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These home projectors are still the best way to bring the cinema to your space.
If you’re hunting for the best projector, there’s never been a better time to dive in. Projectors aren’t just for movie buffs anymore — they’ve become a great way to upgrade your living room setup, build a cozy home theater or even host an epic outdoor movie night under the stars. Whether you want something ultra-portable or a full-on 4K home cinema experience, there’s a projector out there to fit just about every space and budget.
The cool thing about the projectors you can get today is how versatile they are. Some models are built for gaming, some are designed for streaming your favorite shows and others are tough enough to take camping or on the road. Plus, newer projectors pack in smart features, better brightness and sharper image quality than ever before, making them a real alternative to a traditional TV. No matter what you're aiming for, we'll help you find the right projector to upgrade your setup.
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Best projectors for 2025
Some projectors are for serious cinephiles, projecting sharp 4K video with HDR brightness and hyper realistic colors to a large screen. Others are bright enough to replace your TV for sports or gaming, and some low-cost portable models can be set up for camping or outdoor fun. That’s why we’ve divided this guide into several categories to help you find the right one.
BenQ Best mainstream projector BenQ X500i Native resolution: 4K UHD (3840×2160) | Brightness: 2,200 ANSI lumens | Connectivity: HDMI 2.0, USB-A, USB-C, audio out, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, Chromecast, AirPlay | Weight: 7.9lbs (3.6 kg) | Contrast ratio: 600,000:1 Mainstream projectors need to be jacks-of-all-trades: bright, sharp, colorful and fast, while not costing a fortune. BenQ’s X500i projector fits the bill perfectly thanks to the 4K resolution and high 3,200 ANSI lumen brightness, along with BenQ-’s HDR-PRO technology that delivers accurate colors, high contrast and high detail in shadows for shows like Game of Thrones. At the same time, it includes lens shift and has Android TV built in. As with any DLP projector, however, beware if you’re sensitive to rainbow color artifacts. $1,999 at Adorama Explore More Buying Options $1,999 at Amazon
Steve Dent for Engadget 90 100 Expert Score Best high-end projector Anker Nebula X1 Read our full Anker Nebula X1 review Native resolution: 4K PRO-UHD (3840 x 2160) | Brightness: 3,500 lumens | Connectivity: DC-IN, HDMI 2.1 (eARC), HDMI 2.1, USB-A, USB-C, Audio-Optical | Weight: 20 lbs | Contrast ratio: Up to 56,000:1 Anker’s Nebula X1 is marketed as a portable projector, but it’s much more than that. With incredible image and sound quality, it’s better than most standalone indoor and even ultra short throw models. And with its simple setup that nearly any user can manage, it’s easy to move from location to location. However, the price means it’s only feasible for well-heeled buyers. $2,549 at Amazon
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