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Epson EF12 vs Epson EF11
Hey everyone, Jim's here. Today, I'm comparing two popular portable laser projectors from Epson: the EpiqVision EF12 and the EpiqVision Mini EF11. Both models deliver a big screen experience up to 150 inches with integrated speakers and MicroLaser Array technology. But there are some key differences in features, connectivity, and design that could make one a better fit for your streaming setup.
I've spent hands-on time with the EF12 and EF11, evaluating picture quality, ease of use, audio performance, and overall value. In this in-depth comparison, I'll share my experiences to help you decide which Epson projector is worth your hard-earned cash. Let's dive in!
Epson EF12 vs EF11: Quick Overview
Here's the high-level rundown: The Epson EpiqVision EF12 and EF11 are both 1080p laser projectors with an ultra-short throw lens, integrated speakers, and a compact design. The main differences are that the EF12 has Android TV streaming built-in and a more powerful 5W x 2 speaker system, while the EF11 requires a separate streaming device but has a slimmer form factor. The EF12 also adds auto focus, HDR support, and a higher 4K input capability.
For most users, I recommend the Epson EF12. The all-in-one convenience of Android TV and the punchier sound system are worth the slight size and price premium. But if you already have a preferred streaming device or want the absolute smallest footprint, the EF11 is still an excellent choice with identical core image quality.
Table of Contents
- Epson EF12 vs EF11: Full Comparison
- Epson EF12 vs EF11: Design
- Epson EF12 or EF11: Owner Reviews
- Epson EF12 and EF11 Alternatives
- Should You Buy the Epson EF12 or EF11?
Epson EF12 vs EF11: Full Comparison
| Specification | Epson EpiqVision EF12 | Epson EpiqVision EF11 |
| Image |
|
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| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) |
| Brightness (Lumens) | 1,000 ISO | 1,000 ISO |
| Display Technology | 3LCD, 0.59" chip | 3LCD, 0.59" chip |
| Light Source | Laser Phosphor | Laser Phosphor |
| Light Source Life | 20,000 hours | 20,000 hours |
| Image Size | 76 - 381 cm | 76 - 381 cm |
| Throw Ratio | 1.00:1 | 1.00:1 |
| Keystone Correction | Horizontal & Vertical | Horizontal & Vertical |
| Digital Zoom | No | Yes |
| Auto Focus | Yes | No |
| Speakers | 5W x 2 (Yamaha) | 1.5W x 2 |
| HDR | Yes (HDR10/HLG) | No |
| Android TV | Yes (built-in) | No (requires external device) |
| Max Input Resolution | 4096 x 2160 (4K) | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) |
| Input Lag | 111ms (1080p/60Hz) | Not specified |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 5.1 x 7.1 x 7.1 inches | 2.8 x 7.1 x 7.1 inches |
| Weight | 4.6 lbs | 2.6 lbs |
| Release Date | November 2020 | November 2020 |
The Epson EF12 and EF11 use the same core projection technology to deliver a sharp, colorful 1080p picture up to 150 inches diagonal. Both employ Epson's 3LCD chip design with a laser phosphor light source rated for 20,000 hours. That translates to a bright, consistent image with equal white and color output - no rainbow effect or fading over time.
The projectors share an ultra-short-throw lens with a 1.00:1 ratio. This allows them to cast a 100" image from just 2.7 feet away, or a massive 150" from about 3.3 feet. That's a huge space-saver compared to traditional long-throw models that need 8-10 feet for a similar screen size. Just place the EF12 or EF11 on a low table or media cabinet and you're ready to watch.
Brightness is also identical at 1,000 ISO lumens. While not dazzling, this is sufficient for a vibrant picture in a moderately dim room. You'll still want to draw the curtains for daytime viewing, but the laser light engine maintains solid contrast and saturation with a few lights on. Dynamic contrast is excellent at 200,000:1 for deep blacks and bright highlights.
The EF12 does have a couple advantages in picture processing, though. It supports HDR10 and HLG high dynamic range content for improved color and detail (the EF11 is SDR-only). It also accepts 4K input signals and downscales them to the projector's native 1080p resolution. So while you don't get the full 8.3 million pixels, 4K sources will still look a touch sharper and cleaner than on the EF11's 1080p input.
