Best XGA Projector in 2023

If you are looking for a mainstream projector to impress your audience and effectively communicate in even well-lit spaces, then you should look at one of these three top-selling models of XGA projectors.  These models offer a traditional 4:3 format that is popular in businesses and classrooms for spreadsheets, engineering drawings and project management applications.  So which models are the best – and how much do they cost?  We’ll look at top selling models from brand leaders BenQ and Epson to help you decide using the following criteria:

• Brightness
• Lamp Life
• Image Quality
• Connectivity
• Usage & Maintenance
• Price
• Summary

The two most common imaging technologies used in projectors are either DLP technology from Texas Instruments, or LCD technology.   While both create award winning images, the DLP technology used by the BenQ models is based on the same technologies used in digital cinema theaters.   While XGA projectors have lower resolution than the latest 4K projectors, the DLP technology used on the BenQ models virtually eliminates the “screen door effect” where you can see the lines between the pixels on the screen by filling over 96% of the pixel space with light.  This keeps small text and details visible and easy to read on the screen.

Versatility is key in collaboration environments.  You never know when you need an extra input or need to plug in a legacy device to display on the screen.   Let’s look at what options come with each projector model.  Here – the BenQ MX536 and MX835STH have a dozen different connectors – while the Epson has just three.  Here are the details.

Most people think you can use a projector the same way as you can a TV.  With the ability for a lamp to last 20,000 hours, an XGA projector can be a very effective way to create digital signage or messaging in public spaces like hotel lobbies and car dealerships.   But there are significant differences between the most popular models from Epson and BenQ.

First, according to the warranty, the Epson EX3280 can be damaged by “excessive, continual use” which is not covered under the warranty.  The BenQ projectors don’t have any usage limitations – so you can use them as much as you want.  Secondly, the Epson projector has a filter that must be regularly cleaned – or the projector will overheat and be damaged.  Failure to maintain the projector can void the warranty.   The BenQ projector is designed to work without a filter due to its advanced DLP imaging technology – and does not lose color fidelity over time – which is why DLP is used in Digital Cinema theaters.

All three projectors are quite affordable.   As you can see above, the BenQ models are more advanced, are brighter, have better connectivity, longer lasting lamps, and in the case of the MX825STH – a short throw lens.  The Epson EX3280 is cheaper.