A home theater projector can open up a world of new entertainment possibilities. Rather than facing the constraints of a fixed size TV, many projectors display a crystal-clear image on a screen of up to 120 inches in 4K resolution.
Other projectors can help bring video from the small screen of a laptop or phone and supersize it to be enjoyed by a whole group. If you’ve been considering a projector for your home theater, we can help.
What to Look for in a Home Theater Projector
When looking for a home theater projector, there are two major features to look out for. The first is resolution. If you’re after a high-quality theater experience, take a look at a 4K projector or Full HD model. While you’ll spend more, it’s well worth it for the best available picture quality.
Secondly, also take note of any projector’s lumen output. Lumens are a measure of how much light is emitted from the projector. If you’re planning on using the projector in a completely dark room for a true home theater experience, a projector with a lower lumen output will definitely fit the bill.
But for other situations like a portable projector or a model to use in bright conditions, try to find the highest lumen output possible. Usually, the maximum projector output available is around 4,000 lumens.
With that in mind, here are some of the best projectors on the market.
1. BenQ HT3550
BenQ HT3550 BenQ HT3550 Buy Now On Amazon $ 1,315.13
For a true cinema-like experience, consider at the BenQ HT3550. The 4K projector is ready to go out of the box with color accuracy, so you won’t need to worry about that task before viewing content. The 2,000-lumen project also features a number of different modes preset for the best experience, including a mode for the best color accuracy in 4K and watching videos in a room with some ambient light.
You can take advantage of two HDMI inputs, a USB-A and mini-USB plug, along with an S/PDIF digital audio output. Thanks to a vertical lens shift of 5 percent and a 3x zoom lens, you can set up a screen as large as 100 inches from just 8.2 feet, making it a great option for smaller spaces.
2. Anker Nebula Apollo
Anker Nebula Apollo Anker Nebula Apollo Buy Now On Amazon $ 341.99
You probably know the Anker as a manufacturer of some great mobile phone accessories. But the company has more up its sleeve with the Anker Nebula Apollo.
Rather than a static device intended for home theaters, the unit is a portable projector that can take your content almost anywhere. The projector displays content at 854×480 resolution at 200 lumens. You can use a screen up to 100 inches.
While you can connect USB and HDMI devices to the projector, the Nebula Apollo’s best feature is that it runs Android 7.1. So with a companion smartphone app, you can download and stream from services like YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu. Weighing just 1.7 pounds, the projector’s built-in battery can play video for up to four hours before needing to be recharged.
3. Epson Home Cinema 4010
Epson Home Cinema 4010 Epson Home Cinema 4010 Buy Now On Amazon $ 1,999.49
Another option for the crown jewel of a media room is the Epson Home Cinema 4010. The 4K projector provides 2,600 lumens and a dynamic contrast ratio of 1 million:1 for vivid color. The projector’s three-chip design allows 100 percent of the RGB color signal to be displayed for each frame.
You can use a screen of up to 120 inches if the projector is placed at least 12 feet away. A real-time HDR curve adjustment allows for 16 steps of control to fine-tune the HDR performance no matter what you’re watching. The projector sports two HDMI inputs, an optical HDMI input, a LAN jack, an RS-232 input, and a 15-pin PC input.
4. ViewSonic PX700HD
ViewSonic PX700HD ViewSonic PX700HD Buy Now On Amazon $ 499.99
The ViewSonic PX700HD can display 1080p content on up to 300-inch screen. And with 3,500 lumens, it’s also a great choice for rooms with more light. Gamers will definitely love the low 16ms input latency to keep up with all of the action. There is also a sports mode that provides enhanced colors.
Made for wireless streaming dongles like the Amazon Fire TV Stick, you can use one of the projector’s two HDMI ports while taking power from the USB-A port. The dual HDMI inputs also allow you to view 3D content from compatible Blu-Ray players. And there’s no need to worry about purchasing sound equipment as the projector also has a built-in speaker.
5. Optoma HD28HDR
Optoma HD28HDR Optoma HD28HDR Buy Now On Amazon $ 649.00
Another great budget-friendly choice is the Optoma HD28HDR. The projector provides 3,600 lumens of brightness and a 1080p picture. You can use a 120-inch screen when the projector is 12 feet away. The projector is compatible with 4K devices, so you can watch HDR10 compatible content.
There are four different picture modes when viewing HDR movies or TV shows. This unit is perfect for gamers as well—there are two different modes to select from, including a low-input lag of 8.4ms with a 120HZ refresh rate. It’s also made to display any 3D content. Along with two HDMI inputs, there is one 3.5mm audio out and a USB-A port.
6. LG HU80KA
LG HU80KA LG HU80KA Buy Now On Amazon $ 2,500.00
The LG HU80KA combines portability and a high-quality home theater picture in a great package. The laser projector provides 2,500 lumens, and you can show a 4K image on a screen of up to 150 inches from 12 feet away. With the built-in carrying handle and cord reel, you can easily transport it to different rooms or even take it on the go.
Using the projector’s Wi-Fi connection, you can easily watch streaming services like Netflix and YouTube with LG’s Smart TV streaming platform without any additional equipment. You can also wirelessly screen share videos from a smartphone or tablet.
There are two HDMI ports, a 3.5mm and S/PDIF audio out, a LAN plug, and two USB-A ports. If the 7W built-in speakers aren’t enough, the projector also sports Bluetooth connections to soundbars, portable speakers, or a personal headset.
7. YABER Y30
YABER Y30 YABER Y30 Buy Now On Amazon
If you want to see if a home theater projector is right for you, take a look at the YABER Y30. The projector can show 1080p content at 6,800 lumens. That should allow you to enjoy content in a bright room or even outdoors. The projector can work with up to a 200-inch screen when 15 feet away.
The projector sports two HDMI plugs, two USB-A ports, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a VGA input. You can also take advantage of built-in 3W dual stereo speakers for audio.
The Best Projector for Your Needs
While TVs are a staple of many homes, a projector enables a more cinematic experience. There are many projectors on the market at a range of prices, so you should find some that suits your requirements and budget.
That said, a great picture is only one part of creating your home theater. Take a look at some of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars that can bring 360-degree sound to your content.
Read the full article: The 7 Best Projectors for Home Theaters
