The Best Home Entertainment Projectors For 2024

Tim Powers By, Tim Powers
Updated
BenQ TK850i True 4K HDR-PRO Smart Home Entertainment Projector powered by Android TV
Image credit: Amazon.com

Home theaters are a popular amenity in modern homes, especially those with large family rooms. They’re also a great way to share movies, TV shows, and video games with friends and family. They can also be a great investment — you might even get more use out of your home theater than other rooms in the house.

That’s why more people are turning to home theaters as an investment rather than an expense. Opt for the right system, however, and you can end up spending much more than you originally budgeted for it. A good projector is one of the best ways to build a home theater without breaking the bank or sacrificing anything else in your home. Here are some of the best home entertainment projectors available today.

You can count on our team of experts who have spent over 16 hours conducting surveys through 222,431 real customer reviews. Because of this, we came to the conclusion that the best-reviewed product is BenQ TK850i True 4K HDR-PRO Smart Home Entertainment Projector powered by Android TV. And BenQ TH585P 1080p Home Entertainment Projector | 3500 Lumens | High Contrast Ratio is another choice for you while keeping the product's quality and functionality.

Our Top Picks

  • LIVE SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT: Google-certified Android TV and Google Play store, with 5,000+ of the latest Android apps, live sports, movies, shows, music, and more. Dedicated Sport modes make you feel like you’re part of the game
  • INDUSTRY LEADING WARRANTY: 3-year limited parts and labor coverage; our US-based customer service team is here when you need it
  • USER-FRIENDLY: Cast with airplay and Chromecast. No app needed. Remote controls both Android TV and projector
  • 4K UHD RESOLUTION IMAGE QUALITY: True 8.3 million pixels deliver 3840x2160 4K UHD image quality with striking clarity and crisp details
  • NOTE: Please cast Netflix content via your laptop Google Chrome Browser or connect to an HDMI cable. Netflix is NOT natively available on this device
  • PROJECTOR-OPTIMIZED HDR-PRO(HDR10/HLG): HDR-PRO supercharged by Dynamic Iris with exclusive enhanced contrast and HDR brightness for realistic, detailed images
  • VIVID COLORS IN ANY AMBIENT LIGHTING: Perfectly balanced high visual brightness (>3000lm) and vivid colors (98% Rec.709) for use in well-lit environments
  • 1080P RESOLUTION: 1080p Full HD image quality with 3500 ANSI lumen & 10, 000: 1 contrast ratio for ultimate gaming experiences in well-lit environment
  • 15,000 HOURS LAMP LIFE: LampSave mode extends projector lamp life up to 15, 000 hours for intense gaming until next-gen consoles arrive
  • NOTE: TH585P does not have VGA-in or Monitor-Out when compared to the TH585
  • INDUSTRY LEADING WARRANTY: BenQ's 3-year warranty vs. top competitor's 1-year warranty provides a greater peace of mind with coverage that makes you rest easy that our US-based customer service team is here when you need it.
  • BUILT-IN SPEAKER: Clear loud built-in 10-watt speaker come up huge for games, Movies, and TV for every party occasion
  • LOW LATENCY FOR GAMING: 16ms low input lag and microsecond DMD fast response ensure ultra-smooth gaming experiences. Power Supply - VAC 100 ~ 240 (50/60Hz). Typical Power Consumption - Max 340W, Normal 297W, Eco 206W. Standby Power Consumption - 0. 5W Max. at 100 ~ 240VAC
  • TAKING VIDEO GAMES TO THE BIG SCREEN: The short throw projection produces big 100" Images from just 3 meters for total gaming immersion
TOP Choice #3 Nebula by Anker Mars II Pro
Our Score:
9.5
NEBULA
  • Cinematic Sound: Dual 10W Audio Drivers Work Together To Deliver Sensational Sound And Deep, Resonant Bass For A Truly Immersive Outdoor Projector Movie Experience
  • Expand Your Entertainment: Plug And Play Your Favorite Hdmi And Usb 2.0 Devices, Including Laptops, Playstation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, And More
  • Brighter Is Better: Dlp Intellibright Technology Projects A Radiant 500-Ansi-Lumen Image At Razor-Sharp 720P For Breathtaking Video Clarity.(Recommended For Use In Dimmer Environments)
  • All Your Favorites: Watch Youtube, Netflix, And More With Android 7.1 For Hours Of Awesome Content On Your Portable Projector
  • Packed with Content: Android TV 9.0 is your gateway to a universe of awesome entertainment. Choose from more than 7,000 apps, including Prime Video, YouTube, Hulu, and more. For peak performance, please update to the latest firmware.
  • Blockbuster Picture: The projector’s radiant 1080p (4K supported), 900-ANSI-lumen image features HDR10 so you can watch your favorite movies, sports events, games, shows, and more in incredible detail and clarity with brighter colors and deeper blacks.
  • Every Detail Matters: Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) upscales non-HDR content in real time so that everything you watch looks as crisp and clear as possible. And there’s no need to fiddle with settings menus—Cosmos will upscale automatically because the projector is 4K supported.
  • Superior Sound: There’s more to movies than the visuals alone. Cosmos packs in a trio of speakers powered by Dolby Digital Plus for 360° of true cinematic sound. From explosive action to hard-hitting dialogue, hear every moment loud and clear.
  • Supersize Your Movies: Forget tiny 60-inch TVs—Go big with Cosmos’s colossal 120-inch picture for that true cinema scale. And thanks to the digital zoom, can you adjust the image size without getting up and moving the projector.
  • Remarkable Clarity and Contrast: DLP's advanced IntelliBright algorithms deliver a remarkably bright 100 ANSI-lumen image. (Recommended for use in dimmer environments.)
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 360° Speaker: Equipped with a powerful omnidirectional speaker, this mini projector pumps out sound all around.
