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The borders between different kinds of projectors are anything but sharp, and the deceptively simple term “home projectors” covers a dizzying mix of possible uses. Home projectors can be small enough to fit in a pocket, or big enough to need two people to move into place. They can offer native resolutions as low as 640 by 360 pixels, or as high as 4K UHD. Their brightness and contrast can fall almost anywhere on the scale, and the onboard audio can range from barely enough to earn a check on a feature chart to impactful enough for a big family room.These features vary so much because you can use a projector at home in so many different ways. The ideal projector for a traditional home theater, with controlled lighting and dark walls to minimize how much light reflects back to the screen, isn’t the ideal for a family-room TV replacement that you plan to watch with lights on. And models that are best for either of those tasks may or may not be good choices for, say, gaming.The point? You need to match your home projector’s features to the applications you want it for. Below is a look at our top picks for specific uses, followed by what you need to know to find the right one for the application or applications you have in mind.
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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
BenQ TK860i
Best 4K Home Entertainment Projector
Why We Picked ItThe BenQ TK860i is designed for rooms with ambient light. Its list of key features starts with 4K resolution on screen (using a DLP chip equipped with TI’s fast-switch pixel shifting) plus a bright image that can stand up to ambient light. It also adds BenQ’s new HDR-PRO technology, which ratchets up image quality from the already-highly watchable level of the previous generation model by a lot, delivering noticeably enhanced shadow detail, contrast, and sense of three-dimensionality both for SDR and for HDR10 and HLG HDR input. The projector also supports full HD 3D and comes with an Android TV 11 dongle to add smart TV streaming features. And for gaming, it delivers measured input lags only a little longer than the current state-of-the-art, and easily short enough for all but the most serious gamers. Who It’s ForAnyone looking for a family room projector to serve as a TV replacement or for watching movies should have the TK860i on their radar, particularly if they also want a short lag that won’t slow down their reaction time for first-person shooter or sports games. Those who see rainbow artifacts (red/green/blue flashes that single-chip DLP projectors can show) will want to make sure they can return the projector easily if they turn out to be a problem. But if you don’t see the flashes, or don’t mind seeing them, and you’re looking for a way to enjoy movies, TV, and potentially gaming at a big screen size with lights on, this BenQ is a top pick.
PROS
4K resolution using TI’s XPR fast-switch pixel shifting
Good shadow detail and contrast
Short lag times
1.3x zoom and modest vertical lens shift
Includes Android TV 11 dongle
CONS
Initial physical setup is difficult
Frequent rainbow artifacts in testing
SPECS
Name
Value
Engine Type
DLP
Rated Brightness
3300 ANSI lumens
Native Resolution
3840 by 2160 using 1920 by 1080 DLP chip with XPR fast-switch pixel shifting
Maximum Resolution
3840 by 2160 HDR; Full HD 3D
Inputs and Interfaces
HDMI 2.0b, USB 3.0, USB 2.0
Dimensions (HWD)
5 by 15 by 10.4 inches
Weight
9.25 lbs
Warranty
3 years
Learn More
BenQ TK860i Review
BenQ HT3560
A Solid Alternative to the BenQ TK860i
Why We Picked ItBenQ’s home theater projectors tend to earn top scores in their price class for image quality, and the 4K HT3560 is no exception. Unlike models designed for use in ambient light, which focus on high brightness, it focuses on delivering accurate color along with good contrast, shadow detail, and black level. It also offers HDR10+ support, which automates what’s usually called HDR Brightness and has to be set manually when using HDR10 material. Even better, it adds BenQ’s own feature that serves the same purpose for SDR, HDR10 and HLG HDR material to dramatically improve shadow detail and contrast in dark scenes. In short, it delivers top-tier quality for the price. Gamers will also appreciate the HT3560’s lag times, which are short enough for all but the most serious gaming.Who It’s ForA key potential issue for any single-chip DLP projector is rainbow artifacts, which can be more intrusive for home theaters than for more casual viewing. Since some people don’t see these at all, while others find them annoying, you’ll want to buy the HT3560 from a dealer who allows easy returns if they bother you. But for those who don’t see, or don’t mind, the flashes, the HT3560 will deliver a captivating image for less than a three-chip LCD projector with similar image quality. And that’s easily enough to make it a top choice.
