If you're looking for the best projectors under $1,000, there are quite a few options, although most of the best projectors in this segment are significantly cheaper than that. The projectors here are certainly good enough for most consumers. These models deliver a decent viewing experience, and many have great smart features, eliminating the need to spend more on an external streaming device. Typically, the more portable a projector is, the worse its image quality, so keep that in mind when shopping for the best projector for your needs. 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 bought and tested more than 70 projectors, and below, you'll find the best models to buy for under $1,000. You can also look at our best projectors under $500 or best budget and cheap projectors if you're looking for something even cheaper. For higher-end products, look instead at our best 4k projectors or best projectors. You can also vote on which ones you want us to purchase and test.
We've independently bought and tested over 75 projectors and published 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 methodologies are also public on our website, so you can validate the results yourself.
-
Best Projector Under $1,000
MoviesGamingBrightnessNative ContrastPre-Calibration Color AccuracyColor GamutImaging TechnologyDLPLight SourceLaserSee all our test resultsNative ResolutionPixel Shift 4kIf you're shopping for the best projector under $1,000, the Hisense M2 Pro is the one to get, even though it often retails for a bit above $1,000. It delivers a level of premium image quality that is rarely seen at this price: a sharp, pixel-shifted 4k picture, and a very wide color gamut from its triple-laser light source. It isn't a daytime living room projector, but it has enough brightness for evening viewing, and its contrast is strong for a compact DLP model, so movies keep some depth once the lights are down. It's also a legitimately good gaming option, with responsive controls across modes and a very snappy feel at 1080p @ 240Hz for fast PC titles.
It's also simply easier to live with than most budget projectors. You get a built-in smart platform with official Netflix support, plus casting, so you don't have to budget for a streaming dongle. Setup is quick, thanks to its auto tools, and connectivity is modern, featuring HDMI with eARC, allowing you to easily add a soundbar or AVR without fuss. Overall, the M2 Pro is the best all-around pick under $1,000 if you want a sharper, more colorful image than typical budget models, while still getting a projector that feels responsive for gaming.
-
Best Bright Room Projector Under $1,000
MoviesGamingBrightnessNative ContrastPre-Calibration Color AccuracyColor GamutImaging TechnologyLCDLight SourceLampSee all our test resultsNative Resolution1080pThe Epson Home Cinema 1080 is the best bright room projector under $1,000 that you can buy. It projects a very bright 1080p image, which can easily handle moderately lit rooms. This is a good thing, as the projector's performance in dark rooms is disappointing due to its inadequate contrast. Its colors are alright; they're not very vibrant but are accurate out of the box. That said, there's no need to improve the unit's color accuracy through calibration, as it already performs exceptionally well right out of the box. If you're a gamer, you might want to shop for something else: it's limited to 1080p @ 60Hz with noticeable input lag, and Game Mode doesn't lower latency, so it's best reserved for slow single-player or turn-based titles.
The Epson is only 5.9 lbs, so you can easily move it if needed, and it features automatic vertical keystone correction, which adjusts the image automatically when you change its projection angle. Additionally, its optical zoom allows you to adjust the projected image's size without moving the unit. The projector features two HDMI 2.0 ports and a USB-B port, enabling you to control the projector directly from a computer. Unfortunately, the unit doesn't come with a smart OS. Still, it does have Wi-Fi 5 and Miracast for screen mirroring, so all it's missing for full streaming functionality is an external streaming dongle, which you can power through the unit's USB-A port. Overall, the Epson is the brightest projector available for under $1,000.
-
Best Portable Projector Under $1,000
MoviesGamingBrightnessNative ContrastPre-Calibration Color AccuracyColor GamutImaging TechnologyDLPLight SourceLaserSee all our test resultsNative ResolutionPixel Shift 4kIf you're looking for the best portable projector under $1,000, pick the LG CineBeam Q. It's a genuinely tiny 4k (pixel-shifted) RGB-laser model with a 360-degree rotating handle/stand that makes setup dead simple on a table, shelf, or even aimed at the ceiling. WebOS is built in for streaming apps, and the single HDMI supports ARC if you want to send audio to a soundbar. There's no internal battery, but at about 3.3 lbs, it's easy to carry, and you can power it with the compact adapter or a capable USB-C PD brick.
Image quality is its hook for the size: contrast is unusually good for an ultra-portable, giving dark room movies more depth than most competitors. Brightness is still modest, so you'll want the lights off to get the best results. Colors look clean and detailed at typical portable screen sizes, but this is still a small-room, lights-down projector first and foremost. For gaming, it tops out at 60Hz with latency suited to casual single-player rather than competitive play. Overall, if you value true grab-and-go design with sharper-than-usual 4k detail and better-than-average dark-room contrast for the size, the LG is the standout portable pick under $1,000.
