Looking for a good projector that doesn’t cost a lot? You’re in luck! We’ve put together a list of the best reasonably priced projectors for 2024. These projectors offer great picture quality, useful features, and won’t break the bank. Whether you want to watch movies, play games, or give presentations, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s dive into the top picks!
Key Takeaways
- The Epson Home Cinema 5050UB offers excellent image quality with 4K resolution and high brightness, making it great for home theaters.
- The Vimgo P10 is a budget-friendly option with decent picture quality and built-in streaming services, perfect for casual viewing.
- The Xgimi Halo Plus is a portable projector with 1080p resolution and good brightness, ideal for on-the-go entertainment.
- The BenQ HT2060 provides sharp 1080p images and is a solid choice for those looking for a good balance between price and performance.
- The Anker Nebula Mars II Pro is a compact, all-in-one projector with built-in battery and speakers, making it perfect for outdoor movie nights.
1. Epson Home Cinema 5050UB
The Epson Home Cinema 5050UB is a top choice for those seeking a high-quality home theater experience without breaking the bank. This projector delivers stunning 4K PRO-UHD resolution, ensuring that every detail is crystal clear. With a brightness of 2,600 lumens, it performs well even in moderately lit rooms.
Key Features
- Resolution: 4K PRO-UHD (3840 x 2160)
- Brightness: 2,600 lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 1,000,000:1
- Lens Shift: Yes
- HDR Support: HDR10, HLG
- Inputs: HDMI, USB
Pros
- Excellent color accuracy and contrast
- High brightness suitable for various lighting conditions
- Flexible installation with lens shift and zoom
- Supports HDR for enhanced picture quality
Cons
- No built-in smart features
- Slightly bulky design
The Epson Home Cinema 5050UB is perfect for movie enthusiasts who want a cinema-like experience at home. Its high brightness and excellent color accuracy make it a versatile choice for different viewing environments.
2. Vimgo P10
The Vimgo P10 is a budget-friendly projector that offers a lot for its price. For less than $150, you get a watchable image and built-in Netflix, making it a great choice for those who want an affordable entertainment option.
Key Features
- Price: $70 – $270
- Resolution: 1080p
- Display Type: DLP
- Brightness: 300 lumens
- Lens Shift: No
Pros
- Great performance for a portable projector
- Affordable price
Cons
- Color quality is not the best
- The center of the image is sharper and brighter than the edges
The Vimgo P10 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a cheap projector with decent performance. While it has its flaws, the price makes it a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers.
3. Xgimi Halo Plus
The Xgimi Halo Plus is a top choice for those seeking a portable cinema experience. Weighing just 3.7 pounds, it’s easy to carry around, making it perfect for movie nights on the go. The built-in battery offers up to 2.5 hours of playback, enough to watch most movies without needing a power outlet.
This projector features a 1080p resolution and uses DLP imaging technology with an LED light source. It also includes full auto keystone, autofocus, intelligent screen alignment, and obstacle avoidance, ensuring a hassle-free setup wherever you are. The Android TV interface, along with Chromecast and AirScreen support, makes streaming content straightforward.
While the brightness is slightly dim, it performs well in dark environments, providing a pleasant viewing experience. The contrast is excellent, enhancing its capabilities in low-light settings. However, the color accuracy is not its strong suit, but this is a minor issue for casual viewing.
The Xgimi Halo Plus also boasts outstanding sound quality that is loud and crisp, adding to the overall immersive experience. It includes one HDMI port (which doubles as an eARC port) and a USB port for direct video playback.
4. BenQ HT2060
The BenQ HT2060 is a top choice for gamers and home theater enthusiasts alike. Priced at $949, this projector offers a lot of value for its cost. It features a 1080p resolution and a brightness of 2,300 ANSI lumens, making it suitable for both lightly lit and dark rooms.
