Hisense C3
#7 in 4KFull review
A bright, self-setting lifestyle projector for buyers who want to move a big picture between rooms or onto the ceiling, with streaming built in.
Amazon $1,999.99$1,999.99
The Hisense C3 is the better projector overall, rated 4.4 to 3.5. The Hisense C3 leads on streaming, light life and setup. The Epson Home Cinema 3800 wins on value and brightness. The Epson Home Cinema 3800 costs $370 less ($1,629.99 vs $1,999.99).
Epson Home Cinema 3800
#23 in 4KFull review
A bright 3LCD home theater projector with flexible placement, for movie rooms more than fast gaming.
Amazon $1,629.99$1,629.99
Prices 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 Hisense C3 for streaming (VIDAA with licensed Netflix vs no built-in apps; needs a streaming stick), light life (25,000 hour RGB laser vs 5,000 hour lamp) and setup (Autofocus, auto keystone, 1.3x zoom vs 1.6x zoom, lens shift).
- Choose the Epson Home Cinema 3800 for value ($0.54 per lumen vs $0.80 per lumen) and brightness (3,000 ISO 21118 lumens vs 2,500 ANSI lumens).
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 | Hisense C3 | Epson Home Cinema 3800 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.4/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Brightness 25% | 77 2,500 ANSI lumens | 86 3,000 ISO 21118 lumens |
| Value 15% | 71 $0.80 per lumen | 86 $0.54 per lumen |
| Resolution 10% | 100 4K (pixel shift) | 100 4K (pixel shift) |
| Streaming 15% | 100 VIDAA with licensed Netflix | 0 no built-in apps; needs a streaming stick |
| Setup 10% | 80 Autofocus, auto keystone, 1.3x zoom | 40 1.6x zoom, lens shift |
| Light life 10% | 100 25,000 hour RGB laser | 6 5,000 hour lamp |
| Gaming 10% | 71 20 ms input lag | 50 input lag not published (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 5% | 50 warranty not published (neutral score used) | 50 2-year warranty |
Independent measurements
Hisense C3
No independent test published yet.
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
| Hisense C3 | Epson Home Cinema 3800 | |
|---|---|---|
| Picture | ||
| Brightness | 2,500 ANSI | 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 | RGB laser | lamp |
| Light source life | 25,000 hours | 5,000 hours |
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG | HDR10, HLG |
| Color gamut | 110% BT.2020 | - |
| Native contrast | 2,000:1 | - |
| Dynamic contrast | - | 100,000:1 |
| Placement | ||
| Throw | Standard throw (1:1) | 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 | 1.3x | 1.6x |
| Lens shift | - | Horizontal and vertical |
| Streaming and gaming | ||
| Built-in apps | VIDAA, licensed Netflix | None |
| Input lag | 20 ms | - |
| Top refresh rate | 240 Hz | 60 Hz |
| HDMI ports | 2 | 2 |
| eARC | Yes | - |
| Speakers | 20 W | 20 W |
| Build | ||
| Battery | None | None |
| Fan noise | 26 dB | 35 dB |
| Power | 180 W | 406 W |
| Dimensions | 246 x 246 x 252 mm (9.7 x 9.7 x 9.9 in) | 16.1 x 13.0 x 6.5 in (W x D x H) |
| Weight | 13.7 lb | 15.2 lb |
| Warranty | - | 2 years |
| Released | 2026-02 | 2019-10 |