In this post:
- Best Projector Comparison Chart
- What Is a Home Theater Projector?
- What Does ‘Short Throw’ Mean?
- Is a Home Theater Projector Worth It?
- Best Home Theater Projectors
- Do I Need a Projector Screen?
- Can I Stream Netflix and Prime Video on a Projector?
- What Customers Are Saying
- Which Video Projector Is Right for Me?
- FAQs
Home theater projectors are a popular upgrade for turning any space into an epic entertainment area. Whether you want to turn your basement into your own personal movie theater, set up an immersive gaming hub, or host a fun outdoor gathering, home theater projectors offer a larger-than-life experience that regular TVs just can't match.
Best Projector Comparison Chart
| Product | Estimated Price | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epson Home Cinema LS11000 | $3,999.99 | 4K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, laser light | Best 4K Projector |
| BenQ HT2060 | $899.00 | LED technology, high contrast, optimized for gaming | Best Budget Projector |
| Optoma GT2100HDR | $1,299.00 | Short throw, 1080p resolution, DLP laser technology | Best Short Throw Projector |
| AWOL VISION LTV-2500 | $2,999.00 | Ultra short throw, triple-laser, HDR10+ support | Best Ultra Short Throw Projector |
| Hisense C2 Ultra 4K UHD | $2,499.99 | Portable, RGB laser, 4K AI upscaling | Best Portable Mini Projector |
| Nebula Mars 3 Air | $599.99 | Built-in Google TV, HDR10, dual 8W speakers | Best Smart Projector for Streaming |
| BenQ X500i | $1,499.00 | Low input lag, 240Hz refresh rate, HDR-PRO tech | Best Gaming Projector |
| Epson Pro EX7280 | $549.99 | 4000 lumens, 3LCD tech, vertical keystone correction | Best Daylight Projector |
| NEBULA Mars 3 Outdoor | $1,049.99 | 1000 ANSI lumens, IPX3 water resistance, 5-hour battery | Best Outdoor Projector |
| NexiGo Aurora Pro | $2,699.00 | 3D compatibility, Dolby Vision, HDR+, 3000:1 native contrast ratio | Best 3D Projector |
What Is a Home Theater Projector?
A home theater projector is a device that uses a laser or bulb to project images or video onto a screen or flat surface, creating a picture that's far larger than any TV or monitor could offer. They're a flexible, immersive option that can elevate any entertainment experience, from watching a movie to online gaming.
Home theater projectors come in various sizes and styles. You’ll find compact models that fit perfectly in smaller rooms or apartments, high-powered options for dedicated home theaters, and even outdoor-friendly projectors to light up your backyard gatherings.
What Does ‘Short Throw’ Mean?
When shopping for a home projector, you'll notice that some have a “short throw” or “ultra short throw” (UST) lens. In projector terms, “throw” refers to the distance between where you place the projector and the surface it's projecting upon. So, “short throw” refers to a projector’s ability to create a large image even when it’s placed close to the screen or wall.
Short throw projectors are equipped with lenses that are designed to be positioned just a few feet away and still project a clear, big-screen picture. This is ideal for smaller rooms where you don’t have a lot of distance between the projector and the viewing surface.
Ultra-short throw (UST) projectors take it a step further by creating a huge image when placed just inches away from the wall. They're perfect for tight spaces or sleek, minimal setups where you don’t want a projector in the middle of the room, like a modern gaming setup or a compact living room.
Is a Home Theater Projector Worth It?
If you’re a movie buff, sports fan, or avid gamer who values large screens and immersive experiences, adding a projector to your entertainment setup can definitely be worth it. Even if you already have a TV, a projector offers a unique way to create a dedicated space for movie nights or gaming sessions.
One of the biggest perks of a projector is the screen size: you can easily enjoy a 100-inch or even 150-inch display, which truly brings movies, sports, and games to life. Many projectors are also lightweight and portable, so you can move them between rooms or even set up a movie night outdoors in your backyard.
