Choosing the best projectors under $500 might be challenging, especially when so many options are available on the market. When searching for a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality, it becomes even more challenging.
To assist you in this endeavor, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the top seven projectors under $500 for 2023.
How We Picked These 7 Best Projectors Under $500
When seeking the best projectors in the under $500 category, we followed a methodical approach, keeping in mind the basic needs of users and the features that can be useful to them. Here’s an overview of the factors that contributed to our selection process.
1. Market Research:
To begin, we performed extensive market research to understand the latest trends and the newest entrants in the projector market.
We surveyed various online platforms, customer reviews, and tech forums to get an insight into what users find important in a projector.
2. Technology and Features:
A critical part of our selection criteria revolved around the technology used and the features offered. We examined specifications such as resolution, contrast ratio, brightness, and the type of projection technology (DLP, LCD, etc.).
We prioritized projectors offering Full HD or at least HD resolution, high contrast ratios, and Brightness.
3. Connectivity:
We ensured our selections offered a variety of input/output options such as HDMI, VGA, USB, and wireless connectivity where possible.
We considered projectors that could easily connect to various devices like computers, gaming consoles, and streaming devices.
4. Performance:
The performance played a significant role in our selection process. We looked for projectors that offered excellent image quality and color accuracy.
Reviews and user feedback played a substantial part in evaluating performance. For an enhanced viewing experience, we also considered projectors with 3D capabilities.
5. Portability and Design:
Considering the evolving needs of users, we ensured to include options that are portable and compact. We looked for lightweight projectors that were easy to move around and convenient for travel.
6. Value for Money:
Lastly, we aimed to provide the best value for money. We took into consideration the overall features, performance, and usability of each projector and weighed these against their price.
We aimed to provide options that provided high value for each dollar spent, keeping within the $500 budget.
Considering all these factors, the seven projectors we chose represent the best options available under $500. However, the ‘best’ projector can vary for each individual, depending on personal needs and preferences. We hope our comprehensive analysis assists you in making an informed decision.
If You Are in Hurry, Take a Quick Look at Our Pick
- Overall Best: Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-FH02
- Best for Gaming: ViewSonic PX701HDH
- Best for Home Theater: Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-FH02
- Best Portable: Anker NEBULA Capsule Max
- Best for Office: BenQ MW560
- Best Budget: YABER Y31 9800L
Best Projectors Under $500: Our Recommendations
1. Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-FH02
Rating:
4.6/5
Price on Amazon
Looking for a seamless blend of power and portability for your viewing and gaming experiences? Get acquainted with the Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-FH02, a projector that blurs the lines between functionality and versatility, ideal for movie lovers, gamers, and office workers.
Unfolding the magic, the EpiqVision Flex carries high-definition 1080p FHD resolution, perfect for capturing the smallest details in films and games. Plus, with up to 300” projection capabilities, your screen expands beyond traditional limits. And for office workers, imagine enlivening your presentations with this expansive visual experience!
Diving deeper into its features, its true 3-Chip 3LCD technology with 3000 lumens brightness ensures vivid, color-rich output, rendering characters in movies and games more lifelike.
It also has smart streaming capabilities, which means you can enjoy Netflix, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime, and more. When it comes to gaming, its low input lag will let you stay ahead of the competition.
Fancy an outdoor screening under the stars? The CO-FH02 is light, portable, and comes with an easy-to-set-up design. You can create memorable experiences anywhere, just pick a location, and this little magician will take care of the rest!
Key Specification
Display Type : LCD
Brightness : 3000 Lumens
Resolution : 1920 x 1080 (16:9, Full HD)
Operating System : Android TV(2)
Connectivity : HDMI, USB
Weight : 5.7lbs
Built-in Speaker : 5 W with enclosure
Pros & Cons
- 1080p resolution.
- 3000 Lumens Brightness.
- 3LCD technology.
- Low input lag for gamers.
- Compact and versatile design.
- In-built audio may not satisfy.
2. ViewSonic PX701HDH
Rating:
4.5/5
Price on Amazon
Starting with its high-definition 1080p resolution, the ViewSonic PX701HDH delivers exceptional picture clarity, making every movie scene come alive, and every game encounter look lifelike.
The projector’s astounding brightness of 3500 ANSI lumens ensures vibrant images, even in well-lit rooms. You can bid farewell to washed-out colors and enjoy the drama exactly as it unfolds.
The exclusive SuperColor Technology provides a wide color range, translating to stunning image quality with up to 300” screen size.
