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Geoffrey Morrison/CNET








The EF-12 is a small, highly portable projector that looks a lot like the Anker Nebula Pro and the BenQ GS50, but it fits a slightly different niche. It's easy to tote and doubles as a Bluetooth speaker, but unlike those two it can't run off of a battery -- it requires AC power. The EF-12's light is created by Epson's "MicroLaser Array Projection Technology." Yep, laser beams, which deliver a brighter picture than LED-based models like the Nebula and GS50.






Read our Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 review.






 




















[url=]
$900 at Best Buy



















Other products we've tested

[url=]: The 880 is one of Epson's less-expensive home projectors, but it still puts out a remarkable amount of light. That, and the price, make it tempting. The contrast ratio is terrible, however, so the overall image quality is weak. Check out our .

[url=]: The HU810PW is a higher-end, laser-powered projector with 4K resolution that's able to create some lovely, colorful images. It's also quiet and sports an attractive, boxy case. The contrast ratio is quite poor, so it doesn't look nearly as good overall as other projectors in its overall price range. Check out our full . 

[url=]: The Solar Portable is a portable projector with a built-in battery that lasts 3 hours. It sports 1080p resolution, but it's not very bright and the contrast isn't great. While the Anker Mars II Pro has its own issues, overall it's the better option for the same money. Check out our full .

How we test home theater projectors


Every projector we review goes through elaborate objective and subjective testing. CNET editors pick the products and services we write about based on editorial merit. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission.

For more info, check out [url=/tech/home-entertainment/how-we-test-projectors/]how CNET tests projectors.

Home theater projector performance comparison




Projector Performance Comparison












Brand





Model





Price





Resolution





Lumens**





Contrast Ratio**













Anker





Mars II Pro





$550





720p





337





354:1











Anker





Nebula Solar





$500





1080p





196





407:1











BenQ





HT2050A





$900





1080p





1620





1220:1











BenQ





TH625





$1,000





1080p





1641





853:1











Epson





EF-12





$900





1080p





650





394:1











Epson





HC 880





$600





1080p





2085





221:1











Epson





HC 2250





$750





1080p





1729





1026:1











Epson





HC 5050





$3,000





1080p x2*





1732





5203:1











Epson





LS11000





$4,000





4K





1378





1808:1











LG





HU810PW





$2,800





4K





1498





490:1











Optoma





UHD35





$1,300





4K





1567





649:1











Optoma





UHZ50





$2,800





4K





1486





1007:1











Sony





VPL-VE325ES





$5,500





4K





1732





5203:1













*See review for more details

**as measured. See how CNET tests projectors for details. 

Frequently asked questions about home theater projectors







What kind of projector should you get?


















LCD and Digital Light Processing projectors are the most common technologies. Higher-end projectors often use LCOS, or liquid crystal on silicon, designs. These are marketed as SXRD and DILA. LCOS is superior to LCD and DLP in almost every way, but is significantly more expensive. 

LCD (used almost exclusively by Epson) and DLP both have their strengths and weaknesses. DLP is typically sharper, LCD often brighter. However, both technologies offer bright, sharp images. It's more down to the specific model of projector than specific technologies. 























Do you need a screen for a better projector experience?


















You can use any flat surface to project your image. However, don't expect it to be the best surface for a projector. Any and all tiny bumps in a wall, for example, will be visible as extra "noise" in the image. This can be distracting. If you want the best image quality from your projector, even an inexpensive screen is a far better option. This is because projector screens tend to brighten the image noticeably and create a smooth surface that just shows your TV, movie or game. 























Portable or home projector?


















Portable models are expensive for their performance, but can work where there's no outlet. If you don't plan on ever using the projector away from your house, a traditional projector will be far brighter and can be used outside. Just remember to bring it in when you're done.

















More advice on home theater projectors


Home Theater Projectors: 6 Things to Know Before You Buy

Best Home Theater Projector for 2022

Portable Projector Pros and Cons: Read This Before You Buy One

Best Portable Projector for 2022

Affordable 4K Projectors Are Here. What Took Them So Long?

Why You Shouldn't Expect Great HDR From a Projector

Big TV vs. Projector: Pros and Cons of Huge Home Theater Screens

How to Setup Your New Projector for the Biggest, Best Movie Night Ever

Backyard Movie Night: Everything You Need for a Private Outdoor Cinema