Want a cinematic viewing experience at home? Grabbing a great projector makes all the action bigger and more immersive than the best 4K TVs. Adding an AV receiver and bookshelf speakers or a soundbar to mix will further transform your space into a dream home theater setup.
If you landed here, you're likely ready to seriously consider a projector, like our favorite pick, the VPL-XW5000ES by Sony. But if you’re still on the fence between a TV versus a projector, our guide below should help with the decision.
TL;DR – The 7 Top Home Theater Projectors Are:
- Sony VPL-XW5000ES – Best Overall
- Epson Home Cinema 5050UB – Best 4k
- BenQ HT2060 – Best 1080p
- BenQ X3100i – Best Gaming
- Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 – Best for Streaming
- Optoma HD146X – Best Cheap
- Anker Nebula Capsule 3 – Best Portable
The best home theater projectors offer massive screen sizes, crisp resolutions, and a host of features to make the most of your at-home viewing experience. Some even deliver smart functionality for easy streaming or HDR support for richer picture quality.
Maybe you’re more interested in gaming than movies? Opting for the best gaming projectors will introduce low input lag and high refresh rates to cruise along in your favorite games, matching the quality of TVs. So, no matter what you’re after we’ve found seven of the best home theater projectors for a variety of needs. Check them out below.
1. Sony VPL-XW5000ES
Best Home Theater Projector
Despite it’s high price tag, the Sony VPL-XW5000ES laser projector is actually the most affordable projector in the XW line, (with the fanciest VPL-XW7000 model costing almost $30k; no joke!) While it doesn’t support HDR10+, the advanced image processing is absolutely worth the investment. If you’re looking for a projector for your home cinema, this is a game changer, and you won’t be disappointed.
Out of the box, you don’t have to intervene much to be happy with the results. But if you do feel the need to tweak the image, there are many options available. Sporting Sony’s new Wide Dynamic Range optics, the projector can achieve 95% DCI-P3 gamut. If you value image quality, quiet performance, and UHD 4K images, splashing out on the Sony VPL-XW5000ES will change your whole home cinema experience.
2. Epson Home Cinema 5050UB
Best 4K Projector
The Epson Home Cinema 5050UB is a solid 4K projector that produces excellent image quality without costing as much as something like Sony’s XW range. It’s HDR compatible, 3D compatible, has a motorized lens, and boasts 2,600 lumens. The motorized lens is capable of ±96.3% vertical and ±47.1% horizontal movement, making it a great all-round projector for most homes.
If you have the money to spend on the Epson Home Cinema 5050UB, you’ll get a great home theater projector that’s going to wow your friends and family. Of course, there are a few downsides, namely the low lamp life and the fact it’s not the quietest projector around. But these shouldn’t be a deal breaker because it’s a step in the right direction of more expensive projectors that offer more features.
3. BenQ HT2060
Best 1080p Projector
The way for a 1080P projector to stand out in a 4K world is by being great at literally everything else. That’s exactly what the BenQ HT2060 does, starting with its ability to display an incredible range of colors. The HT20760 produces DCI-P3 and 98% Rec.709 color coverage performance, meaning there is no shortage of accurate vibrant colors in its repertoire.
It’s not just the color performance, however. The HT2060 has remarkably high contrast for a 1080P projector, and is also compatible with both HDR10 and HLG to help portray deeper blacks in dark scenes. It even offers low latency to serve as a very capable gaming projector, with a response time of 16.7ms. If it were a 4K projector, the HT2060 would likely be exponentially more expensive. Fortunately, it’s not, making it a great value for those who don’t need the highest resolution available.
4. BenQ X3100i
Best Gaming Projector
Some projectors introduce too much input lag, making gaming far less enjoyable than using the best gaming TVs and monitors. However, the BenQ X3100i combats this issue, offering four game modes that deliver an input lag as low as 4.2ms when playing in 1080p/240Hz. That makes it a viable option for competitive gamers looking to play fast-paced games on a massive screen. Switching to 4K introduces more input lag and a lower refresh rate. Still, games are playable. But, the support for 120Hz in 1440p with only 8.3ms of lag is the real standout feature, mixing speedy motion with a crisp resolution – a rarity in projectors.
With 3,300 ANSI lumens of brightness and BenQ’s 100% DCI-P3 CinematicColor system, every scene will deliver rich shadow details and accurate colors for added realism that places you right in the center of the action. Support for HDR10 and HLG are also baked-in further aiding in the picture quality. Just be prepared for some rainbow artifacts – an issue plaguing many DLP projectors.
Setting up this projector is relatively straightforward, and its substantial vertical lens shift means keystone correction can be avoided to maintain a better picture. Its 5W 3D surround sound speaker system even fills a room surprisingly well, while Android TV support adds smarts to the projector. However, the only network connection option is Wi-Fi. Of course, the BenQ X3100i has plenty of ports to slot in a gaming PC and consoles. Plus, Bluetooth support will come in handy for extra peripherals.
5. Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800
Best Ultra Short Throw Projector
The home theater projector market is somewhat saturated with ultra short throw (UST) projectors, but that doesn’t mean they’re all worth considering. The EpiqVision Ultra LS800 is one of the best UST projectors around, thanks to its incredible brightness, ease of use, and smart features. This versatility makes it a favorite for family gaming, sports streaming, and movie streaming.
