Looking for a home projector? Start by being clear about what you want it for: home theater (viewing in a dedicated, dark room), home entertainment (to work well under ambient light), or gaming (also for ambient light, plus added features for gaming). I'm PCMag's resident projector guru, and I discuss all three types below. I've been reviewing projectors since well before there was any difference between business and home models, let alone among home theater, home entertainment, and gaming projectors. I judge image quality using a standard set of film and video clips, as well as other content; factor in other issues, such as brightness and contrast; and measure input lag, which is critical for gaming. My current top picks are the Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 for home theater, or the Hisense L9Q if you need an ultra short throw model. But read on to see how each model earns its recommendation for specific needs, and for shopping advice that will help you make the right buying decision.
Overview
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![Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 4K Pro-UHD Laser Projector]()
Best Ultra-Premium Home Theater ProjectorEpson Pro Cinema LS12000 4K Pro-UHD Laser Projector
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![Valerion VisionMaster Max]()
Best Premium Home Theater ProjectorValerion VisionMaster Max
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![BenQ W2720i]()
Best Mainstream Home Theater and Home Entertainment ProjectorBenQ W2720i
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![Epson Lifestudio Grand Plus]()
Best Ultra Short Throw TV-Replacement ProjectorEpson Lifestudio Grand Plus
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![Hisense L9Q]()
Best Premium Ultra Short Throw ProjectorHisense L9Q
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![LG CineBeam S 4K UHD Smart Triple Laser UST Projector PU615U]()
Best Ultra Short Throw Room-to-Room Portable ProjectorLG CineBeam S 4K UHD Smart Triple Laser UST Projector PU615U
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![BenQ X3100i]()
Best Gaming ProjectorBenQ X3100i
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![Hisense C2 Ultra]()
Best 4K Room-to-Room Home ProjectorHisense C2 Ultra
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![BenQ GV50]()
Best 1080p Room-to-Room Home ProjectorBenQ GV50
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![Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus]()
Best Budget 4K-Class Home Entertainment ProjectorEpson Lifestudio Flex Plus
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![Xgody Gimbal N6 Pro]()
Best Bargain-Basement Portable ProjectorXgody Gimbal N6 Pro
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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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![Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 4K Pro-UHD Laser Projector]()
Best Ultra-Premium Home Theater ProjectorEpson Pro Cinema LS12000 4K Pro-UHD Laser Projector
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Epson Pro Cinema LS12000's price is about right for a solid down payment on a new car, but it's actually a near-bargain for the image quality it delivers. Epson is known for pixel-shifting LCD projectors whose images are virtually indistinguishable from a true 4K UHD picture while using only half as many pixels on screen—a trick it manages thanks to lens quality and video processing. The LS12000 boosts the pixel count to a full 3,840 by 2,160, while maintaining the emphasis on top-quality lenses and processing. The result is more detail than we've seen from any pixel-shifting 4K DLP projector.
The LS12000 also offers top-tier color accuracy, contrast, black level, and shadow detail, plus sophisticated features that include the ability to adjust the lens easily to give you the same image height when switching between movies with different aspect ratios. And because it's built around three LCD chips, it's guaranteed to not show rainbow artifacts—the red/green/blue flashes that single-chip projectors can show.
Who It's For
Videophiles: The LS12000 will entice serious videophiles who plan to put it in a home theater with dark walls, ceiling, and seating to minimize reflections back to the screen.
People who need a home theater projector: The image quality is good enough that even less-demanding viewers will notice, making it a good home theater projector for anyone.
People who watch movies in dark rooms: It's also bright enough to serve in a family room, particularly if you'll be watching movies with all the lights off at least occasionally to take advantage of its high contrast and dark black levels.
Specs & Configurations
Dimensions (HWD) 7.6 by 20.5 by 17.6 inches Engine Type LCD Inputs and Interfaces HDMI (eARC) Inputs and Interfaces HDMI 2.1 (HDCP 2.3) Maximum Resolution 4096 by 2160 @ 120Hz Native Resolution 3840 by 2160 using Epson's 4K Pro-UHD technology Rated Brightness 2700 Warranty 3 Weight 28 -
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M. David Stone
![Valerion VisionMaster Max]()
Best Premium Home Theater ProjectorValerion VisionMaster Max
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The 4K Valerion VisionMaster Max offers many impressive arguments to choose it. It's got high brightness and top-tier image quality across the board, built-in streaming, and significant placement flexibility thanks to a large zoom range and equally generous lens shift (for moving the image up or down without tilting the projector).
Plus, even though it's built around a DLP display chip, it all but eliminates the key issue that some people have with that technology, namely the red/green/blue flashes known as rainbow artifacts. For those who see these flashes easily and find them annoying, they can be a deal killer, especially for more expensive models like the Max, which has an official list price of $4,999 (and an effective list price of $3,999, though it's sometimes discounted). Based on our tests, Valerion appears to have largely eliminated this issue with its anti-rainbow-effect (Anti-RBE) technology. So while the image quality and features are enough to make the VisionMaster Max a top choice for a relatively expensive home theater projector, the Anti-RBE feature makes it doubly attractive to anyone who's sensitive to rainbow flashes and simply can't tolerate them.
Who It's For
Most people who want to set up a home theater: With the possible exception of the most serious videophiles—who tend to think of $5,000 projectors as "entry-level"—the Max is an excellent choice for viewing in a traditional home theater setting, complete with controlled lighting and, ideally, dark walls, ceiling, and seating to minimize reflections back to the screen.
People who want a TV replacement for big-screen viewing: The Max is also a good choice for home entertainment, including using it as a big-screen TV—potentially for far less money than an actual TV with the same screen size, depending on how large a screen you get.