PROS
4K resolution using TI’s XPR fast-switch pixel shifting
Top-tier color accuracy for the price
1.3x zoom and modest vertical lens shift for easy installation
Low input lag is gamer-friendly
CONS
Default 3D mode has a slight yellow bias
Frequent (but fleeting) rainbow artifacts in testing
SPECS
Name
Value
Engine Type
DLP
Rated Brightness
2200 ANSI lumens
Native Resolution
Equivalent to 3840 by 2160 using Epson’s 4K PRO-UHD technology
Maximum Resolution
3840 by 2160 HDR; Full HD 3D
Inputs and Interfaces
HDMI 2.0b, USB 3.0, USB 2.0
Dimensions (HWD)
4.9 by 14.9 by 10.4 inches
Weight
9.5 lbs
Warranty
3 years
Learn More
BenQ HT3560 Review
Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 4K Pro-UHD Laser Projector
Best Cost-No-Object Home Theater Projector
Why We Picked ItThe Epson Pro Cinema LS12000’s price is about right for a solid down payment on a new car, but it’s actually a near-bargain for the image quality it delivers. Epson is known for pixel-shifting LCD projectors whose images are virtually indistinguishable from a true 4K UHD picture while using only half as many pixels on screen—a trick it manages thanks to lens quality and video processing. The LS12000 boosts the pixel count to a full 3,840 by 2,160, while maintaining the emphasis on top-quality lenses and processing. The result is more detail than we’ve seen from any pixel-shifting 4K DLP projector. The LS12000 also offers top-tier color accuracy, contrast, black level, and shadow detail, plus sophisticated features that include the ability to adjust the lens easily to give you the same image height when switching between movies with different aspect ratios. And because it’s built around three LCD chips, it’s guaranteed not show rainbow artifacts—the red-/green/blue flashes that single-chip projectors can show.Who It’s ForSerious videophiles who think in terms of custom-built home theaters with dark walls, ceilings, and seating to minimize reflections back to the screen will be particularly interested in the LS12000. However, the image quality is good enough that less-demanding viewers will notice, too, even in rooms that are less than perfectly outfitted. This makes it a top home theater pick for anyone who can afford it.
PROS
Delivers a full 3,840 by 2,160 pixels on screen
2,700-lumen laser light source rated to last the life of the projector
Supports HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG HDR
Good color accuracy, contrast, and shadow detail, plus dark blacks for a laser model
Easy to maintain image height for different aspect ratios
Three-chip LCD design guarantees no rainbow artifacts
SPECS
Name
Value
Engine Type
LCD
Rated Brightness
2700 ANSI lumens
Native Resolution
3840 by 2160 using Epson’s 4K Pro-UHD technology
Maximum Resolution
4096 by 2160 @ 120Hz
Inputs and Interfaces
HDMI 2.1 (HDCP 2.3), HDMI (eARC)
Dimensions (HWD)
7.6 by 20.5 by 17.6 inches
Weight
28 lbs
Warranty
3 years
Learn More
Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 4K Pro-UHD Laser Projector Review
Epson Pro Cinema 4050 4K Pro-UHD Projector
A Solid Alternative to the Epson Pro Cinema LS12000
Why We Picked ItThe Epson Pro Cinema 4050 is built around the version of Epson’s pixel shifting tech that puts only half as many pixels on screen as in a 4K (3,840-by-2,160-pixel) image. However, it takes advantage of a high-quality lens and sophisticated video processing to deliver equal or better image detail than many projectors that put a full 3,840 by 2,160 matrix on screen—at least within the limits of the human eye to see any difference at normal viewing distance. In addition to its top-tier detail, color accuracy, and contrast for its price range, it offers sophisticated features that include substantial lens shift combined with a powered shift, focus, and zoom, which makes it easy to maintain the same image height when switching between movies with different aspect ratios. Who It’s ForThe 4050 is a strong contender for anyone who wants a projector for a traditional home theater with controlled lighting. However, its 2,400-lumen rating also makes it bright enough to be an equally good choice for more casual viewing in a family room with ambient light. In either setting, its three-LCD-chip design means it can’t show the rainbow artifacts that any single-chip DLP model can show, which makes it attractive to those who tend to see these red/green/blue flashes and find them annoying.
