Best 720p or Lower Projectors in 2026: 8 Picks Compared on Specs

Refreshed October 5, 2026

For a projector that tops out at 720p or below, most buyers choose between SVGA, WXGA and XGA models for classrooms, bedrooms and travel. The ViewSonic LS740W is our top pick: its 5500 lumen output is the highest in this list, and it is the only laser light source among the eight here. We chose these picks from the specifications stated in each listing, including brightness, resolution, light source and connectivity. Prices shown are live from the store page at the time of reading. None of the units were tested.

8 picks from 10 projectors that match this guide with a price we can quote today, made by 33 makers. Live prices throughout, each with the moment it was read.

The list in brief

Which pick fits you?

• For a bright classroom or conference room: An SVGA unit with a stated 3200 lumen output that holds up in lit rooms and keeps text crisp for slides and spreadsheets. See pick 2
• For a tight living room or small office: The combined short throw and 4000 lumens let you set the projector close to the wall and still fill a screen in daylight. See pick 3
• For travel and hotel rooms: A pocket size WXGA unit with 500 ANSI lumens that fits in a bag and projects a wide image in a dark room. See pick 4
• For a kids' bedroom or first projector: An LED portable with Wi-Fi mirroring and HDMI that is simple to set up and bright enough for a small, dark room. See pick 5

The full list of 8

1 Best overall

ViewSonic LS740W WXGA Laser Projector

Resolution

720p or lower

Brightness

3000 to 5999

Light source

Laser

$979.99 price as of 2026-10-05 20:56 UTC (Details)

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The only laser model in this list, this ViewSonic carries a 5500 lumen output, the highest among these picks. Its laser light source is stated in the listing rather than a lamp, which changes the maintenance picture.

Pros

• 5500 lumens, the highest output in this guide
• Laser light source, unique among these eight
• 1280x800 WXGA resolution, wider than SVGA or XGA

Cons

• No stated throw distance or weight
• Connectivity ports not stated in the listing

Good fit if

• Bright rooms and fixed installations where maximum output matters
• Users who want a laser source stated in the spec sheet

Skip if

• Anyone who needs a compact travel projector
• Buyers who do not need maximum brightness

Verdict: A 5500 lumen laser model that leads this list on output and light source.

2 Best for bright rooms

Epson VS250 SVGA 3

Resolution

720p or lower

Brightness

3000 to 5999

$540.00 price as of 2026-10-05 20:56 UTC (Details) Typical price: $599.00, 10% off

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The listing states 3200 lumens of white brightness and 3200 lumens of color brightness, making this the second brightest unit here behind the laser ViewSonic. It is an SVGA model, so the native resolution is the lowest of the group.

Pros

• 3200 lumens white and color brightness stated in the name
• The only SVGA model here with a stated brightness figure
• High lumen output for a classroom unit

Cons

• SVGA native resolution, the lowest in this guide
• No light source stated

Good fit if

• Bright classrooms and conference rooms
• Users running office software and spreadsheets rather than video

Skip if

• Anyone who wants a 16:10 widescreen picture
• Use in a dark home theater where brightness is less critical

Verdict: A dependable SVGA unit whose stated 3200 lumen output suits bright rooms.

3 Best short throw

ViewSonic PS502W WXGA Short Throw Projector 4000 Lumens

Resolution

720p or lower

Brightness

3000 to 5999

Throw

Short throw

$577.00 price as of 2026-10-05 20:56 UTC (Details)

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This is the only projector in this list whose listing states a short throw design, allowing a large image from a short distance. Its 4000 lumen output is the second highest here, and the title names two HDMI inputs.

Pros

• Short throw design stated in the listing
• 4000 lumens, second only to the LS740W here
• Dual HDMI inputs named in the title
• WXGA 1280x800 resolution

Cons

• No stated light source
• Portability not stated; size and weight are unknown

Good fit if

• Small rooms where the projector must sit near the wall
• Presenters who want a wide 16:10 image

Skip if

• Anyone mounting the projector at the back of a long room
• Buyers who want a laser or LED source

Verdict: The short-throw pick with the highest brightness in this list.

4 Best portable

Dell Mobile Projector M318WL 500 ANSI lumens WXGA

Resolution

720p or lower

Brightness

Under 1000

Portable

Yes

$309.89 price as of 2026-10-05 20:56 UTC (Details)

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The seller calls it a pocket size unit, and at 500 ANSI lumens it is built for close, dim use rather than big bright rooms. It carries WXGA 1280x800 resolution, the same wide format as the top pick.