Specs & Configurations
Dimensions (HWD) 7.3 by 10.2 by 9.2 inches Engine Type DLP Inputs and Interfaces Bluetooth Inputs and Interfaces eARC Inputs and Interfaces HDMI 2.0b Inputs and Interfaces HDMI 2.1 Inputs and Interfaces USB 2.0 Inputs and Interfaces USB 3.0 Inputs and Interfaces Wi-Fi Maximum Resolution 3840 by 2160 @ 120Hz, 1920 by 1080 @ 240Hz; HDR; Full HD 3D Native Resolution 3840 by 2160 using 1920 by 1080 DLP chip with XPR fast-switch pixel shifting Rated Brightness 2500 Warranty 2 Weight 17.6 Learn More Valerion VisionMaster Max Review -
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![BenQ W2720i]()
Best Mainstream Home Theater and Home Entertainment ProjectorBenQ W2720i
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The BenQ W2720i is an impressive mainstream pick for home theater viewing in a dark room and is also bright enough for home entertainment use, including gaming, with lights on. Among its most welcome features are its AI modes for SDR and HDR input. Both automatically adjust the image frame by frame to give you the best possible color saturation, shadow detail, contrast, and sense of three-dimensionality, based on the current level of ambient light in the room. More important is that both deliver a high-quality image without any need for tweaking settings. The HDR support lacks Dolby Vision, but it includes HDR10, HLG, and HDR10+ to ensure compatibility with most HDR sources.
The W2720i also offers built-in streaming, 3D support with DLP-Link glasses, lag times just 1 to 2 milliseconds longer than current gaming projectors deliver, and highly usable onboard audio, which is often missing in home theater projectors.
Who It's For
People who don't see—or don't mind seeing—rainbow artifacts: Anyone who can't tolerate rainbow artifacts—the red/green/blue flashes that any single-DLP-chip projector can show—should probably look elsewhere. But for those who aren't sensitive to them, or don't find them annoying, that won't be an issue, and the W2720i is an impressive choice for its price class otherwise.
People who want to use their home theater projector for gaming also. The W2720i's lag times are far shorter than is generally considered suitable for casual gamers, and arguably short enough for serious gamers as well.
3D aficionados: Thanks to its 3D support with DLP-Link glasses, the W2720i is also a good choice for those who like to watch 3D movies or other content in 3D.
Specs & Configurations
Dimensions (HWD) 5.6 by 16.5 by 12 inches Engine Type DLP Inputs and Interfaces eARC Inputs and Interfaces HDMI Inputs and Interfaces USB-A Inputs and Interfaces Wi-Fi Maximum Resolution 3840 by 2160 @ 60Hz, HDR, Full HD 3D; 3840 by 2160 @ 120Hz downscaled to 1920 by 1080 @ 120Hz; 1920 by 1080 @ 240Hz Native Resolution 3840 by 2160 using 1920 by 1080 DLP chip with XPR fast-switch pixel shifting Rated Brightness 2500 Warranty 3 Weight 14.1 Learn More BenQ W2720i Review -
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![Epson Lifestudio Grand Plus]()
Best Ultra Short Throw TV-Replacement ProjectorEpson Lifestudio Grand Plus
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
If you still think projectors aren't bright enough to replace TVs, the Epson Lifestudio Grand Plus Ultra Short Throw Projector (LS970) will change your mind. Knowing that it's rated at 4,000 ISO lumens—making it one of the brightest UST models we've seen—might not mean much. But pairing it with a 100-inch (or even larger) ambient-light-rejecting screen in a brightly lit family room leaves no doubt that it can fully replace a TV for nighttime and daytime viewing. And although it's pricey, at $3,799.99, it's significantly cheaper than competitors with similarly high brightness.
Plus, it delivers top-tier image quality, with a full 4K UHD (3,840-by-2,160-pixel) image, HDR support, and good color accuracy. Even better, its three-chip LCD paired with a laser-phosphor light engine guarantees you won't see any of the rainbow artifacts (red/green/blue flashes) that single-chip DLP models tend to show, or the laser speckle that tricolor laser light engines are prone to. So what you get on screen is consistently solid image quality, with no distracting artifacts.
Who It's For
Families looking for a big-screen TV replacement: If you're a 3D aficionado, note that the Grand Plus doesn't offer 3D support, which may be a deal killer for you. For everyone else, the high brightness makes this projector a strong contender for replacing a big-screen TV in a well-lit family room, particularly if you want a 100-inch or larger screen. The lens is rated for images up to 150 inches, and if you're willing to drop to a lower-quality, higher-brightness mode on bright days, 4,000 lumens is enough to light up a screen that size. But keep in mind that the smaller the screen (if you can call a 100-to-120-inch screen "small"), the brighter the image will be.
People who see rainbow artifacts or speckle easily: Some people don't see, or at least don't mind seeing, rainbow artifacts or laser speckle. If that includes you and those you watch with, there's no reason to worry about either. But if you're among those who find one or the other bothersome, you probably won't want to pay the high price for this bright a projector just to be annoyed by them. That alone can make the Grand Plus your first choice, since its design makes it impossible to show either.
Casual gamers: The Grand Plus doesn't offer the extremely low lag times and other features that serious gamers will insist on, but the lags we measured—28.4 milliseconds (ms) at 60Hz for both 4K and 1080p, and 20.6ms at 1080p 120Hz—are easily short enough for most casual gamers. And note that one of the HDMI ports supports Automatic Low Latency Mode (ALLM).
Specs & Configurations
Dimensions (HWD) 6.2 by 27.4 by 13.4 inches Engine Type LCD Inputs and Interfaces Bluetooth Inputs and Interfaces HDMI (ALLM) Inputs and Interfaces HDMI (ARC and eARC) Inputs and Interfaces USB 2.0 Inputs and Interfaces Wi-Fi Maximum Resolution 3840 by 2160 @ 120Hz Native Resolution 3,840 by 2,160 via pixel shifting, using Epson's 4K Display Technology Rated Brightness 4000 Warranty 2 Weight 27.6 Learn More Epson Lifestudio Grand Plus Review -
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![Hisense L9Q]()
Best Premium Ultra Short Throw ProjectorHisense L9Q
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Hisense L9Q is expensive, at $5,997.97 list, and well worth it. Rated at 5,000 ANSI lumens, it's the brightest ultra short throw (UST) model we've seen, giving it the edge in rooms with windows and lights on. Its lens is also the first we've seen that's rated for up to a 200-inch image size—larger than anyone would need in a home setting—and the throw is even shorter than for most other UST projectors, so you won't have to pull your furniture away from the wall to get a seriously big picture.
