Best Projector of 2026: Tested by Experts
These are the best projectors I've tested for home and portable use -- from Epson, Xgimi, BenQ and more.
Our Experts
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What to Consider
Picture quality
Consider contrast ratio and brightness. A projector with a great contrast ratio will look better than a brighter projector, though the latter will perform better if you want to watch with some lights on.
Features
The most handy features you can opt for are lens shift and zoom, which make a projector easier to setup.
Budget
Expect to pay around $1,000 for a quality projector, though models do start around $100.
Specifications
Though important, many companies tend to inflate contrast and brightness specifications. Use them only as a rough guide.
For a movie theater experience in your home, it's possible even thebest TVs aren't going to be big enough. How about wall-sized images with larger-than-life actors? Bright and compact, most modern projectors have4K resolution and nearly all have streaming built in, so you can easily watch all your favorite shows and movies on Netflix, HBO Max or Disney Plus. A screen is best, but any flat surface will work, whether it's in a bedroom or outside for abackyard movie night. You can even use projectors to play games from PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo Switch.
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What is the best overall projector?
If you're looking for impressive picture quality, good brightness in ambient light, vivid colors and a quality contrast ratio, then the Epson Home Cinema 5050UB is the best overall home theater projector.
If you want something less expensive, the best projector for the money is theBenQ HT2060. In turn, the best short-throw projector is theBenQ X500i, and if you're looking for something more portable, check out theAnker Nebula Mars 3 Air.
One of my newest picks is theAnker Nebula X1, which is expensive but also one of the brightest projectors I've ever tested. Indoors or out, it can create a massive -- and bright -- image.
Best projectors of 2025
Pros
- Superb overall picture quality
- Excellent contrast ratio
- Motorized lens
- Ample lens shift and motorized zoom
Cons
- Huge
- Expensive
- Still uses replaceable lamps
Why I like it:
The Epson Home Cinema 5050UB is the best all-around home projector I've reviewed and if you want to transform your living room into a home theater, this is the best place to start. It has an excellent contrast ratio, paired with impressive brightness and accurate color, all with better detail than what's possible with a 1080p native resolution projector. These all make for one of the best projector's I've reviewed in years. It also has extensive lens shift and zoom options, so it will fit in a variety of setups including mounted to the ceiling, on a shelf behind a couch, and so on. Even better, the adjustments are motorized, so you can have a 2.35:1 screen and with the press of a button zoom out to fill it or zoom in to just fill the central 16x9 portion for TV shows. It still uses lamps, however, and if that's a dealbreaker for you check out the Epson LS11000 mentioned below. It's very similar to the 5050, but uses lasers instead of a lamp, which has additional benefits beyond not having to replace lamps.
Who is it for:
Anyone who wants to transform their living room into a home cinema and wants better image quality than what a less-expensive projector can provide.
Who shouldn't buy it:
If you just want something for an occasional movie night the 5050 is big, bulky, and wildly overkill. One of the less expensive projectors on this list will do most of what the 5050 does for way less money.
Specs & Configurations
Score Breakdown
Best projector for bright images
Anker Nebula X1
Pros
- Ridiculously bright
- Impressively quiet
- All you need for an epic movie night, anywhere
Cons
- Brutally expensive
- Did I mention it's expensive
- Who is this for, exactly?
The Anker Nebula X1 is a high-end portable projector capable of extreme light output. It was the brightest projector I'd ever tested, though that crown now goes to theXgimi Horizon 20 Max (mentioned below). It's also quiet, has a great contrast ratio and offers vibrant colors. The fact that it's relatively compact and portable (it has a retractable handle) makes this projector a real oddball -- but an impressive one.
Why I like it:
The X1's performance is exemplary. It's extremely bright -- so bright that, depending on your room or screen, you might even need to turn it down. It's not the the most attractive projector I've tested, but it's certainly up there; its ridiculous light output makes up for any shortcomings. And it's why it landed my Editor's Choice award.
Who is this for?
Anyone who wants a truly massive screen, especially outside.
