Epson EpiqVision Mini EF21 Portable Projector Review and Insights

The Epson EpiqVision Mini EF21 is a highly portable projector roughly the size of a toaster, designed to bring streaming entertainment anywhere with a wall and power outlet. It features built-in Google TV, allowing users to access popular streaming services without additional devices. While its compact design is a strong selling point, the EF21 sits in a unique niche between ultra-portable and traditional home projectors.

The EF21 offers a full HD 1080p resolution, a notable upgrade from the 720p standard common in similar-sized projectors just a few years ago. This means sharper images without the distracting pixelation often seen in lower-resolution models. However, it lacks features such as zoom and lens shift, requiring physical repositioning to adjust image size and placement.

Brightness claims by Epson state 1,000 lumens, but real-world measurements show about 502 lumens in typical viewing modes, with a brighter dynamic mode reaching 1,044 lumens. This brightness level is higher than many portable projectors but still falls short compared to larger projectors in the same price range. The contrast ratio is measured around 348:1, which results in less vibrant blacks and a somewhat washed-out image, especially in darker scenes.

Connectivity is straightforward, with a single HDMI input, a USB-A port, and a headphone output. The projector’s two 5-watt speakers, tuned by Dolby, deliver clear dialogue but limited bass and volume. The remote control includes dedicated buttons for Netflix and YouTube, enhancing ease of use for streaming.

When compared to competitors like the Anker Mars 3 Air and the BenQ HT2060, the EF21 shows mixed results. It offers more accurate and natural colors than the Anker but falls short in contrast and black levels. The BenQ HT2060, though larger, outperforms the EF21 significantly in brightness, contrast, and color quality for just a slightly higher price.

The EF21’s design comes in several attractive colors, making it appealing for lifestyle use, such as family movie nights or casual entertainment setups. However, its LCD technology and lower contrast ratio mean the image quality doesn’t match that of similarly priced DLP projectors, which may be a critical consideration for buyers prioritizing picture performance.

At its regular price of $899, the EF21’s performance feels underwhelming relative to its cost, especially when compared to larger projectors offering better image quality. However, when discounted to around $650, it becomes a more compelling option for those seeking a stylish, portable projector with built-in streaming capabilities.

In summary, the Epson EpiqVision Mini EF21 is a versatile, portable projector that excels in convenience and streaming integration but compromises on contrast and overall image quality. Its value proposition improves significantly during sales, making it a reasonable choice for casual users rather than home theater enthusiasts.