Many people prefer buying a projector because, unlike a massive TV, it won’t dominate your room. When it’s off, it’s practically invisible, so you can keep your space open and uncluttered. Plus, for the size you get, projectors can be a more affordable way to go big without investing in a giant, expensive TV.
On the flip side, projectors work best in dark settings, so if your space has lots of natural light, you might need blackout curtains or a specialized screen to reduce glare. Setting up a projector can also take a bit of work, especially if you’re planning to mount it or connect an external sound system. And, since projectors often don’t come with high-quality built-in speakers, adding some extra audio gear may be needed to get that true theater sound.
Overall, though, the big-screen experience can make these small trade-offs worth it. While there are some quirks about projectors that you should be aware of before purchasing, the dramatic screen size and cinematic feel are hard to beat.
Best Home Theater Projectors
From compact portable models to high-end projectors with cinema-grade visuals, there’s a home projector for nearly any space and budget. Let's dive in and explore the best home theater projectors to find the perfect fit for your home.
Best 4K Projector – Epson Home Cinema LS11000
- 4K PRO-UHD with LCD chips
- Precision Shift Glass for clarity
- Laser Array Light Source
- 2,500 lumens brightness
- 3LCD engine for color fidelity
- 10-bit HDR with real-time adjustment
The Epson Home Cinema LS11000 is our number one pick for a fully immersive, high-end home theater experience. Priced at $3,999.99, this 4K projector combines advanced pixel-shifting technology and a powerful laser array light source (no more replacing expensive bulbs!) to deliver an exceptionally sharp and vibrant picture. Unlike many projectors that sacrifice brightness when boosting resolution, the LS11000’s 3-chip 3LCD technology maintains outstanding brightness and color accuracy without the rainbowing effect seen in other models.
The LS11000 also has a refresh rate up to 120Hz and high-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 inputs, making it future-proof and perfect for next-gen gaming consoles and any potential 8K sources on the horizon. Plus, thanks to the motorized lens with generous zoom and lens-shifting capabilities, it’s easier to set up and adjust to your space. Although it lacks 3D support, the LS11000 makes up for it with its versatility and high-quality performance.
Best Budget Projector – BenQ HT2060
- Vibrant LED colors
- HDR10/HLG support
- Gaming and movie-ready
- Dual HDMI, 5.1 audio out
- Low input lag for gaming
- Built-in 5W x 2 speakers
If you’re looking for cinematic quality on a budget, the BenQ HT2060 Projector delivers impressive value at just $899. This affordable projector punches above its price point with rich, vibrant colors and high contrast. Its LED technology also extends its lifespan, making it a great long-term option for anyone new to projectors who wants solid performance without the need for frequent bulb replacements.
Despite its lower price, the HT2060 doesn’t skimp on picture quality or brightness. It’s optimized not only for movies and TV shows but also for gaming, with low latency for a smooth experience. However, this budget model does lack a few things that might be important to you, namely Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and built-in streaming. Some customers also complain about its DLP projection technology producing brief flashes of color – a.k.a, the “rainbow effect.”
Best Short Throw Projector – Optoma GT2100HDR Compact Short Throw Laser Home Theater and Gaming Projector
- Laser light source, 30,000 hrs
- Short throw, 120" from 4
If you're in the market for a high-quality projector for gaming or smaller spaces, the Optoma GT2100HDR Short Throw Projector is priced at $1,299 and offers fantastic image quality and performance. Known for its impressive 2,400 ANSI lumens and DLP laser technology designed to last up to 30,000 hours, the GT2100HDR produces a vivid, bright 1080p image that’s perfect for movie enthusiasts and gamers alike.
