If you're looking for the best gaming projector, there are a few additional considerations beyond basic movie watching. In addition to good contrast and color, a gaming projector requires low input lag, support for higher refresh rates, and sufficient brightness to see what's happening even in darker games. Not every "4k" or home theater model is a good fit here, so this list focuses on projectors that work well with modern consoles and PCs, whether you mostly play cinematic single-player titles or fast competitive shooters. If you're unsure about the size of screen you can accommodate at your distance, you can also use our projector throw calculator to determine how each model fits your room.
We've purchased and tested over 65 projectors, measuring input lag, refresh rate support, and overall picture quality to find the best gaming projectors available. Still, if you primarily want something more affordable and don't mind limited gaming performance, consider the best budget and cheap projectors. If you care more about 4k image quality than responsiveness, see our list of the best 4k projectors. And if your room has tight placement constraints and throw distance is a priority, consider the best short-throw projectors. You can also vote on which projectors you want us to purchase and test.
Quick Look
We've independently bought and tested over 60 projectors, and we've published all the detailed results for each so you can decide which one to buy. These have all been tested under the same standardized methodology, allowing you to compare them side by side. We still have all these projects in our lab so we can continually go back and compare them to ensure our reviews are still accurate. All our test methodology is also public on our website, so you can validate the results yourself.
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Best Gaming Projector
Gaming8.1Input Lag7.4Supported Resolutions9.8Brightness8.7Native Contrast8.2Color Gamut9.8Pre-Calibration Color Accuracy7.9Imaging TechnologyDLPLight SourceLaserSee all our test resultsNative ResolutionPixel Shift 4kIf you want the best gaming projector we've tested, get the Hisense C2 Ultra. It's a short-throw 4k (pixel-shifted) laser model that pairs genuinely strong image quality with the kind of responsiveness gamers actually notice. It's bright enough for a living room with a couple of lights on, its contrast is great, and its extremely wide color gamut helps games look vivid and punchy. Out of the box, it's already quite accurate, and it cleans up nicely with calibration if you want to dial it in.
Where it really earns the top gaming spot is in Game Mode. Input lag is comfortably low for 4k @ 60Hz console play, and it also supports 1080p @ 120Hz and 1080p @ 240Hz for smoother, faster PC gaming. It can take a 1440p signal too, but it downscales it to 1080p, so 4k60 and high-refresh 1080p are the modes to target. Xbox owners also get Dolby Vision gaming support. It's easy to set up day-to-day thanks to the rotating gimbal stand plus autofocus, auto-keystone, and obstacle avoidance, and its eARC connection makes it simple to add a soundbar or AVR. Overall, the C2 Ultra is the most complete big-screen gaming option right now, especially if you want short-throw flexibility without giving up a good-looking image.
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Best Premium Gaming Projector
Gaming7.8Input Lag6.3Supported Resolutions9.8Brightness9.3Native Contrast8.5Color Gamut9.7Pre-Calibration Color Accuracy7.8Imaging TechnologyDLPLight SourceLaserSee all our test resultsNative ResolutionPixel Shift 4kIf you want the best-looking gaming projector we've tested and don't mind paying extra, opt for the XGIMI HORIZON 20 Max. Its 4k pixel-shifting keeps HUDs, fine text, and distant detail looking crisp, and its RGB laser light engine delivers a brighter, more cinematic HDR presentation than most gaming-focused projectors. Compared with the Hisense C2 Ultra, the gap isn't huge, but the XGIMI still has the edge for pure picture quality thanks to its wider, richer color and far higher brightness ceiling. It supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG, and that format support, paired with its very wide color gamut, can make modern games and movies look especially vibrant.
Gaming responsiveness is also strong. It handles 4k @ 60Hz for console play and supports 1080p @ 120Hz and 1080p @ 240Hz for a more competitive feel. Input lag is low enough in Game Mode at all of those modes to feel snappy, and while the C2 Ultra is noticeably faster at 60Hz, the HORIZON 20 Max has a small responsiveness advantage at the higher refresh rates. It also supports VRR to reduce tearing and smooth out minor frame-rate dips, though VRR looks best when your frame rate is relatively stable to avoid visible artifacts. If you want a premium pick that prioritizes image quality but still delivers serious gaming performance, the XGIMI HORIZON 20 Max is the upgrade choice.
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Best Short-Throw Gaming Projector
Gaming7.7Input Lag7.2Supported Resolutions9.6Brightness7.2Native Contrast8.2Color Gamut8.1Pre-Calibration Color Accuracy9.4Imaging TechnologyDLPLight SourceLEDSee all our test resultsNative ResolutionPixel Shift 4kIf you're looking for a serious gaming projector that can sit close to the screen, the BenQ X500i is the best short-throw option. Its 4k pixel-shifted image is sharp, but the real win is placement: it throws a big image from much closer than a standard projector, so you can place it on a coffee table in a small room and still get a huge screen without worrying about people walking through the beam. The contrast is strong for a gaming-focused DLP, and although it isn't exceptionally bright, it still appears punchy in a dark or dim room.
Where this BenQ shines is for high refresh rate gaming. In Game Mode, input lag is low across the board, but it really shines at 1080p @ 120Hz and 1080p @ 240Hz, making it a great choice for any faster competitive titles. It also handles 4k @ 60Hz cleanly for slower, cinematic titles. If you want the responsiveness of a dedicated gaming projector and specifically need short-throw placement, the X500i is the most balanced option in BenQ's gaming lineup that we've tested so far. BenQ includes its Android TV 11 QS02 dongle, providing access to streaming apps, Chromecast, AirPlay, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0, all without requiring additional hardware. You get multiple HDMI inputs (including one with eARC) plus a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alt Mode, making it easy to connect consoles, PCs, and even handheld devices. Overall, the BenQ X500i is the go-to pick if you game in a smaller space and want a short-throw projector that still feels fast and responsive.
