Best Home Theater Projectors

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 13, 2024
If you want to turn your room into a real cinema, a home theater projector is what you need. We have reviewed 5 best home theater ...Read more
PROS

Designed to deliver a crystal clear picture with 4K (3840x2160) resolution, the smart projector system uses the HDR 10 technology to provide an ideal contrast ratio in different lighting environments, allowing you to enjoy your favorite video content any time of the day.

CONS

Netflix is not installed natively, and it will take some time to install it separately.

OUR VERDICT

Based on Android TV 10.0 operating system, the XGIMI Horizon Pro automatically adjusts the screen size so you will be able to enjoy the show in seconds - no need to change the unit's position for getting the perfect picture. Meanwhile, the advanced X-VUE 2.0 Image Engine will guarantee sharp and clean dynamic content displaying.

detailed parameters
Projection System

DLP

Specs

Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160)

Brightness: 2200 lumens

Throw ratio: 1.2 - 1

Digital zoom function

Interfaces

2 x HDMI (ARC supported), 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x Audio, 1 x Optical, 1 x LAN, 1 x DC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0

Lamp Life

Up to 25,000 hours

Extras

Intelligent screen adaption, Dual 8W Harman Kardon speakers, Dolby audio & DTS-HD & DTS Studio sound, Android TV 10.0 OS, Built-in Chromecast, Google Assistant compatible, Remote control

Warranty

1 year

PROS

Equipped with 3 speakers that use Dolby Digital Plus technology to deliver high-quality surround sound, the unit is compatible with over 7,000 apps including YouTube, Hulu, Prime Video, and many more. HDR10 technology will allow you to enjoy a whole spectrum of colors.

CONS

Some users are not quite happy with its autofocus feature.

OUR VERDICT

Featuring a 1080p resolution, the home theatre projector will allow you to enjoy clarity and detail while watching sports events, movies, and shows. You can connect the unit to your laptop, smartphone, or other gadgets to enjoy your favorite streaming services and videos in the best quality.

detailed parameters
Projection System

DLP

Specs

Resolution: Full HD (1920x1080)

Brightness: 900 ANSI lumens

Throw ratio: 1.2

Digital zoom function

Interfaces

1 x HDMI, 2 x USB-A, 1 x Optical, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2

Lamp Life

Up to 30,000 hours

Extras

HLD technology, Dynamic Smoothing, HDR10 technology, Gaming Mode

Warranty

30 days

PROS

The Enhanced Gaming mode doubles the projector's refresh rate and reduces the input lag twofold. Offering 120 Hz and 8.4 ms respectively, the mode enables you to play without noticeable blur or without trailing behind your online competition with 144 Hz monitors.

CONS

The fans are a little noisy. 

OUR VERDICT

Gaming on the biggest possible screen is most gamers' fantasy. The Optoma HD28HDR makes that fantasy a reality. With its multiple gaming modes, the model lets you enjoy gorgeous-looking visuals without the usual downfalls that 'accompany projectors' and gaming endeavors.

detailed parameters
Projection System

DLP

Specs

Resolution: Full HD (1920x1080)

Brightness: 3600 lumens

Throw ratio: 1.49 - 4.9

Optical zoom: 1.1x

Interfaces

1 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x HDMI 1.4a, 1 x audio out (3.5mm), 1 x USB  

Lamp Life

Up to 15,000 hours

Extras

HDR10 technology, Enhanced Gaming Mode, Dynamic Black technology, HDMI-CEC technology

Warranty

90-day warranty on the lamp

PROS

This model supports both front and back projection: its Multi Projector mode will allow you to flip the image for projecting it on the ceiling. Office software compatible, the item will allow you to demonstrate PowerPoint presentations, Word, Excel, and Adobe PDF files from a USB stick. 

CONS

The power cord is somewhat short. 

OUR VERDICT

Capable of displaying images with 40-300" diagonal size, the DBPOWER RD828 projector provides outstanding image clarity and sharpness and high color accuracy. Owing to the built-in Wi-Fi, connecting your iOS/Android devices for wireless screen mirroring is a breeze.

detailed parameters
Projection System

LED

Specs

Resolution: Full HD (1920x1080)

Brightness: 8500 lumens

Throw ratio: ~ 1.2 - 1.5

Digital zoom function: 50%

Interfaces

2 x HDMI, 1 x AV, 2 x USB, 1 x 3.5mm audio jack, 1 x AC input, Wi-Fi

Lamp Life

Up to 50,000 hours

Extras

4-point keystone correction, 5W dual Hi-Fi speaker, 4 projection modes, Remote control

Warranty

3 years

PROS

The mirroring function will allow you to bring MHL-compatible devices on a big screen. The 4D electronic keystone correction function, with its ±50° horizontal and vertical correction, will let you play with sharp projection angles knowing that the screen will remain square despite the unit's placement. 

