Projectors used to be something you dragged out only when it was time for a movie night. These days, they are slowly turning into the TV replacement for folks who live on streaming and prefer their entertainment projected across a wall instead of squeezed into a rectangle on a stand. Epson clearly sees where things are heading, and the Lifestudio Flex Special Edition EF-73 is designed to fit neatly into that modern lifestyle.
The first thing Epson wants you to notice is the design, like, duh, obviously. The EF-73 does not look like something borrowed from a meeting room, and dare I say, very un-EPSON. The projector comes dressed in black with gold accents, and the top surface features a glossy glass panel that gives it a more premium look. It feels closer to a piece of home décor than a typical projector, the kind of device you can leave sitting on a shelf or bedside table without ruining the vibe of the room.
Inside, Epson equips the EF-73 with its proprietary TRIPLE CORE ENGINE optical system, which expands the color gamut and produces richer, more vivid images than earlier models such as the EF-21 and EF-22. The idea is simple. If people are going to rely on a projector for everyday entertainment, the picture has to hold up.
Entertainment is handled directly on the device thanks to Google TV, which gives users access to streaming services, including Netflix, without needing an external box or dongle. Audio is also taken care of with Sound by Bose, meaning the projector doubles as its own speaker system for movies, shows, and whatever else you feel like watching.
One feature that feels very much built for modern living is the Qi wireless charging pad integrated into the projector’s foot. Place a compatible smartphone on it, and the device begins charging without the need for cables cluttering up the space. Epson notes that when a phone is charging, the projector’s vertical tilt is limited to 45 degrees upward, which means ceiling projection is not possible during wireless charging.
All things considered, the EF-73 feels like Epson trying to turn the projector into something more casual and everyday rather than a gadget that comes out only for special occasions.
The Epson Lifestudio Flex Special Edition EF-73 will begin rolling out starting March 12, 2026, starting with its home market, Japan, for 198,000 yen [JP] (US$1,250).
Keep going for a product video in Japanese and more product images.
Images: Epson [JP].