16 best projectors

Projectors for many years compete with televisions. There is no unequivocal answer to the question which device is better for home or office, therefore it is important to know their pros and cons. LCD TV screen wins in brightness, noiselessness, independence from lighting. But the projectors have their own charm. Even a cheap projector exceeds costly large TVs in image size. Many of them are mobile and do not take up much space. They are harmless to the eyes, allow you to change the image format and create a unique cinema atmosphere.

Projectors are diverse and can be used in different areas, depending on the characteristics of a particular model. Therefore, before purchasing it is recommended to determine the main tasks of the device and pay attention to the following characteristics:

1. The class. Projectors are divided into pocket, ultra-portable, portable and stationary. The last two are characterized by the best image quality, the variety of functions and interfaces, and the first is mobility.
2. Type of device. The most common projectors are based on LCD and DLP. The advantages of LCD-devices are the stability and realism of the image. DLP projectors are distinguished by better contrast and deep detail. But some devices of this type are prone to flicker. LCoS is considered the most advanced technology, the only disadvantage of which is a high price.
3. Resolution. The higher the resolution, the more detailed and better the image.
4. Contrast. The most important parameter that determines the quality of colors, midtones and reproduction of dark scenes.
5. Luminous flux power. This characteristic determines the brightness of the image and even the scope of the device. Projectors with a luminous flux of more than 2000 are suitable for offices and other lighted premises, and a little less powerful are recommended for home cinema, provided that they have a good blackout.
6. Focal length - the smaller it is, the better the viewing angle.
7. Projection distance It determines how far from the screen the apparatus should be for an acceptable picture. For spacious rooms, projectors with an indicator of about 3 meters or more are recommended. For the house, especially for small rooms, 1 meter is also suitable.
8. F-number - the lower the indicator, the brighter the image.
9. Noise level.

In the preparation of the review, particular attention was paid to:

• opinions of users and experts;
• value for money;
• technical parameters.

Best Ultra-Portable Presentation Projectors

Ultraportable projectors are convenient for displaying information for a small audience, such as a business presentation or a lesson at school.They are small, do not take up much space and are easy to use. However, the size has to be paid for with some functionality, such as resolution and projection distance.

5 Everycom x7

A simple Chinese model will be an excellent solution for those who dream of a home theater projector, but are not ready to spend the entire salary on it. One of the most inexpensive LCD-type devices is worthy of the title of the best representative of the budget segment. Like other available projectors, Everycom can offer only a fairly modest resolution of 800x600, which, however, is enough to view popular TV shows and satellite channels.

Surprisingly, the device for such money is equipped with even a TV tuner, so the user can view live TV shows directly on the projector. Profitable model for the home also received a card reader and USB-connector. The device is relatively picky about lighting due to a good luminous flux of 1800 lumens. But the contrast, as expected, is much lower than that of expensive projectors. Therefore, the dark video sequence is not reproduced too clearly.

4 Vivitek Qumi Q6

One of the best representatives of TOP compact projectors is a modern model with support for three-dimensional image and Wi-Fi. An elegant device weighing less than half a kilogram with battery power reproduces images with a resolution of 1280x800. Due to the excellent aperture value of 1.9, this Vivitek model is pleased with good brightness, despite the rather mediocre power of the light flux, which reaches 800 lumens.

DLP technology and a contrast of 30,000 provide excellent color reproduction and clarity when playing a darkened video sequence. At the same time, the projector boasts a universal projection distance from one to three meters and a diagonal of projection up to two meters away. Therefore, it is comfortable to use it both in a small audience and in a spacious hall. A lens with a focal length of only 15.3 millimeters ensures the best viewing angle in the category.

3 BenQ MW571

The popular Taiwanese projector with the best luminous flux of 3200 lumens takes its rightful place in the top three finalists. Unlike most analogs, BenQ not only works relatively quietly, but is also equipped with a good 10-watt speaker system. Although it can hardly compete with special audio equipment, this is a very worthy indicator for a modern projector.