From just over three feet away, this projector can cast a massive 100-inch display and even scale up to an incredible 292 inches for immersive viewing experiences, making it ideal for home theaters or backyard movie nights (just remember it’s not weather-resistant). Gamers will appreciate the low input lag (as low as 8.6ms) and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. However, its speakers are not the best, so you'll want to add a soundbar or home stereo setup to boost the audio experience.
Best Ultra Short Throw Projector – AWOL VISION LTV-2500 4K UHD Ultra Short Throw Triple Laser Projector with Dolby Vision & Atmos
- UST projector + center speaker
- ThunderBeat 5.2.2 surround sound
- Triple Laser, Dolby Vision & Atmos
- Up to 150" 4K display
- Cinematic 3D support
The AWOL VISION LTV-2500 sets the bar high as an ultra short throw (UST) projector, delivering a spectacular 150-inch 4K image from only a few inches away without needing a pitch-black room. Priced at $2,999, this UST projector is well worth the premium price, boasting a powerful 2,500 ANSI lumens that delivers a stunning, vibrant picture even in spaces with ambient light.
Its advanced triple-laser technology and impressive color accuracy bring out every detail and color depth, while support for HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG make it versatile. Combined with Dolby Atmos support for outstanding sound, the LTV-2500 brings theater-quality visuals and audio into your home, making it a top choice for anyone looking to make a big impact with limited space. Plus, with options to mount close to the wall, it’s easy to integrate into any type of setup.
Best Portable Mini Projector – Hisense C2 Ultra 4K UHD Triple Color RGB Laser Portable Mini Projector
- 300-inch screen capability
- 360° and 135° angle calibration
- 4K sharpness with zoom
- 4K AI Upscaler
- 28-chip MCL38 Laser for vivid colors
The Hisense C2 Ultra 4K UHD Projector is a portable powerhouse, available for $2,499.99. Compact, versatile, and with impressive color accuracy, the Hisense C2 is the go-to for those who want a portable projector with all the perks of a high-end home theater setup.
Despite its small form factor, this portable mini projector is capable of projecting up to a 300-inch screen, making it perfect for movie nights, presentations, or outdoor gatherings. Its advanced triple-color RGB laser design delivers vibrant, precise colors, and its flexible zoom feature allows you to scale the image without compromising clarity, making it easy to adapt to different spaces.
But, one of the Hisense C2's most innovative features is its 4K AI upscaling, which is capable of transforming lower-resolution content into sharp, striking, detailed images. Another handy feature is the built-in gimbal, which allows for a 360° horizontal and 135° vertical rotation to make it easy to project onto a wall or ceiling with ease.
Best Smart Projector for Streaming – Nebula Mars 3 Air (Netflix Officially Licensed)
- Portable with Google TV
- 1080P HDR, 400 Lumens
- 2.5-hour movie playback
- Dolby Audio, dual 8W speakers
- Auto keystone and obstacle avoidance
The Nebula Mars 3 Air is a compact smart projector that delivers great picture, solid sound, and smart functionality – all for the affordable price of $599.99. With built-in Google TV integration, you can stream directly from popular apps like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu without needing an additional media streamer. Picture quality is clear and crisp, with 400 ANSI lumens brightness, 1080p resolution, and HDR10 support.
For a mini projector, the Nebula Mars 3 also has surprisingly rich sound, boasting dual 8W Dolby Audio speakers that can double as a Bluetooth speaker. Designed for portability, this mini smart projector also includes a built-in battery for up to 2.5 hours of viewing and has automatic focus and image shaping, so setup is easy. Just keep in mind that higher brightness settings will drain the battery faster, though you can always plug it in for uninterrupted use at home.
Best Gaming Projector – BenQ X500i
- 4K HDR-PRO visuals
- 4ms response for gaming
- Short throw, space-friendly
- Android TV and casting support
- Dolby Atmos audio
With a retail price of $1,499, the BenQ X500i Gaming Projector is a top choice for serious gamers. It is one of the best gaming projectors that doesn’t compromise on speed, visuals, or flexibility. Designed with gaming in mind, it boasts a low input lag (as low as 4ms), higher refresh rate at 240Hz, and game-specific picture modes to give players a competitive edge.
