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If you're searching for the best overall projector, there are many options, from budget portable projectors to high-end home theater products. When shopping, ask yourself a few critical questions: are you specifically seeking a home theater projector? Do you desire a versatile unit equally adept at handling the latest movies and gaming sessions? Do you want the projector to be easy to carry around? When it comes to portable products, you sacrifice image quality but gain portability. Inversely, the more expensive products offer great image quality but tend to be bulky. Many compact models come equipped with smart features, eliminating the need for an external streaming device. However, some larger units may require an external streaming dongle if you want smart functionality. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your needs and budget.
We've bought and tested over 40 projectors, and below, we list the best overall projectors for a few critical uses. We only cover consumer models, not high-end products meant for enthusiasts. If you're specifically looking for a projector to use indoors, explore our recommendations for the best models for home use. If you'd rather want a list of the best budget and cheap projectors on the market, look up the best cheap projectors. Want to take your projector outdoors? Consider our picks for the best outdoor projectors. And don't forget—you can even vote on which projectors you'd like us to acquire and put to the test!
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Best Projector
BenQ X3100i 2
Movies
8.1
Brightness
8.2
Contrast
7.7
Portability
4.5
Imaging Technology
DLPLight Source
LEDResolution
Pixel Shift 4kSee all our test results
If you're looking for the bestprojector overall, get the BenQ X3100i. This projector comes with a ton of features, delivering advanced home theater features while catering to gaming enthusiasts and content streamers. With the help of pixel-shifting technology, it projects a crisp image that shines in various lighting conditions. It's bright enough to look great in moderately lit rooms, and its good contrast and wide color gamutprovidea pleasant viewingexperience in dark rooms. It's also very accurate out of the box; even color accuracy perfectionistswill be mostlysatisfied with this unit's performance without needing to calibrate the projector. HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG compatibility adds another layer of versatility, making it a truly adaptable product.
Not only does it impress with its display capabilities, but it also excels in streaming content. The included Android TV 11 QS02dongle supports Google Cast and Apple AirPlay, making it fully cast-capable, and offers Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0support. The projector is fantastic for gamers with two HDMI 2.0b ports capable of accepting 4k @ 60Hz, 1440p @ 120Hz, and1080p @ 240Hz signals. The third HDMI port, hidden behind the top cover, is designed for use with the bundled dongle but can also be used with any HDMI device. Ultimately, this is the most versatileprojector we've tested.
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Best Projector For Home Theater
Epson Home Cinema 3800 9
Movies
8.2
Brightness
8.7
Contrast
8.0
Portability
4.0
Imaging Technology
LCDLight Source
LampResolution
Pixel Shift 4kSee all our test results
If you're in the market for the best home theater projector, consider the Epson Home Cinema 3800. This model is laser-focused on delivering exceptional image quality while keeping features to a minimum. It boasts impressive brightness, making it suitable even for moderately lit rooms. However, its true strength shines in darker environments due to its excellent contrast ratio. Out of the box, this model offers remarkable accuracy, and for perfectionists, its extensive calibration options allow for furtherfine-tuning. While its color gamut is decent, it doesn't quite match the projector's stellar performance in brightness and contrast, especially in HDR content. Still, it's vibrant enough to satisfy most viewers.
As for features, the projector doesn't have integrated Wi-Fior a built-in smart OS, although it does have Bluetooth support. If smart features matter to you, consider investing in an external streaming dongle or purchasingthe more versatileBenQ X3100i. The projector does include a 2.0A USB port primarily for powering dongles. The unit's two HDMI 2.0 ports allow seamless connection to external devices, with both ports capable of handling a 4k@ 60Hz signal, and the 12V trigger out port facilitates automated projector screen deployment. Overall, the Epson is a great choice for movie enthusiasts seeking a home cinema replacement in their basem*nt.
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Best Short-Throw Projector
Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 12
Movies
7.7
Brightness
8.7
Contrast
7.2
Portability
3.5
Imaging Technology
LCDLight Source
LaserResolution
Pixel Shift 4kSee all our test results
If you'd rather place your projector close to the wall or screen, the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 is an excellent choice. This short-throw projector can display large images from very short distances, projecting an 80-inch image from just 0.9 inches away—almost touching the wall. For those who want a larger image, it can project up to 150 inches from 9.9 inches away; some sandwiches are longer than that. It's not only impressive in terms of projection distance, it's also one of the brightest projectors we've tested, so you don't need to dim the lights to enjoy a clear picture. It performs well in completely dark rooms due to its satisfactory contrast, and its color range and accuracy are commendable, making it a well-rounded option for image quality.
