Are you looking for the best projector for under $1000? Most buyers believe budget projectors do not offer the same quality and functions as premium projectors.
However, it is far from the truth, you can find a quality projector with desired features that fits your budget.
Thanks to a massive number of choices, a user can elevate your home cinema setup for just under $1000. Here you can find a list of high-quality budget projectors with advanced features.
Best Projector Under 1000
- Best Overall: BenQ HT2050A 1080P Home Theater Projector
- Best Lamp Life: Optoma GT1080HDR Short Throw Gaming Projector
- Best Color Wheel: Viewsonic PJD7820HD Full HD Projector
1. BenQ HT2050A 1080P Home Theater Projector
Users rave about his top-notch projector for a number of features. This moderately priced device has many advanced technologies that set it apart from other DLP projectors.
Second, it makes a fantastic gaming projector thanks to the extremely low input lag. It is also Amazon’s Choice for ‘Video Projectors by BenQ’ and has hundreds of positive reviews.
Resolution – This projector projects Full HD 1080p visuals with clarity. It has a brightness of 2200 lumen and a 15000:1 contrast ratio for the finest home theater experience. The Rec.709 HDTV color coverage projects images with true colors.
Low Latency – It has several enhanced gaming modes with an ultra-low input lag of 16ms and microsecond DMD response time for an uninterrupted and smooth gaming experience without blur.
Sound – It has Cinema Master Audio+ 2 for loud, deeper vocals. It has multiple immersive sound modes; cinema mode, music mode, sport mode, and game mode.
Image Adjustment – Project a perfectly square image with 1.3x zoom, 2D keystone, and lens shift. These functions project proportioned images with varied mounting and placement options.
Read Complete Review: BenQ HT2050A
Pros
- Keypad with all important functions
- Projects 100″ images from 2.5 meters away
- 16-millisecond input
- Stellar color accuracy
- I/O port
Cons
- No sleep mode
2. Optoma GT1080HDR Short Throw Gaming Projector
Optoma GT1080HDR is a great choice for gamers and movie buffs alike. Even though this projector has a wide range of features, it is available under the $1,000 price range.
It projects larger-than-life images from just a few feet away. The projector displays bright, razor-sharp images with high resolution and contrast ratio to bring movies and games to life.
Resolution – It has a Full HD 1080p (1920 x 1080) resolution with 3,800 lumens and a 50,000:1 contrast ratio. It displays high-definition, detailed, clear, bright, and razor-sharp images.
HDR Support – HDR10 compatibility with 4K input for displaying brighter whites and deeper blacks. The 6-segment color wheel (RYGCWB) projects images with great color depth.
Image Adjustment – +/- 40 degrees vertical keystone correction allows flexible image setup and proportioned picture even if the projector is placed off-center.
3D – Thanks to The 144Hz rapid refresh rate, the projector produces flicker-free 3D content onto the screen from nearly any 3D source.
Read Complete Optoma GT 1080HDR Review
Pros
- The powerful, 10-watt speaker
- 15000 hrs of lamp life
- Enhanced gaming mode with the response time of 8.4ms
- Full 3D support
Cons
- Limited image adjustment for 3D content
3. Viewsonic PJD7820HD Full HD Projector
It is the best-in-class price-performance DLP projector that packs dozens of features and technologies in a tiny case.
Weighing less than 5 pounds, this portable projector costs less than $1000. It is designed for small offices and home theaters and offers the best portable viewing experience.
Image Quality – It projects a vibrant and clearest 1080p picture with exceptional details and outstanding color saturation. The 3000 lumens rating and 15000:1 contrast make this projector shine bright in any setting.
Portable – It weighs only 4.6 lbs and measures 3.3 inches. This projector is compact enough to fit in a messenger bag or large laptop bag. The portable design makes it perfect for business travelers.
Installation Flexibility – It has 1.3x optical zoom and keystone correction that offers placement flexibility when installing a projector.
Filter-Less Design – The filter-less design extends the lifetime of the projector and reduces the cost of maintenance. Unlike an LCD projector, there is no need to replace filters every 100-300 hours.
Pros
- HDMI with 3D Blu-ray ready
- 6-segment color wheel
- Backed by a 3-year warranty
- DynamicEco technology
- Superior color performance with BrilliantColor technology
Cons
- Loud fan
4. Optoma HD26 DLP Home Theater Projector
This moderately-priced projector offers the best home theater experience by adding a serious brightness boost.
It can not only project in pitch-black home theater but works in moderately lit spaces as well. Moreover, it has multiple features to make it an amazing all-purpose projector.
Resolution – It has a native 1920 x 1080 Full HD Resolution to produce exceptional quality images with balanced color and good shadow detail. Brilliant Color and DynamicBlack technology preserve image detail and superb colors.
Brightness & Contrast – It has the light output of 3200 lumens and 25,000:1 contrast ratio for bright, highly-detailed projection to transform displayed content into virtual reality.
