If you're looking for the best projectors overall, there are numerous options available, ranging from budget-friendly, portable models to high-end home theater setups. Are you specifically seeking a projector for home theater use? Do you want a versatile device that handles both the latest movies and gaming sessions with ease? Or are you looking for something that's easy to carry around? Whatever your needs, we've got you covered, from more affordable models that trade image quality for portability to bulkier, pricier units that deliver top-notch image quality. Many portable projectors also come with smart features, eliminating the need for an external streaming device. However, larger models may require an external streaming dongle for smart functionality. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. If you're unsure how far you can place a given projector for your screen size, our projector throw distance tool can help you plan your setup.
We've bought and tested over 60 projectors, and below, we list the best models for a few critical uses. We only cover consumer models, not high-end products meant for enthusiasts. If you're specifically looking for a projector for indoor use, explore our recommendations for the best models for home use. If you'd rather see cheaper options on the market, look up the best budget and cheap projectors. Want to take your projector outside? Consider our picks for the best outdoor projectors. And don't forget that you can vote on which projectors you'd like us to purchase and put to the 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 Projector
Movies8.9Gaming7.8Brightness9.2Contrast8.6Pre-Calibration Color Accuracy7.8Color Gamut9.7Input Lag6.3Portability6.0Imaging TechnologyDLPLight SourceLaserSee all our test resultsNative ResolutionPixel Shift 4kIf you want a single box that does almost everything well, pick the XGIMI HORIZON 20 Max, as it's the best projector that we've tested. It's the brightest projector we've tested, so it holds its punch in living rooms with lamps on and looks even better once the lights go down. Even with its high brightness, the picture stays polished, with crisp 4k (via pixel shift), a wide color gamut, and excellent contrast. Out of the box, it's impressively accurate, and XGIMI's fast autofocus, auto-keystone correction, and intelligent screen alignment make setup feel instantaneous; drop it on a coffee table and you're dialed in within seconds. HDR support (HDR10+ and Dolby Vision) and solid tone mapping give movies real pop, while the built-in audio is robust enough for casual nights before you add a soundbar.
Gamers aren't left out either. In Game Mode, input lag is low enough that 4k @ 60Hz story games feel responsive, and 1080p @ 120Hz or 1080p @ 240Hz is snappy enough for faster titles. It also supports VRR, which helps reduce tearing and smooth out small frame-rate dips, although you can see some artifacting in games with very unstable FPS, so it works best when your frame rate is capped or relatively steady. The smart platform covers the basics of big apps, including Chromecast built-in, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, making streaming straightforward. For most people, this is the all-around winner.
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Best Ultra-Short-Throw Projector
Movies8.1Gaming7.0Brightness7.8Contrast8.3Pre-Calibration Color Accuracy6.4Color Gamut9.8Input Lag5.4Portability4.0Imaging TechnologyDLPLight SourceLaserSee all our test resultsNative ResolutionPixel Shift 4kIf you want a true TV replacement that lives inches from the wall, the ultra-short-throw Hisense PX3-PRO is the step to take. Its TriChroma RGB-laser light engine delivers vivid color and plenty of punch for evening viewing, and Dolby Vision/HDR10+ support gives 4k movies convincing highlight pop. Setup is simple: place it on a low cabinet, pull a 100–120-inch image (up to 150 inches), and you never worry about people casting shadows or walking through the beam. Google TV handles apps smoothly, and sound is perfectly fine for casual nights; eARC is there when you're ready for a soundbar. Gamers get a Game Mode with 4k @ 60Hz and up to 1080p @ 240Hz support, so consoles feel responsive without sacrificing sharpness. Still, it's noticeably slower than the XGIMI HORIZON 20 Max for gaming, but still satisfactory, especially at higher refresh rates.
Sound is competent for casual use, and eARC lets you hand off audio to a soundbar or AVR when you want more impact. For the best daytime results, pair it with a UST ALR screen; placement is simple on a low stand against the wall, and you'll get a flatter, brighter image than projecting onto paint. Overall, if you're shopping USTs, the PX3-PRO's combination of color volume, HDR format support, modern smart TV OS, and decent gaming chops puts it at the top of the list.
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Best Outdoor Projector
Movies8.6Gaming7.4Brightness8.7Contrast8.1Pre-Calibration Color Accuracy8.2Color Gamut9.8Input Lag6.4Portability6.0Imaging TechnologyDLPLight SourceLaserSee all our test resultsNative ResolutionPixel Shift 4kIf your goal is effortless backyard movie nights, pick the Anker Nebula X1, the best outdoor projector. Its triple-laser light engine produces a bright, richly saturated image that still looks punchy after sunset with a few patio lights on, and it scales cleanly to large outdoor screens. Setup stays simple: Anker's autofocus, auto-keystone, and screen-fit tools quickly square up the picture, and the built-in handle makes it easy to carry from the living room to the patio and back before the weather turns bad. Sound matters outside, and the integrated speakers have enough body for casual viewing; you can step up to a soundbar over HDMI eARC or go Bluetooth if you want more oomph. It's also decent for 60Hz gaming at 4k, although it doesn't offer any high refresh rate options.
