Best Laser Projector in 2023

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Updated February 16, 2023

To help you find the best laser projector to serve all of your home entertainment needs, we spent multiple hours researching over 20 different products. Our research and ranking focused on features like brightness, resolution, and user-friendliness. However, we also gave points to projectors for additional features like portability, onboard audio, and smart functionality. If you consider these in your search for the top-rated projector, then you will enjoy the best laser projectors in the market.

With these features in mind, we chose the Formovie Theater Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector as the best laser projector for this year. This amazing projector creates a stunning picture with 4K resolution, insanely accurate colors, and superb color accuracy. Keep reading about this, and our other top picks to learn more about the best projectors on the market today.

Top 10 Laser Projectors

#1  Formovie Theater Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector

Award: TOP PICK

WHY WE LIKE IT: An amazing native contrast ratio, premium audio quality with Dolby Atmos, and gorgeous 4K UHD picture quality all make this laser projector our top pick. It’s also got a long life and works well in virtually any kind of ambient light for the most versatile experience your money can buy.

Pros
  • 3,000:1 native contrast ratio
  • Built-in Bowers & Wilkins audio
  • ALPD 4.0 technology works in any ambient lighting
Cons
  • Expensive

The Formovie projector is the cream of the crop, which is why it sits at our #1 spot. As soon as you plug this projector in and get it fired up, you’ll wonder why you didn’t switch sooner. For starters, it displays over 1.07 billion colors through 4K resolution, incredible color accuracy, superior contrast, HDR10 support, and super crisp details. Even better, though, is the projector’s native contrast ratio. This gives you a more accurate measurement of how well a projector can display white and black at the same time without decreasing the image quality. With a 3,000:1 native contrast ratio, the Formovie projector is better than movie theater projectors, which usually only offer a native contrast ratio of 2,000:1. This is what makes this option the best 4K laser projector, although you can compare it to the ViewSonic LS700 4K laser projector to see which one is better in our review.

The Formovie 4K HDR laser projector is also designed incredibly well. It features a sleek, low-profile design that won’t get in the way of your home theater experience. Plus, it’s a short-throw projector, so you only need 7.2 inches of space between it and the screen to get a  large, crisp picture. The Formovie also features extremely loud and rich Bowers & Wilkins audio, so you won’t need an additional sound system to supplement the audio. It’s compatible with Google Play and Chromecast to bring streaming platforms to your projector experience. We recommend pairing this phenomenal model with the best projector screen that has the vinyl screen material that makes your colors shine in ways you never thought possible.

 #2  Optoma CinemaX P2 Laser Projector

Award: HONORABLE MENTION

WHY WE LIKE IT: Stunning 4K resolution, vivid color accuracy, and Dynamic Black contrast are the hallmarks of this best-of-class laser projector. It also features a high-quality integrated soundbar and a 30,000-hour lifespan, so you get the most out of its use.

Pros
  • Crisp picture quality with vivid colors
  • 30,000-hour life
  • Six-segment color wheel for more color accuracy
Cons
  • SmartFIT app isn’t the most user friendly
  • Higher input lag isn’t good for online gamers

The Optoma CinemaX P2 is an upgrade to the P1 from the same manufacturer, and it has done a lot of work to keep the best features from the previous generation and improve its offering by adding some new features. Before we explore new features, it’s worth talking about the projector’s performance and picture quality. You get native 4K UHD resolution here with amazing color accuracy due to the projector’s 2,000,000:1 Dynamic Black contrast ratio, HDR10 support, and six-segment color wheel. You also get an impressive 3,000 lumens of brightness, which offers a good balance between both light and darkroom performance. This ultra-short throw project can create a 120” screen from as little as 5.7 inches away.

The new features in the CinemaX P2 projector are mostly focused on connectivity and user-friendliness. For starters, the projector offers IFTTT support, which means you can seamlessly connect it to a wide variety of smart devices. You can also use the project with smart home voice assistants like Alexa Echo and Google Home devices. The Optoma features three HDMI ports, three USB ports, an optical out connection, and an audio out connection for comprehensive connectivity. Even better, the projector features stellar audio with an integrated 40W soundbar. Be aware that this projector is an excellent choice for TV, movies, and casual gaming, but more competitive gamers may be turned away by the somewhat slower 55ms input lag. Gamers may also be interested in the best projector for gaming that offers a stunning 500,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio for better differentiation between lights and darks.

 #3  LG HU85LA Laser Projector

Award: BEST QUALITY

WHY WE LIKE IT: This 4K laser projector is built with precision and quality in mind, in and out. From the sleek, durable design to the seamless user experience and smart functionality, this projector is a premium option through and through.