Beyond that, L9Q delivers a stunning image, thanks to 4K resolution, a wide color gamut (110% of the standard for UHD TVs and projectors), and excellent support for every current version of HDR. It also offers all the settings you need for a full calibration or simply adjusting its predefined picture modes to taste. It even has an impressive 116-watt onboard audio system, built around 10 speakers, including two subwoofers. Odds are you won't need an external sound system to improve on it.
Who It's For
Home users who want top performance: The L9Q is obviously of most interest to those who want top performance and are willing to pay for it.
People who watch movies in 3D: The L9Q not only offers higher brightness than its closest competition, but it's the only high-brightness UST model at this writing that supports full HD 3D. If you have a library of 3D movies or want the brightest, high-quality picture available in a UST model, the L9Q is almost certainly the projector you want.
Specs & Configurations
Dimensions (HWD) 6.5 by 24.6 by 12.5 inches Engine Type DLP Inputs and Interfaces Ethernet Inputs and Interfaces HDMI (ALLM, eARC) Inputs and Interfaces USB-A Inputs and Interfaces USB-C Inputs and Interfaces Wi-Fi Maximum Resolution 3840 by 2160 @ 60Hz, 1920 by 1080 @ 240Hz, Full HD 3D Native Resolution 3840 by 2160 using 1920 by 1080 DLP chip with XPS fast-switch pixel shifting Rated Brightness 5000 Warranty 2 Weight 28.4 Learn More Hisense L9Q Review -
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Credit: M. David Stone
![LG CineBeam S 4K UHD Smart Triple Laser UST Projector PU615U]()
Best Ultra Short Throw Room-to-Room Portable ProjectorLG CineBeam S 4K UHD Smart Triple Laser UST Projector PU615U
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Most ultra short throw (UST) projectors are poor choices for carrying from room to room, and very few are as small or light as the LG CineBeam S (just 4.2 pounds), or as easy to set up quickly. That's just one of the reasons why it's our first Editors' Choice pick for a mini UST model. As of this writing, it's the only 4K UST projector that you can pick up easily with one hand, as well as the only current mini projector that you can place just inches from a screen and still get a large picture. Its brightness, rated at 500 lumens, is high enough to light up a 90-inch screen in a dark room, according to our tests. The image brightness is a touch lower at that size than we prefer, but is still watchable in a low level of ambient light.
Another big plus is that the CineBeam S's light source is a tricolor laser, which gives it a wider color gamut than the vast majority of mini projectors. LG webOS adds built-in support for the most popular streaming services, including Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and Netflix. And it also helps that the onboard stereo audio system delivers usable sound quality, though you might want to boost it with LG's optional portable Bluetooth speakers. The combination of a UST lens and 4K resolution translates to a fairly hefty price ($1,299.99 list, though available for less on Amazon). However, if you want a 4K UST projector you can carry from room to room, it's not only our top pick at this writing, it's currently the only choice we know of.
Who It's For
People who need an ultra short throw: If the design of the room you want to view in makes it hard to position a typical projector where you won't get shadows on the image when people stand up and move around, a UST projector will solve that problem. And among UST projectors, the CineBeam S stands out for being small enough to carry from room to room—or, alternatively, set up permanently in one room on a table or a media center while taking up very little space.
People who want to avoid running wires to the projector: One of the issues with setting up most projectors is that you have to run wires over or through floors, walls, or ceilings. Even if you're using a wireless connection for streaming, you still need a power cord for any projector that will give you a bright image at a large size. UST projectors, including the CineBeam S, solve that problem. They can sit on a media center or other flat surface next to a wall, in the same spot you would put a TV, so you don't have to run the power cord or any other cable any farther than you would for a TV.
Specs & Configurations
Dimensions (HWD) 6.3 by 4.3 by 6.3 inches Engine Type DLP Inputs and Interfaces Bluetooth Inputs and Interfaces HDMI 2.0b Inputs and Interfaces USB 2.0 Type C Inputs and Interfaces Wi-Fi Maximum Resolution 3840 by 2160 @ 60Hz, HDR Native Resolution 3840 by 2160 using 1920 by 1080 DLP chip with XPR fast-switch pixel shifting Rated Brightness 500 Warranty 1 Weight 4.2 -
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![BenQ X3100i]()
Best Gaming ProjectorBenQ X3100i
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked it
The BenQ X3100i is both our top pick for a gaming projector and the current flagship in BenQ's Immersive Gaming Series. It's also a significant upgrade to the model it replaces in both capacities. Designed to stand up to ambient light, thanks to its 3,300-ANSI-lumen LED light source, it also offers a state-of-the-art short input lag and houses a pair of 5-watt stereo speakers that can fill a large family room with high-quality sound.
Newly introduced features for this generation include support for 1440p (2,560-by-1,440-pixel) resolution at 120Hz (a popular resolution/refresh-rate combination for gaming) and a vertical lens shift to adjust image height without introducing keystone distortion. The count of predefined gaming modes also jumps to four: racing, first-person shooter, role-playing, and sports. Each mode adjusts both the image and audio settings for the type of game it's named for, and all you have to do is pick the right mode.
Who It's For
Serious gamers: The X3100i is designed for serious gamers. You can use it for watching movies and videos, and it comes with an Android TV 11 streaming stick to make that easy. But there's little point in choosing it if that's all you're going to use it for. If the 1440p support, short input lag, and predefined game modes are extras you don't care about, you probably don't need the X3100i. If they sound like things you can't do without, this could be the gaming projector you've been waiting for.
Gamers who switch among different types of games: For SDR input, the X3100i offers six predefined (and customizable) picture modes, plus a user mode. Four of the six modes are geared toward games—role playing game (RPG), first-person shooter (FPS), sports player game (SPG), and racing game (RCG)—and are each designed to enhance the most important visual and audio aspects of the game genre they're named for.
