Best Budget Projectors (that don’t look cheap)
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How I researched
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I cross-checked manufacturer spec sheets (brightness, resolution, throw distance, input lag), then sanity-checked claims against independent lab tests and enthusiast forums to see where models over- or under-perform in real rooms.
Top picks
1. Epson Home Cinema 1080 — Best for bright rooms on a budget
If you’ll watch with lamps on or in a light-colored living room, this 3LCD 1080p model is the safest value play. It’s rated around 4,000 lumens and, unlike 3-chip DLP, 3LCD shows full-time RGB color (no “rainbowing”).
- Exceptional Picture Quality — Provides stunning, detailed 1080p images and fast data processing that’s optimized for fast-action sports, gaming and more
- Ultra Bright Images — 4,000 lumens of color brightness (IDMS rated) and 4,000 lumens of white brightness (ISO rated)¹ deliver outstanding-quality images in a variety of lighting conditions
- Outstanding Picture Brightness — Advanced 3LCD technology displays 100% of the RGB color signal for every frame. This allows for outstanding color accuracy while maintaining excellent color brightness, without any distracting “rainbowing” or “color brightness” issues seen with other projection technologies
Pros
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Very bright for the money (≈3,400 lumens)
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3LCD color brightness with no rainbow artifacts
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Simple setup; two HDMI ports
Cons
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Mediocre native contrast in a dark theater room
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Lamp light source means eventual bulb replacements
Trade-offs / Who should skip -
Movie buffs with fully dark rooms who want deeper blacks should consider a higher-contrast DLP instead.
2. BenQ TH575 — Best for gaming on a budget
A straightforward 1080p DLP with ~16.7 ms input lag and ~3,800-lumen punch, so sports and games hold up in moderate light. It’s a “plug in your console and go” pick without smart-OS clutter.
- NEW 2023 MODEL: Upgraded 3800 ANSI Lumens paired with an improved 15,000:1 contrast ratio (FOFO) when compared to its predecessor, TH585P.
- 1080P RESOLUTION: 1080p Full HD image quality with 3800 ANSI lumen for ultimate gaming experiences in well-lit environment, one of our best gaming projectors
- LOW LATENCY: 16ms (1080p@60Hz) low input lag and microsecond DMD fast response ensure ultra-smooth gaming experiences
Pros
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Low input lag for responsive play
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Bright picture for daytime sessions
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Cinema preset with decent color out of the box
Cons
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No built-in streaming OS (use a Roku/Fire TV stick)
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Typical DLP black levels; best with some ambient light
Trade-offs / Who should skip -
If you primarily watch movies in a dark room and crave deeper blacks, pick a cinema-oriented model instead.
3. BenQ TH671ST — Best short-throw for small rooms
Need a 100″ image from the coffee table? This short-throw 1080p model throws 100″ at roughly 4.9 ft and keeps input lag in the ~16 ms range in Fast Mode—great for apartments, dorms, or ceiling-mount-challenged spaces.
- UNPARALLELED PICTURE QUALITY: TV Projector, comes with Native Full HD 1080p Resolution, 92% Rec. 709 Color Accuracy, 3000 Lumens and high native contrast ratio for the ultimate immersive cinematic and gaming experience.
- GEARED TOWARDS GAMING: Ultra-fast low input lag and a refresh rate that matches the max output of Xbox One X & PS4 Pro ensure ultra-smooth gaming experiences without motion blur to keep you on the top of your game. One of the best projector for gaming!
- WOW YOUR FRIENDS: Take the action to the big screen by projecting a 100 inch screen from just 5 feet away. Projects up to 300 inches.
Pros
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True short-throw: big screen from close up
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Low-lag gaming (~16 ms with Fast Mode)
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~3,000-lumen brightness holds up with some ambient light
Cons
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Limited placement flexibility (no lens shift)
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Potential DLP “rainbow” artifacts for sensitive viewers
Trade-offs / Who should skip -
If you can place the projector farther back, the TH575 is cheaper and brighter; cinephiles in dark rooms may want different tech.
4. Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-FH02 — Best all-in-one streaming pick
This 1080p smart projector includes Android TV in the box, so you can stream without a dongle. Rated at ~3,000 lumens with Epson’s 3LCD engine, it’s a convenient living-room or backyard movie option.
- Display Stunning Images up to 300" — Full HD 1080p picture four times larger than a 75" flat panel delivers an immersive experience for business presentations, home viewing and beyond
- Compact Design — Sleek, lightweight design easily fits in backpacks for easy portability on the go
- Ultra Bright Images — 3,000 lumens of color and white brightness (1) deliver outstanding-quality images in a variety of lighting conditions
Pros
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Android TV included (remote + voice search)
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Vivid color brightness from 3LCD
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Integrated speaker; easy, TV-like setup
Cons
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No optical zoom/lens shift; placement takes a minute
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Lamp-based; bulbs wear out over time
Trade-offs / Who should skip -
If you don’t need built-in streaming and care more about input lag, the BenQ TH575 is the better gamer’s pick.
Buying guide
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Room light dictates everything. If you can’t fully darken the room, target 3,000+ lumens and favor multi-chip tech that keeps color bright with ambient light.
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Throw distance/placement. Measure from lens to screen and check each model’s throw (short-throw helps if you’re under ~6 ft to the screen).
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Gaming? Look for input lag under ~20 ms at 1080p/60; higher refresh modes are a bonus but not required for consoles.
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Smart vs. dumb. A built-in OS is convenient, but a $30 streaming stick keeps you flexible and is easy to replace when apps change.
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Light source. Lamps are cheapest up front but need replacement eventually; LED/laser last longer and run cooler, often at lower brightness per dollar.
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Speakers. Tiny built-ins are fine for a bedroom; for movie night, plan on at least a soundbar.
FAQs
Q: Is 4K worth it on a budget?
A: If your room is bright or you need gaming performance, a brighter 1080p model will usually look better than a dim “budget 4K.” For dark rooms, a well-priced entry 4K DLP can be a nice step-up.
Q: How big can I go?
A: Most of these can fill 100–120″ easily if you have the throw distance. Short-throw models like the TH671ST do ~100″ from about 5 ft.
Q: Will I see a “rainbow effect”?
A: Sensitive viewers sometimes notice rainbow artifacts on single-chip DLP. 3LCD projectors avoid this.
Q: Do I need a screen?
A: A smooth wall works in a pinch, but a matte white or simple fixed-frame screen boosts clarity/contrast—especially with ambient light.
Q: What about portability?
A: If you need something travel-friendly, compact LED projectors are convenient—just remember they’re much dimmer than lamp-based units and work best at night or in dark rooms.
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