Thinking of adding a projector to your home setup? It’s an awesome way to get that big screen movie vibe. The good news? Modern projectors are super easy to configure and work with all kinds of devices, streaming gadgets, game consoles, laptops and even smartphones. They can throw pictures from 100 to 200 inches, turning your wall or a screen into a mini theater.
Now, choosing the right home theater projector can be a little overwhelming with all the technical words like lamp types, lumens, image size and Dolby Atmos. Some work better in dark rooms, while others shine in well-lit rooms. Plus, there are cool ultra-short-throw projectors that fit into small rooms by sitting inches away from the wall.
If you’re just starting your search, this article has you covered with a mix of projectors for different budgets, needs and occasions, from gaming sessions to cozy movie nights in the garden.
Best Standard Throw 4K with Dolby Vision For Under $2,000
Xgimi Horizon Ultra
Pros
- Supports Dolby Vision HDR
- Great dark room brightness
- Excellent color accuracy
Cons
- Underperformed in bright rooms
- Setup can be annoying for non-Android users
- Sound is a little lacking
Price: $1,700
Unboxing the Xgimi Horizon Ultra treats you to a visually appealing projector, with a smooth faux leather exterior and a non-slip faceplate, all at a surprisingly budget-friendly price. What sets it apart is its 4K resolution and dual laser/LED technology, which delivers 2,300 ISO lumens of brightness. The star of the show is its Dolby Vision HDR support, which offers exceptional contrast and color reproduction. With 95.5% DCI-P3 and 99% Rec. 709 coverage, the Horizon Ultra guarantees accurate color representation.
Beyond its visual ability, this “Smart Projector” integrates Android TV for convenient streaming, although its performance is a bit limited. The real brilliance lies in its auto-setup features, including keystone correction, alignment, and autofocus, making it user-friendly even at extreme angles.
The connectivity options are many, with two HDMI ports (also one eARC), USB ports, Bluetooth, Chromecast, Wi-Fi and LAN. While the built-in 12-watt Harman Kardon speakers are decent, external speaker options are available.
In conclusion, the Xgimi Horizon Ultra impresses with its stunning visuals, smart features, and extensive connectivity, all bundled in an attractive price package.
Best 4K projector with near perfect color
BenQ HT4550i 4K
Pros
- Very accurate color
- Bright 3,200 ANSI lumen image
- The fan is silent
Cons
- Built-in sound is not the best
- The black levels tend to suffer in light rooms
Price: $3,000
The BenQ HT4550i is like the superhero of projectors in the BenQ lineup. It’s all about bringing brilliant colors, great brightness, and killer HDR support for those deep black levels. This projector is a breeze to set up and use, and delivers image quality that will make you question why you’d ever consider anything else, especially when it’s so much more reasonable than its flashy competitors.
With a 4K UHD resolution that’s sharper than a knife (3,840-by-2,160 pixels) and a brightness of 3,200 ANSI lumens, the HT4550i can project a 60-inch image from just 5 feet away. You can grow tall, like 200 inches tall, from a comfortable 16-foot distance. Thanks to its 4LED DLP chipset, it’s amazing even in rooms with little ambient light, but it really shines in a dedicated, pitch-black home theater.
This projector also offers BenQ’s new CinematicColor and Wide Color Gamut (WCG) magic, meeting 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut which is the gold standard for the film industry.
Right out of the box the HT4550i is ready to roll, pre-calibrated and good to go, but if you like to snap, go wild. It has HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG (sorry, no Dolby Vision), automatically adjusting to the HDR mode of your input source (Netflix, Amazon Prime, Blu-ray, you name it) for the best picture.
Although the techy stuff sounds like a comic book plot, setting up the HT4550i is a breeze. It comes with an Android TV dongle that’s easy to install, so you can dive into your favorite streaming services ASAP. With two HDMI 2.0 inputs, USB-A and Chromecast built right in, you can connect all your gadgets and cast content from your devices. And, what’s more, is the impressive sound it pumps out itself. If you want to go big, it has ports to connect to sound bars and sound systems (Dolby Digital Plus supported). Plus, it plays well with AirPlay, so you can sync it with other sound systems, like Sonos setups, if you have one.
Great budget 1080p projector
BenQ HT2050A 1080p DLP Home Theater Projector
Pros
- Gives a great picture for an affordable price
- Bright 2,200 ANSI lumens
- Easy to set up right out of the box
Cons
- Speaker sound is weak
- Fan is noisy
- No HDMI 2.0
Price: $650
The BenQ HT2050A home cinema projector stands out as a cost-effective choice, offering a 1080p DLP display with an impressive 2,200 lumens in Vivid mode. This makes it versatile enough to handle different environments, including those with a lot of ambient light. The projector’s color reproduction is bright and vivid, covering 96% of the Rec.709 color space, ensuring that images stay true to the filmmakers’ original visions.