Its short-throw lens is also ideal for gaming setups, where space is limited, as the X500i can produce a crisp 4K, 100-inch image from just five feet away. Plus, with true 4K resolution powered by BenQ’s HDR-PRO technology, every pixel pops with incredible detail and vibrant colors.
Another plus is smart functionality, with built-in Google-certified Android TV, so you can stream or cast content effortlessly. The only downsides are that its zoom and lens adjustments are somewhat limited, and it lacks a powered USB port for external streaming sticks. But, these minor issues are easy to work around.
Best Daylight Projector – Epson Pro EX7280 3-Chip 3LCD WXGA Projector
- 4000-lumen brightness
- Crisp WXGA resolution
- 3LCD color technology
- Easy image adjustments
- Built-in speaker
- Auto keystone correction
Most projectors only work in the dark, and there are only a few out there that can compete with the sun's brightness. To outshine the sun, a daylight projector needs to have at least 3,000 lumens (or 1,000 ANSI lumens) of brightness – and this will typically cost you upwards of $1,000.
But, that's where the Epson Pro Ex7280 is different. For $549.99, the Epson Pro EX7280 boasts 4,000 lumens of both color and white brightness, handling daylight like a pro and ensuring that your image remains vivid even in well-lit rooms.
Epson’s 3LCD technology guarantees consistent color accuracy without the rainbowing effect that some other projection technologies can introduce. It’s also incredibly user-friendly, featuring built-in vertical keystone correction and a skew sensor to automatically square the image. However, it has a lower resolution (1280×800) compared to other models and does not include wireless or Bluetooth support.
Best Outdoor Projector – NEBULA Mars 3 Outdoor Portable Projector
- 1000 ANSI Lumens, 1080p
- AI-adjusted brightness
- Android TV 11.0, Chromecast
- Durable outdoor build
- 40W Dolby sound
- Quick 3-second setup
The NEBULA Mars 3 is the ultimate choice for an outdoor projector, at $1,049.99 on Amazon. Designed to bring the theater experience to your backyard or campsite, its impressive 1,000 ANSI lumens of brightness and 200-inch screen size capacity project clear and bright images even in partially lit outdoor settings.
The Nebula Mars 3 is also built to withstand the outdoors, with IPX3 water resistance. Its rugged design, complete with a handle and built-in stand, is built for both durability and portability. Plus, with a massive 185Wh battery capacity, you can enjoy up to five hours of viewing or even use it as a power bank to charge devices. Dolby Digital Plus audio and intelligent environment adaptation complete the immersive experience, making setup and outdoor viewing a breeze.
Best 3D Projector – NexiGo Aurora Pro
- 3D Compatible, 3000:1 contrast
- Dynamic dimming, energy-saving
- 60W Dolby Atmos speakers
- Dolby Vision, HDR10+ support
- 8ms input lag, 120Hz MEMC
The NexiGo Aurora Pro is the go-to projector for anyone who loves 3D entertainment, priced at $2,699. This ultra short-throw projector is one of the few 4K options that supports active 3D movies. Plus, it's the only UST projector to include Dolby Vision, HDR+, and an impressive 3000:1 native contrast ratio for rich, deep blacks and brilliant detail that greatly enhance the cinematic feel of every scene.
Beyond visuals, the NexiGo Aurora Pro also brings the sound to match. Equipped with built-in 60W speakers that feature Dolby Atmos and enhanced eARC, this projector delivers surround sound, theater-quality audio that pulls you right into the action. The only thing this projector is missing for a perfect, big-screen 3D movie night is the 3D glasses themselves, which you'll have to remember to purchase separately.
Do I Need a Projector Screen?