Pros
  • Integrates well with virtual assistants
  • 7.2-inch ultra short throw distance
  • HDR10 compatible
Cons
  • Integrated speakers could be better
  • Heavier than other projectors

When you first unbox the LG HU85LA laser projector, you’ll be immediately impressed with the product’s overall design. Many projectors are shaped strangely, with awkward angles or hard-to-reach controls. This isn’t the case with the best LG projectors. This projector has clean lines and a modern white case and is designed to look good without sacrificing functionality. It also features a built-in soundbar, which could probably be better in many instances, but still works in a pinch if you don’t have your sound system set up yet. The LG is a little heavier than other projectors like the LG HF65LA, weighing in at 26 pounds, but since you’re not hanging this on the ceiling, like some of the other top ceiling-mounted projectors are equipped for, this isn’t much of a problem.

The LG projector’s performance also matches its design’s high-quality nature. This leading short-throw projector only needs 7.2 inches between the unit and the wall to create a picture of up to 120 inches. With native 4K resolution, Dynamic Tone Mapping, HDR10 support, and LG’s proprietary TruMotion technology, you’ll get a stellar picture no matter what movie you’re watching. The LG HU85LA uses a three-channel laser instead of a traditional color wheel, which leads to insanely accurate and vivid colors. We were also really impressed with the overall user-friendliness of this laser projector. It comes with a simple, well-functioning remote control and LG’s award-winning webOS lite, which is easy to navigate. You also get a built-in Alexa voice assistant, plus Bluetooth connectivity for additional smart functionality. iPhone users will also love the best iPhone projector that also includes a sturdy tripod, which you can use to easily set up the projector anywhere.

 #4  Epson LS-100 3LCD Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector

Award: BEST CONTRAST RATIO

WHY WE LIKE IT: With the best contrast ratio you can get today, this laser projector offers incredibly deep black and exceptionally vivid colors. Plus, its extra-bright laser light and multiple connection ports make this an extremely flexible projector.

Pros
  • Three-chip design for fantastic visual spectrum
  • Super-bright 4,000 lumens
  • 14 connection ports for ultimate versatility
Cons
  • Larger than other laser projectors
  • No 4K resolution

Even though the Epson LS-100 laser projector doesn’t offer ultra HD resolution, it still creates a stunning overall picture quality due to a variety of different features. For starters, the LS-100 has an amazing dynamic contrast ratio of 2,500,000:1. This amazing contrast ratio means you’ll get some of the deepest blacks and most vivid colors at the same time. When you combine this high contrast ratio with Epson’s advanced three-chip design, eliminating rainbow effects and white segments, you still get a stellar picture.

The Epson is also designed really well overall, although it is much larger than other laser projectors and requires upwards of 15 inches to create a larger screen size. Keep this in mind as you plan out your home theater space. We were most impressed that the LS-100 included 14 total connection ports, including HDMI ports, USB ports, and audio ports. This means connecting many devices for a comprehensive home entertainment system. Compare this model to the best 4k projector that features an awesome 1000,000:1 contrast ratio which keeps bright screens clear and dark screens detailed.

 #5  Optoma CinemaX P1 Laser Projector

Award: BEST AUDIO

WHY WE LIKE IT: If you don’t want to purchase an expensive home theater sound system to go along with your new laser projector, this option is the best pick for you. With an integrated NuForce soundbar, you get amazing Dolby 2.0 audio, which pairs well with the projector’s native 4K resolution and wide color gamut.

Pros
  • User-friendly setup and installation
  • Extensive smart home compatibility
  • Stunning 4K picture quality with wide color gamut
Cons
  • 15-inch throw distance is longer than other models
  • Lower dynamic contrast ratio at 1,500,000:1

The Optoma CinemaX P1 laser projector brings one of the most immersive audiovisual experiences to the table. This is due largely in part to the integrated NuForce soundbar on the P1. This soundbar delivers amazingly rich audio with crisp dialogue due to its dual full-range speakers, dual woofers, ported chambers, and 40 watts of power. Combine this with true 4K resolution and HDR10 support, and it will be like you’re sitting in a movie theater. The CinemaX P1 also features a bright 3,000 lumens laser light that can be used for 30,000 total hours and a 1,500,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. This isn’t as high as other laser projectors, but it still provides stunning detail between contrasting colors in the picture.

