Best Laser Projectors (November 2024)

As we move deeper into the era of high-definition visual entertainment, laser projectors are leading the way in delivering unparalleled cinematic experiences. Gone are the days of dull, blurry images as laser technology delivers vivid colors, exceptional brightness and a level of clarity that traditional lamp projectors can only dream of.

Whether you're installing a home theater, enhancing a gaming system, or giving a business presentation, the right laser projector can transform any space into a visual spectacle. Thanks to their long lifespan, energy efficiency, and superior performance, laser projectors are quickly becoming a favorite choice for quality and convenience enthusiasts.

In this article, I'll be taking a look at some of the best laser projectors in 2024 on the market, each offering unique features to meet different needs and preferences.

So, buckle up and I'll lead the way to your next visual upgrade with a selection of the best laser projectors.

Why Are Laser Projectors the Perfect Pick?

Choosing a laser projector is not an easy task, because you need to understand a wide range of features, functions, types of light sources and other device hardware.

Today's projector market has evolved from traditional incandescent models to incorporate modern technology like LED and laser "lamps." While LEDs may not be extremely bright yet, their compact size and low power consumption make them ideal for portable devices. In fact, numerous tests and discussions on platforms like Reddit highlight the growing preference for these energy-efficient options in various settings, from professional to personal use.

Lasers are now ready to replace today's highly efficient lamps, moreover, the life of such a light source is several times longer than that of a lamp.

In this article I will take a look at several modern best laser projectors built with a laser light source and find out their strengths and weaknesses.

If you're short on time and looking for the best laser projector, here's my top picks:

Table of contents:

• Best Laser Projectors - Buyer’s Guide
• Best Laser Projectors - TOP 6
• Laser Projectors: Comparison
• SAMSUNG SP-LSP9TFAXZA
• NexiGo Aurora Pro
• LG HU85LA UST
• Epson EF11 Mini
• JMGO N1 Pro
• WEMAX Nova
• FAQ about Laser Video Projectors
• Top Laser Projectors: Conclusion

Best Laser Projectors - Buyer’s Guide

I have sorted out the best models of laser projectors at the moment. But what do all these numbers and terms mean? And what to pay attention to when choosing. Let's figure it out.Drawing from my experience if you know what to look for, choosing the right projector is pretty easy.

The type of laser projector you need depends on your intended use and specific requirements. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Resolution: The higher the resolution, the sharper and more detailed the image. If you plan to use your laser projector for high-quality movie watching, gaming, or business presentations, then you may want to consider a 4K or Full HD resolution projector.
2. Brightness: The brightness of the laser projector is measured in lumens. For a home theater or dark room, a brightness of 1000-2000 lumens is sufficient, while for a well-lit room or outdoor use, you may need a brighter projector with a minimum of 3000 lumens.
3. Contrast Ratio: The contrast ratio determines the difference between the brightest and darkest parts of an image. A higher contrast ratio means a more vivid and dynamic image.
4. Throw Distance: The throw distance is the distance between the projector and the screen. For small rooms, an ultra-short-throw projector is best, while for larger spaces, a standard or long-throw projector may be required.
5. Connectivity: Make sure the projector you choose has the necessary input ports to connect to your devices, such as HDMI, USB, or VGA.

Consider these factors and your specific needs to determine the best type of laser projector for you.

Best Laser Projectors - TOP 6

I have tested and selected the best laser projectors for you. They will take your home entertainment and movie nights to the next level.

Laser Projectors: Comparison

Get ready to experience the best laser projectors of 2024! I scrupulously have selected the top 6 laser projector models on the market and provided detailed reviews of their features, image quality, connectivity, and ease of use.

So, let's dive in and discover the top-rated laser projectors in 2024!

SAMSUNG SP-LSP9TFAXZA Top Laser Projector Review

Editor's Choice

South Korean corporation Samsung entered the market of projectors by loudly announcing itself with a high-level model, The Samsung SP-LSP9TFAXZA. The manufacturer tried to equip its projectors with all the functionality available for home devices.

"The heart" of the device is a system of lasers, which emit light in three colors and DMD matrix, the physical resolution of which is 3840 × 2160. The brightness of the projector in maximum mode is 2800 Lumens.

This is a great value if you want to use the projector in a non-darkened room or in daylight.

