Also: Best projector: Movies at the speed of light There are some very expensive, top-of-the-line laser projectors that do require a special screen, like the Hisense L9 TriChroma Laser TV. But that model comes packaged with the screen, so you don’t have to worry about needing to spend extra money on top of the already steep $4,500 price tag. The Optoma HD146X is an almost perfect, budget-friendly projector. It produces excellent 1080p resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother playback, no matter what you’re watching; it also supports 3D video for a more immersive experience. The lamp is capable of up to 3600 lumens of brightness, so you don’t have to wait until night time to enjoy your favorite movies and shows. The lamp has a 15,000 max life span, meaning you can watch 4 hours of content every day for over 10 years before you need to replace the lamp. Keystone correction and zoom make setting up and getting the perfect screen placement a breeze, and you can get up to a 120-inch screen with a 14-foot throw distance. Pros:
Good resolutionGreat refresh rateGreat brightness
Cons:
Needs lots of spaceNo Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity
This projector is designed for portability as well as streaming content. It has a built-in battery with a 2.5 hour life, making it perfect for taking to a friend’s house or on a camping trip. It also has an integrated speaker that can connect to your laptop or mobile device via Bluetooth to stream music for more entertainment options. It connects to mobile devices for screen mirroring and streaming content from apps like Netflix and Disney+. And you don’t have to worry about needing a huge room to set it up in, since it has a minimum throw distance of 4 feet; though if you want to get the maximum, 100-inch screen, you’ll have to set the projector back about 10 feet. The lamp has a 30,000 hour life, meaning you can watch up to 8 hours of shows and movies every day for 10 years before it needs to be replaced. Pros:
Short throw distanceWi-Fi and BluetoothGood screen sizeBuilt-in battery
Cons:
Not 1080pNeeds darker environment
The ViewSonic M1 Mini+ is an ultra-portable, super affordable projector that’s perfect for catching up on your favorite Netflix shows or watching the latest blockbuster movies with friends. It measures just 4-inches square and weighs in at just over half a pound, making it small and lightweight enough to slip into a pocket, backpack, or tote. The LED lamp has a 30,000 life, meaning you can get up to 10 years of use out of it before it burns out. The screen can be adjusted from as small as 24-inches to a maximum of 100-inches for perfect placement. It is Wi-Fi enabled for connecting to mobile devices and computers to stream content from apps like Hulu and HBO Max while Bluetooth lets you connect a speaker or headset for better audio or private listening. The built-in battery gives you up to 90 minutes of use, and the integrated speaker is by JBL for crisp, clean sound. Pros:
Built-in batteryJBL speakerBluetooth and Wi-FiShort throw distance
Cons:
Only 480pNeeds very dark room for best viewing
While this projector is on the upper-end of “affordable,” it packs in tons of great features for a reasonable price. It uses a special filter and mirror system to split the white light beam from the lamp into separate red, green, and blue beams that are then sent to individual LCD panels for mixing. This creates sharp detailing, rich color, and deeper contrast for a more lifelike image. The lamp also produces up to 3300 lumens of brightness, so you can watch your favorite shows and movies day or night, and with 1080p resolution, every scene will look its best. The projector features both USB and HDMI plug-and-play connectivity for both Windows and Mac computers as well as an integrated speaker for crisp, clear audio. The screen size is adjustable from 33 to 200 inches, and the throw distance can be set between 3 and 27 feet; so you don’t need a huge room in order to get the best viewing experience for your friends and family. Pros:
1080pBright lampGreat color, contrast, and detailingPlug-and-play for Windows and Mac
Cons:
No Wi-FiNo BluetoothMore expensive than other budget options
Just because you don’t have a ton of cash to spend on a projector, that doesn’t mean you have to skimp out on quality. The ViewSonic M1+, like its cousin the M1 Mini+, is a super-compact projector that’s great for setting up at home or taking with you to a friend’s house or on a camping trip. The integrated battery gives you up to 6 hours of use on a full charge, and the built-in stand makes it easy to adjust angles and throw distance. You can get up to a 100-inch screen at just 40-inches of throwing distance, so you don’t need to worry about your room not being big enough. It also features dual, 3 watt, Harman/Kardon speakers for incredible, room-filling audio without the need for a separate speaker. The M1+ has a suite of pre-installed apps, including Netflix and Spotify, or you can mirror your mobile device to share TikToks and YouTube videos with friends. Pros:
Short throw distanceWi-Fi and Bluetooth capableGreat batteryUSB-C and SD card reader
Cons:
Somewhat dim lamp
