1080p and standard definition content.
  • Flexible installation with motorized zoom, focus, and both horizontal and vertical lens shift.
  • Quiet operation when the lamp is set to low mode.
  • Accurate out-of-the-box color reproduction, especially in the Reference preset.

What customers don't like about Sony VPL VW290ES

  • Uses a traditional mercury lamp rather than a longer-lasting laser light source.
  • Large physical footprint makes it less suitable for small living spaces or temporary setups.
  • Lacks support for 4K@120Hz and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), limiting its appeal for high-end gaming.
  • Lower peak brightness (1500 lumens) compared to some competitors, requiring a dark room for best results.
  • Lack of motorized lens memory for switching aspect ratios, a feature found in more premium models.
  • Noticeable fan noise when running in High Lamp mode.

Verdict

The Sony VPL-VW290ES is a high-end, native 4K home cinema projector featuring three 4096 x 2160 SXRD panels and a 1,500-lumen high-pressure mercury lamp. Powered by the X1 for Projector processor, it integrates advanced image technologies like Dynamic HDR Enhancer for frame-by-frame contrast optimization, Super Resolution Reality Creation for detailed upscaling, and 4K Motionflow for smooth action scenes. Key pros include its true native 4K resolution (superior to pixel-shifting competitors), exceptional colour accuracy, and high installation flexibility provided by a motorised x2.06 zoom lens with extensive horizontal and vertical shift. However, notable cons include its large 14kg chassis, lack of a motorised lens memory for different aspect ratios, and the absence of a long-lasting laser light source typically found in more premium models.

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