The Optoma P1 laser projector is incredibly easy to set up and work. Since it’s a short-throw projector, you won’t need to mount it to your ceiling. Instead, place it on a table or tv console in front of your projector screen and simply turn it on. The throw distance is a little longer at 15 inches, but this is still minimal in the bigger picture. Optoma gives you access to the SmartFIT app with your purchase, which allows you to use your smartphone to help calibrate and align your home theater projector. You even get Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice compatibility with the P1 for more hands-free controls. And if you’re a gamer, you will be interested in the best 3D projector that has both Sports and Game modes that create smooth, judder-free images for a more immersive experience. If you’d like other long-throw projectors, then you should go through our best long-throw projector guide.

 #6  Optoma GT1090HDR Laser Projector

Award: BEST FOR GAMING

WHY WE LIKE IT: With incredibly minimal input lag, tons of connection ports, and a high level of brightness, this laser projector is the best choice for both casual and pro gamers. It also performs well with movies and TV shows because of its accurate colors and crisp picture quality.

Pros
  • Minimal 16ms input lag
  • Lens is dust resistant for less maintenance
  • 4,200 lumens brightness can be viewed in the day
Cons
  • Only 1080p resolution
  • Cannot be zoomed manually

The Optoma GT1090HDR is one of the more affordable laser projectors available today, and while it makes some smaller sacrifices, it’s still of the same high quality you can find in other, more expensive, high-end Optoma projectors. Perhaps the biggest tradeoff the GT1090HDR makes is in native resolution. This is a 1080p full HD laser projector, so you’re not getting 4K ultra HD here. However, the projector is compatible with 4K inputs, so it will upscale all of your 1080p content to a 4K resolution. One of the best parts about this lower resolution, though, is the fact that it offers minimal input lag. At only 16ms of input lag, the Optoma GT1090HDR is the best laser projector for gaming.

We were also impressed with the overall durability and build quality of this Optoma projector. For starters, it has an IP6X dustproof lens, which prevents dust from entering the larger body of the projector and bogging things down. The projector also provides an impressively bright, 4,200 lumens light source which can even be used in daytime light. You can also expect a total of 30,000 hours of total use time out of this unit, which is more life than many other competitors. And for an outdoor viewing experience, consider the best outdoor projector with 10 individual elements that increase color, brightness, and sharpness.

 #7  Optoma HZ39HDR Laser Projector

Award: BEST 1080P RESOLUTION

WHY WE LIKE IT: This laser projector is affordable and high-performing, with plenty of connectivity options and beautiful, full HD resolution. It’s also extremely well built, with a dustproof lens and bright laser light that can even work in full daylight.

Pros
  • IP6X dustproof construction
  • Incredibly bright with 4,000 lumens
  • Compatible with Crestron A/V systems
Cons
  • Disappointing contrast ratio
  • Remote control backlight is too bright

The Optoma HZ39HDR is the best 1080p projector available today for a wide variety of reasons. For starters, the 1920×1080 pixel resolution is perfectly fine for most entertainment purposes, including gaming. You do still get a 4K input port, though, so you’re not limited solely to 1080p sources. Fortunately, the HZ39HDR provides a good picture overall with accurate and bright colors. The 4,000 lumens laser light is incredibly bright, as well, so you can even use it in broad daylight with ease.

Like many other Optoma laser projectors, the HZ39HDR is built incredibly well. It features a tough DuraCore light that lasts upwards of 30,000 hours of use. It even features an IP6X dustproof build, so the internal workings are protected from getting ruined by dust over the years. The Optoma is also easy to install and set up, with a 1.3x zoom and vertical keystone correction, so you get the perfect angle. And for a portable option, consider purchasing the best mini projector.

 #8  Epson EF-100 Projector

Award: BEST ON A BUDGET

WHY WE LIKE IT: If you want the benefits that laser projectors provide without spending an arm and a leg on them, then this is the best choice for you. This great cheap projector features a bright and colorful picture, built-in Android TV, and an integrated audio system to give you an all-in-one package.

Pros
  • Multi-array laser light creates darker blacks
  • Three chip design eliminates rainbow effects
  • Surprisingly good onboard audio
Cons
  • Not ultra HD definition
  • Lower performance with larger screen sizes

The Epson EF-100 is the best budget laser projector available today, and it makes the perfect choice for people with smaller spaces or who want to bring their projector with them on the go. While it doesn’t offer many of the features of high-end laser projectors, like 4K resolution and premium onboard audio, it still functions perfectly well as a single product without the need for peripheral accessories.

