Following the release of its flagship Q-Series video projector line-up, Epson is not neglecting the mainstream consumer by introducing new additions to its compact portable projector offerings; the EpiqVision Mini EF21 ($899) and EF22 ($999).
These projectors provide an affordable, easy-to-use, portable solution that is great for families and those living in small spaces. Another benefit is that they provide access to streaming content from services such as Netflix right out of the box.
The EF21 and EF22 incorporate a design available in several colors but beneath their industrial design, they also provide a Full HD (1080P) HDR picture up to 150 inches, along with built-in audio and streaming capabilities, and a simple setup. The EF21 and EF22 can also be used indoors or outdoors.
From Kenny Tang, Product Manager, Epson America, Inc.: “At Epson, we are consistently pushing technology boundaries, and the new Epson EpiqVision Mini models are no exception,…In today’s always-on culture, these compact projectors pack the latest tech to make it easy for anyone to host an epic home screening, underscoring the power of a big screen to bring people together.”
Here are some feature highlights shared by both projectors.
Projection Technology
Both projectors incorporate 3LCD technology along with 1,000 Lumens of Color Brightness (IDMS Rated) and 1,000 Lumens of White Brightness (ISO Rated) for bright and colorful images.
Plus, with innovative multi-lens laser-array projection technology, the Full HD picture with HDR is better than you might think.
Compact Design and Easy Setup
The EF21 and EF22’s compact design offers excellent portability and proprietary EpiqSense technology enables real-time picture resizing, focusing, and alignment on any screen (or surface) to ensure a simple setup just about anywhere.
Instant Content
These portable projectors are ready right out of the box (as long as you have internet access) to stream content from apps offered by Google TV (including Netflix), along with Dolby audio sound that is produced via a built-in 2 x 5-watt speaker system.
If Google TV doesn’t provide you with enough content, you can also connect plug-in streaming devices via HDMI such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or Amazon Fire TV. If you are an avid gamer you can also connect your gaming console to either projector.
Travel Case
To make it easy to take your EF21 or EF22 with you on the go, both models can be used with the Epson EpiqVision Mini Custom Travel Case (sold separately).
Comparison
Both models are essentially identical except the EF22 comes with a swivel base for $100 extra and a couple more color options (blue or black). The 360-degree swivel stand provides the ability to project content at any angle.
EF-21 EF-22 Price $899 $999 Projector Type 3LCD 3LCD Light Source Laser Laser Light Source Use Life 20,000 Hours 20,000 Hours Lumens (WLO – ISO Rated) 1,000 1,000 Lumens (CLO – IDMS Rated) 1,000 1,000 HDR HDR10, HLG HDR10, HLG Display Resolution 1080p/60 Full HD 1080p/60 Full HD Projection Distance 25″ – 133″ 25″ – 133″ Screen Size 30″ – 150″ 30″ – 150″ Focal Length 13.9 mm 13.9 mm Throw Ratio 1.0-1.81 1.0-1.81 Zoom (Digital) 1.0-1.82 1.0-1.82 Keystone Correction Vertical: +/- 20 degrees
Horizontal: +/- 20 degreesVertical: +/- 20 degrees
Horizontal: +/- 20 degrees3D No No Connectivity (Wired) HDMI (ARC), USB HDMI (ARC), USB Connectivity (Wireless) WiFi, Bluetooth 5.1 WiFi, Bluetooth 5.1 Speaker System 2 x 5 watts 2 x 5 watts Audio Output 1 x Stereo Mini Jack 1 x Stereo Mini Jack Google TV Yes Yes Netflix Certified Yes Yes Mounting Options Front/Rear/Upside Down Front/Rear/Upside Down Swivel Base – Yes Remote Control Yes Yes Dimensions (HWD) 4.4 x 7.5 x 7.5 inches 7.5 x 9.3 x 7.5 inches (includes stand) Weight 5.1 lbs 6.8 lbs Colors Diamond White
Opal Green
Quartz RoseDiamond White
Opal Green
Quartz Rose
Stone Blue
Onyx Black
The Bottom Line
There are a lot of compact mini-portable projectors sold through online retailers that claim to have a lot of features and unbelievably high lumens output, but many deceive you as Epson has proven in its quest to squash fake lumens ratings.
Another deception is that some projectors claim to be “4K compatible”. This means that although they will accept a 4K input signal, they actually don’t display that signal in 4K. Instead the projector scales the resolution of the incoming image down to 1080p or even less to display it on the screen.
Epson tells you honestly what their new EpiqVision Mini EF21 and EF22 projectors can do. They have a true 1,000 lumens output and accept and display images in 1080p. With additional features such as Google TV, a built-in two-channel speaker system, and easy setup capability, these are definitely two projectors worth considering for a modest setup or to take on the go.
However, there is one cautionary note. Although these projectors incorporate HDR compatibility, at 1,000 lumens you aren’t going to get the pronounced effect that you might get on many TVs that have the HDR feature.
Tip: The new Epson mini projectors replace the EpiqVision EF12, which could be on sale while supplies last. The previous model has same video specifications, but comes in a larger enclosure.
Price & Availability
Both projectors and the travel case are expected to be available October 2024 on Amazon.com and through select retailers.
- Epson EpiqVision Mini EF22 – $999.99
- Epson EpiqVision Mini EF21 – $899.99
- Custom Travel Case – $49.99
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