Specs & Configurations
Dimensions (HWD) 8.4 by 10.7 by 10.2 inches Engine Type DLP Inputs and Interfaces Bluetooth Inputs and Interfaces HDMI 2.0b Inputs and Interfaces USB 2.0 Inputs and Interfaces Wi-Fi Inputs and Interfaces Wi-Fi Direct Maximum Resolution 3840 by 2160 HDR; Full HD 3D Native Resolution 3840 by 2160 using 1920 by 1080 DLP chip with XPR fast-switch pixel shifting Rated Brightness 3300 Warranty 3 Weight 15 Learn More BenQ X3100i Review -
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Credit: M. David Stone
![Hisense C2 Ultra]()
Best 4K Room-to-Room Home ProjectorHisense C2 Ultra
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Hisense C2 Ultra is a bit heavy for a 4K room-to-room portable, but the same three features that contribute to its weight of 13.9 pounds also make it worth lugging around. The first two—a gimbal mount and the zoom lens—allow you to set it up quickly after moving, without compromising either brightness or image quality by using a digital zoom. The third is an audio system that's built around two 10-watt speakers and a 20-watt subwoofer, a combination designed to blast out both high enough volume and high enough audio quality that you probably won't need an external sound system for it.
Once you get past the weight, the C2 Ultra offers almost nothing but strong points. It's rated at 3,000 ANSI lumens for top-tier brightness for the category, and it offers a rated 110% of BT.2020 (aka Rec.2020), the color gamut spec for 4K UHD projectors and TVs. It also offers a slew of leading-edge features, including Dolby Vision and every other current variation of HDR support, as well as Filmmaker and IMAX Enhanced modes. We also prefer its Vidaa OS, which it uses for streaming, over the more common Google TV, and gamers will appreciate the short lag times and other gaming features that earn it a "Designed for Xbox" certification.
Who It's For
People who plan to permanently or semi-permanently install their projectors: The C2 Ultra's weight is best suited for applications that don't require moving it far. It's an excellent choice for semi-permanent installation in a family room, with occasional trips to another room or the backyard for a movie night.
People who prioritize image quality over portability: Quite simply, if you refuse to sacrifice image quality for the sake of easy portability, it may well be the most portable choice available.
Gamers: The designed for Xbox certification translates to having the features that gamers want, even if you use something other than an Xbox.
Specs & Configurations
Dimensions (HWD) 11.3 by 9.7 by 9.7 inches Engine Type DLP Inputs and Interfaces Bluetooth Inputs and Interfaces Ethernet Inputs and Interfaces HDMI (eARC) Inputs and Interfaces HDMI 2.1 Inputs and Interfaces USB 3.0 Inputs and Interfaces Wi-Fi Maximum Resolution 3840 by 2160 @ 60Hz, HDR; Full HD 3D Native Resolution 3840 by 2160 using 1920 by 1080 DLP chip with XPR fast-switch pixel shifting Rated Brightness 3000 Warranty 1 Weight 13.9 Learn More Hisense C2 Ultra Review -
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Credit: M. David Stone
![BenQ GV50]()
Best 1080p Room-to-Room Home ProjectorBenQ GV50
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The BenQ GV50 is compact, lightweight, and has a built-in battery—a combination that makes it a great choice if you want a projector you can easily move from one spot to another. Roughly the shape of a 7.5-inch wheel of cheese, it sits on a magnetic stand. A finger loop on the side makes it particularly easy to carry—as long as your finger is comfortable holding the 4.5-pound weight. The magnets in the stand are strong enough for the base to stay attached when you lift the projector.
Once you get where you're going, setup is easy. Adjust image size by moving it closer to or farther from whatever you're using for a screen, and rotate it on the stand to adjust image height to project anywhere from floor to ceiling. The firmware includes a full set of auto-setup features, with automatic keystone correction and autofocus on by default. The basic specs include a 1,920-by-1,080-pixel native resolution, a laser-phosphor light source rated at 500 lumens, plus fully integrated Google TV for streaming, so you can mirror your Android or iOS mobile device or use it for viewing from wherever you can connect to the internet via Wi-Fi.
Who It's For
People who want a projector they can move easily and set up quickly: When you need to take the GV50 from one spot to another, it's easy to move and set up quickly, so you can get down to the business at hand, from casual gaming to watching a movie.
People who want maximum portability: You can lug just about any projector from room to room or to the backyard for a movie night if you have a big enough wheeled cart, but the GV50's light weight makes it easier than many to move, its built-in battery means you can do without an AC power outlet if you have to, and its onboard 18-watt audio system means you can usually avoid having to carry an external sound system with you also.
Specs & Configurations
Dimensions (HWD) 8.3 by 5.1 by 7.5 inches Engine Type DLP Inputs and Interfaces Bluetooth Inputs and Interfaces HDMI 2.0b Inputs and Interfaces USB-A Inputs and Interfaces Wi-Fi Maximum Resolution 3840 by 2160 @ 60Hz, HDR Native Resolution 1920 by 1080 Rated Brightness 500 Warranty 3 Weight 4.5 Learn More BenQ GV50 Review -
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![Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus]()
Best Budget 4K-Class Home Entertainment ProjectorEpson Lifestudio Flex Plus
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Strictly speaking, the Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus is a room-to-room projector rather than a traditional home entertainment projector, but it can serve nicely for home entertainment, while offering the perk of letting you easily move it to another spot if you want to. It's also technically 4K-class rather than 4K, meaning it puts only half as many pixels on screen as a full 3,840-by-2,160-pixel matrix. However, at normal viewing distances, that's enough to make it virtually impossible to see any lack of resolution compared with images from DLP 4K competitors that have twice as many pixels. So what you get from the Flex Plus is best understood as 4K-equivalent resolution.
You also get integrated Google TV for streaming, plus image quality that's great for casual viewing. It's good enough for SDR material and even better for HDR, thanks in large part to its solid support for HDR10 and HLG. Its lag time is also short enough for casual gaming. Factor in the $999.99 list price, and there's more than enough value here to make the Flex Plus the obvious pick for a budget 4K home entertainment projector, even without it technically being one.
Who It's For
People who mostly watch movies in the dark: The Flex Plus' rating of 1,000 ISO lumens is best suited to use mostly at night or in rooms that get little light through the windows. With the settings we used for best quality, the image was bright enough to fill a 90-inch diagonal screen in a dark room, or in a family room at night with lights on. For daytime viewing on a cloudy day, we dropped the image size to roughly 55 inches.
