LG 24UD58-B

A 24-inch display, the LG 24UD58-B is one of the cheapest 4K monitors on the market. You can get it for just around $250, with the larger 27-inch model selling for about $50 more. It’s an IPS monitor with a 60 Hz refresh rate and dual HDMI ports for connectivity with gaming consoles.

Regarding design, this LG monitor is not going to turn a lot of heads. It has a plain design with fairly thick bezels all around and a simple back panel. For input, it has one DisplayPort and two HDMI ports, all of which can support the full 4K resolution at 60 Hz. However, the FreeSync feature is limited to the former input port, which is bad news for those who game on Xbox One X.The 24UD58-B is a great monitor for gaming, featuring a fast response time for an IPS panel and a low input lag, both of which are beneficial in gaming. The overall picture quality is good for a budget 4K display, with great color accuracy and wide viewing angles. You can also use it for office work, which makes it a solid option if you want an all-around 4K monitor.

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Philips 276E8VJSB

If you want a cheap 4K monitor more suitable for productivity than the small LG monitor above, check out the Philips 276E8VJSB, which usually sells for a similar price. It’s a 27-inch IPS monitor with a 60 Hz refresh rate and a regular 16:9 aspect ratio. It can connect with two different input sources and supports Picture-in-Picture (PIP) and Picture-by-Picture (PBP) modes, which is great for productivity.

Compared to the LG product above, this Philips offering has a slightly more attractive design, featuring thin bezels at three sides, which is great if you plan to build a multi-monitor setup. All connection ports are outward-facing at the back, making them easy to access. The input ports include one DisplayPort and a pair of HDMI ports, all of which support a 3840×2160 resolution at 60 Hz. While there are no USB ports on this unit, there is an audio out port for headphones. The default stand easily supports the monitor, but it has limited adjustment options.

The 276E8VJSB is an ideal monitor for productivity, offering better screen real estate than smaller 4K monitors, which is great for multitasking. It works well in a typical office environment with a lot of light sources, thanks to the anti-glare screen coating and the good peak brightness. You can use it for different kinds of work, including photo editing, content writing, and web development.

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Monoprice 34711

Selling for just around $300, the Monoprice 34711 is an affordable 4K monitor with a TN panel, which separates it from the previous two products. It’s a 28-inch display with FreeSync and HDR support, the latter of which isn’t usually featured in budget monitors. It’s a decent monitor for all-around use, but it has inferior picture quality compared to IPS monitors.

This Monoprice display has a plain design and will look good on just about any office or gaming desk. It has a pair of built-in speakers, which fire out from the back. While the internal speakers are not as good as headphones, they are acceptable for general use, but for entertainment, it’s much better to use a dedicated sound system.

Featuring two HDMI ports and two DisplayPorts for input, this budget 4K monitor is decent enough for office work, with the large screen allowing for easy multitasking. It has a decent picture quality for a TN panel, with good color accuracy once calibrated. Although it supports HDR content, it’s not that great regarding HDR performance, which can also be said for most HDR monitors. Overall, this monitor is a solid option if you want a budget 4K monitor selling for around $300 or less.

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Asus VP28UQG

The Asus VP28UQG is a 28-inch TN monitor with dual HDMI inputs, which makes it an excellent budget monitor for console gaming. While it normally sells for around $300, you can get it for just around $250 during a sale, which is great. It’s best used for gaming, as the TN panel can be a limiting factor when using the monitor for office work.

Unlike monitors under the Asus Republic of Gamers brand, this product has a plain design, with none of those flashy aesthetics seen in the Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ. It has fairly thick bezels at all sides and comes with a fixed stand with limited ergonomics. On the bright side, it has a small joystick for menu control, which is more intuitive than the physical buttons usually seen in monitors. For video input, the monitor has one DisplayPort and two HDMI ports, with the latter also capable of supporting a 4K resolution at 60 Hz.

The VP28UQG is a great monitor for gaming. It’s got a fast response time and a low input lag and supports FreeSync over DisplayPort. It’s a suitable monitor for first-person shooters, racing games, real-time strategy games, and sports games, among others. The overall picture quality is decent at best, though, which is the best-case scenario for a TN monitor.

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LG 27UL500-W

The LG 27UL500-W is similar to the LG 27UK650-W – one of the best 4K monitors currently out on the market – offering similar specifications and features. The biggest difference between them is the stand design: the former only offers tilt adjustment while the latter has height adjustment, tilt, and pivot options.

Like the more expensive 27UK650-W, the 27UL500-W has a minimalist design similar to that of most other LG monitors, with narrow bezels at three sides and a plain white back panel. All ports are outward-facing at the back, which makes them easy to access. The input ports include one DisplayPort and two HDMI ports, all of which support a 3840×2160 resolution at the max refresh rate (60 Hz).

This LG monitor is good for all-around use. It has good overall picture quality, with great color accuracy, wide viewing angles, and good brightness. You can use it for both office work and regular gaming – the large screen is suitable for multitasking while the 4K resolution translates to sharper texts and more detailed images.

It has FreeSync support as well, which is great if you mostly play graphically intensive games at max or near-max settings. Whether the monitor is connected using DisplayPort or HDMI, the FreeSync range is the same, which is 40-60 Hz. The 27UL500-W also supports HDR content, but as with most other HDR monitors, the HDR performance is unimpressive. Overall, this LG unit is a great product and is one of the best options if you want a 4K monitor selling for around $350.

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Asus MG28UQ

If you like the Asus VP28UQG but prefer a unit with better ergonomics, check out the Asus MG28UQ – a gaming monitor selling for around $50 more. It uses the exact same panel and offers similar gaming performance, featuring a fast response time, a low input lag, and FreeSync support.

A 28-inch TN monitor, this Asus product is not that different compared to the cheaper VP28UQG when it comes to the chassis design. It has a simple design, with multiple connection ports and a joystick for navigating the on-screen display (OSD). The default stand, which has integrated cable management, offers full adjustment options – including swivel and pivot.

For input, the MG28UQ has one DisplayPort and three HDMI ports. Of the three HDMI ports, only one is HDMI 2.0; the others are HDMI 1.4, which is limited to a 30 Hz refresh rate when running in 4K resolution. Unlike most budget 4K monitors, this unit has a USB hub, which is convenient. Composed of two USB down ports, the USB hub is down-firing at the back, along with all the other ports.

The MG28UQ is a good 4K gaming monitor. It’s great for fast-paced games, with FreeSync keeping things smooth when the frame rate is erratic. On the other hand, the picture quality is only decent at best, similar to the VP28UQG. If you want a budget-friendly 4K gaming monitor that comes with a fully adjustable stand and a USB hub, go for this Asus monitor

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Dell P2415Q

The Dell P2415Q is a 24-inch IPS monitor that’s more suitable for office work than gaming, featuring multiple input options and a USB hub. You can get it for around $350, which makes it more affordable than the Dell U2718Q, one of the best 4K monitors from Dell.

As expected from a professional monitor, the P2415Q has a minimalist design that will look good in a typical office setting. It comes with a fully adjustable stand with integrated cable management, which is a common setup among Dell office monitors. Of the products listed in this guide, this unit offers the best connectivity, featuring one HDMI port, one DisplayPort, one Mini DisplayPort, one DisplayPort Out, one audio out, and four USB ports.

The Mini DisplayPort is useful if you want to connect the monitor to a compatible laptop or notebook while the DisplayPort Out is for daisy chaining. Sadly, the HDMI port is only HDMI 1.4, which means it can’t support the full resolution at the max refresh rate.

Featuring good out-of-box color accuracy, the P2415Q is a great monitor for office work. It has wide viewing angles, good brightness, and decent contrast for an IPS panel. While not as good as the gaming monitors on this list, it’s also a decent monitor for regular gaming – it has a good response time and input lag. All in all, the P2415Q is a well-rounded 4K monitor, offering good overall picture quality and decent gaming performance.

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LG 32UD59-B

The LG 32UD59-B is a 32-inch VA monitor with FreeSync support and dual HDMI ports. It’s a good monitor for both productivity and entertainment, with its high contrast ratio being especially beneficial for the latter. It sells for about the same price as the Asus MG28UQ and the Dell P2415Q, which makes it another good option if your budget is limited to around $350.

Like the other LG monitor on this list, the 32UD59-B has a simple design, but it has a black back panel instead of white, as hinted by the “B” in the model name. The default stand, which has a crescent-shaped base, has limited ergonomics, only offering height and tilt adjustments. Composed of one DisplayPort, two HDMI ports, and one audio out, the connection ports are outward-facing on the back panel, right next to the VESA mounting interface.