For bigger backyard nights, Anker offers an accessory pack with wireless satellite speakers and microphones (plus a case) for wider sound, and there are bundle options with an Anker SOLIX C1000 battery power station, allowing you to run the X1 away from outlets. Sometimes the battery is even offered for free if you buy the unit directly from Anker. You still get modern conveniences, like apps, casting, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. If you have access to power or are willing to invest in a large portable power station and want the strongest combination of brightness, color, ease of use, and sound quality outside, the Nebula X1 is the pick.
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Best Gaming Projector
Movies8.1Gaming8.0Brightness8.2Contrast7.7Pre-Calibration Color Accuracy8.5Color Gamut8.4Input Lag7.5Portability4.5Imaging TechnologyDLPLight SourceLEDSee all our test resultsNative ResolutionPixel Shift 4kIf you're looking for the best gaming projector, get the BenQ X3100i. It still delivers advanced home theater features, but its real edge is gaming performance: very low input lag in Game Mode and acceptance of 4k @ 60Hz, 1440p @ 120Hz, and 1080p @ 240Hz signals over its two HDMI 2.0b ports. With pixel-shifting, it projects a crisp image that holds up in moderately lit rooms, and its good contrast and wide color gamut make dark-room sessions look clean. It is also very accurate out of the box, so you can plug in a console and play without calibration.
Audio is solid for a living room session: the built-in speakers are clear enough for casual play and late-night streaming. When you want more impact, you can hand off audio to a soundbar or AVR via HDMI or use the digital/analog outputs, which many users prefer for fixed installations. Wireless connectivity is provided through the included Android TV 11 QS02 dongle, which offers Google Cast, Apple AirPlay, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth for seamless pairing with headphones or speakers. The third HDMI under the top cover is meant for the dongle, but can take any HDMI device. If gaming is your priority, this is the best overall choice.
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Best Budget Projector
Movies7.6Gaming5.7Brightness6.4Contrast8.6Pre-Calibration Color Accuracy8.5Color Gamut7.1Input Lag3.5Portability5.0Imaging TechnologyDLPLight SourceLEDSee all our test resultsNative Resolution1080pIf you want the best picture quality for the money, go with the BenQ HT2060, our best budget projector. Its 4-LED light source is rated at 2300 lumens and pairs with notably better native contrast and out-of-box accuracy than other typical budget models, so movies look clean and saturated on a 90–120-inch screen after dark and still hold up with the lamp on. Vertical lens shift and a real zoom make placement easier than many competitors, and HDR10/HLG support lets 4k sources downconvert with convincing highlight pop for this class. Sadly, its latency is on the higher side when gaming, even at 120Hz. Still, in a pinch, you can game on it at 120Hz (we recommend avoiding 60Hz); just don't expect a very responsive experience.
You don't get a built-in smart OS, so plan on a streaming dongle (Chromecast, Fire TV, Apple TV) for Netflix and other apps. Connectivity is straightforward with two HDMI 2.0 ports, plus its dual 5W speakers that are fine for casual nights. There's no ARC or eARC on this model; to upgrade sound, use the optical S/PDIF or 3.5 mm outputs (or route sources through an AVR). Overall, the HT2060 delivers the most polished, movie-first image in its price range.
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Best Portable Projector
Movies7.1Gaming5.3Brightness5.5Contrast8.3Pre-Calibration Color Accuracy5.6Color Gamut9.3Input Lag3.2Portability8.0Imaging TechnologyDLPLight SourceLaserSee all our test resultsNative ResolutionPixel Shift 4kIf you're searching for a truly portable projector, consider the LG CineBeam Q. Its ultra-compact, design-first chassis is easy to slip into a bag, and setup stays hassle-free thanks to fast autofocus and keystone tools. There's no built-in battery, but it can run from a USB-C Power Delivery (65W or higher) source, so a compatible power bank works well for picnics and patios without an outlet. LG's webOS offers big-app support, including Netflix, and provides convenient casting via AirPlay/Screen Share, along with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for seamless connections.
Despite its tiny size, the LG's RGB-laser light source produces a crisp 4k (via pixel-shift) image with rich color. HDR support (including HDR10) helps preserve highlight detail from modern streaming shows and movies. While the built-in speaker is perfectly fine for a quick watch in a small room, you'll get a much bigger, cleaner soundstage by pairing a Bluetooth speaker. Like most ultra-portables, it isn't bright enough for well-lit rooms; however, it shines after dark and on modest screen sizes due to its truly excellent contrast. In short, the CineBeam Q nails the balance of true carry-everywhere portability with an easy smart-TV experience, making it the best portable projector.
