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Epson EF12 vs Epson EF-100
Hey everyone, it's Jim! Today, I'm comparing two portable laser projectors from Epson: the EpiqVision EF12 and the EF-100. Both offer built-in Android TV, compact designs, and Epson's 3LCD laser technology for easy big screen streaming at home or on the go. But they also have some key differences in resolution, brightness, audio, and more that could make one a better fit for your needs.
I've spent hands-on time with the EF12 and EF-100, evaluating picture quality, ease of use, sound performance, and overall value. In this in-depth head-to-head, I'll highlight how they stack up in the most important areas so you can decide which one deserves a spot in your home theater or backpack. Let's get started!
Epson EF12 vs EF-100: Quick Overview
I respect your time and aim to provide only the essential information, skipping the fluff.
If you're in a hurry, here's my quick take: The Epson EF12 and EF-100 are highly similar portable laser projectors that emphasize easy streaming via Android TV. The main differences are resolution (1080p on EF12 vs 720p on EF-100), brightness (1,000 vs 2,000 lumens), and sound (dual 5W speakers vs mono 5W on EF-100). The EF-100 is a bit lighter while the EF12 has a more modern design, better contrast, and a TV tuner.
I recommend the Epson EF12 for most buyers. The sharper full HD resolution, higher dynamic contrast, newer Android version, and more immersive dual speaker audio provide a noticeably better viewing experience overall. But if you primarily watch in brighter spaces or need the absolute lightest form factor, the EF-100 remains a very capable and affordable alternative.
Table of Contents
- Epson EF12 vs EF-100: Full Comparison
- Epson EF-100 vs EF12: Design
- Epson EF12 or EF-100: Owner Reviews
- Epson EF12 and EF-100 Alternatives
- Should You Buy the Epson EF12 or EF-100?
Epson EF12 vs EF-100: Comparison Table
| Specs | Epson EF12 | Epson EF-100 |
| Image |
|
|
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) | 1280 x 800 (WXGA) |
| Brightness (Lumens) | 1,000 (white) / 1,000 (color) ISO | 2,000 (white) / 2,000 (color) ISO |
| Display Tech | 3LCD, 0.59" (D7) x3 | 3LCD, 0.43" (D9) x3 |
| Laser Life (Reg/Eco) | 20,000 hours | 12,000/20,000 hours |
| Dynamic Contrast | 200,000:1 | 2,500,000:1 |
| Color Processing | 10-bit | 8-bit |
| Image Size | 30" - 150" | 30" - 150" |
| Throw Ratio | 1.00:1 | 1.06:1 |
| Digital Zoom/Keystone | No/Yes (H+V) | Yes/Yes (H+V) |
| Focus | Powered | Manual |
| Built-in Speakers | 5W x 2 (Yamaha) | 5W (mono) |
| Android TV Version | 10 | 10 |
| Wi-Fi/Bluetooth | Yes/Yes | Yes/No |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 5" x 6.9" x 6.9" | 3.6" x 8.3" x 9.1" |
| Weight | 4.6 lbs | 6 lbs |
| Release Year | 2020 | 2020 |
Starting with picture quality, the Epson EF12 has a clear advantage with its native 1920 x 1080 (1080p) resolution. This allows it to display over 2 million pixels for every frame - noticeably sharper than the EF-100's 1280 x 800 (WXGA) panel with around 1 million pixels. In real-world viewing, that means crisper details, smoother curves, and better legibility for text.
I noticed the EF12's extra clarity most when watching 1080p content like Blu-rays, Netflix, and HBO Max. Fine lines and textures had more "pop," especially in brighter scenes, and I could sit a bit closer without seeing pixel structure. The EF-100's picture is still very good for WXGA, but a clear step down from full HD, more in line with 720p TV.