This LG monitor is great for regular gaming and watching movies – the large screen makes for a more immersive experience while the high contrast ratio translates to more vibrant images. It has a fast response time for a VA monitor and a low input lag. You can also use this monitor for general office work, which makes it an all-around 4K monitor.

Overall, the 32UD59-B is a great product, offering good value for the money. It has good overall picture quality, with good color accuracy and decent brightness, and even includes built-in speakers, which is a nice bonus.

Passionate gamers might be interested in our list of the best monitors for PS4. Check them out.

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Samsung U32J590

Selling for about the same price as the LG 32UD59-B, the Samsung U32J590 is another great option if you prefer VA monitors due to their higher contrast ratio. It’s a 32-inch monitor with a 60 Hz refresh rate and a 16:9 aspect ratio. You can use it for productivity and gaming, with the monitor offering features beneficial for both usages.

Unlike many Samsung monitors, the U32J590 does not feature a curved screen, which translates to a thinner chassis. It has a plain design, with an all-black back panel featuring a separate compartment for the connection ports. The ports include one DisplayPort, two HDMI ports, and one audio out port, all of which are down-firing at the back. The monitor comes with a basic stand with limited ergonomics, only offering a tilt adjustment.

The U32J590 is a good monitor for productivity, especially if you usually work with multiple windows open at the same time. It supports Picture-by-Picture (PBP) and Picture-in-Picture (PIP) modes and works well in a room with a moderate amount of light. It has decent gaming performance as well, with a good response time for a VA panel and FreeSync support for minimal screen tearing. It’s a good product overall and is a recommended option if you want a VA monitor suitable for all-around use.

Here are some of the top-selling ultrawide monitors on the market, as well. Check them out.

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AOC U3277PWQU

If you want a VA monitor with a fully adjustable stand and a USB hub, the AOC U3277PWQU is the best option among the VA monitors in this guide. It has the same screen size, refresh rate, and aspect ratio as the LG and Samsung VA monitors above. While it’s the most expensive product listed here, this AOC unit still sells for less than $400.

The U3277PWQU has a professional design, featuring a clean back panel and a simple stand with a rectangular base. It has built-in speakers, which is a nice bonus, but they are only good for general use and are not recommended for entertainment. The default stand offers height adjustment, tilt, swivel, and pivot options, with good adjustment ranges.

Of the best budget 4K monitors in this guide, this AOC product has the second-best connectivity, right behind the Dell monitor. For input, it has one DisplayPort, one HDMI port, one DVI port, and one VGA port, with 4K at 60 Hz output limited to the former two ports. In addition, the monitor has one audio out, one mic in, and a total of four USB down ports, one of which supports fast charging. The video input and audio ports are down-firing at the back while the USB ports are on the monitor’s right side for quick access.

The U3277PWQU is a suitable display for office work and watching movies. It has good picture quality, with excellent contrast, good color accuracy, and decent brightness. The large screen and 4K resolution allow for easy multitasking and more immersion. It’s also a decent monitor for regular gaming, but if you are into fast-paced competitive games, it’s not a recommended option.

For more amazing options like this, check out our guide to the top g-sync monitors.

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Buyer’s Guidelines

From the screen size and the panel type, there are several aspects to consider when shopping for 4K monitors. Here are some pointers to keep in mind when shopping specifically for budget 4K monitors:

Screen Size

When shopping for the best cheap 4K monitors, one of the first things you’ll notice is that most options are 24-inch and 27-inch/28-inch monitors, with limited representation from monitors larger than 30 inches, which is considered the ideal size category for a 3840×2160 resolution.

Smaller 24-inch 4K monitors are good options if you have limited space. They look good when you sit less than three feet from the screen and are good for all-around use. But due to their more limited screen space, they are not the best for multitasking, and they don’t offer an immersive experience when used for gaming and watching movies.

Larger 27-inch/28-inch 4K monitors are versatile displays that look great whether you sit close to the screen or from around three feet out. They strike a nice balance between screen real estate and desk footprint and are great for both office work and gaming. Since they offer more screen space, they are more suitable for multitasking than smaller 24-inch displays. Furthermore, they are more suitable for games with pretty graphics – such as Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice and Far Cry 5.

If you want a 4K monitor larger than 30 inches, check out 32-inch 4K monitors, which usually sell for a higher price than their smaller counterparts. They are excellent for productivity, with their generous screen space allowing for easy management of multiple open windows. They are also great for gaming, most especially if you love to play games with gorgeous visuals. On the other hand, they take up more desk space and can be uncomfortable to use if you sit less than three feet from the screen.

Panel Type

4K monitors with an IPS (In-Plane Switching) panel are the best for all-around use. They have good color reproduction and offer the best viewing angles. They are the most recommended for productivity and general use and are great for regular gaming. On the other hand, IPS monitors have subpar contrast and are usually the most expensive.

While they are not as common as IPS monitors, there are also 4K monitors that use VA (Vertical Alignment) panel technology. They are great for entertainment, with their superior contrast translating to more vibrant images, which is beneficial in games and movies. They are decent enough for office work, but their narrow viewing angles could be a problem for some people.

Cheap 4K monitors with a TN (Twisted Nematic) panel are also uncommon, with not much screen sizes to choose from. They are usually the cheapest and feature fast response times, which is beneficial when playing fast-paced games. On the flip side, they have inferior picture quality and are not ideal for productivity, most especially for color-critical work. TN monitors are best used for pure gaming, but only if you mostly play fast-paced games and care more about response times than picture quality.

Refresh Rate

You don’t really have a choice regarding the refresh rate of budget 4K monitors. All products on the market simply feature a 60 Hz refresh rate. 4K monitors with a refresh rate higher than 100 Hz – which is excellent for serious gaming – are way out of the budget territory, with current models that fit that description selling for a significantly higher price.

For productivity and general use, 60 Hz is more than enough. For console gaming, 60 Hz is also perfectly fine, as console games typically don’t go past 60 frames per second. If you want higher refresh rates specifically for gaming, go for 1080p or 1440p monitors instead.

Some 4K monitors also feature FreeSync, an adaptive synchronization technology developed by AMD. With FreeSync enabled, the monitor refresh rate dynamically adapts to the graphics card output for reduced screen tearing and smoother gaming. It’s great when playing graphically intensive games at very high settings, which puts more strain on the graphics card. If you are going to use your monitor mainly for gaming, consider budget 4K monitors with FreeSync support.

If you want a cheap 4K monitor with G-Sync – the adaptive synchronization technology from the green team (Nvidia) – then you are out of luck, as there are no products that fit that description. This isn’t surprising since “G-Sync” and “cheap” don’t really go hand in hand.

The good news is that there are some FreeSync monitors that also allow for variable refresh rates when connected to certain Nvidia graphics cards, commonly referred to as “G-Sync Compatible” monitors. If you own an Nvidia video card and want to use adaptive sync technology, look into 4K monitors that have been tested (either officially or unofficially) as “G-Sync Compatible.”

Connectivity

Most budget 4K monitors include a DisplayPort and an HDMI port for input. For the former, the most common version featured is DisplayPort 1.2, which can fully support a 3840×2160 resolution at the maximum refresh rate (60 Hz). While there are some 4K monitors that include the newer DisplayPort 1.4, the older DisplayPort 1.2 is more than good enough for budget 4K monitors, which are typically capped out at 60 Hz.

If you want to connect using an HDMI cable – like when connecting the monitor to PS4 Pro and Xbox One X consoles – make sure the monitor has an HDMI 2.0 port. Unlike the older HDMI 1.4, HDMI 2.0 can fully support a 4K resolution at 60 Hz. If you connect via HDMI 1.4, the refresh rate will be limited to 30 Hz, which is not good.

As mentioned earlier, some monitors feature FreeSync technology. Unlike G-Sync, FreeSync is not limited to DisplayPort. Some FreeSync monitors also allow for variable refresh rates when connected via HDMI, although manufacturers don’t always mention it in product listings. FreeSync over HDMI is most beneficial if you game on Xbox One consoles, which now support FreeSync.

Regarding extra ports (e.g. USB hub, audio out), cheap 4K monitors usually don’t offer much, with most models only including an audio port for headphones. This is especially true for budget 4K gaming monitors, as evidenced by some of the products listed in this guide. If you want a monitor that offers connectivity options apart from the input ports, you’ll have very limited choices.

Ergonomics

One of the most common issues of budget monitors is their poor ergonomics, with the default stand of most models only allowing for a tilt adjustment. Sadly, this issue also extends to budget 4K monitors despite being priced higher than cheap 1080p and 1440p monitors. While some offer a fully adjustable stand – such as the Dell P2415Q and the Asus MG28UQ – most models come with a fixed stand with forward/backward tilt as the only adjustment option.

