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 LG HU810PW CineBeam 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 LG HU810PW CineBeam Laser Projector – Top Pick
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: Vivid colors with accurate reproduction, incredible brightness, and super sharp 4K detail are all massive selling points for this laser projector. You’ll also get extensive connectivity options and a user-friendly integrated smart platform for easier streaming.
- Stunning, accurate colors
- Excellent connectivity options, including eARC
- User-friendly webOS smart platform
- Disappointing dark scene performance
- Not great for gaming
- Expensive
The LG HU810PW CineBeam projector is a truly impressive 4K laser projector that offers sharp details and stunning color reproduction. It utilizes a two-laser setup with 2,700 lumens of brightness, meaning this projector can perform well in both dark and bright rooms. Unfortunately, the projector doesn’t perform as well with darker scenes as other laser projectors, even in spite of its 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio. However, the image quality and vivid colors more than make up for this disappointing dark scene performance. 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.
This CineBeam laser projector includes plenty of user-friendly features to make installation and use much easier. You’ll get both horizontal and vertical lens shift, as well as a 1.6x zoom. In terms of connectivity, the LG projector includes three HDMI ports (including eARC), two USB ports, an optical digital audio output, and an Ethernet port. You can also connect wirelessly to the projector via Apple AirPlay, Miracast, and Bluetooth. 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.
- Crisp picture quality with vivid colors
- 30,000-hour life
- Six-segment color wheel for more color accuracy
- 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 Optoma UHZ50 Laser Projector
Award: Best for Sports
WHY WE LIKE IT: This laser projector creates an incredibly smooth and detailed picture thanks to proprietary PureMotion technology and 4K resolution. These features, combined with an extra-bright laser light source, make this an excellent option for watching sports.
- PureMotion creates a smooth, fluid picture
- Bright, 3,000 lumens laser light
- Detailed and sharp 4K resolution
- Limited zoom and lens shift options
- Disappointing speaker quality
The Optoma UHZ50 laser projector is an excellent choice for sports enthusiasts. With its 4K UHD resolution and high brightness, it delivers a stunning and immersive viewing experience for watching sports events. The visuals are sharp, vibrant, and detailed, capturing every movement and action with exceptional clarity. The projector’s low input lag ensures minimal delay, making it ideal for fast-paced sports action. Additionally, the UHZ50’s long-lasting laser light source ensures consistent and reliable performance during extended viewing sessions.
Keep in mind that this laser projector’s integrated speakers aren’t the greatest available. If you’re looking for the best audio during the game, you’ll want to be sure you connect to an external sound system. You may also be disappointed by the limited zoom and lens shift options, which limit placement during installation. All in all, if you’re looking for an excellent laser projector for watching sports, you can’t go wrong with the Optoma UHZ50. 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.
#4 LG CineBeam HU715QW
Award: Best Quality
WHY WE LIKE IT: This exceptional laser projector offers stunning picture quality with 4K resolution and a wide color gamut, creating an immersive cinematic experience for movies or video games. It also offers a sleek and modern aesthetic.
- Great color accuracy and wide color gamut
- Extensive connectivity options
- Integrated speakers are surprisingly good
- Limited zoom range
- Only 2,500 ANSI lumens
The LG CineBeam HU715QW is a remarkable projector that brings the cinematic experience right into your living room, making it one of the best LG projectors available today. With its 4K UHD resolution, the visuals are stunningly sharp and detailed, delivering accurate colors and deep blacks for an immersive viewing experience. With a brightness of up to 2,500 ANSI lumens and a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, the HU715QW adapts seamlessly to any environment, ensuring optimal picture quality. However, be aware that the projector offers a limited zoom range, which can make exact configuration somewhat difficult. Also, this 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.
This leading short-throw projector offers a range of connectivity options, including HDMI, USB, and wireless connectivity, making it easy to connect your favorite devices. The built-in speakers produce clear and immersive sound, while the sleek and compact design adds to its appeal. The intuitive user interface and remote control provide a user-friendly experience, allowing you to navigate through settings and content with ease. 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.
#5 Epson LS-100 3LCD Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector
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.
- Three-chip design for fantastic visual spectrum
- Super-bright 4,000 lumens
- 14 connection ports for ultimate versatility
- 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.
#6 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.
- User-friendly setup and installation
- Extensive smart home compatibility
- Stunning 4K picture quality with wide color gamut
- 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.
