We Ranked the 6 Best Projectors

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By

Evan Shephard Avatar

Reviewed By

Evan Shephard
Updated Aug 9, 2024 12:55 PM
best projectors guide that shows the top best projector model

A whopping 75% of electronic and appliance reviews are untrustworthy. That’s why every reviewer gets a Trust Rating so our True Score System filters out the fake reviews. See how we do it.

When selecting the best projectors, it’s crucial to consider key features such as brightness, image quality, and input lag. High brightness ensures visibility in various lighting conditions, while superior image quality, including accurate color reproduction, enhances the viewing experience. Low input lag is essential for smooth gameplay or fast-paced presentations. These attributes are vital whether you’re watching movies, sports, gaming, or delivering presentations.

In our latest buying guide, we highlight six top-performing projectors from an analysis of 30 models. These were selected after sifting through 10,220 reviews, filtering out 84% of experts due to untrustworthy reviews. Our evaluation relied on verifying product testing and utilizing our Trust Score system to ensure the reliability of the reviews. The winning projectors excelled in all critical performance areas, offering a dependable and immersive viewing experience.

How Did We Rank the Best Projectors?

The most important projector criteria vary depending on what you’re using a projector for. While not every projector on this list can do everything you use a projector for perfectly, they can all do a good enough job – and really shine in a few unique use cases each.

CRITERIARANGEREQUIREDDEFINITION
SDR Brightness (lumens)> 1000 lumensNo (Nice to have)The amount of light the projector outputs from the lamp/bulb and projects onto the screen when playing SDR content.
HDR Brightness (lumens)> 2000 lumensNo (Nice to have)The amount of light the projector outputs from the lamp/bulb and projects onto the screen when playing HDR content.
Contrast Ratio> 2000:1No (Nice to have)The % of colors a projector can produce is defined by the gamut. DCI-P3 is commonly used in film.
Color Gamut % (DCI P3)> 90%No (Nice to have)The % of colors a projector can produce is defined by the gamut. Rec. 709 is commonly used by HD TV, and is also known as BT.709.
Color Gamut % (Rec. 709)> 90%No (Nice to have)The % of colors a projector can produce is defined by the gamut. Rec.2020 is commonly used by UHD TV content, as well as HDR content. It is also known as BT.2020.
Input Lag < 40 msNo (Nice to have)The amount of time it takes for inputs to be registered and processed by the projector and shown on screen.

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Latest Updates

  • 08/09/2024: Republished the list to include the best projectors based on our True Score system.

Top Projectors For 2024

Prices accurate at the time of publishing

See how we test the testers

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    JVC DLA-NZ8

    The JVC DLA-NZ8 is an exceptional high-end 4K projector for home theaters, churches, and educational settings, offering impressive brightness and superior color accuracy.

    JVC DLA-NZ8 Review →

    True Score

    94
    96
    4

    Experts

    99
    4

    Customers

    $15,000.00
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    JVC DLA-NP5

    • Best For 4K

    The JVC DLA-NP5 is an exceptional 4K projector for gamers, boasting a low 19.5 ms input lag and a versatile 17:9 aspect ratio for immersive experiences.

    JVC DLA-NP5 Review →

    True Score

    93
    95
    2

    Experts

    97
    15

    Customers

    SAVE $500
    $3,999.95
    $3,499.99
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Epson Home Cinema 3800

    • Best For Bright Room

    The Epson Home Cinema 3800 is a budget-friendly projector with minimal input lag and high brightness, ideal for fast-paced gaming and versatile enough for various uses.

    Epson Home Cinema 3800 Review →

    True Score

    83
    84
    6

    Experts

    87
    1k

    Customers

    $1,692.97
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Anker Capsule 3

    The Anker Capsule 3 impresses with its compact design, Full HD resolution, and smart features, making it a versatile and portable projector for movie enthusiasts, gamers, and professionals.

    Anker Capsule 3 Review →

    True Score

    74
    76
    8

    Experts

    78
    439

    Customers

    $749.99
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Optoma CinemaX P2

    • Best For Short Throw

    The Optoma CinemaX P2 offers budget-conscious home cinema enthusiasts quality visuals with impressive brightness and color accuracy, making it ideal for immersive movie experiences.

    Optoma CinemaX P2 Review →

    True Score

    74
    76
    0

    Experts

    78
    405

    Customers

    SAVE $200
    $1,999.00
    $1,799.00
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    BenQ TK700STI

    The BenQ TK700STI is a versatile 4K projector with high brightness and smart features, perfect for educators and tech enthusiasts needing clear, detailed visuals in well-lit environments.

