To experience the true grandeur of cinema in the comfort of your own home, a projector is the ultimate choice. A high-quality projector can display a vibrant, sharp image up to 150 inches in size, providing an immersive experience that surpasses what any TV can offer, often at a lower price. Additionally, projectors are excellent for gaming and can even serve as a second screen for your computer.

In recent years, projectors have gained immense popularity, resulting in a wide array of options to choose from. Classic models that mount on the ceiling are now brighter and sharper than ever, with the option to choose between bulbs or lasers as a light source, depending on your budget. If you prefer a projector that mounts on the floor close to the screen, you can opt for one of the many ultra short throw (UST) models available.

However, compared to TVs, projectors can be somewhat confusing for the average buyer. This guide aims to provide you with essential details to consider, such as brightness, type (classic, portable, and ultra short throw), and other factors to help you select the best model for your setup.

## Table of Contents

## Best Projectors for 2025

Some projectors are designed for cinephiles, projecting crisp 4K video with HDR brightness and hyper-realistic colors onto a large screen. Others are bright enough to replace your TV for sports or gaming, and some low-cost portable models can be set up for camping or outdoor entertainment. To cater to these different needs, we’ve divided this guide into several categories to help you find the right projector.

The BenQ X500i projector is an excellent choice for those seeking a mainstream option. It features 4K resolution and high 3,200 ANSI lumen brightness, along with BenQ’s HDR-PRO technology, which delivers accurate colors, high contrast, and high detail in shadows. Additionally, it includes lens shift and has Android TV built-in. However, as with any DLP projector, be aware that it may produce rainbow color artifacts if you’re sensitive to them.

For a bright and sharp projector on a budget, consider the Epson Home Cinema 1080 LCD projector. It’s rated for 3,400 lumens at its brightest settings, making it suitable for use in ambient light. The three-chip system delivers 1080p video that’s sharp enough for movies, sports, and gaming. Moreover, its lightweight design (5.7 pounds) makes installation easy and allows for easy removal for outdoor use. However, it lacks HDR and has mediocre contrast, typical of projectors in this price range.

