BenQ HT3550i vs Epson Home Cinema 3800
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.
How we scored it
Spec verificationOwner sentimentLive pricing (4h refresh)Editorial review
Our methodology
Winner: BenQ HT3550i
BenQ HT3550i: 7.5/10
Epson Home Cinema 3800: 7.3/10
Spec-by-spec comparison
| BenQ HT3550i | Epson Home Cinema 3800 | |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | DLP (single chip) | 3LCD |
| Brightness | 2,000 lumens | 3,000 lumens |
| Color Gamut | ~96% DCI-P3 | ~85% DCI-P3 |
| Throw Ratio | 1.13–1.47:1 | 1.27–2.16:1 |
| Rainbow Effect | Possible (DLP) | None (3LCD) |
| Smart TV | Android TV built-in | None (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
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