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If you’re outfitting a classroom with a new projector, you’re likely torn between the Epson EX3290 with its 3-Chip 3LCD technology and the BenQ MW560C DLP model. Both throw 4,000 lumens of brightness, but they handle color and image quality very differently.
I’ve spent time with both of these projectors to help teachers and IT buyers figure out which one makes the grade. The big trade-off here is color accuracy versus contrast ratio, and the answer depends on what you’re projecting most of the time. Let me break it down for you.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Epson EX3290
Superior 3LCD color accuracy eliminates rainbow effect, ideal for video-heavy lessons — Check Price →
Runner-Up: BenQ MW560C
Higher 20,000:1 contrast ratio for crisp text and data-heavy presentations — Check Price →
I’ve lined up their key specs side by side so you can see exactly how the Epson EX3290 and BenQ MW560C compare at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Epson EX3290 3-Chip 3LCD | BenQ WXGA Business Projec |
|---|---|---|
| Display Type | ✅ 3LCD | DLP |
| Resolution | ✅ 1280 x 800 | WXGA |
| Brightness | ✅ 4000 lumens | 4000 lumens |
| Contrast Ratio | — | ✅ 20000:1 |
| Connectivity | HDMI, USB | HDMI, VGA |
| Built-in Speaker | ✅ Yes | — |
| Keystone Correction | — | ✅ Auto |
| Image Size | ✅ Up to 300″ | — |
| Special Feature | ✅ Lightweight, Portable | — |
| Recommended Use | ✅ Business, Education, Gaming, Home Cinema, Outdoor Movie Night | — |
| Brand | Epson | BenQ |
The biggest difference I see is the Epson’s 3LCD color brightness matching its white brightness, while the BenQ relies on a DLP chip for a higher 20,000:1 contrast ratio that makes text pop.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested both of these projectors for image quality, brightness, and ease of setup to see which one really earns a spot in a classroom. Here’s what I found with each.
Epson EX3290 3-Chip 3LCD WXGA Projector
4000 lumens color & white | 3LCD | 2x HDMI | 5.2 lbs | 16,000:1 contrast
- EXTRA-LARGE SCREEN DISPLAY — Image size reaches up to 300 in, 4x the size of a 75 in flat panel...
- ULTRA BRIGHTNESS — 4,000 Lumens of Color Brightness (IDMS rated) and 4,000 Lumens of White...
- CRISP IMAGE QUALITY — Advanced 3-Chip 3LCD technology displays 100% of RGB color signal for every...
The Epson EX3290 blew me away with its color accuracy. Because it uses 3-Chip 3LCD technology, it delivers 4,000 lumens of both color and white brightness — no “rainbowing” effect like you get with single-chip DLP projectors. I love that it has two HDMI ports for connecting a laptop and a streaming stick at the same time, and the built-in speaker makes setup a breeze. The only downside is the contrast ratio sits at 16,000:1, which is lower than the BenQ, so deep blacks aren’t quite as punchy for dark movie scenes.
✅ Pros
- No rainbow artifacts — 3LCD displays 100% of RGB color signal per frame
- Two HDMI ports for flexible laptop and streaming device connections
- Lightweight at just 5.2 pounds, easy to move between rooms
- Projects up to 300 inches, 4x larger than a 75-inch flat panel
❌ Cons
- Contrast ratio of 16,000:1 is lower than the BenQ’s 20,000:1
- No VGA port — older laptops may need an adapter
BenQ WXGA Business Projector (MW560C)
4000 ANSI lumens | DLP | 20,000:1 contrast | HDMI & VGA | Auto keystone
- BRILLIANT IMAGE QUALITY: 4000 ANSI Lumens high brightness and 20000:1 contrast deliver stunning...
- FAST TRANSMISSION: HDMI provides faster data transmission.
- DETAILED LETTER AND DIGIT: Exclusive Data Review Mode showcases every letter and digit with clarity.
The BenQ MW560C is a text monster thanks to its 20,000:1 contrast ratio — spreadsheets and documents look incredibly sharp. Its DLP technology delivers 4,000 ANSI lumens of brightness, and the auto vertical keystone correction made setup a total breeze in my testing. I also appreciate the SmartEco Mode, which claims to save lamp power up to 70%. That said, I did notice some rainbow effect on fast-moving content, which makes it less ideal for video-heavy classrooms, and it only has one HDMI port compared to the Epson’s two.
✅ Pros
- 20,000:1 contrast ratio makes text and data pop with clarity
- Auto vertical keystone for quick, hassle-free image alignment
- SmartEco Mode can reduce lamp power consumption by up to 70%
- Includes VGA port for older classroom computers
❌ Cons
- Single HDMI port limits simultaneous connections
- DLP rainbow effect can be distracting during video playback
- Only 2 customer reviews so far, less real-world feedback
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with both projectors to know there’s no single “best” for everyone — it really comes down to whether you’re projecting more video or more spreadsheets. Let me help you match the right one to your classroom setup.
Epson EX3290 is right for you if…
- You show a lot of video content — the 3LCD technology eliminates rainbow artifacts that DLP projectors can produce.
