Epson Home Cinema 980
#14 in Native 1080pFull review
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
The Epson Home Cinema 980 is the better projector overall, rated 3.8 to 3.3. The Epson Home Cinema 980 leads on brightness. The VISSPL H81 wins on streaming and setup. The VISSPL H81 costs $650 less ($149.99 vs $799.99).
VISSPL H81
#62 in Native 1080pFull review
A very cheap native 1080p mini projector with licensed Netflix for dark bedrooms. Disregard its 4000 ANSI claim.
Amazon $149.99$149.99
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 Epson Home Cinema 980 for brightness (4,000 ISO 21118 lumens vs listed 4,000 lumens rating not credible).
- Choose the VISSPL H81 for streaming (Maker OS with licensed Netflix vs no built-in apps; needs a streaming stick) and setup (Autofocus, auto keystone vs Auto keystone, 1.2x zoom).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every native 1080p projector; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Epson Home Cinema 980 | VISSPL H81 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Brightness 25% | 100 4,000 ISO 21118 lumens | 0 listed 4,000 lumens rating not credible |
| Value 15% | 94 $0.20 per lumen | 50 no rated brightness (neutral score used) |
| Resolution 10% | 100 1920 x 1080 native | 100 1920 x 1080 native |
| Streaming 15% | 0 no built-in apps; needs a streaming stick | 100 Maker OS with licensed Netflix |
| Setup 10% | 50 Auto keystone, 1.2x zoom | 60 Autofocus, auto keystone |
| Light life 10% | 50 12,000 hour lamp | 50 light source life not published (neutral score used) |
| Gaming 10% | 50 input lag not published (neutral score used) | 50 input lag not published (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 5% | 50 2-year warranty | 50 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| Epson Home Cinema 980 | VISSPL H81 | |
|---|---|---|
| Picture | ||
| Brightness | 4,000 ISO 21118 | 4,000 ANSI (listed, not credible) |
| Native resolution | 1920 x 1080 (1080p) | 1920 x 1080 (1080p) |
| Picture resolution | 1080p | 1080p |
| Display | 3LCD | - |
| Light source | lamp | - |
| Light source life | 12,000 hours | - |
| HDR | - | HDR10+ |
| Dynamic contrast | 16,000:1 | - |
| Placement | ||
| Throw | Standard throw (1.2:1) | Standard throw |
| Largest image | 300 in | 300 in |
| Autofocus | No | Yes |
| Auto keystone | Yes | - |
| Obstacle avoidance | No | - |
| Auto screen fit | No | Yes |
| Optical zoom | 1.2x | - |
| Streaming and gaming | ||
| Built-in apps | None | Maker OS, licensed Netflix |
| HDMI ports | 2 | - |
| Speakers | 2 W | - |
| Build | ||
| Battery | None | None |
| Fan noise | 37 dB | - |
| Power | 349 W | - |
| Dimensions | 12.2 x 11.1 x 4.2 in | 6.3 x 6.3 x 3.1 in |
| Weight | 6.8 lb | 2.6 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
| Released | 2025-08 | - |