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-VW95ES review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£4,750Native panel resolution:1920x1080ANSI lumens:1000Throw ratio:1.37-2.19:1Lamp life:2000 hours

Sony VPL-VW95ES Review: Compare 86 technical specifications and 13 expert reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

Sony VPL-VW95ES
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 56% of models
Score components

35%

6.0

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

8.7

Reviews score

10%

?

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

â–²Better than 56% 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%
6.0

Technical score

Technical score
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
Score components

42%

6.3

Image Quality

22%

7.0

Projection & Lens

12%

6.0

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.4

Audio & Features

8%

5.3

Connectivity

6%

4.7

Design & Power

â–¼Worse than 70%
8.7

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 86% of models

80%

8.7

Average grade

20%

8.6

Popularity

Grades by review (13)
13 reviews: 8 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 86%
?

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
  • sony-vpl-vw95es
sony-vpl-vw95es
Where to buy
    N/A~ £4,750
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Sony VPL-VW95ES

Based on 9

Reviewers praise its flexible lens and strong black levels and contrast, but 3D suffers from crosstalk and motion handling lags.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of projector Sony VPL-VW95ES

Technical score
Technical score
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
Score components:

42%

6.3

Image Quality

22%

7.0

Projection & Lens

12%

6.0

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.4

Audio & Features

8%

5.3

Connectivity

6%

4.7

Design & Power

6.0
Reviews score
8.7
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
1,000
Market range: <280 – >4k
This projector reaches 1,000 ANSI lumens, dimmer than 67.1% of projectors and equal to 2.6% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
150,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 150000:1, higher than 77.8% of projectors and equal to 1.4% of projectors.
Dynamic contrast ratio.
Native panel resolution
1920x1080
This projector uses a native resolution of 1920x1080, higher than 27% of projectors and equal to 59.2% of projectors.
Output resolution
1920x1080
This projector supports output resolution up to 1920x1080, higher than 25.9% of projectors and equal to 42.3% of projectors.
Projection technology
LCoS
Show more
What reviewers say
Throw ratio
1.37-2.19:1
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
1.6
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
yes
This projector has motorised zoom. 85.4% of projectors offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Input lag
16.5 ms
Market range: <8 ms – >68 ms
This projector has input lag of 16.5 ms, lower than 71.2% of projectors and equal to 0.2% of projectors.
In Game Mode.
Auto low latency mode (ALLM)
no
This projector does not switch to low-latency mode automatically. 16.1% of projectors offer this.
Variable refresh rate (VRR)
no
This projector does not support variable refresh rate. 1.8% of projectors offer this.
HDMI version
1.4
This projector supports HDMI 1.4, older than 54% of projectors and equal to 35.7% of projectors.
Max HDMI bandwidth
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
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This projector has 2 HDMI port/s, more than 45.9% of projectors and equal to 47.3% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
no
This projector does not support Bluetooth. 50.7% of projectors offer this.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Show more
Smart TV features
no
This projector does not have built-in smart TV features. 43.9% of projectors offer this.
Operating system
none
Android OS
no
This projector does not run Android OS. 19.1% of projectors run Android OS.
Dedicated smartphone app
no
This projector does not come with a dedicated smartphone app. 36.8% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
Remote control
yes
This projector includes a remote control. 1.5% of projectors offer this.
Show more
Light source type
lamp
This projector uses lamp light source technology, less advanced than 66.5% of projectors and equal to 33.5% of projectors.
Laser light source
no
This projector does not have a laser light source. 26.8% of projectors offer this.
Lamp life
2000 hours
Market range: <3.5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers lamp life of 2000 hours, longer than 96.6% of projectors and equal to 2.9% of projectors.
Lamp life (eco mode)
5,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers eco-mode lamp life of 5,000 hours, longer than 86.3% of projectors and equal to 6.5% of projectors.
Operating power consumption
300 W
Market range: <57 W – >390 W
This projector uses 300 W of power, more than 69.9% of projectors and equal to 3.2% of projectors.
Show more
What reviewers say

