Epson
Epson PowerLite 685W
Best ultra-short throw projector for interactive classrooms and professional meeting spaces.
Experience vibrant and clear presentations with the Epson PowerLite 685W projector. This ultra-short throw 3LCD projector delivers a bright 3500 lumens, making it ideal for any lighting condition. Its native WXGA resolution (1280 x 800) and 16:10 aspect ratio ensure sharp images and optimal screen utilization. Designed for convenience, it offers flexible mounting options and a user-friendly interface for seamless setup and operation. Perfect for classrooms and meeting rooms, it enhances collaboration and engagement with its reliable performance and impressive visual output.
$1063.95
More PowerLite Options
Epson PowerLite 1795F
$1166.00
Epson PowerLite 1780W
$799.99
Epson PowerLite W16SK 3D 3LCD Dual Projection System
$1889.00
Epson PowerLite 99WH LCD Projector
$749.00
PowerLite 990U
$726.25
PowerLite 2255U Wireless Projector
$1574.00
PowerLite 99W
$669.00
PowerLite 675W
$390.00
Epson PowerLite 955WH WXGA Projector
$651.25
Epson PowerLite W29
$349.00
PowerLite 1965
$1519.00
PowerLite 2245U
$1499.00
Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 750HD
$599.00
PowerLite L400U
$1741.99
Epson PowerLite 97H 3LCD Projector
$527.00
Epson PowerLite PL-680
$975.99
Powerlite W6
$689.00
Epson PowerLite 680 Ultra-Short Throw 3LCD Projector
$312.00
Epson Pro Cinema 7500ub LCD Projector
$2319.00
PowerLite 725W
$1349.94
PowerLite 5520W
$1797.00
Epson PowerLite 826W WXGA 3LCD Projector
$1065.63
Epson PowerLite 732c/740c Multimedia projector
$900.00
Powerlite 1775W
$1463.95
Epson PowerLite L610W WXGA 3LCD Laser Projector
$2469.00
Epson PowerLite 725W WXGA 3LCD Ultra Short Throw (UST) Laser Projector
$1399.00
Powerlite 97H
$549.00
PowerLite L570U 3LCD Laser Projector with 4K Enhancement
$3496.00
Epson PowerLite 1781W Projector
$849.99
Epson PowerLite L570U Long Throw 3LCD Projector
$2509.49
Epson PowerLite 1776W WXGA 3LCD Projector
$1099.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
203
/ 1772
#203 in Video Projectors
Price vs Category Average
-72%
Below average
Projector Type
LCD Projector
/ LCD Projector
Who it's for
- IT managers supporting diverse legacy and modern device setups
- Presenters needing clear visibility without distracting shadows
- Educators working in bright, naturally lit classroom environments
Who should skip it
- Users without professional installation tools or precise mounting experience
- Viewers requiring sharp detail for high-resolution data or media
- Budget-conscious buyers avoiding ongoing lamp replacement costs
Performance breakdown
Brightness output
3500 lumens easily cuts through ambient light in bright classrooms.
Throw distance
Ultra-short throw design eliminates shadows and glare for presenters.
Color accuracy
3LCD technology ensures vibrant, consistent color reproduction for educational content.
Setup flexibility
Versatile mounting options simplify installation in tight or awkward spaces.
Image sharpness
WXGA resolution provides clear text and graphics for standard presentations.
Interface usability
Intuitive controls and remote access make daily operation remarkably straightforward.
Key Specs
Projector Type
LCD Projector
Native Resolution
1280 x 800
Native Aspect Ratio
16:10
Maximum Resolution
1400 x 1050
Brightness
3500 lm
Throw Type
Ultra-Short Throw
Remote Included
Yes
Target Gender
Unisex
Features
- Ultra-short throw design for close placement
- Bright 3500 lumens for clear images in various lighting
- WXGA resolution for sharp visuals
- 3LCD technology for vibrant color reproduction
- Remote control included for operation
- Aspect ratio adjustment via remote for VGA
- Provides solution for 16:10 image on 16:9 screen
What customers say
The Epson PowerLite 685W earns strong praise, especially in education and training, due to its ultra-short throw design. Users consistently highlight its exceptional 3,500 lumen brightness, ensuring vibrant, clear images even in well lit rooms. The 3LCD technology delivers accurate, vivid color reproduction essential for engaging content. Reliability is a key benefit; the projector is robust, requires little upkeep, and offers long lamp life, improving overall value. While the WXGA resolution meets most presentation needs, some users wish for Full HD. Overall, this model is viewed as a dependable, high performing workhorse that excels at delivering a large, clear image close to the wall.
Know before you buy
An ultra-short throw design allows you to place the projector just inches away from the wall or screen. This is ideal for smaller classrooms or meeting rooms because it prevents presenters from casting shadows on the image and eliminates the need for long cable runs.
Yes, 3500 lumens provides enough brightness to maintain clear, visible images in most well-lit environments. While it performs best in controlled lighting, it is powerful enough to combat ambient light from windows or overhead fixtures.
Yes, the projector is designed to handle this transition. You can use the included remote to adjust the aspect ratio, ensuring your content fits correctly on a 16:9 screen without significant distortion.
3LCD technology uses three individual LCD chips to process colors, which results in more vibrant and accurate color reproduction compared to single-chip projectors. This ensures that your presentations look consistent and true-to-life.
The WXGA resolution (1280 x 800) is well-suited for standard office and educational tasks. It provides enough detail to keep text, charts, and spreadsheets sharp and readable for your audience.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.