What are the features that make the best conference room projector? These devices offer a high brightness level, tons of connectivity options, and sharp picture quality, thanks to Full HD native resolution. Because of these features, these devices are the best projectors to use in business meetings.
If you’re looking for something to make presentations in your office’s conference rooms or you’re a traveling business person who needs to make presentations on the go, a conference room projector can be a huge help. With their high light output and user-friendly designs, these projectors will get your meetings going without a hitch and keep them running smoothly.
Keep reading to learn more about the best conference room projectors, their key features, and how these office projectors can help elevate your business or lecture hall.
Top Conference Room Projectors
#1 Optoma HD39HDRx Projector
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This is a great model for those that need multifunctionality in their projector. You can use it for any number of reasons, including presenting to groups. It also has an internal sound system.
- Multifunctional model
- Internal sound system
- Compact design
- Only HDMI connections present
- HDR may not be as good as similar models
Those seeking high brightness will love what this Optoma HD39HDRx has to offer. You’ll enjoy 4,000 lumens of brightness, which ensures you can always see imagery clearly. This should be enough to contend with some ambient lighting, as well. Unfortunately, a few consumers reported that this projector does not offer a true high-definition resolution despite its native 1080p resolution. Because of this, the picture might not be up to par with some competing models.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t have many connectivity options, with only 2 HDMI ports present. There is an integrated speaker, which means you won’t have to add extra wires or devices unless you want to, even though we do recommend using an external speaker.
#2 Epson PowerLite 119W Projector
Award: Honorable Mention
WHY WE LIKE IT: This project is super bright, simple to install, and incredibly easy to use. With plenty of connectivity options, you’ll be able to present from nearly any device. It also has a long-lasting lamp.
- 4,000 lumens of brightness
- Excellent color accuracy
- Impressive 8,000-hour bulb life
- Wireless connectivity requires an adapter
- Integrated speakers could be better
If you’re looking for a projector that can function well in even the brightest conference rooms, then you’ll enjoy the Epson PowerLite 110W Projector. With 4,000 lumens of brightness and an 8,000-hour bulb life, this projector ensures a bright, clear image no matter where you are. With its 1280 x 800 WXGA resolution, it delivers crisp and clear visuals, ensuring a professional display of content. It offers convenient connectivity options, including HDMI and VGA inputs, allowing seamless integration with different devices.
This business projector also features built-in wireless capabilities, enabling easy screen mirroring and wireless presenting. However, you’ll need to purchase a separate adapter to enable wireless connectivity. With its user-friendly interface and straightforward setup, this projector is a valuable tool for enhancing collaboration and delivering impactful presentations in conference rooms and boardrooms.
#3 BenQ LH720
Award: Best for Sound System
WHY WE LIKE IT: The short throw ratio on this model means you don’t need nearly as much space for your projections. This best projector for small meeting rooms won’t be an issue. Beyond this, it provides a whopping 4,000 lumens of brightness.
- 10-watt speaker
- 4,000-lumen brightness
- Short throw ratio
- Might be too bulky
This high-brightness BenQ LH720 ensures that ambient light won’t be a problem during presentations. You can expect 4,000 lumens of brightness from this projector, which is significantly higher than many competing models. Combine that with its full HD resolution, which is 1920 x 1080 pixels, and you have a fantastic picture every time. Keep in mind that this is a bulkier model than some counterparts. Because of this, you might want to go with a different model if you need high portability.
It also has a remote control, meaning you have total control over the projector no matter where you are in the room. The throw ratio is very low, as well. This means you don’t need a ton of space to properly project imagery onto your screen. Finally, you’ll appreciate the inclusion of a built-in speaker that offers 10 watts of power. This means that you don’t have to add an external sound system unless you want to. This speaker should be loud enough.
#4 ViewSonic PA503W Projector
Award: Best Low Latency
WHY WE LIKE IT: You’ll appreciate the low latency design of this powerful model. It also provides accurate colors, so you’ll always have a vivid image with precise details. This is a Blu-Ray-ready model that has multiple input options.
- Reduced input latency
- Provides accurate colors
- Blu-Ray-ready design
- Longer throw distance
This multifunctional ViewSonic PA503W projector has a lot to offer, no matter what you’re going to be using it for. If you choose to put this in a conference room, you can easily use it for presentations. It can also display high-resolution movies and informational content of all types. Unfortunately, this is a model with a longer throw distance. Because of this, you’ll need a fair amount of room to properly project imagery. This might be a dealbreaker for some consumers.