The accessory of the device to the type of DLP provides excellent detail shadows and dark shades. In combination with a contrast of 13,000, it gives a fairly clear image, so the projector is universal and suitable not only for the office, but also for home theater. Despite its small size and portability, BenQ boasts a number of interfaces, including Ethernet, RS-232, USB, video and audio inputs. A good bonus was the optical zoom, which allows you to resize the image without moving the projector.

2 Viewsonic PLED-W800

Many projectors, both inexpensive Chinese and leaders of various TOPs and reviews, are not distinguished by a variety of installation that is important for most, and is possible only with a sufficient difference between the maximum and minimum projection distances. The device of the American brand Viewsonic was a happy exception. The projector creates a high-quality image when placed at 72 centimeters from the screen, and from a three-meter distance. Therefore, it is convenient not only for a house with a small yardage, but also for large audiences.

Like a number of projectors with DLP technology, the model is characterized by an amazing transfer of even dark scenes. Contrast is superior to most analogs - the value of 120000 is one of the best. At the same time, Viewsonic received a lot of inputs and connectors, including USB and SD-card reader, and successfully interacts with a number of carriers and extensions, which is especially convenient for those who appreciate multi-functionality.

1 LG PF1000U

In any segment of the market there are always flagship devices - the best models, surpassing all other solutions in their characteristics and capabilities. LG's ultraportable solution belongs to this class, being the ideal solution for creating a home theater.

The device supports video with FullHD resolution, and the contrast value is 1: 150000. In practice, the user gets a large dynamic range of colors and the complete absence of unsharp areas. For presentations, the PF1000U model can also be used in theory, but it is important to take into account the maximum projection distance - here it is only 0.7 meters. The main advantage of the rating leader is the diagonal of the image: it varies from 1.5 to 2.5 meters, which in combination with high resolution and contrast indices does not leave the projectors and competitors no chance.

A nice bonus will be the built-in TV tuner and two HDMI and Ethernet connectors. The only disadvantage for the buyer can be an impressive price, but in terms of cost and capabilities, the LG PF1000U still has no analogues in its segment.

The best home theater projectors

Many prefer to use home theater projectors instead of regular TV for watching movies. These compact devices are not inferior to television screens in terms of picture quality, while they can display large images, creating the feeling of a true cinema hall.

5 Acer H6517ST

TOP of the best modern home theater projectors opens the most demanded Chinese model with Full HD-resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels. Despite the rather big price, many film enthusiasts choose it because of the brightness and inherent contrast to many high-quality DLP devices. Since the projector successfully focuses the image both from half a meter and from a distance of just over three meters, it is comfortable to use it in any room. At the same time it is portable and easy to move.

For its size Acer endowed with good opportunities.Good projection quality is complemented by support for playing 3D movies directly from USB media. Another advantage of the projector is the presence of two HDMI inputs that allow you to connect several video sources to it at once and instantly switch between them without messing around with cables and wires.

4 Canon LV-WX320

Good home theater projectors are extremely rarely pleased with affordable prices. Therefore, this category representative rightfully takes its place among the best. Despite the relatively low cost, in many respects, Canon is not inferior to competitors, surpassing it in price several times. Enter the TOP-3 he was prevented only by the lack of Wi-Fi interface. However, the projector is equipped with an Ethernet network adapter, which means that it can be connected to the local network via a cable.

Unlike most models of the middle segment, Japanese development not only supports 3D, the RS-232 interface and is equipped with a good 10-watt speaker, but also mobile. Despite its compactness and low weight, the projector received a movable lens, adjustable vertically, and even vertical and horizontal keystone correction. Such a device is very flexible, it is not necessary to put it strictly opposite the screen.

3 LG HF80JS

While most manufacturers do not part with the popular, but imperfect LED light source, the South Korean company has created a projector using the latest laser-phosphor technology. In addition to instant switching on and low power consumption, the light source of such a device is also distinguished by a service life of 20,000 hours, which is five times longer than the use of analogs. However, this is not the only advantage of a home theater projector that is suitable even for use in a full-fledged hall due to its impressive capabilities.

