Projector buying guides

Each guide picks up to 15 projectors for one kind of buyer, from the projectors this site can price today, and says how thepicks were chosen. Prices on every guide are live.

By use

• Best Bright Projectors in 2026: 14 Picks Compared
  14 bright projectors with 3000 to 5500 lumens, 4K and 1080p, laser and lamp, short throw and standard. Compare specs, pros and cons.

By brand

• Best Aurzen Projectors in 2026: 9 Picks Compared
  Aurzen makes portable smart projectors with Google TV, Roku TV, USB-C power, and DLP options. Here are 9 picks chosen on published specs.
• Best BenQ Projectors in 2026: 3 Picks Compared on Specs
  Compare three BenQ projectors on specifications: 4K versus 1080p, short throw, brightness, smart features and HDR. No units were tested; prices are live.
• Best Epson Projectors in 2026: 15 Picks Compared on Specs
  Compare 15 Epson projectors by resolution, brightness, light source, and features. Find the best for home theater, business, and large venues.
• Best JVC Projectors in 2026: 5 D-ILA Models Compared
  Compare 5 JVC D-ILA projectors on brightness, laser, contrast, and HDMI inputs to find the right home theater model.
• Best Magcubic Projectors in 2026: 13 Picks Compared on Specs
  Compare 13 Magcubic projectors by specs: resolution, smart features, portability, and connectivity. Find the right pick for your setup.
• Best NEC Projectors in 2026: 3 Picks Compared on Specs
  Three NEC and Sharp NEC install projectors compared on specs: 4K, WUXGA, 6000-lumen class, wall mounting and 3D Ready labels. The PA1004UL-B leads.
• Best Optoma Projectors in 2026: 9 Picks Compared on Specs
  A specs-based comparison of nine Optoma projectors, from 4K laser home theater to compact portables, with pros, cons, and picking advice.
• Best Panasonic Projectors in 2026: 12 Picks Compared on Specs
  Compare 12 Panasonic projectors on resolution, light source, and lumens. Find fixed installation, laser, and 1080p models.
• Best Sharp Projectors in 2026: 6 Picks by Specs
  Compare Sharp projectors by specs: resolution, brightness, throw, and mounting. See top picks for boardrooms, classrooms, and large venues.
• Best Sony Projectors in 2026: 14 Picks Compared on Specs
  Compare 14 Sony projectors by listed specs: 4K SXRD, laser light, ultra-short throw, and brightness, with live prices from the catalog.
• Best Valerion Projectors in 2026: 3 Models Compared on Specs
  Three Valerion projectors compared on stated specs: resolution, laser light, brightness, gaming response and what each bundle includes.
• Best ViewSonic Projectors in 2026: 8 Picks Compared on Specs
  ViewSonic projectors compared by resolution, brightness, laser vs lamp, throw distance, and gaming features, with live prices.
• Best WiMiUS Projectors in 2026: 4 Picks Compared on Specs
  WiMiUS projectors compared on seller-stated specs, from the 4K VIDAA model to the portable 1080p mini, with outdoor and smart features.
• Best XGIMI Projectors 2026: 6 Picks by Specs
  We compared the specs of XGIMI's current projector lineup, from 4K laser models to portable battery-powered options, to help you find the right fit.

By budget

• Best Projectors Under $100 in 2026
  8 budget projectors under $100 compared on stated specs: smart features, portability, native resolution, and brightness, with choosing tips and FAQ.
• Best Projectors Under $1000 in 2026: 8 Picks Compared by Specs
  Eight projectors under $1000, selected by manufacturer-published specifications: 4K, laser, brightness, smart features, portability.
• Best Projectors Under $200 in 2026
  We compared 11 projectors under $200 by resolution, brightness, smart features, and portability to find the best for movies, gaming, and outdoor use.
• Best Projectors Under $300 in 2026: 8 Picks Compared on Specs
  The best projectors under $300 compared by resolution, smart features, portability, and connections. Eight catalog picks with live prices and full specs.
• Best Projectors Under $400: 7 Picks Compared on Specs
  We compared 7 projectors under $400 across brightness, smart features, resolution, and portability so you can pick the right one for your room and budget.
• Best Projectors Under $500 in 2026: 5 Picks Compared on Specs
  Compare 5 projectors under $500 on brightness, resolution, and portability. Specs and maker data only, prices live from the store listing.
• Best Projectors Under $600: 7 Picks Compared on Specs
  The best projectors at entry level compared by resolution, brightness, smart features, and outdoor use from a seven-projector pool.
• Best Projectors Under $700 in 2026: 5 Picks Compared by Specs
  Compare 5 projectors under $700 by specs: laser portables, smart, LCD, DLP. No testing claims, based on stated specs. Live prices shown.
• Best Projectors Under $900 in 2026: 5 Picks Compared on Specs
  Compare 5 projectors under $900 by brightness, resolution, light source, and smart features. Find the best fit for your room.