The good news is that most, if not all, budget 4K monitors feature a VESA mounting interface at the back. This allows you to mount the monitor to a third-party monitor stand or arm with much better ergonomics. You can also go for a wall-mounted setup if you want to free up some space on your desk, especially if you prefer a large 4K monitor.

DBPower 120ANSI T22 Projector

Expect to see bright and clear images from the DBPower T22 projector, which is up to 60% brighter than most of the LED projectors within its price range. It has 2,400 lumens, which means you can use it in rooms even with ambient lighting.

The T22 has a native 1080 x 720 resolution and a contrast ratio of 3,000:1. It can project images from a base of 30 inches to a maximum of 176 inches and from up to a distance of 5 meters. The lamp life span can extend more than 10 years.

It also has an integrated speaker that can deliver loud and booming sound compared to traditional speakers. It is also compatible with PCs, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and supports USB flash drives and external media players. It comes with a three-year warranty.

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Dr. J Professional Projector

A projector with a high contrast ratio of 2,000:1, the Dr. J Professional Projector is surprisingly packed with features despite its low price.

This projector shines 2,600 lumens with a native resolution of 800 x 480. Its lamp life is also quite good at 40,000 hours. It can project images or videos from a low of 32 inches to as expansive as 170 inches.

The projector is equipped with an advanced LCD lens display that can show clear and detailed images. It has focus and keystone buttons that you can adjust to set up the projector and show the best image or video. Its two stereo speakers can deliver surround-quality audio while there is also a headphone jack port for connecting an external speaker.

For more great options like this, check out our guide to the best gaming projectors.

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OTHA Mini Portable Projector

This mini portable projector from OTHA can let you connect your iPad or iPhone directly through a lightning cable, HDMI cable, or Wi-Fi network. It is compact at just 18 x 11 x 7.1 centimeters and weighing a mere 210 grams. The 4000mAh battery is built in and can enable the projector to play a movie lasting more than two hours.

Capable of supporting full high-definition images, the projector uses an OSRAM LED lamp, which can last for more than 30,000 hours. The picture or screen size can be adjusted from 15 to 130 inches. The projection distance can range from 1.6 to 10 feet, although the manufacturer recommends 5 feet.

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GooDee Video Projector Outdoor Movie Projector

The GooDee video projector is compact with dimensions of 12 x 9.4 x 4.7 inches. It weighs just 5 pounds. With a native resolution of 1280 x768 pixels, this projector can turn your small room into a home theater. It is good enough for projecting games and movies, as well as presentations and graphics.

It uses an LED light source that is energy efficient. As a result, the lamp life of this projector is pegged at 30,000 hours which is pretty impressive for an inexpensive movie projector. The GooDee video projector can display images from 44 to 200 inches from a distance of 5 to 18 feet.

The projector comes with an innovative fan design, plus a couple of built-in 3-watt speakers. The latter can eliminate the need to install an external audio system for your home theater. Connectivity options are limited to one HDMI cable and one AV 3-in-1 cable.

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Xinda 5.5-inch 1080p Projector

The Xinda HD 5.5-inch projector can display sharp and clear images at a reasonable price. It can project images up to 200 inches and its two integrated 5-watt speakers are enough to support an immersive cinematic experience.

This Xinda projector has a contrast ratio of 4,000:1 with a projection size ranging from 30 to 200 inches. It measures 24 x 38 x 14 inches and weighs around 7 pounds. The lamp life can extend up to 6,000 hours which practically lowers the cost of maintenance of this optic device.

There are plenty of connectivity options on this projector, such as HDMI, USB, VGA, SD, AV, and TV inputs. The HDMI port is particularly noteworthy because it can let you enjoy movies and games on the big screen. Even smartphones can be connected to this projector using the HDMI port.

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VANKYO Leisure Full HD Projector

This full HD projector offers a high contrast ratio of 3,000:1, which enables it to display crisp, bright, and realistic images. It is also compatible with numerous media devices, and its cooling system has been upgraded to minimize noise and prevent overheating.

It has a projection screen size of 44 to 200 inches. The projector also has a built-in speaker that delivers decent sound quality. Multimedia connectivity options are many, from HDMI, USB, AV, VGA, and even SD cards. With this feature, the full HD projector can connect to most devices, including TVs and laptops.

Equally impressive is the extended lamp life of the projector at 50,000 hours. This means that the LED lamp need not be replaced for over a decade if the projector is used 10 hours a day. The unit has a built-in fan, too, that keeps it running at optimal an temperature without excess noise. This projector comes with a three-year warranty.

Our guide to the top outdoor projectors offers more amazing products like this. Don’t miss them.

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VIVIMAGE C580

One of the best features of this projector is that it is compatible with smartphones and tablets through its dual HDMI ports and USB ports. It also features a screen-mirroring function that makes it possible to enlarge mobile content through projection.

The optical device offers more projection possibilities, as the display size can be increased from a base of 44 inches to a maximum of 200 inches. The projection distance, meanwhile, can be increased from 1.5 to 5.6 meters. There is also a ceiling mount hole located on the bottom for more versatility in projecting images.

It supports full high-definition, 1920 x 1080p resolution for an immersive, cinematic experience. It has an advanced 4,000:1 contrast ratio that enables it to project crystal clear, high-definition images on the big screen.

The lamp life can extend for more than 60,000 hours, although the manufacturer recommends that the unit be turned off after 4 hours of continuous operation. The built-in stereo system further makes this projector a must-have.

Be sure to also check out our guide to the best-selling short throw projectors.

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Crenova XPE680 HD

This high-definition projector is also a steal, given its impressive features and low price. It is good to use in a room with ambient lighting as it has a brightness level of 2,800 lumens. Its MHL function, meanwhile, enables it to connect to tablets and smartphones and mirror the screen to show images on a big screen. Other connectivity options include dual USB ports and HDMI ports. Moreover, its bulb can last for 20,000 hours and lets you save up to 70% on energy. On top of that, the manufacturer offers free bulb replacement, which can help you save on maintenance costs.

The projector has a native resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels and a contrast ratio of 2,000:1. Its screen size is adjustable from 30 to 200 inches. The manufacturer recommends a projection distance of 2.6 meters with an 80-inch screen for the best picture quality.

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GooBang Doo 2019 Newest ABox

The ABox projector has a native 1280 x 720 resolution, which is not bad for a low-cost projector. It can project crystal clear images from a base of 32 inches to a maximum of 180 inches. It is a short-throw projector that makes it ideal for use in small rooms.

The 100 lumens is not the best in this range, but it should be enough when watching movies or TV shows in a room with poor lighting. Equipped with LCD technology, the projector is able to produce clear and sharp images. Its design, on the other hand, minimizes the intake of dust and particles, leading to an improved lamp lifespan of around 50,000 hours. It is also noticeably quiet while in operation with its fan producing around 15 decibels. This projector also features a wide range of connectivity options, including HDMI, USB, VGA, AV, and Micro SD ports.

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Wsky 2019 LCD LED Projector

The latest LCD LED projector from Wsky Direct has a native resolution of 1080 pixels. Its contrast ratio is 2,000:1, which suggests that this projector can display clear and bright images.

You can expect a cinematic viewing experience using this projector as it can display up to 176 inches on the big screen. Altering the screen’s height can be achieved through adjustment of the three screw holes at the bottom of the unit and a stand screw.

One of the most impressive features of this projector is its Dolby Speaker, which practically eliminates the need to set up a separate audio system. The dual fan design, on the other hand, features noise suppression to minimize the noise while the unit is in operation. It also makes use of an advanced cooling system to protect and prolong the lifespan of the light bulb.

Multiple multimedia connectivity options are available, including HDMI and USB ports, a VGA jack, and AUX audio port. It is also possible to use an MHL cord as well as HDMI to USB cable to connect smartphones and tablets to this projector.

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Magnasonic LED Pocket Pico Video Projector

This is considered to be the smallest portable projector in the world. Measuring just 4 x 3 x 0.5 inches, it also features HDMI connection. This is the projector you will want if you want to show your videos and photos for play or work. The optical device can project images up to 60 inches in size.

This projector is easy to use as it is plug and play. It has a bright 25 lumens with an LED DLP light engine and a decent 640 x 360 resolution. The contrast ratio is also at an acceptable 1,100:1. Because of its size, the projector can be taken anywhere. It is the ideal projector for business presentations, and it comes with a 2100mAh rechargeable battery.

