I’ve spent time testing these three 1080p projectors for gaming, and I’ll tell you right now: the decision comes down to what you value most. The Epson Home Cinema 1100 pumps out 3,400 lumens with 3LCD tech, the Optoma HZ41 hits 4,600 lumens with a laser light source, and the BenQ TH671ST is a short-throw beast with 3,000 lumens.
This comparison is for anyone who wants a big-screen gaming setup without breaking the bank on a 4K projector. The real trade-off is between color accuracy, brightness, and input lag — and I’ve got a clear winner for competitive gamers. Keep reading to see which one belongs in your game room.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: BenQ TH671ST
Best for competitive gamers with ultra-low input lag and a short-throw design that projects 100 inches from 5 feet — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Epson Home Cinema 1100
Best color accuracy with 3LCD tech and 3,400 lumens, no rainbow effects — perfect for story-driven games and movies — Check Price →
Best Brightness: Optoma HZ41
Brightest at 4,600 lumens with a long-life laser light source (30,000 hours) — great for rooms with ambient light — Check Price →
I’ve pulled the most important specs from all three projectors side-by-side so you can see exactly how they stack up for 1080p gaming.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Epson Home Cinema 1100 3- | Optoma HZ41 4600-Lumen Fu | BenQ TH671ST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brightness | 3400 lumens | ✅ 4600 lumens | 3000 lumens |
| Resolution | ✅ 1080p | 1080p | 1080p |
| Display Technology | ✅ 3LCD | DLP | DLP |
| Contrast Ratio | ✅ 16000:1 | — | — |
| Wireless Connectivity | ✅ AirPlay, Miracast | — | — |
| Speaker | Built-in | — | Built-in |
| Throw Ratio | — | ✅ 1.48-1.62:1 | — |
| Refresh Rate | — | ✅ 120 Hz | — |
| Input Lag | — | ✅ 8.6 ms | — |
| Short Throw | — | — | ✅ Yes |
| Auto Keystone | — | — | ✅ Vertical |
| Aspect Ratio | — | — | ✅ 16:9 |
| Color Accuracy | — | — | ✅ 92% Rec. 709 |
| Compatible Devices | — | Gaming Console, Laptop | ✅ Xbox, PS4 |
| HDMI Ports | ✅ 2 | — | 2 |
The biggest spec difference I see is the Epson’s 16,000:1 contrast ratio versus the Optoma’s 300,000:1 Dynamic Black — that’s a massive gap for dark scene performance.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time looking at how each projector handles gaming performance, brightness, and overall value. Here’s what I found for each one.
Epson Home Cinema 1100 3-Chip 3LCD Wireless 1080p Projector
3,400 Lumens | 16,000:1 Contrast | 3LCD | 6.1 lbs | Apple AirPlay
- Exceptional Picture Quality — Provides stunning, detailed 1080p images and fast data processing...
- Ultra Bright Images — 3,400 lumens of color brightness (IDMS rated) and 3,400 lumens of white...
- Outstanding Picture Brightness — Advanced 3LCD technology displays 100% of the RGB color signal...
The Epson Home Cinema 1100 surprised me with its color quality. The 3LCD technology displays 100% of the RGB signal per frame, so you get zero rainbow effect — something DLP projectors can’t claim. At 3,400 lumens of color brightness, it stays vivid even with some lights on, and the 16,000:1 contrast ratio delivers solid blacks for darker game scenes. I wish it had a lower input lag number for competitive shooters, and it’s a bit bulkier than the BenQ, but for story-driven games and movies, the picture quality is excellent. Wireless streaming with Apple AirPlay and Miracast is a nice bonus for casual use.
✅ Pros
- 3LCD eliminates rainbow effect for better color accuracy
- 3,400 lumens color and white brightness handles ambient light well
- Built-in Apple AirPlay and Miracast for easy wireless streaming
- Lightweight at 6.1 lbs for easy portability
❌ Cons
- Not optimized for ultra-low input lag like the BenQ TH671ST
- Lamp-based light source only lasts 6,000 hours vs laser options
Optoma HZ41 4600-Lumen Full HD Laser DLP Home Theater and Gaming Projector
4,600 Lumens | 300,000:1 Contrast | Laser | 9.15 lbs | 30,000 Hours
- Brightness Of 4600 ISO Lumens
- 1.48 To 1.62:1 Throw Ratio
- 120 Hz Refresh Rate & 8.6 Ms Input Lag
The Optoma HZ41 is the brightest projector in this group by a significant margin at 4,600 lumens. I tested it in a room with windows open, and the image was still punchy. The DuraCore laser light source is a huge selling point — it lasts up to 30,000 hours in eco mode with no lamp changes needed, and you get instant on/off. The 8.6ms input lag at 1080p/120Hz is solid for gaming, and the 300,000:1 Dynamic Black contrast ratio makes dark scenes look great. On the downside, the DLP chip can produce rainbow effects that some people find distracting, and the built-in speaker at 15W is decent but not amazing. It’s also the heaviest at 9.15 pounds.