The screen size can be adjusted from 100 to 130 inches.

The device supports HDR10+ extended color range. The projector has smart functionality: Samsung's proprietary operating system for TVs called Tizen. The operating system supports Apple AirPlay 2 technology, built-in Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

In case you are ready to sacrifice some features and save some money, Samsung has a simplified model of the projector: SP-LSP7T. It also has support for 4K and all branded advantages, but has less brightness - 2200 Lumens (which is quite a lot) and a compromised sound system - 2.2, the power of which is 30 W.

You can learn even more about this projector in review - Samsung The Premiere SP-LSP9T 4K Laser Projector Review: A True Home Theater

Summary: As indicated by my tests the SAMSUNG SP-LSP9TFAXZA laser projector offers 4K image resolution up to 130 inches with energy efficiency and a long-lasting laser technology for up to 20,000 hours of usage. The UST laser projector has smart TV capabilities with built-in voice assistants, providing seamless access to streaming services and smart home devices. This laser projector is a perfect choice for those who value high-quality visuals and user convenience.

NexiGo Aurora Pro Laser Projector Review

Best Overall

The NexiGo Aurora Pro laser projector is designed to deliver exceptional visual quality right out of the box with minimal calibration needed. It offers four screen options and uses industrial-standard ANSI Lumens for accurate brightness representation, avoiding misleading marketing terms like PEAK Lumens and LED Lumens.

The projector boasts ALPD 4.0 RGB+ technology, providing a native contrast ratio of 3000:1. Its dynamic laser dimming technology enhances black levels by more than 60% while saving over 30% in energy, offering an environmentally friendly option without compromising visual experience. For sound, the Aurora Pro features built-in 60W stereo speakers, including two 15W woofers and two 15W tweeters, and supports Dolby Atmos for immersive surround sound. It also supports Active 3D movies.

A standout feature is its Dolby Vision support, making it the only UST projector on the market with this capability, along with a native contrast ratio of >3000:1 and dynamic laser dimming. The Aurora Pro excels in gaming as well, with ultra-smooth motion thanks to 120Hz MEMC and a low input lag of 12ms, supporting 4K@120Hz input. This makes it ideal for playing PC and console games on a large screen without sacrificing motion quality.

Summary: The NexiGo Aurora Pro laser projector offers exceptional out-of-the-box color accuracy with minimal calibration needed. It features ALPD 4.0 RGB+ technology for a native contrast ratio of 3000:1 and dynamic laser dimming to enhance black levels. The projector boasts built-in 60W stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos support, and Active 3D movie capability. Notably, it's the only UST projector with Dolby Vision support, further elevating its visual performance. For gamers, it provides ultra-smooth motion with 120Hz MEMC and a low input lag of 12ms, supporting 4K@120Hz input. The Aurora Pro combines high-quality visuals and sound for an immersive cinematic and gaming experience.

LG HU85LA UST 4K Laser Home Projector Review

Premium Choice

Ultra-short throw projectors are a fairly new class of device that is quickly gaining popularity due to the convenience and ease of installation. You do not need to find the best place in the room, screw the bracket to the ceiling and do the calculations. It's enough to install a screen and place the projector underneath.

The LG HU85LA has no color wheel in its design. In contrast to conventional DLP projects it is based on a three channel laser technology which provides a wide color gamut and color brilliance. The service life of the laser light source can reach 20000 hours.

In order to level out distortions, the optical system of the projector is equipped with an alignment system of 12 independent points.
The device is equipped with a DLP matrix from Texas instruments with 4K UHD resolution, which equals 3840×2160 pixels.

The brightness is high enough for home use, it is equal to 2700 Lumen - no need to worry about dark curtains on the window. The dynamic contrast stated in the characteristics of the projector reaches the value 2000000:1.

The projector body is quite massive: 26.8"×5.0"×13.7", it weighs 27 lbs, the front side contains a stereo speaker system with power of 10 W, projection lenses are on top. On the back side you will find following interface connectors: 2×HDMI, LAN, 2×USB 2.0, USB Type C, S/PDIF and digital TV tuner input.