It also projects a large image. You’ll have 120 inches of room to play with if you keep it around 16 inches away from the projector screen. The easy set-up process is a dream for consumers and shouldn’t take more than a few minutes. All you have to do is plug it in, plug in your equipment of choice, and you should be ready to go. The SuperEco mode increases lamp longevity, helping the projector reach 15,000 hours of lamp life before requiring a replacement.
#5 BenQ TK700STi Projector
Award: Best for 4K
WHY WE LIKE IT: Ultra-high resolution, a bright lamp, and a wide range of connectivity options make this conference room project stand out from the crowd. If you want a decent 4K conference room setup, you can’t go wrong here.
- Minimal lag time at 4K resolution
- Android TV 9.0 built-in
- Supports HDR formats
- Black levels could be better
- Occasional rainbow artifacts
This high-resolution BenQ TK700STi projector is a top contender for conference room setups, offering impressive features and performance. With its 4K UHD resolution, it delivers incredibly sharp and detailed visuals, ensuring a captivating viewing experience for presentations and videos. The projector’s high brightness of 3000 lumens ensures clear and vibrant images even in well-lit environments.
When it comes to connecting your device, this projector offers advanced connectivity options, including HDMI and USB ports. It also supports wireless streaming, enabling convenient screen sharing and collaboration. The projector’s low input lag and fast response time make it suitable for interactive presentations and smooth video playback. With its user-friendly interface and versatile installation options, this is an excellent choice for bringing ultra-high resolution to your conference rooms or classrooms.
#6 TMY Projector
Award: Best for Easy Set-Up
WHY WE LIKE IT: If you want a projector that’s easy to get up and running, this model goes as far as to include a projection screen. It also has Keystone Correction, allowing you to adjust the imagery easily. You’ll appreciate the enhanced color contrast ratio.
- Projection screen included
- Enhanced color contrast ratio
- Keystone correction
- Overall brightness is lacking
This super-portable TMY Projector model is great for those who need to move the projector from room to room regularly. It’s a relatively small model that transports well. It also provides the newest 3LCD color, and it both calibrates and adjusts automatically to ensure you always have an accurate picture. While this is an excellent projector for dark rooms, it might struggle with ambient lighting. A few consumers said that it’s not nearly as bright as they hoped when they invested in it.
When you choose this projector, you’ll experience a genuinely vivid 1080P HD experience. Compared to competing models of mini projectors, it has a far better image quality. Depending on the projector’s distance from the screen, you can reach between 32” and 220” of screen space. It’s able to project correctly between 1.5- and 6-meters. This gives you precision control over the size of the projection and how close you want it to be to the screen.
#7 Fangor F506 Projector
WHY WE LIKE IT: You’ll appreciate the inclusion of an entire accessory kit with this projector. It’s also a wireless connectivity model, making connecting with your phone a breeze. Beyond this, multiple different inputs are accepted.
- Full accessory kit
- Wireless connectivity
- Multiple inputs accepted
- Fan might be loud
You’ll receive multiple different accessories with your purchase of this Fangor F506 projector. There is a carrying case to keep this model extra portable and a tripod to help you get set up so much quicker. This miniature version is not much larger than a phone, which means it can easily be transported around as necessary. However, it has been reported that the fan is noisy. You’ll have to contend with it while giving presentations, which may be a dealbreaker.
There are multiple devices compatible with this model. You’ll be able to use HDMI, AV, SD cards, or even VGA. This provides precision control over your choice’s connection type, making the setup even more straightforward. It also has Bluetooth connectivity, so you can connect external speakers to play audio. If you prefer to skip the external speaker, it also has one built-in for your convenience. The lens is an innovative 6-layer glass with high refraction.
#8 Sony VPL-PHZ61 Projector
Award: Best for Bright Rooms
WHY WE LIKE IT: This laser projector is an affordable option when compared to the broader laser projection market and offers incredible brightness with advanced functionality. Plus, it hosts all of this in a compact package.
- Intelligent Setting automatically adjusts brightness
- Long 5-year warranty included
- Affordable laser projection
- No wireless connectivity
- Manual focus only
With its Full HD resolution and 3LCD technology, this Sony VPL-PHZ61 conference room projector delivers vibrant and sharp visuals, making images and presentations pop. The projector’s high brightness of 6,000 lumens ensures clear and well-defined images even in brightly lit rooms. Laser projection can be expensive, but this projector offers an affordable entry point into this category.
This projector also features advanced image adjustment capabilities, including vertical and horizontal keystone correction, allowing for easy setup and alignment. Its long-lasting laser light source provides reliable performance and eliminates the need for frequent lamp replacements. With its versatile connectivity options and robust built-in speakers, this model offers a comprehensive solution for impactful and engaging presentations in conference rooms.
