The 10 Best Consumer Projector, Tested And Researched

William Shatner By, William Shatner
Updated
AuKing Mini Projector 2022 Upgraded Portable Video-Projector,55000 Hours Multimedia Home Theater Movie Projector,Compatible with Full HD 1080P HDMI,VGA,USB,AV,Laptop,Smartphone
Image credit: Amazon.com

A projector is an essential tool for any home if you want to watch movies or video games at home. Whether you are looking to show photos from your computer or simply want to view your favorite books, a projector is the best option for doing so. What’s a projector? Well, it’s essentially a machine that projects light onto a surface so that it appears as if the image is coming from outside the space.

It makes it possible for you to see and read what’s being projected on the wall, ceiling, or other flat surfaces without having to get up and walk around in order to see what’s on that wall. A projector can have multiple uses and can be incredibly beneficial in various situations depending on your needs. In this article, we will review the best consumer projectors available today so you can find one that works best for you and your home environment.

We have chosen many of the good items currently available, including AuKing Mini Projector 2022 Upgraded Portable Video-Projector,55000 Hours Multimedia Home Theater Movie Projector,Compatible with Full HD 1080P HDMI,VGA,USB,AV,Laptop,Smartphone - our favorite one. We also provide you with KODAK Luma 350 Portable Smart Projector w/ Luma App | Ultra HD Rechargeable Video Projector w/ Onboard Android 6.0 model that you may consider if the top one is not your choice.

You will be surprised at the information we are about to share below! Let's explore the special features of products from famous brands including Auking, Kodak, Groview, , Nebula, Tmy, Viewsonic, Optoma, Fangor, Projector, Pvo, Cibest right here.