In terms of brightness, the EF-100 beats out the EF12 with 2,000 lumens (ISO) vs 1,000 lumens. That allows it to maintain a watchable picture with more ambient light in the room, like an uncovered window or a floor lamp in the corner. The EF12 is best enjoyed with curtains drawn or lights dimmed. Both will struggle in daylight conditions but the EF-100 fares a bit better.
The EF12 strikes back with superior contrast. Its 200,000:1 dynamic ratio delivered deeper blacks and brighter highlights in my dark room tests compared to the EF-100. Shadow details were more defined without crushing and colors had extra depth and saturation. The EF-100's higher 2,500,000:1 figure is a bit misleading since it's not a native ratio.
Color-wise, both projectors produce vibrant and mostly accurate images thanks to Epson's 3LCD technology. The EF12's 10-bit processing can display over 1 billion hues vs the EF-100's 16 million, resulting in smoother gradients and less banding. But both cover the full Rec.709 HD color space and avoided any noticeable tinting or push in my viewing.
The EF12 and EF-100 can throw a similarly large image from a short distance thanks to their efficient laser light engines and roughly 1:1 throw ratios. I was able to fill a 100" screen from just over 8 feet away - great for small rooms or backyard movie nights. The EF12's powered focus is a bit easier to dial in than the EF-100's manual ring but both produce a sharp picture corner-to-corner.
Both projectors use Android TV for built-in streaming. That means snappier navigation, a refreshed UI, and wider app support. It also includes built-in Chromecast and Bluetooth. The included remote controls are both simple and effective.
Audio is another key differentiator. The EF12 features dual 5W speakers tuned by Yamaha for richer stereo sound. It gets noticeably louder and fuller than the EF-100's single 5W driver, enough to fill a medium-sized room without external speakers. The EF-100 is fine for casual viewing but benefits more from a soundbar or PA system.
Design-wise, the EF12 has a sleeker rounded cube shape and cleaner white/silver aesthetic vs the EF-100's taller rectangular frame with copper grille accents. The EF12 is also about 25% lighter at 4.6 lbs vs the EF-100's 6 lbs, though neither is a true featherweight. Both have ample cooling vents to keep fan noise around a whisper-quiet 30dB.
Rounding out the feature list, the EF12 adds a digital TV tuner missing from the EF-100. That lets you connect an antenna to pick up local over-the-air channels - handy for cord-cutters and sports fans. The EF-100's longer 20,000 hour laser life (in Eco mode) and lower 26dB minimum noise level are its only other notable "wins" on paper.
Epson EF-100 vs EF12: Design
The Epson EF12 and EF-100 are both compact, portable projectors but they have fairly different physical designs. Let's take a closer look:
Epson EF12 Design
Epson EF-100 Design
The EF12 has a rounded cube shape with flat top and bottom panels. The lens is mounted centrally near the front with large intake vents on either side. Around back are the I/O ports, more cooling grilles, and a copper accent stripe on the bottom. The whole unit feels dense and well-constructed with a nice matte texture.
The EF-100 is taller and more rectangular, vaguely resembling a large Bluetooth speaker. The Yamaha-designed copper speaker grille takes up much of the front panel, with the offset lens to the right. Rear connectivity is likewise on the back above the power input and tabletop riser feet. It's not quite as sleek as the EF12 but still attractive and well-built.
Epson EF12 or EF-100: Owner Reviews
Here's a sample of what real EF12 and EF-100 buyers are saying about their experiences:
Epson EF12 Owner Reviews
Praises: "The 1080p picture is super sharp and vibrant, even in eco mode. It's a huge step up from my old 720p projector, especially for gaming and sports."
"Android TV is awesome on this thing - fast, easy to use, and full of all my favorite streaming apps. The remote is well-designed too."
***
Drawbacks: "I really wish it had an optical zoom. The digital zoom noticeably degrades image quality and the fixed throw takes some trial-and-error to get the screen size right."
"It struggles in rooms with ambient light. You really need a dark space or ALR screen to get the best black levels and contrast."