What about input lag, the bane of any gamer’s existence? Fear not! The projector’s ultra-low 16ms input latency means your commands translate into action almost instantaneously – crucial for those high-stakes gaming showdowns.
However, the projector’s sound quality doesn’t quite match its visual prowess. You may want to consider investing in an external speaker system for a truly immersive experience.
And then, there’s the Eco Mode. Although it lowers brightness, it substantially extends the lamp’s life – a smart feature for those lengthy movie marathons or gaming sessions.
See Full Review.
Key Specifications
Display Type : DLP
Resolution : Full HD (1920 x 1080)
Brightness : 3500 Lumens
Contrast Ratio : 12,000:1
Input Lag : 16ms
Connectivity : HDMI, VGA, USB Type A and B,
Built-in Speakers : Yes
Projection Size : 30 to 300 inches
Keystone Correction : Vertical +/- 40 degrees
Weight : 5.73 lbs
Pros & Cons
- High-definition resolution
- Exceptional brightness
- SuperColor Technology
- Low input latency
- Mediocre built-in sound
- Lower brightness in Eco Mode
3. ViewSonic PA503W
Rating:
4.5/5
Price on Amazon
Are you looking for the perfect companion to power your visual entertainment? Imagine an immersive world where movies come alive, where every gaming moment becomes more intense, and your presentations effortlessly hold the attention of your audience. The ViewSonic PA503W projector claims to deliver all this and more.
First, the projector features an impressive 3800 lumens of brightness, complemented by a stunning 1280 x 800 WXGA resolution. The stellar image quality is further accentuated by a 22000:1 contrast ratio, ensuring deep
blacks and brilliant whites in every frame.
Movie lovers will appreciate the SuperColor Technology, which delivers cinema-like color accuracy, and gamers will benefit from reduced input latency, creating real-time gaming experiences. On the other hand, office workers will find the projectors’ 3D Blu-Ray-ready HDMI input indispensable for delivering impactful presentations.
Onto the outdoor screening, this is where the projector’s high contrast ratio of 22,000:1 and 3800 lumens brightness shines, maintaining a balance between light and dark scenes even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions, making it perfect for outdoor movie nights or presentations.
However, The PA503W, while packed with features, is not 4K-ready. But worry not. For movie enthusiasts and gamers, a WXGA resolution still delivers a fantastic experience; for presentations, the clarity is more than sufficient.
See Full Review.
Key Specifications
Projection System : DLP
Native Resolution : WXGA (1280×800)
Brightness : 3800 Lumens
Contrast Ratio : 22,000:1
Lamp Life : Up to 15,000 hours
Keystone Correction : Vertical (+/- 40 degrees)
Zoom Factor : 1.1x
Speakers : Mono 2W x 1
Connectivity : HDMI, VGA In, USB- B
Weight : 4.89 lb / 2.22 kg
Pros & Cons
- High brightness.
- SuperColor Technology.
- Extended lamp life.
- Quick response time.
- Not 4K-ready.
- Lacks built-in Wi-Fi.
4. BenQ MW560
Rating:
4.5/5
Price on Amazon
The BenQ MW560 is undoubtedly one to take center stage, particularly for movie lovers and office workers alike. Imagine having a movie night under the stars or impressing your colleagues with a vibrant presentation.
When it comes to features, the MW560 shines bright, quite literally. With 4,000 lumens of brightness, this projector ensures vivid, crystal-clear images regardless of the environment.
It has a native WXGA (1280 x 800) resolution with a 20,000:1 contrast ratio, ensuring your favorite films or intricate PowerPoint details are rendered with immaculate precision.
Furthermore, its durable, compact design makes it easy to transport, perfect for impromptu cinema nights or on-the-go business meetings.
What’s more, its lamp life is a fantastic testament to its longevity, promising up to 15,000 hours in eco mode. That’s an endless stream of blockbusters or many office meetings without worrying about sudden lamp failure.
However, its native resolution of 1280 x 800, while capable, might not meet the standards of those seeking 4K quality. A possible solution would be connecting it to a 4K upscaling Blu-ray player or similar device to enhance image quality.
See Full Review.
Key Specifications
Display Type : DLP
Native Resolution : WXGA, 1280 x 800
Brightness : 4,000 ANSI lumens
Contrast Ratio : 20,000:1
Speaker : 2W x 1
Connectivity : HDMI x2, USB Type A x1, USB Type mini B x1
Lamp Life : Up to 15,000 hours
Weight : 2.3 kg
Pros & Cons
- 4000 Lumens brightness.