Who shouldn’t buy it
The X1 is extremely expensive for a projector, especially with the wireless speaker package -- something you likely won't use every day. Other, similarly-priced projectors (like the Epson LS11000), offer far easier placement in a wider variety of rooms. Certain people with glasses will also notice color artifacts around white lights on the screen due to its three-laser design. Most people won't have that issue, though. Check out the full review for more info.
Specs & Configurations
Best 1080p projector
BenQ HT2060
Pros
- Excellent, lifelike color
- Decent contrast ratio
- The Goldilocks of price and performance
Cons
- Brightness is rather average
- A little pricey for 1080p
Why I like it:
This projector's predecessor, the HT2050A, was one of my favorite projectors for many years. The HT2060 improves on it in most ways, and if your budget is around $1,000 and you have a light-controlled room, this is the projector to get. It creates a fantastic image with excellent contrast and color accuracy. It easily outperforms projectors that cost a lot more. It even has some lens shift to make installation easier in a wider range of rooms. While it's "only" 1080p resolution, that should be plenty for all but the most resolution-obsessed viewers. Its LEDs will last the life of the projector, so there are no lamps to replace. It's bright enough for most uses, but if you need more extreme levels of brightness, check out the Epson HC2350 mentioned below. It doesn't look as good but is far brighter.
The HT2060 is my go-to recommendation for most people looking for a projector. It looks great and does just about everything well, especially considering the price.
Who is it for:
Anyone who wants a great projector at a great price.
Who shouldn't buy it:
If you want the extra resolution possible with 4K, or want a huge image, there are brighter and higher-resolution projectors on this list that I like almost as much as the HT2060.
Specs & Configurations
The 1.2x zoom lens.
Best short-throw projector
BenQ X500i
Pros
- Excellent contrast
- Accurate colors
- Bright
Cons
- Expensive
- Short throw not for everyone
Why I like it:
This is one of my favorite projectors. The image it creates is gorgeous. If you have a smaller room, or when placement behind (or above) a couch isn't possible, this projector's short-throw is an excellent option. It needs just 5 to 6 feet away from a wall or screen to create a 100-inch image, compared with about 10 feet for a non-short throw projector. I like it so much I wish it was more flexible because its image quality is some of the best I've seen in years. It creates a bright, sharp, 4K image with tons of contrast and excellent color. Its image is better than many projectors that cost far more. I wanted to buy one after I reviewed it but alas my theater setup isn't conducive to a short-throw projector.
Who is it for:
People with smaller rooms, or the ability to mount a projector above where a coffee table would be.
Who shouldn't buy it:
If coffee table placement, or a ceiling mount above where a coffee table would be, isn't where you want a projector, the X500i isn't for you. Short throw projectors don't work in every room, but if they do work in your room this projector makes a beautiful image.
Specs & Configurations
Best portable projector
Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air
Pros
- Great size
- Google TV streaming
- Decent color and contrast for a portable
Cons
- A little pricey
- Shorter battery life
- Outperformed by larger, but still portable, models
Why I like it:
If you're looking for a highly-portable projector that can be battery powered but still create a decent image, the Anker Nebula Mars 3 Air does just about everything right. It's my pick forbest portable projector, and it creates a relatively bright image, sounds decent, has Google TV built in and is easy to move around and set up. It's a little on the expensive side, but if you're looking for something for the occasional movie night at home or on the go, it does a great job.
Who is it for:
Anyone who wants something extremely portable (it even has a handle!) for movie nights outside or anywhere a normal projector would fear to tread.
Who shouldn't buy it:
If you don't need something as easily portable, the BenQ HT2060 (elsewhere on this list) is brighter and looks better overall. It's far larger and more expensive, of course, but still easy to move from room to room.
If your budget is more flexible, theTCL PlayCube largely outperforms the Mars 3 Air but is nearly double the price. It's currently mentioned below in theOther Projectors I've Tested section or you canread my full review.
Specs & Configurations
Best lifestyle projector
Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus
Pros
- Looks like a lamp, is a lamp!