Sony VPL-VW95ES vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • Supports lens memory
    This projector stores lens settings, while the average projector does not. 8.1% of projectors offer this.
    Stores up to 5 presets.
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (150000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Dynamic contrast ratio.
    150,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 2.82x higher refresh rate
    This projector 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
  • 11 dB quieter operation
    This projector has a lower audible noise than the average projector (20 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    Eco mode figure.
    20 dB vs 31 dB
  • Motorised zoom
    This projector has motorised zoom, while the average projector does not. 14.7% of projectors support motorised zoom.
  • Advanced focus control
    This projector offers more advanced focus control than the average projector (motorized vs manual). Typical projector: manual.
    motorized vs manual
  • Supports motion smoothing
    This projector supports motion smoothing, while the average projector does not. 34.1% of projectors offer this.
    Via Motionflow.
  • 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
  • 17.6% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 86% of models

    80%

    8.7

    Average grade

    20%

    8.6

    Popularity

    Grades by review (13)
    13 reviews: 8 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.7 vs 7.4
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (150000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Dynamic contrast ratio.
    150,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 2.82x higher refresh rate
    This projector 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
  • Supports lens memory
    This projector stores lens settings, while the average projector does not. 8.1% of projectors offer this.
    Stores up to 5 presets.
  • Motorised zoom
    This projector has motorised zoom, while the average projector does not. 14.7% of projectors support motorised zoom.
  • Advanced focus control
    This projector offers more advanced focus control than the average projector (motorized vs manual). Typical projector: manual.
    motorized vs manual
  • 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
  • Motorized focus
    This projector supports motorized focus, while the average projector does not. 45.6% of projectors support motorized focus.
  • Supports motion smoothing
    This projector supports motion smoothing, while the average projector does not. 34.1% of projectors offer this.
    Via Motionflow.
  • 10.5 ms lower input lag
    This projector has a lower input lag than the average projector (16.5 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    In Game Mode.
    16.5 ms vs 27 ms
  • 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
  • VGA input included
    This projector supports VGA input, while the average projector does not. 44.1% of projectors support VGA input.
  • 11 dB quieter operation
    This projector has a lower audible noise than the average projector (20 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    Eco mode figure.
    20 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.
  • 54.5% dimmer image
    This projector has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (1,000 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    1,000 vs 2,200
  • 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.
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • Older HDMI version
    This projector has Old HDMI standard than the average projector (1.4 vs 2). The average projector supports HDMI 2.
    1.4 vs 2
  • 7.2x more expensive
    Sony VPL-VW95ES is more expensive than the average projector (£4,750 vs £660).
    £4,750 vs £660
  • 30% worse value for money
    Sony VPL-VW95ES has a lower value-for-money score than the average projector (5.35 vs 6.9).
    5.35 vs 6.95
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 54.5% dimmer image
    This projector has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (1,000 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    1,000 vs 2,200
  • 10 earlier release
    This projector was released earlier than the average projector (2011 vs 2021). The average projector was released in 2021.
    December 2011
    2011 vs 2021
  • 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
  • 5 % less horizontal lens shift
    This projector has fewer horizontal lens shift than the average projector (25 % vs 30 %). The average projector has 30 % horizontal lens shift.
    25 % vs 30 %
  • 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
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks, while the average projector does. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • No headphone jack
    This projector does not have a 3.5 mm audio jack, while the average projector does. 84.4% of projectors offer a 3.5 mm audio jack.
  • No built-in speaker
    This projector does not have a built-in speaker, while the average projector does. 87% of projectors have one.
  • 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
  • 18,000 hours shorter lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life than the average projector (2000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life.
    2,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 3.69x heavier weight
    This projector is heavier than the average projector (11 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    11 kg vs 2.98 kg
  • 15,000 hours shorter eco lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life in eco mode than the average projector (5,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life in eco mode.
    5,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 173 mm wider body
    This projector is wider than the average projector (470 mm vs 297 mm). The average projector has a width of 297 mm.
    470 mm vs 297 mm
  • 70 W higher power use
    This projector uses more power than the average projector (300 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    300 W vs 230 W
  • 57.2 mm taller body
    This projector is taller than the average projector (179.2 mm vs 122 mm). The average projector has a height of 122 mm.
    179.2 mm vs 122 mm

