With so many different types of projectors available, from inexpensive portable ones to high-quality home theaters to light cannons built for gameplay or 4K HDR, there’s something here for everyone.
With lots of new movies being released daily, you no longer need to go to the cinema to see all the newest blockbuster releases. And with a home theatre system, you can watch those movies in high definition on a large screen in your very own living room. Home theatre systems come in various sizes, ranging from small screens that fit into your bedroom to huge screens that take up an entire wall. They’re also getting smaller and cheaper, meaning they’re easier to set up and use than ever before. You’ll find that prices start at about $290, rising to $3,900 for the biggest and best. But if you really want to splurge, check out our top picks for the Movie Projectors For Home.
If you’re looking for a good quality projector, here’s our guide to the best ones available today.
Quick Comparision
| Image | Product |
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Best overall home theater projector: Epson Home Cinema 5050UB Editor's Rating: 9.9 Brand: Epson Check Price |
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Best projector for the money: BenQ HT2050A Editor's Rating: 9.7 Brand: BenQ Check Price |
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Best cheap projector: AAXA P8 Editor's Rating: 9.6 Brand: AAXA Technologies Check Price |
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Best portable projector: Anker Nebula Mars II Pro Editor's Rating: 9.5 Brand: NEBULA Check Price |
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Best 4K projector for the money: Optoma UHD35 Editor's Rating: 9.3 Brand: Optoma Check Price |
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Best cheap projector runner-up: Vimgo P10 Editor's Rating: 9.1 Brand: VIMGO Check Price |
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Best 4K laser projector: Epson Home Cinema LS11000 Editor's Rating: 9 Brand: Epson Check Price |
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Best 4K laser projector runner-up: Optoma UHZ50 Editor's Rating: 8.7 Brand: Optoma Check Price |
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Best compact laser projector: Epson EF-12 Editor's Rating: 8.5 Brand: Epson Check Price |
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Best 1080p portable projector: Xgimi Halo Plus Editor's Rating: 8.4 Brand: XGIMI Check Price |
Contents
- Best Movie Projectors For Home 2022
- Best overall home theater projector: Epson Home Cinema 5050UB
- Best projector for the money: BenQ HT2050A
- Best cheap projector: AAXA P8
- Best portable projector: Anker Nebula Mars II Pro
- Best 4K projector for the money: Optoma UHD35
- Best cheap projector runner-up: Vimgo P10
- Best 4K laser projector: Epson Home Cinema LS11000
- Best 4K laser projector runner-up: Optoma UHZ50
- Best compact laser projector: Epson EF-12
- Best 1080p portable projector: Xgimi Halo Plus
- How To Choose The Best Movie Projectors For Home
- FAQs
Best Movie Projectors For Home 2022
Brief analysis
Epson Home Cinema 5050UB is the best all-around home projection system we've tested. With a contrast ratio of 1000:1, a maximum luminance output of 2000 lumens, and a color gamut of 100% DCI P3, this is one of the brightest and clearest projectors we've seen. A key feature is the inclusion of HDMI 2.0, allowing you to display 4K 60p video. You can also get a motorized zoom lens, plus extensive lens shift functionality. It does offer a significant leap in performance over cheaper models.
Some product details
Epson Home Cinema 5050UB is the best all-around home projection system we've tested. With a contrast ratio of 1000:1, a maximum luminance output of 2000 lumens, and a color gamut of 100% DCI P3, this is one of the brightest and clearest projectors we've seen. A key feature is the inclusion of HDMI 2.0, allowing you to display 4K 60p video. You can also get a motorized zoom lens, plus extensive lens shift functionality. It does offer a significant leap in performance over cheaper models.
Some product details
- Epson Precision Lens Technology – Designed for zero light leakage, all Epson Precision Lenses utilize a proprietary 15-element precision glass structure for outstanding image clarity and edge-to-edge focus uniformity
- Digital Imaging Processor – Real-time 12-bit analog-to-digital video processing for smooth tonal transitions, while helping to eliminate banding, blocking and other compression artifacts from the final visual performance. This powerful processor faithfully reproduces the source material the way it was intended to be shown
- 4K PRO-UHD (1) Projection Technology – A new type of 4K home theater experience utilizing advanced processing for resolution enhancement, color and image processing – resulting in an exceptional 4K home theater experience
What we like
- Clear, bright picture, Excellent contrast with the auto-iris engaged, Accurate Rec.709 color, Solid build quality
- Plenty of lens shift and zoom for flexible installation
What we dislike
- Automatic switching of image modes between SDR and HDR
- Full power mode could be quieter
Brief analysis
We would not place this in the cheap projectors category, but the BenQ HTS2050A is definitely one of the best value video projectors you can buy today. This modern projection system produces a bright image with great color accuracy and vivid detail. It’s also one of the only similar models with a vertical lens shift – so setup is a breeze. And it supports almost every type of device imaginable, including media players, gaming consoles, PC, Mac, and smartphones. Plus, the HT2050A features a low 16 ms response time for smooth gaming.
