20 best projectors

Projectors have been competing with televisions for years. There is no unequivocal answer to the question of which device is better for home or office, so it is important to know their pros and cons. The LCD TV screen wins in brightness, noiselessness, and independence from lighting. But projectors have their own charm. Even a cheap projector outperforms expensive large TVs in image size. Many of them are mobile and do not take up much space. They are harmless to the eyes, change the aspect ratio and create a unique cinema atmosphere.

There are a variety of projectors and can be used in different areas depending on the features of a particular model. Therefore, before purchasing, it is recommended to determine the main tasks of the device and pay attention to the following characteristics:

• Class. Projectors are classified into pocket, ultraportable, portable, and stationary. The latter two are characterized by better image quality, variety of functions and interfaces, while the former is characterized by mobility.
• Device type. The most common projectors are based on LCD and DLP. The advantages of LCD-devices include image stability and realism. DLP projectors offer superior contrast and deep detail. But some devices of this type are prone to flickering. The most advanced technology is LCoS, the only drawback of which is the high price.
• Permission. The higher the resolution, the more detailed and better the image.
• Contrast. The most important parameter that determines the quality of colors, midtones and reproduction of dark scenes.
• Luminous flux power. This characteristic determines the brightness of the image and even the scope of the device. Projectors with a luminous flux of over 2000 are suitable for offices and other lighted areas, while slightly less powerful ones are recommended for home theaters, provided there is good dimming.
• Focal length - the shorter it is, the better the viewing angle.
• Projection distance. It determines how far the device should be from the screen for an acceptable picture. For spacious rooms, projectors with an indicator of about 3 meters or more are recommended. For a home, especially for small rooms, 1 meter is also suitable.
• F-number - the lower the number, the brighter the image.
• Noise level.

In compiling the review, special attention was paid to:

• opinions of users and experts;
• value for money;
• technical parameters.

The best ultraportable presentation projectors

Ultraportable projectors are ideal for presenting information to a small audience, such as a business presentation or class at school. They are small, do not take up much space and are easy to use. However, there are some functionalities that come with the size, such as resolution and throw distance.

5 Everycom X7

A simple Chinese model will be a great solution for those who dream of a home theater projector, but are not ready to spend their entire salary on it. One of the most inexpensive LCD-type devices deserves the title of the best representative of the budget segment. Like other affordable projectors, Everycom can only offer a rather modest 800x600 resolution, which, however, is enough for watching popular TV shows and satellite channels.

Surprisingly, the device for such money is even equipped with a TV tuner, so the user can watch terrestrial TV programs directly on the projector. The profitable home model also received a card reader and a USB connector. The device is relatively picky about lighting thanks to a decent luminous flux of 1,800 lumens. But the contrast, as you would expect, is an order of magnitude lower than that of expensive projectors. Therefore, dark footage is not reproduced very clearly.

4 Vivitek Qumi Q6

One of the best representatives of the TOP compact projectors is a modern model with support for three-dimensional images and Wi-Fi. The sleek, battery-powered device weighs less than half a kilogram and reproduces images with a resolution of 1280 × 800. Thanks to its excellent 1.9 aperture, this Vivitek has a good brightness despite its rather mediocre light output, which reaches 800 lumens.

DLP technology and 30,000 contrast ratio ensure excellent color reproduction and clarity when playing back darkened footage. At the same time, the projector boasts a universal projection distance from one to three meters and a projection diagonal of up to two and a half meters. Therefore, it is comfortable to use it both in a small classroom and in a spacious hall. And a lens with a focal length of just 15.3mm guarantees the best angle of view in the category.

3 BenQ MW571

The popular Taiwanese projector with the best light output of 3200 lumens takes its rightful place in the top three finalists. Unlike most of its counterparts, BenQ not only works relatively quietly, but is also equipped with a good speaker system with a power of 10 watts. Although it can hardly compete with special audio equipment, it is a very decent figure for a modern projector.

Belonging to the DLP type, the device provides excellent detail in shadows and dark shades. In combination with a contrast ratio of 13000, this gives a fairly clear image, so the projector is versatile and suitable not only for the office, but also for home theaters. Despite its small size and portability, BenQ boasts a range of interfaces, including Ethernet, RS-232, USB, video and audio inputs. A nice bonus is the optical zoom, which allows you to resize the picture without moving the projector.

