The price of 4K projectors is finally dropping and you can find affordable options that include the BenQ HT3550 and Epson 3800. Both are true 4K projectors and similarly priced, but there are some differences you should know.
In comparison, the Epson 3800 does seem like a better projector (>>> Check how much does it cost on Amazon). Images are brighter and gamers will love the low input lag. However, when it comes to set up the BenQ HT3550 takes the lead.
If you want to make sure that you choose the right projector, it helps to compare the features. You’ll know exactly what you’re getting and whether it meets your needs, without any unpleasant surprises when you get the projector home.
BenQ HT3550 vs Epson 3800 Comparison
| BenQ HT3550 | Epson 3800 | |
|---|---|---|
 |  |
|
| Resolution | 3840x2160 | 1920x1080 4K w/pixel shifting |
| Contrast Ratio | 30,000:1 | 100,000:1 |
| Brightness (Lumens) | 2000 ANSI | 3000 ANSI |
| Throw Distance | 3.2' - 16.4' | 6.2' - 28.8' |
| Screen size | 30”-200” | 40”-300” |
| Input lag | 50-60ms | 16.7ms |
| Price | Find on Amazon Bhphotovideo.com | Find on Amazon ProjectorScreen.com Bhphotovideo.com |
Picture Quality
Both projectors boost true 4K ultra HD resolution. You will notice a difference in image quality if you’re used to 1080p. The Epson 3800 does produce a brighter picture with 3,000 lumens. Colors are vibrant in ambient light, without appearing faded.
The HT3550 has a lower lumens rating at 2,000. If you normally watch movies in dark rooms you won’t notice any color fading. However, images won’t be as crisp and clear if lights are left on. The 3800 also comes with a noticeably higher contrast ratio at 100,000:1 compared to the 30,000:1 you get with the HT3550.
Better Picture Quality: Epson 3800
Gaming Quality
Serious gamers won’t have any problems deciding which projector is best for them. While the HT3550 has an acceptable input lag at 50ms, but the 3800 can go as low as 16.7ms. Even fast-paced action games won’t show any noticeable delays.
The Epson model also comes with 12-bit image processing in real-time. A fast refresh rate also improves gaming quality. You do have to disable some settings to drop the lag time down, but it’s worth it for some gamers.
Better Gaming Quality: Epson 3800
Ease of Installation and Set-Up
The HT3550 from BenQ is easier to install and set up. It can be placed anywhere from 3’ to 16’ away from the screen. It’s also a breeze to align the images with the vertical lens and zoom. Various preset modes for image optimization ensure that the picture is perfectly aligned on the screen.
You will need more distance between the Epson 3800 and the screen, typically 12’ for a 120” image. Alignment options are also limited, making it more difficult to center the image.
Easier Installation: BenQ HT3550
BenQ HT3550
You’ll appreciate how easy it is to set up the HT3550. If you want a 100” image, the projector only needs eight feet of space. At three feet, images are smaller but it is an option if space is limited. Vertical lens shift and 1.3x zoom, along with factory-presets for picture mode ensure that the projector is ready for use in only a few minutes.
Even though this might not be a projector for serious gamers, it does produce impressive picture quality. The 3-chip technology is enhanced with tone mapping so colors are vivid and accurate. The projector does have a lower contrast ratio compared to some others, but its Dynamic Black technology prevents any noticeable drop in image detail.
The 2,000 lumens is ideal for watching movies and shows in dark rooms. While the lamp isn’t bright enough for viewing in ambient light, the projector does come with Active iris control. It works to minimize the effect of low light, but it’s still not enough to prevent some color fading.
Pros
- Shorter-throw distance
- Multiple preset picture modes
- Easy image alignment
- Color enhancing technology
- Factory aligned for easy setup
Cons
- Input lag is too high for serious gamers.
Epson 3800
You don’t need to use the 3800 in a completely dark room. With 3,000 lumens, images will still be bright and clear in ambient light. Common picture problems like rainbows and color banding aren’t an issue due to the 3-color chip and 12-bit image processing. You’ll enjoy accurate colors that are bold and vibrant.
With a 16.7 input lag, gamers will stay happy. Some settings might need to be adjusted, but it won’t interfere with image quality. Since frames are refreshed at 60fps, action sequences will be smooth without any choppiness or faint blurring.
It’s not difficult to set up the Epson 3800, but other projectors make it easier. It is a medium-throw projector so you’ll need to place it 12-feet from the screen for a 100” image. It’s also a little more difficult to align pictures with the zoom lens.
Pros
- Fast refresh rate
- Low input lag
- Smooth frame processing
- Bright images in ambient lighting
- High-contrast ratio
Cons
- The lack of alignment options can make it hard to center images.
Conclusion
There’s a lot to recommend with both the BenQ HT3550 and the Epson 3800. It comes down to what you’re looking for in a 4K projector. If you have a dedicated theater room and want a projector that is easy to install, the HT3550 deserves a look. If you know that ambient light will be a problem or want a 4K projector you can also game on, then the Epson 3800 is better suited for you (>>> Check how much does it cost on ProjectorScreen).