- Great lifestyle-friendly design
Cons
- Fans are a bit loud
- No zoom or lens shift
- A little pricey for the performance
Why I like it:
The Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus achieves what few projectors can: looking good and being functional even when off. The lamp-like design isn't just for show. It can actually double as a lamp, with a ring of warm LEDs shining downwards onto the table. Overall performance is good, though you're paying a bit of a premium for the design.
Who is it for:
Anyone who wants an occasional big-screen movie night without the boxy tech of a more traditional projector mucking up their decor. The Flex Plus might not entirely disappear into a room, but it blends better than most projectors.
Who shouldn't buy it:
For the money there are other projectors on this list that are brighter and have better image quality. The Flex Plus is by no means bad or dim, just a bit expensive for its performance. Those projectors won't look as cool when they're off, however.
Specs & Configurations
Best budget 4K projector
Epson Home Cinema 2350
Pros
- 4K for the cost of 1080p
- Compact design
- Very bright
Cons
- Contrast is pretty mediocre
- Loud at max brightness
- Technically 4K but other projectors are sharper
Why I like it:
The Epson HC2350 is an extremely bright 4K projector at a great price. I'm talking really, really bright. It's one of the brightest projectors I've ever measured. It also has lens shift, built-in streaming and a compact size. It's brighter than the BenQ HT2060 mentioned above, although that projector looks better overall. Unfortunately, its contrast ratio isn't great and is well below average. As a result, its image is more washed out and "flat" compared with some other projectors, notably the aforementioned BenQ. While it is 4K, the HC2350 uses LCDs to create its image so it's susceptible to motion blur. Because of that, it doesn't always look as sharp as you might expect. If you really want 4K and need something with extreme brightness, this is the best option anywhere near $1,000.
Who is it for:
If you want to create a massive image, like 150-inches diagonal massive, the HC2350 can do it.
Who shouldn't buy it:
If you want image quality over light output, the HT2060 is a better option.
Specs & Configurations
Best compact 4K projector
JMGO N1S 4K
Pros
- Excellent price for 4K
- Great diminutive size
- Reasonably bright
Cons
- Colors aren't impressive
- Not particularly bright
- No zoom
The compact JMGO N1S is a plucky little 4K projector that offers a great alternative to the BenQ HT2060 and Epson HC2350 for those looking for something more portable.
Why I like it:
The N1S does most things right, including a decent contrast ratio, decent brightness, 4K detail, built-in Google TV and quiet operation. The aforementioned BenQ and Epson look better, but they're also a lot larger. You can pick up the N1S and carry outside, to another room, pretty much anywhere there's WiFi and an AC outlet. It's also one of the cheapest 4K projectors I've reviewed.
Who is this for?
Anyone who wants a small, easily portable, 4K projector. It even has a handle in the base.
Who shouldn’t buy it
Image quality is good, but not great. Light output is good, but not great. In picture modes other than Movie, the colors are wildly inaccurate. Which is to say, there are better looking options, but none as small as the N1S.
Specs & Configurations
Best ultraportable projector
Anker Nebula Capsule Air
Pros
- Fun sized
- Full version of Google TV
- Useful optional accessories
Cons
- Not very bright
- Not very accurate
Why I like it:
The soda can-size Anker Nebula Capsule Air is just about as portable as you can get. It has 720p resolution, built-in Google TV for streaming and a battery that should last for a long movie or several episodes of your favorite TV show. There's even an optional tripod with a battery to extend playtime to 4 hours. However, it's not particularly bright, no projector this size is, but for something pocket-sized for a viewing party just about anywhere (anywhere dark, anyway), it's great. If you don't need that extreme level of portability, the Anker Mars 3 Air elsewhere on this list looks better overall while being a bit larger.
Who is it for:
Someone who wants an extremely small projector that still looks good.
Who shouldn't buy it:
Anyone who wants an image larger than a small TV or needs to compete with any amount of ambient light.
Specs & Configurations
Best all-in-one projector
BenQ GP520
Pros
- Highly accurate, lifelike color
- Lots of light
- Great size
Cons
- Contrast ratio is below average
- No zoom
Why I like it:
The roughly cube-shaped BenQ GP520 is a compact, all-in-one projector with built-in Google TV and lots of light output. Thanks to multiple, optional, stands and mounts, it's easy to place the GP520 either on a low table, high shelf, on the floor facing the ceiling, or mounted on that ceiling facing a wall. It also has extremely accurate color, creating a bright, vibrant image.