The unit also has an internal speaker, so you can hear audio from the videos. It is likewise possible to use a 3.5mm headphone jack and connect it to external speakers or earphones.

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How to Shop for Projectors

When you shop for a projector, you will come across terms such as aspect ratio, contrast ratio, and native resolution. To avoid confusion, let us help you understand some of the things to look for when buying a projector.

Resolution

One of the first things you have to be concerned about is the resolution of the projector. Resolution is defined as the number of lines of an image that is projected on a screen. To put it simply, the greater the resolution of the projector, the more vivid and clear the picture quality. For a budget of $200, you should be able to get a projector with a resolution of 1280 x 768. But as you will learn later on, it is also possible to get a model with a full high-definition resolution.

Brightness

The brightness level will also be a big factor in choosing a projector. This is measured in lumens. As a general rule, the higher the lumens, the brighter the projector is. For a budget of $200, you can expect to nab a projector with a rating of 1,000 lumens. This should suffice in a room with minimal lighting. But for an environment with ambient light, you need a projector with at least 2,000 lumens. However, that may be too much for a low-budget projector to have.

Zoom and Lens Shift

You will also notice that projectors have zoom range and lens shift. These specs are indicative of the ability of the unit to alter the throw distance, size, and position of the image being projected. Short-throw projectors are best for small rooms while long-throw units are for large spaces, such as a theater.

Aspect Ratio and Contrast Ratio

Another specification you’ll come across when shopping for a projector is the aspect ratio, which pertains to the shape of the image being projected. Most modern projectors have an aspect ratio of 16:9.

Don’t confuse this with contrast ratio, which is the difference between the brightest white measurement and the darkest black measurement. To put it simply, the higher the contrast ratio of a projector, the better it is in displaying photos and videos. However, there are also other factors that can affect picture quality, such as ambient light. For an inexpensive projector under $200, you can expect it to have a contrast ratio of 2,000:1.

Connectivity

You should also consider the connectivity options of the projector. Most projectors have VGA ports, while some have HDMI and USB ports. It may be a stretch, though, to look for a projector under $200 with Wi-Fi support.

Noise and Speakers

Moreover, you should be concerned with the fan noise of the projector. You certainly don’t want to get one that has a noisy fan because it can distract you while having a movie night with your friends and family.

Most budget projectors already have built-in speakers, which eliminate the need to set up an external audio system. However, don’t expect those speakers to be of Dolby Surround quality.

Lamp Life

Finally, look at the lamp life of the projector to determine how long its lamp will last. A projector’s lamp life is typically 1,500 to 2,000 hours, although most on our list exceed that dramatically, especially in eco mode.

Those are the primary factors you should be concerned about when shopping for a projector. Other factors that may also affect your buying decision are the warranty, the dimensions and weight of the unit, and the ease of use or installation.

ViewSonic PA503X XDA Projector

A more than capable DLP projector, the PA 503X by View Sonic offers bright colors for home movies and business presentations alike. It is small and light enough that it can be carried in a briefcase without causing back pain, although it would have been nice if it came with its own case. Thanks to its throw distance, which starts at 3.9 feet, it is also ideal if you want to pack it for the beach house or long-weekend getaway because you should be able to find enough space for it even if your accommodations are minimal.

It offers a display ranging between 30 and 300 inches wide. For best image quality, it is best to keep it less than 100 inches (especially if you will be taking advantage of its reduced throw size). The lamp can last up to 8,000 hours if you use it on “Eco Mode.” However, we wouldn’t recommend this for watching movies (it performs great with slideshows, though).

Although the rainbow effect is noticeable, it is quite minimal, especially for its price range. As an added bonus, it is remarkably silent, so you won’t have to contend with any annoying fan noise disrupting suspense scenes.

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Apeman Mini DLP

This Mini DLP projector is a true wonder of micro-engineering. It weighs less than 1.5 pounds and can easily fit in the palm of a manly hand, turning it from merely portable into spy gear territory.

Worry not, however; it is not hiding a camera or tracking your movements. It does, however, equip its own set of integrated speakers, and if the volume is kept at a reasonable level, the sound quality they provide is actually quite good. If you need to add an extra oomph to the sound of your car explosions, there’s a 3.55mm audio output jack that can fit almost everything.

In addition, it also offers seamless screen duplication and projection with any iPhone smartphone. It can also be used with Android equipment (both phones and Chromecast), but it will require an MHL adapter or a Wi-Fi extender.

Because of its relatively low brightness, this projector will require closed curtains – at least if you want it to double as an office projector and have a lot of tiny numbers to show. The projector comes with its own HDMI cable, separate USB and AC chargers, as well as a tripod and a mini HDMI adapter.

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Epson VS250 SVGA

Bigger does not always mean better, and this SVGA model by Epson is a great choice for those who want a home cinema experience in a small home. This model can project images up to 350 inches wide. However, the full resolution is at 800 x 600, which they have combined with an above-average contrast of 15000:1. The result is very neat video quality, provided the full size of the image is kept under 80 inches, and a remarkably affordable price, which should allow you to throw in a pair of nice speakers and a screen while still keeping your full tab under $500.

The display uses 3LCD technology and is, therefore, free from any rainbows. It also offers a very simple setup to any laptop, thanks to its HDMI cable. The warranty and potential replacement parts are all provided by Epson and therefore come with the backing of a well-established manufacturer.

The mechanical zoom ring is also easy to maneuver thanks to its responsive button panel. Once you combine that with its integrated keystone correction, you will get a very customizable image size without sacrificing video quality. Finally, it offers password protection, which is always a nice, extra perk, especially for those of us who are sharing living quarters with roommates or children.

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EUG Home Movie full HD Projector

This is a great example of the wonders that can be achieved when an up-and-coming brand chooses one target market and runs with it. Designed exclusively with home movie fans in mind, the EUG full HD projector discards some of the features expected of an office-worthy projector in order to maximize the moving video quality.

It has two built-in 5-watt speakers and a connections panel that appears intimidating, but is, in reality, no different from a TV’s back panel. It may not allow you to make the most of your time if you are paying for a conference room by the hour, but it won’t require expert setup either.

It is also meant to be friendly toward your home electricity bill, thanks to the inclusion of a quick startup mode that will minimize warm-up times. Less heat generated is less energy wasted and less time spent fidgeting while you set up the night’s entertainment. Images are clear and colorful enough to be shown outdoors, and the DLP lamps will last for at least 5,000 hours. It also offers 360º image flip and decent vertical keystone correction.

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BenQ DLP Home & Business Projector

BenQ has made a name for itself in the consumer sector with this projector thanks to its reliability and its ability to withstand the occasional bump and scratch. It offers a dependable image, simple installation, and bright colors while still keeping its overall price tag firmly in the budget range.

It offers a contrast ratio of up to 15,000:1 and images up to 300 inches wide when placed at distances anywhere between 120 and 13 inches. The lamps are designed for an expected life of around 6,000 hours, but this can be extended, thanks to the inclusion of an Eco mode and smart use of its auto-shut off option. It also packs an integrated speaker, although the sound quality was not very impressive.

Setup is relatively easy, although there are many hidden bells and buttons that will allow you to adjust the image size, quality, and zoom level. The independent SVGA and HDMI ports allow more than one unit to be connected and ready to go at the same time, which is invaluable in offices that require collaborative presentations or if you are planning a movie marathon. Triple adjustment feet and vertical and horizontal keystone complete the package.

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Optoma HD Home Theater Projector

Optoma has enough years of experience in the AV and gaming industry to make us automatically trust pretty much almost any of their new releases. A Full HD projector with over 10,000 hours of estimated lamp life, integrated speakers, and full 3D support, for less than $500$ That one was a bit harder to swallow.

The projector’s performance does not disappoint, though. At five and a half pounds and nearly 12 inches of width, it is not as “portable” as many of the other models on this list, and it may require you to actually reserve space for it. It is not, however, a cheap and light gadget that deserves to be thrown away inside a suitcase. Its relative bulkiness is a small price to pay for superb color output, an astonishing contrast ratio of 23,000:1, the ability to play high-definition 3D movies at home and play games on it.

The output of 3,000 lumens, on the other hand, means that this model is a bit dimmer than some of the other models on this list. If you won’t need to use it daylight, the chances are you won’t be able to tell the difference, though, and the return in dark blacks and crisp images will be more than worth it.

This model is able to project images ranging between 28 to 301 inches, although it will need at least 10 feet of distance from a pojector screen or wall to reach its highest potential.

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Epson VS355 Projector

A brand like Epson is sure to target many markets simultaneously, and the fact that they do not do so with the same model is actually an even better testament to their quality and attention to detail.

