Optoma ZH340ST vs ML1080ST: Which Portable Laser Projector is Best for Your Needs?

[Harry Williams]

Introduce​

Parameter	Optoma ZH340ST​	Optoma ML1080ST​
Picture​	​	​
Price​	$1249​	$989.01​
Recommended Uses​	Education, Business​	SMB and Work From Home, Road Warrior, Home Cinema, Gaming​
Highlight​	Model: ZH340ST Use Case: Professional (offices, classrooms) Brightness: 3,200 lumens Light Source: DuraCore laser (30,000 hours lifespan) Dust Resistance: IPX6 Projection Distance: 120" image from 4' 4" Input Connectors: Dual HDMI, USB Dimensions: 8.5" x 10.8" Power Consumption: 45% of typical lamp-based projectors Maintenance: Low (no lamp/filter replacements)​	Type: Small RGB laser projector Focus: Time of Flight (Advanced Auto Focus) Video Quality: RGB Triple Laser, 100% REC.709, 98% DCI-P3 Input Lag: 23ms for 1080p60 and 4K60 (Enhanced Game Mode, Auto Low Latency Mode) Streaming Capability: Downloadable apps with optional EZC-USB Wireless adapter Resolution: 1080p with 4K input Inputs: HDMI 2.1, two USB Type C, USB-A Features: Media player, built-in speaker, 9 Display Modes, Bluetooth, casting, screen mirroring, file manager, signage mode, premium carry case​

Side-by-Side Comparison​

Display​

Parameter	Optoma ZH340ST​	Optoma ML1080ST​
Screen Size​	30 Inches - 300 Inches​	60 Inches - 100 Inches​
Throw Distance​	0.3 Meters - 3.3 Meters​	1.59 Meters - 2.66 Meters​
Contrast Ratio​	300000:1​	300000:1​
Display Resolution​	1920 x 1080 Pixels​	1920 x 1080 Pixels​
Native Resolution​	1920 x 1080​	1920 x 1080​
Brightness​	3200 Lumen​	1200 Lumen​
Display Type​	Laser​	Laser​
Picture Quality Enhancement​	-​	-​

Features​

Parameter	Optoma ZH340ST​	Optoma ML1080ST​
Video Encoding​	-​	-​
Lamp Wattage​	-​	33 Watts​
Light Source Life​	30000 Hours​	30000 Hours​
Controller Type​	Remote Control​	Remote Control​
Control Method​	Remote​	Remote​
Mount Type​	Tabletop Mount​	Tripod Mount​
Noteworthy Features​	Low Power Consumption, DuraCore Laser Technology, Full HD 1080P Resolution, Compact Size, Short Throw​	Enhanced Game Mode w/ ALLM, Ultra-Portable Short Throw, RGB Laser Technology, Time-of-Flight (ToF) Technology, 100% REC.709 | 98% DCI-P3​

Connectivity​

Parameter	Optoma ZH340ST​	Optoma ML1080ST​
Connectivity Technology​	USB, HDMI​	USB, HDMI, 3.5mm Audio​
Hardware Connectivity​	USB, HDMI, 3.5mm Audio​	USB, HDMI, 3.5mm Audio​
Compatible Devices​	Laptop, Mac Computer, Ultra Mobile, Tablet, Smartphone​	Media Players, PC/Laptop, Tablet, Next Gen Gaming Console, Smartphone​

Measurements​

Parameter	Optoma ZH340ST​	Optoma ML1080ST​
Dimensions L x W x H​	-​	-​
Item Weight​	6.61 Pounds​	4.5 Pounds​

Conclusion​

Product	PROS AND CONS​
Optoma ZH340ST​	Pros • Easy Setup - Quick installation, ready to project in under 10 minutes • Brightness - Performs well in lit rooms, overcoming strong lighting • Menu Options - Minimal adjustments needed out of the box • Remote Control - User-friendly navigation • Picture Size / Range - Capable of projecting large images from a distance • Sound - Improved acoustic accuracy compared to older models Cons • Color Uniformity - Significant issues with brightness and color uniformity, particularly a blue hue in large areas of the image • Brightness Hotspots - Noticeable hotspots when running single color tests • Power On Issue - Cannot power on via web interface, only off Overall Impression This projector offers impressive brightness and an easy setup process, making it suitable for various environments. However, significant color uniformity issues may be a deal breaker for users seeking high-quality visuals, particularly for gaming. While it excels in certain areas, potential buyers should be aware of these drawbacks before purchasing.
Optoma ML1080ST​	Pros: • Absolutely tiny. Easily fits in a standard briefcase or a carry-on. • Extremely bright. Astonishingly so. • Can be mounted on a tripod, providing more setup options. • Surprisingly short throw; can be placed fairly near the screen. • Compact packaging, including an HDMI cable and micro tripod. • Durable; survived a drop from about 3 feet without damage. • Suitable for 90% of presentation needs. Cons: • Has 3 fans, which can be a bit "whiny." • No zoom; requires physically moving the unit for adjustments. • Short throw may necessitate closer placement to the screen, which is not always ideal. • External power brick is large and cumbersome. • Color accuracy isn't perfect; tends to have a red cast. • Focus can change from top to bottom when positioned close to the screen. Overall Impression: The projector is impressively compact and bright, making it a solid choice for presentations on the go. While it has some drawbacks, such as noise from the fans and limited zoom capabilities, its small size, durability, and extensive usability for most presentation needs make it worth the investment.