2 Optoma ML330

The 330th model is one of the most successful in the line of ML-series LED-projectors from the world leader in the field of projection technology. The manufacturer tried to provide maximum ease of carrying, providing a case for all accessories - power cables according to the American and European standards, HDMI-cable, remote control and adapter. The device works on the basis of Android 4.4 - although the version is outdated, it provides access to your favorite media services and applications regularly.

A wide range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, screen mirroring and built-in speaker, make it easy and quick to display content from your smartphone or tablet to the display surface. The picture quality, of course, is not at the Full HD level, but it leaves a pleasant impression even from the point of view of a cinematographer, especially if you do not stretch the diagonal to the maximum 127 ″, but stay within 100. To coordinate the cursor and select menu items, you can use the remote control or connect via Bluetooth mouse, or even use both devices. To summarize, the Optoma ML330 is quite suitable for instant playback of presentation materials, as well as setting up a portable HD home theater.

The choice of a canvas for a projector is a responsible event that will require taking into account many parameters, including:

• Screen type. There are three basic varieties: mobile (suitable for transportation in a case), folding (can also be transported by hand, but include a tripod for installation and much larger in size), as well as stationary (mounted on a wall or ceiling). For the latter, it makes sense to think about the unrolling and reeling mechanism: there are both variations with an electric motor and spring options.
• Size: you must select the canvas based on the maximum size of the projected image diagonally. For stationary, this value is 7-7.5 m, for compact - no more than 2.5 m.
• Format. An aspect ratio of 16: 9 or even 21: 9 is optimal for demonstrating video materials and organizing a home theater.For presentations, classic 3: 4 canvases are best suited. Among the formats that have already become obsolete, one can also find square canvases 1: 1.
• Surface. The key parameter in this component is albedo uniformity, that is, how much the brightness of the reflected image decreases when deviating from the perpendicular. For a home theater, an indicator of 15-20 degrees will be enough, but for showing a slideshow or a movie in a large audience, this figure should be at least 30 percent.

1 LG PH450UG

Projectors for mobile presentations have been around for a long time, but their problem lies in equipping them with a conventional lens, which must be placed either on the ceiling or on a tripod in the middle of the audience hall. It's a different matter for the ultra-short-throw LG PH450UG, which the manufacturer calls Minibeam, that is, a mini-ray. Truly compact and lightweight, weighing only 1kg, you can take it with you everywhere and run it even in the smallest rooms. To obtain a diagonal of 80 ″, the device must be moved away from the screen by only 33 cm.

To organize the viewing, nothing is needed except a light wall and a USB flash drive - no audio system, no cables, no power outlets. All the necessary elements are already built into this little one or can be connected separately wirelessly. The autonomy of the model reaches 1.5 hours of operation at the maximum brightness mode, and when you connect a powerbank with 18 thousand mAh, you don't have to think about the duration of the video session at all. The only drawback - the 720p resolution, which is weak by modern standards - is canceled out by its advantages: compactness, reasonable price and thoughtfulness of functionality.

Best home theater projectors

Many people prefer to use home theater projectors instead of a regular TV for watching movies. These compact devices are in no way inferior in picture quality to television screens, while they can display large images, creating the feeling of a real cinema.

5 Acer H6517ST

The TOP of the best modern projectors for home theaters is opened by the most demanded Chinese model with Full HD-resolution 1920 x 1080 pixels. Despite the rather high price, many film enthusiasts choose it because of the brightness and contrast characteristic of many high-quality DLP devices. Since the projector successfully focuses the image both from half a meter and from a distance of just over three meters, it is comfortable to use it in any room. Moreover, it is portable and easy to move.

For its size, Acer is endowed with good features. The good projection quality is complemented by support for playing 3D movies directly from USB media. Another advantage of the projector is the presence of two HDMI inputs, which allow you to connect several video signal sources to it at once and instantly switch between them without fiddling with cables and wires.

4 Canon LV-WX320

Good home theater projectors rarely please with affordable prices. Therefore, this representative of the category rightfully takes its place among the best. Despite its relatively low cost, Canon is not inferior in many characteristics to its competitors, which surpass it in price several times. Only the lack of a Wi-Fi interface prevented him from entering the TOP-3. However, the projector is equipped with an Ethernet network adapter, which means it can be connected to a LAN via a cable.

