Best Projectors for All Uses and Budgets in 2021

Televisions have plummeted in price. Sure, high-end TVs such as OLED panels clock in at bank-breaking prices, albeit with excellent color reproduction. But for providing a cinema-caliber experience at home, projectors are unrivaled. Boasting the ability to generate a massive image, buying a projector is a must for any true cinephile. From portable units to 4K home theatre capable devices, these are the best projectors in 2020!

The Best Projectors You can Buy in 2021 – Why You Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy a Projector

In 2016 after years of pining over a projector, I finally upgraded from my 26-inch LED to a ZTE Spro 2 portable Android projector. Later I upgraded to a Sony VPL-VW60 SXRD projector, and I love my BenQ GV1 for outdoor movie nights. However, with the ever-changing home cinema landscape, I’m always in the market for projector upgrades. Projectors feature unparalleled value with the capability to produce a massive image. It’s nearly impossible to beat the price to screen real estate ratio of a projector.

While once projectors were costly, now there are tons of budget projectors which even tout 1080p and 4K resolutions. Projector ownership has never been easier. Compared to the price of a 100-inch or larger traditional flat panel TV, most modern projectors are cost-effective for displaying a huge image. Moreover, projectors may be fairly space-saving, particularly with a ceiling-mounted set up that doesn’t require a traditional TV console. A drop-down screen rather than a fixed screen offers a clean media room option, and even a white wall suffices in lieu of a projector. Often projectors are easier on the eyes since the light source isn’t directly opposite your eyes.

Still, as magical as projectors may be, they’re not perfect. Onboard speakers are universally rubbish. Sure, TV speakers typically fail to meet audiophile standards, but projector audio is notoriously poor. As such, you’ll want to pair your big screen with equally-sized audio. Adding a surround sound system or soundbar is a simple yet effective fix. Whereas you can plop a TV on pretty much any surface, projector installation is fairly complex. You’ll need to place your projector such that its throw ratio allows for your desired screen size. A short-throw projector may be placed as close to a few inches from the screen, but projectors with longer throw ratios must be several feet back from the screen. Therefore, it’s often necessary to run wires around your room to connect your audio/video (A/V) components. Then there’s the matter of a screen. It’s definitely best to use a dedicated projector screen, whether pull-down, pull-up, foldable, or fixed. However, a white wall works just fine. Depending on the angle of projection, vertical or horizontal keystone if not both might be necessary to achieve a perfectly rectangular image. Yet keystone, while great at fixing a skewed image, degrades image quality somewhat. Another difference in TVs and projectors is daylight. Sine a TV has its light source built-in, daytime viewing is perfectly doable. But to watch a projector during the day or with the lights on, you’ll need a high lumens unit, otherwise the picture will be extremely washed out. Movie watching is best in a darkened room, but that’s not necessarily possible for some users.

Pros:

• Incredible price to screen size ratio
• Space-saving
• Portable
• Easier on the eyes

Cons:

• Complex set up
• Requires semi- or total-darkness

Projector Technology: What to Look for When Buying a Projector

There’s much to consider when purchasing a projector. Resolution matters and projector technology isn’t universal. Throw ratio is important for selecting a projector compatible with your physical space, and features such as lens shift or keystone are crucial considerations.

LCD vs. LED vs. LCoS vs. Laser Projectors

DLP, or digital light processing projectors are probably the most common projectors on the market. But LCD, LED, laser and LCoS projectors are popular too. As the name suggests, DLP projectors are made up of tiny mirrors that reflect light towards a screen. There’s a physical color wheel that generates sequential colors. DLP projectors come in single-chip or three-chip varities. With a digital light processing projector, you’ll experience minimal motion blur, excellent color accuracy, and tons of availability. Still, single-chip DLP projectors may occasionally suffer from rainbow artifacting.

