BenQ HT3550i vs Epson Home Cinema 3800

By Billy G. · Founder & Lead EditorVerified Jun 2 by Billy G.

BenQ HT3550i
BenQ HT3550i
Epson Home Cinema 3800
Epson Home Cinema 3800
Verified Confidence: 85%

Verdict: The BenQ HT3550i wins on black levels and HDR color accuracy; the Epson Home Cinema 3800 wins on brightness and rainbow-effect-free viewing.

BenQ HT3550i lists at $1,559 while Epson Home Cinema 3800 lists at $1,499 — Epson Home Cinema 3800 undercuts BenQ HT3550i by $60 (4%).

Winner: BenQ HT3550i

BenQ HT3550i: 7.5/10

Epson Home Cinema 3800: 7.3/10

Spec-by-spec comparison

BenQ HT3550iEpson Home Cinema 3800
TechnologyDLP (single chip)3LCD
Brightness2,000 lumens3,000 lumens
Color Gamut~96% DCI-P3~85% DCI-P3
Throw Ratio1.13–1.47:11.27–2.16:1
Rainbow EffectPossible (DLP)None (3LCD)
Smart TVAndroid TV built-inNone (HDMI only)

BenQ HT3550i

What works

  • 96% DCI-P3 color gamut — most color-accurate projector under $1,500
  • Excellent black levels for DLP technology
  • Android TV built-in — no external streaming device needed

What doesn't

  • 2,000 lumens insufficient for rooms with significant ambient light
  • Rainbow effect visible to approximately 10-15% of sensitive viewers
  • Narrower zoom range (1.13–1.47:1) — less installation flexibility

Epson Home Cinema 3800

What works

  • 3,000 lumens — 1,000 more than BenQ; better for rooms with ambient light
  • 3LCD technology eliminates rainbow effect entirely
  • 1.7x zoom lens for flexible throw distance (1.27–2.16:1)

What doesn't

  • No built-in smart TV platform — requires external streaming device
  • Lower color gamut coverage than BenQ's DCI-P3 filter
  • 3LCD can show slight color breakup at extreme off-axis viewing angles

Bottom line

Our pick: BenQ HT3550i.

View full comparison on GoodPickr

Related Comparisons

Browse all comparisons

View Interactive Comparison →

GoodPickr · Data-backed product comparisons