Who is it for:
Someone who wants a projector that can easily sit out of the way when not in use.
Who shouldn't buy it:
While bright and colorful, the GP520's contrast ratio isn't great. In terms of absolutely image quality, BenQ's own X500i (short throw) or HT2060 (cheaper, better looking, though lower resolution), are likely better options. The older X300G, which the GP520 replaced as a pick in this guide, isn't as bright but has a better contrast ratio. It's mentioned below in the Other Projector's I've Tested section.
Specs & Configurations
Best 4K laser projector
Epson Home Cinema LS11000
Pros
- Lasers never need to be replaced
- Bright and colorful
- Very natural looking
Cons
- Not as detailed as some 4K DLP projectors
- Performance doesn't quite justify the price
Why I like it:
The Epson Home Cinema LS11000 is similar to the Epson 5050 but instead of a lamp, it uses a laser and phosphor combo to create light. This means even better color, no lamp replacements, faster turn on/off and a more usable dynamic contrast ratio. A more advanced pixel shift means better resolution than the 5050 as well. The LS11000 is more expensive to start but over the life of the laser projector, they should be about the same. So better picture quality for roughly the same total cost of ownership makes this well worth considering over the 5050. Between the two I'd pick the LS11000, assuming the higher initial price wasn't a major obstacle.
Who is it for:
Anyone looking for a fantastic home projector and doesn't mind paying a little more up front not to have to replace lamps over the life of the projector.
Who shouldn't buy it:
It's big and bulky. This isn't a projector for the occasional movie night. This is for transforming a room into a home theater.
Specs & Configurations
Best high-end 4K projector
BenQ W4100i
Pros
- Very bright
- Accurate color
- Decent contrast
Cons
- Zoom range could be bigger
- Price range could be smaller
Why I like it:
The BenQ W4100i produces bright, accurate and overall gorgeous images. It has some of the best overall performance of any projector on this list, competing directly with the Anker Nebula X1. It's expensive, but offers a step up in performance over more budget-friendly projectors.
Who is it for:
Anyone with a traditional home theater setup, or doesn't mind mounting the projector to the ceiling. The W4100i can work on a coffee table, but its zoom range likely won't work behind a sofa (depending on your screen size). Also, because it uses LEDs instead of RGB lasers like the Anker X1 and some others, it doesn't have thechromatic aberrations/color fringing artifacts that they do. This is only an issue for some people with glasses, however.
Who shouldn't buy it:
While the W4100i has some zoom and lens shift, it's not quite as flexible in its placement as some others on this list. It's less ideal for makeshift movie night spaces and more for a dedicated space, be it a home theater or a living room with permanent projector placement.
Specs & Configurations
Compare best projectors
As measured by CNET. Prices at time of review. See the individual reviews for more details.