Casual gamers: All but the most serious gamers will be happy with the input lag. We measured it at just 20.9 milliseconds for both 4K and 1080p input at 60Hz, just a few milliseconds longer than most gaming projectors at those resolutions and refresh rates.
People who are bothered by rainbow artifacts: The three-LCD chip design ensures that it can't show rainbow artifacts. If you are sensitive to these red/green/blue flashes, that alone is a strong argument for putting the Flex Plus at the top of your shortlist.
Specs & Configurations
Dimensions (HWD) 9.7 by 7.5 by 7.5 inches Engine Type LCD Inputs and Interfaces Bluetooth Inputs and Interfaces HDMI (ALLM, eARC) Inputs and Interfaces USB-A Inputs and Interfaces USB-C (power only) Inputs and Interfaces Wi-Fi Maximum Resolution 3840 by 2160 @ 60Hz, HDR Native Resolution Equivalent to 3840 by 2160 using Epson's 4K PRO-UHD technology Rated Brightness 1000 Warranty 2 Weight 8.8 Learn More Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus Review -
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Credit: M. David Stone
![Xgody Gimbal N6 Pro]()
Best Bargain-Basement Portable ProjectorXgody Gimbal N6 Pro
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Xgody Gimbal N6 Pro delivers a lot more capability than you would expect for the price ($159.99 list, and widely available for less). The brightness level of almost all its closest 1080p (1,920-by-1,080-pixel) competitors is only about 200 lumens according to our tests, even for models with higher ratings. The spec for the N6 Pro is 700 ANSI lumens. And although it wasn't that bright in our tests after we adjusted the settings for best image quality, it is still impressively bright.
In a dark room, it delivers a highly watchable 90-inch image for both SDR and HDR input (did we mention it offers HDR support in software?), and in a family room with lights on at night, it offers a quite-watchable 85-inch picture. The high brightness, backed by built-in streaming, reasonably good image quality (after some tweaking), and a gimbal mount for easy setup, make it our top bargain-basement-priced pick.
Who It's For
Budget-strapped shoppers who don't mind adjusting settings: The N6 Pro's out-of-the-box image quality is its one important shortcoming. The image loses so much shadow detail that it's impossible to make out what's happening in dark scenes, and even dark areas of brighter scenes are obviously darker than they should be. However, if you don't mind digging into the settings, the N6 Pro, at any given light level, can deliver a highly watchable image at a larger size than its closest competitors can.
Anyone looking for a light, bright, and inexpensive projector for ad hoc setup: If you want a projector that's both bright enough to give you a reasonably large picture and light enough to move around for quick setup—whether to another room, or to the backyard for a movie night—the N6 Pro is a solid choice. (Note: You'll still need to be in reach of a power outlet.) Even if you already have a more expensive model, you might want to get the N6 Pro specifically to tote around. Plus, the low price means fewer worries when carrying it further afield.
Specs & Configurations
Dimensions (HWD) 7 by 8.2 by 5.7 inches Engine Type LCD Inputs and Interfaces Bluetooth Inputs and Interfaces HDMI 1.4 Inputs and Interfaces USB 2.0 Inputs and Interfaces Wi-Fi Maximum Resolution 1920 by 1080 @ 60Hz Native Resolution 1920 by 1200 Rated Brightness 700 Warranty 2 Weight 3 Learn More Xgody Gimbal N6 Pro Review -
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Rating |
5.0 Exemplary |
5.0 Exemplary |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.5 Outstanding |
3.5 Good |
4.0 Excellent |
5.0 Exemplary |
5.0 Exemplary |
4.0 Excellent |
Best For | Best Ultra-Premium Home Theater Projector | Best Premium Home Theater Projector | Best Mainstream Home Theater and Home Entertainment Projector | Best Ultra Short Throw TV-Replacement Projector | Best Premium Ultra Short Throw Projector | Best Ultra Short Throw Room-to-Room Portable Projector | Best Gaming Projector | Best 4K Room-to-Room Home Projector | Best 1080p Room-to-Room Home Projector | Best Budget 4K-Class Home Entertainment Projector | Best Ultra-Premium Home Theater Projector | Best Premium Home Theater Projector | Best Mainstream Home Theater and Home Entertainment Projector |
Engine Type | LCD | DLP | DLP | LCD | DLP | DLP | DLP | DLP | DLP | LCD | LCD | DLP | DLP |
Rated Brightness | 2700 | 2500 | 2500 | 4000 | 5000 | 500 | 3300 | 3000 | 500 | 1000 | 2700 | 2500 | 2500 |
Native Resolution | 3840 by 2160 using Epson's 4K Pro-UHD technology | 3840 by 2160 using 1920 by 1080 DLP chip with XPR fast-switch pixel shifting | 3840 by 2160 using 1920 by 1080 DLP chip with XPR fast-switch pixel shifting | 3,840 by 2,160 via pixel shifting, using Epson's 4K Display Technology | 3840 by 2160 using 1920 by 1080 DLP chip with XPS fast-switch pixel shifting | 3840 by 2160 using 1920 by 1080 DLP chip with XPR fast-switch pixel shifting | 3840 by 2160 using 1920 by 1080 DLP chip with XPR fast-switch pixel shifting | 3840 by 2160 using 1920 by 1080 DLP chip with XPR fast-switch pixel shifting | 1920 by 1080 | Equivalent to 3840 by 2160 using Epson's 4K PRO-UHD technology | 3840 by 2160 using Epson's 4K Pro-UHD technology | 3840 by 2160 using 1920 by 1080 DLP chip with XPR fast-switch pixel shifting | 3840 by 2160 using 1920 by 1080 DLP chip with XPR fast-switch pixel shifting |
Maximum Resolution | 4096 by 2160 @ 120Hz | 3840 by 2160 @ 120Hz, 1920 by 1080 @ 240Hz; HDR; Full HD 3D | 3840 by 2160 @ 60Hz, HDR, Full HD 3D; 3840 by 2160 @ 120Hz downscaled to 1920 by 1080 @ 120Hz; 1920 by 1080 @ 240Hz | 3840 by 2160 @ 120Hz | 3840 by 2160 @ 60Hz, 1920 by 1080 @ 240Hz, Full HD 3D | 3840 by 2160 @ 60Hz, HDR | 3840 by 2160 HDR; Full HD 3D | 3840 by 2160 @ 60Hz, HDR; Full HD 3D | 3840 by 2160 @ 60Hz, HDR | 3840 by 2160 @ 60Hz, HDR | 4096 by 2160 @ 120Hz | 3840 by 2160 @ 120Hz, 1920 by 1080 @ 240Hz; HDR; Full HD 3D | 3840 by 2160 @ 60Hz, HDR, Full HD 3D; 3840 by 2160 @ 120Hz downscaled to 1920 by 1080 @ 120Hz; 1920 by 1080 @ 240Hz |
