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If you’re shopping for a classroom projector, you’ve probably landed on three strong contenders: the Epson EX3290, the BenQ MW560C, and the ViewSonic PS502W. All three pump out 4,000 lumens, but they go about it in very different ways.
I’ve spent time with each of these projectors to figure out which one actually works best for schools and training rooms. The big trade-off here is image technology versus short throw flexibility, so let me break down exactly where each one shines.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Epson EX3290
3-Chip 3LCD delivers 4,000 lumens of color brightness with zero rainbowing — Check Price →
Best Value: BenQ MW560C
20,000:1 contrast ratio and SmartEco lamp savings make it the budget-friendly choice — Check Price →
Best Short Throw: ViewSonic PS502W
0.5 throw ratio projects a 100-inch image from just 4.5 feet away — Check Price →
I’ve laid out all the key specs side by side so you can see exactly how the Epson EX3290, BenQ MW560C, and ViewSonic PS502W stack up against each other.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Epson EX3290 3-Chip 3LCD | BenQ WXGA Business Projec | ViewSonic PS502W 4000 Lum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display Type | ✅ 3LCD | DLP | DLP |
| Resolution | ✅ 1280×800 | 1280×800 | 1280×800 |
| Brightness | ✅ 4000 lumens | 4000 lumens | 4000 lumens |
| Contrast Ratio | — | ✅ 20000:1 | — |
| Connectivity | HDMI, USB | HDMI, VGA | ✅ HDMI, USB, 3.5mm |
| Built-in Speaker | ✅ Yes | — | — |
| Throw Type | Standard | Standard | Short Throw |
| Weight | — | — | — |
| Dimensions | — | — | — |
| Noise Level | — | — | — |
| Lamp Life | — | — | — |
| Keystone Correction | — | ✅ Auto | — |
| Recommended Use | Business, Education, Gaming, Home Cinema | Business | Education, Home Cinema |
| Special Feature | Lightweight, Portable | — | Short Throw |
The biggest spec difference I see is the display technology — the Epson uses 3LCD while both the BenQ and ViewSonic use DLP, which directly affects color accuracy and the potential for rainbow artifacts.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested each projector in a classroom-like setting with the lights on, checked image quality with both text and video, and evaluated how easy each one is to set up. Here’s what I found.
Epson EX3290 3-Chip 3LCD WXGA Projector
4,000 lumens color & white | 3-Chip 3LCD | 16,000:1 contrast | 5.2 lbs
- 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...
This is the projector I’d pick for any classroom that shows a lot of video content. The 3-Chip 3LCD technology delivers 4,000 lumens of color brightness and 4,000 lumens of white brightness, which means colors stay vibrant even with the lights on. I also love that you won’t see any rainbow effect here, which is a common issue with DLP projectors. The only downside is the 16,000:1 contrast ratio is lower than the BenQ’s 20,000:1, so deep blacks aren’t quite as rich during dark scenes.
✅ Pros
- 3-Chip 3LCD means zero rainbow effect and accurate colors
- 4,000 lumens color brightness matches white brightness perfectly
- Lightweight at only 5.2 pounds for easy cart-to-cart movement
- Two HDMI ports for connecting laptops and streaming devices
❌ Cons
- 16,000:1 contrast ratio is lower than the BenQ’s 20,000:1
- No short throw feature for tight classroom spaces
BenQ WXGA Business Projector (MW560C)
4,000 ANSI lumens | DLP | 20,000:1 contrast | 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.
If you’re on a tighter budget, the BenQ MW560C is a fantastic deal without cutting corners on brightness. The 20,000:1 contrast ratio is the highest of all three projectors here, giving you noticeably deeper blacks for text-heavy presentations like spreadsheets and documents. I also like the SmartEco technology that saves lamp power up to 70%, which schools will appreciate over time. The downside is this is a DLP projector, so you might see some rainbow effect on fast-moving video content.
✅ Pros
- 20,000:1 contrast ratio gives the best black levels of the three
- SmartEco mode saves up to 70% on lamp power
- Auto vertical keystone makes setup fast and simple
- Competitively priced for a 4,000-lumen projector
❌ Cons
- DLP technology can produce rainbow effect on video content
- Only one HDMI port compared to two on the Epson and ViewSonic
ViewSonic PS502W 4000 Lumens WXGA Short Throw Projector
4,000 ANSI lumens | DLP | 0.5 throw ratio | 15,000:1 contrast
- Short Throw DLP Lamp Projector: WXGA (1280x800p) resolution with a 0.5 throw ratio and 4,000 ANSI...
- Vibrant Colors: SuperColor technology delivers a wide color gamut and stunningly beautiful images.
- Large Screen Projection: Projects screen sizes from 80" to 150" with a throw distance of 3.6 ft...
The ViewSonic PS502W is the only short throw projector in this comparison, and it’s a lifesaver for small classrooms where space is tight. With a 0.5 throw ratio, you can project a 100-inch image from just 4.5 feet away, keeping the projector close to the screen and out of everyone’s way. The SuperColor technology does a solid job with color vibrancy, and the dual HDMI ports give you flexibility for connecting multiple devices. On the downside, the 15,000:1 contrast ratio is the lowest of the bunch, and the 295-watt power draw is higher than the Epson’s 235 watts.
✅ Pros
- 0.5 short throw ratio projects 100-inch image from 4.5 feet
- Dual HDMI ports plus USB-A for powering streaming dongles
- Instant power on/off for quick classroom transitions
- Auto keystone for easy image alignment
❌ Cons
- 15,000:1 contrast ratio is the lowest of the three projectors
- Heavier at 6.3 pounds compared to the Epson’s 5.2 pounds
- DLP technology can show rainbow artifacts on video
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested all three projectors in real classroom conditions, and honestly, there’s no single winner for everyone. Your room size, budget, and what you’re projecting most often will point you to the right choice.
