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If you’re in the market for a new television set, consider opting for a projector instead. Although a TV remains easier to set up, you can’t beat the price to size ratio of a projector. Boasting the capability to produce an image of 100-inches or more, projectors are increasingly affordable while boosting quality. Check out the best projectors for home theatre use in 2019!

Best Projectors 2019: Projector Considerations

I first made the switch from a TV to a projector in 2016, and haven’t looked back. After purchasing a ZTE Spro 2, I moved my 26-inch LCD TV to my home office for use as a spare monitor. With a projector, you’ll benefit from variable screen size. Later, I snagged a Sony VPL-VW60, but I’m always on the hunt for a worthy projector upgrade since I use a projector as my daily driver rather than a traditional panel TV.

Projector buying considerations:

Projector technology (DLP, LCD, LCOS)

Resolution (480p, 720p, 1080p, 4K)

Throw ratio (standard vs short throw)

Lumens

Keystone and/or lens shift

Projector Technology: DLP vs. LCD vs. LCOS

Before selecting a projector to fit your needs, you’ll want to consider a few options. First, there’s projector technology. Primarily, you’ll find DLP, LCD, and LCOS. Digital Light Processing (DLP) employs tiny chips comprised of millions of mirrors. In the projector space, DLP arrives as the most common type of projector. You’ll appreciate lush image quality, although contrast ratio and black levels may be slightly under LCD and LCOS units. However, this all depends on model specifically.

LCD, while the industry standard for monitors and TVs, has crept into projectors as well. Initially, LCD projectors came onto the scene as budget models, but advancements in technology now posit LCD projectors about on par with DLP.

Then, there’s liquid crystal on silicon, or LCOS. It’s sort of akin to a mix of LCD and DLP, consisting of a layer of liquid crystals atop a mirrored surface. LCOS boasts superb black levels and contrast ratios.

What Resolution Projector Should You Get?

Resolution is important, though for projectors, quality depends on several factors. Because projectors often sport superb color reproduction and black levels, even a 720p projector image can appear better to the naked eye than 1080p television set. Likewise, it’s softer on the eyes. I suggest snagging a 1080p projector if possible. With many solid 1080p projectors clocking in around $500 or even less, there’s no reason not to. 4K projectors are coming down in price, though a 1080p projector should satisfy the majority of users. I wouldn’t recommend dipping below 720p, but when working with projectors, stats such as brightness ultimately dictate quality.

How many lumens do you need for a projector?

You’ll need to consider brightness, measured in lumens. For most dark rooms, a 1000-1200 lumens projector should suffice. But this requires a fairly dark space. Brighter settings, such as classrooms, conference rooms, and homes with no means of blocking out natural light should snag a 2500 lumens or brighter projector.

Throw Ratio

Because the resulting image size of a projector depends on how far back it is, you’ll need to factor in throw ratio. Short throw ratios are excellent for smaller rooms, and these feature a throw ratio of less than 1 to about 0.4. Usually, throw ratio is listed as a number, then a colon and another number such as 1.5:1. The first number tells the feet of distance from the projector to the screen. The number after the colon represents a foot of screen width. As such for every 1.5 feet from the screen you gain one foot of width.

Keystone and Lens Shift

Unfortunately, setting up a projector differs from TV in that the image depends on how the projector and screen are mounted. It’s not as simple as slapping a projector on your on a coffee table, connecting components, and firing it up. Instead, you’ll probably need to make adjustments to get the best image. Lens shift lets you physically move the lens assembly horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Through shifting lens position, you can reposition the image on your screen.

Similarly, keystone correction may help correct an on-screen image. This is best if you can’t maintain the proper lens-to-screen angle for a completely rectangular image. Keystone differs from lens shift in that it operates on a digital level, whereas lens shift is physical.

Input Source

Picking out a projector, as with a traditional television, means hooking up various components such as Blu-ray players, game consoles, streaming devices, even VCRs. Most modern projectors tout HDMI inputs. Often, you may be limited to a single HDMI input, though tons of projectors pack RCA, component, VGA, and other connection types.