The EF-100 offers full HD resolution and a bright 2,000-lumens laser light. The multi-array laser light somewhat increases the brightness, but the projector is still only good for use in darker lighting situations. More importantly, the multi-array configuration creates deeper blacks for a better-looking picture. On top of that, the EF-100 features a three-chip design that creates better colors without any rainbowing effects. While the onboard audio isn’t from a premium sound company, we were surprised at how well the sound quality worked overall, especially in smaller spaces. You may want to compare this model to one of the best projectors on the market today, in terms of audio.

 #9  LG HU70LAB Laser Projector

Award: BEST PORTABLE DESIGN

WHY WE LIKE IT: This is the best projector if you need a portable entertainment source that still provides excellent picture quality and reliable audio. Compared to other portable projectors, this is lightweight, easy to set up, and includes comprehensive streaming functionality for the ultimate portable experience.

Pros
  • Integrates well with streaming platforms
  • Eight segment color wheel eliminates rainbow segments
  • Solid onboard audio
Cons
  • User interface is a little confusing
  • Only good for dark rooms

The LG HU70LAB is the best out of the other portable models when it comes to portability and versatility. It measures at just 3.7 inches tall and 12.4 inches wide, and 8.3 inches deep, and only weighs 7 pounds. This is a great compact option available today. We were also impressed that the projector was equipped with LG Smart TV functionality, so you can stream content from all of your favorite streaming services. For wireless portable projectors, always keep the battery life in mind.

Fortunately, the LG portable laser projector doesn’t sacrifice much in the way of output, like picture quality and performance, to achieve better portability. It’s not a short-throw projector, so you’ll need a little bit more room to get a large screen size. However, once you get it adjusted correctly, you’ll get an impressive 4K resolution with super accurate and vivid colors. This good picture comes into play because of LG’s unique eight-segment color wheel, which provides a wider range of colors without the associated rainbow segmentation. You also get HDR10 support with this laser projector, which only improves overall picture quality and displays colorful image quality. And if you’re looking for a good model for use at your workplace, consider the best business projector that offers a long-lasting performance that you can rely on in any business scenario.

 #10  Optoma UHZ65 Laser Projector

Award: BEST FOR SPORTS

WHY WE LIKE IT: This laser projector creates an incredibly smooth and detailed picture thanks to proprietary PureMotion and UltraDetail technology. These features, combined with an extra-bright laser light source, make this an excellent option for watching spots.

Pros
  • PureMotion creates a smooth, fluid picture
  • Bright, 3,000 lumens laser light
  • High-quality 4K upscaling
Cons
  • Shorter, 20,000-hour life
  • No horizontal lens shift

The Optoma UHZ65 is one of the first high-quality laser projectors released for normal consumers, and it continues to hold up year over year. It doesn’t offer quite as much life as newer projectors – at only 20,000 total hours of life – but it’s built just as well. The projector features an impressive laser light with 3,000 lumens of brightness. This brightness is perfect for use in both dark and light rooms.

When it comes to picture quality, the UHZ65 really shines. The projector doesn’t offer true native 4K resolution. However, it does digital 4K resolution with its TI DLP chip, which stands for Digital Light Processing, and this creates the proprietary UltraDetail technology. The end result is a 2716×1528 pixel resolution. And while many people would frown on this, Optoma does an amazing job at producing an impressively detailed and crisp picture with vivid and accurate colors. The UHZ65 also offers PureMotion technology to create a superfluid and smooth picture during high-action shots. This makes Optoma the best choice for sports lovers. So if you’re a sportsman, you will also love the best projector for sports that’s helpful if you’re on the go and don’t have a portable external audio system.

How We Decided

We first started ranking products based on their picture quality to find the best laser projectors. In general, laser projectors offer a much brighter and crisper picture over traditional lamp-based projectors, but there is a lot of variation between different options. We awarded more points for 4K resolution and gave preference to projectors that included additional technology made specifically to increase color accuracy or contrast.

Next, we scored laser projectors based on their brightness and throw distance. We gave preference to the best laser projector short throw options because they create large screens with minimal space requirements. However, we didn’t completely exclude projectors with long-throw configurations. These are still completely viable options. When it comes to brightness, we only considered options with consumer-level brightness ratings. We gave more points for brightness ratings in the range of 4,000 lumens because they tend to perform better in a wide range of lighting ambiances.

Finally, we looked at the overall durability and build quality of each of the projectors we researched. In general, laser projectors offer more lifespan than bulb projectors but gave preference to options with at least 30,000 hours of total life. We also awarded bonus points for features like dustproof lenses and durable casing. We also preferred laser projectors that include onboard speakers.