PROS
Checks all the image-quality boxes: color accuracy, contrast, shadow detail, black level, and more
Epson’s 4K Pro-UHD essentially matches the detail of true 4K resolution
Powered lens with memory for easy aspect ratio switching and placement flexibility
Supports HDR10 for movies on disc
Three-chip LCD design guarantees no rainbow artifacts
Brightness drop from 2D to 3D is less than most projectors’
SPECS
Name
Value
Engine Type
LCD
Rated Brightness
2400 ANSI lumens
Native Resolution
Equivalent to 3840 by 2160 using Epson’s 4K PRO-UHD technology
Maximum Resolution
4096 by 2160 at 30Hz, Full HD 3D
Inputs and Interfaces
Ethernet
Dimensions (HWD)
7.6 by 20.5 by 17.7 inches
Weight
24.7 lbs
Warranty
3 years
Learn More
Epson Pro Cinema 4050 4K Pro-UHD Projector Review
BenQ TH685P
Best 1080p Home Entertainment and Gaming Projector
Why We Picked ItThe BenQ TH685P is a prime example of why specs don’t tell you everything you need to know. Despite offering nearly identical specs to the BenQ model it replaces, this 1080p projector delivers an obviously better image with HDR input. That’s a big thumbs-up in a gaming and home entertainment projector at this price. It also impressed us with its audio, thanks to an onboard 5-watt chamber speaker that pumped out quite usable sound quality at high enough volume to fill a large family room.Who It’s ForThis unit is a top choice for users who aren’t prone to seeing rainbow artifacts (or don’t find them bothersome if they do see them) and who will appreciate a short input lag for gaming. Good HDR handling and downconverting of 4K HDR content sweeten the deal, though ideally you’ll limit HDR material to watching in a darkened room. And if adding an external sound system or headphones isn’t an option where you play or watch, this model’s speaker output is a plus.
PROS
Bright 3,500 ANSI lumen rating
Short input lag
Accepts and downconverts 4K input to native 1080p resolution
Good color accuracy, contrast, and shadow detail
Supports HDR
CONS
Can’t read files from USB memory
Shows rainbow artifacts (red-green-blue flashes)
SPECS
Name
Value
Engine Type
DLP
Rated Brightness
3500 ANSI lumens
Native Resolution
1920 by 1080
Maximum Resolution
3840 by 2160 HDR; Full HD 3D
Inputs and Interfaces
HDMI 2.0b
Dimensions (HWD)
4.3 by 12.3 by 8.9 inches
Weight
6.2 lbs
Warranty
3 years
Learn More
BenQ TH685P Review
Vankyo Performance V700W
Best Budget Home Entertainment Projector
Why We Picked ItPriced at $299, the Vankyo Performance V700W stands out from other bargain-basement projectors by being the brightest choice in its price class, at a rated 420 ANSI lumens. It’s also a little bigger than most budget-priced competition, but it delivers a similar set of features, including a 1080p (1,920-by-1,080-pixel) native resolution and a highly watchable picture that’s guaranteed to be free of rainbow artifacts. We tested it using settings for best image quality rather than highest brightness, and it still lit up a 90-inch screen without problems with lights off. In a family room at night with lights on, it delivered a suitably bright image using an 80-inch screen.The V700W also offers more-than-acceptable image quality, including better shadow detail than most projectors in its price range. Earning it even more points is the impressive onboard audio—for an inexpensive projector at least—built around dual 5-watt speakers as well as Dolby Digital Plus. And the input lag—measured at 26 milliseconds for 1080p/60Hz input—is easily short enough for casual gaming. Who It’s ForAnyone who wants a big image for movies, video, or games but wants to spend as little as possible for it should put the V700W on their must-see list. You can find less-expensive models, but they will likely have noticeably lower brightness. You might also want to consider it if you already have a projector in a home theater or family room and are looking for an easier way to watch a movie in your backyard than to move the one unit and then reinstall it. The V700W costs little enough to serve as a second projector for occasional use, letting you leave your more expensive projector safely in its permanent setup, undisturbed.
PROS
Resolution of 1,920 by 1,080
Guaranteed free of rainbow artifacts
Surprisingly robust audio
Input lag is easily short enough for casual gaming
Two HDMI ports
CONS
Big settings menu obscures image (and seeing the effect of your changes)
Minor tweaking needed to bring out shadow detail
SPECS
Name
Value
Engine Type
LCD
Rated Brightness
420 ANSI lumens
Native Resolution
1920 by 1080
Maximum Resolution
1920 by 1080
Inputs and Interfaces
HDMI 1.4, USB 2.0, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth (audio in), Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
3.7 by 11.4 by 8.7 inches
Weight
4.9 lbs
Warranty
3 years
Learn More
Vankyo Performance V700W Review
BenQ X3100i
Best Gaming Projector
Why We Picked itThe BenQ X3100i is both our top pick for a gaming projector, and the current flagship in BenQ’s Immersive Gaming Series. It’s also a significant upgrade to the model it replaces in both capacities. Designed to stand up to ambient light, thanks to its 3,300-ANSI-lumen LED light source, it also offers state-of-the art short input lag and houses a pair of 5-watt stereo speakers that can fill a large family room with high-quality sound. Newly introduced features for the new generation include support for 1440p (2,560-by-1,440-pixel) resolution at 120Hz (a popular choice for gaming) and a vertical lens shift to adjust image height without introducing keystone distortion. The count of predefined gaming modes also jumps to four: racing game, first-person shooter, role-playing, and sports game. Each mode adjusts both the image and audio settings for the type of game it’s named for, and all you have to do is pick the right mode.Who It’s ForThe X3100i focuses on the features gamers want and need. You can also use it for watching movies and video, and it even comes with an Android TV 11 dongle for streaming, but if you’re not planning to take advantage of its gaming-specific features, we see no reason to choose it over a different projector in this list. If you’re a serious gamer, however, the X3100i was designed with you in mind, and it’s probably the projector you want.