* Estimated due to light engine behavior
| Brand | Model | Price | Resolution | Lumens** | Contrast ratio** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anker | Capsule 3 | $500 | 1080p | 123 | 471:1 |
| Anker | Capsule Air | $400 | 720p | 84 | 381:1 |
| Anker | Mars 3 Air | $600 | 1080p | 252 | 405:1 |
| Anker | Cosmos SE 4K | $1,300 | 4K | 1,219 | 232:1 |
| Anker | Nebula X1 | $3,000 | 4K | 2,383 | 1,544:1 |
| BenQ | GP520 | $1,500 | 4K | 1258 | 369:1 |
| BenQ | HT2060 | $1,000 | 1080p | 985 | 1,380:1 |
| BenQ | X300G | $1,900 | 4K | 700 | 1,762:1 |
| BenQ | X500i | $1,700 | 4K | 1,549 | 1,990:1 |
| BenQ | W2720i | $2,200 | 4K | 1,003 | 604:1 |
| BenQ | W4100i | $3,400 | 4K | 1,683 | 975:1 |
| Epson | Flex Plus | $900 | 4K | 655 | 468:1 |
| Epson | HC 2350 | $1,300 | 4K | 2,075 | 348:1 |
| Epson | HC 5050 | $2,500 | 1080p x2* | 1,732 | 5,203:1 |
| Epson | LS11000 | $4,000 | 4K | 1,378 | 1,808:1 |
| JMGO | N1S Pro | $2,000 | 4K | 1,198 | 526:1 |
| JMGO | N1S 4K | $1,300 | 4K | 575 | 1,196:1* |
| Optoma | GT2100HDR | $1,700 | 1080p | 1,168 | N/A |
| Optoma | UHZ50 | $2,800 | 4K | 1,486 | 1,007:1 |
| TCL | PlayCube | $700 | 1080p | 452 | 492:1 |
| Valerion | VisionMaster Pro2 | $2,300 | 4K | 2,301 | 1,577:1* |
| Xgimi | Horizon 20 Max | $2,999 | 4K | 2,699 | 1,367:1 |
What I Updated February, 2026
Added the Xgimi Horizon 20 Max to theOther PJs tested section.
What I Updated December, 2025
Added the Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus and BenQ W4100i as new picks and the TCL PlayCube and Valerion Pro2 to theOther projectors I've tested section. Previous picks, the JMGO N1S Pro 4K and Anker 4K SE, were replaced as picks and moved to theOther PJs tested section.
What I Updated: October, 2025
Updated the Anker Nebula X1 section to reflect its Editor's Choice award.
What I Updated: June, 2025
I added the BenQ GP520 as Best All-in-One projector and moved the BenQ X300G to theother projectors I've tested section.
What I Updated: April, 2025
I added the BenQ W2720i to theother projectors I've tested section.
Factors to consider when buying a projector
Picture quality:Projectors lag behind TVs in overall picture quality. However, they largely make up for it with absolutely massive images. Want a TV that's 100 inches or more? Ifyou're not ultrarich thenonly a projector can do that. Even so, there's a wide range of picture quality even among projectors of a similar price. A projector with a great contrast ratio but only average light output is going to look better than the opposite. However, a brighter projector will be easier to see with some lights on and can create an even bigger image.
Where are you using it?:For light controlled rooms and home theaters, a projector with a high contrast ratio is better than one that prioritizes light output. For mixed-use rooms where it'll be hard or impossible to totally control the ambient light, or if you want an outdoor movie night with an image the size of the side of your house, one that prioritizes light output will be better, because the contrast ratio won't be as noticeable.
What about "X" spec?: Ignore the specs. Companies claim million-to-one contrast ratios, insane brightness ratings and more. But the specs are largely divorced from reality. A claimed 2,000-lumen projector is probably brighter than a 500-lumen projector, but 1,500 and 1,700-lumen projectors are probably the same.
How much should you spend?:$1,000 is the sweet spot with projectors, where you can get great picture quality and brightness. Less than that usually requires a compromise of some kind. Some highly portable and battery-powered models are far less. They're not as bright but they're great for their intended use. Spending more gets you incremental improvements. Above $3,000 there's a big jump in picture quality again and from there the sky's the limit. Great picture quality but they're well beyond what I usually test.
What features should you look for?:If you're connecting the projector to an audio system (and you should, eitherreceiver/speakers or soundbar), then you don't really need many features in the projector itself. Just get one that has great picture quality and high brightness. Lens shift and zoom are handy if you want more flexibility in placement. If you're looking for some kind of "all-in-one" device with speakers, make sure it has a full version of Android TV inside for streaming, otherwise you'll want to connect a streaming stick like Roku. This is because many highly portable and budget models use the Aptoide store, which won't have as many streaming app options and those it does have often have compromised functionality (no HD, difficult to navigate and so on).
