BenQ TH685P vs Epson EF-21: Lamp Brightness vs Laser Color (2026)
BenQ TH685P wins on raw brightness at 3500 lumens with 8ms input lag. Two $450 projectors compared on brightness, color, and gaming.
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BenQ TH685P wins overall
The BenQ TH685P wins for most buyers because raw brightness solves more problems than color accuracy. At 3500 lumens, it handles ambient light, sports, and gaming with an 8ms input lag. The Epson EF-21 fights back with laser longevity (20,000 hours vs lamp replacement), richer colors from 3LCD, and a compact smart design. Pick the TH685P for brightness and gaming, the EF-21 for long-term value and movie color.
Specifications
| Feature | BenQ TH685P | Epson EF-21 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $450 | $450 |
| Brightness | 3500 ANSI lumens | 1000 ANSI lumens |
| Technology | DLP (lamp) | 3LCD (laser) |
| Contrast | 10,000:1 native | 2,500,000:1 dynamic |
| Input Lag | 8ms (game mode) | ~30ms |
| Smart OS | None | Android TV |
| Lamp Life | 15,000 hrs (replaceable) | 20,000 hrs (laser) |
| Best For | Bright rooms, gaming, sports | Movie nights, dark rooms, low maintenance |
How This Was Tested
Both projectors compared at the same $450 price point for brightness, color accuracy, input lag, smart features, and total cost of ownership including lamp replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
The BenQ TH685P. At 3500 lumens, it handles ambient light from windows. The Epson EF-21 at 1000 lumens will look washed out unless curtains are drawn.
The Epson EF-21. Its laser light source lasts 20,000 hours with no replacement needed. The BenQ TH685P will eventually need a lamp replacement at $80-120 after 10,000-15,000 hours.
The BenQ TH685P with its 8ms game mode. It accepts 4K HDR signals and the brightness allows gaming in lit rooms. The Epson EF-21 has roughly 30ms input lag, which is acceptable for casual games but not competitive play.
Some viewers notice DLP rainbow artifacts (brief color flashes) during high-contrast scenes. The Epson EF-21 uses 3LCD technology which eliminates rainbow effect entirely. If sensitivity to DLP artifacts is a concern, the Epson is the safer pick.