PROS
4K native resolution
Short input lag (supports up to 120Hz refresh rate)
Video modes for four categories of gaming
Android TV 11 HDMI dongle included
LED light source rated at 3,300 ANSI lumens
CONS
Wi-Fi is the only network connection option
Shows rainbow artifacts
Hardware setup requires some tricky assembly
SPECS
Name
Value
Engine Type
DLP
Rated Brightness
3300 ANSI lumens
Native Resolution
3840 by 2160 using 1920 by 1080 DLP chip with XPR fast-switch pixel shifting
Maximum Resolution
3840 by 2160 HDR; Full HD 3D
Inputs and Interfaces
HDMI 2.0b, USB 2.0, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct
Dimensions (HWD)
8.4 by 10.7 by 10.2 inches
Weight
15 lbs
Warranty
3 years
Learn More
BenQ X3100i Review
Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 3-Chip 3LCD Smart Streaming Laser Projector
Best Ultra Short Throw TV Replacement Projector
Why We Picked itThe key advantage of ultra short throw (UST) projectors? Giving you a big image from close to the screen, so you don’t have to run cables through walls and ceilings. The key advantage of the Epson LS800? It has an even shorter throw than most. It can actually fill a 120-inch wall-mounted screen without having to pull the furniture it’s resting on away from the wall. Beyond that, the LS800 offers a laser light source with 4,000-ANSI-lumen brightness, a high-quality image with good color accuracy and contrast, a three-LCD design that guarantees it can’t show rainbow artifacts, and an unusually short input lag for a 4K UST projector—a boon for gamers. We measured the lag at just a few milliseconds longer than for today’s best gaming projectors for the resolution and refresh rate combinations it supports: 20.4 milliseconds (ms) for 4K/60Hz input, 21.4ms for 1080p/60Hz, and 11.7ms for 1080p/120Hz. It even offers a stereo audio system that amounts to a built-in soundbar, with two 5-watt speakers and a 10-watt subwoofer.Who It’s ForThe LS800’s menus don’t have the settings you need for a full calibration, and it doesn’t support 3D, which will disappoint serious videophiles and anyone who considers 3D a must-have. For everyone else, it’s a sterling choice as a TV replacement, thanks to its excellent image quality straight out of the box, its notably short input lag for gaming, and even more notable short throw.
PROS
Bright laser-phosphor light source
Three-chip LCD design means no rainbow artifacts
Fully integrated Android TV
Short input lag for gaming
Good sound quality
CONS
No Ethernet port; streaming requires Wi-Fi
No 3D support
SPECS
Name
Value
Engine Type
LCD
Rated Brightness
4000 ISO Lumens (Equivalent to ANSI)
Native Resolution
Equivalent to 3840 by 2160 using Epson’s 4K PRO-UHD technology
Maximum Resolution
3840 by 2160 60Hz, HDR
Inputs and Interfaces
HDMI 2.0, USB
Dimensions (HWD)
6.2 by 27.4 by 13.4 inches
Weight
27.6 lbs
Warranty
2 years
Learn More
Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 3-Chip 3LCD Smart Streaming Laser Projector Review
Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 Smart Streaming Laser Projector
Best 1080p Room-to-Room Home Projector
Why We Picked itThe EpiqVision Mini EF12 pairs a 1,000-lumen laser-phosphor light source with three 1080p LCD chips—one for each primary color—for a 1080p native resolution. The 1,000 ANSI lumens were enough to light up an 80-inch screen in our tests with a suitably bright image and nicely saturated color in a family room at night, even with lights on. It also delivered a watchable image in daytime. Even better, the three-chip design guarantees that there won’t be any rainbow artifacts. Two other important pluses are integrated Android TV and a 4.7-pound weight, which makes the EF12 easy to move from room to room or to the backyard.Who It’s ForFor anyone who sees rainbow artifacts easily and considers them annoying, the EF12 is a prime candidate for a 1080p room-to-room portable projector, and even preferable to any current 4K model in the category, none of which is guaranteed to be rainbow-free. In our tests, the EF12 delivered good image quality, and although it didn’t deliver as high a maximum brightness as some competitors did, it had a brighter image for the picture modes that you’ll actually want to use.