Unlike most models of the middle segment, the Japanese development not only supports 3D, RS-232 interface and is equipped with a good 10 W speaker, but is also mobile. Despite its compactness and light weight, the projector received a movable lens that can be adjusted vertically, and even vertical and horizontal keystone correction. Such a device is very flexible; it does not have to be placed directly in front of the screen.

3 LG HF80JS

While most manufacturers stick to the popular but imperfect LED light source, the South Korean company has created the projector using the latest laser phosphor technology. In addition to instant turn-on and low power consumption, the light source of such a device is distinguished by a service life of 20,000 hours, which is five times longer than the use of analogs. However, this is far from the only advantage of a home theater projector, suitable even for use in a full-fledged room due to its impressive capabilities.

The powerful DLP device produces crisp Full HD images with a contrast ratio of 150,000 and perfectly reproduces all colors and shades. Brightness headroom is also good - 2000 lumens is enough even for playing high-definition movies in a brightly lit room. At the same time, unlike most home projectors, LG supports Wi-Fi and parallel use of two USBs.

2 Epson EH-TW5650

The top model, flagship, racing car in the world of projectors - such flattering nicknames were given to the Epson EH-TW5650, barely appearing at the International Household Appliance Show in 2017. Those who hurried to get to know him better were immediately surprised by the device with a giant leap in brightness and contrast in comparison with younger brothers from the same series. With 2500 lumens declared by the manufacturer, the projector produces in reality almost 3000 (a rare case!), And this means that it shows a rich picture at a diagonal of 130 ″, even in natural light.

With contrast, things are even better - at 1700: 1 it is 2 times higher than its predecessors, and this is by no means a budget level. Among other advantages of the device - rich possibilities of projection settings, allowing to set the geometry of the image almost perfectly. Let's not forget about the modules for wireless transmission of a multimedia signal Wi-Fi Miracast, and about support for the current 3D image, and about Bluetooth v3.0 with aptX support. In general, bad news for DLP manufacturers: this handsome man plays on their territory - in the segment of projectors with 1080p costing up to 1000 euros and seems to be winning dry.

1 Sony VPL-VW550ES

The best home theater projector is a unique device that creates the most realistic images in full 4K resolution. Built with the latest LCoS technology, referred to by the brand as SXRD, the device offers one of the best contrast ratios reaching 350,000 and a balanced lumen output of 1,800 lumens. At the same time, the projector has an amazing diagonal run-up: from one and a half to almost eight meters. That's why Sony is what you need to project a high-quality image onto an entire wall.

Unlike most analogs, the model gives the feeling of a real cinema and is suitable for creating digital reality according to the 4K Reality Creation standard. There are 9 picture modes and 11 gamma modes, the projector is equipped with a zoom, motorized lens shift function, so it is easy to configure it for any taste and for any environment.

The best stationary projectors

Stationary projectors are the most advanced and technologically advanced devices in the multimedia segment. They are used for projecting images on a permanent basis and do not require small dimensions and compactness, which has a positive effect on the quality of the equipment installed in them. Thus, they have maximum luminous flux, long lamp life and first-class image quality.

5 JVC LX-UH1

JVC has many serious models for video projection, and until 2019 the price for them started at 300 thousand rubles. Recently, however, the company decided to surprise everyone by releasing the LX-UH1 home projector with a half price tag. Unfortunately, the original D-ILA imaging technology is absent here - instead, a single-chip DLP engine is used.Nevertheless, JVC was clearly not going to dump, sacrificing image quality: thanks to a solid optical path, the image, even stretched up to 150 ″, is well balanced and does not give a single aberration or defocusing at the edges.

If expensive cinema projectors are to be installed by specialists, then to install and configure the JVC "budget employee" just read the instructions. The creators of the device tried to simplify it as best they could, at the same time facilitating the remote control from unclaimed functions. The result is an inexpensive device that is fully suitable for comfortable viewing on a large screen of movies, photographs and TV programs due to the dynamic resolution of 4K, minimal geometric distortion, quiet operation and adjustable lens shift over a wide range. Let's be frank - 3-matrix projectors show much more interesting, but if there is no money for the top category, then this is not at all a reason to abandon a home theater.

4 Xiaomi Mijia Laser Projection MJJGYY02FM

Chinese smartphone tycoon Xiaomi is renowned for bringing premium-spec electronics to the budget segment of the market. His line of projectors "Mia" is no exception. With its appearance, the organization of a full-fledged home theater will cost a little less than $ 2,000. The projector is based on DLP technology with a DMD matrix, which provides a bright and rich 150 ″ (380 cm) Full HD image. The device is equipped with a full set of interfaces for wired and wireless connection with a media signal source and a built-in player for reading video files from USB 3.0 drives.