How I test home theater projectors
CNET puts projectors through a rigorous and unbiased testing process that's the culmination of more than two decades of projector reviews. I use specialized test equipment, including a Portrait Displays C6 HDR5000 colorimeter, a Minolta LS-100 luminance meter and an AEMC CA813 illuminance meter. The data is collected and collated by Portrait Displays CalMan Ultimate software, which helps us evaluate every PJ I review. Every lamp-based projector is "burned in" for 50 hours before measuring, and all projectors are initially set up using their most accurate color temp and color modes. Test patterns, sent from a VideoForge Pro 8K, are then used to adjust the various picture settings so the projector looks its best before measurement and evaluation. Contrast ratios are measured in each lamp and iris mode (when available). Once the projectors are fully set up and objectively measured, I watch a variety of content, including TV, movies and games, both with the projector by itself and compared side by side with two direct competitors.
Broadly speaking, I'm looking for the three picture quality aspects: contrast ratio, overall light output and color reproduction. Contrast ratio is the most important part of any projector's performance. It's the difference between the darkest part of the image and the brightest. While certain TV technologies, like OLED, can create a black that's the actual absence of light, no projector technology can physically do this. As a result, contrast ratios with projectors are far lower. It's the difference between a washed-out and "flat" image and one that's more lifelike and "pops." The better projectors will have a measured contrast ratio in the thousands. Most are between 500 and 1,000:1.
Light output is the second most important factor, because it's not only how bright the image appears on your wall but also how big an image you can produce. Most modern projectors are significantly brighter than projectors from even 10 years ago. I measure brightness in candelas per square meter (cd/m2) and then convert them to estimated lumens for ease of comparison. It's important to note that I use the most accurate color temperature mode for my brightness comparisons, but I'll note when a less accurate mode is significantly brighter. Most of the projectors I test are between 1,000 and 2,000 lumens, with battery-powered models far less and some specialized projectors even higher.
Color accuracy is the last major factor. No projector can truly take advantage of HDR or wide color gamut, but some can do more than others. Generally, I'm satisfied with accurate colors, but adding HDR effects is a bonus. Most home theater projectors I test are fairly accurate. Budget models, which typically prioritize brightness over everything, and PJs from newcomers to the projector space often have wildly inaccurate colors that result in a very unnatural image.
Other factors, like video processing and HDR processing, are evaluated in the viewing tests. These are rarely a major factor in projector performance, but some models still use older chips that have issues.
The best projector will have a high contrast ratio, high brightness and great color. Those are difficult to do at the same time, but as long as the balance works and the projector looks better than its competitors at a similar price, it's a winner.
For more info, check out how CNET tests projectors.
*See review for more details
**As measured. See how CNET tests projectors for details.
Other projectors I've tested
BenQ W2720i
Geoffrey Morrison/CNETXgimi Horizon 20 Max: The compact Horizon 20 Max is, as of writing, the brightest projector I've tested. That accolade seems to get attached to a new projector with increasing frequency. The 20 Max has accurate color, a gimbaled design and a motorized zoom. It's a little pricey, and I came across some minor issues during the review process which kept it from being a main pick. But if you want an incredibly bright projector that's barely larger than a portable projector, the 20 Max is a solid option. Read my full review of theXgimi Horizon 20 Max.
TCL PlayCube: The PlayCube is an excellent portable projector with 1080p resolution and a big built-in battery. It can even charge via USB-C so a battery bank will help keep the movie going when you're off the grid. It outperforms the Mars 3 Air but not by double which is what its price suggests. Worth considering if you have a more flexible budget. Read my fullreview of the TCL PlayCube.
Valerion VisionMaster Pro2: The Pro2 is an exceptionally bright and well-chromed projector, the second brightest we've ever tested. Overall image quality is good, but it's not as bright as the Anker Nebula X1 nor as accurate as the BenQ W4100i. It's a very good projector and if you can find it on sale for less than those two PJs it's worth considering. Read my fullreview of the Valerion VisionMaster Pro2.
JMGO N1S Pro 4K: The N1S Pro 4K is one of the best gimbaled projectors we've tested. It was a former pick and at its current price it's a fantastic bargain. We can only recommend so many projectors on this list so it got bumped down here, but it's still very good overall. Read my fullreview of the JMGO N1S Pro 4K.