PROS
Long-lived laser-phosphor light source
Native 1080p resolution; supports 4K UHD (3,840-by-2,160) input and HDR
Three-chip LCD engine (3LCD) for equal color and white brightness and no rainbow artifacts
Integrated Android TV
Wi-Fi and two HDMI ports
Impressive audio options
CONS
No 3D support
Only moderate brightness
SPECS
Name
Value
Engine Type
LCD
Rated Brightness
1000 ANSI lumens
Native Resolution
1920 by 1080
Maximum Resolution
3840 by 2160
Inputs and Interfaces
HDMI
Dimensions (HWD)
5.3 by 6.9 by 6.9 inches
Weight
4.7 lbs
Warranty
1 year
Learn More
Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 Smart Streaming Laser Projector Review
Hisense C1 Laser Mini Projector
Best 4K Room-to-Room Portable Projector
Why We Picked ItThe 4K (3,840-by-2,160-pixel) Hisense C1 Laser Mini Projector is too big to qualify as the mini projector its name suggests. However, it delivers everything we expect in a room-to-room portable, and it’s the current hands-down winner for overall image quality in that category. Not only is it one of the so-far rare projectors that supports Dolby Vision—along with the expected HDR10, HLG HDR, and SDR—but it scored well for all the content we look at in our viewing tests (all the above but HLG). In comparison, most of the competition lacks Dolby Vision entirely, which offers some advantages over other HDR options, and some have image-quality issues in one or more of the modes they support. Other strong points include a color gamut (range of colors) rated at 110% of BT.2020 (aka Rec.2020), the standard for 4K UHD TVs; built-in streaming with most of the apps you’ll likely want already installed; and support for either Wi-Fi or Ethernet for connection to your network for streaming.Who It’s ForThe C1 can deliver top-tier performance for either of the two main uses that room-to-room projectors are meant for: carrying from room to room, or permanent installation in a family room. It’s bright enough, at a rated 1,600 ANSI lumens, to stand up to ambient light in either case, and its onboard stereo audio is robust enough, so you can easily do without an external sound system in most cases. Note that it doesn’t offer 3D support, and it tends to show more rainbow artifacts (red/green/blue flashes) than some of its competition. But if neither of those is a deal killer for you, the Hisense C1 belongs on your short list.
PROS
4K resolution on screen
Supports HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision
Smart TV features
Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity
CONS
No 3D support
Shows more frequent rainbow artifacts than some competitors
SPECS
Name
Value
Engine Type
Laser Scanning
Rated Brightness
2300 ANSI lumens
Native Resolution
3840 by 2160 using 1920 by 1080 DLP chip with XPR fast-switch pixel shifting
Maximum Resolution
3840 by 2160 60Hz
Inputs and Interfaces
HDMI 2.0, HDMI 2.1, USB 3.0, USB 2.0
Dimensions (HWD)
7.1 by 9.7 by 8.5 inches
Weight
10.1 lbs
Warranty
1 year
Learn More
Hisense C1 Laser Mini Projector Review
Buying Guide: The Best Home Projectors for 2024
What Are the Different Categories of Projectors, and What Do They Mean?Most projector manufacturers divide their projector lines into categories. Common names for models meant for home use include home cinema, home theater, pro cinema, home entertainment, gaming, streaming, and smart (which is usually just another name for streaming). For business use, the common (and mostly interchangeable) names are business, education, and data projectors, which I’ll refer to collectively as business projectors. You should take all of these divisions with a grain of salt, however. Home projectors and business models can overlap more than you might expect. For portable models and some entry-level projectors, you’ll often see little or no difference between them for how well they handle film and video. Some manufacturers even include certain models on lists for both categories.