LCD projectors on-the-other-hand use liquid crystal display technology as found in many TVs and computer monitors. Because LCD technology is pretty inexpensive to operate and maintain, LCD projectors may be budget-priced. Image quality from LCD projectors is full of lush black levels, high light output, superb color accuracy, and virtually no rainbow artifacting. However, motion blur may be evident with LCD projectors.

Whereas LCD and DLP refer to projection technology, LED refers to light source. LED projectors therefore might use DLP or LCD as underlying projection sources with an LED, or light-emitting diode, bulb. A major bonus for LED projectors is their long lamp life.

LCoS, or liquid crystal on silicon, is essentially a hybrid of DLP and LCD projector solutions. Liquid crystal chips sport a reflective surface similar to DLP chips where light passes through LCD panels modulated by liquid crystals. Image quality is absolutely stunning with top-notch contrast ratios and black levels. Motion blur and light output vary on LCoS projectors, however.

Laser projectors instead utilize laser light sources. Although black levels, contrast ratio, color reproduction, and brightness remain top-notch, laser projectors typically carry staggering price tags.

Projector Specs – Lumens, Contrast Ratio, Resolution, and More

Resolution is incredibly important when picking out a TV, and likewise factors into projector purchasing. You can find many budget 1080p projectors on the market. But a cheap 1080p projector may perform worse than a lower resolution projector with higher lumens, or light output. For a dark room, 1000-1200 lumens should suffice. Bright settings such as conference rooms and classrooms that require projecting with the lights on or in natural daylight require a 2500-plus lumens projector. When comparing lumens, look for ANSI lumens, not lux lumens.

Keystone correction ensures a straight image when projecting at an angle. There’s vertical and horizontal keystone correction. Similarly, lens shift allows you to physically move a projector lens diagonally, vertically, or horizontally. It’s different than keystone in that lens shift provides a physical movement whereas keystone is digital image correction.

Throw ratio dictates how large or small an image appears based on projector placement. A short-throw projector is great for a smaller room and achieves a large screen size from a projector placed close to a screen. Throw ratio on a short-throw projector ranges from about 1 to 0.4 You’ll find throw ratio listed as a number followed by a colon and another number, for instance, 1.5:1. The first number, in this case 1.5, indicates the feet of distance from the projector to the screen. Then, the number after the color, or 1 in our example, represents a foot of screen width. So for every 1.5 feet from the screen, you get a foot of width.

• Lumens
• Resolution
• Lens shift
• Keystone
• Throw ratio

Vankyo V630 – Best Budget 1080p Projector

The Vankyo V630 is the best budget native 1080p projector you can buy. Vankyo’s V6xx series absolutely dominates the under $300 projector market. MakeUseOf appreciated the Vankyo V630 for its affordability, bright image, and sharp 1080p resolution. Able to produce a 300-inch image, the Vankyo V630 movie projector boasts ±45° electronic keystone correction, 6500 LUX, a 5000:1 contrast ratio, and 50,000 lamp hours. Many cheap projectors market 1080p compatibility though the native resolution is lower. However, the V630 is a true native resolution remains lower. But the Vankyo V630 carries a true 1080p native resolution.

Connectivity is superb with a pair of USB ports, a VGA input, dual HDMI inputs, an A/V  input, headphone audio out jack, and an SD card reader. While the Vankyo V600 fans are rather loud, the V630 offers nearly silent operation. Disappointingly, the V6300 ANSI lumens are unknown. LUX lumens and ANSI lumens are completely different, so the 6500 LUX listed on the state sheet doesn’t translate to ANSI lumens. You won’t be able to use the V630 outside in broad daylight, but it’s definitely still viewable indoors with the shades open. Producing a bright, crisp image and with amenities such as electronic keystone, the Vankyo V630 is the best budget projector on the planet.