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Best Cheap Projector
Movies6.3Gaming5.2Brightness5.1Contrast8.8Pre-Calibration Color Accuracy3.9Color Gamut5.4Input Lag4.7Portability6.0Imaging TechnologyLCDLight SourceLEDSee all our test resultsNative Resolution1080pIf you want the best cheap projector that still looks decent at night, the NexiGo PJ40 (Gen 3) is the smart pick. It's the least expensive model on our list yet punches above its weight with solid native contrast that holds up well in a dark room. Brightness is respectable for its class, but it won't compete with daylight or a lot of lamps, and colors can look a bit subdued until you adjust them. Out of the box, accuracy isn't great; budget a few minutes to dial in a Movie/Cinema preset or do a quick calibration, although most people aren't likely to care about some of its colors deviating from reference.
For the money, you get a ton of useful features: Bluetooth 5.1 and Wi-Fi with casting (Miracast and Apple AirPlay), plus two HDMI inputs, one with ARC for a soundbar, and a 20W speaker system that’s fine for casual viewing. The built-in Android TV is basic and can feel sluggish, so a Chromecast or Fire TV Stick is the better streaming solution. There's Game Mode and HDR10 support; treat both as nice-to-haves rather than performance game-changers, as the unit's input lag is too high for most games, and the projector just isn't bright enough for a solid HDR experience. Still, after dark on a modest screen, the PJ40 (Gen 3) delivers genuinely good value for the lowest possible price.
Notable Mentions
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Epson Home Cinema 5050UB:
The Epson Home Cinema 5050UB boasts excellent contrast, accurate color, and highly flexible placement. However, it feels a bit dated next to the XGIMI HORIZON 20 Max: it's lamp-based, bulky, and lacks a smart OS or modern gaming features, so the XGIMI is the better all-rounder.
See our review -
XGIMI AURA 2:
The XGIMI AURA 2 is a strong value UST with high brightness, accurate color, and a friendly setup. Still, the Hisense PX3-PRO offers richer color volume, broader HDR format support, and a more premium overall picture, although it's usually sold for a higher price than the XGIMI.
See our review -
Anker Nebula Mars 3:
The Anker Nebula Mars 3 is a rugged, battery-powered outdoor pick with long runtime, loud 40W speakers, and enough brightness to hold up after dark, which is great for patios and campsites. Still, the Anker Nebula X1 delivers a brighter, punchier image and bigger sound when you have AC power, and the Mars 3 is pricier and bulkier than ultra-compact options like the LG CineBeam Q.
See our review -
BenQ X500i:
The BenQ X500i is a terrific short-throw gaming projector with very low input lag and support for 1080p/240, 1440p/120, and 4k/60, making it perfect for tight spaces where a ceiling mount isn't possible. Still, the BenQ X3100i offers better overall image quality and placement flexibility. However, the X500i is the right choice if you want to spend less or require short-throw placement.
See our review -
XGIMI Halo+:
The XGIMI Halo+ remains our favorite battery-powered portable under $1000: it's lightweight, easy to carry, offers approximately 2–2.5 hours of runtime, and features quick auto-setup for grab-and-go movie nights. However, the LG CineBeam Q delivers sharper image quality in a much smaller, design-forward chassis (with a handy carry handle), although you need to have a USB-C battery pack or access to AC power.
See our review
Recent Updates
Nov 13, 2025:
We've completely revamped our picks, as most of them are new. The XGIMI HORIZON 20 Max is now the 'Best Projector,' and our previous top pick, the BenQ X3100i, is now the 'Best Gaming Projector.' Otherwise, we have some new picks: the Hisense PX3-PRO, the Anker Nebula X1, BenQ HT2060, and LG CineBeam Q. We also modified our list of Notable Mentions.
May 08, 2025:
Confirmed that our picks are all still widely available.
Apr 11, 2025:
We replaced the BenQ TH671ST with the Epson Home Cinema 1080 as our 'Best Budget Projector' pick due to rising prices on the BenQ, alongside some availability issues.
Feb 12, 2025:
We shuffled around some of our picks to better serve our users, and we've made sure that all of our picks are still available.
Jan 15, 2025:
Ensured that our picks are all still available for purchase.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above represent what we consider the best overall projectors currently available for most consumers. We consider factors like price (we favor more affordable options unless the difference in quality justifies a higher cost), feedback from our visitors, and product availability (we avoid models that are scarce or nearly out of stock).
However, if you prefer to make your own selection, here's the list of the top projectors we've tested, so you can decide for yourself which is the best projector of 2025 for your particular needs. Remember not to get too bogged down in the minutiae. While no projector is flawless, many perform well for most purposes. Just be cautious of the lowest-quality models to ensure a satisfactory viewing experience.