(Credit: Epson)
Beyond that, any home projector that can handle film and video well can also handle text and presentations for business use. And because film and video are often needed in business presentations and classrooms, a business projector might handle film and video just as well as a so-called home entertainment model. That’s why we discuss performance with film and video in all of our projector reviews.That said, as a general rule, business projectors much above entry-level pricing for their resolution and brightness level can’t compete on the basis of film and video image quality with similarly priced home theater or home entertainment models. The smart move is to not make assumptions based on the projector category, and to check out the individual projector’s features, and comments in reviews, instead.Home Projectors: Which Categories Matter?Although projector categories change from one manufacturer to another and evolve over time, the application categories are consistent, if somewhat overlapping. Here’s a brief look at the most common categories and subcategories of applications, and which features are most important for each.The term “home theater” is often used loosely to include home entertainment. It’s more accurate, however, to reserve it for projector use in a room with completely controlled lighting. That could be a dedicated home theater or a family room equipped with shutters or curtains that can block all window light when needed.Projectors for home theater don’t need particularly high brightness. (More about brightness later.) The most important features to look for in specs and reviews include high contrast, good color accuracy, dark black levels, and good shadow detail. The best home theater projectors today offer 4K (3,840-by-2,160-pixel) resolution and support for HDR (more on HDR later also), but for those on a budget, lots of 1080p projectors can still serve nicely. Resolutions lower than 1080p are best reserved for other applications.”Home entertainment” in the projector world covers most home use that isn’t home theater, including TV-replacement models, gaming projectors, room-to-room portables, and projectors used for backyard movies.In all of these situations, you will usually be viewing in rooms (or backyards) where ambient light is a factor. That means you need a brighter image, and therefore a brighter projector than with home theater for the picture to stand up to the light at any given image size. On the other hand, contrast is less important. Room light tends to wash out black levels, which lowers contrast for any projector and hides differences between projectors that would be obvious in a dark room.
(Credit: LG)
Note also that many projectors designed for home entertainment boost brightness at the expense of color accuracy. You’ll still want to check to make sure color isn’t obviously off, or at least not annoyingly off, but spot-on color accuracy isn’t as critical for home entertainment uses as it is in a home theater space with controlled lighting.If your home theater is also your family room with blackout curtains in place (and you’ll be using the same projector for both applications), the ideal model will have good color accuracy, high contrast, and other features you need for top image quality in a dark room. But it should also offer high-enough brightness to give you a watchable image in daytime or with lights on at night.How to Watch TV on Your ProjectorThe increasingly common “flat-screen TV replacement” projector, typically incorporating smart TV features like streaming, is a key subcategory for home entertainment projectors. Any projector with an HDMI port, which includes virtually all current models, can connect to a set-top box to give you a much larger display for your cable TV or other HDMI TV source. And any of these can be turned into a smart TV by plugging in an HDMI streaming stick.Beyond that, some manufacturers sell projectors specifically marketed as TVs or smart TVs, and some models take the extra step of including a TV tuner, so you can even watch broadcast TV directly. Among these smart TVs, some simply include a bundled streaming stick you plug into an HDMI port. (The streaming stick may or may not require a separate remote.) Others include fully integrated streaming, most often using some version of Android TV. Be sure before buying that the projector can connect to the internet via your network using the connection you prefer, whether it’s Ethernet or Wi-Fi. For maximum convenience, you’ll want the projector and streaming features both controlled by the same remote.
(Credit: Xgimi)
The biggest impediment to setting up a projector as a TV has always been the need to mount the projector, most often on a ceiling or on a shelf in the back of the room, and then string wires through walls and ceilings to connect to video sources in the front of the room. Ultra short throw (UST) projectors, which have recently bloomed as a category, solve that problem. They can give you a 100-inch or larger image with the projector sitting only inches from the screen, in much the same position where you might otherwise place a flat-screen TV. They’re also a lot cheaper than 100-inch flat-screen TVs, even after adding in the cost of the screen.How to Buy a Good Projector for GamingGaming is obviously a form of home entertainment, but not all home entertainment projectors are good choices for gaming—and you shouldn’t assume one is just because it includes a Game mode in its menu (an option that even many business projectors offer). On the other hand, some are perfectly good choices for gaming. And some models labeled as gaming projectors, most notably from BenQ and Optoma, are just as useful for other home entertainment applications.The biggest issue for gaming on a projector is input lag, which is the time in milliseconds (ms) that a display adds between receiving a video frame and putting it on the screen. Input lag can be critical in first-person shooter games, where a short lag will help you survive to the next frame, and a long lag is equivalent to having pathetically slow reflexes. A lot of projectors have unacceptably long lag measures for gaming. Others are fully competitive with the lag intervals gamers are used to seeing in gaming monitors and flat-screen TVs.As a rule of thumb, casual gamers will usually be comfortable with lag up to about 50ms (or a little higher), while serious gamers should look for lag no longer than 16.7ms for 4K/60Hz input, which is the shortest we’ve seen at 4K as of this writing. At 1080p, a few current models offer lag times as short as 4.16ms at 240Hz, with longer lag times at higher refresh rates.