#9 CiBest Home Theater Projector
Award: Best for Education
WHY WE LIKE IT: This model accepts multiple connections, so you won’t have to worry about setting it up. Beyond this, it’s a small projector that allows for high maneuverability. You’ll also appreciate the inclusion of light-emitting diodes.
- High maneuverability
- Accepts multiple connections
- Light emitting diodes
- May have subpar Image brightness
Those seeking an immersive visual experience will find it with this CiBest Home Theater projector. It provides a superior image quality compared to competing models in the same class. You’ll enjoy 1080P, which is a full high-definition resolution. However, the brightness is not quite up to standard with competing models in the same class. This might be a dealbreaker, especially if you’re going to be in a room that deals with a lot of ambient light.
The 2000:1 contrast ratio ensures you’ll have lifelike detail, so presentations will always be crisp and clear. There is diffuse reflection technology included, which provides a softening to imagery. This helps protect you against eye strain. Multiple devices are compatible with this projector, including the Amazon Firestick, PS4, USB flash drive, TF card, laptops, and more. The leading smartphone projectors offer similar connectivity options. You’ll have precise control over the set-up of any presentation you have to give.
#10 Panasonic PT-VZ580U Projector
Award: Best for Education
- 1920×1200 WUXGA resolution
- 5000 lumens of brightness
- Long lamp life at 7,000 hours
- Limited zoom range
- Sub-par audio quality
This Panasonic PT-VZ580U conference room projector is an excellent choice for classrooms and educational settings thanks to its high brightness and wide range of connectivity options. With its high brightness of 5,000 lumens and vibrant color reproduction, it delivers captivating visuals that enhance the learning experience. The projector’s versatile connectivity options ensure seamless integration with various devices, enabling educators to effortlessly display content.
This model also offers a long lamp life of up to 7,000 hours in Eco mode, which reduces maintenance needs and offers extended usage. While the projector’s limited zoom range and bulkier design may pose minor limitations, its overall performance and suitability for educational environments make the device a top contender for educators seeking reliable and immersive projection solutions.
What Are Conference Room Projectors?
A conference room projector is a video projector that connects directly to a media source, like a computer, laptop, or media drive, to display high-quality images, video, and audio. The projector uses a light source and a series of lenses or glass panels to reproduce and enlarge the source media onto a projection surface to be viewed with clarity, even from many feet away. To see an example of one, check out our BenQ MW535A review.
Conference room projectors are built to create large images that can be seen by larger groups of people in larger rooms. These devices are incredibly helpful in delivering important information to a group of co-workers, stakeholders, or clients in a controlled environment.
Conference Room Projectors vs. Traditional Projectors
Both conference room projectors and traditional video projectors operate in much the same way, depending on the exact type you have on hand. At their core, both styles of projector will connect to a source like a computer, tablet, or media drive through any number of connections like an HDMI port, USB port, or VGA port. Some can even connect via wireless connection options. Once connected, the projector will project the media onto your projection screen or wall.
Whether you have a conference room projector or standard projectors, you’ll also get the same basic set of components. These typically include a light source, a color wheel or colored panels, and a lens. However, there are specific key differences in the way these features work that make conference room projectors better suited for office use, including:
- Brightness: Conference rooms are more likely brightly lit than not, meaning your projector in that room will need to offer a higher level of brightness than theater projectors. In general, you should only consider a projector for your conference room with between 3,000 and 6,000 lumens.
- Resolution and Image Quality: Conference room projectors typically don’t need the highest projector resolution available on the market. You’ll want to be able to see your presentations and text clearly enough to understand, but you won’t need the more accurate colors or sharpest details. As such, the best of these projectors will typically offer a 1080p, Full HD resolution, or 720p resolution. You can even get away with SVGA resolution on a business projector, which is 800×600 pixels. And if the image quality is important to you, check out our guide on some great projectors for artists. To learn more about these resolutions, read our page that will help answer the question, what resolution do I need for a projector?
- Throw Distance: In general, most conference room projectors will be long-throw projectors with a throw distance of six feet or more. These projectors can produce images upwards of 100 inches in size without a problem and without getting in the way of the meeting attendees.
- Connectivity: With all of the different devices available in the modern-day office setting, conference projectors should be able to connect to most, if not all, of those different options. These devices offer a wide range of connection options, including network and wireless connectivity. If you opt for a wireless projector, be sure you understand how much battery life it typically gets. A high-end projector may have a built-in battery that lasts longer than other budget projectors. A wired projector avoids those problems but still is limited to its power cord.