Inputs and Interfaces | HDMI 2.1 (HDCP 2.3), HDMI (eARC) | HDMI 2.1, HDMI 2.0b, eARC, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | HDMI, eARC, USB-A, Wi-Fi | HDMI (ALLM), USB 2.0, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI (ARC and eARC) | USB-A, USB-C, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, HDMI (ALLM, eARC) | HDMI 2.0b, USB 2.0 Type C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | HDMI 2.0b, USB 2.0, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct | HDMI 2.1, USB 3.0, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI (eARC) | HDMI 2.0b, USB-A, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB-A, USB-C (power only), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI (ALLM, eARC) | HDMI 2.1 (HDCP 2.3), HDMI (eARC) | HDMI 2.1, HDMI 2.0b, eARC, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | HDMI, eARC, USB-A, Wi-Fi |
Dimensions (HWD) | 7.6 by 20.5 by 17.6 inches | 7.3 by 10.2 by 9.2 inches | 5.6 by 16.5 by 12 inches | 6.2 by 27.4 by 13.4 inches | 6.5 by 24.6 by 12.5 inches | 6.3 by 4.3 by 6.3 inches | 8.4 by 10.7 by 10.2 inches | 11.3 by 9.7 by 9.7 inches | 8.3 by 5.1 by 7.5 inches | 9.7 by 7.5 by 7.5 inches | 7.6 by 20.5 by 17.6 inches | 7.3 by 10.2 by 9.2 inches | 5.6 by 16.5 by 12 inches |
Weight | 28 | 17.6 | 14.1 | 27.6 | 28.4 | 4.2 | 15 | 13.9 | 4.5 | 8.8 | 28 | 17.6 | 14.1 |
Warranty | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
Buying Guide: The Best Home Projectors for 2026
What Are the Different Categories of Projectors, and What Do They Mean?
Most projector manufacturers divide their projector lines into categories, but the borders between different kinds of projectors are anything but sharp. Common names for models meant for home use include home cinema, home theater, pro cinema, home entertainment, gaming, streaming, and smart (which is usually just another name for streaming).
For business use, the common (and mostly interchangeable) names are business, education, and data projectors, which I'll refer to collectively as business projectors. There's also a growing category of golf simulator projectors for home installations, indoor golf centers, or both. However, projectors suitable for use with a golf simulator also fall into at least one of the other categories, so the same projector is often labeled as both a golf simulator model and a home cinema or business model.
You should take all of these divisions with a grain of salt. Home projectors and business models can overlap more than you might expect. For portable models and some entry-level projectors, you'll often see little or no difference between them in how well they handle film and video. Some manufacturers even include certain models on lists for both categories.
(Credit: M. David Stone)Beyond that, any home projector that can handle film and video well can also handle text and presentations for business use. And because film and video are often needed in business presentations and classrooms, a business projector might handle them just as well as a so-called home entertainment projector. That's why we discuss performance with film and video in all of our projector reviews.
That said, as a general rule, business projectors priced much above entry-level for their resolution and brightness can't compete with similarly priced home theater or home entertainment models on film and video image quality. The smart move is not to make assumptions based on the projector category and to check out the individual projector's features and comments in reviews instead.
Home Projectors: Which Categories Matter?
Although projector categories change from one manufacturer to another and evolve over time, their applications are consistent, if somewhat overlapping. Here's a brief look at the most common application categories and subcategories, and which features are most important for each.
The term "home theater" is often used loosely to include home entertainment. It's more accurate, however, to reserve it for projector use in a room with completely controlled lighting. That could be a dedicated home theater or a family room equipped with shutters or curtains that can block all window light when needed.
Projectors for home theater don't need particularly high brightness. (More about brightness later.) The most important features to look for in specs and reviews include high contrast, good color accuracy, dark black levels, and good shadow detail. The best home theater projectors today offer 4K (3,840-by-2,160-pixel) resolution and support for HDR (more on HDR later, too), but for those on a budget, lots of 1080p projectors can still serve nicely. Resolutions lower than 1080p are best reserved for other applications.
"Home entertainment" in the projector world covers most home use that isn't home theater, including TV-replacement models, gaming projectors, room-to-room portables, and projectors used for backyard movies.
In all of these situations, you will usually be viewing in rooms (or backyards) where ambient light is a factor. That means you need a brighter image, and therefore a brighter projector than you'd need in a home theater for the picture to stand up to the room light at any given image size. On the other hand, contrast is less important. Ambient light tends to wash out black levels, lowering contrast and hiding differences between projectors that would be obvious in a dark room.
(Credit: M. David Stone)Note also that many projectors designed for home entertainment boost brightness at the expense of color accuracy. You'll still want to check to make sure color isn't obviously off, or at least not annoyingly off, but spot-on color accuracy isn't as critical for home entertainment use as it is in a home theater space with controlled lighting.
If your home theater is simply your family room with blackout curtains drawn, you'll be using the same projector for both applications, so the ideal model will have good color accuracy, high contrast, and other features you need for top image quality in a dark room. But it should also offer sufficient brightness to give you a watchable image during the day or with lights on at night.
Golf simulator projectors can be either business or home projectors, as mentioned above. Features like high resolution (up to 4K) and HDR support are nice to have for increased realism in the projected picture, but not essential. A 720p (1,280-by-720-pixel) home projector or a WXGA (1,280-by-800-pixel) business model can serve nicely. The key requirements are high enough brightness to stand up to ambient light, and reasonable color accuracy for green grass and blue sky. Most suitable models also offer a short throw, which delivers a big image from a short distance. A short input lag—the time the projector takes between receiving each frame and projecting it—isn't as critical as it is for, say, first-person-shooter games—but short lag, which translates to fast response time, will add more of a sense of realism to the simulation.
