You won’t have any problems finding 4K projectors. Unlike a few years ago, when choices were limited to only a few, you have more options than you want to research. A glance at a list of top-rated 4K projectors does help narrow your choices.
Two projectors that always make the list are the BenQ TK850 and the Epson 3800. Both are 4K projectors with similar features that include image quality, throw range, and set up. A closer look shows that each projector is best suited for different use. Resolution is better on the TK850, but if you want low input lag and great sound the 3800 is a better fit (>>> Find on Amazon).
BenQ TK850 vs Epson 3800 Specifications:
| BenQ TK850 | Epson 3800 | |
|---|---|---|
 |  |
|
| Resolution | 3840x2160 | 1920x1080 4K w/pixel shifting |
| Contrast Ratio | 30,000:1 | 100,000:1 |
| Brightness (Lumens) | 3,000 ANSI | 3,000 ANSI |
| Throw Distance | 3.2' - 24.6' | 6.2' - 28.8' |
| Screen size | 30" - 300" | 40" - 300" |
| Input lag | 83ms | 21ms |
| Internal Speakers | 5.0 Watts × 2 | 10.0 Watts × 2 |
| Price | Find on Amazon Bhphotovideo.com | Find on Amazon ProjectorScreen.com Bhphotovideo.com |
If the image quality is all you care about, you’ll be happy with either of these 4K projectors. Both have a 3,000 lumens rating and produce bright, crisp images. However, most consumers want more from a 4K projector and this is when their differences come into play.
Resolution and Contrast Ratio
While the 3800 uses pixel-shifting technology to produce 4K images, the TK850 boasts true 4K resolution. Instead of the approximately 4 million pixels with the 3800, you get 8.3 million per frame with the BenQ TK850. Images are sharper with more detail.
The TK850 also has a contrast ratio of 100,000:1, compared to the 30,000:1 on the 3800. Blacks are deeper and richer. Whites are crisp and bright even in ambient lighting.
Better Resolution and Contrast Ratio: BenQ TK850
Gaming Performance
Even though the image quality is a factor for gamers, there’s a more important one. Gamers need a low input speed. Input or latency speed is the time it takes for a command from your controller to appear on the screen. There are some games, like GTA and Mortal Kombat that you don’t want any delays. It can mean your character’s life.
Anything over 30ms is too slow for most games, and the BenQ TK850 has an input lag of around 30ms. The Epson 3800 has a latency speed of 28ms when you’re not in gaming mode. You will lose 4K resolution in gaming mode, but input drops to 16ms.
Better Gaming Performance: Epson 3800
Sound Quality
You’re not going to get surround sound from a 4K projector without external speakers. The TK850 comes with two 5W speakers that produce clear volume and have an acceptable output. You can hear dialogue across the room.
Audio quality is better with the 3800. It comes with two 10W speakers that produce cinematic quality sound. The speakers aren’t ideal for music, but they’re great for dialogue and sound effects. You’ll feel like you’re at the theater with the Epson 3800.
Better Sound Quality: Epson 3800
BenQ TK850 Review
The BenQ TK850 boasts a true 4K resolution. You will notice the difference 8.3 million pixels make. You get outstanding image clarity and definition. The 3,000 lumens light source prevents pictures from looking washed out in ambient lighting.
To ensure optimal image quality, the TK850 uses a 10-element crystal lens array. The all-glass lens allows the perfect amount of light to pass through, so every frame is bright, crisp, and detailed. To ensure smooth frame-by-frame motion in fast-paced scenes, switch to the Dedicated Sport mode. It eliminates any annoying blurring, so you don’t miss any of the action.
It’s a breeze to set the projector up. Cinematic color technology ensures accurate colors out of the box. It also only weighs 9.3lbs making it easily portable for backyard movie nights. 1.3x zoom and lens shift gives you a flexible installation whether the projector is on a table or ceiling mounted.
Pros
- Bright, immersive picture
- Dynamic iris
- 10-element crystal lens array
- Flexible installation
- Sport and Cinema modes
Cons
- Input lag is too slow for most shooter and racing games
Epson 3800 Review
The Epson 3800 uses pixel-shifting technology to produce 4K images. It uses true 3LCD technology to produce accurate colors without bleeding or rainbowing. A 3,000 lumens rating prevents ambient light from being a problem. Images are bright and clear with the lights on. HDR support ensures every image is crisp with vivid colors.
Weighing 6lbs, you won’t have a problem installing the projector. Its lighter weight also makes it easy to move if you want to host an outdoor movie showing. Manual zoom, along with horizontal and vertical lens shift make it easy to adjust the picture even when the lens isn’t centered on the screen.
Gamers not only get to see their characters come to life on the screen. The 3800 also has a low latency rate of 16ms. You will lose some image quality, but you don’t have to worry about slow input lag. Even first-person shooter games will play smoothly. With plenty of ports, including HDMI and USB, you can connect all of your gaming consoles.
Pros
- 3LCD chip
- Bright, vivid colors
- Multiple inputs
- Flexible installation
- Low input lag
Cons
- Images aren’t as bright and crisp as you get with true 4K technology
Conclusion
You can’t go wrong with either of these projectors. You get immersive images with both models. The projectors are also easy to install and operate. Even first-time users won’t have a problem.
When you’re comparing the BenQ TK850 vs the Epson 3800, it comes down to what you want from a 4K projector. If you want the best image quality, the BenQ TK850 produces a brighter, clearer image. It also has an input lag that’s acceptable for casual gamers (>>> Check on Bhphotovideo).
However, the Epson 8500 is a better fit for gamers. It also produces better sound quality. When it’s time for you to choose one projector over the other, take a minute to think about which features are important to you.