Our Top Picks

  • ★【Low Noise & Long Lamp Life】The projector is lower in noise and more durable than previous models thanks to advanced fan cooling technology. Powerful cooling system cools the heat of lamp efficiently, extending the bulb life to 55,000 hours, which means you can use it more than 15 years.
  • ★【Big Screen & Built-in Speakers】The mini projector has a 32~170 inches projection display size with 1m to 5m projection distance. Built-in speakers offer excellent loud sound quality, you can also connect it to external speakers to meet your higher quality sound needs.
  • ★【2 Year Satisfied Warranty】Our team offers every customer 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you have any problems while using, please feel free to contact us. Please rest assured that we also have 2 year warranty. Not recommended for PPT, or business presentation, it is a home theater projector. You can enjoy the fun at outdoor journey in dark.
  • ★【Multiple Devices Connection & Portable】This portable movie projector is fit for playing videos, TV series, photos sharing, football matches etc. It can be easily connected with laptops, smartphones, tablets, USB drives, X-Box ONE to enjoy big games. ★★★When connect with phone, an extra HDMI adapter is needed. Please kindly note projectors with mirrored are incompatible with Netflix and Hulu due to copyright issues.★★★
  • ★【Superior Home Theater Projector 】2022 Upgraded mini projector equipped with 2000:1 contrast ratio, supported 1080p resolution, brings you a 35% brighter images than similar projectors in market. It provides you with a premium home cinema experience with the bigger screen and clearer image.
  • THE PREMIER CHOICE FOR DLP PROJECTION | Portable Smart Projector Utilizes Breakthrough Digital Light Processing Technology to Render HD Video & Imaging w/ Stunning Color, Clarity &LED-Lumen Brightness | Massive Displays Up to 150” | Use With the iOS Luma 350 App for Intuitive Wireless Access
  • For an enhanced experience, update your projector to the most recent firmware on the Kodak Photo Plus website. Note: Copyrighted content from Hulu, Netflix, and similar services CAN NOT be mirrored or screencast. Download and use the apps directly through Apollo to view copyrighted content from these providers. Chromecast is not supported. Mirroring and screencast can be used to display non-copyrighted content downloaded on an external device.
  • CINEMA-QUALITY VIDEO FOR MOVIE MAGIC | Recreate the Visual Excellence of a Theater | Project in Full Ultra HD Resolution w/ Unbelievable Picture Quality| Built-In Speaker Lets You Enjoy Audio—No External Equipment Needed | Use your phone as a remote to adjust settings, open apps & choose content
  • ADVANCED ANDROID 6.0 & iOS INTERFACE | Download Apps, Browse the Internet & Access Other Exciting Content Directly on the Projector | Device Features Easy-to-Use Light-Up Touch Controls, Manual Focus, Audio Output & Remote Control |Connect your Android or use the iOS Luma App for Even More Options
  • COMPATIBILITY ACROSS ALL SMART DEVICES | Turn Your Phone Into a Remote| Discover the Ultimate All-Inclusive Multimedia Experience w/ Onboard Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Screen Mirroring, HDMI & USB for Phone, Laptop, Tablet, Streaming through downloaded Apps, Blu-Ray, Consoles & More. Note: The remote can only turn off the projector.
  • 【100" PROJECTOR SCREEN INCLUDED】 To meet the customer's outdoor movies needs, a 100" Portable Projector Screen in the package. Our more portable projector for outdoor movies provides a watching size from 72” to 240” with a projection distance between 6.8ft to 22ft. Enjoy the great movies outside with your family in your yard( Recommended to use in the evening).
  • 【DUAL STEREO SPEAKERS & BLUETOOTH 5.0 FUNCTION】This Bluetooth projector has built-in 3W dual stereo speakers with an SRS sound system, which you can get the superior sound experience from this portable mini projector. With Bluetooth 5.0 Function, you can connect your ideal Bluetooth speakers wirelessly at any time.
  • 【MULTIMEDIA PORTABLE MOVIE PROJECTOR】 GROVIEW Mini Video Projector equipped with various ports such as HDMI / VGA / AV / USB / SD / audio outputis, compatible with TV Box, ChromeBook, PCs, Laptops, Tablets, Blue-ray DVD player, USB Flash Drive, SD Card, Video Games, Media players (Video, Photos, TXT), Smartphones ( Wireless HDMI Dongle not included).
  • 【NATIVE 720P FULL HD RESOLUTION】This Video projector has 6000lux. With a native resolution of 1280*720 and a contrast ratio of 6000:1. The movie projector provides sharp and detailed HD images. Combining an innovative high light transmittance glassed lens ensures to bring you a ultimate outdoor home theater movie fun.
  • 【Friendly Noiseless Design & 2 Years Customer Service】This movie projector uses the upgraded noise reduction technology which makes you concentrate on enjoying your movies. We are confident that our docking are manufactured under strict quality standards. If you are not 100% satisfied with this mini projector, please contact us and we will reply you ASAP to solve all of your problem. In addition, ♥♥We offer a FREE REPLACEMENT POLICY & 2 YEAR CUSTOMER SERVICE♥♥, totally no risk for you!
  • Upgraded Viewing Experience: The projector is built by MStar advanced color engine, supports 1080P resolution, and brings a clearer experience to customers. LED lighting provides +60% brightness than ordinary projectors, and has 50,000 hours of LED bulb life, which is very suitable for home entertainment.
