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 65 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 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.
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.
-
Best Projector Under $1,000
Movies8.0Gaming8.0Brightness6.8Contrast8.0Pre-Calibration Color Accuracy8.7Color Gamut9.8Imaging 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 and only dips into this range when it's discounted. When it does, 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 is also simply easier to live with than most value 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
Movies7.0Gaming4.4Brightness8.4Contrast5.3Pre-Calibration Color Accuracy8.3Color Gamut6.6Imaging TechnologyLCDLight SourceLampSee all our test resultsNative Resolution1080pThe Epson Home Cinema 1080 is the best bright room projector under $1,000 that you can buy, and unlike the Hisense M2 Pro, this one is truly sold for below that price point. 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. Additionally, 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 Gaming Projector Under $1,000
Movies6.8Gaming7.7Brightness7.0Contrast7.6Pre-Calibration Color Accuracy4.8Color Gamut6.4Imaging TechnologyDLPLight SourceLampSee all our test resultsNative ResolutionPixel Shift 4kIf your priority is gaming speed for the lowest possible cost, the ViewSonic PX701-4K is still the best gaming projector under $1,000. The Hisense M2 Pro is the more premium option and even a bit faster overall, but it is also pricier, and the ViewSonic remains the easier recommendation for people who want a fast projector without stretching their budget. It accepts 4k signals via pixel shifting for a crisp image, and both HDMI inputs support 4k @ 60Hz or 1080p at up to 240Hz, with Game Mode delivering very responsive controls. That makes it a strong match for competitive PC play, while still feeling quick enough for story-driven console games at 60Hz. It is also fairly bright for the price, so you can keep a small bias light on, though it looks best once the room is dim.
For movies, it's only fine. The contrast is good, and 1080p looks sharp, but color accuracy is weak out of the box and does not improve significantly with calibration, so it may not be the best choice for those seeking a cinematic image. It also has no built-in smart platform or wireless casting, but the USB service port can power a streaming stick. Bottom line: choose the ViewSonic PX701-4K if you want the most affordable route to low-lag, high refresh gaming, and step up to the Hisense M2 Pro if you are willing to pay more for a noticeably better picture and a more full-featured projector.
-
Best Portable Projector Under $1,000
Movies7.1Gaming5.3Brightness5.5Contrast8.3Pre-Calibration Color Accuracy5.6Color Gamut9.3Imaging 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 lights off to get the best results, and HDR support is limited by that brightness. 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 Value Portable Projector Under $1,000
Movies6.3Gaming6.1Brightness6.0Contrast6.8Pre-Calibration Color Accuracy4.0Color Gamut8.4Imaging TechnologyDLPLight SourceLEDSee all our test resultsNative Resolution1080pIf you're looking for the best value portable projector under $1,000, go for the XGIMI Halo+. It costs less than the LG CineBeam Q and adds something the LG doesn't have: a built-in battery rated for up to about 2.5 hours, so you can watch a full movie without an outlet. The chassis is compact (around 3.5 lbs) and easy to toss in a backpack, and setup stays simple with autofocus, full auto-keystone, intelligent screen alignment, and obstacle avoidance. Android TV with Chromecast and AirScreen is onboard, plus Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0, so connecting a hotspot or Bluetooth speaker is straightforward. For gaming, it's fine for casual single-player, but latency is too high for fast or competitive titles.
As a display, it's on the dim side, if still brighter than most ultra-portables, but it looks acceptable in a fully dark room thanks to okay contrast. Out-of-the-box color accuracy isn't great, and its HDR capabilities are limited by its brightness, so think of it as an SDR-first projector for night viewing. Connectivity is basic: one HDMI input (with ARC) and a USB port for direct media playback. If you want a grab-and-go projector that undercuts the LG on price while offering true cordless movie nights, the XGIMI is the value pick under $1,000.
-
Best Value Projector Under $1,000
Movies6.3Gaming5.2Brightness5.1Contrast8.8Pre-Calibration Color Accuracy3.9Color Gamut5.4Imaging TechnologyLCDLight SourceLEDSee all our test resultsNative Resolution1080pIf you're looking for the best possible value, look no further than the NexiGo PJ40 (Gen 3). Although it's significantly cheaper than any other projector on this list, 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. Rounding out its feature list is HDR10 support. While it may not have the brightness to stand out in well-lit environments, it offers excellent value for dark-room setups.
Notable Mentions
-
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 for HDR, built-in smart features, and better gaming responsiveness, so the BenQ mainly makes sense if you want a simpler 1080p projector and find it for less.
See our review -
BenQ TH671ST:
The BenQ TH671ST is a solid short-throw projector that competes with the Hisense M2 Pro and the Epson Home Cinema 1080. It's well-rounded, but its price is too close to the superior Hisense, which is better than the BenQ in every way. The Epson, for its part, is cheaper and far brighter, even if the BenQ has better contrast.
See our review -
XGIMI MoGo 2:
The XGIMI MoGo 2 offers good value for its price, although its image quality is limited by its low peak brightness and 720p resolution. Additionally, it lacks an integrated battery, unlike the XGIMI Halo+. However, it's significantly more affordable than the Halo+, making it a solid choice if you're looking for a simple, portable projector that's easy to carry around.
See our review -
Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-W01:
The Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 is an incredible value, especially if you're looking for a bright room projector. Unfortunately, its contrast is quite poor, leading to visibly raised blacks. It's also very light on features, as it doesn't have a smart OS or any built-in wireless options. Ultimately, as bright as it is, the NexiGo PJ40 (Gen 3) is the better buy for most people.
See our review
Recent Updates
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.
Dec 04, 2024:
Replaced the Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 with the NexiGo PJ40 (Gen 3) as our 'Best Value Projector Under $1,000,' as the NexiGo is the better value for most people. Also removed the Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 and Epson EX3280 from the Notable Mentions.
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.