Powerful DLP-device delivers crisp Full HD images with a contrast of 150000 and perfectly conveys all the colors and shades. Brightness is also good - 2000 lumens is enough even to play high-resolution films in a brightly lit room. At the same time, unlike most home projectors, LG supports Wi-Fi and parallel use of two USB.

2 Epson EH-TW9300

Epson is one of the leaders in the category, because it has, perhaps, the best ratio of brightness and contrast in the category, thanks to the 4K Enhance function, it copes with high-resolution movies and at the same time impresses with a very quiet operation. The noise level does not exceed 24 decibels.

In addition to excellent projection properties, the silent and powerful projector can be proud of high-quality three-dimensional technology, support for USB interfaces of two different types, RS-232 for remote settings, as well as motorized focusing and zooming, so you can focus the image and adjust its size with the remote. The vertical and horizontal projection shift function combined with keystone correction allows the projector to be placed almost anywhere without compromising quality. The recommended projection distance varies from three to six meters, so Epson is suitable for spacious rooms.

1 Sony VPL-VW550ES

The best projector for home theater becomes a unique device that creates the most realistic images in full 4K resolution. Created by the latest LCoS technology, referred to as the SXRD brand, the device offers one of the best contrast ratio that reaches a value of 350,000 and a balanced luminous flux of 1,800 lumens. At the same time, the projector has a stunning diagonal run: from one and a half to almost eight meters.Therefore, Sony is what it takes to project a high-quality image onto the entire wall.

Unlike most analogs, the model gives the feeling of a real cinema and is suitable for creating digital reality according to the 4K Reality Creation standard. There are 9 image modes and 11 gamma modes, the projector is equipped with a zoom, motorized lens shift function, so it is easy to adjust it to any taste and under any environment.

The best stationary projectors

Stationary projectors are the most advanced and technologically advanced devices in the multimedia segment. They are used to project images on an ongoing basis and do not require small size and compactness, which has a positive effect on the quality of the equipment installed in them. Thus, they have the maximum level of luminous flux, high-life lamps and first-class image quality.

3 BenQ SW921

Taiwan DLP projector will be a worthy choice for both the office and home due to the high luminous flux of 5000 lumens, which is perfectly combined with a 370 watt lamp and a good contrast ratio, although not the best. In addition, the development of BenQ is largely equipped with no worse than analogs with a much more exorbitant price.

Of particular pride of the projector were two loudspeakers of 10 watts each. As a rule, the sound does not belong to the strengths of such devices, but BenQ can be safely used without connecting any additional speakers. Like some other stationary models, the projector received a movable lens with universal distortion correction. Therefore, it can be placed above or below the screen and even on the side, which makes watching movies and presentations as convenient as possible for viewers.

2 NEC NP-U321H

Lightness and compactness for stationary projectors, as a rule, are not decisive factors, but they have a certain impact on the operation of the device and should not be forgotten. Effective small devices are extremely rare in this class, and the more valuable this model is. After all, it has absorbed the user's favorite properties: Full HD, USB and Ethernet support, three-dimensional image, HDTV and much more.

The main difference between NEC from purely Chinese and Taiwanese competitors is a reasonable combination of brightness and contrast. Also a characteristic feature of the projector was the projection distance, which is about half a meter. In this regard, NEC will fit especially well in a miniature room or a small office. The disadvantage can be attributed only a little overpriced, but it is justified by the latest technologies used to combine powerful filling and neat dimensions.

1 Viewsonic Pro7827HD

The presence of a huge number of expensive analogues did not prevent Viewsonic from winning the first place. Indeed, by most characteristics, the projector is not inferior to other representatives of this class, which are many times more expensive. At the same time, Viewsonic is not without additional benefits. In particular, the device supports digital and optical scaling, its lamp will please with a long service life, reaching 3500 hours in standard mode or 6500 hours in economy mode. Contrast is also an order of magnitude higher than the average - 22,000. A luminous flux of 2,200 lumens is also a good indicator, although not the best. Those who wish to watch movies without connecting additional audio systems will enjoy the pleasant sound with a capacity of 10 watts.