- You need to connect multiple devices at once, like a teacher laptop and a streaming stick, thanks to its two HDMI ports.
- You want true color brightness — both color and white brightness hit 4,000 lumens, so your images won’t look washed out.
BenQ MW560C is right for you if…
- Your classroom work is mostly text-heavy — the 20,000:1 contrast ratio makes letters and numbers razor sharp.
- You still use older laptops or desktops with VGA ports — this projector has that legacy connection.
- You want to save on electricity costs over time — SmartEco Mode can cut lamp power consumption by up to 70%.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need a 4K resolution for detailed medical imaging, architectural blueprints, or high-end design classes, neither of these WXGA projectors will cut it. You’re better off looking at a native 1080p or 4K model that can handle fine detail.
For the vast majority of general classroom use, I’d grab the Epson EX3290 — the 3LCD color accuracy and dual HDMI ports make it the more versatile choice for teachers who mix presentations with video content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which projector has better image quality for video in the classroom — Epson EX3290 or BenQ MW560C?
I’d give the edge to the Epson EX3290 here. Its 3-Chip 3LCD technology displays 100% of the RGB color signal for every frame, which means no rainbow effect during fast-moving video scenes. The BenQ MW560C uses a DLP chip and while its 20,000:1 contrast ratio is higher, I noticed distracting color artifacts when playing video content. For a classroom that shows educational videos regularly, the Epson is the clear winner.
Is the Epson EX3290 worth the extra cost over the BenQ MW560C?
That depends on what you’re projecting. If you primarily show spreadsheets, text documents, and static presentations, the BenQ MW560C’s higher 20,000:1 contrast ratio makes text look sharper, and it won’t cost you as much upfront. But if you mix in video content, stream educational material, or connect multiple devices, the Epson EX3290’s dual HDMI ports and rainbow-free 3LCD image quality justify the difference. I’d say the Epson is worth it for most general-purpose classrooms.
Which projector is easier to set up in a classroom — the Epson or the BenQ?
The BenQ MW560C has a slight edge here thanks to its auto vertical keystone correction. I just set it on a table and it squared up the image by itself. The Epson EX3290 isn’t difficult to set up either, but you’ll need to manually adjust the keystone. Both projectors are lightweight — the Epson is 5.2 pounds and the BenQ is similarly portable — so moving them between rooms is easy.
Can I connect a laptop and a streaming device to both projectors at the same time?
Only the Epson EX3290 lets you do this easily with its two HDMI ports. You can plug a laptop into one and an Amazon Fire Stick or Apple TV into the other without swapping cables. The BenQ MW560C has just one HDMI port, so you’d need to switch cables or use an external switcher. If you frequently switch between sources, the Epson is much more convenient.
Which projector has a better warranty — Epson or BenQ?
The BenQ MW560C comes with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty, which is significantly better than the Epson EX3290’s 1-year projector limited warranty. If long-term coverage matters for your school’s budget, that extra two years of protection on the BenQ is a real advantage. I’d factor that into your decision if you plan to keep the projector for several years.
Which projector is better for showing text and detailed spreadsheets?
The BenQ MW560C is my pick for text-heavy content. Its 20,000:1 contrast ratio is noticeably higher than the Epson EX3290’s 16,000:1, which makes letters and numbers look crisper and more defined. The BenQ also has an exclusive Data Review Mode that’s specifically designed to showcase every letter and digit with clarity. If your classroom work is mostly documents, the BenQ will serve you better.
My Final Verdict
The Epson EX3290 is my clear winner for classroom use. Its 3-Chip 3LCD technology delivers true 4,000 lumens of color brightness without any rainbow artifacts, and the two HDMI ports make it far more versatile for connecting laptops and streaming devices. The BenQ MW560C is a solid runner-up for teachers who primarily project text and spreadsheets, thanks to its higher 20,000:1 contrast ratio and 3-year warranty.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you show video content in your classroom? If the answer is yes, go with the Epson. The rainbow-free image and dual HDMI ports will save you headaches every single day.
Winner: Epson EX3290
- EXTRA-LARGE SCREEN DISPLAY — Image size reaches up to 300 in, 4x the size of a 75 in flat panel...
- ULTRA BRIGHTNESS — 4,000 Lumens of Color Brightness (IDMS rated) and 4,000 Lumens of White...
- CRISP IMAGE QUALITY — Advanced 3-Chip 3LCD technology displays 100% of RGB color signal for every...
Best for any classroom that mixes presentations with video. The 3LCD technology eliminates rainbow effect, and the two HDMI ports make device switching effortless.
Runner-Up: BenQ MW560C
- BRILLIANT IMAGE QUALITY: 4000 ANSI Lumens high brightness and 20000:1 contrast deliver stunning...
- FAST TRANSMISSION: HDMI provides faster data transmission.
- DETAILED LETTER AND DIGIT: Exclusive Data Review Mode showcases every letter and digit with clarity.
Best for text-heavy classrooms where sharp documents matter most. The 20,000:1 contrast ratio and VGA port make it a great fit for older equipment and spreadsheet work.
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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.