For sound reproduction, 4 powerful speakers are responsible, capturing both low, mid and high frequencies. The device runs a proprietary MIUI shell, built on Android 6.0, which allows you to create custom profiles and not waste time on unnecessary settings. In addition, it supports an extended dynamic range HDR, which, together with the declared contrast ratio of 3000: 1, gives an extremely detailed and natural picture. Other advantages of the device are a pleasant minimalistic design, surprisingly low noise level and the presence of eye protection from glare. There are also disadvantages - the menu is in Chinese, only partially English.

3 BenQ SW921

The Taiwanese DLP projector will be a worthy choice for both office and home due to its high luminous flux of 5000 lumens, which is perfectly combined with a 370 watt lamp and a good, although not the best, contrast ratio. In addition, the development of BenQ is in many ways equipped not worse than analogs with a much more exorbitant price.

The projector was especially proud of its two loudspeakers of 10 watts each. As a rule, the sound does not belong to the strong points of such devices, but BenQ can be safely used without connecting any additional speakers. Like some other stationary models, the projector has a movable lens with universal distortion correction. Therefore, it can be placed above or below the screen and even on the side, which makes watching films and presentations as convenient as possible for viewers.

2 NEC NP-U321H

Lightness and compactness for stationary projectors, as a rule, are not decisive factors, but they have a certain influence on the operation of the device, and this should not be forgotten. Efficient small devices are extremely rare in this class, and the more valuable this model is. After all, it has incorporated the properties loved by users: Full HD, support for USB and Ethernet, three-dimensional image, HDTV and much more.

The main difference between NEC and purely Chinese and Taiwanese competitors is considered to be a reasonable combination of brightness and contrast. Also a characteristic feature of the projector is the projection distance, which is about half a meter. Because of this, NEC fits especially well into a miniature room or small office.The disadvantage can be attributed only to a slightly overpriced, but it is justified by the latest technologies used to combine powerful filling and neat dimensions.

1 Viewsonic Pro7827HD

The presence of a huge number of expensive analogs did not prevent Viewsonic from winning first place. Indeed, in terms of most of its characteristics, the projector is in no way inferior to other representatives of this class, which cost many times more. At the same time, Viewsonic is not without additional advantages. In particular, the device supports digital and optical zoom, its lamp will delight you with a long service life, reaching 3500 hours in standard mode or 6500 in economy mode. Contrast is also an order of magnitude higher than average - 22000. Luminous flux at 2200 lumens is also a good indicator, although not the best. Those wishing to watch movies without connecting additional audio systems will enjoy the pleasant sound with a power of 10 watts.

One of the main reasons for getting Viewsonic in the TOP was the variability of the image size. The user can easily configure both a small projection with a diagonal of 76 centimeters and a picture up to 7.62 meters.

Best Pocket Projectors

A pocket projector is a real boon for those on the go. Simple and compact, such a device is universal and well suited for home or summer cottages, as well as showing cartoons to children in a car or train. The brightest models are suitable even for the office, although, of course, in terms of resolution and image quality, they are inferior to more bulky and expensive devices.

However, among the advantages of the category is not only an acceptable price. The weight of such projectors, as a rule, does not exceed a third of a kilogram, and their modest size allows them to easily fit in a small purse or even in a pocket. At the same time, some representatives of the TOP of the best are able to work autonomously for up to several hours from a rechargeable battery or battery. Therefore, it is possible to hold a presentation or film screening, even if there is no outlet nearby. Support of such projectors for USB and Wi-Fi interfaces will help you completely forget about wires.

4 Everycom S6 plus

Enjoy a football match on a 1.5-meter screen in your country house or hotel room, where there is no TV in sight - why not if you have a pocket projector S6 plus version from the Chinese manufacturer Everycom? The size of a smartphone and weighing 250 g, this kid is capable of feats that a few years ago with such dimensions were unthinkable: play almost all video file formats, easily pick up a Wi-Fi network and connect to a headset via Bluetooth.

