Laser vs Lamp Projector – [Picture Quality, Lamp Life & Cost Comparison]

In this article, we will explain laser vs lamp projector, the pros and cons of both, and which one is better for you. We have written this article after testing 11 lasers, and 14 lamp projectors.

As per our survey, we have found that lots of newbies are getting scattered information about laser vs lamp projector and which to choose

So today we are going to provide you an unbiased comparison between them with actual parameters that should be considered before making a buying decision.

Before a detailed compression letís discuss both technologies;

 Lamp projector: 

An old-school reliable technology used in lots of home theaters that utilize a durable lamp as a light source, we donít want to deep dive into the physics of lamp, let’s have a look at the diagram you will find every detail about the lamp projector.

 Laser projector: 

A newer efficient and most reliable technology that constantly seeking the interest of buyers, simply a laser projector comes with an ultra-durable laser engine as a light source. Speaking of laser, check out my review on LG HU85LA 4K laser Projector

Letís explore the diagram.

Laser vs Lamp Projector ñ Detailed Breakdown

 Light source Life: 

Lamps need more frequent replacement as compared to lasers because they heat up rapidly and the inner system loses efficiency more frequently.

Latest leaser sources can last for 20,000 to 30,000 hours, however, a lamp projector can last for 6,000 to 10,000 hours only. †Other than that lamp is not that reliable to maintain brightness for a long time you may feel visible decay in brightness and colors, this is the sign to change the lamp.

You also might want to know about projector mounting whether it is lased-based or lamp-based.

 Brightness: 

As per our tests top of the line, lamp projectors are equally bright as the modern laser projector, still, after moving down we have found that laser projectors have more consistent and brighter image quality.

Laser projectors have no brightness decay, however, the lamp projectorís picture turns light gray after a certain time.

So, the bottom line is laser projectors are dominating the lamp projector in terms of brightness.

 Redundancy: 

the best Laser projectors have higher redundancy because we have tested a laser projector with a failed diode and sparingly it still projects images, however, we are not able to get images from a projector whose lamp explodes.

 Picture quality: 

Laser projector has wider color gamut as compared to lamp projectors, though this is not true in all cases expensive lamp projectors of sonny and any other brands have wider color gamut in general, we have found that laser projectors project more vibrant colors and decent sharpness as compared to the lamp.

Moreover, with extra brightness, the colors of laser projector become more prominent; however, lamp projectors have slightly muted colors and contrast.

 Freedom of installation: 

Laser projectors are more reliable to install at any orientation, they have 360 degrees orientations, however, in a lamp projector you have a fixed Lamp and you canít install it at any ideal position.

 Weight and portability: 

Laser projectors are bulky and heavy as compared to lamp projectors because of the complex inner mechanism. Though the manufacturer rushes to cut its weight the fact is currently they are somehow heavy compared to lamp projectors.

 Noise: 

As lamps need a decent cooling source you will find a noisy large fan inside the lamp projector, However laser projectors donít require any large fans since lasers are not vulnerable to heat.

The bottom line is laser projectors are less noisy or even noiseless as compared to lamp projectors.

 Cost: 

Lamp projectors are way cheaper than laser projectors, though they need some ongoing cost of maintenance, lamp replacement, etc. the initial cost of a laser projector may be 1.5x or even more as compared to a lamp projector.

I have sonny Sony VPL-PHZ10 that cost me $2200, however, my friend has another sonny Sony VPL-CH375 with lamp technology that cost him about $1550.

So the bottom line is you have to spend at least 1.5x more than a lamp projector until the technology becomes mature.

 Maintenance: 

Laser projectors are free from maintenance even we donít need to clean their filter because they donít need adequate ventilation to cool down, however, the lamp projector needs properly maintained like cleaning of filter ventilation, etc.

Lamp projectors need a clean filter and ventilations, if the ventilations and filter become chocked lamp has a massive thread of high heat up.

 Startup time: 

Laser engines donít need initial heat up, you just need to push the turn ON button, however, lamp projectors need an initial heat-up of about a few seconds or even minutes.

If you are a guy who wants to deliver presentations and lectures it is better to go for a laser projector.

 Safety: 

As you might know, the laser is not safe for the eyes, however, a lamp is a better option for the eyes. Still, we donít need to see the laser light of the projector we just need to see the projection which is fine unless you are crossing the laser beam.

Other than that modern projector has a safety system whenever a person crosses from the beam of the projector the projector’s beams automatically turn off.

Check out our guide about projector’s troubleshooting

Pros and Cons of lamp projector

Pros and Cons of Laser projector

Check out our blog post about the advantages and disadvantages of projectors in general.

Final Thoughts on the Laser vs Lamp Projector

We have done several practicals and consulted with experts to provide you an unbiased comparison between laser and lamp projectors, I hope you will not struggle to make buying decisions between them.

Keep in mind laser projector has a bright future due to simplicity, sustainability, and readability.

Though lamp is an old-school mature technology constantly dominating the market, still the trend of laser engines is stepping up, as per our research the most famous brands like Epson, sonny, VAVA, Samsung, BenQ, etc. are trying to step in the market with latest laser engines.

Frequently Asked Questions ñ (FAQs)