A bright, self-adjusting smart 4K projector for a living room, best for movies and TV rather than fast games.
Amazon $1,299The Dangbei MP1 Max is the better projector overall, rated 4.4 to 3.5. The Dangbei MP1 Max leads on streaming, light life and setup. The Epson Home Cinema 3800 wins on warranty. The Dangbei MP1 Max costs $330.99 less ($1,299 vs $1,629.99).
A bright 3LCD home theater projector with flexible placement, for movie rooms more than fast gaming.
Amazon $1,629.99Prices were last checked October 29, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Dangbei MP1 Max for streaming (Google TV with licensed Netflix vs no built-in apps; needs a streaming stick), light life (30,000 hour hybrid laser vs 5,000 hour lamp) and setup (Autofocus, auto keystone vs 1.6x zoom, lens shift).
- Choose the Epson Home Cinema 3800 for warranty (2-year warranty vs 1-year warranty).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every 4K projector; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Dangbei MP1 Max | Epson Home Cinema 3800 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.4/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Brightness 25% | 88 3,100 ISO lumens | 86 3,000 ISO 21118 lumens |
| Value 15% | 93 $0.42 per lumen | 86 $0.54 per lumen |
| Resolution 10% | 100 4K (pixel shift) | 100 4K (pixel shift) |
| Streaming 15% | 100 Google TV with licensed Netflix | 0 no built-in apps; needs a streaming stick |
| Setup 10% | 60 Autofocus, auto keystone | 40 1.6x zoom, lens shift |
| Light life 10% | 100 30,000 hour hybrid laser | 6 5,000 hour lamp |
| Gaming 10% | 50 input lag not published (neutral score used) | 50 input lag not published (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 5% | 0 1-year warranty | 50 2-year warranty |
Independent measurements
Dangbei MP1 Max
| Tested by | Brightness | Input lag | Contrast | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ProjectorCentral | 3,084 lm | 35 ms | - | 3,084 ANSI lumens in Game mode, High Performance power (2,751 Standard, 1,924 Eco). Input lag 35 ms at 1080p/60 and 4K/60 in Game mode. |
Epson Home Cinema 3800
| Tested by | Brightness | Input lag | Contrast | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ProjectorCentral | 2,912 lm | 20.6 ms | - | 2,912 ANSI lumens in Dynamic mode, High power (1,615 Natural Eco, 1,204 Cinema Eco). Lag 20.6 ms at 4K, 28 ms at 1080p. |
Specifications
| Dangbei MP1 Max | Epson Home Cinema 3800 | |
|---|---|---|
| Picture | ||
| Brightness | 3,100 ISO | 3,000 ISO 21118 |
| Native resolution | 1920 x 1080 (1080p) | 1920 x 1080 (1080p) |
| Picture resolution | 4K (pixel shift from 1920x1080) | 4K (pixel shift from 1920x1080) |
| Display | DLP | 3LCD |
| Light source | hybrid laser | lamp |
| Light source life | 30,000 hours | 5,000 hours |
| HDR | HDR10+, HDR10, HLG | HDR10, HLG |
| Color gamut | 110% BT.2020 | - |
| Dynamic contrast | - | 100,000:1 |
| Placement | ||
| Throw | Standard throw (1.2:1) | Standard throw (1.3:1) |
| Largest image | 300 in | 300 in |
| Autofocus | Yes | No |
| Auto keystone | Yes | No |
| Obstacle avoidance | Yes | No |
| Auto screen fit | Yes | No |
| Optical zoom | None | 1.6x |
| Lens shift | - | Horizontal and vertical |
| Streaming and gaming | ||
| Built-in apps | Google TV, licensed Netflix | None |
| Top refresh rate | 240 Hz | 60 Hz |
| HDMI ports | 2 | 2 |
| eARC | Yes | - |
| Speakers | 24 W | 20 W |
| Build | ||
| Battery | None | None |
| Fan noise | 24 dB | 35 dB |
| Power | 190 W | 406 W |
| Dimensions | 11.65 x 9.06 x 9.71 in (W x D x H) | 16.1 x 13.0 x 6.5 in (W x D x H) |
| Weight | 12.4 lb | 15.2 lb |
| Warranty | 1 years | 2 years |
| Released | 2025-06-24 | 2019-10 |
