Design

Though their form factors are very different, the design approach of the BenQ HT3550 and BenQ TK800M is comparable. With a sleek, contemporary white finish that complements most living rooms or dedicated home theater areas, the HT3550 leans somewhat more sophisticated, and home theater-oriented. Although the projector seems robust, its tiny size makes handling it simpler for smaller environments or if you want to install it on the ceiling. Though they aren't too heavy to transport from room to room, both are very hefty if you want to move them around often.

Conversely, the TK800M has a far more tough and utilitarian look. It seems more like a workhorse projector as it weighs somewhat more than the HT3550. Though its style is less sleek and contemporary than the HT3550, it is not absolutely unattractive. Although the TK800M's appearance is more utilitarian, users have said that this has no bearing on its performance—it is just a matter of taste. Although both projectors have superb build quality, the HT3550 is more appealing if you want one that fits well into your living room or home theater configuration. 

The lens cap of the HT3550 is a drawback for several customers who felt it to be somewhat bothersome during setup. If you're not a fan of fussing with unnecessary accessories, the TK800M's design lets you have easier access to the lens.

Connectivity

Connectivity is where the TK800M takes the lead, especially for those looking to future-proof their home theater system. HDMI 2.0 presented by the TK800M enables 4K video at 60Hz. For consumers who want to stream 4K entertainment via devices such as Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, or streaming sticks, this is very vital. Furthermore equipped with HDCP 2.2, the TK800M guarantees that you may stream 4K from companies like Netflix or Amazon Prime without problems. This future-proofing has helped users value the projector's adaptability to emerging technologies.

The HT3550 supports HDMI 2.0 as well; however, it lacks HDCP 2.2, hence if you stream in 4K from services utilizing HDCP 2.2 or use a 4K Blu-ray player, you might come into some problems. For some consumers, however, this is a minor problem as earlier gadgets still run well with this projector. Although you may still require adapters for streaming or games if you wish to link up more than two devices concurrently, the HT3550 also has two HDMI ports, therefore connecting many devices is simple.

For those consumers who want wireless choices for streaming or device connection, both projectors lack Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. Both need a third-party device like a Chromecast or Fire Stick if you want to stream straight from your phone or computer.

The HT3550's USB connection is one area where it rather lacks. Some customers felt its one USB-A port for media playback to be restricting. The TK800M, meanwhile, is somewhat more versatile in terms of connecting other devices straight-forward and has USB media capability.

HDMI provides robust communication with laptops, game consoles, or outside streaming devices for both projectors. For individuals who want to update to more recent content and devices notably, the TK800M shines in terms of HDMI and future-proofing.

Performance

Though they shine in distinct ways, both projectors are excellent for their price range in performance.

With a native UHD 3840 x 2160 resolution, the HT3550 features True 4K quality, therefore producing very clear and detailed pictures. Those who see a lot of movies have praised the HT3550's color correctness. For those who prefer realistic, cinematic images, the projector supports Rec. 709 color space—which is amazing. It also supports HDR10 and HLG, hence viewers of material with great dynamic range will surely like the additional depth and contrast. While the HT3550 struggles in brighter settings, other customers noted that it works well in gloomy spaces with outstanding black depths and great contrast. The image might seem washed out if you intend to use the projector in a room with plenty of ambient light.

Thanks to its 3000 ANSI lumens brightness, the TK800M excels in both gloomy and somewhat illuminated spaces. Though it lacks the deep black tones the HT3550 provides, it is more than enough for creating vibrant, brilliant pictures even in otherwise gloomy spaces. For those who want to use the projector in different environments without too much thought on light management, this makes it a more flexible choice. Users who have put up their TK800M in living rooms or areas with some light have been amazed with its capacity to still produce vivid colors and crisp pictures.

On color accuracy, the TK800M does not live up to the HT3550, however. Although both projectors are excellent, the HT3550 stands out with greater general color reproduction, particularly when viewing movies or anything needing rich and vivid colors. The HT3550 is the superior option for anybody who values true colors for home theater. The TK800M gives greater versatility, however, assuming you're OK with somewhat less accurate colors for a brighter picture.

The TK800M's reduced input latency results in a little advantage in terms of gaming performance. Gamers have shown that, even with 4K material, it performs very well for casual gaming. Though it has a somewhat larger input latency, which would be obvious for more competitive gaming aficionados, the HT3550 also performs well.

Where and When to Use

For home theater configurations where image quality is the main concern, the HT3550 is perfect. The HT3550 is your best option if you are creating a dedicated room for viewing movies, TV programs, or 4K streaming. It works best in darker environments, hence the HT3550 will provide the finest watching experience if you have a cinema room or basement where you can regulate the illumination.

The TK800M is a wonderful alternative for more flexible arrangements, particularly in living spaces with some ambient light. With 3000 ANSI lumens making it useful even in cases of partial dimming, users have noted that it manages brighter spaces better. This makes the TK800M excellent for family movie evenings, laid-back TV viewing, or even gaming in an environment not totally dark.

Since the TK800M doesn't depend on a totally black surroundings, it is also preferable for presentations or schools. The TK800M will manage your use of the projector for gaming and general media consumption in a room with some light without any trouble.

Compatible Devices

Projectors both highly fit devices such game consoles (PS4, Xbox), 4K Blu-ray players, streaming devices (Roku, Apple TV), and laptops via HDMI. The HT3550 runs well with high-definition video sources and shows excellent fit with 4K material. But with its HDCP 2.2 compatibility, the TK800M pulls ahead with its capacity to stream from a wider spectrum of devices.

Although both projectors perform well for individuals who utilize Apple TV or other streaming sticks, given its more recent connection choices, the TK800M may handle newer 4K material from such devices better. On the TK800M, USB media playback is also a great addition that facilitates thumb drive or external hard disk content playing.

Ease of Use

Regarding simplicity of use, setting up and using both projectors is easy. Users have reported that the HT3550 has an easy-to-use interface; you can get it going quickly. The settings are simple to use and the remote control is straightforward as well. Particularly for first-time projector users, the auto-keystone feature is helpful; some have noted that it may not always precisely align the picture, so hand corrections might be required.

Though its interface is much more simple, the TK800M is just as straightforward to use. Users have noted that the TK800M lacks stylish, cinematic alternatives and is more oriented on performance and adaptability. Still, it serves regular users who just want to set it up and begin viewing without any effort.

Cost

Although the HT3550 usually costs more than the TK800M, you are receiving superior color accuracy and overall picture quality for that additional expense. The HT3550 is well worth the price for anybody who desires top-notch image quality and is dedicated to home entertainment. 

Better suited for consumers who want something that can manage a little ambient light and is more flexible in general usage, the more reasonably priced TK800M nonetheless offers excellent 4K performance. The TK800M is a wonderful deal if your budget is tight but you still want strong performance.