Video reviews

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

Overview video
Overview video
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
whathifi.com
✓ explicit
23/01/2012
Test room review · 3D projector
Verdict
The Sony VPL-VW95ES is a quiet, easy-to-live-with 3D projector with an excellent 2D picture, though 3D still shows crosstalk.
9.0
projectorcentral.com
✓ explicit
02/04/2012
Hands-on review · 3D projector
Verdict
The Sony VPL-VW95ES is a dark-room home theater projector with deep blacks and a near-silent fan, but it is too dim for bright rooms.
9.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
12/01/2012
Hands-on review · 3D SXRD projector
Verdict
The Sony VPL-VW95ES is a big step up in 2D, with deep blacks and sharp HD, though 3D still shows crosstalk.
9.0
hometheaterhifi.com
≈ estimated
07/05/2012
Hands-on test · 3D projector
Verdict
The Sony VPL-VW95ES handles sports motion and dark-scene detail well, but its 3D needs a high-gain screen no bigger than 100in.
8.0
homecinemachoice.com
✓ explicit
05/06/2012
Comparison review · 3D projector
Verdict
The Sony VPL-VW95ES offers excellent 2D blacks and color and runs quietly, though its 3D still shows crosstalk and rivals match it there.
9.0
avforums.com
✓ explicit
30/12/2011
Full review · 3D SXRD projector
Verdict
The Sony VPL-VW95ES suits scope-screen owners, with handy lens memory and separate 2D and 3D settings, though its design looks dated.
10
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
19/03/2012
Hands-on review · 3D home cinema
Verdict
The Sony VPL-VW95ES is a top 2D projector with rich blacks and natural color, but its 11kg weight and slight 3D ghosting hold it back.
9.5
projectorreviews.com
≈ estimated
28/07/2013
Lab test · 3D home cinema
Verdict
The Sony VPL-VW95ES is a top home cinema projector with rich blacks and natural skin tones, though its 3D is only moderately bright.
9.0
projectorreviews.com
≈ estimated
10/12/2011
Lab test · 1080p home cinema
Verdict
The Sony VPL-VW95ES is a much brighter successor to the VW90ES, with deeper blacks and strong calibrated color, though its out-of-box color needs work.
9.0
soundandvision.com
≈ estimated
27/01/2012
Lab test · 3D projector
Verdict
The Sony VPL-VW95ES is nearly accurate straight out of the box and whisper quiet, but its contrast fell short of last year's model.
8.0
cine4home.de
≈ estimated
01/01/1970
Reference test · Color accuracy
Verdict
The Sony VPL-VW95ES is very accurate in color straight from the factory, though its cryptic presets and oversaturated wide modes need care.
A
audiovision.de
01/09/2012
✓ explicit
8.5
Summary of the review
Sony VPL-VW95ES Review
(Translated)Show original
7.3
avcesar.com
✓ explicit
19/12/2011
Hands-on test · 3D home cinema
Verdict
The Sony VPL-VW95ES is bright and even in 2D and 3D with well-tuned color, but its factory settings fall short.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony VPL-VW95ES

  • Reference-quality 2D picture with exceptional sharpness and natural colors
  • Outstanding black levels and dynamic range, nearly matching high-end competitors
  • Remarkably quiet fan noise, even in high lamp mode
  • Fully motorized lens system for zoom, focus, and lens shift with memory presets
  • Excellent motion handling with Sony's Motionflow technology
  • Includes two pairs of rechargeable active-shutter 3D glasses
  • Flexible installation with wide horizontal and vertical lens shift

What customers don't like about Sony VPL-VW95ES

  • Minor crosstalk (ghosting) occasionally visible in high-contrast 3D scenes
  • 3D images can appear somewhat dim on larger screens
  • Complex menu system with numerous ambiguously named gamma and color temperature presets
  • Relatively short throw ratio compared to some competitors, which may limit rear-shelf mounting in deep rooms
  • Only two HDMI inputs, which might be insufficient for advanced home cinema setups

Verdict

The Sony VPL-VW95ES is a high-end Full HD 3D home cinema projector featuring three-chip SXRD technology, a 150,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, and 1,000 ANSI lumens of brightness. Key characteristics include a fully motorised 1.6x zoom lens with vertical (+/-65%) and horizontal (+/-25%) shift, five picture position memory slots for aspect ratio switching, and an integrated 3D transmitter. Main pros include exceptional 2D picture quality with 'inky' black levels, ultra-quiet operation at just 20dB, and smooth motion handling via Motionflow processing. However, it is relatively dim for large-screen 3D viewing, exhibits minor crosstalk in high-contrast 3D scenes, and provides only two HDMI inputs.

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