CONS

The remote feels cheap. 

OUR VERDICT

The YABER Y30 offers above-average performance on an almost laughable budget. The model looks good. The visuals that this device projects look good as well. Moreover, the advanced double-sided cooling system keeps the unit quiet and prevents it from overheating.

detailed parameters
Projection System

LCD

Specs

Resolution: Full HD (1920x1080)

Brightness: 7200 lumens

Throw ratio: ~ 1.2 - 1.5

X / Y zoom function

Interfaces

1 x HDMI, 1 x VGA, 1 x USB

Lamp Life

Up to 100,000 hours

Extras

Adopt Color Matching Algorithm, Mirroring function, 4D electronic keystone correction function, Hi-Fi level stereo audio performance, Temperature control and advanced double-sided cooling system

Warranty

6 months money-back, 3 years repair warranty, lifetime professional technical support

High-End Projector

Are you looking for a high-end projector with Smart TV functionality that will give you the best image quality possible? If so, then look no further than the XGIMI Horizon Pro 4K projector. This device sits at the forefront of smart projectors that bundle the Android TV OS, providing you with the ultimate entertainment center bundled into one small device.

To start with, this projector gives you a full 4K HD image with a wide color gamut, along with the HDR10 technology, which allows for the realistic reproduction of any image. The colors will pop out of the display surface, and even the blacks are relatively solid, or at least as much as can be done through projection. Simply put, the image quality here is top-notch, which is a surprise given the low brightness of the 2200 lumens lamp when compared to other models.

Of course, with a smart projector, the image quality is only half the battle. This model includes the Android TV 10 operating system, which gives you full access to pretty much any streaming service imaginable. If you have your own video input devices that you would rather use, the plethora of inputs included in this projector lets you connect just about anything you would want. With all of this bundled up in a small, lightweight, and easy-to-carry unit, you'll find this smart projector from XGIMI to be one of the best devices in its class.

User-Friendly Design

Adding to its benefits, the 4K projector is very easy to set up. You can place it within 2.59 - 25.9 feet from the projection area and enjoy the show in seconds as the screen size will adjust automatically (this model has a 30-300" screen display). Moreover, this compact device has an integrated Chromecast feature, allowing you to cast games and other content from your mobile devices; boasting low latency, this model is great for projecting dynamic content. Surely enough, the unit is Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatible, which will ensure easy connectivity.

As for the audio performance, the home theater projector has built-in dual 8W Harman Kardon speakers and, according to the users, the sound quality is awesome for such a compact device. For an even more immersive experience, you can pair the Horizon Pro with a soundbar. Or, you can use the unit's audio output to connect your headphones to the projector.

All in all, the XGIMI Horizon Pro is a state-of-the-art device that will allow you and your family to watch your favorite movies, shows, series, and other video content and enjoy excellent video and sound quality time after time.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B0967XXVH2

Brilliant Quality Picture

If you are looking for a compact and functional device for watching various videos, opt for the NEBULA ‎D2140111. This smart projector system offers 900 ANSI lumens, allowing you to enjoy more clear videos with deeper blacks and brighter colors. With a 120-inch picture, you will be able to get an unforgettable movie-watching experience at home. Owing to the digital zoom feature, you won't even have to get up and move the projector to adjust the image size, just use the remote to select the suitable one. Meanwhile, the unit's dynamic smoothing feature will help to prevent blurring to keep the picture crisp and clear.

This functional home theater system can be connected to your USB-A and HDMI devices, such as flash drives, gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and more. Moreover, you can wirelessly connect your laptops, phones, and other devices via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. You can Chromecast your content from your phone and watch your favorite videos on a big screen together with your family and friends. The manufacturer provides easy-to-follow instructions on how to connect the unit with various devices, so you will be able to start watching films, series, or shows in no time at all.

Hear Every Whisper

We would also like to add that this wonderful home theater projector uses Dolby Digital Plus sound technology. The item is equipped with 3 speakers that deliver immersive sound, allowing you to enjoy films, sports events, and other video content to the fullest. With it at hand, you won't miss a whisper during an important dialogue. So if you want to watch high-quality videos accompanied by intense surround sound without spending a fortune on surround speakers, this model is the one to go for.