Anker Nebula 4K SE: The Nebula 4K SE is the cheaper, less bright, sibling of the X1. It has a similar design, including the big handle. It was a former pick, but was bumped off the list due to some newer projectors that offered a bit more. It's still a good projector and at its current price worth considering if you like the idea of the X1 but not the price. Read my fullreview of the Anker Nebula 4K SE.
BenQ W2720i: The W2720i has a great design that would blend well into a modern room. Its image quality is decent, but not as good as others I've tested. It's not quite a short throw, but if you can fit a short throw BenQ's X500i performs far better. Read myfull review of the BenQ W2720i.
BenQ X300G: The X300G is a great projector, with a compact, cube shape and great orange highlights. It was a former pick in this guide due to its excellent contrast ratio. The GP520, mentioned above, is a better choice for most people due to its greater light output. If you can find the X300G on sale for less than the GP520, it's still a great option. Read my fullreview of the BenQ X300G.
Epson EpiqVision Mini EF21: The small EF21, and its gimbaled sibling the EF22, are roughly the size of a toaster and look decent. For the level of performance they're pricey, but can often be found cheaper. Check out my full review of theEpson EpiqVision Mini EF21.
Xgimi Horizon Ultra: The Horizon Ultra (image above) has a stylish design and is capable of an extremely bright image. However, its contrast ratio is quite poor. Check out my review of theXgimi Horizon Ultra.
Xgimi Horizon S Max: Similar to the Horizon Ultra, the S Max improves on the Ultra's contrast ratio but drops the optical zoom for a gimbaled design. Not an upgrade that the price suggests, but more a side-step. Read myreview of the Horizon S Max.
Optoma GT2100HDR: The GT2100HDR is a bright short-throw projector with 1080p resolution. It lacks any zoom and is outclassed by the, admittedly more expensive, BenQ X500i. Check out my review of theOptoma GT2100HDR.
BenQ GS50: The GS50 is a lunch box-size 1080p projector with a built-in battery. You can even use it as a Bluetooth speaker. However, it's dimmer than the Xgimi Halo Plus for similar money, so I recommend that one instead. Read my fullreview of the BenQ GS50.
Samsung Freestyle: The small, cylindrical Freestyle is an interesting idea, but it comes up short. It's about the size of a Bluetooth speaker and in fact can double as one, and the Freestyle can pivot on its stand to project an image at any height on walls and even the ceiling. Its built-in streaming is far better implemented than with most portable projectors. However, it lacks a battery and its performance is average, at best. Worse, its price is a good 50% higher than it should be based on how it looks and performs. Read our Samsung Freestyle review.
Xiaomi Mi Smart Projector 2: Another relatively expensive projector I didn't love, the Xiaomi at least has a gorgeous, Apple-like design going for it. I appreciated the compact size, 1080p resolution and built-in Android TV streaming, but the cons outweigh the pros. It's relatively dim, especially for the price, and it lacks both a built-in battery and compatibility with a USB power source, so it's not truly portable. Read our Xiaomi Mi Smart Projector 2 review.
Epson Home Cinema 880: The 880 is one of Epson's less expensive home projectors, but it still puts out a remarkable amount of light. That, and the price, make it tempting. The contrast ratio is terrible, however, so the overall image quality is weak. Read my Epson Home Cinema 880 review.
LG HU810PW: The HU810PW is a higher-end, laser-powered projector with 4K resolution that's able to create some lovely, colorful images. It's also quiet and sports an attractive, boxy case. The contrast ratio is quite poor, so it doesn't look nearly as good overall as other projectors in its price range. Read the LG HU810PW review.
Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K: Since it has a handle and it's a compact size, the Cosmos Laser 4K is technically portable, but it's hardly mini at more than 10 pounds. There's also no battery, so you'll need to plug it in. It's nice and bright, but the other downsides -- lack of zoom, average overall image quality and a steep price for what you get -- keep it off this list.Read my Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K Projector review.
Projector FAQs
What is the best projector for outdoor movies?
If you want to move movie night outdoors, you have a few options. I generally recommend, when possible, using a regular home projector and running an extension cord. Home projectors offer far better, brighter images for the same amount of money or less compared with portable projectors.
