With plenty of must-watch movies and tv shows launching on streaming services every week, there’s no drought of quality content to binge. Though where cinemas showcase only a fraction of what’s available, and TVs are hindered by their limited screen size, a projector can be the perfect middle ground for getting the most out of your favorite content in home cinema style. Thankfully, due to a healthy boom in the market, there are plenty of budget-friendly options available that will let you experience all of the luxuries of the silver screen without breaking the bank.
TL;DR - The Best Budget Projectors at a Glance
Whether you’re looking for something to beef up your home cinema events or a more portable device that can be used for both work and play, the best budget projectors have all the embellishments you could need to achieve the best visual experience.
1. YABER Pro V7
The best budget-friendly projector
When you want to try a projector but aren’t sure where to start, the YABER Pro V7 provides the essential hallmarks with a much cheaper price tag than the other options on this list. As well as being budget-friendly, this YABER offering doesn’t let you miss out on all the fun that high-end projectors have to offer. When streaming video, you’ll have a 1080p screen at your fingertips, with the ability to ensure viewing angles are uniform and straight, thanks to its automatic keystone adjuster.
If you’re someone who wants the simplicity of streaming directly from your phone or tablet, the YABER also has WiFi mirroring enabled so you can cast content from your subscription services to the big screen. And, beyond compatibility with powerful soundbars, you’ve also got the option of privacy thanks to the YABER’s Bluetooth functionality, which allows you to slip a pair of wireless headphones on and enjoy your favorite movie in peace.
2. LG PF50KA
The best multi-use budget projector
The LG PF50KA is a powerhouse projector with all the bells and whistles you’d find in a premium device without the price tag. With built-in speakers and two and half hours of portable battery life, the LG can be taken on the go and used for anything from office displays to parties and open-air cinema-like viewings.
While watching, you’ll be treated to a clear 1080p projection visible on screens from 28 to 100 inches, providing a high-quality resolution at any size. When it comes to connecting your devices, the LG has two HDMI 2.0 ports and USB-A and C connectivity at the rear of the device, facilitating streaming from a large number of external devices. With a trusty remote boxed in and smart-enabled services giving you built-in access to apps like Netflix and Disney +, the LG PF50KA lets you sit back and relax without having to worry about an overcomplicated setup.
3. ViewSonic - PA503W WXGA DLP Projector
The best budget projector for large groups
Projectors with a large screen size can be great for streaming intense sports finals and dramatic action sequences in blockbuster movies, and the ViewSonic PA503W can handle this task with ease thanks to an impressive 300-inch display capacity, offset by its 800p resolution. Boasting 3600 lumens of brightness, the ViewSonic works well in the daytime in addition to the evening, so there’s no need to pull the curtains closed to see what's on your screen.
The ViewSonic also comes with a number of handy power-saving options to help promote the longevity of the projector's lifespan and save you some money on your energy bill. These include an Eco mode that reduces the brightness output of the 200W lamp when in use and an auto power off system that automatically shuts the projector down when no input is detected.
4. Epson - EX3280 3LCD XGA Projector
The best budget projector for beginners
If your TV is on the way out and you’re ready to swap your setup completely, the Epson EX3280 is a straightforward projector with a compelling feature set. You’ll be able to experience a clear, high-quality picture courtesy of its XGA 768p resolution and 3600 lumens of brightness. And, you can connect it to your streaming device of choice with the HDMI cable at the back, allowing access to all manner of subscription services full of must-watch content. A set of integrated speakers offer a built-in audio experience if you don’t own an external set-up, which is helpful if you’re looking to avoid buying audio accessories on the side.
The Epson also features a built-in Skew Sensor that works to keep your picture balanced and square as you enjoy all kinds of blockbuster movies and moreish tv shows. If you’re nervous about making the switch, the Epson also comes with a one-year manufacturer's warranty to give you some peace of mind in the process.
Do you need any other accessories for a projector setup?
While some projectors come with everything you need to plug and play, others require some extra rigging to get the display just right. It’s important when making your purchase to consider how or where you’ll be using the projector. If you don’t have a large white wall to cast against, there are tons of budget-friendly projector screens available online that can be purchased to keep your content crisp. In addition to screens, some projectors may require additional mounts or speaker solutions. It’s important to check the audio output connectivity of any projector you’re in the market for to verify how you can upgrade the sound quality if necessary.