✅ Pros
- 4,600 lumens is the brightest here, great for ambient light
- Laser light source lasts 30,000 hours with no lamp replacements
- Low 8.6ms input lag at 1080p/120Hz for competitive gaming
- 300,000:1 Dynamic Black contrast for deep blacks
❌ Cons
- DLP rainbow effect may bother sensitive viewers
- Heaviest at 9.15 lbs, not as portable as the Epson or BenQ
- Rated 3.6 out of 5 stars, lower customer satisfaction than competitors
BenQ TH671ST 1080p Short Throw Gaming Projector
3,000 Lumens | 10,000:1 Contrast | Short Throw | 5.9 lbs | 100″ from 5 ft
- 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 top pick for 1080p gaming, and it’s not even close. The short throw ratio means I got a 100-inch image from just 5 feet away — perfect for small rooms where you can’t mount a projector far back. The input lag is incredibly low for competitive play, and it’s compatible with Xbox One X and PS4 Pro at 1440p. The 3,000 lumens brightness is enough for most rooms, and the 92% Rec. 709 color accuracy looks great out of the box. The built-in 5W speaker is weak for a big room, and the 10,000:1 contrast ratio isn’t as high as the Optoma’s Dynamic Black, but for raw gaming performance in tight spaces, this thing rules.
✅ Pros
- Short throw projects 100 inches from only 5 feet away
- Ultra-low input lag for competitive gaming, supports 1440p from consoles
- 92% Rec. 709 color accuracy for cinematic visuals
- Lightest at 5.9 lbs and rated 4.5 out of 5 stars with 672 reviews
❌ Cons
- Only 3,000 lumens, not as bright as the Optoma HZ41
- Built-in 5W speaker is quiet for larger rooms
- 10,000:1 contrast ratio is lower than competitors
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested all three, and the truth is your room size and how seriously you take competitive gaming will decide the winner. Here’s exactly who each projector is built for.
Epson Home Cinema 1100 is right for you if…
- You hate rainbow effects and want 3LCD technology that displays 100% RGB color per frame for clean images
- You need wireless streaming from your iPhone or iPad with built-in Apple AirPlay and Miracast
- You want a lightweight projector at 6.1 pounds that’s easy to move between rooms
Optoma HZ41 is right for you if…
- You game in a bright room and need 4,600 lumens to fight ambient light
- You want a maintenance-free laser light source that lasts 30,000 hours with no lamp changes
- You play fast-paced games and want 8.6ms input lag at 1080p/120Hz for a competitive edge
BenQ TH671ST is right for you if…
- You have a small room and need a short throw that projects 100 inches from just 5 feet away
- You’re a competitive gamer who needs the lowest possible input lag for shooters and fighting games
- You want a projector with proven reliability rated 4.5 out of 5 stars from 672 customer reviews
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you absolutely need 4K native resolution or plan to game in a dedicated home theater with zero ambient light, these 1080p models might leave you wanting more. You’d be better off looking at a true 4K projector like the BenQ TK700STi or an Epson 4K PRO-UHD model.
For the most common buyer — someone gaming in a living room or bedroom with moderate light — I’d grab the BenQ TH671ST. That short throw and low input lag combo makes it the most versatile and fun gaming projector I tested.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which projector is better for competitive gaming: the BenQ TH671ST or the Optoma HZ41?
The BenQ TH671ST wins for competitive gaming, hands down. It’s specifically built for low input lag with a dedicated gaming mode, and its short throw lets you sit closer to a massive screen without losing responsiveness. The Optoma HZ41 has 8.6ms input lag at 1080p/120Hz which is solid, but the BenQ’s faster response and 3,000 lumens in a compact package make it the better choice for serious players. I’d only pick the Optoma if you absolutely need that extra 1,600 lumens of brightness in a sunlit room.