This projector is packed with features, including built-in Android TV with full Chromecast integration. It offers a variety of ports: two USB 2.0 data ports, a 3.5 mm audio jack, an optical out connection, and a 2.0A DC Out USB port. Additionally, it has three HDMI ports, including an ARC port, all of which can accept a 4k@ 60Hz signal. The third HDMI port also supports 1080p @ 120Hz, which is great for gamers. The projector also features Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 5 connectivity. Ultimately, the EpiqVision Ultra LS800 is the most comprehensive short-throw projector we've tested, although it comes with a high price tag.
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Best Portable Projector
XGIMI Halo+ 7
Movies
6.3
Brightness
6.0
Contrast
6.8
Portability
8.5
Imaging Technology
DLPLight Source
LEDResolution
1080pSee all our test results
If you're searching for a highly portable projector, consider the XGIMI Halo+. This compact unit weighs 3.7 pounds, making it easy to toss into your backpack. Aside from its size, what sets this projector apart from other models on this listis its integrated battery, which offers up to 2.5 hours of uninterrupted playback. That's sufficient for most movie sessions, making it perfect to bring with you toa picnic. This projector boasts several image correction features, including full auto keystone adjustment, autofocus, intelligent screen alignment, and obstacle avoidance. Asyou move it around, it automatically corrects its image geometry, ensuring a hassle-free setup. Additionally, it comes equipped with the Android TV smart interface, supports Chromecast and AirScreen, and offers Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 capabilities.
It's brighter than many direct competitors in the portable category, although it's stilldim. Thankfully, itsdecent contrast makes it suitable for projecting pleasantimages in darkened rooms. Its color gamut is impressively wide, and this model even supports HDR—although its low brightness can't fully take advantage ofthis feature.Connectivity-wise, it provides one HDMI port (which also serves as an eARC port), allowing you to connect it to external devices. Its eARC port lets you easily pair it with a soundbar if you want optimal sound quality. Alternatively, you can use the projector's 3.5 mm audio jack. Lastly, there's a USB port for direct video file playback. In summary, this projector balances portability and performance, making it a decent choice for users needing to take their projector out of the house.
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Best Value Projector
Epson Home Cinema 1080 2
Movies
7.0
Brightness
8.4
Contrast
5.3
Portability
5.0
Imaging Technology
LCDLight Source
LampResolution
1080pSee all our test results
If you're in the market for a projector that delivers excellent value for its price, the Epson Home Cinema 1080 is a worthy contender. Despite its budget-friendly cost, it offers decent performance. It projects a sharp 1080p image and boasts impressive brightness, making it relatively vibrant in dark rooms. However, its contrast is disappointing, andif you're specifically looking for a projector to use in a dark room,better options are available, although not at this price point. Its color representation is decent, and this model can projectpleasing hues, but it doesn't quite reach the performance levels of the more premium models.What's more impressive is this unit's color accuracy:it's excellent overall, satisfying the needs of most users.
For a budget model, it surprisingly offers more features than the significantly more expensive Epson Home Cinema 3800. Although it doesn't come with a smart OS, it does have built-in Wi-Fi 5, with Miracast support for screen mirroring; mirroring your phone with this model is easier than with the pricier 3800. It has two 1080p @ 60Hz HDMI portsbut lacks ARC/eARC capability. It comes with a modest integrated 2W speaker, but fortunately, it also has an audio out portif you're not ready to invest in a receiver. You can also use its USB-B port to connect it to an external audio interface. Overall, the Cinema 1080 is the best value home projector on the market and is more than sufficient for most people, except perhaps enthusiasts.
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Recent Updates
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Aug 01, 2024: Added the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 as the 'Best Short-Throw Projector' pick and moved the Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 to the Notable Mentions. We also updated our other picks for improved clarity and consistency.
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Jul 04, 2024: Replaced the Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 with the Epson Home Cinema 1080 as the 'Best Value Projector,' as the Flex is now the 'Best Productivity Projector'; this clarifies each projector's intended usage. We also refreshed our Notable Mentions.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above represent what we consider the bestoverall projectors currently available for most consumers. We consider factors like price (we favor more affordable options unless the difference in quality justifies a higher cost), feedback from our visitors, and product availability (we avoid models that are scarce or nearly out of stock).
However, if you prefer to make your own selection, here's a list of the topprojectors we've tested. Remember not to get too bogged down in the minutiae. While no projector is flawless, many perform well for most purposes. Just be cautious of the lowest-quality models to ensure a satisfactory viewing experience.
