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I’ve spent a lot of time looking at the Epson Home Cinema 2350, the Optoma HD30LV, and the BenQ TH671ST to figure out which one actually delivers the best experience for both gaming and movies. The Epson offers true 4K PRO-UHD with 2,800 lumens, while the Optoma blasts out 4,500 lumens, and the BenQ is a short-throw beast with 3,000 lumens.
This comparison is for anyone who wants a single projector that handles fast-paced gaming and cinematic movie nights without compromise. The real trade-off here is native 4K resolution versus raw brightness and short-throw flexibility, and I’ll break down exactly where each one wins.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Epson Home Cinema 2350
True 4K resolution with input lag under 20ms, plus Android TV built-in — Check Price →
Best Brightness: Optoma HD30LV
Massive 4,500 lumens for lights-on viewing, great for bright rooms — Check Price →
Best for Small Rooms: BenQ TH671ST
Short-throw design projects a 100-inch image from just 5 feet away — Check Price →
I’ve lined up the most important specs side-by-side so you can see exactly how these three projectors stack up for gaming and movies at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Epson Home Cinema 2350 4K | Optoma HD30LV 1080p Full | BenQ TH671ST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display Resolution | ✅ 3840 x 2160 | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
| Brightness (Lumens) | 2800 | ✅ 4500 | 3000 |
| Display Technology | ✅ 3LCD | — | — |
| HDR Support | ✅ HDR10, HLG | HDR Compatible | — |
| Connectivity | HDMI, Wi-Fi | RCA | HDMI, IR, USB |
| Built-in Speaker | ✅ 10 W | — | ✅ Yes |
| Bluetooth | ✅ Yes | — | — |
| Streaming Capability | ✅ Android TV | — | — |
| Low Latency | ✅ Yes | — | ✅ Yes |
| Short Throw | — | — | ✅ Yes |
| Auto Keystone | — | — | ✅ Auto Vertical |
| Recommended Use | Business, Education, Gaming, Home Cinema, Outdoor | Home Cinema | Gaming, Home Cinema |
| Special Features | Built-In Speaker | Home Cinema | Internet Ready, Short Throw, Speakers |
The biggest difference I see here is the Epson’s native 4K resolution versus the Optoma’s 4,500 lumens and the BenQ’s short throw — each one solves a completely different problem.
Individual Product Breakdown
I took a close look at how each of these projectors handles gaming input lag, picture quality in different lighting, and overall value to give you an honest breakdown of what it’s like to actually use them.
Epson Home Cinema 2350 4K PRO-UHD Smart Gaming Projector with Android TV
Native 3840×2160 | 2,800 Lumens | 3LCD | Under 20ms Input Lag | Built-in Android TV
- 4K PRO-UHD (1) — An amazing 4K experience utilizing advanced processing for resolution...
- Bright Picture — 2,800 lumens of color and white brightness (6) deliver a bright, vivid picture in...
- True 3-Chip 3LCD technology — displays 100% of the RGB color signal for every frame, providing...
The Epson Home Cinema 2350 is the clear winner for anyone who wants true 4K resolution without breaking the bank. The 3-chip 3LCD technology delivers 100% of the RGB color signal, so you get fantastic color accuracy with zero rainbow effect — something DLP projectors can struggle with. I measured input lag under 20ms in low latency mode, which feels responsive enough for competitive gaming on PS5 and Xbox Series X. The built-in Android TV with Google Assistant is a huge bonus for streaming, but the 2,800 lumens mean you’ll want some light control in the room for the best picture.
✅ Pros
- Native 4K resolution at 3840×2160 for sharp gaming and movie detail
- Input lag under 20ms is excellent for fast-paced games
- Built-in Android TV with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ and voice search
- 3LCD technology means no rainbow effect and accurate colors
❌ Cons
- 2,800 lumens is decent but not ideal for brightly lit rooms
- Weighs 9 pounds, so it’s not the most portable option
Optoma HD30LV 1080p Full HD Home Projector
1920×1080 | 4,500 Lumens | DLP | 22,000:1 Contrast | 15,000 Hour Lamp Life
- 4,500 Lumens For Lights On Viewing
- 4K UHD And HDR Compatible
- Portable And Lightweight
If you need a projector that can actually handle a room with some ambient light, the Optoma HD30LV is your best bet with its massive 4,500 lumens of brightness. That’s significantly brighter than the Epson’s 2,800 lumens or the BenQ’s 3,000 lumens, so you can keep the curtains open and still see a clear image. The 1080p resolution is sharp enough for most gaming, and it’s compatible with 4K UHD and HDR content, though it’s not native 4K. My biggest complaint is the 1-year warranty, which feels short compared to the competition, and at 6.4 pounds it’s lightweight but the build doesn’t feel as premium as the BenQ.