(Credit: BenQ)
Note that for any given projector, the input lag can vary with the resolution, the refresh rate, or both. The only lag that’s relevant for your purposes is for the resolution and refresh rate that you plan to use.Another key feature for gaming is how well the projector reveals shadow detail. The quicker you can spot what’s going on in dark areas, the quicker you’ll see an opponent sneaking up on you or spot objects of interest.At a minimum, the Game mode in a projector will usually turn off video-processing features that lengthen input lag. In many cases, that mode will also brighten up darker areas for you. Some of BenQ’s newer gaming models effectively redefine what a gaming projector is by adding separate modes for first-person shooter, role playing, and sports games, and adjusting settings for both video and audio differently for each mode to match the specific needs of each type of game.What About Room-to-Room Portability and Backyard Movies?Room-to-room portability and backyard movies are two essentially identical applications for a projector, the only difference being whether you’re using the projector inside or outside. Both involve moving the projector as needed and setting it up for temporary use only. Any projector that’s light enough to move easily can serve in either role, which means you can use the same projector for, say, a TV replacement in your family room most of the time, take it to the basement for gaming sessions, and maybe even tote it to the backyard for a movie night.Most projectors suitable for this role weigh between 4 and 10 pounds, although a 10-pound projector is better described as “luggable” rather than “portable.” Some include handles to make them easier to carry. Of particular interest are models with a nearly cubical shape, which gives them both a compact form factor and room for much better onboard sound systems than you’ll usually find in models using the more common, flatter overall shape. The higher-volume, higher-quality audio means less need to lug an external sound system with you, as well. These projectors will also need an AC power source.So, What Does ‘Fully Portable’ Mean in a Projector?Fully portable applications require a projector that weighs less than 4 pounds—usually a lot less—and that can work without AC power, which almost always means having a built-in rechargeable battery. You can use these projectors as room-to-room portables or for backyard movies. But as a general rule, they won’t give you as bright an image as projectors in the 4-to-10-pound range at any given image size, even at full power when plugged into an AC power outlet. And when using batteries, the brightness for most such models drops significantly.
(Credit: Kodak)
Fully portable projectors fall into two broad categories. The larger, brighter models in the group weigh between roughly 2 and 4 pounds, making them small enough to carry easily, but big enough that you won’t always want to. The smaller models, known as “pocket” or “pico projectors,” weigh as little as a few ounces, can literally fit in a pocket, and are as easy to carry with you as a cell phone. They even make excellent phone accessories, letting you show photos or watch movies from your phone at a much larger image size.Cutting across all the different applications are a handful of specs and features you need to keep in mind: the projector’s resolution, support for standard versus high dynamic range (SDR versus HDR) input, the light source, the imaging technology, and the brightness level. Here’s a quick overview of the questions to ask about each.What Resolution Do I Need in a Home Projector?Before 4K resolution reached the projector world (4K resolution includes both 4,096 by 2,160 pixels and the more common 3,840 by 2,160 pixels), the resolution spec that mattered most was the native resolution of the imaging chips, meaning the actual number of pixels on the chips themselves. The issue was that although lower-resolution chips can show higher-resolution material, down-converting the image will give it a soft-focus look and can introduce artifacts.Today’s most expensive 4K projectors use native 4K chips. But the more affordable models you’re more likely interested in combine 1,920-by-1,080-pixel chips with pixel shifting. They work by breaking 4K images into multiple sets of 1,920 by 1,080 pixels, and then shifting the pixel position slightly for each set to put more pixels on screen for each frame than are in the chips themselves.