Summary: Based on my observations if you're looking for an immersive, convenient home entertainment experience with stunning visuals, the LG HU85LA laser projector is a great option. With its 4K resolution, HDR10 support and 2700 lumens brightness, it offers sharp images up to 120 inches wide in any room size. Plus its ultra-short throw design ensures clarity even at short distances from your wall or screen. What's more - built-in streaming services via webOS and LG's Magic Remote make access easy, while 20,000 hours of performance makes this product reliable enough to use time after time!

Epson EF11 Mini Laser Projector Review

Best Budget

A compact solution from Epson, the EF-11 is a very tiny projector, measuring 7×18×18 cm and weighing only 1.2 kg, you can literally carry it around in a small city backpack. To a party to show clips on the wall or on vacation to watch your favorite TV series in the evenings - anywhere.

Brightness in standard mode is 1000 lumens and 500 lumens in economy mode. Contrast ratio is 2500000:1. The device's matrix is 3LCD, which gives it an advantage in color display quality and brightness level.

The maximum projection size can be up to 150 inches diagonally, but at that brightness level, viewing at that diagonal can only be comfortable in total darkness. This brightness will be comfortable to look at on a 100" screen.

Built-in sound is not very powerful, it is only 2 watts, which is enough for such a miniature device, otherwise you can connect an external wired speaker.

The device allows you to play content from your smartphone screen using Miracast technology. The set of connectors is not wide, but enough: HDMI, USB 2.0 type A, USB 2.0 type B and 3.5 mm mini jack line output.

Summary: The Epson EF11 Mini laser projector, with its compact and portable design, is a standout choice for those who value versatility and quality. It employs advanced laser technology, which my analysis shows contributes to producing bright and clear images. This projector boasts a high contrast ratio, built-in speakers, and offers wireless connectivity to smartphones and tablets. It can also connect to laptops or gaming consoles via the HDMI port. A significant advantage is its long-lasting laser light source, greatly reducing the need for frequent bulb replacements.

JMGO N1 Pro Laser Projector Review

Best Portable

The JMGO N1 Pro laser projector is a high-performance device designed for an immersive home cinema experience. It boasts native 1080P resolution (1920 × 1080 FHD) with 4K support, 110% BT.2020 gamut coverage, HDR 10, and a 1600:1 contrast ratio, delivering exceptional image quality on a 150" screen, even in daylight.

The projector offers 360° horizontal and 135° vertical adjustment, allowing for flexible placement and clear images in any setting, thanks to real-time keystone correction and auto-focus. Its multi-adaptive system, equipped with 3D TOF Sensors & CMOS Hi-res Cameras, utilizes smart algorithms for auto keystone correction, smart object avoidance, and auto screen fitting, ensuring instant image calibration.

With 3D Blu-rays and MEMC support, the N1 Pro provides immersive movie and gaming experiences. It runs on Android TV 11, offering a wide range of entertainment options, and features extensive connectivity with two HDMI 2.1 ports and one USB-A 2.0 port. Google Play and Google Assistant support enable near-field voice control, while Chromecast is built-in for easy content sharing.

The projector's immersive audio experience is enhanced by a 10W*2 sound system with 45Hz extreme low-frequency bass, certified by Dolby Audio and DTS decoding. Co-created with the leading audio brand Dynaudio, the sound system delivers cinematic quality sounds to complement the stunning visuals. Overall, the JMGO N1 Pro Laser Projector is a feature-rich option for those seeking a superior home theater setup.

Summary: The JMGO N1 Pro Laser Projector offers a premium home cinema experience with its native 1080P resolution and 4K support, delivering exceptional image quality on a 150" screen. It features flexible 360° horizontal and 135° vertical adjustment, real-time keystone correction, and auto-focus for clear images in any setting. The projector is equipped with advanced 3D TOF Sensors and CMOS Hi-res Cameras, utilizing smart algorithms for instant image calibration.

It supports 3D Blu-rays and MEMC for immersive movie and gaming experiences, runs on Android TV 11 for a wide range of entertainment options, and offers extensive connectivity with HDMI and USB ports. Google Assistant and Chromecast are built-in for convenient voice control and content sharing. The immersive audio experience is enhanced by a powerful 10W*2 sound system with low-frequency bass, certified by Dolby Audio and DTS decoding, co-created with Dynaudio for cinematic quality sounds.