Cinephiles looking for a sharp, bright, and color-accurate long-throw projector should consider the Epson LS11000. This LCD laser projector offers features typically found on more expensive models, including 4K resolution (via quad pixel-shift technology), motorized lens zoom and shift capabilities, and HDR10+ with a wide color gamut. It’s also great for gamers, thanks to its high-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 inputs, 120Hz refresh rate, and <20ms input lag. The laser light source is rated at 20,000 hours and delivers up to 2,500 ANSI lumens of brightness. However, like other LCD projectors, it's not as sharp as comparable DLP models.Hisense is a leader in ultra short throw projectors, and the triple-laser PX3-Pro is its best model yet. It delivers an impressively bright 3,000 ANSI lumens and a 4K image at up to 120Hz (1080p at 240Hz), supporting all major HDR formats, including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. Colors are extremely accurate, with 110% BT.2020 coverage, surpassing any TV. Additionally, the PX3-Pro is the first UST projector designed for Xbox, thanks to its high refresh rate and HDMI 2.1 inputs. It's also IMAX Enhanced and includes Google TV, Dolby Atmos, and Harmon Kardon speakers. Although it's not cheap at $3,500, it outperforms more expensive models from LG and Samsung.Formovie builds some of the best UST projectors, and the Cinema Edge is priced on the budget side of the market while still offering premium features like a 120-inch 4K image, HDR10, and 2,100 lumen brightness. Details and contrast are strong, though color rendering isn't the best. The main advantage of the Cinema Edge is its small size and ability to set it up close to a wall.Anker has a range of great portable outdoor (battery-powered) projectors, but the Nebula Capsule 3 is the best in terms of performance and price. It uses a laser light source and DLP chip to beam a 1080p image for up to 2.5 hours, sufficient for a full movie under the stars. It also comes with Google TV for streaming when you're near a Wi-Fi signal. While brightness is limited to 300 ANSI lumens, it's still bright enough for its intended nighttime use.For gamers, the Optoma UHZ66 hits the mark with its super-bright laser light source, pumping out an incredible 4,000 ANSI lumens, 4K resolution, up to a 240Hz refresh rate at 1080p, and latency of just 4.4 ms in Gaming Mode. It also has decent color accuracy with HDR10 support, making it suitable for general entertainment, including TV, sports, and movies. The biggest issue with the UHZ66 is fan noise, which may be a concern for some users.## What to Look for in a ProjectorWhen considering a projector, several key factors come into play. First, determine the primary use of the projector and the type of room it will be used in. Also, decide on the desired image size. You'll encounter various specifications, so here are a few crucial ones to consider:### Brightness and ContrastBrightness is measured in ANSI lumens; the brighter the projector, typically the more expensive it will be. 1,500-2,500 lumens is suitable for darkened rooms, 3,000-4,000 lumens allows for some ambient light, and 4,000+ lumens is bright enough for use in direct sunlight. High contrast is important because projectors are more sensitive to ambient light and reflections.### DLP vs LCDDigital Light Processing (DLP) units, used by Optoma, BenQ, LG, and others, allow for bright 4K images. However, they can produce a "rainbow" effect, or red/blue/green artifacts, affecting some viewers more than others. LCDs, mainly used by Epson, Sony, and Sanyo, are often brighter, more color-accurate, and don't produce rainbow effects but are more expensive and susceptible to image degradation over time.### ResolutionIf you want a true 4K projector, be aware that only expensive models have native 4K resolution. Many projectors use pixel-shifting to attain 4K resolution.### HDR and Color AccuracyProjectors can't produce the light required for true HDR, so they use tone mapping to fit the HDR gamut into a lower brightness range. Many projectors display millions of colors, with some models surpassing the color accuracy of TVs and monitors.### UST vs ClassicClassic projectors and screens can be mounted on the ceiling for a cinematic experience. UST projectors mount on the floor next to the screen, taking the place of a TV, but don't beam as large an image and are generally brighter, sharper, and more expensive, requiring special screens for best results.### Mounting and Fan NoiseCeiling mounting requires work and budgeting for a bracket and cables. UST projectors require less labor but can be time-consuming to set up perfectly. Fan noise varies among projectors, with cheaper DLP models often being louder.### OpticsFor flexibility with location and image size, ceiling-mounted projectors need a good zoom range. Lens shift is used if the projector is mounted higher or lower than recommended, or you might need to use keystone correction, which can result in distortion or artifacts and may not work in gaming modes.### Gaming and StreamingFor gaming, look for projectors with high refresh rates and low input lag. Some projectors offer good numbers (240Hz and <20 ms), while others have poor input lag and refresh rates at just 60 Hz. For streaming, pick a model with built-in Google TV or a bundled streaming dongle.### ScreensThe choice of screen depends on the room and projector. Roll-down screens take up no space, fixed screens can be moved easily, and ambient light rejecting (ALR) screens are perfect for rooms with a lot of ambient light.## Projector FAQs### Are 4K Projectors Better?Yes, higher resolution is more noticeable on larger screens, making 4K particularly useful with projectors. However, brightness and contrast are more important.### Is a Projector Better Than a TV?Projectors provide a more immersive experience due to the large screen but aren't necessarily "better." Since you usually need to dim the lights with a projector, TVs are superior for everyday use.### Is 2000 Lumens Bright Enough for a Projector?Yes, 2000 lumens is bright enough, even with some ambient light. However, the image will still be hard to see with windows open on a bright day.### Should I Get a 4K or 1080p Projector?That depends on your budget and needs. If your budget is below $1,000, look for a 1080p projector with the best brightness and contrast. Between $1,000-$2,000, weigh whether brightness or 4K resolution is more important. Above $2,000, choose the brightest 4K projector you can afford.### What Are the Best Projectors in Daylight?The best projectors in daylight are ultra short throw (UST) models, which have the brightest and sharpest image, though they generally cost more than $2,000.### Do You Need a Screen for a Better Projector Experience?Technically, you don't need a screen, but a projector screen can make a difference. Screens reflect light evenly and enhance contrast, making colors more vibrant and the picture sharper. With a screen, you'll notice darker blacks and brighter colors, enhancing your movie nights or gaming sessions.### Should I Buy a Portable or Home Projector?It depends on how and where you plan to use it. Portable projectors are great for on-the-go use, being small, lightweight, and often having built-in speakers and batteries. Home projectors are more powerful, with higher resolution and brightness, ideal for a dedicated home theater or living room setup.

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