Pros:

• Horizontal and digital ±45° electronic keystone correction
• Native 1080p 1920×1080 resolution
• Quiet operation
• Bright image
• Up to 300-inch display
• Great connectivity including HDMI, USB, VGA, A/V, audio out
• Includes carrying case and HDMI cable

Cons:

• ANSI lumens unlisted
• Not capable of viewing in direct sunlight

AAXA M6 – Best Pico Projector

For business presentations, pico projectors are renowned for their spectacular utility. And the AAXA M6 is the best pico projector on the market. With full native 1080p resolution, it’s a great business projector that’s suitable for home theatre use as well. There’s a built-in battery for portable use and long-lasting 30,000 lamp life. 1200 lumens mean you can project well even with a fair bit of ambient light. Connectivity is absolutely mind-blowing with an HDMI input, VGA, composite A/V ports, and even a microSD card slot. At 2.5 pounds, portability remains superb.

While the AAXA M6 boasts 1600 lumens, battery usage cuts that lumen rating in half to 800. The small form factor comes with a bit of a downside in that the fans kick in while it’s plugged in to keep the unit cool and it’s therefore somewhat noisy. Disappointingly, there’s no auto-focus. If you’re ok with 720p HD, the AAXA P300 is a great pick. For an even smaller 1080p pico projector, AAXA’s P7 is a palm-sized option. And there’s even a 4K pico projector, albeit with a steep price tag.

Pros:

• Small size
• Under 3 lbs.
• Full 1080p native resolution
• Great connectivity (HDMI, VGA, A/V composite, microSD card)
• 1600 lumens
• Battery built-in

Cons:

• Only 800 lumens on battery
• Loud cooling fans while plugged in

XGIMI MoGo Pro – A Great Projector for Outdoor Movie Nights

While looks don’t necessarily count, Xgimi projectors feature aesthetically-pleasing designs. Almost masquerading as speakers, Xgimi’s projectors boast Harman Kardon speakers for spectacular sound quality. The Xgimi MoGo Pro comes decked out with 1080p native resolution, 300 ANSI lumens, and Android TV 9.0 Pie. 30,000 hours of lamp life is a best-in-class rating. Connectivity remains great with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and HDMI. 40-degree auto vertical and horizontal keystone alongside autofocus maintains a rectangular, crisp image. And the 10400mAh battery allows for two hours of continuous playback time.

Unfortunately, the 300 ANSI lumen output will appear washed out under ambient lighting. Xgimi also offers the H2 which features Harman Kardon speakers, 1350 lumens, and Android 6.1. You may also consider the XGIMI Halo with Harman/Kardon speakers, native 1080p resolution, and 800 ANSI lumens plus Android 9.0 Pie.

Pros:

• Excellent Harman/Kardon speakers
• Great connectivity (HDMI,Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)
• Keystone (vertical ±40 degree and horizontal ±40 degree)
• 300 ANSI lumens
• Android 9.0 Pie built-in
• Auto-focus
• Built-in 10400mAh battery
• 2GB RAM, 16GB ROM
• AMlogic T950x2 CPU

Cons:

• Low ANSI lumens

BenQ GV1 – Best Mini Projector

Projector heavyweight BenQ makes a neat soda-can sized portable projector in the GV1. I was pleasantly surprised by the capabilities of the BenQ GV1 which is easily the best mini projector you can buy. Small in stature but surprisingly capable, it boasts dual-band WiFi and Android built-in. There’s a solitary USB-C port for connectivity. A bundled carrying case allows you to easily tote the GV1 around worry-free. And the fun doesn’t stop with video. The BenQ GV1 features a speaker mode for use as a portable Bluetooth speaker. And as sound quality goes, the GV1 handles audio playback better than most projectors.