Some product details
We would not place this in the cheap projectors category, but the BenQ HTS2050A is definitely one of the best value video projectors you can buy today. This modern projection system produces a bright image with great color accuracy and vivid detail. It’s also one of the only similar models with a vertical lens shift – so setup is a breeze. And it supports almost every type of device imaginable, including media players, gaming consoles, PC, Mac, and smartphones. Plus, the HT2050A features a low 16 ms response time for smooth gaming.
Some product details
- SUPERIOR PICTURE QUALITY: 1080p Projector with a brightness of 2,200 Lumens, high native contrast ratio, and 96% Rec. 709 color accuracy calibration.
- HIGH RESPONSIVENESS: The specialized low input lag of 16ms and unique game modes ensure gamers an ultra-smooth gaming experience.
- WOW YOUR FRIENDS: Take the action to the big screen by projecting a 100 inch screen from just 8 feet away. Projects up to 300 inches.
- FLEXIBLE CONNECTIVITY: Supports most media players, gaming consoles, PCs, Macs, and mobile devices with input options such as HDMI, USB, and more
AWARD WINNING PROJECTOR: Highly Rated - Projector Central, Best Projector for the Money - CNET
What we like
- Great image quality
- Vibrant colors
- Full HD
- Quiet fan
- Just 16ms input lag in Fast Mode
- Amazing value with a three-year warranty
What we dislike
- Dim lamp, not ideal for well lit rooms
Brief analysis
The tiny P8 does not perform any better than its larger siblings. In fact, it is smaller and cheaper. However, it lacks features such as a projector and a built-in microphone.
It doesn't have batteries but has an HDMI port and a USB connector, so you can use a streaming device to stream content from your computer.
For the price, the P8 is one of the best cameras out there.
Some product details
The tiny P8 does not perform any better than its larger siblings. In fact, it is smaller and cheaper. However, it lacks features such as a projector and a built-in microphone.
It doesn't have batteries but has an HDMI port and a USB connector, so you can use a streaming device to stream content from your computer.
For the price, the P8 is one of the best cameras out there.
Some product details
- [WIDE RANGE OF CONNECTIVITY] - allows you to connect your favorite devices via HDMI, USB-C Input. Direct file playback with USB flash drive and microSD card. Connect to external speakers via 3.5mm or Bluetooth
- [STREAMING APPS AND SMARTPHONE MIRRORING] - Built-in streaming apps such as Netflix, YouTube. Supports wireless streaming. Cast your phone to the big screen with the mirroring function. (NOTE: Certain copyrighted content may not able to be mirrored or will have no audio)
- [SMART PROJECTOR WITH ANDROID 10.0 , WIFI AND BLUETOOTH] - a versatile media machine for business travel and home use. Ultra-portable design with 430 LED Lumens, Vibrant Color Technology. Supports 2.4 & 5 GHz WiFi
What we like
- Built-in streaming, using Android 10 (not Android TV)
- Comes with apps for Netflix, YouTube, Tubi, and more
- Only 8.8 ounces
- Inexpensive
What we dislike
- No onboard battery
- Measly 9No onboard battery
- Measly 950-by-540-pixel resolution (quarter HD)
- No 3D support
- Marginal quality for photorealistic images50-by-540-pixel resolution (quarter HD)
- No 3D support
- Marginal quality for photorealistic images
Brief analysis
It's smaller than an average soda can and comes with wireless connectivity, a surprisingly loud speaker, and even a handle. With auto vertical and manual horizontal Keystone corrections, it projects images onto any flat surface. It offers auto vertical/manual horizontal keystone corrections. It's powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
Some product details
It's smaller than an average soda can and comes with wireless connectivity, a surprisingly loud speaker, and even a handle. With auto vertical and manual horizontal Keystone corrections, it projects images onto any flat surface. It offers auto vertical/manual horizontal keystone corrections. It's powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
Some product details
- Expand Your Entertainment: Plug and play your favorite HDMI and USB 2.0 devices, including laptops, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and more.
- Brighter is Better: DLP IntelliBright technology projects a radiant 500-ANSI-lumen image at razor-sharp 720p for breathtaking video clarity. (Recommended for use in dimmer environments.)