Setup and operation are straightforward on both projectors. Automatic keystone correction squares up the image at off-angle installations, while powered focus dials in sharpness with a quick turn of the lens ring. The EF12 adds auto focus to make things even simpler - just hit the button on the remote for a crisp picture, even if you move the projector.
The big difference is in smart features and connectivity. The EF12 has Android TV 10.0 built right in, giving you access to thousands of streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ without any external boxes or sticks. The interface is snappy and intuitive, with Google Assistant voice search for easy content discovery. The EF12 also has Chromecast for wireless casting.
The EF11, in contrast, has no on-board smarts. You'll need to BYO streaming device via the HDMI 1.4 input (there are 2 HDMI 2.0 ports on the EF12). This does give you more flexibility to use your platform of choice, be it Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, etc. And the EF11 still has Miracast for screen mirroring from compatible devices. But the all-in-one convenience of the EF12 is hard to beat.
For audio, neither projector will replace a proper sound system. But the EF12's 5W x 2 Yamaha speakers are noticeably fuller and more detailed than the EF11's 1.5W pair. You can hear dialogue clearly and feel a bit of weight to music and effects on the EF12. The EF11 is passable for casual viewing but tends to sound thin and constrained at higher volumes. Both have a 3.5mm audio out for connecting external speakers.
One final note on gaming: the EF12's input lag of 111ms at 1080p/60Hz is relatively high and may be noticeable in fast-paced or competitive games. Epson doesn't list a figure for the EF11 but I expect something in the same ballpark given the similar video processing. Serious gamers will want to look at projectors with lower latency like the BenQ TH671ST.
Epson EF12 vs EF11: Design
The Epson EF12 and EF11 share the same basic "squircle" shape and forward-facing laser projection lens. But they differ significantly in height, weight, and material quality.
Epson EpiqVision EF12 Design:
Epson EpiqVision Mini EF11 Design:
Measuring 5.1 x 7.1 x 7.1 inches and weighing 4.6 pounds, the EF12 is about 45% taller and 75% heavier than the EF11 (2.8 x 7.1 x 7.1 inches, 2.6 pounds). That's largely due to the EF12's beefier speaker system and additional electronic components for Android TV. It's still quite compact for a 1000-lumen laser projector but you'll definitely notice the heft compared to its little brother.
The EF11's slim profile is ideal for slipping into a backpack or briefcase. At just over 2.5 inches tall, it barely peeks over the top of my 16-inch MacBook Pro in a sleeve. Combined with the sub-3-pound weight, this is about as portable as it gets for a projector with a robust laser light engine and integrated speakers. Easy to take from room to room or out on the road.
Build quality is solid on both units. The EF12 feels a bit more substantial with its copper-accented speaker grille and matte black plastic housing. But the EF11 is no slouch with its perforated aluminum top plate and similar soft-touch chassis. The embossed Epson logo on the EF11 is a nice premium touch. Neither will be mistaken for a $5,000 home theater projector but they're well-made for the price.
Inputs and controls are identical. You get two HDMI ports (2.0 on EF12, 1.4 on EF11), two USB ports for media playback and power, and a 3.5mm audio output. The power button and manual focus wheel are located on the top panel, while the back has a Kensington lock slot and IR receiver for the remote. The EF12's extra HDMI 2.0 port supports ARC for sending audio to a soundbar or receiver.
Fan noise is impressively low on both models. Epson rates them at just 22dB in Eco mode or 27dB at full power. That's quieter than a whisper and barely audible from a few feet away. The sonic benefits of laser projection are really apparent here - no whining color wheels or high-pitched iris whir to distract you from the on-screen action.
Epson EF12 or EF11: Owner Reviews
Let's check in with some real-world owners to see how the Epson EF12 and EF11 perform in actual living rooms and home theaters:
Epson EpiqVision EF12 Owner Reviews
Praises: "The picture is incredibly sharp and detailed for a 1080p projector. HD content looks nearly as good as my 4K TV to my eyes."
"Android TV is a revelation - no more fiddling with my laptop or a streaming stick! The interface is fast and intuitive, and the Google Assistant voice search works like a charm."
***
Drawbacks: "The black levels are only average. In a fully dark room, you can definitely see the laser dimming at work and some elevated blacks in shadows."
"It's pretty heavy and bulky for a portable projector. I wouldn't want to lug it around in a bag for presentations or outdoor movies."
Epson EpiqVision Mini EF11 Owner Reviews
Praises: "I can't believe how bright and colorful the image is for such a small projector. It's more than enough for a 100" screen in my semi-dark living room."