With its Android OS and onboard battery, the BenQ GV1 works great for outdoor movie nights. However, lack of connectivity somewhat limits its utility. A full-size HDMI input would have vastly improved connectivity options. While the USB-C port does allow you to hook up select phones, tablets, and other compatible devices, it’s not as simple as a standard HDMI port. Moreover, the version of Android running on the GV1 lacks the Google Play store. Of course, you can cast over your network to the BenQ GV1 as well as sideload apps or download apps using the Aptoide store. While the GV1 rocks a physical power button and volume controls, it’s unusable sans the remote. The 480p resolution is admittedly low, but even blown up to 120 inches, picture quality is crisp and vivid, with the 200 ANSI lumens proving pleasantly bright. In fact, I found the BenQ GV1 provided a better looking image than my ZTE Spro 2’s 720p 200 ANSI lumen image. You might also consider the XGIMI MoGo smart mini portable projector is a great alternative with 210 ANSI lumens and 540p resolution as well as Android 9.0 Pie.

Pros:

• 200 ANSI lumens
• USB-C connectivity
• Focus wheel
• Auto keystone
• Android onboard
• Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth
• Portable
• Battery-powered
• Included carrying case
• May be used as a Bluetooth speaker

Cons:

• Only 480p
• Low lumens
• Limited connectivity (USB-C and wireless casting only, no HDMI)

Nebula Capsule II – Best Portable Projector

Although Anker is best known for its external battery packs, its projectors are excellent devices. The Nebula Capsule II portable projector is a pint-sized 200 ANSI lumen 720p resolution unit. This mini projector touts DLP technology and an 8-watt speaker. Capable of producing a lovely 100-inch image, there’s Android TV 9.0 Pie built-in an outdoor movie night to go. Google Assistant onboard allows for voice commands and smart home control. A slew of connections including USB, HDMI, WI-Fi, and Bluetooth mean compatibility with tons of devices.

As an alternative, you may consider the Nebula Mars II Pro. The Mars II Pro bumps ANSI lumens to 500 while maintaining a high definition 720p resolution, built-in battery, and Android. Or the Anker Nebula Prizm II yields 200 ANSI lumens and full 1080p native resolution along with an HDMI port and USB connectivity but loses the battery and Android.

Pros:

• 200 ANSI lumens
• 720p
• Great connectivity (HDMI, USB)
• WiFi, Bluetooth
• Android 9.0 Pie onboard
• DLP projector
• Google Assistant
• 2.5-hour battery life

Cons:

• Only 720p resolution
• Low lumens

Optoma HD146X – Best Mid-range Projector

The Optoma HD146X is a solid mid-range projector that you can buy in 2020. Clocking in around $500 USD, the Optoma HD146X competes with high-end projectors. 3600 ANSI lumens ensure a bright picture even with some ambient light. HDMI CEC allows for seamless control of your projector and connected devices. A 25,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio gushes lush visuals for bright, clear scenes with deep blacks. Its 15,000-hour lamp life lasts a long time. And 1080p visuals appear gorgeous. Rec.709 color gamut reproduction offers cinephile caliber picture quality, and there’s 3D compatibility alongside a 144Hz rapid-refresh rate for flicker-free use. A game mode ushers in a fast 16ms response time.

The 1.1x optical zoom and lack of lens shift slightly limit placement options. But, native 1080p resolution, high lumens output, superb contrast ratio, and Rec.709 make the Optoma HD146X a reasonably-priced projector capable of churning out eye-candy visuals.

Pros:

• 3600 lumens
• True native 1080p
• DLP
• 15,000 lamp hours
• 1.1x optical zoom
• Vertical and horizontal keystone
• Superb black levels
• 25,000:1 contrast ratio
• 3D capable
• Low input lag
• Great connectivity (HDMI, USB, 3D sync, audio out)
• HDMI-CEC

Cons:

• No lens shift
• Only 1.1x optical zoom

BenQ HT2550 – Best Movie Projector

The BenQ HT2550 is the best movie projector on the market. Flaunting 4K UHD HDR and a whopping 8.3 million distinct pixels, its image quality is unrivaled. There’s HDR10 support and auto HDR color rendition for cinema-optimization. Rec.709 color gamut provides flawless color reproduction and accuracy. Auto vertical keystone and a 1.2x zoom make for simple, versatile installation. 2,200 ANSI lumens shine brightly and withstands a reasonable amount of ambient light. Still, the HT2500 is best viewed in complete darkness.