It is better to install it on a camera tripod, fortunately, the standard thread allows you to do this, thereby ensuring a stable position and even display of the picture. Optimum quality can be obtained by completely darkening the room, although the picture remains bright enough even when light hits the screen. The 5000 mAh battery lasts about 1.5 hours, and the lack of autonomy is easily compensated by the presence of a power bank. Sharpness is adjusted well, but the sound is weak, and it should be put through the speakers. For a mini projector, these characteristics are quite enough to provide yourself with interesting leisure in any place where there is an Internet connection.

3 Acer C120

Most buyers don't have the budget to buy flagship projectors and prefer balanced solutions. The Acer C120 is an excellent example of a solid compact projector for multipurpose use, which in many respects is not inferior to the most advanced models. An impressive lamp life (20,000 hours), as well as a luminous flux of 100 lumens, speak in favor of the model from the Taiwanese company - according to this parameter, the Acer C120 almost catches up with projectors from the higher price category. We must also mention the weight of the model: 180 grams is a decent indicator even in the segment of ultra-compact solutions. At the same time, the projector can display an image with a diagonal of up to 2.5 meters with a resolution of 854x480 pixels, that is, it is not inferior to competitors in this indicator.

But in order to squeeze the Acer C120 into the mid-price segment, the company had to make a number of compromises. For example, there is no way to eliminate keystone distortion. Also, for the sake of size, the projector had to be deprived of a composite input and a VGA connector. But despite all these disadvantages, the Acer C120 is still one of the best compact projectors in terms of price and features on offer.

2 CINEMOOD Storyteller

Despite the relatively low resolution, the Chinese model confidently ranks in the TOP of the best, thanks to its ease of use, mobility, a number of add-ons and the ability to work without recharging up to five hours. The projector has a practical cube shape that allows you to place it as you like and make a screen not only the walls, but also the ceiling. Cinemood is useful for both home and travel, but it will take some darkening to get a good picture.

The projector can be controlled in one motion through an app on a smartphone and even on a smart watch. Support for Bluetooth audio will allow you to play songs from any modern mobile device. The internal memory will even allow you to download some files to the projector itself. Cinemood also plays videos from flash drives or via Wi-Fi. At the same time, the manufacturer made a pleasant surprise for the youngest viewers: he created a pre-installed collection of popular cartoons.

1 Acer C101i

Pocket models with a really clear image and a luminous flux powerful enough for illuminated rooms are extremely rare. However, a simple Chinese projector surpasses all expectations. Unlike most, it has a good 1200 contrast ratio, comparable even to some portable and ultraportable DLP devices, and a luminous flux of 150 lumens. Therefore, the projection is quite clear, reproduces colors well and can even be used in a room with medium, but not too bright lighting.

At the same time, the device is equipped with two HDMI inputs, a USB connector, and a Wi-Fi interface. For a Chinese pocket projector, this is a chic set of features. Another advantage of the Acer device is considered to be a good battery, thanks to which it is able to autonomously show a film or presentation for about two hours.

Best projectors for educational institutions

With the introduction of projectors in educational institutions, teachers and students have a modern alternative to the school board, which allows not only displaying information on a large screen, but also organizing interactive interaction with materials. To implement the first direction, it is enough to equip the audience with a budget category apparatus with basic functionality. To use the advanced capabilities, you need more complex and, accordingly, expensive equipment that can bring the educational process to a qualitatively new level.

1 Ricoh PJ WXC4660

In June 2019, IT news channels announced the appearance on the Russian market of a new model of the Ricoh PJ WXC4660 projector. The novelty is focused on exploitation in the field of education, scientific activity, museum expositions, presentations, digital advertising. One of the advantages of the device is the presence of an ultra-short focus, due to which a bright (4000 lm) and detailed (500: 1) image with a diagonal of up to 130 ″ is created at a distance of only 73 cm. and a reliable Philips HLD LED light source that requires no maintenance or replacement and can last at least 20,000 hours.

In addition to the power advantage, the projector is distinguished by the use of 3-matrix technology - 3LCD. Unlike DLP used in ordinary models, it provides the same high brightness in all colors, and not only in white, operates almost silently (33‒37 dB - quieter than spoken speech), and is better perceived by the visual system. That is why this equipment is the optimal choice for installation in small and medium-sized premises of schools and universities.Thanks to 360 ° projection, the device can be oriented in any direction, and compatibility with key smart control systems Crestron, AMX and PJ Link allows it to be integrated into the corresponding digital infrastructure.