Best Laser Projector Buyer’s Guide

The Most Important Features to Consider

  1. Resolution
    When you’re shopping for the best projector in 2023, as with most video products, one of the first considerations to make when purchasing a new laser projector is how high of a resolution it offers. For example, the best laser projector of 2023 offers 4K resolution and HDR support, providing you with the best possible picture quality. Additionally, a good laser projector should have a long throw range, so that you can get an image size large enough to suit your needs without having to move it too far away from the wall or screen.
    • Laser projectors in 2023 offer the best picture quality, so you shouldn’t settle for anything less than 4K UHD resolution, which is at least 3840 x 2160 pixels.
    • 8K laser projectors are available, but they are incredibly expensive and hard to find. However, the best laser projector 4k offers more than enough resolution for most users and is a much more affordable option.
    • For now, the best 4K projectors do more than well enough for all of your movie and gaming needs, especially if you need the best projector for a golf simulator so you can see your game clearly.
    • In short, the leading 4K later projector of 2023 or any best laser projector for home theater should have the strongest resolution that will fit your budget and setup.
    • On the other hand, you could opt for a great cheap laser projector, but you’ll be doing yourself a disservice, especially if you’re not reading laser projector reviews.
  2. Brightness
    Like other kinds of projectors, a laser projector’s brightness is measured in lumens. In fact, the best laser TV projector of 2023 offers the best combination of brightness, contrast, and clarity for enjoying movies, games, and other media.
    • The brightness you need depends on the room where you’ll be using the projector. If you’re looking for the best triple laser projector that will project in bright conditions, you should look for one with at least 4500 lumens.
    • In general, you’ll need a lower number of lumens for really dark rooms and a higher number for bright rooms.
    • Most top laser projectors in 2023 range from 3,000 to 7,000 lumens in brightness, but some models can reach up to 20,000 lumens.
    • Additionally, it’s a good idea for those seeking the best projector for home use to stick in the range of 3,000 to 7,000 lumens.
    • Finding the best laser projector from 2021 largely depends on the brightness intensity you need for your chosen space.
    • Considerations like installation convenience, cost-efficiency, and overall quality should also factor into your decision when choosing a laser projector. With so many models to choose from, it’s best to do some research before committing to one.
  3. Screen Size and Throw Distance
    One of the best things about projectors is that you can choose how large you want the overall picture to be. You can do this by simply adjusting the distance between the projector and the projector screen. This is why it’s more important to look at the throw distance, or throw ratio, that your projector provides. Measured in feet or inches, this ratio tells you how far away your projector needs to be from the screen to create a large image. This number is especially important for smaller home theaters that can’t efficiently work with projectors that have larger throw ratios. A long throw projector has a longer throw between it and the wall/screen, while a short or ultra-short throw projector can project vivid images with less distance between it and a surface.
  4. Picture Quality
    Resolution is one aspect of picture quality, and we discussed that above. However, there are a few other considerations to make when it comes to the quality of the picture you get with your laser projector. One of these aspects is the contrast ratio, which indicates how detailed your picture will be between contrasting colors, e.g., lights vs. darks. A higher contrast ratio equates to a more detailed picture. Another aspect to picture quality is color accuracy. Laser projectors already offer more colors with more accuracy than traditional projectors. However, many products in this category offer additional color-enhancing functionality like Dynamic Tone Mapping and HDR.
  5. Included Audio
    In the earlier versions of traditional projectors, onboard speakers and audio functionality were of low-grade quality and would require you to purchase external speakers to have good audio quality. Laser projectors are much more advanced and often include built-in, high-quality soundbars or speakers. This is an excellent alternative solution if you don’t have and don’t want to install a full home theater sound system. Some of these models can include a built-in speaker with Dolby Atmos. 

Laser Projector FAQs

Is a laser projector better?

In general, laser projectors offer better picture quality, brightness, and performance over traditional projectors. However, they also cost more because they are such new products.

What is the best quality projector?

The best quality projector combines brightness, high picture quality, and low maintenance costs to create the most user-friendly experience possible. The best options are also long-lasting when it comes to bulb life and overall lifespan.

Which is better, LED or laser projector?

LED projectors and laser projectors offer very similar feature sets, including longer lifespans, lower heat, and more versatility. However, laser projectors are quickly becoming the industry preference for both professional and home A/V needs. This is because laser projectors are brighter and more accurate overall.

What is the best lumens for a projector?

The best lumens for a project is the option that fits your specific needs. If you are using your projector in a bright room, you’ll need to purchase an option that offers more lumens of brightness, and vice versa. For home use, it’s generally best to stay in the 3,000 to 7,000-lumen range.
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