Luckily, if you’ve only got one HDMI or a handful of inputs, there are workarounds. I use a Denon 5.1 surround sound receiver with my PlayStation 3, Toshiba DVD/VCR combo, and Nvidia Shield TV hooked up. Then, my LaserDisc player runs into my DVD/VCR combo, and I use the front RCA jacks on the Toshiba for connecting my Nintendo 64 and GameCube. Aside from a receiver, you could use a splitter to connect multiple devices to a single input.

Why Buy a Projector?

Owning a projector comes with a slew of benefits. For one, it’s nearly impossible to beat the price to screen landscape ratio. When you get into big screen TV territory with screens over 50 inches, you often start paying a premium. Projectors are softer on the eyes. Unlike a television of monitor, the light source is behind the viewer, plus filling more of your eye’s field of view translates to an image that’s easier on the eyes.

Depending on your room set up, you can craft a clean looking media room. A retractable screen or shooting straight on the wall means hiding your viewing area, and may do away with the need for a media console.

However, there are a few cons. Whereas a traditional panel TV is fairly plug-and-play, a projector requires proper mounting, a screen or surface to project on, and a mostly dark room. Moreover, images may appear askew of the projector, screen, or both are mounted improperly.

Pros:

Large image

Easier on the eyes

Space-saving

Portability

Cons:

Room brightness

Complex set up

At the sub-$100 range, don’t expect many premium features. The TOPELEK model, despite its low price tag, is an excellent rig. With 720p HD, 3600 lumens, and a 3000:1 contrast ratio, this is easily the best projector under $100. There’s ±45 degree vertical keystone correction, an inclusion lacking on many mid-range or high-end projectors. You’ll even find a tripod in the bag. An incredible no-frills projector, the TOPELEK is a surprisingly competent projector.

720p

3600 lumens

Vertical keystone

Comes with tripod



The BenQ GV1 is a seriously impressive portable projector. Its small stature touts auto keystone correction. Complete with smart TV app functionality and dual-band Wi-Fi, it’s suitable for use on its own. Primed for movie-watching on-the-go, it’s a sub-2 pound projector that packs a punch.

With a USB-C port, you can stream media and charge devices, plus watch videos and play music via external drives. Running Android, the BenQ GV1 boasts compatibility with loads of apps via Aptoide. In addition to serving as a projector, the GV1 doubles as a Bluetooth speaker. With a 3-hour battery, the GV1 works virtually anywhere. At 200 lumens, you’ll want a pretty dark room, though that’s true of the vast majority of projectors. Reasonably priced and with excellent specs, the BenQ GV1 is a fantastic portable projector.

3-hour battery

200 ANSI lumens

480p

100,000:1 contrast ratio

DLP

5W speaker

Android onboard

Doubles as a Bluetooth speaker

Auto keystone

Looking to take movie night outside? The Nebula Capsule is your best bet. Anker, best known for its array of portable speakers and battery packs, makes the ultra-portable Nebula Capsule. It’s about the size and shape of a soda can, rocking an HDMI port, built-in speaker, and micro USB port. With a miniscule form factor, the Nebula Capsule is easy to tote around, even coming with a carrying case in the box.

There’s a basic remote control. and Android onboard. You’ll find 100 ANSI lumens which is on the low side, but perfect in a completely dark room. The 5200mAh battery means it’s one of the best projectors for outdoor movies. Disappointingly, it’s not 1080p, or even 720p. Still, its 854×480 resolution looks remarkably crisp and clear when projected. Speakers are adequate, though nothing to write home about. Despite low lumens, a bit of ambient light won’t hurt too much, though you’ll definitely want to use the Anker Capsule in the darkest space possible. For a bit more, you can snag the Nebula Mars II which steps up the resolution to 720p, and lumens to 300. However, it also raises the price. In spite of its lower resolution and lumens, the Nebula Capsule provides a shockingly good picture, proof that size doesn’t matter.

100 lumens

854×480

Android 7.1 onboard

HDMI input

micro USB port

5200mAh battery

Wi-Fi

Bluetooth



Similarly, the AAXA P300 boasts portability, Android onboard, and 400 lumens. This 720p projector features an HDMI input, mini VGA, composite AV input, microSD card slot, and USB. As such, there’s connectivity for virtually any source. With a contrast ratio of 1000:1, you’ll experience superb performance.

Unfortunately, certain colors appear a bit oversaturated on the AAXA P300, notably reds. You probably won’t notice too much, but it’s still a consideration. Small enough to fit in a pocket, this Pico projector truly packs a punch.

