Today we will look side-by-side at the Sony VPL-XW5000ES and Sony VPL-XW6000ES projectors. These front projectors offer excellent 4K picture quality, advanced customization features, and brightness ratings of 2,000 and 2,500 lumens, respectively.
If you’re looking for a projector to replace your TV, these projectors offer great value at their price points as high-powered, entry-level Sony projectors. In our Sony VPL-XW5000ES vs VPL-XW6000ES comparison, we will dive deeper into what makes these projectors similar and how they stand out and help you decide which is better for your needs. So, if you’ve been curious about getting a projector or want to learn more about these two great options from Sony, you’re in the right place!
In This Comparison:
- Specs
- Brightness
- Contrast
- Colors
- Usability
- Sony VPL-XW5000ES Overview
- Sony VPL-XW6000ES Overview
- Bottom Line
Sony VPL-XW5000ES vs. VPL-XW6000ES: Specs comparison
| Sony VPL-XW5000ES | Sony VPL-XW6000ES | |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
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| Resolution | 3,840 x 2,160 | 3840x2160 |
| Brightness | 2,000 Lumens | 2,500 Lumens |
| Lens | 1.6x manual zoom & focus | 2.1x powered zoom & focus |
| Throw Ratio | 1.38:1 - 2.21:1 | 1.35:1 - 2.84:1 |
| Inputs | 2 x HDMI, 1 x RS-232, 1 x RJ-45 (Ethernet), 1 x USB | 2 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x RS-232, 1 x RJ-45 (Ethernet) 1 x USB |
| Dimensions | 18.1”W x 7.9”H x 18.6”D | 18.1”W x 8.3”H x 20.4”D |
| Weight | 28.7 lbs | 30.9 lbs |
| Today's Best Price |
Projection Brightness
Looking at the brightness specification side-by-side, we see that the Sony VPL-XW5000ES features a 2,000-lumens rating, and the VPL-XW6000ES features a 2,500-lumens rating. At the range of 2,000 to 2,5000 lumens, both the VPL-XW5000ES and VPL-XW6000ES are outstanding for home-theater setups that are typically dark. The VPL-XW6000ES, on the other hand, thanks to its higher 2,500 lumens brightness rating, is at the lower end of what we would consider ideal for a bright living room or a home theater setup with a moderate amount of ambient lighting.
Better Brightness: Sony VPL-XW6000ES
Contrast
The VPL-XW5000ES and VPL-XW6000ES offer an infinite black contrast ratio, and images on both projectors are delivered with high contrast and an outstanding pixel fill rate thanks to the 3-chip SXRD design. The SXRD chips inside these projectors produce a sharp 3,840 x 2,160 4K UHD bright picture, providing excellent contrast in HDR and SDR content. Ultimately, there is little difference in contrast with the Sony VPL-XW5000ES vs VPL-XW6000ES. Both projectors offer a great viewing experience in both HDR and SDR with detailed and colorful imaging. Of course, both projectors will have the best contrast in dark rooms, but the VPL-XW6000ES will let you get away with a bit more ambient lighting without losing the contrast.
Better Contrast: Sony VPL-XW6000ES
Colors
Out of the box, we were impressed with the color accuracy of the VPL-XW5000ES. Sony claims that the VPL-XW5000ES covers 90% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, but when we measured after calibration, we found it maxing out at 83%. We noticed an even higher degree of accuracy with the VPL-XW6000ES. Sony claims that the VPL-XW6000ES covers 95% of the DCI-P3; when we measured it, this claim was proven more-or-less true, measuring 93% of the DCI-P3 color gamut.
Better Color Performance: Sony VPL-XW6000ES
Resolution
Both the VPL-XW5000ES and VPL-XW6000ES are native 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution projectors. Additionally, both projectors feature a range of features to help make 4K images look even smoother. For example, the 4K Motionflow video processor on both projectors helps to make fast-moving 4K content look even more detailed and dynamic by adding a frame to reduce motion blur without sacrificing brightness. There’s also full integration with IMAX Enhanced, HDR10, and HLG in both projectors, helping you get the best visual experience regardless of which projector you choose or which type of content you prefer to project.