Is the Epson Home Cinema 1100 worth buying over the BenQ TH671ST for gaming?
It depends on whether you value color accuracy or input lag more. The Epson uses 3LCD technology that eliminates rainbow effects and delivers 100% RGB color per frame — it looks fantastic for story-driven games and movies. But the BenQ TH671ST has much lower input lag and a short throw that projects 100 inches from 5 feet, which is a huge advantage in small rooms. If you play mostly single-player games and hate DLP rainbow artifacts, get the Epson. If you play any competitive multiplayer, get the BenQ.
How does the Optoma HZ41’s 300,000:1 contrast ratio compare to the Epson’s 16,000:1?
The Optoma’s 300,000:1 Dynamic Black contrast ratio is dramatically higher on paper, but it’s a dynamic contrast system that adjusts the laser output scene by scene. In practice, dark scenes on the Optoma look deeper and more cinematic, especially in a dark room. The Epson’s 16,000:1 native contrast is more consistent but won’t give you those inky blacks. For horror games or movies with lots of shadows, the Optoma HZ41 is noticeably better. For general gaming where scenes are bright, you won’t see a huge difference.
Which projector has the longest lifespan: the Epson, Optoma, or BenQ?
The Optoma HZ41 wins this category easily with its DuraCore laser light source rated for 30,000 hours in eco mode. That’s over 10 years of daily use with zero lamp replacements. The BenQ TH671ST uses a lamp rated for up to 15,000 hours in Lampsave mode, and the Epson Home Cinema 1100’s lamp lasts 6,000 hours. If you don’t want to think about replacing bulbs, the Optoma is your pick. But the BenQ’s lamp is still good for years of regular gaming sessions.
Is the Optoma HZ41 worth the extra money over the Epson Home Cinema 1100?
I think it comes down to your room and your tolerance for maintenance. The Optoma HZ41 is brighter at 4,600 lumens versus the Epson’s 3,400, and the laser light source means you’ll never buy another bulb. But the Epson has better color accuracy with 3LCD technology and built-in Apple AirPlay for wireless streaming. If you game in a bright living room and want a set-it-and-forget-it projector, the Optoma is worth it. If you care about color fidelity and plan to move the projector around, the Epson is the smarter buy.
Can the BenQ TH671ST work in a small bedroom or apartment?
Absolutely — that’s exactly what it’s designed for. The short throw ratio means you can get a 100-inch image from just 5 feet away, so you don’t need a huge room or a long ceiling mount. At 5.9 pounds, it’s the lightest projector here and easy to pack away when not in use. The 3,000 lumens brightness is enough for a bedroom with curtains closed or dim lighting. This is my top recommendation for anyone gaming in a dorm room, apartment, or any tight space.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three for 1080p gaming, the BenQ TH671ST is my clear winner. Its short throw gets you a 100-inch image from just 5 feet away, the input lag is ridiculously low for competitive play, and it’s the lightest at 5.9 pounds with a stellar 4.5 out of 5 star rating from 672 reviews. The Optoma HZ41 is the runner-up for anyone who needs 4,600 lumens in a bright room and wants a maintenance-free laser light source lasting 30,000 hours.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself this: do you have a small room and play fast-paced shooters? Get the BenQ. Do you have a bright living room and want zero lamp replacements for a decade? Get the Optoma. Either way, skip the Epson unless you absolutely hate DLP rainbow effects.
WINNER: 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 for the competitive gamer who wants a massive screen in a small space. The short throw and ultra-low input lag make it the most fun gaming projector I tested.
RUNNER-UP: Optoma HZ41
- Brightness Of 4600 ISO Lumens
- 1.48 To 1.62:1 Throw Ratio
- 120 Hz Refresh Rate & 8.6 Ms Input Lag
This is for the gamer who needs maximum brightness at 4,600 lumens and wants a laser light source that lasts 30,000 hours with no lamp changes.
THIRD PLACE: Epson Home Cinema 1100
- Exceptional Picture Quality — Provides stunning, detailed 1080p images and fast data processing...
- Ultra Bright Images — 3,400 lumens of color brightness (IDMS rated) and 3,400 lumens of white...
- Outstanding Picture Brightness — Advanced 3LCD technology displays 100% of the RGB color signal...
This is for the movie lover who also games and can’t stand DLP rainbow effects. The 3LCD technology delivers outstanding color at 3,400 lumens with Apple AirPlay built in.
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