- 15,000 hours Lamp Life.
- Dual HDMI interface.
- Compact and durable design.
- Not 4K-native
- Built-in speakers lack depth of sound
5. Anker NEBULA Capsule Max
Rating:
4.4/5
Price on Amazon
As a movie lover, you’d likely agree that the cinema experience should be immersive, effortless, and – why not – mobile! Enter the Anker NEBULA Capsule Max, a projector designed to elevate your movie-watching experience, whether in the confines of your living room or under the starlit sky.
Compact yet packed with features, the NEBULA Capsule Max is an amalgamation of style and substance. It boasts a resolution of 720p, delivering crisp visuals that do justice to every frame of your favorite films.
Combined with its immersive 360-degree 8W speaker, the projector creates an audio-visual spectacle that transforms your chosen setting into a cinematic stage. Even more, it’s a portable device with a built-in battery, enabling you to host an outdoor screening with minimal setup fuss.
The adaptive brightness feature of the Capsule Max allows it to fine-tune the brightness based on ambient light, offering an optimal viewing experience, day or night.
But let’s tackle the elephant in the room – 200 ANSI lumens of brightness might not suffice for a sunlit outdoor event. A solution? Opt for a screening when the sun starts to dip, bringing out the best of this projector’s capabilities.
Despite its compact size, the Capsule Max houses an array of connectivity options – HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth – allowing you to source your media from nearly any device. The projector runs on Android 8.1, opening up a world of apps and streaming services.
See Full Review.
Key Specifications
Resolution : 1280×720 (HD)
Brightness : 200 ANSI lumens
Contrast Ratio : 400:1
Image Size : Up to 100 inches
Speaker : 8W, 360° Speaker
Operating System : Android 8.1
Connectivity : HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Battery Life : 4 hours video playtime
Weight : 1.5 pounds
Focus Adjustment : Automatic
Keystone : Automatic (vertical ±40°)
Pros & Cons
- Compact and Portable.
- High-resolution display.
- 100” Projection Size.
- 360° Sound.
- 4-Hour Video Playtime.
- Versatile connectivity options.
- Not suitable for daytime outdoor use.
- Requires sideloading for certain apps.
6. YABER Y31 9800L
Rating:
4.3/5
Price on Amazon
With a glimmering dance of colors, the YABER Y31 9800L projector provides a breathtaking feast for the eyes. Whether you’re a movie lover seduced by cinematic grandeur or a gamer seeking a more immersive experience, this piece of technology will take your passion to new heights.
Equipped with a staggering 9800 lumens of brightness, the YABER Y31 guarantees stunning clarity, even in rooms with ample ambient light. Its advanced color engine ensures vibrant, rich colors, transforming your living room into a personal IMAX theater or a lifelike gaming arena.
The projector’s native 1080p resolution creates a detailed and crystal-clear display that promises an immersive experience. It also supports 4k Videos. For movie lovers, this means the subtlety of expressions and the grandeur of panoramic shots are captured with striking precision.
Adding to the appeal, the Y31’s innovative 4D Keystone Correction allows a projection size of up to 300″ from any angle, lending itself to dynamic and flexible viewing.
As for the Gamers, the Y31 9800L holds its own. The low input lag ensures your commands translate into action with lightning speed. Plus, the wide compatibility means you can connect your favorite consoles, from the Playstation 5 to the Xbox Series X, and enjoy gaming on a grand scale.
In terms of durability, the sturdy design ensures longevity. It also has multiple connection options for universal compatibility – a benefit for gamers with different consoles or movie lovers with varied source materials.
See Full Review.
Key Specification
Brightness : 9800 Lumens
Native Resolution : 1920 x 1080 (4k Supports)
Contrast Ratio : 10000:1
Projection Size : 50″ to 300″
Keystone Correction : ± 50° 4D (Vertical & Horizontal)
Lamp Life : 100,000 hours
Speaker : Built-in stereo speaker
Connectivity : HDMI, USB, VGA, AV, Micro SD
Cooling System : Advanced Dual Fan
Pros & Cons
- Bright 9800 lumens.
- 1080p resolution with 4k Support.
- Up to 300″ projection size.
- 100,000 hours lamp life.
- Universal compatibility.
- Noticeable cooling fan noise
7. XGIMI MoGo Pro+ Portable
Rating:
4.2/5
Price on Amazon
The XGIMI MoGo Pro+ projector certainly knows how to roll out the red carpet. It’s more than a product; it’s a companion for every movie lover and gamer who appreciates a top-tier visual experience.