Key Features
- Resolution: 1080p
- Brightness: 2,300 ANSI lumens
- Audio: 2x5W speakers
- Light Source: LED
- Projection Technology: DLP
- Screen Size: 30-300 inches
- HDR Support: HDR10, HLG
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Ports: 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x USB
- Size: 14.4 x 9.6 x 4.6 inches
- Weight: 7.9 lbs
- Lifespan: 30,000 hours
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Strong contrast ratio of 3253:1
- Respectable audio quality
- Responsive gaming experience
Cons:
- Brightest setting can be harsh
- No smart TV platform
- Fairly large size
The $949 BenQ HT2060 is a great — albeit slightly more expensive — alternative to other projectors in its range. With a bulb rated at 2,300 lumens, it offers a rich and lifelike image with impressive color accuracy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a projector that excels in gaming and offers a solid home theater experience, the BenQ HT2060 is a fantastic option. Its combination of high refresh rate, strong contrast, and good audio makes it a well-rounded choice for any setup.
5. Epson Home Cinema 2350
The Epson Home Cinema 2350 is a standout choice for those seeking a budget-friendly projector with impressive features. This model is Epson’s most affordable “4K” projector, though it actually uses 2K technology with pixel-shifting to achieve a 4K-like image. This makes it a great option for those who want high-quality visuals without breaking the bank.
Key Features
- Resolution: While marketed as a 4K projector, it uses pixel-shifting technology to deliver a 4K-like experience.
- Brightness: The projector offers a bright image, making it suitable for various lighting conditions.
- Contrast: It provides decent contrast, though not as high as some more expensive models.
- Connectivity: Includes multiple HDMI ports and supports Wi-Fi, making it easy to connect to various devices.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price for a 4K-like experience.
- Bright image suitable for different lighting conditions.
- Multiple connectivity options.
Cons:
- Not true 4K resolution.
- Contrast could be better.
If you’re looking for a projector that offers a good balance between price and performance, the Epson Home Cinema 2350 is a solid choice. It may not be true 4K, but its pixel-shifting technology delivers a visually satisfying experience.
6. Anker Nebula Mars II Pro
The Anker Nebula Mars II Pro is a standout in the world of portable projectors. This compact device is perfect for those who need a projector that is easy to move around and set up. It offers a bright image with its 500 ANSI lumens and a sharp 720p resolution, making it ideal for dimmer environments.
Key Features
- Portability: Super lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry around.
- Brightness: 500 ANSI lumens for a bright and clear image.
- Resolution: 720p resolution for sharp visuals.
- Sound: Dual 10W audio drivers deliver sensational sound and deep, resonant bass.
- Connectivity: HDMI and USB 2.0 ports for connecting various devices.
- Streaming: Android 7.1 allows access to YouTube, Netflix, and more.
Pros
- Easy to set up and use.
- Good image quality for its size and price.
- Built-in speakers provide good sound quality.
- Portable and lightweight, making it easy to move around.
Cons
- Not suitable for very bright environments.
- Limited to 720p resolution, which may not be enough for some users.
- No USB-C port, so you might need an HDMI adapter cable for mobile devices.
If you’re looking for a portable projector that offers good image quality and sound, the Anker Nebula Mars II Pro is a great choice. It’s perfect for those who need a projector that is easy to move around and set up, and it offers a bright image with its 500 ANSI lumens and a sharp 720p resolution.
Overall, the Anker Nebula Mars II Pro is a solid choice for anyone in need of a portable projector with good image quality and sound. It’s easy to set up and use, and its lightweight design makes it perfect for those who need a projector that is easy to move around.
7. Optoma UHZ55
The Optoma UHZ55 is a standout choice for those seeking a high-quality projector without breaking the bank. Thanks to Optoma moving onto laser technology, this projector delivers excellent quality in terms of vibrant color and contrast. It’s certainly one of the better options available in 2024.
Key Features
- Resolution: 3840×2160 DLP
- Brightness: 3000 Lumens (ANSI)
- Light Source: Laser
- Throw Distance: 8′-9″ to 11′-7″
Performance
The Optoma UHZ55 offers vivid 4K UHD laser projection for movies, TV, and gaming. With a 300″ screen size and fast response times, it ensures an immersive viewing experience. The laser light source not only enhances the picture quality but also extends the projector’s lifespan.