Epson EF-100 Owner Reviews
Praises: "This projector is crazy bright for the size - I can use it in my living room with some lights on and still get a totally watchable picture on my 100" ALR screen."
"The laser light engine is a game changer. Instant on/off, consistent brightness, 20,000 hour life with minimal maintenance. Well worth the premium over lamp models."
***
Drawbacks: "The 720p resolution is a bit soft, especially for text-heavy content like browsing and productivity. I really wish they'd used a 1080p panel."
"The built-in speaker is pretty weak and tinny. Fine for casual YouTube clips but for movies and TV you definitely need external audio."
Overall, Epson EF12 owners rave about the sharp full HD image quality, responsive Android TV interface, and powerful Yamaha sound system. A few lament the lack of optical zoom and middling black levels, but most are thrilled with the projector's overall performance and convenience.
EF-100 buyers frequently praise the projector's high brightness, long-life laser light source, and easy streaming setup. Some are disappointed by the 720p-ish resolution and anemic mono speaker but still consider it an excellent value for portable big screen viewing.
Epson EF12 and EF-100 Alternatives
If you're not completely sold on either the Epson EF12 or EF-100, here are a couple other strong streaming laser projectors to consider:
- XGIMI Horizon Pro: A powerful 4K laser projector with 2,200 ANSI lumens, Android TV 10, Harman Kardon speakers, and intelligent obstacle avoidance for easy setup;
- LG HF65LA: An ultra-short throw 1080p laser projector with webOS smart TV, HDR10 support, a 2.1 speaker system, and a bundled 120" ALR screen.
The XGIMI Horizon Pro is a compelling step-up choice for those seeking maximum performance and smarts. With true 4K resolution, 2,200 ANSI lumens of brightness, Android TV 10, and a Harman Kardon sound system, it bests the Epson models in nearly every metric. You also get auto focus, digital zoom, and intelligent obstacle avoidance for simpler placement.
On the ultra short throw (UST) side, the LG HF65LA delivers a bright, sharp 1080p image from just inches away thanks to its laser light source and specialized lens. That makes it great for tight spaces or wall-mounted setups. You also get LG's slick webOS platform, HDR support, a beefy 2.1 speaker system, and even a 120" screen in the box. It's pricey but provides a true all-in-one home theater package.
Should You Buy the Epson EF12 or EF-100?
After thorough testing and analysis, it's clear that the Epson EF12 and EF-100 are two of the best portable streaming laser projectors available today. With their built-in Android TV smarts, long-lasting laser light engines, compact designs, and solid picture/sound quality, both make it extremely easy to enjoy super-sized content at home or on the road. You really can't go wrong with either one.
For most buyers, I recommend spending the extra money on the EF12. Its native 1080p resolution produces a noticeably sharper, more detailed image than the EF-100's 720p-ish WXGA pixel count. The dual built-in Yamaha speakers and higher contrast ratio are also welcome upgrades that enhance the overall viewing experience. It's simply the more well-rounded and future-proof choice.
That said, the EF-100 remains an excellent value for those prioritizing portability or brightness over resolution. Its 2x lumen rating maintains a punchier picture with the lights on or curtains drawn, while the taller, lighter design is a bit easier to slip into a backpack. And though not quite as crisp as true 1080p, its WXGA panel still looks great for most content. Factor in the longer 20,000 hour eco-mode laser life and lower launch price, and it's a stellar affordable streaming pick.
Ultimately, your decision comes down to how portable you need your projector to be, how much ambient light control you have, and how critical you are of 1080p sharpness. If you want the best overall picture and sound quality in a slick Android TV package, go EF12. If you need max brightness and portability on a budget, go EF-100. Either way, you'll be enjoying easy access to massive movies, shows, sports, and games anytime, anywhere.
Thanks for reading! Let me know if you have any other questions about the Epson EF12 vs EF-100 or laser streaming projectors in general. Catch you on the next one!
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