What also makes the unit stand out from the crowd is its elegant design. The NEBULA 1080p video projector has an unconventional oval shape resembling an alien saucer that will give a special charm to your home movie sessions. Made of premium-quality metals and plastic, it is pretty lightweight (about 2kg) and portable (29cm in length). In other words, you can carry the device from one room to another or even take it to your office or bring it to your friends' house.

Summing up, this elegant home theater projector by NEBULA will become a fantastic present for yourself or for anyone who loves watching films and other video content.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B08KFZN9YR

Gamers, Rejoice

The Optoma HD28HDR does not quite match the powerhouse that is the company's previous device but, considering that this one also costs almost two times less, this is an excellent product as well. What's more, despite being a much more value-oriented model, the HD28HDR unit has a few tricks up its sleeve that even its less affordable relatives cannot boast.

To start with, though the projector's native resolution stops at Full HD (1920 x 1080p), the model supports HDR10. Because that's the case, this device can present the kind of rich and vivid visuals that only 4K projectors can match. But, as much as we appreciate its HDR10 support, what we're more excited about is its gaming disposition. To name one, the model comes outfitted with an Enhanced Gaming Mode.

Stretching the refresh rate from the usual 60Hz to staggering 120Hz, the mode delivers smooth, lag-free visuals, letting you enjoy practically blur-free gameplay. Furthermore, the same mode shrinks the input lag at least twofold. Capping at 8.4 ms, its input lag will allow you to compete without feeling like you're lagging behind people who are playing on orthodox screens. Also, to go with the Enhanced Gaming Mode, the model incorporates Game Display Mode. Boosting shadows, the mode improves visibility in low-light areas, making sure that you don't miss impending obstacles lurking in the dark.

Likewise (somewhat), the Dynamic Black tech should also prove virtually indispensable. Augmenting the contrast ratio with smooth lamp adjustments, the mode offers crisp bright scenes and deep but detailed dark scenes, with sharp blacks, light, and shade detail.

Multiple ISF Modes

Needless to say, the Optoma HD28HDR has its flaws as well. That said, as far as we're concerned, the only upsetting one is the noise. When you crank up the settings, the projector's fans get a little loud, somewhat ruining immersion. What does not ruin immersion, however, is the ISF modes. Using these modes, you can create and save multiple day and night mode settings, picking between them depending on the ambient lighting situation or preferred viewing experience.

What also does not ruin a single thing is the MHL support that this unit provides. Using the Mobile High-Definition Link, you can view presentations, share content, and stream videos from different MHL-enabled devices.

In short, those who like gaming as much (or even more) than watching movies on the biggest screen at home will not regret purchasing the Optoma HD28HDR.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $639.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B084TSNVRJ

For Office Presentations

Portable and moderately priced, this home theater projector by DBPOWER has a bunch of user-friendly features that make it a fantastic choice for both home and office use. Utilizing an innovative LED lamp technology, the device boasts high brightness and contrast (9500 lumens and 10000:1 respectively) and 1920x1080p resolution. Therefore, the home theater projector will deliver sharp and bright images and natural colors. Meanwhile, the built-in dual stereo speakers will provide compatible sound quality.

This functional unit has a 4-point keystone correction feature (±50° for four angles) that will help you separately adjust the image corners and minimize distortion. Allowing you to project images from different parts of the room, this feature will come in useful in cramped spaces. On the other hand, placing the projector off-center will help prevent blocking the screen even if you are standing in front of it, which makes the projector irreplaceable for presentations. By the way, this compact device will allow you to project PowerPoint presentations, Word, Excel, and Adobe PDF files from a USB stick without using other devices.

Good Value for the Money

The Native 1080P Wi-Fi projector is just as good for home use. Allowing you to get up to 300 inches screen and equipped with a 50% digital zoom function, it will help you turn your living room into a home family theatre. Moreover, the unit supports both front and back projection, and you will be able to flip the image if you decide to mount the unit on the ceiling to save some space.

Whether you are going to mount the unit on a ceiling, on a wall, or on a tripod, a built-in Wi-Fi will come in very handy. It will allow you to sync your iOS/Android devices to the projector without using dongles or adapters. That said, the purchase includes an HDMI and an AV cable and has VGA, HDMI, and USB interfaces for connecting it to your TV, DVD player, and other devices.