This projector was specifically designed for laptop users who need the extra brightness to deal with high-light conditions. A projector that’s not afraid of the dark is ideal for business conferences, schools, and family gatherings that involve a lot of children.

The general capabilities and design of the Epson VS355 make it hard to identify as a budget model at a glance; the polished white case, durable buttons, and general sleekness make it look like professional equipment. It works with DLP technology, and the lamps have an expected lifespan of at least 6,000 hours. However, this can be expanded by frequent use of its ECO mode.

Its resolution is firmly in the WXGA range, at least according to the spec sheet. Thanks to the superior brightness capabilities, it is very easy for it to appear better than that at first glance. Once you add the very decent contrast ratio of 15,000:1, and the ability to zoom in by 2X, the chances are that most of your guests will walk out with the impression of having witnessed a very high-end performance.

The speakers don’t reach a very high volume, unfortunately, and this seems to be a trade-off for avoiding sound distortion. So, you may need to add a pair of external hi-fi speakers if you want a truly Dolby worthy system.

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Nebula Capsule by Anker

Small, stylish, and shaped a bit as if it belongs on a Star Trek movie set, the Nebula Capsule by Anker is a great minimalist option for AV fanatics and the design-conscious alike.

As tall as a smartphone and as discreet as your Alexa microphone, the Nebula Capsule blends in perfectly with existing smart home ecosystems. The relatively low resolution and lumens are offset by a tidy price and an internal battery that can offer you up to four hours of video playtime and 30 hours of good high-fidelity sound.

With a maximum image size of up to 100 inches, this projector is ideal for small flats and won’t grow enough to show pixelated edges. The sound quality is improved by the omnidirectional speaker, which, in turn, takes advantage of the soda-can like shape of the device. The result is a near-surround sound experience that will feel as if you have a whole speaker set rather than just a small device.

Its many customization options require something more than a standard button panel in order to be fully operated. Rather than having you spend hours reading the manual, the Nebula works with an Android 7.1 operating system and a Quadcore processor. This means you will be able to operate it intuitively from your smartphone directly, a great option for when you don’t feel like leaving the couch after the rom-com is over.

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ViewSonic M1 Portable Projector

The M1 is ViewSonic’s alternative for those who need something light, small, and that works equally well indoors and the dark outdoors. Durable and resilient, it has an internal battery with five hours of life per charge. Meanwhile, the DLP lamps are expected to last for approximately 30,000 hours, thanks to the clever energy-saving heat sinks that will prevent anything from burning or making the drapes behind it catch fire.

Another remarkable quality of this device is its double lens, which provides it with an extra-short throw. As a result, it will enable you to project images up to 200 inches wide even if placed less than 10 feet away from the wall.

Clearly aimed at a younger crowd that needs to make the most out of small spaces, the M1 has a proprietary Smart Stand that will allow you to adjust the image height and angle quickly and with remarkable flexibility. When not in use, the machine will stay protected both by the automatic shut-off feature and by the rotating stand itself, which will act as a lens cover.

Finally, the M1 can also play from wireless dongles (such as Chromecast), cast your smartphone or laptop screen, and provide superb music or sound effects; the integrated speakers are Dual Harman Kardon, which are a far cry from the standard quality offered by most models. The degree of immersion and detail of the sound system will become apparent after just a few minutes of an action flick.

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Crenova XPE660

Trailblazer Crenova has sought to redefine the budget home projector category with a device that offers unprecedented brightness, modern design, and completely revamped fan system that lets you enjoy the sounds of your movie – and nothing else.

The projector’s full HD resolution offers the unmistakable colors and sharpness that would be expected from 1080P, as it is capable of using up to 16,700 colors. The projection size ranges between 60 to 200 inches, and it can be placed as close as 7 feet away from the screen or wall, provided you are keeping the image under 80 inches. This is a surprisingly wide and cinema-worthy image size, as the Crenova is fully compatible with both 16:9 ad 4:3 image ratios. They have not sacrificed quality for quantity here, though; the painstakingly polished lens offers a rich contrast even near the corners.

The main distinguishing feature of the XPE 660 is its fan system. Not only do dual fans manage to cancel each other’s noise, but they also act as powerful coolers. This radically extends the like of the DLP lamps, which are meant to last for up to 20,000 hours; that is several years’ worth of daily use.

This model has its own set of integrated speakers, but sound quality will be increased if you add an external set.

Our guide to the best short throw projectors features more excellent devices like this. Check them out.

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What Are Your Options for a Projector?

In this price range, you will find two main types of projectors: LCD, or liquid crystal display, and DLP, or digital light processing.

DLP projectors offer blacker blacks and sharper images and are the ideal choice for those who can totally block out the light from their viewing area. However, they are also slightly more expensive than LCD models and have a tendency to sometimes show some “rainbows” (that is, the light degrades into tiny specs of red, blue, and green) during fast-moving sequences.

LCD projectors, on the other hand, are generally less expensive to buy, but they consume more electricity. They are also better in places where you can’t or won’t install blackout curtains.

Liquid crystal on silicon projectors provide the advantages of both and usually offer 1080p or 4K images. However, this is a newer technology that cannot be found in the under $1,000 range, so we have not included any on our list above.

What to Look for in a $500 Projector?

There are four factors you should take into account when shopping around for a home projector. The first one is the maximum image size. Many options in this price range offer slightly smaller images than the industry standard. This may be worth avoiding if you are planning on devoting an entire room for the experience. On the other hand, if you live in an apartment, then forking out $100 extra for an extra-stretched image may not be worth it.

Second, you want to look at the contrast ratio and them lumens offered by the specific model. Both will play a major role in image quality and sharpness. Lumens will become extra important for people who will need to contend with some light around their movies.

Third, take a look at the number of accessories you can afford and have space for. External speakers provide a very noticeable difference in sound quality, so unless your budget is really tight or you need a portable option, you don’t want to rely on the projector’s own integrated sound card.

Finally, consider whether you will be getting a screen as well: two projectors may offer the same image quality on paper, but one of them may require a high quality screen in order to truly shine.

ViewSonic PX700HD

The ViewSonic PX700HD is a great option if you want to keep your expenses under $500. It’s not exactly a true budget option, but it’s more affordable than many of the products below. A DLP projector with a 1080p resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio, this ViewSonic offering comes in a simple, all-white chassis with lots of input ports, including two HDMI ports and a VGA port.

With a brightness rating of 3500 lumens, the PX700HD is a versatile projector that works well even when there’s ambient light. It’s a standard throw projector, capable of producing a 100-inch display from about 11 feet. It has good color accuracy, a decent contrast ratio, and a low input lag of 16 milliseconds, which is great for gaming.

On the other hand, the built-in mono speaker is not very good and will disappoint you even if you already have a low standard when it comes to projector speakers. But other than that, the PX700HD is solid and is a great projector not only for gaming but also for home entertainment in general. If you like this product but prefer a short throw projector, consider the PX706HD instead.

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Optoma HD27HDR

The Optoma HD27HDR is a long throw projector that offers outstanding value for the money, featuring a very low input lag, excellent contrast, and, as the model name suggests, HDR support. You can get it for just around $600-650, which is somewhat surprising consider everything it brings to the table.

Regarding input options, this Optoma projector offers fewer options compared to the ViewSonic product above, only offering two HDMI ports, though one of which is an HDMI-MHL port for smartphones and other mobile devices. But on the upside, it comes with a better internal speaker, which is rated at 10 watts. While not in the same league as external speakers, the mono speaker is acceptable enough if you game in a small room.

Capable of producing a 100-inch display from about 10-11 feet, the HD27HDR has great overall picture quality, with good color accuracy and very high contrast. The native resolution is 1920×1080 while the brightness rating is 3400 lumens. When set in gaming mode, the input lag drops to 16 milliseconds, although the input lag is still decent enough for regular gaming even when that mode is off.

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BenQ HT2050A

If your gaming setup calls for a projector with a slightly shorter throw ratio than a regular projector, check out the BenQ HT2050A, which can produce a 100-inch display from around 8 feet. It’s a DLP projector with a decent-sounding built-in speaker, multiple input ports, and vertical/horizontal keystone correction.

It has a 1920×1080 native resolution, which is perfect if you game on the base PS4, and a 2200 lumens brightness rating. Best used in a room with minimal ambient light, this projector has good picture quality, with good color accuracy and decent contrast, and is great for games such as Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, and Far Cry 5.