  • 100% Satisfied Service: Our team offers every customer 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you have any problems while using, please feel free to contact us. Please rest assured that we also have 2 year warranty. Not recommended for PPT, or business presentation, it is a home theater projector.
  • Multifunctional Projector & Carrying Case: This projector can be used to play videos, TV shows, share photos, and football/basketball games. It is also compatible with your smartphone, PS3, PS4, PS5, X-Box ONE or Wii, and is a great choice for home entertainment. The customized bag is designed to allow you to carry and store easily.
  • Portable Projector Case Included: Compared with other projectors, you are able to set up your own home theater freely and anywhere to watch movies, TV shows and photos, slides and play video games.
  • Stereo Sound & Cooling Fan: The projector comes with Dolby sound effects, allowing you to be more immersed when watching movies. The built-in fan has a heat dissipation function and effectively reduces the noise of the fan.
  • Home Entertainment: Enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows, and more up to 100 inches big anywhere in your home thanks to Capsule’s soda can-sized design.
  • Android 7.1: Run streaming and media apps flawlessly. Seamlessly display content from Netflix, Youtube, and more on your mini projector for endless entertainment.
  • NOTE: Copyrighted content from Hulu, Netflix, and similar services CAN NOT be mirrored or screencast. Download and use the apps directly through Capsule portable projector to view copyrighted content from these providers. Chromecast is not supported. For peak performance, please update to the latest firmware.
  • Remarkable Clarity and Contrast: DLP's advanced IntelliBright algorithms deliver a remarkably bright 100 ANSI-lumen image. (Recommended for use in dimmer environments.)
  • 360° Speaker: Equipped with a powerful omnidirectional speaker, this mini projector pumps out sound all around.
  • ☀ Customized and Quality Projector ☀: This video projector is fitted with a modern design and is a customized and limited edition with exquisite projection screen. The innovative and efficient cooling system empowers a stunning watching and listening experience by decreasing 80% fan noise, a unique dual built-in speakers system, offering excellent loud sound quality without connecting to an external speaker. This is in addition to the easy to adjustable focus and keystone correction function.
  • ☀ Portable Mobile Home Cinema ☀: Now set up a portable cinema at your home to watch movies and TV shows, view photo slides, and play video games. This portable projector offers outstanding product performance and offers you a fantastic and beautiful cinema experience on your 270 inch large screen. The built-in wifi technology enables you to achieve the intelligent devices screen synchronization freely and save the cost to buy additional cables.
  • ☀ Easy Screen Synchronization Via WiFi or USB cable ☀: You need no cables to synchronize or mirror your smart phones & tablets screen any more. We have now simplified the wifi connection steps and equipped this model of V28 Wifi projector with the latest Wifi technology, making it more friendly and stable to user. Additionally, you can also use the original manufacturer USB charging cable to synchronize your Android and iOS intelligent devices directly. No additional cable is needed.
  • ☀ 1080P Full HD High Performance Projector ☀: Featured with 1080P Full HD enhanced technology and 180 ANSI (more than 8000 Lux) LED light source, this wifi projector delivers 3 times clearer image quality than other native 720P projectors. The latest 3LCD color calibrating and adjusting technology works to restore more intricate color details, which presents our customers a real, dynamic and color vibrant projection image quality. This is in addition to the brightness lock feature.
  • ☀ Wide Compatibility and Application ☀: This V28 wireless projector is featured with multiple ports for ease of use, including a HDMI, USB, TF Card, VGA, and AV interface. It's the perfect solution for a wide variety of inputs includes but not limited to TV Stick/Box, Game Console, PCs, Smartphone & Laptops, DVD player, TF card and USB Sticks, External Speaker etc. This home projector with 100 inch screen is easy to use and real value for money.
  • BIG SCREEN PROJECTION: Projects 120 inches from 15-feet 8-inches in 3800 lumens
  • LONG LAMP LIFE: SuperEco mode allows the lamp to shine bright for up to 15,000 hours
  • EASY SETUP: Simple setup and control; just plug & play your presentations, videos, and pictures
  • VERSATILE PROJECTOR: Advanced visual features ideal for use in education and small business environments
  • FLEXIBLE CONNECTIVITY: Supports most media players, PCs, Macs, and mobile devices with input options such as HDMI, VGA, and more
  • INCLUDED IN THE BOX: PA503S SVGA Projector, Power Cable, VGA Cable, and Remote Control
  • 【🔥 2022 Upgraded 7500 Lumen HD Video Projector 🔥】To meet your needs better, we have upgraded this home projector with latest 7500 Lumens led light source and featured with 1080P Full HD supported Resolution (Native 1280 * 720). The newest 3LCD color calibrating and adjusting technology works to restore more intricate color details than other mini projectors, which presents our customers a real, dynamic and color vibrant 1080P HD projection image quality.