Lamp life clocks in around 10,000 or 15,000 in LampSave mode. A backlit remote is a spectacular inclusion since most home theatre buffs will watch in a darkened room. For beautiful, accurate colors, the BenQ HT2550 is a cinephile pleasing projector with 4K UHD HDR output.

Pros:

• Accurate color reproduction, Rec.709
• 2,200 lumens
• 4K UHD HDR resolution
• 1.2x optical zoom
• Automatic keystone correction
•  Great connectivity (HDMI, USB, VGA, RCA, component)

Cons:

• Big and heavy

ViewSonic PX747-4K – Best Budget 4K Projector

Although 4K projectors are widely available, most are fairly pricey. While the ViewSonic PX747-4K isn’t cheap per se, it’s easily the best budget 4K projector money can buy. With a super bright 3500 ANSI lumens, the ViewSonic PX747-4K can throw up to a 300-inch image and handles ambient lighting with grace. It supports HDR content and has a long lamp life at around 15,000 hours. Connectivity is top-notch with HDMI, VGA, and USB. There’s a 1.2x optical zoom, and 1.47 – 1.76 throw ratio.

Unfortunately, image quality isn’t necessarily cinephile caliber. The ViewSonic PX747 will surely please most viewers, but color reproduction pales in comparison to high-end 4K and even some 1080p projectors. Some users reported a washed-out image. Still, the ViewSonic PX747-4K boasts the best bang for your buck among 4K projectors.

Pros:

• 3,500 ANSI lumens
• 4K resolution
• Great connectivity (HDMI, VGA, USB)
• 1.2x optical zoom
• 1.47 – 1.76 throw ratio
• 40-degree vertical keystone
• 15,000-hour lamp life
• Excellent HDR support
• 12,000 dynamic contrast ratio

Cons:

• Image may appear washed out

Optoma GT1080HDR – Best Projector for Gaming

While big-screen movies and TV on a projector don’t require a fast response time, gaming on a projector does. Enter the Optoma GT1080HDR. This short-throw projector boasts enhanced gaming at 120Hz with a blisteringly fast 8.2ms response time. It’s HDR-compatible with HDR10 support, and a native 1080p resolution. The bright 3800 lumens output allows for daytime viewing. Capable of generating a 120-inch image from just four feet back from the screen, the Optoma GT1080HDR is a gamer’s dream come true.

Unfortunately, while the GT1080HDR can scale a 4K signal, its output is limited to 1080p. But you will find amenities such as vertical keystone and 3D compatibility. Plus, Rec.709 along with a 50,000:1 contrast ratio and ultra-bright 3800 ANSI lumens mean you’ll appreciate an accurate, crisp, vivid picture. The short-throw lens allows for a flexible installation, and gaming performance is superb.

Pros:

• 8.4ms gaming response time
• 120Hz
• HDR with HDR10 support
• 1080p native resolution
• 50,000:1 contrast ratio
• 3800 lumens
• Short-throw lens: Produce a 120-inch image from 4 feet away
• 3D compatible
• Vertical keystone

Cons:

• Not 4K

VAVA 4K UHD Laser TV – Best Projector with Soundbar

Although it’s not cheap, VAVA’s 4K UHD laser TV delivers a spectacular home theatre experience. While it’s marketed as a laser TV, the VAVA is really just an ultra-short-throw laser projector. You can cast a 150-inch image for merely 16.7-inches from the wall. 2500 ANSI lumens makes for a bright image under any lighting circumstances, and 4K HDR visuals ooze gorgeous visuals. What’s more, VAVA packs in a Harman Kardon soundbar and Android for a self-contained media centre. Aside from Android onboard, connectivity is great with USB ports, HDMI inputs, and more.