    BenQ TK700STI Review →

    True Score

    74
    75
    6

    Experts

    78
    260

    Customers

    SAVE $300
    $1,699.00
    $1,399.00

Our Approach to Evaluating Projectors

We’ve redefined projector buying guides, setting us apart from any other site on the planet. Our unique approach uses a comprehensive dataset from trusted sites, focusing on key testing metrics like brightness, input lag, contrast ratio, and color gamut.

We aggregate and analyze this data, ensuring our recommendations meet the specific needs. Specifically, when it comes to projectors, this involves selecting models that deliver good brightness, vivid colors, and good contrast ratios. Discover our data-driven methodology for precise, reliable projector recommendations.

Which Criteria Matters for Testing Projectors?

By focusing on these criteria, anyone can quickly and easily compare these projectors and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase a projector that will accomplish everything you need to use it for.

CRITERIARANGEREQUIREDDEFINITION
SDR Brightness (lumens)> 1000 lumensNo (Nice to have)The amount of light the projector outputs from the lamp/bulb and projects onto the screen when playing SDR content.
HDR Brightness (lumens)> 2000 lumensNo (Nice to have)The amount of light the projector outputs from the lamp/bulb and projects onto the screen when playing HDR content.
Contrast Ratio> 2000:1No (Nice to have)The difference between the brightest white and darkest black that a projector can produce, expressed as a ratio.
Color Gamut % (DCI P3)> 90%No (Nice to have)The % of colors a projector can produce defined by the gamut. DCI-P3 is commonly used in film.
Color Gamut % (Rec. 709)> 90%No (Nice to have)The % of colors a projector can produce defined by the gamut. Rec. 709 is commonly used by HD TV, and is also known as BT.709.
Input Lag < 40 msNo (Nice to have)The amount of time it takes for inputs to be registered and processed by the projector and shown on screen.

Our Trusted Data Sources

We looked at 90+ projector reviewers and found that 15 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating). The three we have listed below are our most trusted for projector.

  1. Pierre-Olivier Jourdenais – Rtings, LinkedIn
  2. Chris Eberle – Home Theater HiFi
  3. Hayley Thomas – Techgear Lab

Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every projector review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.

Projector Specifications, Test Data & Results

Disclaimer:

Projectors are complex and difficult to test and evaluate, requiring extensive testing on the same level as televisions to paint a complete picture of how any given unit performs. Unfortunately, the testing behind projectors isn’t as rigorous, and a lot of the data we’ve compiled from expert reviewers has been incomplete at times. With different brightnesses measured from different sources, different color gamut tested, and spotty contrast ratio measurements, we’ve done the best we can to leverage the available data when putting together these lists but have also trusted our True Score to help us make decisions when the data isn’t available.

1. SDR Brightness (lumens) Test Results

Projectors have two ways you can realistically measure brightness: in lumens or in nits. Lumens are more common, but brightness in general matters because projectors have to project light strongly enough that it overcomes ambient light without losing detail or color.

Most of the time, a projector is going to be used in a fairly dark room to help give the unit the best chance of displaying content the way it was intended, but higher lumens output let you watch content in progressively bright spaces – or across longer distances on bigger screens. For standard dynamic range content, we recommend at least 1000 lumens for most home applications, but more isn’t a bad thing, and 3000 lumens or more are ideal.

SDR Brightness (lumens; higher is better; 0 = No Data)

2. HDR Brightness (lumens) Test Results

High dynamic range content requires enough light to make the dramatic differences in a scene actually stand out. Otherwise, the same rules that would apply to SDR brightness apply here.

You’ll want a HDR brightness of 2000 lumens at least to use the projector and enjoy HDR content the way it was intended, but a higher brightness is always nicer. Low brightness will make content look dimmer, less vibrant and can cause the image to completely disappear if the ambient light is too strong.

HDR Brightness (lumens; higher is better; 0 = No Data)

3. Contrast Ratio (x:1) Test Results

Contrast ratios are responsible for creating more dynamic images, with sharp contrasts between dark spots and bright spots. For content to look how it was intended, contrast needs to be good enough, otherwise images look washed out.

Because projectors are sensitive to the ambient light in a room, it’s important to set up the projector in a place where light is less likely to interfere – or to have enough brightness coming out of the bulb that light cannot interfere as easily. Either approach helps preserve the dynamic nature of images, and allows your contrast ratio to actually shine. Generally speaking, we recommend a contrast ratio of at least 2000:1, but higher is always welcomed.