- All Your Favorites: Watch YouTube, Netflix, and more with Android 7.1 for hours of awesome content on your portable projector.
What we like
- Good color quality for video and photos
- Doubles as a Bluetooth speaker system
- Runs Android 7.1 (and Android apps)
- Loud sound system with smooth audio
- Built-in battery
What we dislike
- Not as easily portable as some similar projectors
- Autofocus is slow to engage
Brief analysis
The Optoma UHU35 is a modern projector with lots of features packed into its small body. You'll find plenty of power under the hood, including an impressive lamp life of 3,000 hours. Its color wheel is very accurate, and the image it projects is sharp and bright. But what sets the UHU35 apart from similar models is its ability to display ultra high definition (UHD) video. That means you can enjoy movies and TV shows in stunning clarity—and without any annoying compression artifacts.
Some product details
The Optoma UHU35 is a modern projector with lots of features packed into its small body. You'll find plenty of power under the hood, including an impressive lamp life of 3,000 hours. Its color wheel is very accurate, and the image it projects is sharp and bright. But what sets the UHU35 apart from similar models is its ability to display ultra high definition (UHD) video. That means you can enjoy movies and TV shows in stunning clarity—and without any annoying compression artifacts.
Some product details
- ULTRA-BRIGHT: Enjoy 3,600 lumens of brightness in your home theater room, family room, gaming room – or even outdoors for backyard movie nights
- CRISP, COLORFUL PICTURE: UltraDetail technology ensures enhanced image sharpness with a higher frame rate to deliver a crystal clear picture; RGBWRGBW 8 segment color wheel increases the color ratio for richer, vivid and cinematic image
- VARIETY OF INPUTS: Connect with gaming consoles, PCs, Macs, and mobile devices, Blu-ray players, ChromeCast, Roku, Amazon Fire Stick & other streaming devices; input options include HDMI 2.0 inputs with HDCP 2.2 support, HDMI 4K, USB, VGA, and more
What we like
- 4K (3,840-by-2,160) resolution using XPR fast-switching
- Good color accuracy out of the box, plus easy color management
- Both HDR10 and HLG HDR support
- Full HD 3D
What we dislike
- Black level is too high on default settings
- Default settings leave some colors a little too dark or unsaturated
- Optical zoom is only 1.1x
Brief analysis
He says that the Vimgo P10's prices fluctuate between $170 and $300, which is similar to our favorite affordable compact projection screen, the AAXA Projection P8. It's significantly bigger than the P8, but not quite as big as some of its competitors. Still, it's certainly small enough for most people who want something they can carry around easily.
Picture quality is better in some respects, worse in others. In regards to picture quality, the Vimgo P10 has good contrast and brightness. However, the colors aren’t quite right. They're too greenish.
But the price is $25,000. A perfectly watchable movie for around $250. Even includes Netflix! Impressive.
Some product details
He says that the Vimgo P10's prices fluctuate between $170 and $300, which is similar to our favorite affordable compact projection screen, the AAXA Projection P8. It's significantly bigger than the P8, but not quite as big as some of its competitors. Still, it's certainly small enough for most people who want something they can carry around easily.
Picture quality is better in some respects, worse in others. In regards to picture quality, the Vimgo P10 has good contrast and brightness. However, the colors aren’t quite right. They're too greenish.
But the price is $25,000. A perfectly watchable movie for around $250. Even includes Netflix! Impressive.
Some product details
- [Remote Control Correction] Wifi projector provides a 40-120 inches display, 4-12ft projection distance. Zoom function supports the screen size from 100% to 50% to fit your screen. Adjust the focus and keystone correction until the image is clearer and sharper, keystone correction is one-step to operate, and allows ±50° horizontal, vertical, and rotate adjustment. (Please adjust the screen size to fit your screen, then focus the screen display, and finally perform keystone correction.)
- [Worry-Free Warranty & Professional Support] VIMGO outside indoor projector provides customers 2 Year Warranty and Lifetime Free Technical Support. With professional quality control and technical support team, we will replace the mini projector for you free of charge if your projector with any issues. If you have any problems with VIMGO movie projector, please feel free to contact us.
- [User-friendly Design] Video projector is fitted with a modern design, uses raw materials with premium quality. An efficient cooling system and sealed optical engine design, avoid dust from entering inside the machine and reduce 80% noise, extend the projector's life span. 100,000-hour LED Lamp-Life, using diffuse projection to protect eyes, ensures you and your families can enjoy this outdoor projector decade of Worry-Free Entertainment.