Pros

• Pocket size claim in the listing, the smallest form factor here
• 500 ANSI lumens stated for small, dark rooms
• WXGA 1280x800 widescreen picture

Cons

• Only 500 ANSI lumens, one of the two lowest outputs here
• No stated light source or battery life

Good fit if

• Road warriors who project against a wall in a hotel room
• Occasional use on a desk without a big screen

Skip if

• Daytime viewing in lit rooms
• Anyone projecting a screen larger than a few feet

Verdict: A genuine pocket projector that trades brightness for size.

5 Best LED portable

Philips NeoPix 156

Resolution

720p or lower

Brightness

Under 1000

Light source

LED

Portable

Yes

$154.00 price as of 2026-10-05 20:56 UTC (Details)

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This Philips is the only LED light source in the list besides the laser LS740W, and the listing states a 150 ANSI lumen output and screen sizes up to 60 inches. Wi-Fi mirroring and HDMI are named in the title, which is rare among these budget portable units.

Pros

• LED light source stated by the seller
• Wi-Fi mirroring and HDMI named in the title
• Stated screen support up to 60 inches
• Openly portable in the listing

Cons

• 150 ANSI lumens, the lowest output in this guide
• No stated battery capacity or weight

Good fit if

• Bedrooms and dorm rooms where the lights are off
• A child's first projector for movie nights

Skip if

• Anyone needing a bright image in a lit space
• Users who want to project larger than 60 inches

Verdict: A friendly LED portable that keeps the image small and the setup simple.

6 Best for 3D

ViewSonic PJD5134 SVGA DLP Projectorwith 3D Blu-Ray Ready

Resolution

720p or lower

$643.00 price as of 2026-10-05 20:56 UTC (Details)

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The only pick whose title advertises 3D Blu-Ray readiness, this ViewSonic is a DLP unit at SVGA resolution. Its listing does not state a lumen figure, so treat brightness as unverified.

Pros

• 3D Blu-Ray ready stated in the product name
• DLP technology named in the title
• Integrated speaker noted in the listing

Cons

• No brightness figure stated by the seller
• SVGA resolution, the lowest class here

Good fit if

• Hobbyists with 3D Blu-Ray discs who want an inexpensive projection path
• Users already running SVGA content

Skip if

• Anyone who needs a stated lumen figure
• Buyers projecting purely 2D widescreen video

Verdict: A 3D-ready DLP unit worth a look only if you have 3D discs.

7 Best classroom SVGA

Epson V11H854020 Powerlite S39 SVGA 3LCD Projector

Resolution

720p or lower

$593.74 price as of 2026-10-05 20:56 UTC (Details)

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A straightforward SVGA 3LCD classroom model from Epson, it is one of three picks with no stated brightness figure. Its 3LCD technology is the selling point, and it shares the SVGA class with the VS250 and PJD5134.

Pros

• 3LCD light engine stated in the name
• SVGA resolution, the standard classroom class here
• From Epson, an established projector brand

Cons

• No stated brightness or light source
• No connectivity details in the listing

Good fit if

• Schools replacing an old SVGA classroom unit
• IT managers standardizing on SVGA projectors

Skip if

• Anyone who wants WXGA or XGA resolution
• Buyers comparing brightness across models

Verdict: A dependable SVGA classroom projector best chosen when brightness is already known from context.

8 Best XGA classroom

Epson, EPSV11H982020

Resolution

720p or lower

$499.00 price as of 2026-10-05 20:56 UTC (Details)

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The only XGA pick in the list, this Epson offers the highest resolution of the eight at 1024x768, with a 4:3 aspect ratio typical for classroom content. It is a 3LCD unit and the listing names an HDMI input.

Pros

• XGA 1024x768, the highest resolution in this guide
• 3LCD light engine stated
• HDMI input named in the listing

Cons

• No stated brightness figure
• 4:3 native format, not widescreen

Good fit if

• Classrooms running 4:3 software and old slide decks
• Users who want more pixels than SVGA without 16:10

Skip if

• Anyone projecting widescreen video
• Buyers who need a stated lumen figure

Verdict: The sharpest of the bunch on resolution, built for 4:3 classroom content.

The specs, compared

Why these made the list

The pool for this guide holds eight projectors matched to a 720p or lower resolution filter. We included every one of them, since the pool is smaller than the usual twelve to fifteen. From the listed specifications we compared luminance (in ANSI lumens where stated), declared resolution, light source type, whether the seller marks the unit portable, and connectivity ports as named in the product title. Three models have no brightness figure in their listing, and we flag that rather than guessing. Prices on the page are pulled live from the store listing and refresh with their read time, so they can change; we never state amounts in the text. Nobody at this site has handled or tested any of these projectors; every claim here traces to the seller's published specification or to the standards pages linked in sources.