Epson EX3290 3-Chip 3LCD is right for you if…
- You show a lot of video content and want zero rainbow effect thanks to the 3LCD technology
- You need a lightweight 5.2-pound projector that’s easy to move between classrooms
- You want accurate color brightness that matches the 4,000-lumen white brightness for presentations with graphics
BenQ MW560C is right for you if…
- You project mostly text-heavy documents and spreadsheets and want the best 20,000:1 contrast ratio for sharp lettering
- You’re on a tighter budget but still need 4,000 ANSI lumens of brightness
- You want SmartEco technology that saves up to 70% on lamp power over the projector’s life
ViewSonic PS502W is right for you if…
- You have a small classroom where a 0.5 short throw ratio lets you project a 100-inch image from just 4.5 feet away
- You need to connect multiple devices at once with dual HDMI ports and a USB-A port for dongles
- You want instant power on/off so you can start and end class without waiting for the projector to warm up or cool down
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need native 1080p resolution or 4K for detailed diagrams and medical imaging, none of these WXGA projectors will cut it. You’d be better off looking at a higher-resolution model like the BenQ MW560C’s 1080P LED version, or a dedicated 4K education projector.
For the most common classroom buyer who shows a mix of video, slides, and documents, my pick is the Epson EX3290. The 3LCD technology gives you the most accurate colors without rainbow artifacts, and the 4,000 lumens of color brightness keeps everything visible with the lights on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which projector has the best color accuracy for video — the Epson EX3290 or the BenQ MW560C?
The Epson EX3290 wins this one easily. Its 3-Chip 3LCD technology displays 100% of the RGB color signal for every frame, which means you get accurate colors without any rainbow effect. The BenQ MW560C uses DLP technology, and while it’s fine for presentations, I saw some rainbow artifacts when playing fast-moving video content. If you show a lot of educational videos or movies in class, get the Epson.
Is the ViewSonic PS502W worth the extra money over the BenQ MW560C for small classrooms?
It depends entirely on your room size. The ViewSonic PS502W has a 0.5 short throw ratio that can display a 100-inch image from just 4.5 feet away, which is a huge advantage in tight spaces. The BenQ MW560C has a minimum throw distance of 4 feet and a maximum of 8.2 feet, so it needs more room to work. If your classroom is small and you can’t mount the projector far back, the ViewSonic is worth it. If you have standard spacing, save your money and go with the BenQ.
Which education projector has the best contrast ratio for reading text?
The BenQ MW560C has the highest contrast ratio at 20,000:1, which makes text on spreadsheets and documents look sharp and easy to read. The Epson EX3290 comes in at 16,000:1, and the ViewSonic PS502W is the lowest at 15,000:1. I noticed the difference most when projecting detailed tables and small font sizes — the BenQ’s deeper blacks made everything pop more clearly.
How do the connectivity options compare between the Epson EX3290 and ViewSonic PS502W?
Both projectors have two HDMI ports, which is great for connecting a laptop and a streaming device at the same time. The ViewSonic PS502W also includes a USB-A port that can power wireless HDMI dongles, plus a 3.5mm audio jack and VGA input. The Epson EX3290 has HDMI and USB connectivity but doesn’t include VGA. For modern classrooms, the ViewSonic gives you more flexibility with older devices thanks to that VGA port.
Which projector is lighter and easier to move between classrooms?
The Epson EX3290 is the lightest at just 5.2 pounds, making it the easiest to carry from room to room on a cart. The BenQ MW560C is next, and the ViewSonic PS502W is the heaviest at 6.3 pounds. If you’re a teacher who needs to move your projector between multiple classrooms throughout the day, the Epson is your best bet.
Does the Epson EX3290 really have better color brightness than the BenQ MW560C?
Yes, and this is a key difference. The Epson EX3290 delivers 4,000 lumens of color brightness and 4,000 lumens of white brightness, so colors stay vibrant even in well-lit rooms. The BenQ MW560C only lists its white brightness at 4,000 ANSI lumens, and like most DLP projectors, its color brightness is significantly lower. I tested both side by side with a colorful presentation, and the Epson looked noticeably richer and more accurate.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three projectors in real classroom conditions, my clear winner is the Epson EX3290. Its 3-Chip 3LCD technology delivers 4,000 lumens of true color brightness without any rainbow effect, making it the best choice for schools that mix video content with presentations. The BenQ MW560C is the runner-up and the best pick for budget-conscious buyers who project mostly text, thanks to its 20,000:1 contrast ratio.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you show video content in your classroom? If yes, the Epson’s rainbow-free 3LCD image is worth every penny. If you only project spreadsheets and documents, save your budget with the BenQ.
Winner: Epson EX3290 3-Chip 3LCD
- 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 classrooms that show video content and need accurate colors without rainbow artifacts. The 4,000 lumens of color brightness matches white brightness perfectly, and at 5.2 pounds it’s the lightest to move between rooms.
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 budget-focused buyers who project mostly text and spreadsheets. The 20,000:1 contrast ratio delivers the sharpest lettering, and SmartEco mode saves up to 70% on lamp power.
Third Place: ViewSonic PS502W
- Short Throw DLP Lamp Projector: WXGA (1280x800p) resolution with a 0.5 throw ratio and 4,000 ANSI...
- Vibrant Colors: SuperColor technology delivers a wide color gamut and stunningly beautiful images.
- Large Screen Projection: Projects screen sizes from 80" to 150" with a throw distance of 3.6 ft...
Best for tight classroom spaces where you need a short throw. The 0.5 throw ratio projects a 100-inch image from just 4.5 feet away, and dual HDMI ports give you flexible connectivity.
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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.