How to Watch TV on Your Projector
The increasingly common "flat-screen TV replacement" projector, typically equipped with smart TV features such as streaming, is a key subcategory of home entertainment projectors. Beyond that, any projector with an HDMI port, which includes virtually all current models, can connect to a set-top box to give you a much larger display for your cable TV or other HDMI TV source. And any of these can be turned into a smart TV by plugging in an HDMI streaming stick.
Beyond that, some manufacturers sell projectors specifically marketed as TVs or smart TVs, and some models take the extra step of including a TV tuner, so you can even watch broadcast TV directly. Among these smart TVs, some simply include a bundled streaming stick you plug into an HDMI port. (The streaming stick may or may not require a separate remote.) Others include fully integrated streaming, most often powered by Android TV or the newer Google TV. Be sure, before buying, that the projector can connect to the internet via your network using the connection you prefer, whether Ethernet or Wi-Fi. For maximum convenience, you'll want the projector and streaming features both controlled by the same remote.
(Credit: Xgimi)The biggest impediment to setting up a projector as a TV has always been the need to mount the projector, most often on a ceiling or on a shelf in the back of the room, and then string wires through walls and ceilings to connect to video sources in the front of the room. Ultra short throw (UST) projectors, which have recently bloomed as a category, solve that problem. Almost all can give you a 100-to-120-inch image with the projector sitting only inches from the screen, in much the same position where you might otherwise place a flat-screen TV. They're also a lot cheaper than 120-inch flat-screen TVs, even after adding in the cost of the screen, and a lot easier to move into place. If you want to go even bigger, the lens systems in many recent models are designed to show images up to 150 inches, and even larger in some cases.
How to Buy a Good Projector for Gaming
Gaming is obviously a form of home entertainment, but not all home entertainment projectors are good choices for gaming—and you shouldn't assume one is just because it includes a Game mode in its menu (an option that even many business projectors offer). On the other hand, some are perfectly good choices for gaming. And some models labeled as gaming projectors, most notably from BenQ and Optoma, are just as useful for other home entertainment applications.
The biggest issue for gaming on a projector is input lag, which is the time in milliseconds (ms) that a display adds between receiving a video frame and putting it on the screen. Input lag can be critical in first-person-shooter games, where a short lag will help you survive to the next frame, and a long lag is equivalent to having pathetically slow reflexes. Many projectors have unacceptably high lag for gaming. Others are fully competitive with the lag that gamers are used to seeing in gaming monitors and flat-screen TVs.
As a rule of thumb, casual gamers will usually be comfortable with lag readings up to about 50ms (or a little higher), while serious gamers should look for lag measured at no longer than 16.7ms for 4K/60Hz input, which is the shortest we've seen from a gaming projector at 4K as of this writing. At 1080p, a few current models offer lag times as short as 4.16ms at 240Hz, with more lag at higher refresh rates.
(Credit: M. David Stone)Note that for any given projector, input lag can vary with resolution, refresh rate, or both. The only lag relevant to your purposes is for the resolution and refresh rate you plan to use.
Another key feature for gaming is how well the projector reveals shadow detail. The quicker you can spot what's going on in dark areas, the quicker you'll see an opponent sneaking up on you or spot objects of interest.
At a minimum, the Game mode on a projector will usually disable video-processing features that lengthen input lag. In many cases, that mode will also brighten up darker areas. Some of BenQ's gaming models effectively redefine what a gaming projector is by adding separate modes for first-person-shooter, role-playing, sports, and racing games, auto-adjusting settings for video and audio differently for each mode to match the specific needs of each game type.
What About Room-to-Room Portability and Backyard Movies?
Room-to-room portability and backyard movies are two essentially identical applications for a projector, the only difference being whether you're using the projector inside or outside. Both involve moving the projector as needed and setting it up for temporary use only. Any projector that's light enough to move easily can serve in either role, which means you can use the same projector for, say, a TV replacement in your family room most of the time, take it to the basement for gaming sessions, and maybe even tote it to the backyard for a movie night.
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Most projectors suitable for this role weigh between 4 and 10 pounds, although a 10-pound projector is better described as "luggable" rather than "portable." Some include handles to make them easier to carry. Of particular interest are models with a nearly cubical shape, which gives them both a compact form factor and room for much better onboard sound systems than you'll usually find in models using the more common, flatter overall shape. The higher-volume, higher-quality audio means less need to lug an external sound system with you. Most of these projectors lack batteries, so you'll need an AC power source nearby for outdoor use.
So, What Does 'Fully Portable' Mean in a Projector?
Fully portable applications require a projector that weighs less than 4 pounds—usually a lot less—and can work without AC power, which almost always means having a built-in rechargeable battery. You can use these projectors as room-to-room portables or for backyard movies. But as a general rule, they won't give you as bright an image as projectors in the 4-to-10-pound range at any given image size, even at full power when plugged into an AC power outlet. And when using batteries, the brightness for most portables drops significantly.
(Credit: M. David Stone)Fully portable projectors fall into two broad categories. The larger, brighter models in the group weigh between roughly 2 and 4 pounds, making them small enough to carry easily, but big enough that you won't always want to. The smaller models, known as "pocket" or "pico" projectors, weigh as little as a few ounces and are as easy to carry with you as a smartphone. They even make excellent phone accessories, letting you show photos or watch movies from your phone at a much larger image size. None of these portable models is included here, but you can find them in our roundup of best portable projectors.
Projector Shopping: Key Specs to Consider
Cutting across all the different applications are a handful of specs and features you need to keep in mind: the projector's resolution, support for standard versus high dynamic range (SDR versus HDR) input, the light source, the imaging technology, and the brightness level. Here's a quick overview of the questions to ask about each.
What Resolution Do I Need in a Home Projector?
Before 4K resolution reached the projector world (4K resolution includes both 4,096 by 2,160 pixels and the more common 3,840 by 2,160 pixels), the resolution spec that mattered most was the native resolution of the imaging chips, meaning the actual number of pixels on the chips themselves. The issue was that although lower-resolution chips can show higher-resolution material, down-converting the image will give it a soft-focus look and can introduce artifacts.