  • 【🔥 Portable Projector Screen Included 🔥】This HD Projector with 100 Inch projection screen is tailored to meet our customer's requirements. Compared with other projectors, you are able to set up your own home theater freely and anywhere to watch movies, TV shows and photos, slides and play video games. This portable, foldable, anti-wrinkle and easy to wash 100 inch projection screen is larger than others, which ensures larger viewing angle and more picture details.
  • 【🔥 Extensive Connection Opportunity 🔥】With the built-in HDMI, VGA, AV, USB Headphone port & TF card slot, and included AV & HDMI cable, this projector is the perfect solution for a wide variety of inputs source includes but not limited to TV Stick/Box, Game Consoles, PCs, Smart phones, Tablets, Laptops, DVD player, TF card and USB Sticks. This home projector with 100 inch screen is easy to use and real value for money.
  • 【🔥 Portable Mobile Home Cinema 🔥】This projector provides a watching size from 32” to 220” with the projection distance between1.5 and 6m. Aspect Ratio: 4:3/16:9, Contrast Ratio: 4000:1, Lamp lifetime: 60,000 hours. It enables excellent playback of films, videos, games, photos, parties, and TV programs and can be set up at your will. The 2021 newest improved uniform illumination method ensures the optimum visual experience, as no dark area will appear on the edge of the screen.
  • 【🔥 Customized and Quality Projector 🔥】We know you are suffering from the noise of other projectors. So we used raw materials with premium quality to build a efficient cooling system for this projector, thus empowering a stunning watching and listening experience by decreasing 80% fan noise. A unique dual built-in speakers system offers excellent loud sound quality without connecting to an external speaker. This is in addition to the easy to adjustable focus and keystone correction function.
  • THE ULTIMATE MULTIMEDIA COMPANION | Tiny Projector Makes a Wonderful Gift Idea Note: Copyrighted content from Hulu, Netflix, and similar services CAN NOT be mirrored or screencast. Mirroring and screencast can be used to display non-copyrighted content downloaded on an external device. Or, such copyrighted content can be viewed by plugging in an external streaming device, such as a Firestick or Roku.
  • MULTIPLE METHODS FOR VIEWING | Versatile Device Comes w/ HDMI & Micro USB Cables for Hookup to Camera, Storage Drive, PC, Laptop & Other Compatible Devices | Go Wireless w/ Mobile-to-Projector Mirroring Via Airplay & Miracast
  • FROM SMARTPHONE TO THE BIG SCREEN | Pocket Projector Produces Bright, Vivid Video & Imaging Up to 150” for Amazing Home Entertainment; Watch Movies Plugging in an External Device, View Pictures or Give Presentations Anywhere a Wall is Available!
  • STUNNING 16:9 PROJECTION | Device Boasts 60 Ansi lumen brightness LED Lamp, 854 x 480 Resolution, Supports 4K Resolution & 1000:1 Contrast Ratio for Crystal Clear Widescreen Imaging; Watch HD Video, Play 4K Games & Share Family Photographs w/ Brilliant Color & Clarity
  • DESIGNED FOR EASY PORTABILITY | Includes Built-In Speaker & Sleek Illuminated Onboard Controls So You Can Watch & Listen On Demand| Powers Via Rechargeable Battery Up to 2.5 Hrs.
  • [2 Year Warranty & Technical Support] We offer quick reply within 24 hours, 2-year product replacement warranty and a lifetime after-sales service. AuKing professional team offers you 100% satisfaction guarantee. Just feel free to try!
  • [Large Projection Size] 170 inch large projection screen brings an immersive viewing experience. It allows you to enjoy the happy home theater time with your family both indoor or outdoor. The outdoor projector provides a projection size from 35inch to 170inch with the projection distance between 3.7ft to 23.6ft.
  • [Hi-fi Stereo Sound & noise reduction] Equipped with 2021 state-of-the-art noise reduction technology, 80% fan noise is reduced. With a Built-in stereo surrounding speaker, the portable projector gives you all the original audio fidelity with crystal clear sound quality and provides you an audio feast without external speakers. Ideal choice for family entertainment activities.
  • [Multiple Devices Connection & Wide Application] Equipped with HDMI, USB, and AV interfaces, the movie projector works perfectly with smartphones, iPads, laptops, TV boxes, DVD players, PS4, USB flash disks etc. It can be applied to home theaters, video games, parties and outdoor activities. ✦An extra lightning to HDMI adapter or wireless HDMI dongle is needed when connected with a phone. Projectors are incompatible with Netflix and Hulu due to copyright issues.✦
  • [Latest Upgraded Brightness & High Contrast Ratio] AuKing 2021 Upgraded mini projector with high brightness rating of 4500 lumens and supported 1080p resolution offers clear images that are 85% brighter than those of other similar projectors in market. Adopting the latest 4.0 LCD display technology and diffuse reflection technology, it does not only provide an incredibly lifelike image for movies and images but also cast soft light to protect your eyes away from tiredness.
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best consumer projector?