Like the previous two products, this BenQ product boasts a 16-millisecond input lag when set in fast mode, which will please those who love to play fast-paced games in which quick reactions are very important. Overall, it’s a great projector for gaming, whether you are into tactical RPGs and action games or real-time strategy and first-person shooter games.

You may also be interested in our list of the best affordable projectors under $200.

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Optoma GT1080Darbee

The Optoma GT1080Darbee is an excellent short throw projector for gaming. It can produce a 100-inch display from just around 3.5 feet, which is great if you have limited space. As the model name suggests, this projector has a native resolution of 1920×1080, translating to sharper images.

A DLP projector, the GT1080Darbee has a great contrast ratio – perfect for games with a lot of dark scenes, such as Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, Outlast 2, and Alien: Isolation. The color accuracy is good while the brightness rating (3000 lumens) is great, which makes for a versatile projector that can still produce clear images even when there’s some ambient light in the room.

When in normal mode, the input lag is unremarkable but still decent enough for casual gaming. If you want an even lower input lag, you can switch to game mode, which brings down the input lag to just around 16 milliseconds. Regarding inputs, this Optoma projector comes with a pair of HDMI ports, one of which is an HDMI-MHL port for mobile compatibility.

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BenQ HT2150ST

Often considered the most notable competition to the Optoma GT1080Darbee due to their similar performance and price, the BenQ HT2150ST is a short throw projector designed for home entertainment. It’s a great projector if you have limited space and usually game with the lights off. It comes with two HDMI ports for input and a surprisingly good built-in sound system.

Featuring a 1920×1080 native resolution, this BenQ product is a DLP projector with a brightness rating of 2200 lumens and the capability to produce a 100-inch display from around 5 feet. Granted, it’s not on the same level as the throw range of the Optoma GT1080Darbee, but it’s still very good.

Concerning overall performance, the HT2150ST is excellent. It has good picture quality, with a decent contrast ratio, and boasts a very low input lag (for a projector), with a 16-millisecond input lag when game mode is enabled. When that mode is turned off, the input lag is pedestrian, though some people will not be able to tell the difference.

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ViewSonic PX747-4K

If picture quality is higher than input lag on your priority list, consider getting a projector with a 4K UHD resolution. The biggest roadblock in that route is the price of 4K projectors, with most products selling for well over $1,000. One of the more affordable offerings out there is the ViewSonic PX747-4K, which you can get for just under a grand.

A normal throw projector, the PX747-4K is a good 4K projector that offers HDR support for more vibrant images and multiple input ports, including HDMI and VGA. It’s got a decent-sounding onboard sound system, which might surprise some of you, and is easy to set up out of the box. It’s great for games such as Final Fantasy XV, Mass Effect: Andromeda, and Red Dead Redemption 2, featuring good color accuracy, decent contrast, and a high brightness rating (3500 lumens).

The input lag is around 43 milliseconds, which is one of the better input lags for a 4K projector at the moment. For regular gaming, that input lag won’t bother most people, but if you mostly play fast-paced first-person shooters and are coming from a gaming monitor, you will be able to tell the difference.

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Optoma UHD60

The Optoma UHD60 is another great option if you want a 4K projector for PS4 Pro or Xbox One X gaming but can’t afford to spend more than $2,000 on one. It sells for double the price of the ViewSonic product above, easily making it one of the most expensive items listed here.

Out of the box, this Optoma offering is impressive. It has good build quality, features multiple input options – including two HDMI ports – and boasts good out-of-box color accuracy. It supports HDR and has a high brightness rating of 3000 lumens, which is one of the highest among 4K projectors selling for less than $2,000. Moreover, it has a relatively quiet cooling fan and comes with a fairly decent internal audio.

Regarding input lag, the UHD60 is the least impressive among the projectors in this guide, with an input lag of 48 milliseconds, according to Optoma. If you usually play single-player games or slow-paced games like turn-based RPGs, the UHD60’s input lag won’t be that big of a deal. But if you are into fast-paced competitive games, this 4K projector is not the best option.

For a great home theatre experience, check out our selection of the top home theatre projectors in 1080p and 4k.

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Sony VPLHW45ES

The Sony VPLHW45ES is a high-end projector that sells for almost $2,000, boasting excellent picture quality and a low input lag for gaming. It’s a 1080p projector best suited in a low-light setting and works great not only for gaming but also for watching movies and sports. It’s easy to set up out of the box and is notable for its very quiet cooling fan, which is barely noticeable even when you are sitting close to the projector.

Of the products in this guide, the VPLHW45ES easily stands out due to its sleek design, featuring a handsome black chassis with a front-facing fan and dual HDMI ports. It’s a well-built unit that weighs about 20 pounds, which makes it one of the heaviest projectors on this list. The connection ports are easy to access while the control buttons are responsive.

A standard throw projector, this expensive Sony projector can produce a 100-inch display from 12 feet, which is great if you have a spacious entertainment room. While not on the same level as the other 1080p projectors above, it still boasts a low input lag, registering a 22-millisecond input lag when game mode is enabled. When game mode is off, the input lag is very high and is not suitable even for casual gaming.

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ViewSonic PA503W

Forget about all those cheap projectors selling for less than $200. If you want a relatively low-cost projector that offers good quality for the price, get the ViewSonic PA503W. It’s a WXGA projector that sells for just under $400, with the SVGA model selling for about $100 less.

While designed for business use, the PA503W also works well for home entertainment, with its 3600 lumens brightness allowing you to enjoy movies even when it’s not yet completely dark outside. It has a 1280×800 native resolution, giving you a sharp picture quality while the screen is stretched out to 100 inches. Connectivity options are good, with the unit featuring an HDMI port and a few legacy ports.

The built-in sound system is disappointing, though. The mono speaker doesn’t sound great, so ignore it and simply use good-sounding external speakers when watching movies and sports. Overall, the PA503W is a good option if you don’t want to spend over $500 on a projector. It’s easy to set up and delivers good picture quality for the price.

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Acer H5382BD

The Acer H5382BD is another solid option if you can only spend $400 on a projector. Unlike the ViewSonic product above, this one’s designed specifically for home entertainment, though its native resolution is slightly lower at 1280×720. It’s an easy-to-use projector with good build quality, featuring a couple of HDMI ports, one of which is an HDMI-MHL port, which is useful if your main source of content is a mobile device.

The H5382BD produces good picture quality with a high contrast ratio. It has a standard brightness rating of 3300 lumens, but if you plan to use it mostly for late-night entertainment, it’s best to run in eco mode. In that mode, the brightness goes down to around 2600 lumens, which is good enough in a completely dark setting.

A DLP projector, the H5382BD is capable of producing a 100-inch screen from around 11 feet while still maintaining good picture quality. It has an advertised lamp life of 10,000 hours, but that’s only possible if you run the unit almost exclusively in extreme eco mode. When running mostly in standard mode – which offers the highest brightness – the lamp life clocks in at around 5000 hours.

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ViewSonic PX700HD

Some use projectors for watching movies. Others use one for gaming. If you like to mix it up and want a projector that works well for both, consider the ViewSonic PX700HD. While it’s much closer to $500 than the previous two products, it offers better specs, boasting a 1920×1080 native resolution and a much lower input lag, which is great for gaming.

The PX700HD is a versatile unit, featuring multiple input options, including two HDMI ports, which allows for two gaming consoles to be connected at the same time. This means if you own both an Xbox One and a PS4, you don’t need to manually swap the cabling when switching from one console input to the other. And with the 16-millisecond input lag, the PX700HD ensures a responsive gaming experience no matter what console is connected.

Concerning overall picture quality, this ViewSonic projector is good. It has a good contrast ratio and good color accuracy. More importantly, it has a brightness rating of 3500 lumens, which means the picture looks good even if there’s still a bit of ambient light. On the other hand, the PX700HD has an awful sound quality, with only a 2-watt speaker inside its chassis, so external speakers are a must for this unit.

For the most affordable options, check out our guide to the best projectors under $200.

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BenQ MH530FHD

The BenQ MH530FHD is a sleek projector designed for home entertainment. It’s very easy to set up and works well with different input sources, featuring a mix of analog and digital ports. As its model name suggests, the MH530FHD has a 1920×1080 native resolution, translating to sharper images.

A DLP projector, this BenQ offering features a brightness of 3300 lumens. It’s great for watching sports and movies, but not so much for hardcore gaming due to its relatively high input lag. Contrast is good while color accuracy is on point, with good picture quality overall.

The MH530FHD can produce a 100-inch screen from around 10 feet out. If you want a projector that can produce a 100-inch screen from shorter distances, consider the best short throw projectors instead. While it has a few flaws, this BenQ projector is a good product overall, offering a Full HD resolution and a high brightness rating, the latter of which is crucial if you want to use a projector outdoors.

