Epson Lifestyle home theater projectors are known for their ability to produce stunning images with rich colors and sharp details. The models in the Lifestyle line are also a breeze to install. While the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS500 and the LS300 are both short-throw laser projectors with exceptional image quality, there are also differences between the two.
When it comes to comparing the two LS laser projectors, the LS500 model comes out ahead with image quality (>>> Check on Amaon). The Epson LS300, however, will make audiophiles happy. If you’re not sure which projector best fits your needs, it helps to take a closer look at their features.
Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS500 vs LS300 Specifications:
| Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS500 | Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS300 | |
|---|---|---|
 |  |
|
| Resolution | 1920x1080 4K w/pixel shifting | 1920 x 1080 |
| Contrast Ratio | 2,500,000:1 | 1,500,000:1 |
| Brightness (Lumens) | 4,000 | 3,600 |
| Throw Distance | 0.7' - 1.9' | 1" - 15.2" |
| Screen size | 70" - 130" | 61" - 120" |
| Input lag | 16.7ms | No data |
| Internal Speakers | 10.0 Watts × 2 | 5.0 Watts × 2 |
| Price | Find on Amazon ProjectorScreen.com Bhphotovideo.com | Find on Amazon ProjectorScreen.com Bhphotovideo.com |
Both projectors will make you feel like you’re watching movies at the theater but there are significant differences that might make one a better option for you.
Image Quality
You won’t complain about image quality, no matter which projector you take home. On-screen pictures are bold and bright, with accurate colors. The Epson LS500 does produce slightly brighter and more dynamic images. It boasts a contrast ratio of 2,500,000:1, compared to the 1,500,000:1 on the EpiqVision LS300.
The laser light source is also brighter with the LS500 model, though not by much, and both are capable of counteracting ambient light. What sets Epson’s LS500 apart is its 4K Pro-UHD pixel-shifting technology. Details are enhanced for even sharper on-screen images. The LS300 home laser projector has a 1080p resolution, but it is compatible with HLG and 4K HDR10 signals.
Better Image Quality: Epson LS500
Installation and Ease of Use
The Epson LS500 and LS300 are short-throw projectors with flexible installations. You won’t have any trouble installing either model in your home, apartment, or even dorm room. The LS500 projector does require a few more inches to throw a 100” image, but not enough to make setup difficult.
The LS300 laser projector is around 4lbs lighter but at 15.9lbs. it’s still a sturdy component you don’t want to move around. Manual focus and fixed focal length are standard with both, along with digital zoom and keystone correction for easy image alignment.
Easier installation: Epson LS500 & Epson LS300
Sound Quality
Audio is something that most home theater projectors overlook. Instead, relying on consumers to have an existing sound system setup at home. The LS500 projector comes with 2 10-watt internal speakers. The audio quality won’t impress you, but it is a step up from most television speakers.
For the EpiqVision LS300 projector, Epson partnered with sound engineers from Yamaha. The 2.1 speaker sound system delivers immersive sound across all ranges. Even though sound quality might not surpass top-of-the-line soundbars, audiophiles are still impressed.
Better Sound Quality: Epson LS300
Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS500
With 1920x1080p resolution and 4K pixel-shifting technology, you’ll enjoy a cinematic experience at home. Images are crisp, bold, and detailed, even in darker scenes. Along with 10-bit color processing, you also have the benefit of a dynamic contrast ratio. Whites are crisp, and blacks are rich with plenty of depth.
You only need 1 to 3 feet of space for 100” images. You’ll also appreciate how easy it is to center the on-screen picture. With horizontal and vertical keystone correction, along with digital zoom, it won’t take long to set the projector up. You also have the advantage of geometric correction which makes it even easier to align the images. You do want to watch out for the projector’s weight. It’s a solid 20.5lbs.
The Android operating system and on-screen interface make it easy to find your favorite streaming channels. You can also download streaming apps While the LS500 laser projector might not completely replace your TV, it does come close.
Pros
- Immersive picture quality
- Flexible installation
- Dynamic contrast ratio
- Android OS
- Bright images in ambient lighting
Cons
- The small internal speakers are not capable of producing high-quality audio.
Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS300
The latest addition to Epson’s EpiqVision Lifestyle Projector line is the LS300. Like the other projectors in the line, you’ll enjoy stunningly clear images. The laser lamp ensures bright images in ambient lighting, and the dynamic contrast ratio produces crisp whites and deep blacks. While it is a 1080p resolution projector, it is compatible with HDR10 content.
Installing the short-throw projector is easy. You only need a few inches to cast 100” on-screen images. Digital keystone correction and zoom help you center images. It also comes with geometric correction. You won’t have any trouble getting your images aligned on the screen.
While the Android OS and TV interface are great. It lets you stream all of your favorite content directly to the screen. What makes this projector different is it’s Yamaha engineered built-in sound system. The 2.1 system handles upper and lower frequencies, giving you full, rich sound to match the cinema-quality images.
Pros
- 1 built-in sound system
- Crisp, bold images
- Accurate colors
- Easy to install
- Advanced 3LCD technology
Cons
- Some 4K content may not appear as vivid and detailed with the projector.
Conclusion
There is something to recommend with both the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS500 and the LS300 home laser projectors, making it difficult for some consumers to make a choice. The Ultra LS500 is the winner when it comes to image quality, but the LS300 projector is the leader in sound quality.
When it’s time to decide between the two short-throw projectors, decide which is more important. If you want image quality, the LS500 model is the best option (>>> Find the current price on ProjectorScreen). However, if you don’t mind losing a little image detail and sound is the most important feature, the Epson LS300 delivers.