XGIMI MoGo Pro+ delivers a whopping 1080p Full HD resolution and also supports 4K video. Its auto-focus and keystone correction capability ensures a clear, distortion-free 100+” image size from a mere 2 meters away.
It’s powered by Android TV, providing access to a multitude of entertainment apps. The built-in Harman Kardon speakers offer rich and clear audio, saving you the hassle of external speakers.
An added feather to its cap is the projector’s 300 ANSI lumens brightness, outshining many in its category, offering bright and detailed images even in moderately lit conditions.
And, for the gamers, there’s a low latency mode that ensures your gaming actions are always in sync with the display, making it perfect for those high-octane gaming sessions.
Key Specifications
Display Type : DLP
Native Resolution : 1920×1080 (4K supports)
Brightness : 300 ANSI Lumens
Contrast Ratio : 1000:1 or higher
Projection Size : Up to 100 inches
Operating System : Android TV
Connectivity : Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI, USB
Audio : Integrated Harman Kardon speakers
Battery Life : Approximately 2-4 hours
Weight : Around 900 grams to 1 kilogram
Pros & Cons
- 1080p resolution with 4k supports.
- 300 ANSI lumens brightness
- Low latency mode for gaming
- Built-in Harmon Kardon speakers
- Portable and compact design
- Battery life could be better
These seven projectors offer a range of options for the discerning buyer looking to maximize their return on investment. Whether your priority lies in high resolution, portability, connectivity, or other features, one of these projectors should ideally fit your needs, all while staying under the $500 mark. Happy projecting!
Buying Guide for Best Projectors Under $500
Investing in a projector under $500 can still provide a high-quality home theater or presentation experience. Here are some crucial factors to consider when you’re on a budget but don’t want to compromise on quality.
1. Resolution:
While 4K projectors are the cream of the crop, they usually exceed the $500 mark. Therefore, for this budget, focus on finding a Full HD (1920×1080 pixels) or at least HD (1280×720 pixels) projector. This will ensure that your videos, images, or presentations have sufficient clarity and detail.
2. Brightness:
Brightness impacts the visibility of the projection. For projectors under $500, a 1000 to 3000 lumens brightness should be sufficient for most settings, from small, dark rooms to larger rooms with some ambient light. In terms of portable projectors, it depends.
3. Contrast Ratio:
A decent contrast ratio will improve your viewing experience by offering better differentiation between dark and light images. Look for a projector with a contrast ratio of at least 2000:1 or higher.
4. Technology:
Most budget projectors employ either LCD or DLP technology:
LCD Projectors: These deliver vibrant colors and don’t suffer from the ‘rainbow effect’ sometimes seen in DLP projectors.
DLP Projectors: Typically offer better response time and 3D capabilities, but colors might be less vibrant compared to LCD projectors.
5. Connectivity:
Ensure the projector supports the inputs you’ll use the most, such as HDMI for modern devices, VGA for older computers, and USB for flash drives.
Some projectors in this price range also offer wireless connectivity options, like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and these can be handy for wireless streaming from laptops, tablets, or smartphones.
6. Portability:
Consider a projector’s weight and size if you need a projector for different locations. There are plenty of compact and lightweight projectors available under $500 that offer good image quality.
7. Value for Money:
The best projector under $500 should offer the best balance of the above features within the budget. Look for a projector that ticks most, if not all, of your requirements while staying under the price limit.
FAQs
Q1: What are the key features to look for in a projector under $500?
A: When shopping for a projector under $500, you should consider the following key features:
– Resolution, Brightness, Contrast ratio, Connectivity options, Lamp life
Q2: Can I get a 4K projector under $500?
A: Most native 4K projectors were priced higher than $500. However, technology is continually evolving and becoming more affordable. It’s best to check the latest offerings on the market.
Q3: Can a projector under $500 be used for gaming?
A: Yes, many projectors under $500 can be used for gaming. It’s important to look for a model with a low input lag for the best gaming experience.
Q4. Does a higher price always mean better performance in projectors?
A: Not necessarily. While cost can often correlate with quality, this isn’t always the case. A more expensive projector may have features you don’t need, while a cheaper one may have all the required features. Always assess your needs and choose a projector that best fulfills them.
Q5. Is portability important for a projector?
A: Portability is important if you plan to move the projector frequently, like for outdoor movie nights or presentations.
However, portability may not be a critical factor if the projector is stationary, such as in a home theater setup.