What we like
- SMART capabilities so you don’t need to stick a Chromecast or Fire stick into the projector to watch things. You can play it directly on the projector which runs Android OS.
- Bluetooth so you can connect your speaker of choice.
- A remote so you don’t need to get up and fiddle with the projector every time you want to make a change. FYI it runs on 2 AAA batteries that aren’t included.
- Autofocus on remote
- 1 USB port
- The design. The projector is small, pastel blue, and aesthetic pleasing. If you’re short on space it’s a definite win. I also think it will appeal to women and girls.
- Clean, clear picture with 1080p native resolution.
What we dislike
- The speakers are loud enough to be used in an outdoor setting but at the same time because they’re so loud, the sound often sounds muffled. If you want a quality experience you 100% need a Bluetooth speaker. This is an obvious con but it’s expected at this price point and considering most projectors have poor internal speakers.
- The projector only has 1 HDMI port. It’s not a deal breaker but it’s annoying if you have more than 1 HDMI device you use regularly, which most people do.
Brief analysis
The Epson Home Cinema LS11000 is similar to the Epsons 5050 but instead of using lamps, it utilizes lasers and phosphors to produce bright images. This means even better image clarity, no lamps to replace, faster turn-on/of, and a more useful dynamic contrast ratio. A more advanced pixel shifter ensures higher resolutions than the 5050 as well. It's more expensive at the beginning however over the course of the life of the projector they should be about the same. So better picture quality at roughly the same overall costs of ownership makes this well worthwhile consideration over the 5050.
Some product details
The Epson Home Cinema LS11000 is similar to the Epsons 5050 but instead of using lamps, it utilizes lasers and phosphors to produce bright images. This means even better image clarity, no lamps to replace, faster turn-on/of, and a more useful dynamic contrast ratio. A more advanced pixel shifter ensures higher resolutions than the 5050 as well. It's more expensive at the beginning however over the course of the life of the projector they should be about the same. So better picture quality at roughly the same overall costs of ownership makes this well worthwhile consideration over the 5050.
Some product details
- High Picture Brightness – Impressive 2,500 lumens of color and 2,500 lumens of white brightness (3) for an exceptional picture in virtually any theater environment – even in rooms with some ambient light
- Laser Array Light Source – True multi-array laser diodes are the optimum light source to power the unique 3-chip 3LCD projector engine for incredible picture brightness, black contrast and color accuracy
- True 3-Chip 3LCD Projector Engine – Advanced 3LCD technology uses three individual LCD chips to continuously display 100% of the RGB color signal for every frame; this allows for outstanding color gamut while maintaining excellent brightness without any rainbowing or color brightness issues seen with other projection technologies
What we like
- Delivers a full 3,840 by 2,160 pixels on screen
- Supports HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG HDR
- Good out-of-box color accuracy
- 2,500-lumen rating, with laser light source that lasts life of projector
- Powered lens and memory for constant image height setup
- Design not prone to rainbow artifacts
What we dislike
- No 3D support
- Loses some shadow detail
Brief analysis
The Optoma UHZ50 comes with an impressive array of features. It can project 1080p video at 60 frames per second (fps), which is about double what you'll find on competing models. And if you're worried about color accuracy, the UHZ50 also supports 10-bit 4K resolution, which means you get more colors than ever before.
Some product details
The Optoma UHZ50 comes with an impressive array of features. It can project 1080p video at 60 frames per second (fps), which is about double what you'll find on competing models. And if you're worried about color accuracy, the UHZ50 also supports 10-bit 4K resolution, which means you get more colors than ever before.
Some product details
- FLEXIBLE INSTALLATION: UHZ50 features a large 1.3x zoom, vertical & horizontal keystone correction, 4-corner geometric adjustment, 3x3 image alignment, digital zoom & digital image shift
- HIGH-QUALITY, CINEMATIC IMAGE: With the latest DLP technology combined with Optoma’s proprietary actuator, the UHZ50 displays an incredibly sharp, clear 4K UHD image with 8.3M pixels & 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio
- CREATIVE CAST: Supports Screen Mirroring and Push & Play; compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android & Chrome devices
What we like
- Long-life laser light source
- Excellent, low input lag
- Good black level paired with high brightness
- Good out-of-the-box settings
- Calibrates well for the price
What we dislike
- Speakers sound thin
- Streaming apps are frustrating and quality is inconsistent
Brief analysis
The EF-12 isn't quite as compact as the Anker Nebula Pro or the BenQ GS50 but it offers a better image quality than both of them. It doesn't use LEDs for its light source so it delivers a brighter picture than either of those two devices.
