Epson vs BenQ: Which Projector Delivers Better Home Theater Experience – Ultra Short-throw or Portable Convenience?

promicoy

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  1. 1 Specs
  2. 2 Which is better
In the world of home entertainment, the choice often comes down to how you want to experience your movies and games. On one side, we have the Epson Home Cinema LS100 Projector, a sleek, powerful option that promises a transcendent viewing experience with its ultra-bright laser technology and stunning contrast ratio. It’s designed for those who want a permanent fixture that delivers sharp, immersive images without the hassle of cables or shadows.

On the other hand, the BenQ GV50 Portable Projector caters to a different lifestyle. With its flexible design and built-in Google TV, it offers a laidback approach to movie nights, allowing for easy adjustments and a cozy setup right from your bedside. This projector is all about versatility and convenience, perfect for those who prioritize a portable solution without sacrificing quality.

So, which projector is right for you? The Epson LS100, with its home theater focus, or the versatile, on-the-go BenQ GV50? Let’s dive into the details to see how they stack up against each other.

Specs​

Parameter
Epson Home Cinema LS100 Projector​
BenQ GV50 Portable Projector​
Picture​
EpsonHomeCinemaLS100Projector.jpg
BenQGV50PortableProjector.jpg
Reference Price​
$2995​
$749​
Recommended Uses​
Home Cinema​
Education, Home Cinema, Gaming, Business​
Built-In Media​
epson projector​
Adaptor, User Manual, Warranty Card, Remote​
Highlight​
Transcendent viewing experience — place the projector just inches from the wall and get sharp, life-size images in Full HD resolution up to 10' diagonal — with no long cables, no shadows, and no glare — for a modern entertainment solution that won’t detract from your décor.
Ultra bright laser technology — with a powerful 4,000 lumens of equal color and white brightness (1) for 100% Color Brightness, plus Instant ON/OFF.
Deep Black contrast ratio — features an extraordinary contrast ratio up to 2,500,000:1, for exceptionally deep blacks and brilliant, vivid colors. Focal Length: 4.2 mm
BEDSIDE LAIDBACK MOVIE NIGHTS: Best Portable Projector for those at home Cozy Movie nights. With a Flexible base design with Two-stage Tilt, 135° Vertical, and 360° Horizontal adjustments for perfect bedside ceiling projection.
ALWAYS SQUARED IMAGES: Auto Focus, Auto 2D Keystone & Rotation for effortless for perfectly squared projections. This is the best projector for gaming and entertainment in general.
UPGRADED ENTERTAINMENT HUB: This TV Projector comes with Built-in Google TV with Netflix, Google Assistant, and support for AirPlay & Chromecast from various devices.
Screen Size​
N/A - 120 Inches​
120 Inches - 120 Inches​
Throw Distance​
-​
4.9 Feet - 10.5 Feet​
Contrast Ratio​
Up to 2,500,000:1​
-​
Maximum Resolution​
1920 x 1080​
1980 x 1080​
Native Resolution​
1920 x 1200​
1920 x 1080​
Brightness​
-​
500 lumen​
Display Type​
LCD​
Laser​
Other Features​
Portable​
Built-In Speaker, Auto Obstacle Avoidance, Portable, Auto Screen Alignment, Auto Focus​
Video Encoding​
AVC​
H.264, H.265​
LightSource Life​
20000 Hours​
-​
Controller Type​
Button Control​
Remote Control​
Connectivity Technology​
HDMI
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, HDMI
Compatible Devices​
Television, Gaming Console, Laptop, Speaker, Smartphone, Tablet​
Laptop, Gaming Console, Smartphone​
Wattage​
310 watts​
18 watts​
Mount Type​
Wall Mount​
Tabletop Mount​

Which is better​

Parameter
Epson Home Cinema LS100 Projector​
BenQ GV50 Portable Projector​
Compare​
System Experience
Setting up the Epson Home Cinema LS100 projector was an interesting experience for me. I've always been a bit intimidated by projectors, but I found that this one was surprisingly user-friendly. It took some time to adjust the height and distance to get the image just right, especially since I was eager to make the most of its ultra-short throw capabilities. The instructions could have been clearer regarding the connection points, which are somewhat hidden, but once I figured it out, it was smooth sailing. The projector fit snugly on my table just a few inches from the wall, which was a huge relief compared to the hassle of traditional long-throw projectors.

Viewing Experience
The picture quality of the LS100 really blew me away. Even in a moderately lit room, the brightness was impressive. I was genuinely surprised at how clear and vibrant the colors appeared. I remember inviting friends over for a movie night, and their reactions were priceless—they couldn’t believe how massive and vivid the projected image was. The projector handled darker scenes beautifully, and during our evening gatherings, it created an atmosphere that rivaled any large TV. It was a game changer for our movie nights, transforming our living room into an impressive home theater.

Other Experience
One thing that stood out to me was the noise level from the fan. While I expected some sound from a projector, the LS100 was a bit louder than I anticipated, especially if cranked up to full brightness. However, it became less noticeable once the movie started. I also appreciated the built-in speakers, but I quickly realized that for a truly immersive experience, I’d need to hook it up to my sound system. The overall functionality was solid, but there were some quirks with the remote control—like when it accidentally powered on multiple devices at once.

Conclusion
Pros:
The biggest pros for me were the incredible picture quality and the ultra-short throw design. I loved that I could achieve a large screen size without having to mount the projector on the ceiling or deal with complicated setup. The fact that it uses laser technology means I won’t have to worry about bulb replacements, which is a huge plus for my busy lifestyle. It also offers a variety of connection options, which made it easy to integrate with my existing tech setup.