Better Resolution: Tie
Usability
Setting up both projectors was a straightforward and easy experience. We could set up both the XW5000ES and XW6000ES on a small stand behind our seating area, pointed at our projection screen, and didn’t need to make much in the way of shift adjustments to get the image lined up and squared.
The on-screen setup and menu system are logically laid about, but the menu system is quite extensive and can be confusing for first-time users. Luckily, Sony has made it easier by providing helpful tooltips and a great out-of-box Reference mode experience. Both projectors come with the Sony Projector remote control, which gives you on-the-fly access to picture models and adjustment bars for sharpness, brightness, and contrast. The remote works as intended, making adjusting and dialing in our picture a seamless experience with both the VPL-XW5000ES and XW6000ES.
Better Usability Experience: Tie
Sony VPL-XW5000ES vs. VPL-XW6000ES: Full Product Details
Sony VPL-XW5000ES
Sony’s VPL-XW5000ES was released alongside the XW7000ES and XW6000ES in the Summer of 2022. The XW5000ES and its siblings in the 6000ES and 7000ES were released to bring the pricing down on professional-level projectors and allow more budget-conscientious consumers to get their chance to test out Sony’s LCoS SXRD technology. The VPL-XW5000ES provides an excellent, professional level of projection that has been rare or even unseen in this price range. While it’s the lowest end of these projectors, we think the VPL-XW5000ES might be the most attractive to most people because of its excellent price-to-performance ratio. >>> Check its pricing on BhPhotoVideo.com
The setup is straightforward. We recommend setting the projector on a stand at a seated level behind your sitting area. For us, this was a couch, and we didn’t have to square the picture by much to get everything started. Overall, even if this was your first-ever projector, the setup for the VPL-XW5000ES comes with detailed instructions.
Your inputs for connecting devices run along the bottom right side on the back panel of the projector and include two HDMI version 2.0b ports alongside a USB port for firmware updates, an RJ45 Ethernet port for connections, a remote RS-232, and a 12V trigger. Sony has reserved the first HDMI port for next-gen gaming, providing the VPL-XW5000ES with an input lag feature for 4K gaming at a steady 60 Hz with either a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, or a gaming computer. Check our more in-depth review of this projector here.
Pros
- Good Price to Performance Ratio
- Great contrast and deep blacks
- Accurate out-of-box colors
Cons
- No HDR10+ Support
- Manual lens
- No 3D Support
Sony VPL-XW6000ES
The Sony VPL-XW6000ES is the next step up in price and performance compared to the VPL-XW5000ES. Technically speaking, it is the better projector. However, it also comes at a significantly steeper price range — check the current price on Amazon. So, the big question here is: is there enough in the way of additional features and upgraded tech to justify the price step up?
We think there is, for some. For example, one of the upgrades that the VPL-XW6000ES has over the XW5000ES is support for 3D playback. If this is necessary for you, the VPL-XW6000ES is a great projector, especially at its price point compared to other high-end 4K 3D capable projectors. Additionally, the XW6000ES comes with HDMI 2.1 ports instead of the two HDMI 2.0b ports of the XW5000ES, allowing for future 8K at 60 Hz. Lastly, the XW6000ES features a brighter laser, allowing for a more color-accurate and detailed picture.
Pros
- Bright 2,500-lumens laser projection.
- HDMI 2.1 Ports
- 3D Support
Cons
- Third-party external 3D transmitter required for 3D playback.
Sony VPL-XW5000ES vs VPL-XW6000ES: The Bottom Line
We’ve illustrated how the VPL-XW5000ES and VPL-XW6000ES are great projectors delivering a professional, bright, color-accurate projection experience. If you want a long-term replacement for your TV and have a dark room, we strongly recommend the XW5000ES as a projector that will serve you for a long time. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more professional projection experience with 3D support, a brighter light, and newer HDMI connectivity options, then the VPL-XW6000ES is the way to go. >>> Check it on Amazon For its price, though, the VPL-XW5000ES offers a great 4K projection experience and is what we think is the better buy for most people.