More guides

• Best 1000 to 2999 Lumen Projectors in 2026: 12 Picks Compared
  We compared 12 projectors with 1000-2999 lumens on brightness, resolution, light source, and smart features. Find the best for your room and budget.
• Best 3000 to 5999 Lumen Projectors in 2026: 15 Picks Compared
  We compare 15 projectors with 3000 to 5999 lumens, covering 4K, laser, smart, and portable models. No testing done.
• Best Under 1000 Lumens Projectors in 2026: 9 Picks Compared on Specs
  Picks of portable and smart projectors with under 1000 lumens, chosen by their published specs: brightness, resolution, light source and more.

More guides

• Best 1080p Projectors in 2026: 13 Picks Compared on Specs
  Compare 13 native 1080p projectors on brightness, light source, throw ratio, and portability. No prices, no reviews, just specifications from the catalog.
• Best 4K Projectors in 2026: 15 Picks Compared on Specs
  We compared 15 4K projectors from 47 candidates, focusing on resolution, brightness, and light source. Prices are live.
• Best 720p or Lower Projectors in 2026: 8 Picks Compared on Specs
  Eight 720p or lower resolution projectors from ViewSonic, Epson, Dell and Philips compared on brightness, light source, portability and connectors.
• Best WUXGA Projectors in 2026: 8 Picks Compared on Specs
  Find the best WUXGA projectors for professional use, compared by brightness, light source, and throw based on seller specs.

More guides

• Best Laser Projectors in 2026: 15 Picks Compared on Specs
  We compared 15 laser projectors on resolution, brightness, throw distance, portability, and smart features to find the best for every space and budget.
• Best LED Projectors in 2026: 4 Picks Compared on Specs
  A spec-by-spec guide to the LED projectors in our current catalogue, led by the Philips NeoPix 256 for its stated 1080p resolution.

More guides

• Best Outdoor Projectors in 2026: 13 Picks Compared on Specs
  We compare 13 outdoor projectors by resolution, brightness, portability, and smart features, with live prices for each.

More guides

• Best Portable Projectors in 2026: 14 Picks Compared on Specs
  Compare 14 portable projectors by resolution, light source, and smart features. These picks are based on the seller's stated specifications.

More guides

• Best Short Throw Projectors in 2026: 10 Picks Compared on Specs
  Compare 10 short throw projectors on resolution, brightness, laser light sources, portability, and gaming features to find your fit.
• Best Ultra Short Throw Projectors in 2026: 12 Picks Compared on Specs
  Best ultra short throw projectors compared on resolution, light source, brightness, smart features, and mounting; the JmGO O3-Ultra is the best overall.

More guides

• Best Smart Projectors in 2026: 15 Picks Compared on Specs
  Smart projectors with built-in streaming, from 4K UST laser models to battery-powered portables. Compare 15 picks on stated specs, OS, and light source.

Browse by use

4K projectors

Projectors whose title says 4K or UHD as the picture size (not just 4K input). The listing says whether the panel is native 4K or shifted.

1080p projectors

Projectors whose title says 1080p, Full HD or native 1080p. The listing gives the brightness and the lamp or laser life.

Laser projectors

Projectors whose title says laser. The listing gives the brightness and the laser life.

Ultra short throw projectors

Projectors whose title says ultra short throw or UST, the kind that sits close to the wall. The listing gives the throw ratio.

Portable projectors

Projectors whose title says portable, mini, pocket or compact. The listing gives the weight and whether a battery is built in.

Outdoor projectors

Projectors whose title says outdoor or backyard. The listing says how it is meant to be used outside and how bright it is.

Smart projectors with apps

Projectors whose title says Google TV, Android TV, Roku, smart or built-in apps. The listing says which apps are licensed.