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Optoma HD143X

Of the sub-$500 projectors on this list, the Optoma HD143X has the lowest brightness, with a listed rating of 3000 lumens. Still, it’s a good projector for outdoor use, producing a good picture quality with excellent contrast and good color accuracy. It’s got a native resolution of 1920×1080, with a max screen size of 301 inches.

The HD143X is a recommended DLP projector for both watching movies and gaming, with its low input lag making it suitable for the latter. Films with excellent cinematography like Blade Runner 2049, Sicario, and Skyfall and games with gorgeous visuals like Far Cry 5 and Final Fantasy XV will look great with this projector.

In terms of sound quality, the HD143X is a bit better than all the products above, featuring a 10-watt mono speaker, but don’t expect too much on that front. It’s still better to use good-sounding speakers, especially when watching movies with a large group. On a more positive note, this Optoma projector has a good lamp life, with the manufacturer offering reasonably priced lamp replacements.

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BenQ MW612

The BenQ MW612 is a 4000-lumen DLP projector that offers great value for the money. It’s one of the relatively more affordable projectors that offer a brightness of at least 4000 lumens, selling for less than $600. It’s got a well-built chassis, featuring a good selection of input ports, including an HDMI-MHL port for your smartphones and tablets.

While designed primarily for indoor business use, the MW612 is also a good projector for a home theater setup, both indoors and outdoors. It has good contrast and can produce a 100-inch screen from about 11 feet. If you find its 1280×800 native resolution inadequate, consider the BenQ MH535A instead. But while the MH535A offers a better resolution of 1920×1080, it has a lower peak brightness.

If speaker quality is important to you, the MW612 will disappoint you, with its mono speaker best left ignored in favor of more capable external speakers. This BenQ projector is a good product overall, with good picture quality and good lamp life.

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Epson HC1060

Epson offers some of the more expensive projectors out on the market, but you get what you pay for, with the Japanese company offering some of the best projectors in the business. If you want a good projector for an outdoor home theater setup but can’t spend more than $600 on one, Epson offers the HC1060.

The HC1060 is a portable and easy-to-use projector designed for home entertainment, featuring a native resolution of 1920×1080 and a brightness rating of 3100 lumens. It has a good throw range ratio, with the capability to produce a 300-inch screen at max. Overall picture quality is good, with a decent contrast ratio and good color accuracy.

Concerning connectivity options, the HC1060 is versatile, offering a mix of both old and modern input ports, including an HDMI-MHL port for mobile compatibility. Other than watching movies and sports, you can also use this projector for regular gaming, but for competitive gaming, it’s not recommended.

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Optoma HD27HDR

The Optoma HD27HDR is an excellent projector for watching movies and gaming, boasting a 3400 lumens brightness, a 1920×1080 native resolution, superb contrast, and a low input lag. And as its model name suggests, the HD27HDR has HDR support. You can get it for around $650, with Optoma also offering a non-HDR variant for a lower price.

Compared to most of the items on this list, the HD27HDR has more limited connection options, only offering two HDMI ports for main input, one of which is an HDMI-MHL. There are no legacy ports on this unit, though a standard audio out is still present. While the unit also comes with a built-in sound system, the sound quality is awful, so don’t forget to get a good pair of external speakers to complete your home theater setup.

If you regularly host outdoor nighttime gaming sessions with your friends, you’ll love this Optoma projector. It’s got a 16-millisecond input lag, which is very good for a projector. It’s great for games such as NBA 2K19 and Rocket League.

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Epson Pro EX9220

If Full HD is still not enough for you, consider the Epson Pro EX9220, which offers a WUXGA (1920×1200) native resolution. Although Epson markets it for business use, it also works well for home entertainment, with its 3600-lumen brightness making it a good projector for outdoor use.

The EX9220 has a 16:10 aspect ratio and produces clear images even when it’s not yet completely dark outside. While not as good as the Optoma projector above, it has a good contrast ratio, along with good color accuracy. It’s easy to set up out of the box, featuring a user-friendly control scheme and multiple input options.

You can easily connect this Epson projector to different devices, including standalone media players, smartphones, laptops, and home consoles. The advertised wireless connectivity is pretty limited, though, so don’t let that feature be a deciding factor when choosing between this product and another good product in the same price range; the same thing can be said about the mono speaker.

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ViewSonic PX747-4K

The ViewSonic PX747-4K is an affordable 4K UHD projector that’s great for both home entertainment and business use, featuring a 3500-lumen brightness. You can get it for just under a grand, which makes it one of the most accessible 4K UHD projectors on the market.

Featuring a 3840×2160 native resolution, the PX747-4K is excellent for watching movies, with its high resolution allowing for very detailed images even when the screen size is at maximum. And like the  Optoma HD27HDR, the PX747-4K also has HDR support. It has good picture quality overall, with good contrast and color accuracy.

This ViewSonic projector offers a good selection of connectivity options, featuring two HDMI ports, a VGA port, and an RS-232 port, among others. It comes with an internal speaker, too, but as with most other projectors, the quality of the mono speaker is not something to brag about. It’s decent enough when in a small, quiet room, but for an outdoor setup, external speakers are much better.

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Optoma EH500

Of the products in this guide to the best outdoor projectors, the Optoma EH500 offers the highest brightness with a rating of 4700 lumens. With this projector, the picture quality looks good even when it’s not yet completely dark outside. This allows you to start your outdoor movie marathon much earlier than when using a 2000-lumen projector.

Although the EH500 is a DLP projector designed for educational and business use, with its high brightness allowing for clear images when used in a moderately bright room, it also works really well for home entertainment. It’s easy to use, offers network management, and comes with a wide range of connection options –  including a DisplayPort, two HDMI ports, and two VGA ports, among others.

Regarding picture quality, the EH500 is good, though not as good as the HDR-compatible projectors on this list. It has good color accuracy and a decent contrast ratio. All in all, it’s a great projector for outdoor use, featuring good lamp life, a Full HD native resolution, and very high brightness.

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Epson HC1450

The Epson HC1450 is an outstanding projector, featuring a 1920×1200 native resolution, a 4200 lumens brightness rating, and lots of connection options. It’s housed in a well-built chassis, with all the connection ports easily accessible at the rear. The ports include two HDMI ports, an Ethernet port, and a few legacy ports, among others, with the HC1450 capable of connecting to two sources at the same time for a split-screen output.

With its high brightness, this Epson projector is great not only for nighttime outdoor use but also for daytime indoor use even with ambient light. The overall picture quality is good, with good contrast and color accuracy. It’s great for watching animated movies and movies such as Mad Max: Fury Road, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and Guardians of the Galaxy.

Of the projectors on this list, the HC1450 offers the best sound quality, featuring a 16-watt speaker. We still recommend external speakers for the best home theater setup, but if that’s not an option for you, the HC1450’s speaker is adequate enough. The HC1450 is a great projector overall, with a good list of features. If you can afford to spend over $1,000 for a projector, this Epson product is one of the best on the market.

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If portability is the most important element for you, look no further than the Asus S1. It’s a compact short throw projector that you can easily hold in your hand. It has a 3-hour runtime when running on batteries alone and also serves as a power bank, which makes it an excellent travel companion. You can use it for home entertainment – but not for office presentations, as the low native resolution (854×480) is not good for texts. If you want a short throw projector for entertainment use, this unit is one of the most affordable on the market.

A well-built projector with a quiet cooling fan, the S1 is easy to use, with not much setup required every time you fire it up. It has decent-sounding speakers, with the option to connect external speakers via the audio out port. It produces a 41-inch display from just around 3 feet and can run up to 30,000 hours before it needs a light source replacement. While it has good brightness for its size, the S1 is best used in a dim or dark room for the best experience.

Purchase / $348

One of the more notable names when it comes to monitors, ViewSonic offers a good selection of projectors for both business and educational use. For those in the market for a short throw projector, the company offers a solution in the form of the PS501W. It’s a great projector for both educational and business use, capable of producing a 120-inch display from just around 4 feet. It has a native resolution of 1280×800, which makes it more suitable for text-heavy office presentations than the Asus S1.

Moreover, this short throw projector has better brightness and contrast and offers more connection options than Asus’ offering. It has a simple design, with all buttons neatly arranged on top. It’s easy to set up out of the box and is easy to mount on the ceiling or a tripod. If you want a good short throw projector for a home theater setup but don’t want to spend too much, the PS501W – which sells for about $530 – is a solid option.