1000:1 contrast ratio

HDMI, mini VGA, composite AV

microSD card slot

USB input

Android onboard

Battery-powered

Wi-Fi

Bluetooth



The Nebula Prizm II touts incredible value with minimal compromises. This true 1080p projector can project images up to 120 inches, and features horizontal and vertical keystone. There’s an HDMI input, as well as USBs lighting cable. Dual 5W audio drivers allow for modest sound. Its LED lamp offers 30,000 hours of life.

While the Nebula Prizm II ranks among the most affordable native 1080p projectors, there’s a catch. At 200 lumens, it’s pretty dim, and the resulting image looks washed out with ambient light. If you can live with the low lumens, the Nebula Prizm II may be the top

True 1080p native resolution

200 lumens

Vertical and horizontal keystone

Dual 5W speaker drivers

30,000-hour LED lamp life

HDMI, USB port



The Vankyo V600 comes loaded with amenities. This native 1080p projector delivers a super bright 4000 lux image, and a 5000:1 contrast ratio. Youll even find the ability to focus and keystone, though it’s manual keystone versus auto keystone.

Aside from the projector itself, there’s an included carrying case. Compared to many projectors, this model is a bit bulky. Additionally, the Vankyo V600 can get a little loud which could be problematic if you’re using only the onboard speakers. But for a home theatre set up and use with external speakers, the V600 should do just fine. There’s manual lens focus, and a single 5W speaker that’s less than underwhelming. But the V600 includes vertical digital keystone. Easily the best budget 1080p projector, the Vankyo V600 provides full HD video on a budget.

True 1080p

4000 lux

5000:1 contrast ratio

Vertical keystone

Small, portable, and powerful, the Xgimi Polar Z6 Polar is a versatile projector. With 700 ANSI lumens, 1080p native resolution, and a DLP chip, it’s an excellent projector. HDMI ARC allows for easy surround sound hook ups. With horizontal and vertical keystone plus 3D playback, this little projector arrives packed with features.

What’s more, Xgimi crammed Android 6.0 into its Z6 Polar projector. With Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a USB port, it accommodates tons of video sources. Yet, in its brightest mode, there’s a slight green-ish hue all around. While you’ll enjoy keystone, there’s no zoom. Lack of HDCP 2.2 means a few issues playing UHD and UHD HDR content. Despite 3D capabilities, some glasses don’t sync properly. Still, this is easily one of the best, and brightest, full 1080p projectors on the market.

True 1080p

Auto focus

3D capable

Wi-Fi

Bluetooth

Android onboard

700 ANSI lumens

2D to 3D technology



Clocking in under $500 USD, the Optoma HD143x doesn’t cut corners. Sporting full 1080p resolution, a bright 3000 lumen picture, and 23,000:1 contrast ratio, this is a high-quality projector at a mid-range price. There’s a 1.1x zoom and 1.47-1.62 throw ratio for images up to 300 inches.

It’s tough to beat the value of Optoma’s HD143x. Built-in speakers are pretty measly, and it’s a bit hefty at just shy of 7 pounds. On the input side, you’ll only find HDMI inputs, but that’s pretty typical of many entry-level or mid-range projectors. For the price, the Optoma HD143x is a fantastic home theatre projector, and easily the best projector under $500.

ViewSonic offers some of the top computer monitors, and therefore it should be no surprise that its projectors come with excellent specs. The ViewSonic PJD7828HDL is an ultra-bright 3200 lumens projector. While the PJD7828HDL doesn’t qualify as a short throw projector, it does tout a smaller throw ratio than most home theatre projectors. As such, it’s ideal for setting up a projector in tight spaces.

A manual 1.3x zoom and 3D compatibility round out a solid feature set. However, black levels are a bit light, and color accuracy slightly subpar. Most users won’t notice, though projector enthusiasts may be disappointed. Short throw units may come at a premium, but the ViewSonic PJD7828HDL delivers phenomenal value.

1080p

3200 lumens

Short throw

1.3x zoom

3D compatible

A superb high-end projector, the Xgimi H2 boasts Android built-in, Harman/Kardon speakers, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Xgimi’s revolutionary 2D to 3D technology. It’s a 1080p projector with 13250 ANSI lumens and DLP technology for lush black levels. Powered by a Cortex A-53 CPU and Mali T820MP3 GPU with 2GB of RAM, it runs Android extremely well. For more connectivity, the H2 packs a pair of HDMI inputs.