Some product details
The EF-12 isn't quite as compact as the Anker Nebula Pro or the BenQ GS50 but it offers a better image quality than both of them. It doesn't use LEDs for its light source so it delivers a brighter picture than either of those two devices.
Some product details
- Stunning Picture Quality up to 150" — Delivers an immersive viewing experience for TV shows, sporting events, gaming and movies by accepting content up to 4K – for an amazing Full-HD HDR picture.
- 8Auto Picture Skew and Focus Correction — Depending upon how you orient the projector to the wall, the projector will analyze the projected image and correct the geometry, while automatically focusing the picture for a beautiful viewing experience.
- Chromecast Built-In — Wirelessly cast your favorite content directly from your smart phone, tablet, or computer – including from popular Android and Apple devices (3).
What we like
- Sound by Yamaha
- MicroLaser Array Technology
- Lamp Life: 20,000 hours (normal/quiet mode)
- 3LCD
- Full HD Resolution (1920 x1080)
- Good Color Reproduction for a portable projector
- Android TV
- Google Assistant
- Built-in Chromecast
- Built in Wi-Fi
- Up to 150-inch screen
What we dislike
- Fixed Lens (No zoom range)
- No LAN connection
- Netflix app is not available in the app store.
- Minimal manual image adjustments (limited mounting options)
- Minimal controls on the unit, so the remote is required to navigate the user interface
Brief analysis
The Xgimi HP2 Plus is a relatively small projector with a 2.4-hour battery and surprisingly strong speakers. It has an Android tv (TV) built-in, so watching movies is much easier than with many other projectors. It does well for a portable projector but costs about the same as the BenQ ht2050a, which does far better. For regular movie nights far from a power source, it works great.
Some product details
The Xgimi HP2 Plus is a relatively small projector with a 2.4-hour battery and surprisingly strong speakers. It has an Android tv (TV) built-in, so watching movies is much easier than with many other projectors. It does well for a portable projector but costs about the same as the BenQ ht2050a, which does far better. For regular movie nights far from a power source, it works great.
Some product details
- Android TV 10.0: Android TV + Google Play provides seamless access to 5000+ apps like Disney+, HBO Max, and Prime Video. Regardless if you’re binge-watching the latest show or adventuring outdoors, Halo+ was built to entertain.
- 2 x 5W Harman Kardon Speakers: Halo+ emits clean, distortion-free Hi-Fi sound with ample bass response. Also compatible with Dolby Audio, DTS-HD/Studio, and Bluetooth 5.0.
- Fully Portable: Equipped with a 59.454Wh built-in battery and minimalist design, providing 2.5hrs of big-screen entertainment anywhere, anytime.
What we like
- Bright, beautiful picture, with minimal color wheel artifacts
- Incredibly fast, automatic picture adjustment
- Reasonably quiet
What we dislike
- Limited battery life
- No handle
- Odd remote
- No Netflix
How To Choose The Best Movie Projectors For Home
Lucky for you, we’ve compiled a list of the best projectors for every budget so you can find one that fits your needs. Whether you’re looking for something small enough to fit into your pocket or something big enough to hang on the wall, we’ve got you covered.
If you’re looking for something to watch Netflix on, a 1080p projector is still a good choice because most TV shows and films aren’t available in ultra high definition at 4k. However, if you want a better picture quality than you’d get from an LED television, then a 4k projector would be a better option.
You should definitely look at brand names when buying projector equipment. Make sure you know everything about them before you buy. Avoid generic electronic products.
FAQs
Which type of projector would be best for you?
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) projector technology was invented in the early 1980s. In contrast to earlier projector technologies such as CRT, it does not require an external light source. Projection optics focus images onto a screen. They can either be front projection systems where the image is projected onto the rear side of a translucent screen, or they can be rear projection systems where the image shines through a mirror onto the backside of a reflective display panel. Most modern LCD projector units incorporate both types of optical systems into one unit.
Both LCD and DLP projectors have their advantages and disadvantages. LCDs are generally cheaper, but they can be harder to read because they’re not as crisp as DLP displays. On the other hand, DLP displays are generally better quality, but they cost much more.
Do you need a projector for a better video viewing experience?
Projectors are not very sensitive to surfaces they’re projecting onto. They’ll show whatever is behind them, so if you hang your picture on a wall, you won’t see any bumps or imperfections. Just make sure there aren’t any loose objects lying around.
Portable or home projector?
Portable projectors are expensive for their performance. However, they can perform well even if you won’t use them outdoors. When you’re finished, just bring them indoors.
Useful guide :
Projector: Several Things You Need To Know Before Buying One