Contrast Ratio (higher is better; 0 = No Data)

4. Color Gamut % (DCI-P3) Test Results

Different color gamut are used for different types of media and represent the colors used by that form of media when creating the content. In the case of DCI-P3, this gamut is favored by film creators for making movies, so being able to cover large parts of it with a projector means the projector is better at showing movies.

We recommend a coverage of at least 90% to ensure you can reproduce accurate colors when watching movies and enjoy the films the way they were intended to be seen. Any lower and you begin to lose accuracy, which impacts how the movie looks by distorting the director’s creative vision.

Color Gamut DCI-P3 (%; higher is better; 0 = No Data)

5. Color Gamut % (Rec. 709) Test Results

If you watch a lot of high-definition TV such as HD sports, you’ve experienced the Rec.709 gamut. This gamut is employed mostly by HD television, so covering as much of it as you can is ideal. Fortunately, the Rec.709 gamut is smaller than the DCI-P3 gamut, so if you have good coverage of DCI-P3, it’s very likely you have good coverage of Rec.709. This gamut is also known as BT.709.

Regardless, we recommend you have a Rec.709 coverage of at least 90%, especially if HD TV is what you spend most of your time watching. Not covering enough of the gamut directly contributes to seeing inaccurate colors on things like sports uniforms or otherwise vibrant sets on your favorite TV shows.

Color Gamut Rec. 709 (%; higher is better; 0 = No Data)

6. Input Lag (ms) Test Results

Input lag is primarily an issue when it comes to playing video games on your projector. If you’re trying to enjoy fast-paced shooters or are using projector to play competitive modes, you’ll need a low input lag to “keep the projector out of your way”, so to speak. High input lag causes delays in your inputs and makes it harder to react to action on screen because your own physical reactions start to count for less than the projector’s ability to process what you’re doing.

For this reason, we recommend an input lag of 40 ms or less, but lower is always better, and for really competitive games we’d recommend less than 15 ms. Any more than that and your projector is better suited to playing games casually, though if you don’t play anything fast paced, input lag is less of an issue.

Input Lag (ms; lower is better; 0 = No Data)

7. Brightness (Lumens) Specifications

Projectors have two ways you can realistically measure brightness: in lumens or in nits. Lumens are more common, but brightness in general matters because projectors have to project light strongly enough that it overcomes ambient light without losing detail or color.

Most of the time, a projector is going to be used in a fairly dark room to help give the unit the best chance of displaying content the way it was intended, but higher lumens output let you watch content in progressively bright spaces – or across longer distances on bigger screens. For standard dynamic range content, we recommend at least 1000 lumens for most home applications, but more isn’t a bad thing, and 3000 lumens or more are ideal.

Brightness (Lumens; higher is better; 0 = No Data)

8. Refresh Rate Specifications

Much like televisions, a projector has a refresh rate too, and it has the same effect here as it does on TVs. Higher refresh rates help reduce visual tearing (especially when gaming), and improve overall “smoothness” of any video you’re watching.

While 60 Hz is one of the most common refresh rates, 120 Hz is very common now, and even higher rates like 144 Hz, 165 Hz, and 240 Hz are available. We generally recommend a refresh rate of 60 Hz, and that you pay for more only if you plan on using the projector for gaming.

Refresh Rate (Hz; higher is better; 0 = No Data)

9. Minimum Distance Specifications

Projectors have to focus their image in, and minimum distance is responsible for determining how close you can get a projector to the screen before you simply can’t get a clear, focused image. If you have a small home theater, this measurement is going to matter a lot to you, and it’s part of the reason that short throw and ultra short throw projectors exist.

We don’t recommend a minimum distance – every home theater is different, and where your projector is being mounted or sat is going to depend on the design of the room and where the seats and screen are.

Minimum Distance(inches; 0 = No Data)

10. Maximum Distance Specifications

If minimum distance is how close you can get your projector and still focus it, maximum distance is the opposite: how far you can place a projector from the screen and still be able to focus the lens for a sharp image. If you have a very large home theater, this measurement is going to matter a lot to you, because an insufficient maximum distance is going to make getting a clear picture impossible.

We don’t recommend a maximum distance – every home theater is different, and where your projector is being mounted or sat is going to depend on the design of the room and where the seats and screen are.

Maximum Distance(inches; 0 = No Data)

11. Maximum Screen Size Specifications

Projectors can produce images of varying sizes, and the maximum screen size is as the name suggests: the maximum size screen a projector can output. Anything larger and you start to lose focus and quality.