Improving over the Xgimi H1, the Xgimi H2 features ±45 degree and vertical ±45 degree keystone. The H2 ups the lumens from 900 to 1350. Built-in speakers are fantastic, and arguably the best in a projector. Coupled with its Android operating system, the H2 is ideal for on-the-go projector user.

1080p native resolution

1350 ANSI lumens

Auto lens cover

Smart keystone

Glass lens

Harman/Kardon speakers

2D to 3D technology

Android onboard

With 1080p resolution, 2200 ANSI lumens, a crisp 15,000:1 contrast ratio, RGBRGB color wheel, and glass lens, the BenQ HT2050 is the best projector under $1000. Black levels are top-notch, making this a true cinephile projector. There’s a shorter-throw lens for maximizing image size even in small spaces, and noise level is kept to a minimum.

While its 2200 lumen rating is respectable, many competitors offer brighter projectors. Moreover, while color accuracy is phenomenal, it requires calibration and isn’t ideal out-of-the-box. Still, its jaw-dropping black levels and excellent contrast ratio make the BenQ HT2050 the best in-class home theatre projector you can buy.

1080p

2200 ANSI lumens

1.3x manual zoom

Vertical lens shift

3D compatible

Although cinephiles will assuredly appreciate projectors, gamers benefit from a huge image. But response time and contrast ratio factor in when gaming on a projector. Unfortunately, many projectors come poorly equipped to handle gaming. Enter the Optoma HD39Darbee. This full 1080p projector packs in 3500 lumens, 3D DLP technology, and a whopping 32,000:1 contrast ratio. With low input lag, it’s hands-down the best projector for gaming.

Black levels are slightly underwhelming, and amped up to full brightness, it gets a bit loud. Nevertheless, this 1080p projector is the top gaming projector on the market. Moreover, a 1.6x zoom makes placement in cramped rooms a breeze. You might also consider the GT1080Darbee or BenQ TH671ST.

Low input lag

1080p

3D

DLP

1.6x zoom

4K TVs can be pretty pricey, so you can only imagine the cost of many 4K projectors. However, quality doesn’t have to break the bank. The BenQ TK800 is bright 3000 lumen 4K projector. Granted, it’s not native 4K, instead relying on pixel-switching to generate an 8.3 million pixel image which equates to 4K. Either way, its image trounces 1080p projectors.

Sporting projector-optimized HDR, an all glass lens, and 1.1x zoom with auto keystone, the BenQ TK800 doesn’t skimp on features. Color accuracy is lacking compared to the cinephile-caliber HT2550. As such, true movie buffs should opt for the more accurate, but less bright, HT2550. It’s easily the top 4K projector you can buy, if you can live with its faux-4K.

4K

HDR

1.1x zoom

3000 lumens

Glass lens

Auto keystone

10,000:1 contrast ratio

1.50-1.65 throw ratio

HDMI

If you demand true 4K, the Optoma UHD60 delivers. Vertical lens shift and a 1.6x zoom make for flexible installation options. HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2 allow you to enjoy top-tier 4K UHD video. A mind-boggling 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio means the Optoma UHD60 casts deep, rich blacks. There’s HDR10 compatibility for extreme color accuracy, and 3000 lumens for a bright image, even in the face of ambient light. Despite its 4K capabilities, the UHD60 remains affordable, at least comparatively among 4K projectors. There’s very little not to love about the UHD60. Oddly, there’s no 3D functionality which could be a drawback for 3D buffs.

True 4K

HDR10 compatibility

3000 lumens

1,000,000:1 contrast ratio

1.6x zoom

Vertical lens shift

Best Projector Options 2019 for Gaming, 4K, and More

Although buying a projector may seem expensive, there are plenty of options for all budgets. From sub-$100 models to 4K beasts, there’s a ton of choice. On the budget end of the spectrum, the Vankyo V600, Nebula Prizm II, and Xgimi Z6 Polare are excellent choices. Optoma’s HD143x boasts the best bang for your buck, as does the ViewSonic PJD7828HDL. 4K aficionados should check out the BenQ TK800.

What projectors are you using?