Cons:
On the downside, the projector is quite bulky, which might be an issue for those looking for something more portable. I found it a bit cumbersome when trying to adjust its position after setup. Additionally, the instructions for adjusting the image could use some improvement, as I spent some time puzzling through the keystone and image shift settings. The fan noise at higher brightness levels was also a minor annoyance, but it was manageable during most movie-watching scenarios.

Overall Evaluation:
Overall, I’m genuinely happy with my decision to invest in the Epson Home Cinema LS100. It has transformed my viewing experience, providing a much larger screen than my previous TV setup and delivering stunning picture quality. The few quirks I encountered were easily overlooked due to the projector’s performance and the excitement it brings to movie nights with friends and family. I would absolutely recommend this projector to anyone who values high-quality visuals and an immersive experience, as long as they’re aware of its size and some minor setup challenges.
System Experience
Setting up the BenQ GV50 Portable Projector was an adventure in itself. Initially, I was thrilled by the idea of transforming my bedroom into a mini-theater or even catching up on my favorite shows while lounging on the balcony. However, I encountered a few hiccups along the way. The setup was a bit trickier than I anticipated, especially when trying to get the keystone correction just right for projecting from odd angles. I would have loved a more straightforward process, but once I got everything in place, the excitement made it all worthwhile.

Viewing Experience
When it comes to picture quality, I was genuinely impressed. The bright and vibrant colors really brought my movies and games to life. The smart feature for picture placement turned out to be a game-changer, allowing me to project images on the wall without the need to constantly adjust the projector itself. It felt like I was experiencing films and sports in a way I hadn’t before, and I loved how engaging everything looked, especially when cozied up in bed.

Other Experience
While the projector itself is a joy to use, I did face some frustrations with the apps. It was disheartening when the BenQ apps didn’t function properly and had trouble connecting to the projector. I even found myself accidentally changing the language to one I couldn't understand, which made me feel quite helpless for a bit. This aspect certainly detracted from my overall enjoyment, as I had to spend extra time troubleshooting.

Conclusion
Pros:
The design of the GV50 is simply adorable! It's compact, easy to carry around, and has this charming round shape that makes it stand out. The battery life is another major plus; it lasts long enough for a binge-watching session without needing to recharge constantly. The auto object avoidance and electronic image positioning features are fantastic, making it easy to adapt to different environments. Overall, it’s an incredibly user-friendly projector that seems to have everything I could want for my movie nights.

Cons:
Unfortunately, there are a few downsides. The tilt functionality of the stand could use some improvement, as it feels a bit wonky. I often find myself propping it up with a book, which is hardly ideal. Additionally, I noticed some lag in transitions and sound quality that didn’t meet my expectations. These issues can be frustrating, especially in moments when I just want to kick back and enjoy a show.

Overall Evaluation:
Despite the minor setbacks, the BenQ GV50 Portable Projector has brought a lot of joy into my life. It's an incredible blend of functionality, portability, and cuteness that I never knew I needed. I can see myself carrying it around like a cherished companion, ready for spontaneous movie nights or gaming sessions. If you’re looking for a versatile projector that can add a little magic to your space, I wholeheartedly recommend giving the GV50 a try. It’s not perfect, but its charm and performance make it worth the investment.
 
Hey there!

So, I’ve been rocking my Epson Home Cinema LS100 projector since January 2018, and let me tell you, it’s been a champ! I’ve had it running non-stop, day and night, until May 2019. It’s done its job like a pro with no hiccups at all. Just last month, though, I noticed the picture quality took a little dive, but honestly, it’s still been pretty solid overall. No complaints from me!
 

Roy_Knable

New member
So, I totally got sucked in by an Instagram ad and ended up ordering the BenQ GV50 Portable Projector on a total whim. Honestly, I couldn’t help but think how awesome it would be to have a second screen for gaming or catching sports. Plus, it’s super easy to move around, so I can chill in bed and watch stuff on the ceiling or take it out on the balcony when the weather’s nice. After spending a whole weekend binge-watching sports, I’m seriously so glad I made the leap! This thing is amazing!
 
Yo, have you checked out the BenQ GV50 Portable Projector? It's pretty awesome! The smart picture placement feature is a game changer—I didn't think it would matter that much, but wow, it really does! The sound and picture quality are just top-notch. Honestly, it might just be the best in its class!
 

AwesomenessDjD

New member
So, I’ve got the Epson Home Cinema LS100 projector, right? The native aspect ratio is 16:10, but the screen it projects onto is 16:9. I spent a whole hour on the phone with support trying to figure out how to eliminate this annoying white line at the top and bottom of the screen. Honestly, the video quality feels like a downgrade from what I expected. Not super impressed!
 

Byte_hoven

New member
So, I got my hands on the Epson Home Cinema LS100 projector, and at first, I was super excited. But not long after I set it up, it started flickering on and off like it was having a meltdown. Then it just crashed on me, and the fan went into overdrive—like it was trying to take off! Plus, there were these flashing warning lights on the front that were definitely not comforting.

I decided to return it, and I gotta say, the company really nailed it with their customer service. They sent me a new one in just a day, which was awesome.

I would've given it a solid 4 stars if it wasn't for that defective unit. But honestly, at that price, it should be flawless, so I can't quite give it a full 5.
 
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