Optoma UHD38x
#20 in 4KFull review
A cheap, very bright 4K lamp projector for gamers and sports fans who can add a streaming stick and place it carefully.
Amazon $999$999
The Optoma UHD38x rates 3.9 among 4K projectors; the Optoma HD146X rates 3.8 among 1080p and under ones. The Optoma HD146X costs $400 less ($599 vs $999).
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
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.
Scores side by side
These two sit in different type classes (4K and 1080p and under), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own type peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | Optoma UHD38x | Optoma HD146X |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.9/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Brightness 25% | 100 4,000 ANSI lumens | 100 3,600 ANSI lumens |
| Value 15% | 100 $0.25 per lumen | 98 $0.17 per lumen |
| Resolution 10% | 100 4K (pixel shift) | 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 | 20 1.1x zoom |
| Light life 10% | 69 15,000 hour lamp | 69 15,000 hour lamp |
| Gaming 10% | 100 4.2 ms input lag | 81 16 ms input lag |
| Warranty 5% | 0 1-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| Optoma UHD38x | Optoma HD146X | |
|---|---|---|
| Picture | ||
| Brightness | 4,000 ANSI | 3,600 ANSI |
| Native resolution | 1920 x 1080 (1080p) | 1920 x 1080 (1080p) |
| Picture resolution | 4K (pixel shift from 1920x1080) | 1080p |
| Display | DLP | DLP |
| Light source | lamp | lamp |
| Light source life | 15,000 hours | 15,000 hours |
| HDR | HDR10, HLG | - |
| Native contrast | - | 25,000:1 |
| Dynamic contrast | 1,000,000:1 | - |
| Placement | ||
| Throw | Standard throw (1.5:1) | Standard throw (1.5:1) |
| Largest image | 300 in | 301 in |
| Autofocus | No | No |
| Auto keystone | No | No |
| Obstacle avoidance | No | No |
| Auto screen fit | No | No |
| Optical zoom | 1.1x | 1.1x |
| Streaming and gaming | ||
| Built-in apps | None | None |
| Input lag | 4.2 ms | 16 ms |
| Top refresh rate | 240 Hz | - |
| HDMI ports | 2 | 1 |
| eARC | - | No |
| Speakers | 10 W | 5 W |
| Build | ||
| Battery | None | None |
| Fan noise | 28 dB | 28 dB |
| Power | 305 W | 295 W |
| Dimensions | 12.4 x 10.63 x 4.65 in (W x D x H) | 12.44 x 9.61 x 4.25 in |
| Weight | 8.8 lb | 6.2 lb |
| Warranty | 1 years | 1 years |
| Released | 2022-12 | 2020-02 |