Optoma HD146X
A plain, bright 1080p projector for gamers and movie watchers who already own a streaming stick. Simple and responsive, but setup is all manual.
Amazon $599$599
The Optoma HD146X and the Epson Home Cinema 980 are evenly matched, rated 3.8 and 3.8. The Optoma HD146X leads on light life. The Epson Home Cinema 980 wins on setup and warranty. The Optoma HD146X costs $200.99 less ($599 vs $799.99).
Epson Home Cinema 980
A bright 1080p projector for living rooms and backyard movie nights where room light is hard to control. Add a streaming stick, since it has no apps of its own.
Amazon $799.99$799.99
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 Optoma HD146X for light life (15,000 hour lamp vs 12,000 hour lamp).
- Choose the Epson Home Cinema 980 for setup (Auto keystone, 1.2x zoom vs 1.1x zoom) and 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 1080p and under projector; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Optoma HD146X | Epson Home Cinema 980 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Brightness 25% | 100 3,600 ANSI lumens | 100 4,000 ISO 21118 lumens |
| Value 15% | 98 $0.17 per lumen | 94 $0.20 per lumen |
| Resolution 10% | 100 1920 x 1080 native | 100 1920 x 1080 native |
| Streaming 15% | 0 no built-in apps; needs a streaming stick | 0 no built-in apps; needs a streaming stick |
| Setup 10% | 20 1.1x zoom | 50 Auto keystone, 1.2x zoom |
| Light life 10% | 69 15,000 hour lamp | 50 12,000 hour lamp |
| Gaming 10% | 81 16 ms input lag | 50 input lag not published (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 5% | 0 1-year warranty | 50 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| Optoma HD146X | Epson Home Cinema 980 | |
|---|---|---|
| Picture | ||
| Brightness | 3,600 ANSI | 4,000 ISO 21118 |
| Native resolution | 1920 x 1080 (1080p) | 1920 x 1080 (1080p) |
| Picture resolution | 1080p | 1080p |
| Display | DLP | 3LCD |
| Light source | lamp | lamp |
| Light source life | 15,000 hours | 12,000 hours |
| Native contrast | 25,000:1 | - |
| Dynamic contrast | - | 16,000:1 |
| Placement | ||
| Throw | Standard throw (1.5:1) | Standard throw (1.2:1) |
| Largest image | 301 in | 300 in |
| Autofocus | No | No |
| Auto keystone | No | Yes |
| Obstacle avoidance | No | No |
| Auto screen fit | No | No |
| Optical zoom | 1.1x | 1.2x |
| Streaming and gaming | ||
| Built-in apps | None | None |
| Input lag | 16 ms | - |
| HDMI ports | 1 | 2 |
| eARC | No | - |
| Speakers | 5 W | 2 W |
| Build | ||
| Battery | None | None |
| Fan noise | 28 dB | 37 dB |
| Power | 295 W | 349 W |
| Dimensions | 12.44 x 9.61 x 4.25 in | 12.2 x 11.1 x 4.2 in |
| Weight | 6.2 lb | 6.8 lb |
| Warranty | 1 years | 2 years |
| Released | 2020-02 | 2025-08 |