Sound – The perfect viewing experience is completed with a stellar audio performance by a built-in 10W speaker. It offers powerful, crystal clear vocals without needing external speakers.
Full 3D – Display 3D content from advanced 3D sources, however, it requires 3D glasses to view 3D images and videos.
Read complete Optoma HD26 Review
Pros
- Advanced optical lens for detailed images
- MHL connectivity
- Full HD 1080p resolution with brilliant, vibrant colors
- Dynamic black for more image depth
Cons
- Short lamp life (6500 hours)
5. BenQ HT1075 DLP Home Theater Projector
This is an upgraded version of W1070 available at a very reasonable price. The addition of MHL, a new simplified menu system, and Colorific technology makes it better than its predecessor.
It is a new-generation wireless projector with excellent image quality, placement flexibility, and immersive sound performance.
Resolution – Users will experience true-to-life image quality with native Full HD 1080p resolution. The glass-made projection lens offers the best clarity and sharpness.
Combined with 2200 lumens brightness and 10000:1 contrast ratio, it displays an accurate and crisp image.
One-Time Setup – It has the latest wireless kit (sold separately) that allows you to stream content wirelessly. Follow a few simple steps to connect it with the projector for unbeatable plug-and-play convenience.
Placement Flexibility – The 1.3x zoom feature allows remodeling-free installation from different distances. Additionally, lens shift corrects the position of the image by shifting it 110% to 130% vertically.
Energy-Efficient – SmartEco Technology offers dynamic power saving without sacrificing picture quality. This innovation guarantees lower maintenance costs and saves 70% of the lamp power consumption.
Pros
- Integrated 10W resonant chamber speaker
- wireless coverage of up to 30 meter
- Low latency
- 3D support
- MHL connectivity
- Colorific technology for accurate, bright colors
Cons
- Overheating problem
6. LG PF610P 120” LED Smart CineBeam Projector
LG is a trusted brand and this projector offers unbeatable convenience with its many features.
It offers a wide range of connection options and allows you to mirror or stream content from any compatible device.
This portable device transforms any room into a cinema, delivering immersive entertainment and a perfect viewing experience.
Resolution – Experience new levels of cinematic immersion with vivid details and stellar clarity.
The show-stopping 1080p resolution along with 1000 ANSI lumens and 150000:1 contrast ratio projects content with outstanding brightness and fine details.
Wireless Connection – Through wireless connectivity, a user can mirror or stream content from iOS devices with AirPlay. Content from compatible Android devices can be projected via Miracast.
Image Adjustment – 4 corner adjustment lets you project a perfectly square image with horizontal and vertical alignment. It eliminates distortion and unevenness without moving the projector.
WebOS 5.0 – LG’s exclusive WebOS 5.0 combines all your favorites in one place. It has popular streaming platforms like Prime Video, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV, and others to search, select, and stream wirelessly.
Pros
- FHD 1080p resolution for cinematic space
- 30000 hours lifespan of projector lamp
- Sleek, compact, and portable
- 60″ to 120″ projection size
- Stream and mirror content wirelessly
- Offers value for money
Cons
- Difficult to set up
7. ViewSonic 4K UHD Home Theater Projector
It is one of the best all-rounder projectors under $1000 for home theater, gaming, and presentations.
Under $1000, it is hard to find a 4K projector within this price range. You will find several advanced functions within the compact casing. It is also optimized for gaming with low input lag and a lighting-fast refresh rate.
Resolution – It offers 4K (3840 x 2160p) resolution through pixel-shifting technology.
The projector also supports the latest technologies including HDR10 and HLG to deliver stunning pictures with vivid shades.
The 3200 ANSI lumens brightness and 12000:1 image contrast ratio increase visibility and shines well in several environments.
Gaming Mode – It has ultra-fast 4.2ms input and 240 Hz refresh rate to match the intensity and HD graphics of high-end games.
Easy Setup – It can be placed on a variety of surfaces and projects from different projection distances thanks to several image adjustment functions. It offers 1.1x optical zoom, anti-warping stabilization, and automatic vertical/horizontal keystone correction.
Connectivity – It has 2x HDMI, USB 2.0 Type A, Audio Out, RS232, and others to connect different media players like gaming consoles, PCs, Macs, and mobile devices.
Pros
- 4K resolution
- 20000 hours of lamp life in SuperEco mode
- SuperColor Technology and HDR/HGL Support
- Supports a dongle to live stream
- Enhanced gaming mode
- Projection image size up to 300 inches
Cons
- No Bluetooth
8. Epson Pro EX9240 3LCD Projector
This Epson projector has made it to the list for a variety of reasons. Thanks to several features, it comes in handy for daily meetings and presentations.
You are assured of high-definition image quality, visual fidelity, higher brightness, and contrast ratio.
