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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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