-
Best Cheap Projector Under $1,000
MoviesGamingBrightnessNative ContrastPre-Calibration Color AccuracyColor GamutImaging TechnologyLCDLight SourceLEDSee all our test resultsNative Resolution1080pIf your budget is tight, or you only truly care about contrast and not much else, look no further than the NexiGo PJ40 (Gen 3). Even at its low price it's no slouch when it comes to image quality, thanks to its truly excellent contrast, which delivers punchy images in well-lit rooms. Its brightness is inadequate for any room with lights on, but it performs well in dark settings. While its colors are muted, the NexiGo still delivers impressive image quality for its price. Calibration is highly recommended to achieve the most accurate visuals, as the default settings are noticeably off. If you're a gamer, it's not the best choice; despite handling 4k/1440p inputs (downscaled to 1080p), it has no high-refresh-rate option, and input lag is high, making it suitable only for slower single-player sessions.
The NexiGo comes with a rich feature set for its price. It includes Bluetooth 5.1, Wi-Fi, and robust casting capabilities with Miracast and Apple AirPlay. Although it features built-in Android TV, its implementation is rather limited, so you'll need a streaming dongle if you plan to use any streaming apps. The projector is equipped with two HDMI ports, one of which supports ARC, making it easy to connect a soundbar directly. Additionally, it features a 20W speaker system, providing a convenient option for those who prefer to use the projector's built-in audio. While it may not have the brightness to stand out in well-lit environments, it offers excellent value for dark-room setups.
Notable Mentions
-
ViewSonic PX701-4K:
The ViewSonic PX701-4K is a good gaming alternative to the Hisense M2 Pro. It has low input lag and a full suite of resolution and refresh rate support. Still, the Hisense has much better image quality, alongside being smaller and more versatile due to its smart features, making it the better pick for almost anyone.
See our review -
BenQ HT2060:
The BenQ HT2060 is a great movie-first budget pick thanks to its deep contrast and excellent out-of-the-box accuracy in a dark room. However, the Hisense M2 Pro is the more complete option with sharper 4k detail, a wider color gamut, built-in smart features, and better gaming responsiveness, so the BenQ mainly makes sense if you want a cheaper option.
See our review -
BenQ TH671ST:
The BenQ TH671ST is a solid short-throw projector that competes with the Hisense M2 Pro. The BenQ is well-rounded, but the Hisense is better in every way, with better image quality and a more complete feature set.
See our review -
XGIMI Halo+:
The XGIMI Halo+ is a portable projector with an integrated battery, and it competes with the batteryless LG CineBeam Q. The XGIMI is brighter and easier to take anywhere, but the LG has much better contrast and a wider color gamut, so it looks noticeably better once the lights are down. Still, the Halo+ is much cheaper, making it the better value if you want a truly cordless setup.
See our review
Recent Updates
Feb 04, 2026:
The ViewSonic PX701-4K is now in the Notable Mentions, as it's now sold for the same price as the superior Hisense M2 Pro. We've also updated the text throughout for improved clarity.
Dec 17, 2025:
The newly reviewed Hisense M2 Pro replaces the BenQ HT2060 as the Best Projector Under $1,000 due to being better all-around. The BenQ HT2060 is now in the Notable Mentions.
Oct 29, 2025:
The ViewSonic PX701-4K has been rebranded as the 'Best Gaming Projector Under $1,000,' to emphasize its gaming chops. Plus, the LG CineBeam Q is now the 'Best Portable Projector Under $1,000,' and the XGIMI Halo+ is instead the 'Best Value Portable Projector Under $1,000.'
Apr 18, 2025:
The BenQ HT2060 replaced the BenQ TH671ST as the 'Best Projector Under $1,000,' as the BenQ TH671ST's price has crept up lately, and the HT2060 is far superior in every aspect. The TH671ST is now in the Notable Mentions instead.
Feb 26, 2025:
Modified the order of our picks to better serve our users and made sure that our picks are still readily available for purchase.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best projectors under $1,000 to buy for most people. We factor in the price (a cheaper projector wins over a pricier one if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no projectors that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).
If you would like to do the work of choosing yourself, here is the list of all our reviews of projectors available under $1,000. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. While no projector is perfect, many are good enough for most uses; however, avoid the worst models to ensure adequate quality.