How Conference Room Projectors Work
While all video projectors operate in the same core way – projecting light and images to a flat surface — the exact mechanics of that process depend on the specific type of projector you’ve purchased. Let’s take a look at the three most common types of projectors you may find in a conference room:
- LCD: Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) projectors are lamp-based projectors and use a series of polarized mirrors and LCD panels to display your source media. The lamp shines a light through red, green, and blue LCD panels to create the color and then combines them into a single, colorful image. LCD projectors tend to offer more accurate and vivid color and a more affordable price tag.
- DLP: Digital Light Processing (DLP) projectors feature a lamp for the light source and a multitude of pivoting microscopic mirrors and color wheel to display your source media. The lamp shines a light through the color wheel to create the color and then uses the mirrors and a digital chip to process and display the image. DLP projectors tend to offer sharper images overall, and the devices are more portable than other types. Sharper pictures and text for work can make for an ideal business projector.
- Laser: Laser projectors use three different lasers as a light source and a series of mirrors to magnify and project the image. Laser projectors are more energy-efficient and long-lasting, with more detailed images overall, but they are much more expensive and bulky than other types of projectors. If you’re after the best-quality image alone, like what an entertainment projector would be used for, this type of projector would be ideal.
Do You Really Need a Conference Room Projector?
Whether you’re a business owner, team leader, or traveling salesperson, a conference room projector can amplify your ability to present helpful and important information to your audience. You might be in the market for a new projector if you’re opening a new office, replacing a worn-out device, or simply looking for new tools to improve your workflow. All of these are excellent reasons for considering the best conference room projector. In fact, for the ultimate projection experience, look no further than the best 1080p projector.
Is a Conference Room Project Worth Buying?
- You’re a Team Leader or Manager: Team leaders, managers, executives, and industry leaders regularly hold meetings with presentations. If you’ve had a hard time effectively communicating your points during these meetings, then a conference room projector can help elevate your presentations. With the best projector for a conference room on hand, you can easily display figures, numbers, and growth trajectories to your teams.
- You’re a Traveling Business Person: Traveling sales teams often need to give presentations in settings where they don’t have any previous control. With the best conference room projector, you’ll have a portable projector with plenty of connection options to ensure you’ll always be able to get up and running. Plus, with their high brightness levels, you’ll be sure your presentation is always visible and has good video quality.
- You Want Bright Projector for Any Office Application: A conference room projector is excellent for the specific use-case scenarios listed above, but it can also be a good general-use projector to have available in your office. Getting the best conference room projector is a good idea if you’ve ever needed a projector for any reason at work. This is ideal for in-person and hybrid workplaces, but 100% of WFH workers probably won’t need a projector for work purposes.
Why a Conference Room Projector May Not Be For You
- Your Office Doesn’t Have Conference Rooms With Projector Screen Materials: If your office doesn’t have any conference rooms with projector screens or flat, blank walls on which you can project images, then getting a projector doesn’t really make sense for you. Instead, you’ll want to rely on computer screens or televisions.
- You Rely on Physical or Online Handouts During Meetings: If you prefer to use physical handouts or online slides that people can use on their own computers during your meetings rather than a larger screen, then a projector wouldn’t help very much.
- You Don’t Have the Budget for Projectors: Conference room projectors tend to offer a higher price tag than traditional alternatives like a budget home theater projector. If your team or business doesn’t have the budget for a brand-new device that offers great image clarity, you may want to consider using the resources you already have for your meetings.
How Long Will a Conference Room Projector Last?
According to experts in the projection industry, like those at CDW, the biggest component to consider when looking at your projector’s lifespan is its light source or bulb. For a standard LCD projector, you should expect your bulk to last for around 2,000 hours before it needs to be replaced. However, high-end LED bulbs and laser projectors may give you as much as 15,000 hours of use before they need to be replaced.
Of course, your bulb’s lifespan ultimately depends on how often you use the projector. If you keep it powered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you’ll only get a few short years out of it. However, if you only use it a couple of hours a week, then it could last you 20 or more years.
With that said, if you’re looking for the best outdoor projector for daylight, then look for one that offers a longer lifespan so that it will last through your many outdoor presentations.
There are several other factors to consider with your projector’s lifespan. For example, improper installation could cause long-lasting problems that decrease your device’s lifespan. Similarly, keeping your projector in a dusty and dirty environment could also cause a decrease in lifespan.