Summing up, this portable projector system offers excellent quality for the price. It can read files from a USB stick, which makes it a great option for conferences. A built-in Wi-Fi will enable wireless screen mirroring for watching video content from your smartphone or other gadgets on a large screen.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B08P4MBK17

7200-Lumen Peak Brightness

The YABER Y30 has an expensive-looking face and bod, which is a pretty nice surprise considering that this device is anything but expensive. The sleek chrome-ish housing, the rounded corners, the cutouts in the front and on the sides, the model looks more attractive than most mid-range projectors, let alone its budget-friendly peers. But, as much as we can get behind a handsome front, the driving force that propels (and sells) projectors is not performance, not appearance. The good news is that this model is just as impressive in the performance department as it is on the appearance side.

To get the ball rolling, this device starts with almost absurd 7200-lumen peak brightness. Sure, as you would expect, the lamp seldom reaches the 7200-lumen mark but, even averaging above 5k is an incredible feat (relative to the projector's price tag). With this output, the model performs almost as well in low-light conditions as it does in complete darkness. Of course, rooms with ample ambient lighting will still not present optimal conditions but, unlike projectors with ~3.5k-lumen peak brightness, this device can handle a little light with relative ease, delivering rich, vivid, and saturated visuals.

And, owing to the Adopt Color Matching Algorithm, the model also ensures accurate color reproduction. Incorporating careful light source selection and an improved color wheel design, the unit offers authentic shades, making movies look the way they were intended to look.

Advanced Double-Sided Cooling

Besides serving a decorative purpose, the cutouts that we've mentioned in the beginning also provide sufficient heat dissipation, preventing the unit from overheating. Besides that, these ventilation holes hide the fans that dissipate heat without pushing the noise levels above 30 decibels, so the model keeps pretty quiet.

On the feature front, the unit's best representative is the mirroring function. Using this function, you can bring smartphones, tablets, or laptops on a big screen (as long as these devices support MHL). Actually, scratch that, the best rep has to be the 4D electronic keystone correction function. Offering ±50° for horizontal and vertical correction, you can experiment with different projection angles and place the unit pretty much anywhere you want knowing that the image will look square anyway.

To conclude, the YABER Y30 delivers mid-range and, in some respects, high-end performance on a low-end budget, making it a home theater projector you don't want to miss.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $229.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07Q2BV8LN

Infographics


What Is a Home Theater Projector?

According to Statista, 57% of people prefer watching movies at home rather than in theaters or cinemas, so it comes as no surprise that a home heather projector doesn't disappear from the scene, remaining one of the most popular purchases on Amazon. With that in mind, if you haven't been thinking about replacing your old TV set with an updated 55-inch screen yet and are looking for a budget-friendly alternative to enjoy your watching experience to the fullest, buying a home theater projector can be the right way forward. Not expensive and pretty compact, this device is capable of reproducing the image with high precision, projecting it on any surface, be it a special screen or just your wall. What's more, you can connect it with pretty much any of your devices, including external hard drives, laptops, tablets, and more. Not sure which one will be the best one for you? We hope our selection of the five home theater projectors will help you make the right choice.

If you need a conventional TV for playing videos or you wish to equip your kitchen or bathroom with a TV set, you may also be interested in checking our reviews of 3D TV & Smart TV, big screen LED TV, curved TV, and kitchen & bathroom TV.

Best Home Theater Projectors

What Features to Compare

Image Specifications

When you are about to choose a home theater projector, first of all, pay attention to its image specifications. In particular, you should consider the image projection technology. All projectors are divided into 2 types: LCD (liquid crystal display) and DLP (digital light processing).

  • LCD projectors deliver bright and rich image and produce no 'rainbow effect'. However, these projectors deliver quite a mediocre black color and suffer from so-called 'screen door' (when you can see the pixel structure on the screen).
  • DLP projectors are notable for smooth display of moving objects and provide an excellent black color, yet they might produce a 'rainbow effect' due to the rotating color filter.

Next, pay attention to image resolution as it affects sharpness and depth of the picture you see. Take a closer look at the models that support the resolution of 1920 х 1080 pixels. Consider the brightness of a projector (it's measured in lumens). If you are going to use a projector in a dim room, it’s better to select the models with the brightness of about 1,000 lumens. The most advanced projectors have a brightness of up to 3,200 lumens, so they can be used even outside. Don't forget to check the aspect ratio. Most contemporary movies are shot in a ratio of 16:9 or 16:10, so look for a projector with the same one. Contrast is another important parameter vital for image quality. The contrast is the ratio between the whitest white and the blackest black a projector can display. The up-to-date projectors feature the contrast from 15,000:1 to 23,000:1. Finally, check the number of colors a projector can display: the more colors, the richer image.

