Buying Guide

Epson LS800 VS Epson LS500: What Are the Differences?

Epson LS800 is a new UST (Ultra Short Throw) projector released in early September. The projector has many things in common with Epson LS500. In this guide, we will compare the two projectors from different perspectives, including appearance, image, throw ratio, smart features, connectivity, and audio, helping you to know their differences.

Epson LS800 VS Epson LS500: Overview

Epson LS800 and Epson LS500 are both UST laser projectors. They have the same 4K resolution and the same brightness of 4,000 lumens, but Epson LS800 is better in cost-efficiency, image contrast, smart features, and audio.

Epson LS800 VS Epson LS500: Appearance

Epson LS800 and Epson LS500 both have two optional colors, including black and white.

Epson LS800

Epson LS800 is similar to Epson LS500 in terms of the front panel and they both have a front panel made of cloth with rich textures. The lens module of the Epson LS800 is located at the long groove of the top panel while Epson LS500 has a mounted optical module on the top panel of the projector.

Epson LS500

In terms of dimension and weight, Epson LS500 is slightly lighter and smaller.

ModelsEpson LS800Epson LS500
Optional ColorsWhite/BlackWhite/Black
Dimension69.5 x 34.1 x 15.6 cm45.7 x 37.3 x 22.9 cm
Weight12.3 kg9.3 kg

Epson LS800 VS Epson LS500: Image

Epson LS800 and Epson LS500 have the same 4,000 lumens (measured in accordance with ISO 21118:2020) and 4K Pro UHD resolution. However, Epson LS800 has a higher contrast and bigger projection size than Epson LS500. Higher contrast means the image has more details and gradation and bigger screen provides immersive viewing experience.

ModelsEpson LS800Epson LS500
Brightness4,000 Lumens4,000 Lumens
Resolution4K PRO UHD4K PRO UHD
Contrast2,500,000: 12,000,000:1
Image Size80 inches – 150 inches70 inches – 130 inches

Epson LS800 VS Epson LS500: Throw Ratio

For UST projectors, the throw ratio is critical. The shorter the throw ratio and the short the throw distance to get a big image.

Through the table below, we can see that Epson LS800 has a shorter throw ratio than Epson LS500. In other words, it takes a shorter distance for Epson LS800 than Epson LS500 to project the same image size.

If you want to place your projector on a TV cabinet, then you need to pick a projector with a shorter throw ratio.

ModelsEpson LS800Epson LS500
Throw Ratio0.16 – 0.40:10.28:1-0.38:1

Epson LS800 VS Epson LS500: Smart Features

Compared with Epson LS800, Epson LS500 is poor in terms of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, but the projector supports 3D function.

If a projector has Wi-Fi, you can connect it to Wi-Fi conveniently without connecting it to a wired LAN. If your projector has Bluetooth, then you can connect it to a Bluetooth speaker conveniently. The 3D function enables you to watch 3D movies by wearing a pair of matched 3D glasses.

ModelsEpson LS800Epson LS500
BluetoothYes/
Wi-FiYes/
3DNoYes

Epson LS800 VS Epson LS500: Connectivity

HDMI is an important interface for projectors. Compared with Epson LS500, Epson LS800 supports HDCP 2.3, a higher version than HDCP 2.2. Some copyrighted content requires HDMI cables compatible with HDCP. With the HDMI interface, you can connect the projector to streaming devices, such as TV boxes, TV sticks, and computers.

The two projectors are both equipped with rich interfaces, which are compatible with various external devices, no matter USB devices, speakers, game consoles, etc.

ModelsEpson LS800Epson LS500
PortsUSB 2.0-A (3x)
USB 2.0 Type B (Service Only)
Jack Plug out
HDMI ARC
HDMI (HDCP 2.3)x3
S/PDIF Optical Out x1
Mini Stereo Out x1
Audio Out 1x (Stereo mini)
HDMI 2.0 x3 (18 Gbps)/HDCP 2.2
(1 ARC, 1 in front used by Android TV dongle)
RS-232C x 1
USB Type A x 2
(one in front used by the Android TV dongle)
LAN (RJ-45) x2

Epson LS800 VS Epson LS500: Audio

Epson LS800 has a 2.1-channel sound system by YAMAHA. Yamaha’s unique FR-Port technology, DSP technology, and AudioEngine deliver a dynamic audio experience. Epson LS500 has two 10W speakers. Epson LS800 has a more powerful sound system. In addition, Epson LS800 supports Bluetooth and you can connect it to a Bluetooth speaker based on your preference.

ModelsEpson LS800Epson LS500
Sound 20W stereo speaker2*10W stereo speaker

You may be interested in Best 4K Projector Under $2000 and BenQ HT2050A vs Epson 2150.

Epson LS800 VS Epson LS500: Price

Epson LS800 is now available in the US market with a retail price of $3,499.99 while Epson LS500 has a retail price of $3,999.00.

However, as the new model Epson LS800 has come to the market, the previous model Epson LS500 is now on sale at a discounted price of $2,799.00 on Amazon and Epson US official website.

Pros and Cons

Epson LS800

Pros

  • 4K Resolution
  • High Brightness
  • Android TV
  • Super Ultra Short Throw
  • Good Color Performance
  • 3LCD Display
  • 150″ Large Screen

Cons

  • No 3D
  • Less Powerful Sound
As a new model, Epson LS800 is cost-efficient compared with other siblings. It has good image performance and a powerful Android TV system. It is a pity that it falls short of 3D function.

Epson LS500

Pros

  • 4K Resolution
  • High Brightness
  • Android TV
  • Good Color Performance
  • Short Input Lag
  • 3LCD Display
  • 3D

Cons

  • Less Powerful Sound
  • Longer Throw for UST Projectors
As a popular model before LS800, the projector has good overall performance, including image, system, and smart features like 3D. As the new model LS800 has come to the market, Epson LS500 is on sale with 30% off on Amazon, meaning that you can save $1,200 now.

Conclusion

Compared with Epson LS500, Epson LS800 costs less money and performs better in image contrast, projection size, throw ratio, and wireless connectivity. However, Epson LS500 supports 3D and has lower input lag.

Epson LS800 is more cost-effective on the whole, but if you prefer gaming performance and 3D function, you can choose Epson LS500.

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