We don’t recommend a maximum screen size for most applications unless you’re trying to use a projector for a church or outdoors on something like a garage wall. Generally speaking, you should opt for a maximum screen size that is no larger than what you’d realistically try to project. You don’t have to avoid projectors with large screen sizes, but there’s no reason to pay extra if, for example, that’s the only difference between the two choices you’ve narrowed things down to.

Maximum Screen Size(inches; 0 = No Data)

Projectors: Mistakes To Avoid

  1. Ignoring Brightness and Room Conditions: The projector’s brightness, measured in lumens, should match the lighting conditions of the room where it will be used. A common mistake is choosing a projector with insufficient brightness for a well-lit room, resulting in washed-out images. Conversely, selecting a projector with unnecessarily high lumens for a dark room can be overkill and more expensive. Consider the ambient light and size of the room, and choose a projector with an appropriate lumen rating to ensure clear and vibrant images even during the day.

  2. Overlooking Resolution Requirements: Resolution is a key factor in determining image quality. Some buyers opt for lower-resolution projectors to save money, only to find that the image clarity is lacking, especially on larger screens. For presentations or basic video playback, a 720p projector might suffice, but for home theater use or detailed images, a 1080p or even 4K resolution is recommended. Ensure the projector’s resolution matches your content quality needs. Additionally, consider the projector’s lens shift feature, which allows for easier positioning and alignment of the image without physically moving the projector. This can be particularly useful in rooms where the projector cannot be placed directly in front of the screen.

  3. Not Considering Throw Distance and Screen Size: To get the most out of your projector, consider learning more about how projectors work. The throw distance (the distance between the projector and the screen) significantly affects the size of the projected image. A common mistake is not accounting for the room’s size and the desired screen size, leading to an image that is too small or too large for the space. Check the projector’s throw ratio, which helps determine how far the projector needs to be placed from the screen to achieve the desired image size. Short-throw projectors are ideal for smaller rooms, while standard-throw projectors are better for larger spaces.

  4. Neglecting Connectivity and Compatibility: Projectors come with various input options, such as HDMI, VGA, USB, and wireless connectivity. Not considering the types of devices you plan to connect, such as laptops, gaming consoles, or streaming devices, can lead to compatibility issues. Ensure the projector has the necessary ports and supports the input formats you need. Additionally, check if it supports wireless streaming or has built-in smart features if these are important for your use. Additionally, maintenance is key to longevity, so don’t miss our tips on how to repair projectors, replace projector bulbs, repair projector screens, and fix color issues.

The Best Projector Tests & Specs Compared

Product
True Score
SDR Brightness
HDR Brightness
Contrast Ratio
Color Gamut % (DCI P3 uv)
Input Lag (ms)
Refresh Rate
Max Screen Size
Minimum Distance
Maximum Distance

JVC DLA-NZ8

  • Best for Church

94
  • 1,999 lumens

  • 1,973 lumens

  • 95.11%

  • 38.5 ms

  • 240 Hz

  • 200″

  • 85.80″

  • n/a

$15,000.00

JVC DLA-NP5

  • Best for 4K

93
  • 1,465 lumens

  • 1,460 lumens

  • 88.5%

  • 19.5 ms

  • 240 Hz

  • 200″

  • 74.4″

  • 510″

$3,499.99
$4,000
$500

Epson Home Cinema 3800

  • Best for Bright Room

83
  • 2,176 lumens

  • 0

  • 76.85%

  • 28 ms

  • 60 Hz

  • 300″

  • 0″

  • 300″

$1,692.97

Anker Capsule 3

  • Best for Golf Simulator

74
  • 175.33 lumens

  • 138 lumens

  • 74.8%

  • 22.45 ms

  • 60 Hz

  • 120″

  • n/a

  • n/a

$749.99

Optoma CinemaX P2

  • Best for Short Throw

74
  • 2,488 lumens

  • 1,990 lumens

  • 2,488%

  • 69.75 ms

  • 60 Hz

  • 120″

  • 6″

  • 17″

$1,799.00
$1,999
$200
74
  • 0

  • 0

  • 0

  • 20 ms

  • 60 Hz

  • 200″

  • 51″

  • 168″

$1,399.00
$1,699
$300

Projector Questions (FAQ)

What resolution should I choose for a home theater projector?

For a home theater setup, a minimum of 1080p resolution is recommended for clear and detailed images. If you want the best possible image quality and are willing to invest more, opt for a 4K projector, which provides superior clarity and detail, especially on larger screens.

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