#7 Optoma CinemaX P1 Laser Projector
Award: Best for Gaming
WHY WE LIKE IT: This laser projector offers an ultra-fast response time and low input lag, perfect for gamers seeking a lag-free and immersive gaming experience on a large, high-quality display.
- 4ms response time at 1080p resolution
- True 4K resolution
- Bright with 3,800 lumens
- Fan can get loud
- Only 60Hz refresh rate at 4K resolution
The Optoma UHZ45 laser projector is a fantastic choice for gamers looking to elevate their gaming experience. Boasting a low input lag of 4ms (while in 1080p resolution), it ensures minimal delay between your actions and on-screen response, providing highly responsive and immersive gameplay. With its 4K UHD resolution and HDR support, the UHZ45 delivers stunning visuals with vibrant colors and sharp details, bringing your games to life with exceptional clarity. Just note that response time goes up while in 4K resolution.
One notable advantage of the UHZ45 is its long-lasting laser light source, offering extended gaming sessions without the need for frequent bulb replacements. This makes it a convenient and cost-effective option for avid gamers. However, it’s important to note that the projector has a limited refresh rate of 60Hz while in 4K resolution, which may not satisfy those seeking ultra-smooth gameplay. If you switch to 1080p resolution, though, the projector can get up to 240Hz refresh rate. Additionally, the keystone adjustment options are limited, requiring additional adjustments or mounting equipment for optimal image alignment. And for an outdoor viewing experience, consider the best outdoor projector with 10 individual elements that increase color, brightness, and sharpness.
#8 Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser Projector
Award: Best 1080p Resolution
WHY WE LIKE IT: This laser projector is incredibly portable and features a bright projection that works well in both dark and well-lit rooms. Plus, it comes with Android TV built-in for more versatile streaming.
- Compact and portable
- Integrated Dolby Audio speakers
- Great picture quality
- Limited connectivity ports
The Anker Nebula Cosmos occupies an interesting space within the world of laser projectors. For starters, it looks like a portable Bluetooth speaker, and you may be surprised to learn that it’s meant to act like one in many ways. With a large handle on top of the projector, you’re actually intended to carry it around with you to parties or different rooms in your house for the ultimate portable movie-watching experience. The projector features a 1080p native resolution, but it is compatible with 4K video sources. It creates a decent picture overall and is surprisingly bright.
This portable laser projector only features a single HDMI port and single USB port, which means you’ll only be able to connect one or two devices at max. However, with built-in Android TV, you can stream from all of your favorite streaming platforms as long as you’re in Wi-Fi range. The projector also features built-in Dolby Audio speakers, which work well enough. If you’re looking for a more immersive audio experience, though, we recommend connecting some external speakers. And for a portable option, consider purchasing the best mini projector.
#9 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.
- Multi-array laser light creates darker blacks
- Three chip design eliminates rainbow effects
- Surprisingly good onboard audio
- 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.
#10 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.
- Integrates well with streaming platforms
- Eight segment color wheel eliminates rainbow segments
- Solid onboard audio
- 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 in 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.
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
- 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. Plus, you’ll want to pair it with a great projector screen color that’ll enhance your viewing pleasure.
- 8K laser projectors are available, but they are incredibly expensive and hard to find. However, the best laser projector for 4K offers more than enough resolution for most users and is a much more affordable option.
- 4K laser projectors in the $2,000 to $3,000 price range provide stunning image quality. Their bright lasers can produce ultra HD resolution exceeding 1080p for incredibly sharp pictures. Built-in streaming apps allow access to 4K content. Types of projectors like LCD and DLP often can’t match the contrast ratio and dynamic range made possible by laser-phosphor engines. Although, if you find there’s no signal on the projector, you’ll need to do some troubleshooting.
- While 8K projectors exist, their high cost makes 4K laser models the better choice for most home theater setups. With excellent light precision and accuracy, 4K laser projectors deliver an immersive, cinematic experience at a fraction of the price of 8K. Are they like movie theater projectors? Somewhat, but you’ll be surprised to see what projectors movie theaters use.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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, especially if you’re going to connect a tablet to a projector.
- 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.
- However, an expensive projector isn’t always necessary, as there are gaming projectors that can provide larger images for more affordable prices. But, what could be an expense is when you need to repair a projector, so make sure you buy a good one after reading our many reviews.
- 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.
- 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.