Price and Availability
Priced at $2,179, the Optoma UHZ55 is a February 2024 model. It provides excellent value for its features, making it a highly recommended option for home entertainment.
If you’re looking for a projector that combines high resolution, brightness, and a long-lasting light source, the Optoma UHZ55 is a top contender.
8. Formovie Theater
The Formovie Theater is a standout choice for those seeking a high-quality projector without breaking the bank. This projector offers a remarkable blend of performance and affordability that is hard to beat in its category.
Key Features
- 4K UHD Resolution: Enjoy stunning picture quality with four times the detail of Full HD.
- High Brightness: With 2,800 lumens, it performs well even in moderately lit rooms.
- Smart TV Capabilities: Built-in Android TV for seamless streaming of your favorite content.
- Comprehensive Connectivity: Includes HDMI, USB, and wireless options for versatile use.
Performance
The Formovie Theater excels in delivering crisp and vibrant images, making it ideal for both movies and gaming. Its high brightness ensures that you get a clear picture even in rooms that aren’t completely dark.
Value for Money
When it comes to value, the Formovie Theater is hard to beat. It offers features typically found in more expensive models, making it a great choice for budget-conscious buyers.
If you’re looking for a projector that combines excellent performance with a reasonable price, the Formovie Theater should be at the top of your list.
9. Panasonic PT-MZ880BU
The Panasonic PT-MZ880BU is a top choice for those seeking a high-quality projector in 2024. This model offers impressive features that make it stand out in its price range.
- Resolution: 1920×1200 3LCD
- Brightness: 8000 Lumens (ISO)
- Light Source: Laser
- Lens: Interchangeable
Priced at $7,499, this projector was released in July 2021 and has been recognized as the Best of the Year 2021. Its high brightness and laser light source ensure clear and vibrant images, making it ideal for various settings.
The Panasonic PT-MZ880BU is perfect for those who need a reliable and powerful projector without breaking the bank.
10. LG Electronics CineBeam HU715QW
The LG Electronics CineBeam HU715QW is a top choice for those seeking a high-quality, reasonably priced projector in 2024. This model offers a 4K resolution of 3840×2160, ensuring crisp and clear images. With a brightness of 2500 lumens (ANSI), it performs well in various lighting conditions, though it’s best used in a dimly lit room for optimal picture quality.
One of the standout features of the CineBeam HU715QW is its laser light source, which provides a long-lasting and vibrant display. The throw distance is quite flexible, starting at just 1′-7″, making it suitable for different room sizes and setups.
Key Features
- Resolution: 3840×2160 DLP
- Brightness: 2500 Lumens (ANSI)
- Light Source: Laser
- Throw Distance: 1′-7″
Pros
- High 4K resolution for detailed images.
- Laser light source for longevity and vibrant colors.
- Flexible throw distance for various room sizes.
Cons
- Best performance in dimly lit rooms.
- No built-in battery, limiting portability.
- Audio quality could be better.
The LG Electronics CineBeam HU715QW combines style and performance, making it a great addition to any home theater setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best overall home theater projector for 2024?
The Epson Home Cinema 5050UB is considered the best all-around home theater projector for 2024. It offers excellent contrast, impressive brightness, and accurate color, making it a top choice for a fantastic image.
Which projector is the best budget-friendly option?
The Vimgo P10 is a great budget-friendly option. Priced around $70, it offers a watchable image and even has Netflix built in.
What is the best projector for portability?
The Anker Nebula Mars II Pro is the best portable projector. It’s small, has a built-in battery, and features Wi-Fi streaming and a loud Bluetooth speaker.
Which projector is the brightest in the budget category?
The Epson Home Cinema 2350 is one of the brightest budget projectors, with impressive brightness and a 4K resolution. It’s a great option if you need a bright projector at a reasonable price.
What should I look for in a budget projector?
When looking for a budget projector, consider factors like brightness, resolution, and additional features like built-in streaming services. These can make a big difference in your viewing experience.
Are there any projectors with built-in streaming services?
Yes, many budget projectors now come with built-in streaming services. For example, the Vimgo P10 has Netflix built in, making it easier to watch your favorite shows and movies.