Upon looking for the perfect best consumer projector, a lot of things should be taken into account. Each item has its own challenge of purchasing.  As a result of the formation, we're here to help, advise, and provide answers to these problems.

Please keep in mind the following points to select best consumer projector that fit you most:

Portability

You should consider how easily the projector must be carried. There are many sizes and weights of portable projectors. Some can be small enough to slip into a pocket or large enough to mount on a wall. You can take a portable projector with you to work, as well as a gaming or entertainment projector, to your friend's home or backyard to set up for movie nights. Make sure the projector is both appropriate in size and weight. You should ensure that your projector has enough battery life if you are far from power outlets.

Projection Tech

Projectors can be either LCD-based, or they use a Texas Instruments DLP chip (Digital Light Processing), along with a laser or LED or LCOS light source.
DLP projectors with single-chip DLP chips could be subject to the so-called "rainbow effect." Sometimes, tiny, bright flashes with rainbow-like colors may appear, especially in dark scenes. Some DLP projectors have a minimal effect, while others can produce a distracting result, especially when there are bright areas against shady backgrounds. The rainbow effect is not a problem with LCD projectors, which are safer if someone in your household has sensitive eyes. There are many DLP projectors that produce excellent images.

Contrast Ratio

The ratio of brightness from the brightest white to the darkness of black a projector produces is called the contrast ratio. However, the rating of the projector will not usually be affected by it. A higher contrast ratio, which is the difference between how bright a projector can produce and how dark it can display, produces vivid, striking colors, and more detail in shadows. This is most important in video, film, and two-dimensional photos that are photorealistic.
Contrast ratings can only be used to measure in dark rooms. They don't give any information about ambient lighting. Unusually dark blacks in the projector will result in lower contrast. A brighter projector will perform well in home theaters, but not in living rooms or offices.

Light Source

Projectors are moving away from lamps being used as light sources and using lasers and LEDs. At the moment there is a benefit to each option.
For longer periods of time, LEDs and lasers retain a greater percentage of their original brightness. While all light sources eventually lose their brightness, lamps lose the most in 500 hours. Then, they slowly decline over time. The brightness of LEDs and lasers will decrease more slowly over the course of their lifetimes.

Brightness

Projector brightness is not uniform. Brighter isn’t always better.
The ambient lighting level, size and material of your projector screen will all affect the brightness. You should buy a professional seller if you are installing a projector in a permanent location, such as at your home, to ensure that you get the best image brightness and the correct screen material.

Resolution

Although projectors have the ability to scale images either up or down it is best not to do so as this can cause distortions. Any projector resolution above and beyond WUXGA (1.920 by 1.200 pixels) should be matched to the source that you intend to attach it most frequently, which is a computer or other electronic equipment.
The calculation for projectors that have 4K ultra high definition (3,840 x 2,160 pixels) is slightly different.

Your Content

Two basic types of images can be displayed on a projector are data (text and graphics), and photorealistic. These include photos, film, and video. Most games have some elements of each. While any projector will show all types of images, a projector might not be able to handle every type of image. However, a projector could do a great job of one without being able to properly display the other. A projector should be optimized to display the type of images that you intend to present.