Unfortunately, the version fo Android built-in is a bit outdated. While most apps would work fine, some might not function as intended. But it’s best to pair a projector or smart TV with an external media streamer anyway. With a high-lumen output, 4K HDR visuals, and soundbar baked in, this VAVA 4K laser projector is a self-contained complete media experience.

Pros:

• Built-in Harman Kardon soundbar
• 2500 lumens
• 4K UHD HDR
• Rec.709
• Laser projector
• Great connectivity (3x HDMI, USB, A/V input, audio out, Bluetooth, USB)
• Android OS onboard

Cons:

• Outdated Android onboard

Xiaomi Mijia Laser Projector – Best Laser Projector

Laser projectors yield top-notch picture quality and the Xiaomi Mijia 4K ultra-short-throw laser projector accordingly does not disappoint. Requiring a mere 24cm from the screen to shoot a 100-inch image, it’s perfect for cramped spaces. The ALPD 3.0 cinema-grade laser generates bright, vivid images. And its 3000:1 contrast ratio proves capable of excellent image reproduction. With 1,500 ANSI lumens, the Xiaomi Mijia handles a fair amount of ambient light. Plus, you’ll find Dolby virtual surround sound built in.

Disappointingly, it’s only capable of producing an image around 150-inches. For most users, that’s fine, but anyone seeking a 300-inch image should look elsewhere. If you’re looking for the best laser projector for the money, the Xiaomi Mijia is the hands-down winner.

Pros:

• 1,500 ANSI lumens
• Ultra-short-throw
• 3000:1 contrast ratio
• 4.0 cinema-grade laser
• Flexible placement options
• Dolby digital virtual surround
• 4K resolution
• Great connectivity (HDMI, A/V, USB, SPDIF, Ethernet, audio out)

Cons:

• Only 1,500 lumens
• Low contrast ratio

Crenova BL-76 – The Best Cheap Projector You can Buy

Despite lowering projector prices, it’s really tough to find a decent projector for under $200. But the Crenova BL-76 clocks in at a regular price of around $200, and is frequently on sale for about $180. Rocking 6000 LUX lumen and able to shoot a 200-inch image, the Crenova BL-76 maintains a clear, bright image even with some ambient light. Connectivity is pretty decent with a pair of HDMI ports, two USB inputs, a VGA port, A/V input, and headphone out jack.

Of course, to keep the price low the Crenova BL-76 skimps on a few mid-range and high-end features. It should come as no surprise that the BL-76 lacks auto-focus and electronic keystone. Focus and keystoning are handled manually. There’s a minimal manual zoom as well. As is common on many cheap projectors, the foucs is lackluster around the edges of the screen, but toward the middle where your eyes will be drawn it’s solid. The true ANSI lumens isn’t listed, though the image is gorgeous in complete darkness, and even remains completely watchable with a modest amount of ambient light. At around $200 for a native 1080p projector, the Crenova BL-76 is tough to beat.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Great connectivity (HDMI, USB, VGA, A/V)
• True native 1080p
• 6000 LUX lumens
• Keystone and focus

Cons:

• No auto-focus or auto keystone
• Not ideal for watching with ambient light

The Best Projectors in 2021 for All Uses and Budgets

Projector ownership has never been easier or more affordable. While bank-breaking 4K home theatre projectors are available, tons of budget-priced units allow anyone to throw an outdoor movie night. On a shoestring budget, the Crenova BL-76 is a great buy. The Vankyo V630 steps up the price a bit while adding much-appreciated amenities such as digital keystone. Mid-range projectors like the Optoma HD146X balance affordability with excellent image quality, while high-end options such as the Optoma HT2550 pump out lifelike visuals. No matter your budget or use case, there’s definitely a projector on the market to fit your needs.

Your turn: What projectors do you recommend?