One of the main reasons why Viewsonic got into TOP was the variability of image size. The user can easily adjust both a small projection with a diagonal of 76 centimeters and a picture up to 7.62 meters.

Top Pocket Projectors

Pocket projector - a real find for those who are constantly on the road.Simple and compact, such a device is universal and well suited for home or cottage, as well as showing children cartoons in a car or train. The brightest models are suitable even for an office, although, of course, in resolution and image quality they are inferior to more cumbersome and expensive devices.

However, among the advantages of the category is not only reasonable price. The weight of such projectors, as a rule, does not exceed one third of a kilogram, and the modest dimensions allow them to easily fit in a small purse or even in a pocket. However, some representatives of the best TOPs are able to work autonomously for up to several hours from a battery or battery. Therefore, a presentation or film screening is possible, even if there is no outlet nearby. Support for USB and Wi-Fi interfaces with such projectors will help to completely forget about the wires.

3 Acer C120

Most buyers do not have the budget for the purchase of flagship projectors and prefer balanced solutions to them. Acer C120 is an excellent example of a good compact projector for multipurpose use, which in many respects is not inferior to the most advanced models. In favor of the model from the Taiwanese company speak an impressive life of the lamp (20,000 hours), as well as the brightness of the luminous flux of 100 lumens - this parameter Acer C120 almost catches up with projectors from the highest price category. Not to mention, and the weight of the model: 180 grams is a worthy indicator even in the segment of ultra-compact solutions. In this case, the projector can display an image with a diagonal up to 2.5 meters with a resolution of 854x480 pixels, that is, it is not inferior to competitors in this indicator.

But in order to squeeze the Acer C120 into the middle price segment, the company had to make a number of compromises. For example, there is no possibility of eliminating trapezoidal distortion. Also, for the sake of size, I had to deprive the projector of a composite input and a VGA connector. But despite all these disadvantages, the Acer C120 is still one of the best compact projectors in terms of price and features offered.

2 CINEMOOD Storyteller

Despite the relatively low resolution, the Chinese model confidently enters the TOP of the best, thanks to its ease of use, mobility, a number of additions and the ability to work without recharging up to five hours. The projector has a practical cube shape that allows you to place it as you please and make the screen not only the walls, but also the ceiling. Cinemood is useful for both home and travel, but for a good picture you need some shading.

The projector can be controlled in one motion through the app on a smartphone and even on a smart watch. Support for Bluetooth audio will allow you to play songs from any modern mobile device. Internal memory will even allow you to download some files to the projector itself. Also Cinemood plays videos from flash drives or via Wi-Fi. At the same time, the producer made a pleasant surprise for the youngest viewers: he created a pre-installed collection of popular cartoons.

1 Acer C101i

Pocket models with a really sharp image and with a luminous flux that is powerful enough for illuminated rooms are extremely rare. However, a simple Chinese projector exceeds all expectations. Unlike most, it is characterized by a good contrast level of 1200, comparable even with some portable and ultra-portable DLP devices, and a luminous flux of 150 lumens. Therefore, the projection turns out to be quite clear, transmits colors quite well and can even be used in a room with medium but not too bright lighting.

At the same time, the device is equipped with two HDMI inputs, a USB connector, and a Wi-Fi interface. For a Chinese pocket projector, this is an elegant set of properties. Another advantage of the Acer device is considered to be a good battery, thanks to which it is able to autonomously show a movie or presentation for about two hours.

The traditional poll of the Mark Quality portal - who is the best projector manufacturer?
We vote!

Acer

Benq

Canon

CINEMOOD

Epson

InFocus

LG

Lenovo

Nec

Optoma

Panasonic

Sony

Viewsonic

Vivitek

Other

Total voted: 121

Vote results