  • Android 7.1: Run streaming and media apps flawlessly. Seamlessly display content from Netflix, Youtube, and more on your mini projector for endless entertainment.
  • Seamless Touch Controls: Browse your entertainment with pinpoint precision. Apollo’s transparent touch panel gives you the power to navigate menus and more with ease, directly from the device.
  • Clear Picture: See every detail of your favorite movies, shows, games, and more in remarkable clarity with Apollo’s 200 ANSI lumen DLP lamp.(Recommended for use in dimmer environments.)
  • Android 7.1: Download and stream YouTube, Netflix, and more straight to Apollo without the need to connect additional devices.
  • Note: Copyrighted content from 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. For peak performance, please update to the latest firmware.
  • Home Entertainment: Enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows, games, and more up to 100 inches big anywhere in your home thanks to Apollo’s ultra-portable design.
  • [Convenient WiFi & USB Connection] Connecting deivces with our wifi projector through wifi or usb cable directly. 2022 we have updated TWO things to make it friendly user: (1) Updated the wifi connection steps, make it easier and more stable; (2) Updated the usb connection, synchronize your smartphone by USB cable direcrly, both for android and ios system, without any extra HDMI adapter. So own our wifi projector, you can enjoy it anytime anywhere, it makes your life easier and happier
  • [Wide Compatibility and Application] Equipped with HDMI, VGA, AV, USB interfaces, the projector is compatible with TV Box, TV Stick, PCs, Laptops, Tablets, USB Flash Drive, players. It’s supposed to apply many environment—Home Theater, Video Game, Party, Outdoor activities. You can use it for small meeting in dark room, but it is not a professional office projector for PPT or text. As the copyright, some videos (such as Netflix) can't be played via phone connection (wifi or usb).
  • [Meet Your Home Needs]Watch movies, take online classes, or keep the kids entertained with hours of cartoons and educational videos [ideal for use in low-light environments]. It's the innovation of traditional projector, built-in stereo speakers, adjust keystone and focus to get 32’’ 176’’ projection size with 1.5m-5m projection distance, bring excellent spectating experience. Perfect projector for outdoor movies and movie projector for indoor use.
  • [THREE Added Bonus Better than others] (1) UPDATED BRIGHTNESS: Our 7500L is more real than others. It is much brighter than 99% mini projectors. (2) UPDATED NATIVE RESOLUTION: our wifi mini projector's native resolution is 1280 x 720P, with 1920x1080P supported, better than 90% mini projectors which are native 480P. (3) UPDATED ACCESSORIES: Projector with screen, it packed with 100 inch Portable projector screen for our customers' Daily home theater use.
  • [Tips] Due to copyright protection issues, the projector doesn't support mirror protected Apps from smartphones via WiFi or USB connection, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. But you can play these videos via HDMI connection, such as connecting a TV stick, laptop or some USB to HDMI adapters. If you have any problems about this or other connection issues, please contact the seller, the problem will be solved within 12 hours.
  • Resolution: Native 720P, support Full HD 1080p
  • [Worry-Free] We provides a 3-YEAR After sales service promise, 100% money back guarantee and professional customer service and technical support. You can contact us anytime at e-mail, call and our brand website and will be answered within 24 hours.
  • Ideal in the Home: Stay entertained at home with Capsule II's 100-inch image. Watch movies, take online classes, or keep the kids entertained with hours of cartoons and educational videos. The possibilities are endless.
  • Immersive Audio: Premium Scan-Speak transducers reproduce every moment in pulse-pounding clarity for all to hear.
  • Radiant Viewing: Cutting-edge DLP technology creates a stunning 720p 200-ANSI-lumen image. This projector is ideal for use in low-light environments.
  • Android TV 9.0: Unleash a universe of entertainment possibilities with Android TV. Personalize your Capsule II mini projector with over 5,000 apps, including YouTube, Hulu, Twitch, and more.
  • Note: To use Netflix, please download the Nebula Manager app from Google Play. Use the Nebula Connect app on your phone to control Netflix on this mini projector. Chromecast DOES NOT support Netflix content.
  • Up to 300" on virtually any wall or screen
  • White Brightness: 2800 lumens
  • Widescreen home cinema experience
  • Color Brightness: 2800 lumens
  • Up to 3x Brighter Colors with Epson
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best home entertainment projectors?

Often buyers are reluctant to buy best home entertainment projectors. When considering a large purchase, certain things should be examined. Our knowledge and experience of best home entertainment projectors will help in making the best options.

Please keep in mind the following criterial before selecting the best home entertainment projectors:

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

When new data becomes available, we routinely adjust the list of best home entertainment projectors. Please do regularly visit our website for the most up-to-date news.

If you have any questions or difficulties with best home entertainment projectors, please do not hesitate to contact us. We'll try our best to do everything we can to assist you if you ask!


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About Tim Powers

Tim Powers

Tim Powers is an audio equipment & home theater gadget reviewer and the editor of TheAudioInsights.com. He has been involved in the home theater hobby since the late 1990s when he purchased his first AV receiver. Tim is also a writer, with articles appearing in various online and print publications.