If you want to go fully cordless, I like theAnker Nebula Capsule 3. It's not very bright, but it's small and convenient.
For more options, check out my list of the best outdoor projectors.
What kind of projector should I get?
LCD and Digital Light Processing projectors are the most common technologies. Higher-end projectors often use LCOS, or liquid crystal on silicon, designs. These are marketed as SXRD and DILA. LCOS is superior to LCD and DLP in almost every way, but it's also significantly more expensive.
LCD (used almost exclusively by Epson) and DLP both have their strengths and weaknesses. DLP is typically sharper, while LCD often brighter. However, both technologies still offer images which are plenty bright and sharp. It's more down to implementation on a specific model of projector than either technology.
Do you need a screen for a better projector experience?
You can use any flat surface to project your image. However, don't expect any surface to be the best for a projector. Any and all tiny bumps in a wall, for example, will be visible as extra "noise" in the image. If you want the best image quality from your projector, even an inexpensive screen is a far better option. This is because projector screens tend to brighten the image noticeably and create a smooth surface that best shows off your TV program, movie or game.
Should I buy a portable or a home projector?
Portable models are expensive for their performance, but the advantage is they can work where there's no outlet. If you don't plan on ever using the projector away from your house, a traditional projector will be far brighter and can be used outside. Just remember to bring it inside when you're done.
Which projector has the best picture quality?
The Epson Home Cinema 5050UB boasts the best picture quality of my best projector picks. While certainly not a budget option, the 5050UB offers excellent performance in rooms with ambient light, vibrant color and superior contrast ratio and is a significant step up in image quality over its competitors.
Can I connect my phone to a projector?
Yes, most projectors can connect to your phone. If you're okay with a few cables, you can connect your device via an adapter or "dongle" to the projector's HDMI or USB inputs. For a wireless connection, you'll need a Bluetooth-enabled projector to pair your phone or tablet. You can also opt for athird-party media box or streaming stick, though these still require an HDMI port. Either way, displaying your phone on the big screen is easier than ever with modern projectors.
What is a short-throw projector?
A short-throw projector can create a 100-inch image from a distance of just 5 feet, while a traditional home projector can create the same size image from around 10 feet. A short throw ks especially helpful in narrower or smaller rooms where it may be hard to get a traditional projector far enough away to create the desired image size. The projected image can also be extremely bright -- even in rooms with more ambient light. With the promise of simple installations and impressive brightness specs, short-throw projectors are an excellent option for those looking to improve their home viewing experience without the hassle.
What's an ultra-short throw projector?
Regular projectors can create a 100-inch image from around 10 feet away. Short throw, about 5 feet. An ultra-short throw only needs a few inches. These wide, squat projectors, often called "laser TVs" are one of the latest heavily marketed trends in the projector category. They are extremely expensive for their performance, and unlike the marketing, can't compete with ambient light unless paired with an expensive specialty screen. While they seem an easy solution to a complex setup with a traditional projector, that's misleading as well. Given their cost, complexity and misleading marketing hype, I recommend regular and non-ultra-short-throw projectors for most people.
About the Author
Geoffrey Morrison
ContributorGeoffrey Morrison
ContributorGeoffrey Morrison is a writer/photographer about tech and travel for CNET, <em>The New York Times</em>, and other web and print publications. He's also the Editor-at-Large for Wirecutter. He is the author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Budget-Travel-Dummies/dp/139421295X"><em>Budget Travel for Dummies</em></a> as well as the bestselling sci-fi novels <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Undersea-Geoffrey-Morrison-ebook/dp/B0062PXGW6"><em>Undersea</em></a>, and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GJEO0CY"><em>Undersea Atrophia</em></a>. He's NIST and ISF trained, and has a degree in Audio Production from Ithaca College. He spends most of the year as a digital nomad, living and working while traveling around the world. You can follow his travels at <a href="http://baldnomad.com/">BaldNomad.com</a> and on his <a href="https://www.instagram.com/inveterate_adventurer">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@GeoffMorrison">YouTube channel</a>.
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