There’s something utterly enchanting about watching your favorite movies, TV shows, or even playing video games on a big, glorious screen that a regular TV simply can’t match. Owning one of the best projectors delivers a whole new dimension of entertainment. It is a front-row seat to a larger-than-life experience right in the comfort of your own home.
Imagine turning your living room into your very own movie theatre, with friends and family gathered around, popcorn in hand, ready to be entertained. Movie nights become an unforgettable experience, and hosting parties turns your movie room into the star of the show. Whether it’s a sporting event, a gaming night with pals, or binge-watching your favorite series, a projector takes the entire experience up a notch.
In a world where streaming services are thriving, a projector allows you to indulge in your favorite content on the big screen, without the need to leave home and deal with a crowded theater. The freedom to set up your personal movie haven wherever you please is a game-changer that you will love. This is why StudyFinds has created a handy list of the best projectors, according to the consensus among 10 tech experts. Peruse our list, choose your favorite, and let the good times roll! What is the first movie that you plan to watch on your new big screen? Leave a comment to let us know!
➡️ How Our “Best Of The Best” Lists Are Created
StudyFinds’ “Best of the Best” articles are put together with the idea of taking the work out of common consumer research. Ever find yourself searching for a product or service on Google and reading multiple reviews to find items listed across many of them? Our Best of the Best lists are created with that process in mind, with each item ranked by how frequently it appears on expert reviews or lists. With Best of the Best, you are getting consensus picks — making them truly the best of the best!
The List: The Best Projectors For Elevated Home Movie Nights
1. Epson Pro Cinema LS12000
While the Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 carries a hefty price tag, reviewers agree it delivers image quality that almost justifies the cost. PC Mag highlights its “near-bargain” status, considering the exceptional picture it produces. Their secret? Epson’s pixel-shifting technology, which uses clever lens work and video processing to create a virtually indistinguishable 4K image with half the pixels.
The Epson may be the secret sauce to upgrading your home entertainment. Tech Radar praises its laser light engine for generating a “nearly unbeatable image,” making it perfect for movie nights on a dedicated projection screen.
Wired focuses on the technical aspects, impressed by the projector’s 2,700 lumens for bright viewing even in moderately lit rooms. They also commend its color accuracy and 10-bit HDR capabilities, making it suitable for more than just movies. The 120Hz refresh rate adds another layer of appeal for gamers and sports fans.
2. LG CineBeam Projector
Move over, bulky projectors! LG’s HU715Q reigns supreme in the ultra-short-throw (UST) category, impressing with both picture quality and features at a reasonable price tag. Engadget praises its laser light source, vibrant colors, and HDR support, making it a compelling choice for movie enthusiasts.
Wired goes beyond the specs, highlighting the projector’s sleek design and user-friendly interface. With built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and LG’s intuitive TV operating system, you can seamlessly access streaming services and cast content from your devices. The included Wiimote-like remote adds another layer of convenience.
But the HU715Q isn’t just for movie nights indoors. Esquire commends its versatility for both indoor and outdoor use at a budget-friendly price. While its lumen count might limit use in bright environments, it delivers a good-looking image and ample connectivity options, including built-in Netflix and YouTube apps.
3. BENQ TK850
Craving a cinematic sports experience without dimming the lights? The BenQ TK850 might be your answer. T3 lauds its affordability and exceptional motion smoothing, ensuring natural-looking action even during fast-paced games. Their MEMC technology keeps details sharp, so you won’t miss a single play.
Tech Radar highlights the projector’s focus on convenience. The TK850 boasts 3,000 lumens of brightness, letting you enjoy sports without needing blackout curtains. While it skimps on some smart features, its core functionality shines.
According to Esquire, the TK850 is the top pick for fast-paced action thanks to its dedicated sports mode. This mode enhances skin tones and amplifies greenery, creating a realistic stadium experience in your living room. Whether you’re cheering on your favorite football team or glued to the Grand Prix, the TK850 delivers without breaking the bank.
4. XGIMI Horizon Ultra
Forget what you know about budget projectors, because the XGIMI Horizon Ultra shatters expectations. Expert Reviews is particularly impressed, praising its picture quality as “spectacularly crisp and detailed, revealing textures and nuances that other projectors miss.” Rich, natural-looking colors and stunning Dolby Vision HDR support put this projector in a league of its own.
But the Horizon Ultra isn’t just about image quality. Projector Reviews highlights its focus on user-friendliness, making it perfect for those new to the projector world. Its Android TV integration and built-in sound system offer a familiar TV-like experience, while its compact size ensures easy setup in any room.
If you’re looking for an immersive entertainment experience, Esquire shares their movie marathon experience: “blown away by the colour reproduction and quality… the projector seems to squeeze the contrast out and enhance the image just that extra bit more.” The powerful speakers with deep bass add another layer of immersion, and connectivity options let you expand the sound further.
5. Epson EpiqVision Ultra
The world of ultra-short-throw (UST) projectors is booming, and Epson is making a strong case for its LS800 model. Tech Radar highlights its powerful laser-lit 3LCD technology, capable of delivering impressive visuals in a compact package. They even commend the built-in Yamaha-designed speaker system, powerful enough for mid-sized rooms and offering a surprisingly immersive virtual surround sound experience.
Projector Central takes it a step further, emphasizing the LS800’s ability to create an “epic big screen experience” with its innovative ultra short throw lens. This allows the projector to be placed close to the wall while still producing a sharp picture up to 120 inches, making it ideal for various entertainment setups.
If you crave the absolute brightest image, Engadget points you towards the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS500. This projector boasts a whopping 4,000 lumens, making it one of the brightest UST options available. It also supports HDR and comes with optional large screens, effectively lowering the price point. However, keep in mind that it uses pixel-shifting technology to achieve a 4K-like image, and its built-in speaker system is less powerful.
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Sources:
- T3
- PC Mag
- Tech Radar
- Projector Central
- NY Times
- Wired
- Esquire
- Engadget
- Expert Reviews
- Projector Reviews
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.