(Credit: Epson)
Most such models use four sets of 1,920 by 1,080 to put a full 3,840 by 2,160 matrix on screen. The majority of Epson’s pixel-shifting models use two sets, which puts only half as many pixels on screen. But largely thanks to the limits of human visual acuity, the image using Epson’s approach is impossible to distinguish from a full 3,840-by-2,160-pixel image, unless you’re far closer to the screen than normal seating distances.Some people argue that no pixel-shifting scheme qualifies as “real” 4K. However, most will tell you that they can’t see any difference between images produced by projectors with native 4K chips and the best pixel-shifting models, including Epson’s models that put lower resolution on screen.Thanks largely to pixel shifting, 4K resolution is affordable enough today to be the preferred choice for home theater, TV replacements, and gaming, while 1080p is the budget choice. Lower resolution costs still less, but even a 720p image will be noticeably soft-focus compared with 1080p at the image sizes you’ll likely be using for these applications.For room-to-room portability and backyard movies, consider first whether you’re going to be using a large-enough image to be able to see any difference between 1080p and 4K or even between 720p and 1080p. Any of these resolutions can be a good choice for these applications, depending on image size.For fully portable projectors, 4K isn’t an option at this writing. But even when it becomes one, it’s unlikely that the projectors will be bright enough to give you a big-enough image in most lighting conditions to see a difference between 1080p and 4K, or possibly even between 1080p and 720p, which remains a good choice for the 2-to-4-pound models. For pocket projectors, brightness is even lower, and the resolutions are lower as well, making even 640-by-360-pixel resolution worth considering.Do I Need High Dynamic Range (HDR) Support in a Home Projector?HDR has a bigger impact than the step up to 4K on improving perceived image quality. And note that the two features don’t always go together. In principle, projectors with HDR support are generally better choices than equivalent models without it, but be sure to check how well it works. Our reviews always discuss image quality for both SDR and HDR.Also check which HDR formats are supported. HDR10 is the most common for projectors. Other possibilities are HDR10+, which builds on HDR10 and is in the process of becoming more widespread; HLG, which is also less common than HDR10, but supported by a growing number of video sources; and Dolby Vision, which is rare in projectors, at least partly because of technical issues.What Kind of Light Source Do I Want in a Home Projector?Projectors can use traditional lamps, LEDs, or lasers, though the two solid-state choices seem bound to eventually replace lamps entirely. For the moment, those that use lamps are still generally cheaper to buy than essentially identical models that use either of the solid-state options, but LEDs and lasers last for the life of the projector, while you’ll likely have to replace a lamp at least once. So when comparing prices, be sure to add in the cost of replacements.In addition to their longer life compared with lamps, solid-state sources maintain a higher percentage of their initial brightness over a longer percentage of their life, which means it will take far longer before you notice any loss of brightness. On the other hand, lamp-based projectors are more likely to deliver the dark blacks and top-tier contrast that matter for home theater. That said, some laser projectors are now catching up on that score, so don’t just assume a lamp will be better. Check out comments in reviews for any projector you’re considering.What Imaging Technology Do I Want in a Home Projector?Projectors can use one of three types of imaging chips: LCD, DLP, or LCoS. The key issue for preferring one over another is less about the chip technology than whether the design is based on one chip for all three primary colors, or a separate chip for each. Projectors that use a single chip, which includes all affordable DLP models, rotate through the three primaries in sequence, which can create rainbow artifacts in the form of red/green/blue flashes. Projectors that use three chips, which includes almost all LCD and LCoS models, show all three colors at once, which guarantees an image free of rainbow artifacts.Some single-chip projectors are more prone to producing these artifacts than others, so even if you see them easily, you won’t necessarily see them with every one-chip projector. And some people don’t find them distracting. Our reviews indicate how often we saw rainbows in our testing, but our standard advice is to buy single-chip projectors from a dealer that allows easy returns without a restocking fee, so you can judge for yourself. Also note that almost all fully portable projectors are built around a single chip regardless of the imaging technology, so if you need full portability and you see these artifacts easily, you may have to resign yourself to seeing an occasional rainbow flicker.What Brightness Level Should I Look For in a Home Projector?Specs are largely useless for deciding if a projector is bright enough. Even when accurate, they rarely tell you the brightness for the mode and settings that you’ll want to use.As a practical matter, unless you can test a projector yourself, the easiest way to know whether it will be bright enough for your needs is by reading reviews. Ours discuss the usable image sizes we found in different lighting conditions when using the settings we chose for best image quality. Pay particular attention to descriptions of HDR brightness as distinct from SDR brightness, and whether the two are both acceptably bright at the same image size.Also note that your screen can affect image brightness, either increasing it (by reflecting more light toward the center area than to the sides) or lowering it (typically by using a gray screen color that also increases effective contrast). In short, when looking at brightness, you need to consider your screen and projector as a single unit, even if you buy them separately.So, Which Home Projector Should I Buy?Our current top picks in home projectors vary widely in particulars and are aimed at different home applications, but they have one thing in common: high marks in our reviews. For more possibilities, take a look at our favorite outdoor projectors, and our top choices for 4K models, And be sure to also check out our tips for how to choose the right projector screen.
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