Today's most expensive 4K projectors use native 4K chips. But the more affordable models you're more likely interested in combine 1,920-by-1,080-pixel chips with pixel shifting. They work by breaking 4K images into multiple sets of 1,920 by 1,080 pixels, and then shifting the pixel position slightly for each set to put more pixels on screen for each frame than are in the chips themselves.
(Credit: M. David Stone)Most such models use four sets of 1,920 by 1,080 to put a full 3,840 by 2,160 matrix on screen. The majority of Epson's pixel-shifting models use two sets, which puts only half as many pixels on screen. But largely thanks to the limits of human visual acuity, the image using Epson's approach is impossible to distinguish from a full 3,840-by-2,160-pixel image, unless you're far closer to the screen than normal seating distances.
Some people argue that no pixel-shifting scheme qualifies as "real" 4K. However, most will tell you that they can't see any difference between images produced by projectors with native 4K chips and the best pixel-shifting models, including Epson's models that put lower resolution on the screen.
Thanks largely to pixel shifting, 4K resolution is affordable enough today to be the preferred choice for home theater, TV replacements, and gaming, while 1080p is the budget choice. Lower resolution costs still less, but even a 720p image will be noticeably soft-focus compared with 1080p at the image sizes you'll likely be using for these applications.
For room-to-room portability and backyard movies, consider first whether you'll be using a large enough image to see any difference between 1080p and 4K or even between 720p and 1080p. Depending on image size, any of these resolutions can be a good choice for these applications.
For fully portable projectors, 4K isn't an option at this writing. But even when it becomes one, it's unlikely that the projectors will be bright enough to give you a big enough image in most lighting conditions to see a difference between 1080p and 4K, or possibly even between 1080p and 720p, which remains a good choice for the 2-to-4-pound models. For pocket projectors, brightness is even lower, as are the resolutions, making even 640-by-360-pixel resolution worth considering.
Do I Need High Dynamic Range (HDR) Support in a Home Projector?
For projectors that handle HDR well, HDR support has a greater impact on perceived image quality than stepping up from 1080p to 4K. (Note that both 1080p and 4K models can offer HDR support or not.) In principle, projectors with HDR are better choices than equivalent models without it, but be sure to check how well the feature works. Our reviews always discuss image quality for both SDR and HDR.
Also, check which HDR formats are supported. HDR10 is the most common for projectors. Other possibilities are HDR10+, which builds on HDR10 and is becoming more widespread; HLG, which is almost as common in projectors as HDR10 and is supported by a growing number of video sources; and Dolby Vision, which is gradually becoming more common in new models.
What Kind of Light Source Do I Want in a Home Projector?
Projectors can use traditional lamps, LEDs, or lasers, though the two solid-state choices seem bound to eventually replace lamps entirely. For the moment, those that use lamps are still generally cheaper to buy than essentially identical models that use either of the solid-state options, but LEDs and lasers last for the life of the projector, while you'll likely have to replace a lamp at least once. So when comparing prices, be sure to add in the cost of replacements.
(Credit: M. David Stone)In addition to their longer life compared with lamps, solid-state sources maintain a higher percentage of their initial brightness for a longer period. That means it will take far longer before you notice any loss of brightness. On the other hand, lamp-based projectors are more likely to deliver the dark blacks and top-tier contrast that matter for home theater, at least when compared with older solid-state models. More recent laser projectors have caught up on that score, so don't just assume a lamp will be better. Check out comments in reviews for any projector you're considering.
What Imaging Technology Do I Want in a Home Projector?
Projectors can use one of three types of imaging chips: LCD, DLP, or LCoS. The key issue in choosing one over the other is less about the chip technology than whether the design projects all the projector's primary colors at once or rotates through them in sequence.
Most single-chip projectors, including all affordable DLP models, rotate through the primaries, which can create rainbow artifacts in the form of red/green/blue flashes. Projectors that use three chips, which include almost all LCD and LCoS models, display all three colors simultaneously, ensuring an image free of rainbow artifacts. Some inexpensive models use a single LCD, but still show all three colors at once. These models use LCDs with three times as many cells as needed for the resolution; they cover each individual cell with a red, green, or blue filter and combine each red/green/blue triad into a single pixel on screen.
Some single-chip projectors that use sequential color are more prone to producing these artifacts than others, so even if you see rainbow artifacts easily, you won't necessarily see them with every single-chip projector. And some people who see them don't find them distracting. If they're an issue for you, note that projector maker Valerion has introduced an anti-rainbow-effect feature in its models that virtually eliminates the rainbows even for those sensitive to them. Our reviews indicate how often we saw rainbows in our testing, but our standard advice is to buy single-chip projectors from a dealer that allows easy returns without a restocking fee, so you can judge for yourself.
Also note that almost all fully portable projectors are built around a single chip regardless of the imaging technology, so if you need full portability and you see these artifacts easily, you may have to resign yourself to seeing an occasional three-color flash.
What Brightness Level Should I Look for in a Home Projector?
Specs are largely useless for deciding if a projector is bright enough. Even when accurate, they rarely tell you the brightness for the mode and settings that you'll want to use.
As a practical matter, unless you can test a projector yourself, the easiest way to know whether it will be bright enough for your needs is by reading reviews. Ours discuss the usable image sizes we found in different lighting conditions when using the settings we chose for best image quality. Pay particular attention to descriptions of HDR brightness as distinct from SDR brightness, and whether the two are both acceptably bright at the same image size.
Also note that your screen can affect image brightness, either increasing it (by reflecting more light toward the center area than to the sides) or lowering it (typically by using a gray screen color that also increases effective contrast). In short, when evaluating brightness, treat your screen and projector as a single unit, even if you buy them separately.
Ready to Buy the Right Home Projector for You?
Our current top picks in home projectors vary widely in particulars and are aimed at different home applications, but they have one thing in common: high marks in our reviews. For more options, check out our favorite outdoor projectors, our roundup of portable projectors, and our top choices for 4K models. Be sure to check out our tips on choosing the right projector screen, as well.