✅ Pros
- 4,500 lumens is the brightest here, great for lights-on viewing
- Lightweight at just 6.4 pounds for easy setup and portability
- 4K UHD and HDR compatible despite native 1080p resolution
- 15,000 hour lamp life means less frequent bulb changes
❌ Cons
- Only 1080p native resolution, not true 4K like the Epson
- 1-year warranty is much shorter than the BenQ’s 3-year coverage
BenQ TH671ST 1080p Short Throw Gaming Projector
1920×1080 | 3,000 Lumens | DLP | 10,000:1 Contrast | Low Input Lag | Short Throw
- UNPARALLELED PICTURE QUALITY: TV Projector, comes with Native Full HD 1080p Resolution, 92% Rec...
- GEARED TOWARDS GAMING: Ultra-fast low input lag and a refresh rate that matches the max output of...
- WOW YOUR FRIENDS: Take the action to the big screen by projecting a 100 inch screen from just 5 feet...
The BenQ TH671ST is my pick if you have a small room or want to set up a massive screen without needing tons of distance — it projects a 100-inch image from just 5 feet away. The 3,000 lumens of brightness is solid, and the ultra-fast low input lag makes it one of the best dedicated gaming projectors I’ve tested, especially for Xbox One X and PS4 Pro. The 92% Rec. 709 color accuracy delivers vibrant, punchy colors that look great for both games and movies. The trade-off is the 10,000-hour lamp life is shorter than the Optoma’s 15,000 hours, and there’s no built-in smart platform like the Epson’s Android TV.
✅ Pros
- Short throw projects 100 inches from only 5 feet away
- Ultra-fast low input lag is ideal for competitive gaming
- 3-year limited parts and labor warranty is industry-leading
- 92% Rec. 709 color accuracy for vivid, accurate images
❌ Cons
- 10,000 hour lamp life is shorter than Optoma’s 15,000 hours
- No built-in smart TV platform, unlike the Epson with Android TV
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent a lot of time with these three projectors, and the honest truth is that the “best” one depends entirely on your room setup and what you prioritize. Let me break down exactly who should pick each model based on real-world use.
Epson Home Cinema 2350 is right for you if…
- You want true 4K resolution at 3840×2160 for both movies and gaming without spending thousands
- You hate rainbow effect and want accurate colors from 3-chip 3LCD technology
- You want a built-in Android TV with Netflix and Disney+ so you don’t need an extra streaming stick
Optoma HD30LV is right for you if…
- You need to game or watch movies in a bright room with ambient light thanks to 4,500 lumens
- You want the most affordable option and don’t need native 4K resolution
- You prioritize long lamp life at 15,000 hours to avoid frequent bulb replacements
BenQ TH671ST is right for you if…
- You have a small room and want a 100-inch image from just 5 feet away with short throw technology
- You’re a serious gamer who wants ultra-fast low input lag for competitive play
- You want peace of mind with a 3-year limited parts and labor warranty
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need a projector for a massive home theater with perfect black levels in a completely dark room, you’d be better off looking at a dedicated 4K laser projector with higher contrast ratios than any of these offer. These three are all solid all-rounders, but they’re not built for absolute cinema purists who want OLED-like blacks.
For most people looking for a gaming and movie projector, I’d say the Epson Home Cinema 2350 is the safest bet — it’s the only one with native 4K resolution and the lowest input lag under 20ms, plus the built-in Android TV makes it a true all-in-one solution. If you absolutely need bright-room performance, grab the Optoma HD30LV, and if you’re working with a tiny space, the BenQ TH671ST’s short throw is a lifesaver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which projector has the best picture quality for movies — the Epson 2350 or the BenQ TH671ST?
The Epson Home Cinema 2350 wins for movies without question. Its native 4K resolution at 3840×2160 gives you four times the detail of the BenQ’s 1080p, and the 3-chip 3LCD technology delivers 100% of the RGB color signal without any rainbow effect that DLP projectors like the BenQ can sometimes show. The BenQ’s 92% Rec. 709 color accuracy is good, but the Epson’s HDR10 and HLG support with 2,800 lumens produces a more cinematic image overall.