Things to weigh before buying

What the resolution labels actually mean

This guide's pool covers three native formats: SVGA (around 800x600), WXGA (1280x800, a 16:10 wide format) and XGA (1024x768, 4:3). The models here with WXGA, the LS740W, the Dell M318WL and the ViewSonic PS502W, are the ones built for widescreen presentations. The SVGA and XGA units are aimed at 4:3 classroom content. If you mostly play widescreen video, a WXGA model will letterbox less than an SVGA one.

Brightness: ANSI lumens vs. what you see

ANSI lumens is the standard measurement for projector brightness. In this pool, the stated outputs range from 150 up to 5500. Higher numbers are needed for rooms with ambient light; a 150 lumen unit is best in a completely dark room with a small screen. The Epson VS250 and the ViewSonic LS740W are the ones with the highest stated figures. Three of the eight listings do not give a lumen value at all, so treat those as unknown until you check the maker's own spec sheet.

Light source: laser, LED, or lamp

Only two units here state their light source. The LS740W uses a laser, which typically offers longer life and stable brightness. The Philips NeoPix 156 uses an LED, which is also long-lasting and low maintenance. The other six models do not state a light source in the listing, meaning they likely use traditional lamps. Laser and LED projectors are often more expensive upfront but can save on replacement lamps over time.

Throw distance and short throw

If you plan to place the projector on a coffee table a few feet from the wall, a short throw model like the ViewSonic PS502W makes sense. Its listing labels it short throw, so it is designed to produce a large image from a short distance. For long rooms or ceiling mounts, a standard throw model is easier to find. Only one pick in this list states its throw characteristics, so if placement is critical, check the maker's specifications before buying.

Connectivity and ports

Named ports in the listings are limited. The ViewSonic PS502W has dual HDMI, the Epson PowerLite X49 has one HDMI, and the Philips NeoPix 156 also lists HDMI along with Wi-Fi mirroring. The other five listings do not specify ports. For classroom or office use, HDMI is essential for modern laptops, while a VGA port can help with older machines. If you need USB playback or network features, you will have to consult the full spec sheet.

Portability and form factor

Only the Dell M318WL and the Philips NeoPix 156 are described as portable. The Dell is called pocket size and lists an ANSI lumen value, which suggests it is meant for small, dark rooms. The Philips is also marked portable. The remaining units are presumably for fixed installation or rolling carts. Weight and dimensions are not stated in any listing, so if you need to move the projector often, look for the seller's full description or the maker's website.

Questions

Is 720p or lower resolution still worth buying in 2026?

For classroom slides, spreadsheets, and casual viewing in a dark room, these projectors are often more than adequate. The lower resolution also keeps the price down. However, for HD movies or detailed graphics, you will notice the difference compared to a 1080p or 4K projector. The trade-off is cost and brightness: this pool includes very bright units that are harder to find at higher resolutions for the same money.

What is the difference between SVGA, WXGA, and XGA?

SVGA is about 800x600 pixels, WXGA is 1280x800 (a 16:10 widescreen format), and XGA is 1024x768 (a 4:3 format). WXGA gives you the widest picture, which is useful for presentations made in 16:9 or 16:10. XGA is the most common classroom standard and offers more pixels than SVGA, but it is not widescreen. Choose WXGA if you watch widescreen video, XGA if you work with 4:3 office documents.

How many lumens do I need for a brightly lit room?

The brighter the room, the more lumens you need. Units in this list range from 150 lumens to 5500 lumens. For a small, dark room, 500 to 1000 lumens is often enough. For a classroom or conference room with windows, look for at least 3000 lumens. The Epson VS250 and the ViewSonic LS740W are the two picks with the highest stated outputs in this guide.

Should I choose a laser, LED, or lamp projector?

Laser and LED projectors typically last longer than lamp-based ones, often 20,000 hours or more, and they do not require bulb replacements. Lamp projectors are usually cheaper upfront but have replacement costs. In this pool, only the ViewSonic LS740W (laser) and the Philips NeoPix 156 (LED) state their light source. The rest are likely lamps, but the listings do not confirm that.

Can I connect a streaming stick to these projectors?

Most modern projectors have an HDMI port, which is what you need for a Chromecast, Fire TV Stick, or Roku. In this list, the ViewSonic PS502W, the Epson PowerLite X49, and the Philips NeoPix 156 name HDMI in their listings. The other units may also have HDMI, but the listings do not say. Always check the full specifications before buying if HDMI is a requirement.

Latest changes

• 2026-10-05: First published.

Sources

• HDMI Licensing Administrator
• Dolby Vision official site
• Consumer Technology Association
• USB Implementers Forum