Compared to its predecessor EX9220, it is a whole different projector thanks to its unique functions.
Resolution – This business-oriented projector has Full HD 1080p resolution for vivid images and crisp text.
True 3-Chip 3LCD technology eliminates rainbow and color brightness issues and ensures consistent color accuracy.
Brightness – It is the brightest projector on the list with 4000 lumens of color and white brightness.
Combined with a 16000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, it projects brighter images with rich, crisp details.
Sound – The built-in booming 16W speaker system offers exceptional sound quality right out of the box.
Connectivity – Connect several devices with HDMI input and other ports. In addition, it supports screen mirroring with Miracast to wirelessly connect streaming devices like Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, and Chromecast.
Pros
- Convenient image adjustment with 1-1.6x optical zoom, horizontal slider, and auto vertical correction
- Picture skew sensor
- 40000L High brightness and 1080p resolution
- Powerful speaker
Cons
- Difficult to hook up external speakers
9. NEBULA Anker Capsule Smart Wi-Fi Mini Projector
This ultra-portable projector offers pocket cinema wherever you go. It is as small as cola but shines bright in many lighting conditions.
The projector features many upgrades and modern technologies that offer value for money. If you are an employee or movie buff always on the go, buy this projector to set up a cinema everywhere.
Resolution – It has 854×480 resolution and 100 ANSI lumens brightness to deliver vividly-detailed images.
Portability – It stands out because of its portability and compact size. This projector weighs only 16.6 oz and is 4.72 inches tall, very similar in appearance to an Android TV box.
Control App – Either control the projector via the app or remote control. If the remote is misplaced or lost, install the “Nebula Connect” app from Google Play to adjust settings.
Connections – It includes HDMI and USB port to connect several media player devices.
Pros
- Portable, compact, and easy to use
- 30000 hours of lamp life
- ±40° horizontal and vertical keystone correction
- 360° speaker
- Integrated Android 7.1
- Affordable
Cons
- No HD Display
10. Epson Mini EF12 Smart Streaming Laser Projector
It is one of the most popular Epson projectors as it offers the all-in-one capability for under $1,000.
It has FHD resolution paired with HDR and HLG, stellar audio, voice control, and high dynamic contrast. Epson EF12 offers stunning picture quality and superior audiophile performance.
Resolution – It has FHD resolution with True 3-Chip technology that displays 100% of the RGB color signal for better projection performance. Automatic scene-based color correction adjusts color as per the content being played.
Sound – It has a powerful, in-built audiophile system by Yamaha for unrivaled audio performance. 3D acoustic enclosure and two high-end Yamaha drivers for loud, deep audio.
Android TV – The projector features the latest Android TV interface which can be used easily with a remote control or voice commands. All streaming channels and services can be accessed through the interface.
Image Alignment – Depending on how the projector is installed, it will automatically analyze the image and correct the corners for a perfectly proportioned image.
Pros
- Good picture quality with 1000 lumens color and white brightness
- Compact, modern design
- Advanced color processing
- Sound by Yamaha
- Built-in Chromecast
Cons
- Limited contrast
How to Pick Right Projector Under 1000?
This buying guide will help you understand what to look for in a projector within the price range of $1000.
Budget and Requirements
Since you are looking for a projector under $1000, it is important to determine your expectations and requirements. It is foolish to expect an 8K or true 4K UHD projector within this range, however, you can easily find a decent one.
First, know what kind of projector you are looking for, office, home theater, or traveling. Second, note your requirements, desired features, and whether it should be long-throw or short throw.
Resolution
It is quite easy to find a projector with a true Full HD 1080p projector, delivering clear and vivid images. In terms of contrast and color accuracy, the quality of these projectors may suffer as compared to an expensive, higher-quality unit.
Brightness
You do not want to invest in a projector that shows dull or washed-out pictures. Check the ANSI lumens of the projector to ensure better image quality in different lighting conditions.
- 2000 ANSI lumens are sufficient for a home cinema without windows.
- Invest in 2500 ANSI Lumens projector for living room with blinds
- For a living room without blinds, buy a 3000 ANSI Lumens projection unit
- Any projector over 3000 lumens is enough for a well-lit meeting room
Noise Level
High noise levels will distract you while playing games or watching movies. The minimum acceptable noise level for a projector is between 24dB to 28dB.
If you do not want the disturbance or prevent irritation in the future, do not forget to check the noise level in different modes.
Connectivity
The presence of necessary ports like DVA, HDMI, and VGA ports is essential to connect several media players.
Wireless connectivity is equally important to connect devices without the hassle of cords and adapters.
Besides, a Bluetooth connection for audio helps users pair speakers and soundbars easily.
Conclusion
A quality projection unit does not always have to be an expensive one, you can get several features by picking the right projector at a reasonable price. Pen down your requirements and buy any option from the aforementioned list for the best cinematic experience.