Equipped with features such as Vertical Lens Shift and 2D Keystone Adjustment, the HT2050A allows users to easily customize the projection angle for a perfectly proportioned image on the screen or wall, regardless of the position of the projector. The projector accommodates different image sizes based on distance, ranging from a 100-inch display at 8.4 to 10.9 feet to an expansive 150-inch display at 12.5 to 16.3 feet. A handy distance calculator from BenQ helps to optimize the setup.
While budget projectors typically compromise on sound quality, the HT2050A comes with a decent 10-watt “chambered” speaker.
On the connectivity front, the projector offers a number of inputs on the back, including two HDMI ports, USB-A, USB Mini-B, component, and audio and RCA ports. This versatility ensures compatibility with various devices, such as DVD players, streaming devices and smartphones. Priced under $800, the BenQ HT2050A strikes a balance between affordability and quality, making it an attractive choice for those looking for a budget-friendly home theater projector.
Best Portable 1080p Projector
Xgimi MoGo 2 Pro
Pros
- Very compact and easy to install
- Excellent image in the dark
- Can be powered by a USB-C power bank
Cons
- Not very loud
- Image tends to disappear in bright rooms
- Android TV can be laggy
Price: $600
Portable projectors have come a long way, and the Xgimi MoGo 2 Pro is a standout in this category. It’s like a compact entertainment buddy that you can fit in your pocket for family camping or weekend trips. Weighing just 2.42 pounds and the size of a Sonos One speaker, this Full HD projector is all about making movie nights easy and enjoyable.
Forget the problem of additional streaming devices, the MoGo 2 Pro has built-in Android TV and Wi-Fi. Plug in your HDMI or cast directly from your phone or computer with Chromecast. It’s a piece of cake to set up, and it projects a clear image from 60 to 120 inches with its bright lamp. It’s like magic, automatic focus adjustment and keystone correction take care of the details.
Ideal for family settings, it dims the lights when it detects motion, and it’s a champion in the dark, offering impressive image quality. Plus, it packs two 8-watt speakers and can even double as a portable speaker for your tunes. And here’s the cool part, turn it on with a USB-C connection from an outlet or a portable power pack, giving you flexibility wherever you go. The Xgimi MoGo 2 Pro is your ticket to portable, hassle-free entertainment!
Best bright and portable 4K projector
Xgimi Horizon Pro
Pros
- Compact and very light
- 4K UHD picture
- Harman Kardon speakers
Price: $1,500
The Xgimi Horizon Pro is a seriously awesome projector. Not only is it portable and easy to set up, but it also packs a punch with its 4K image quality and brightness, with a solid 2,200 ANSI lumens. Weighing only 3.5 pounds and being compact, it’s super easy to carry, and you’ll be up and running in no time with its Android TV system that has all your favorite streaming services built in. No need for extra boxes or complicated setups!
You have two HDMI inputs (including one eARC), two USB ports, Chromecast, and Airscreen for mirror devices, it’s basically ready for anything. Plus, it comes with Google Assistant on the remote for some convenience. Do you want to mount it on a tripod? You can do this too!
Now, when it comes to visuals, the Horizon Pro is a champion. It pumps out a gorgeous 4K UHD picture, ranging from 40 to a massive 200 inches. It supports HDR10 and HLG HDR for that extra visual pop. Setting it up is a breeze with autofocus and auto keystone correction, even when you’re projecting at odd angles. It also has object avoidance, adjusting the image size to avoid obstacles in its way.
As for the sound, it has two 8-watt Harman Kardon speakers with DTS HD and Dolby Audio. They’re decent, but if you’re really into your audio, an external soundbar might be the way to go.
Connectivity-wise, you’re covered with Bluetooth 5 and 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi. Gamers, don’t worry – there is a gaming mode with a low 35ms latency that will work for most. Whether you’re on the go or setting up at home, the Xgimi Horizon Pro is a solid choice with its blend of portability, cool features and fantastic image quality.
Final words
In the realm of home projectors, 2024 presents a diverse range of options to suit different needs. Whether it’s the budget-friendly 4K brilliance of the Xgimi Horizon Ultra, the cost-effective versatility of the BenQ HT2050A, the portability and convenience of the Xgimi MoGo 2 Pro, the bright and portable 4K excellence of the Xgimi Horizon Pro, or the cinematic capabilities of this BenQ450Q home entertainment project, HT4550i home entertainment. Each model brings a unique blend of features, resolution and technology, allowing users to curate their ideal viewing experience and enjoy the magic of the big screen from the comfort of home.