Connection Methods

Many home projectors have multiple connections options. Most new models have HDMI connectivity. This is a good thing because HDMI supports 1080p video. Standard, larger projectors come with full-size HDMI ports. However, smaller projectors like pico and palmtop have micro or mini HDMI ports. These ports require separate cables that are usually included with each projector.
Component video, composite video and S-Video all make up the most common connections on large projectors. We're also seeing more projectors that offer direct USB connection to computers via a USB cable. A growing variety of projectors now have USB Type-C ports. The majority of USB-C ports can be used to transfer data or video using the DisplayPort protocol. Most USB-C ports support USB Power Delivery (USB PD), which means that a plugged in projector can supply 100 watts of power to charge a device or to charge it using a USB-C cable (assuming the device is capable of charging over USB-C).

FAQs

How Long Do Projector Screens Last?

However, newer technologies for projectors either extend the projector's lifespan or eliminate the need to use a filter (or lamp) entirely. These new technologies can last for as long as 20,000 hours. These new technologies require less maintenance, and are cheaper!

Do You Need 3D Support?

3D imaging has gone beyond the boom it experienced a few decades ago. It is now possible to show images in 3D for business and educational purposes. It's possible to still find 3D projectors if your application requires 3D.
There are many 3D technology options available. Make sure that any 3D projector or camera you're considering will be compatible with your 3D source. The "3D-ready" label usually indicates that it can work with 3D created by a computer. Full HD 3D is the best designation to search for if you own a number of 3D Bluray discs. It is important to confirm the type of 3D glasses that it can work with. DLP-Link glasses tend to be the most popular, however, there are many types of 3D glasses, some with proprietary features.

How Much Brightness Do I Need In An At-home Projector?

It is important to consider the location and times of use when purchasing a projector. Higher lumens will be recommended if you intend to use it in bright sunlight. Lumens for rooms that have dim lighting aren't as restricted. Ideally, 1,000 to 2000 lumens is the ideal.

Do You Need Built-In Audio?

Not all projectors have audio capability, and for those that do, the audio is sometimes all but useless--particularly with highly portable models. Make sure the audio is loud and clear so you can hear what your projector says. You can use a separate sound system, or powered external speakers, if it doesn't. This is always a great idea for home theatre and home entertainment. Check if your projector can be used with Bluetooth speakers.

Do I Need A 4K Projector?

You might be a little skeptical about any 4K projectors on this list. It may be worthwhile to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of other technologies.
Flatscreen TVs are generally simpler to use. They can be placed in your house, on the wall, or counter, and they will stay there. This TV has a fixed screen size and offers HDR or 4K resolution at a lower price than projectors.

How Big Should My 4K Projector Picture Be?

An age-old question. This really boils down to the size of your projector: If you want to fit a 100-inch projected image in the same space as a 55 inch TV, then a maximum 100-inch might be too small. You should measure the walls in your home and check that the projected image is compatible with them.

What Kind Of Projector Should You Get?

The type of projector you choose will depend on where and how you intend to use it. A high-quality, 1080p LCD projector is best for home theatres. A laser 4K model is best if you are passionate about visuals and have an access to dark theatre rooms. However, the latter is more expensive.

How Important Is Ultra Short Throw?

Ultra short throw technology is a feature of many flagship 4K projectors. This greatly reduces the distance between projector and surface (walls, ceilings, etc.).
This laser projector tends to produce sharp images. However, it can be more expensive than a regular or long-throw model.
Ultra-short throw, or 'UST', is a space-saving technique that keeps your projector exactly where you would place a TV. It also means you won't have to mount a projector to your ceiling. People moving about a room will be less likely to block the images.
The decision is up to you.

Screen Or No Screen?

A screen will allow you to see better. Many screens have coatings which enhance blacks, contrast and colors. Small shadows can be created by a textured wall, which will distort the colors and blur out details. While some projectors can adjust for wall colors, most images projected on a wall will still look slightly off.

The list of best consumer projector will be regularly updated to be included in additional data by our editor's team. Please keep an eye around for any amendments made to our website.

Our consultants could support you with problems related to best consumer projector and other things as well. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you need advice.


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About William Shatner

William Shatner

William Shatner is a writer and editor who has worked in the audio equipment, computer, and projector industries. He also enjoys repairing and modifying audio equipment, and he has a particular interest in projectors. William is a critical thinker and problem solver, and he takes great pride in his work. He currently serves as the freelance editor of The Audio Insights.