Mounting and Interfaces

Having a home theater projector isn't enough, you need to mount it. The type of mounting heavily depends on the lens as it determines the projection distance and image size. Home theater projectors are generally equipped with standard or short-focus lenses to display the image with diagonal up to 350 inches from the distance of up to 2.6 feet. Home theater projectors are mounted in front of screens on floors or tables. Many models can be mounted on a ceiling with the help of special mounting brackets or on tripods. Pay attention to the interfaces of a projector when you are going to buy it. HDM ports allow transferring digital video/audio signal in high quality. The presence of USB ports enables connection of digital storage devices; VGA connector makes a projector compatible with different video equipment. Projectors can be connected to TVs through analog outputs like S-video, composite, and component video. An SD slot allows you to connect external SD memory cards, while an audio out will help you to connect an audio system. Some sophisticated home theater projectors even have Wi-Fi for online video streaming.

Features and Usability

In the end, pay attention to the features and usability of a home theater projector. We should mention the possibility of 3D video playback among other features. 3D projectors will let you enjoy the whole depth of a 3D movie without leaving your cozy home. Since digital technologies are rapidly developing, some home theater projectors are powered by Android operating system, so consider such models if you need a smart multifunctional device. A lamp life is a parameter of no small account since lamps are among the most expensive parts of projectors. The lamp life determines the amount of your money for projector maintenance. A lot of models feature energy-saving modes that help prolong lamp life. Almost all home projectors have built-in speakers with power varying from 2 to 10 Watts. Besides, every home theater projector has its own noise level depending on its design and the power of cooling fans. The noise level usually ranges from 25 to 50 dB. If a projector is to be mounted in a small room, its noise level should not exceed 30 dB. The noisier models are better for large halls or separated premises. Finally, we’d like to draw your attention to the weight of a projector. The smaller the weight is, the easier it is to carry a projector.

FAQ:

Q: What affects the quality of an image reproduced by your home theater projector?
A: There are three major factors equally important for providing good quality of image: native resolution, video material, and a contrast ratio supported by your projector. For example, if you want your device to deliver rich details of video content, you need to pay attention to models that can handle high-resolution signals. The quality of video materials is crucial since transferring low-quality signals will result in a bad image on the screen. A contrast ratio is another aspect that affects the image quality and is determined by the difference between the blackest black and the whitest white.

Q: What is projector's resolution?
A: A projector's resolution (also used as native resolution) is typically the maximum number of pixels the device is capable of projecting. Basically, the higher the resolution of a projector is, the more pixels it can project.

Q: Is high contrast an important feature for a home theater projector?
A: Yes, it is. High-contrast home theater projectors provide images with a deep black level and a more subtle color detail. Additionally, a contrast ratio can add some depth to the pictures.

Q: Do I need a projector screen?
A: Depending on your tasks and needs. Although you can project images right on a white wall, a good projection screen will help you obtain a better and brighter image. A projector screen is particularly important if you use a projector in a room where you can't control lighting.

Q: Which type of connectivity do I need?
A: It depends on your needs and tasks. Basically, most home theater projectors come with a standard set of connectors. An HDMI port is the most important among them since almost every device is equipped with an HDMI output. Additionally, if this port is missing on your computer, you can still adapt it with a special adapter.

Q: What is the best place to use a home theater projector?
A: Taking into account that home theater projectors are designed to simulate a dark environment of cinemas, it’s better to use such devices in dedicated rooms where you have an ability to control the amount of light. Otherwise, you can take advantage of a projector providing a higher level of brightness.

Q: Should I buy a projector with a built-in 3D technology?
A: It exceptionally depends on your needs. If you're planning to use the device with 3D-compatible devices for watching movies or gaming, you definitely need to select a model with this feature.

Sources:

1. Home Theater Projector Buyer's Guide, Projector Central.

2. 6 Things You Should Know about Home Theater Projectors, eBay. March 10, 2016.

3. Timothy McDougal Buying Guide to Projectors, B&H Photo Video Pro Audio. August 15, 2014.

4. Digital Light Processing, Wikipedia. June 21, 2016.

5. 3LCD, Wikipedia. June 17, 2016.

6. Magic Lanterns and Lantern Slides, Collectors Weekly.

7. Tony Hoffman How to Buy a Home Projector, PCMag. November 23, 2013.

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