Purchase / $677

The Optoma GT750ST is a compact projector designed for those who travel a lot. It’s an all-around projector that works well not only for business and educational use but also for gaming. It has limited input options, so don’t expect to find a lot of legacy ports. It has a card reader and a USB port, along with an audio out for your headphones or speakers.

Capable of producing a 50-inch display from less than 3 feet, the GT750ST boasts a good contrast ratio and a good picture quality overall. While not on the same level as monitors and TVs, this short throw projector has a low input lag, which makes it a good option for gamers who prefer a more portable setup. It’s good for RPGs, racing games, and platformers, but for fast-paced competitive games like Overwatch, it’s not recommended. If you want a good all-around short throw gaming projector that you can easily move around, this Optoma product is for you.

Purchase / $525

Known for its gaming monitors, BenQ is one of the first brands you should check out when shopping for the best short throw projectors. We have a number of BenQ projectors on this list, each of which is a solid option. First up is the MW632ST, a DLP projector with a native resolution of 1280×800, good connectivity options, and an integrated audio system. It can produce an 87-inch display from about 4.5 feet.

The MW632ST has a well-designed case with responsive function buttons on top. It has an impressive selection of connection options, including two HDMI ports, analog ports, a mini USB, and a standard audio out for external speakers. As mentioned, it has a built-in sound system, which can get very loud and is surprisingly good. In terms of picture quality, the MW632ST is good for the price, featuring a good contrast ratio. It’s great for both office and home use and can get bright enough for usage in a moderately lit room.

Purchase / $628

If you want a compact projector built for home entertainment, consider the BenQ i500. It’s a portable projector that packs a good number of features – including wireless connectivity, decent-sounding Bluetooth speakers, and the ability to directly read media and documents from a USB. While not as compact as the Asus S1, the i500 is a bit more portable than a standard projector. It has a stylish frame, with the speakers firing from the rear, where the well-secured connection ports are also found.

A short throw projector with a WXGA resolution, the i500 is good for watching movies, streaming Netflix shows, and casual gaming. It can produce a 75-inch display from 3.3 feet out, with the display size going up as you move it farther from the screen. It has good picture quality but can’t get bright enough to effectively fight off ambient light, which makes it unsuitable for usage in a room with lots of light sources. Like other projectors with a low brightness, this BenQ short throw projector is best used while in a dimly lit or dark room.

Purchase / $700

The ViewSonic PX706HD is an excellent projector for home entertainment, featuring a Full HD resolution (1920×1080) and a very low input lag. You can get it for around $600, a more than reasonable price point considering what the product brings to the table. In design, this projector is not that different from the PS501W, featuring a clean body with an all-white finish and multiple connection options. Connection ports include HDMI, VGA, USB-C, and mini USB, among others, all of which are neatly lined up at the rear.

Like the BenQ i500, the PX706HD has built-in speakers. While not comparable to external speakers, the built-in speakers are decent enough but don’t expect them to fill a large room. The PX706HD offers excellent picture quality, with good color reproduction, decent contrast, and enough brightness for usage in a room with moderate lighting. With around 16 milliseconds of input lag, this short throw projector is a great unit for gaming, even for fast-paced first-person shooters and fighting games. It can produce a 100-inch display from just under 5 feet, which is good for those who live in a cramped apartment.

Purchase / $780

Our third BenQ projector in this guide is the BenQ TH671ST, which is actually similar to the ViewSonic PX706HD in several aspects. It has a native 1920×1080 resolution, a remarkable input lag, decent speakers, and multiple input options. It goes for around $645 on a non-sale day, which makes it a bit more expensive than ViewSonic’s offering. Although BenQ specifically advertises it for home use, it also works well for business use.

A DLP short throw projector, the TH671ST is a fantastic option if you want a projector for media consumption and gaming. It has good color accuracy, a decent contrast ratio, and a brightness of 3,000 lumens, with the ability to produce a 100-inch display from just around 5 feet. It has a 16.67 milliseconds input lag, which is an excellent rating for serious gaming. You can use it to play slow-paced RPGs and adventure games as well as fast-paced first-person shooters. It’s easy to set up out of the box and even comes with a sensor that adjusts the image brightness based on the room’s lighting.

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Purchase / $849

The W303ST is another good offering from Optoma, a Taiwan-based outfit specializing in audiovisual solutions. It’s a short throw projector with a 1280×800 native resolution, a 16:10 aspect ratio, and a nice selection of connection options. You can connect it to a laptop, a desktop PC, and a gaming console, among other electronics. It has an HDMI port and legacy ports, along with audio in and out ports, all of which are at the rear.

Compared to the BenQ TH671ST and the ViewSonic PX706HD, this Optoma projector is more suitable for office use, with its resolution making text-heavy presentations look sharper. It has a good contrast ratio and can get bright enough to counter moderate ambient light. It’s got good color accuracy, too, which makes it a solid option for media consumption. An easy-to-use projector, the W303ST has weak speakers, so it’s best paired with external speakers, especially for business meetings. If you want a 1080p Optoma short throw projector, consider the other more expensive Optoma products on this list instead.

Purchase / $685

Often considered one of the top two or three short throw projectors currently out, the Optoma GT1080Darbee is a highly recommended projector for home entertainment. It boasts a 1920×1080 native resolution, a very low input lag, and an excellent native contrast ratio. After initially selling for well over $1,000, the GT1080Darbee is now more affordable, going for around $700 a pop. While clearly marketed for home entertainment, it’s also a good short throw projector for business and educational use. It’s easy to set up, has much better speakers than the W303ST, and comes with a quiet cooling fan.

Capable of producing a 100-inch display from just 3.5 feet, the GT1080Darbee boasts good color accuracy and enough brightness to work well in a room with moderate ambient light. If you love to watch sci-fi and action movies, you’re going to love this projector. And as mentioned, it has a very low input lag – but only when set in gaming mode. Whether you prefer fast-paced games such as Battlefield 1, Overwatch, and Rocket League or mainly play games such as Persona 5 and Final Fantasy XV, the GT1080Darbee will prove to be an excellent gaming projector.

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Purchase / $816

The BenQ HT2150ST is easily the best among the BenQ projectors on this list, offering an all-around package that includes excellent color accuracy, great-sounding speakers, and a very low input lag. Like the Optoma projector above, it’s designed for home entertainment and works really well when used for gaming. You can get it for around $800, which makes it one of the more expensive short throw projectors on the market, but you definitely get what you pay for.

A DLP projector with a Full HD (1920×1080) resolution, the HT2150ST can produce a 100-inch display from around 5 feet. It has a fast response time and excellent coverage for the Rec. 709 color space. It has an input lag of 16.67 milliseconds, which makes it suitable for games in which quick reactions are crucial, such as fighting games and first-person shooters. While not as good as the GT1080Darbee concerning brightness, the HT2150ST is still good when used in a room with moderate ambient light. If you want the best viewing experience, we recommend running it in a dimly lit or dark room, especially when watching movies such as Blade Runner 2049, Thor: Ragnarok, and Mad Max: Fury Road.

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Purchase / $720

The Optoma EH200ST is a good 1080p short throw projector for all-around use, featuring good picture quality, mobile connectivity, and a good throw ratio. It produces a 100-inch display from 3.5 feet, which makes it an excellent projector for usage in a tight space, whether it’s for business, educational, or home entertainment. It works well even in a relatively bright room and looks great when used in a dark room, especially when watching movies.

A well-built projector with a native 16:9 aspect ratio, the EH200ST is housed in a clean case with a simple all-white finish. It has easy-to-use function buttons on top, with the input ports located on the side instead of at the rear. Unlike some of the projectors on this list, it has limited connectivity, with the main input option being HDMI. On the upside, you can use it to directly display media from compatible smartphones and tablets. It has decent speakers, too, but if you want to use it strictly for home entertainment, we recommend pairing it with more powerful speakers instead.

Purchase / $750

When it comes to projectors, Epson is one of the best in the business, offering a good selection of products, from standard projectors to short throw projectors. The PowerLite 535W is one of the best in the lineup, capable of producing a 106-inch display at just around 2.3 feet, which is incredible. It has a native resolution of 1280×800, with an aspect ratio of 16:10.

For office and classroom use, the PowerLite 535W is an excellent projector. It produces sharp and clear texts and has enough brightness to work well in a room with moderate ambient light. It has a decent-sounding speaker, too, but don’t expect too much, especially regarding bass. For gaming, this Epson projector is not a recommended option if you mainly play fast-paced games that require quick reactions. On the other hand, it’s decent enough for slow-paced games like turn-based RPGs, so feel free to use it for games such as World of Final Fantasy, Persona 5, and Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth.

Purchase / $1025