Home theater projectors allow you to beam an image onto almost any flat surface, whether that's a wall, ceiling, or screen. So, you might be wondering: do you really need to buy a dedicated projector screen?
In short, the answer is probably yes, and we'll explain why. While using a wall may sound convenient, it usually doesn't deliver the best picture quality. Even the smoothest walls tend to have small textures or imperfections that can make images look grainy or uneven. Plus, painted walls absorb a fair amount of light, which reduces the brightness and alters the color accuracy of what you’re watching.
Simply put, if you want your projector to perform at its best, especially in a home theater setup, a proper screen makes a big difference. A projector screen is designed to enhance image brightness, contrast, and clarity. Even a basic screen offers a smoother, more reflective surface than a wall, so colors appear truer, and the picture is noticeably sharper. Some advanced screens, such as ambient light-rejecting (ALR) screens, take things a step further by blocking out surrounding light, which helps maintain image quality even in brighter rooms.
While screens add some extra cost and setup time, they’re absolutely worth it if you’re after that rich, cinematic feel at home.
Can I Stream Netflix and Prime Video on a Projector?
Yes, you can stream Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, and other popular TV streaming services on a projector – but there’s a catch. To stream Netflix or Prime Video directly from your projector, the device must have special certifications due to copyright and licensing restrictions.
Streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video require projectors to meet specific standards, so if you’re hoping to enjoy these apps without using an external media player or streaming stick, then you'll need to buy a Netflix projector that's officially approved. These certified projectors are called smart projectors, and they come with built-in streaming apps just like a smart TV or streaming device.
What Customers Are Saying
Which Video Projector Is Right for Me?
Choosing the best video projector ultimately depends on how and where you plan to use it. Whether you're looking for a high-quality home theater setup or a portable device for backyard movie nights, knowing what you’ll mostly use it for can help guide your decision.
For serious movie buffs who want immersive 4K streaming, a high-lumen projector with HDR capabilities is ideal. Or, if gaming is more your thing, you should look for a projector with a high refresh rate and low input lag so you can enjoy smooth, responsive gameplay. If you want a project for outdoor gatherings, then you may want something portable with battery power or a model that’s bright enough to handle ambient light.
You should also consider whether you want a laser, LED, or bulb-powered projector. Bulb projectors are typically cheaper at first but come with the extra cost and maintenance of replacing the bulb over time. Laser and LED projectors tend to be pricier but last longer – laser projectors give you a brighter image, while LED models are quieter and more energy-efficient. Also, if you’re planning to stream Netflix or Prime Video, make sure the projector is officially approved for these apps.
With smart projectors offering so many features nowadays, it’s certainly worth comparing options to find the one that best fits your needs and lifestyle.
FAQs
It depends on where you will be using it. For a home theater projector in a dark room, you should look for a minimum of 1,000 ANSI lumens. But, if your setup is in a room with some ambient lighting and you’re planning on using it during the day, it’s better to go for a brighter projector: at least 1,500 ANSI lumens, but preferably 2,000 or more. Remember, if you’re aiming for a larger screen size, you’ll need even more brightness to keep the picture quality crisp and vibrant.
The throw distance, or how far away you should place your projector from the screen, depends on the model's specifications. Some projectors are short throw, meaning they can project a large image from a few feet away, while others may need to be placed 10-15 feet away from the screen to achieve the desired image size.
4K resolution can give you ultra-crisp, detailed visuals that look especially amazing on a large screen. However, if you’re mostly watching HD or streaming 1080p content, a 1080p projector should be more than enough for clear, enjoyable viewing. A 4K projector can be worth it if you're aiming for a full theater experience, but it’s not essential unless you’re really after that next-level sharpness and detail.
Projectors require regular cleaning, especially the lens and air vents, to prevent dust buildup. If you have a bulb-powered projector, you’ll also need to replace the bulb after a certain number of hours (usually 2,000-5,000 hours). Laser and LED projectors generally require less maintenance.
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