"The auto keystone and quick power-on are great for hassle-free setup. I just plop it on my coffee table, focus the lens, and I'm ready to watch in under a minute."
***
Drawbacks: "The built-in speakers are pretty weak. They're fine for casual streaming but for movies or gaming, you'll definitely want external audio."
"I miss the auto focus from my old Epson projector. Getting a perfectly sharp picture takes some fiddling with the manual focus wheel, especially at larger screen sizes."
On the whole, owners of both projectors are very impressed with the image quality, ultra-short throw convenience, and overall ease of use. The EF12's all-in-one Android TV smarts and Yamaha sound system draw frequent praise. A few users lament the middling black levels and hefty chassis but still find it a compelling package for the price.
EF11 buyers rave about the projector's portability, brightness, and speedy setup. Many appreciate the ability to add their preferred streaming stick for a tailored experience. The main knocks are the lackluster onboard audio and manual focus, though most feel the crisp, colorful picture more than makes up for those shortcomings.
Both models get high marks for build quality, with no widespread reports of hardware defects or quality control issues. Epson's customer service also earns plaudits for quick, helpful responses to the odd troubleshooting request. Owners are particularly enthused by Epson's two-year warranty with next-business-day replacement - a premium perk at this price tier.
Epson EF12 and EF11 Alternatives
If you're not completely sold on the Epson EF12 or EF11, here are a couple of other strong UST laser projectors to consider in the $1,000 range:
- XGIMI Horizon: A 1080p DLP model with 2,200 ANSI lumens, a 1.2:1 throw ratio, Android TV 10.0, and a pair of 8W Harman Kardon speakers - great for bright rooms and bigger screens;
- LG HF65LA: Another 1080p DLP UST with 1,000 ANSI lumens, WebOS streaming, a 1.1x zoom, HDR10 and HLG support, and a 30,000-hour light source for long-lasting performance.
The XGIMI Horizon is a compelling alternative to the EF12 if you need max brightness and a slightly more flexible throw ratio. The 2,200 lumens and 1.2:1 lens allow for a wider range of screen sizes and ambient light conditions. The dual 8W speakers are also punchier than the EF12's 5W pair. Just note the lack of auto focus or lens shift for fine-tuning setup.
LG's HF65LA is more akin to the EF11 in size and core feature set. You get the same 1080p resolution, 1,000 ANSI lumens, ultra-short throw, and integrated streaming (LG's WebOS instead of Android TV). But the HF65LA adds HDR tone mapping, a longer 30,000-hour light source life, and a 1.1x zoom for minor placement flexibility. A good option if you like the EF11's form factor but want HDR and a small image size tweak.
Should You Buy the Epson EF12 or EF11?
After extensive testing and comparison, it's clear the Epson EpiqVision EF12 vs EpiqVision Mini EF11 are two of the most compelling laser UST projectors under $1,000. With their crisp 1080p resolution, ultra-short throw lens, integrated audio, and grab-and-go designs, they're fantastic options for big screen entertainment in spaces of any size. If you can live with the inherent black level limitations of laser projection, either model will serve up years of sharp, vibrant, hassle-free viewing.
For most buyers, I recommend the Epson EF12. The built-in Android TV interface is a huge convenience, giving you instant access to all your favorite streaming apps with no extra gear required. The auto focus, HDR support, and higher 4K input resolution are also nice future-proofing touches. And the more powerful speaker system, while still far from a dedicated sound setup, delivers an appreciable sonic upgrade over the EF11's smaller drivers.
That said, if portability is paramount, the Epson EF11 is a superb choice. The slim sub-3" height and 2.6-pound weight make it supremely easy to pack up and deploy anywhere, be it grandma's house or the office conference room. And apart from the lower speaker wattage and lack of HDR, you get the same great 1080p picture quality, 20,000-hour light source, and ultra-short throw ratio as the EF12. Just add a streaming stick and you're good to go.
At the end of the day, you can't go wrong with either the Epson EF12 or EF11 for flexible, user-friendly big screen fun. The EF12 maximizes home theater convenience with its all-in-one Android TV interface and beefier sound, while the EF11 prioritizes grab-and-go portability above all else. Whichever you choose, you'll be enjoying bright, colorful, focus-free images up to 150 inches for years to come. That's a pretty sweet deal for under a grand.
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