How to Choose the Best Conference Room Projector
Before purchasing a new, leading projector for your classroom, you’ll want to consider the key features and functionalities you’ll need. For starters, consider the way you plan on using your projector while you present. This can help you determine what kind of user-facing controls are best for your presentation style. Next, consider how much ambient light is in your conference room so you can decide how many lumens you’ll want. Finally, think about connectivity and how you’ll connect to mobile devices and computers.
Conference Room Project Key Factors to Consider
- What throw distance do you need for your conference room?
Conference rooms come in all different shapes and sizes. As such, one of the first considerations you need to make for your new projector is how far it can project an image. This way, you’ll be able to determine where you can install it in your conference room. To learn more about setting up a projector, read our page on how far should a projector be from the screen, it will help understand how the throw distance works. The following options are the most common:
- Short-Throw Projectors: Also known as standard throw projectors, these are some of the most common projectors available today. They’re more affordable than UST projectors, so they’re the more entry-level-friendly models. The best short-throw projectors require anywhere between three and eight feet of projection distance, and they can typically create images upwards of 100 inches in projection size. A short-throw projector is perfect for tabletop installation. Many of the best Epson projectors offer a short-throw configuration. Although they’re great buying choices for meetings, they can also be the best projector for golf simulators, especially during breaks. A short throw smart projector for business can be great for impromptu meetings in various conference rooms, so you don’t have to mess with adjusting it too much.
- Ultra-Short Throw Projectors: These are more expensive and less common than standard short-throw projectors. Ultra-short throw projectors only need between a few inches and three feet to project an image. Typically, you install them directly below the projector screen. An ultra-short throw projector is perfect for small conference rooms. If you work in a fast-paced, demanding environment, these can help you set up for the meeting faster. These can make for great movie and gaming projectors as well if you have a smaller space for your favorite movies and video games.
- Long-Throw Projectors: These are most commonly found in conference rooms and auditoriums. They require at least six feet to project an image but can even be installed 10 to 20 feet away for larger image sizes. Long-throw projectors are typically installed in a ceiling mount configuration, though be mindful of the weight capacity that the mount can support. If your projector has a relatively lightweight and compact size, this might not be as much of a concern. So be sure to check out our guide on the top ceiling-mounted projectors if you need this type of projector.
- How many lumens of brightness do you need your projector to output?
Conference rooms are often brightly lit by ceiling lights or from the daylight coming through the windows. Either way, you’ll want a projector with anywhere between 3,000 and 6,000 lumens of brightness to get a clear picture for your audience. Without a bright image, the projection will appear faded and harder to see, which isn’t ideal for a boardroom projector in a business setting.
If you can close blinds and turn off the lights to mitigate harsh light conditions and create better color reproduction and a more crisp picture, you can likely get away with an option with less brightness. However, you’ll then create a dark environment for your audience, which isn’t ideal for an office setting. Therefore, it’s important to choose the best projector for your office conference room based on your lighting conditions and needs.
- What kind of connectivity options do you need on your conference room projector?
Since the conference room projector you purchase will likely be a shared device amongst the rest of the office, you’ll need to consider an option with plenty of connection options. This way, everyone will be able to connect to the projector, regardless of which device they’re using.
At the very least, you should consider an option with HDMI, VGA, and USB ports. If you’re looking for more advanced features like extensive connectivity, you can purchase options with DisplayPort ports, component ports, and even wireless connectivity.
You may also want to consider a projector with network connectivity. A network projector can connect remotely to any desktop computer connected to your office’s network. These can be incredibly helpful for large offices with a lot of employees.
- Should you choose a ceiling mount projector or a tabletop projector for your conference room?
Most projectors are installed in either a ceiling mount configuration or a tabletop configuration. Each way has its pros and cons, but your configuration will ultimately depend on the conference room.
If you have room on the conference room table, then a tabletop installation gives you greater flexibility and an easier installation process. Installing a ceiling projector is harder, but it keeps the device out of the way and can project at longer distances for larger images.
- What kind of audio capabilities do you need on your projector?
Many current projectors offer built-in speakers so you can play audio for your presentation without needing external speakers. However, built-in speakers typically don’t offer good audio quality and might not offer the best cinematic viewing experience if you’re missing out on decent audio. If you need better sound quality, you’ll want to purchase a projector with audio ports to connect it to your sound system. Hook up some quality external audio speakers to make the presentation better quality overall. If superior audio quality isn’t that important to you, then the built-in speakers should be sufficient.
If you don’t need any audio and instead want a silent experience, then you may want to consider the best quiet projector.