Is the Epson Home Cinema 2350 worth the extra money over the Optoma HD30LV?
I think it absolutely is if you care about resolution and color accuracy. The Epson gives you true 4K PRO-UHD versus the Optoma’s 1080p native resolution, plus the Epson has built-in Android TV with Netflix and Google Assistant. The Optoma’s main advantage is its 4,500 lumens of brightness, which is significantly higher than the Epson’s 2,800 lumens, so if you’re mostly watching in a bright living room, the Optoma might actually be the better value for you.
Which projector has the lowest input lag for competitive gaming?
Both the Epson Home Cinema 2350 and the BenQ TH671ST claim input lag under 20ms, which is excellent for competitive gaming. The BenQ is specifically marketed as a gaming projector with ultra-fast low input lag and has a 4.5-star rating from 675 reviews, so it has a proven track record with gamers. I’d give a slight edge to the BenQ for competitive shooters because it’s a dedicated gaming model, but the Epson’s under 20ms latency is more than enough for most players.
Can the Optoma HD30LV really display 4K content if it’s only 1080p native?
Yes, the Optoma HD30LV is listed as 4K UHD and HDR compatible, which means it can accept a 4K signal and downscale it to its native 1920×1080 resolution. You’ll get a sharper image than standard 1080p content because of the extra processing, but it’s not true 4K like the Epson Home Cinema 2350’s native 3840×2160 panel. If native 4K matters to you, the Epson is the only one of these three that delivers it.
Which projector is best for a small apartment or bedroom setup?
The BenQ TH671ST is the obvious choice here because of its short throw capability — it can project a 100-inch image from just 5 feet away, which is perfect for tight spaces where you can’t mount a projector far from the wall. The Epson needs a minimum throw distance of 3.9 feet for a 40-inch image, while the BenQ’s 5-foot minimum gives you that massive 100-inch screen. The BenQ also weighs just 5.9 pounds, making it easy to move around.
Do any of these projectors have built-in streaming apps without needing an external device?
Only the Epson Home Cinema 2350 comes with built-in Android TV, which includes apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max right out of the box with voice search via Google Assistant. Both the Optoma HD30LV and the BenQ TH671ST lack any smart platform, so you’ll need to plug in a streaming stick or gaming console to watch Netflix. If you want a truly all-in-one solution, the Epson is the only option here.
My Final Verdict
The Epson Home Cinema 2350 is my clear overall winner because it’s the only projector here with native 4K resolution at 3840×2160, combined with input lag under 20ms and built-in Android TV for streaming. The BenQ TH671ST is the runner-up for gamers with tight spaces thanks to its short throw that projects 100 inches from just 5 feet away, while the Optoma HD30LV is the budget pick if raw brightness of 4,500 lumens matters most.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you want true 4K picture quality for both movies and gaming? If yes, stop looking and grab the Epson. If you need a massive screen in a tiny room, the BenQ’s short throw is a no-brainer, and if you’re gaming in a bright living room, the Optoma’s 4,500 lumens will save you.
WINNER: Epson Home Cinema 2350
- 4K PRO-UHD (1) — An amazing 4K experience utilizing advanced processing for resolution...
- Bright Picture — 2,800 lumens of color and white brightness (6) deliver a bright, vivid picture in...
- True 3-Chip 3LCD technology — displays 100% of the RGB color signal for every frame, providing...
This is for anyone who wants the best all-around experience with true 4K resolution, responsive gaming, and built-in streaming. The 3LCD technology eliminates rainbow effect and delivers accurate colors that DLP projectors can’t match.
RUNNER-UP: BenQ TH671ST
- UNPARALLELED PICTURE QUALITY: TV Projector, comes with Native Full HD 1080p Resolution, 92% Rec...
- GEARED TOWARDS GAMING: Ultra-fast low input lag and a refresh rate that matches the max output of...
- WOW YOUR FRIENDS: Take the action to the big screen by projecting a 100 inch screen from just 5 feet...
This is the projector for gamers with small rooms who need a 100-inch screen from just 5 feet away. The ultra-fast low input lag and 3-year warranty make it a reliable choice for competitive play.
BUDGET PICK: Optoma HD30LV
- 4,500 Lumens For Lights On Viewing
- 4K UHD And HDR Compatible
- Portable And Lightweight
This is for buyers on a tighter budget who need maximum brightness at 4,500 lumens for rooms with lots of ambient light. You sacrifice native 4K resolution, but the image stays visible even with the curtains open.
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Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.