Epson’s 3LCD display technology means you can easily avoid the rainbow effect while enjoying bright, high-contrast images. If daytime viewing is important to you, you’ll struggle to find a better UST. And of course, when you do turn the lights down, you’re going to be stunned with the results. If you only have a small area to work with, then the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 probably isn’t the right choice. It sticks to its guns when it comes to its ultra short throw nature.
6. Optoma HD146X
Best Budget Projector
The Optoma HD146X is the quintessential performance-focused, budget-minded projector. For less than $1,000, you get a 1080P image that’s incredibly bright and filled with impressive detail considering its resolution. It even has features like Enhanced Gaming Mode, which is meant to boost response time, and Dynamic Black technology that intuitively adjusts lamp output to set the stage for better contrast.
It’s not a native 4K projector, or even close to it for that matter. And it doesn’t offer any advanced features like a built-in smart operating system of advanced HDR codecs. But what the HD146X does offer is good, trustworthy performance for an entry-level price tag that’s accessible for most people.
7. Anker Nebula Capsule 3
Best Portable Projector
The Anker Nebula Capsule 3 is a drastic pivot from the rest of the projectors on this list. It’s just 1080p, not very bright, and is only capable of a screen size up to 120 inches. None of that quite matters in this particular case, however. The Nebula Capsule is an ultra portable option, thanks to its diminutive dimensions, built-in speaker and moderately good battery life (2.5 hours).
Should you rely on the Nebula Capsule for daily viewing? Probably not. But will it work wonders on a camping trip or a backyard movie night? It absolutely will, and it will walk circles around some of the best projectors on this list in the process. At least in terms of how truly easy it is to move around and set up for use.
How To Pick the Best Home Theater Projector
Buying a home theater projector isn’t a small investment. So for this reason, you’ll really need to weigh up what’s important once you've set your budget. When choosing the best one, look at device connectivity options, brightness and color capabilities, resolution, overall tech, and quality.
1. Set Your Budget
First, it’s sensible to set a budget and understand what’s realistic within each category. Most 1080p projectors are going to set you back anywhere from $500+, and may even exceed $1,000. In most cases, you can find a 4K projector for $1,000+, but you may not get smart functionality or many features at this price range. Realistically, a decent projector for an immersive home cinema experience at the lower price range is going to set you back at least $2,500.
2. Brightness: Lamps vs LEDs vs Lasers
Once you’ve set a budget, you’ll next want look at the projector’s lamps, LEDs, or lasers. Projectors tend to require their lamps to be changed after around 3,000 to 5,000 hours of viewing. Some may exceed this, which is why you should check out what they have to offer.
Depending on where you’re going to house your projector, you need to look at its brightness capabilities. If you go with a projector with 500 lumens, for example, the resulting image will be muddy and soft, even in darker spaces. Home theater projectors should have at least 1,000 lumens to work well for home cinema set ups. The brighter they are, the better they’ll perform in bright or low-light situations.
3. Resolution
If you’re looking to save the most money possible, you’ll probably be looking at a 1080p or lower resolution in a projector. If you are comfortable with HD viewing, then this won’t be a problem.
If you’re ready to step up to the world of 4K, you should check to see whether the projector you’re buying offers true 4K resolution, as many projectors will upscale instead.
Projector FAQs
Are Movie Projectors Worth It?
Modern projectors offer far more capabilities than they once did. Now with smart functionality and multiple connectivity options, you can use your projector for more than just watching movies or TV shows. If you want an immersive home theater experience or home theater on-the-go, a projector can offer this.
According to BenQ, prior complaints about projectors used to be centered on hazy visuals or faded images, but modern 4K models are effectively free of these. This is something to keep in mind for sure!
Can I Stream on a Projector?
Yes. However, you'll need to do your research first and ensure you're getting a 4k projector with the right type of connectivity. Wi-Fi projectors are rare if non-existent at this moment in time, so you'll need to consider a smart projector with a LAN/RJ-45 port to add it to your existing home network.
How to Pick a Projector for Streaming in 2024
If your main purpose for getting a projector is to stream movies, sports, or TV shows, you'll want to confirm which ports and connectors are on your projector. We like the advice from BenQ:
One HDMI port won’t be enough if you plan on using several devices with your projector, including blu-ray players, consoles, PC, etc. Find a projector with:
- Two or more HDMI ports, and HDMI 2.0 and up
- Multiple USB connectors, with at least one port at USB 3.0 or faster
How Many Lumens Do I Need for a Home Theater Projector?
Most home theater projectors support screen sizes of 120 inches and upwards. If you want to achieve good image quality at this size without ambiend lighting, you should aim for at least 1,500 lumens and above.
Is It Better To Have a TV or a Projector?
The choice is up to you, but projectors are far more versatile than TVs. And with modern technology, they are capable of delivering high-quality 4K images that rival even the best 4k TVs out there. Instead of cramping up your room with a TV stand, you can opt for a smaller projector that can neatly sit on a bracket. Or, you can have a portable projector that's easier to move to a friend's house, backyard hangs, from room to room, and beyond, which may be important to you based on your setup and wants!
Nick Woodward is a sportswriter-turned-tech journalist, with bylines at Digital Trends and the like. You can find Nick covering all things A/V tech as a freelance writer at IGN.
Freelance writer, Georgie Peru also contributed to this buying guide.