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Best 60Hz Gaming Projector
Gaming7.6Input Lag7.1Supported Resolutions7.3Brightness8.1Native Contrast8.3Color Gamut9.3Pre-Calibration Color Accuracy8.4Imaging TechnologyDLPLight SourceLED + LaserSee all our test resultsNative ResolutionPixel Shift 4kIf you mostly play at 60 fps and care more about how your games look than squeezing out 120Hz, the XGIMI HORIZON S Max is the best 60Hz gaming projector you can get. It offers a sharp 4k image with pixel shifting, and its bright laser light source provides a punchy image on a big screen in a dim living room or game room, even if it isn't quite as bright as the XGIMI HORIZON 20 Max or the Hisense C2 Ultra. Contrast is very good, and, combined with Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG support, makes modern console games look rich and saturated, rather than flat or washed out. Out of the box, it's very accurate, so you don't have to spend time adjusting settings to get a good picture.
The trade-off is refresh rate: the S Max tops out at 4k @ 60Hz and 1080p @ 60Hz, with no 120Hz or 240Hz support. In its Game Mode, input lag at 60Hz is low enough that most players will find it very responsive for action games and shooters, but if you're chasing high-refresh-rate performance modes on PS5, Xbox Series X, or PC, something like the 20 Max, C2 Ultra, or BenQ X500i is a better fit. As a living-room gaming display, though, it's extremely easy to live with. You get a full smart OS with the major streaming apps, Chromecast-style casting, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, plus autofocus, auto keystone, and other image-correction tools to get a clean image quickly. An eARC-capable HDMI port lets you hand off audio to a soundbar or AVR. If you're a 60Hz-first console gamer who wants top-tier HDR and image quality more than ultra-high frame rates, the XGIMI HORIZON S Max is the one to beat.
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Best Budget Gaming Projector
Gaming7.5Input Lag7.6Supported Resolutions9.6Brightness7.1Native Contrast6.3Color Gamut6.4Pre-Calibration Color Accuracy4.8Imaging TechnologyDLPLight SourceLampSee all our test resultsNative ResolutionPixel Shift 4kIf you prioritize speed and price over perfect picture quality, the ViewSonic PX701-4K is the best budget gaming projector. Like every unit on this list, it uses 4k pixel-shifting, so you still get a genuinely sharp image. It's not nearly as bright as the other products here, however, so turn off the lights when using the ViewSonic for the best experience. That isn't the only downgrade when it comes to image quality compared to the other picks: its color gamut is relatively narrow, colors appear a bit dull, and its out-of-the-box accuracy is poor and doesn't improve much with calibration. HDR10 and HLG are supported, but HDR never really pops, so you're better off treating it as an SDR-first gaming display.
Where it absolutely delivers is gaming responsiveness. Both HDMI inputs accept 4k @ 60Hz and up to 1080p @ 240Hz, and in Game Mode, input lag is very low, so it feels snappy in all games. If you want the smoothest, quickest big-screen gaming experience for the least money, the ViewSonic is hard to beat, even if it can't match the contrast and color of projectors like the XGIMI HORIZON 20 Max or the Hisense C2 Ultra. There's no smart OS, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth, so you'll want to plug in a streaming stick or console for apps. However, the USB port can power your dongle, eliminating the need for an extra outlet. If you're a competitive-minded gamer on a tight budget and can live with flat, inaccurate color, the ViewSonic PX701-4K is the best budget gaming projector we've tested.
Notable Mentions
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BenQ X3100i:
The BenQ X3100i is a great gaming projector, with low input lag and broad format support. That said, the Hisense C2 Ultra is the more well-rounded top pick with a brighter image, a wider color gamut, and easier short-throw-friendly placement, so the BenQ mostly makes sense if you prefer a traditional long-throw setup or find it for less.
See our review -
BenQ TK700STi:
The BenQ TK700STi is a good short-throw 1080p alternative to the BenQ X500i and ViewSonic PX701-4K if you just want a fast, compact projector you can park close to the screen. It's usually cheaper than the X500i, but it lacks its 4k sharpness and features. While it's quick, the ViewSonic still wins on pure value if you don't specifically need short-throw placement.
See our review -
JMGO N1S Ultimate:
The JMGO N1S Ultimate is a good alternative to the XGIMI HORIZON S Max if you want a brighter 60Hz projector. It's also less noisy than the XGIMI when both are running at max brightness. However, the XGIMI is usually the better choice for living-room gaming thanks to its more accurate picture, Dolby Vision support, and typically slightly lower price.
See our review -
Hisense M2 Pro:
The Hisense M2 Pro is a great budget gaming pick. Still, the ViewSonic PX701-4K remains the better value if you just want the cheapest and fastest gaming projector. However, if you’re willing to spend more for noticeably better image quality, the Hisense M2 Pro is the upgrade, with a punchier, more colorful image and modern smart features while still staying very responsive for gaming.
See our review
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are the best gaming projectors for most people right now. We focus on models that balance low input lag, good motion handling, and solid overall image quality, and we factor in price (a cheaper gaming projector wins over a pricier one if the performance gap isn't worth it), feedback from our users, and availability (we avoid models that are hard to find or nearly out of stock).
If you'd rather choose for yourself, you can look at our full list of tested projectors and filter by what matters to you. Just try not to get lost in minor spec differences: no projector is perfect, but many are good enough for most games. The key is to avoid the worst performers and select something that suits your room, budget, and level of gaming commitment.