WEMAX Nova Smart 4K Laser Projector Review

Best for Multi-Device Video Compatibility

The Wemax Nova model is an ultra-short-focus projector from the famous Chinese electronics manufacturer, which is produced in alliance with one of the largest manufacturers of projection equipment, including professional, the Chinese company Appotronics.

The projector is inexpensive compared to competitors with similar functionality, but it will surprise you: a huge picture with a diagonal of 150 inches at a distance of several inches from the screen.

DMD matrix device has a resolution of 3840 × 2160, the maximum brightness reaches 2100 lumens, the contrast level is 1500000:1. On the front panel of the device there are speakers with loudspeakers, their power is 30 W, and there is support for Dolby Virtual Surround. On the top cover there is a projection lens.

The operating system used on the device is Android TV 9.0 with a wide choice of applications and Google Assistant, which you can communicate with using the microphone built into the remote control.

The interface connectors are grouped on the back of the device: three HDMI 2.0, one with ARC support. Two USB 2.0 sockets. 3.5 Mini Jack for headphones, Ethernet and S/PDIF. For wireless connections, the projector features a dual-band WiFi 2.4/5 GHz adapter and Bluetooth 4.1.

Summary: The WEMAX Nova model Smart 4K Laser Projector is a good choice if you want a high-quality image. It has a high contrast ratio of up to 1500000:1 and a 4K resolution. Additionally, the advanced laser technology and color technology make it suitable for a wide range of applications, such as home theater and entertainment.

The projector has a long-lasting laser light source that can last up to 25,000 hours. This reduces the need for replacements and maintenance costs. It also has a compact design that can be easily installed. Additionally, it offers smart features such as voice control, built-in Wi-Fi, and streaming services, including Netflix and YouTube. Finally, it comes with a large and customizable screen that provides a more immersive viewing experience, and it has flexible connectivity options, including HDMI, USB, and Ethernet.

More Helpful Tips for Laser Projector Shoppers

Laser Projector For Home Theater

If you want the best possible film watching experience, get a home theater projector. Theater projectors focus on delivering excellent image quality with high contrast and deep colors. They work best in a dedicated media room where you can reduce the amount of light in the room from outside sources like windows or doors.

When choosing a laser projector for your home cinema, it is important to take into account the room size and darkness, as this will determine how many lumens you need. You also want to make sure that the projector you choose is 4K resolution and offers HDR compatibility.

Some people may be content with a 1080p projector, but by opting for 4K you are ensuring that you get a much better quality image. If you have a large screen, it's more important to get a 4K home cinema projector.

The difference in quality is less noticeable on smaller TVs, but on bigger screens the pixels are stretched out more so you can see pixilation more easily on a 1080p projector.

A 4K laser projector will give you a much sharper, clearer image. Most home theater projectors have native 16:9 HD aspect ratios.

Laser Projector For Living Room

For those who enjoy projecting images, living rooms can be a tricky space to work with. The instructions are usually something like this: have a big display, with bright and vivid colors- all while being in a well-lit environment that likely doesn't provide the necessary throw distance for such a large screen.

Most projectors struggle to cast a clear image at long distances, but the new class of entertainment projection devices: ultra short throw laser projectors, solves this problem.

These powerful machines sit directly under the movie screen and can easily projecting a extremely bright and colorful image from just a short distance away.

Their installation is simplified compared to traditional throw projection as you will likely need to run less cabling from your video source to the cinema projector as they often will be on the same stand.

And there is no need to use a wall or ceiling mounts. Also you can use an ambient light rejecting screen to help you reduce the effect of light in the environment. Similarly to the home theater one you want a living room projector that’s 4K and offers HDR compatibility.

Laser Projector For Gaming

There are a few key specs to keep in mind when shopping for a gaming laser projector. Resolution, lag time and refresh rate are the most important features to look for. If your gaming console supports 4K resolution, I recommend getting a 4K projector so you can get the most out of the graphics capabilities from your console or computer.

The input lag time is the duration between when you press a button on your controller or input device and when the action appears on-screen.

For competitive gaming, like first person shooters, you would ideally want an input lag time of 30 milliseconds or less, however, the goal is to be under 16ms.

The refresh rate is the number of times the monitor updates with new images each second. When it comes to gaming monitors, 120Hz, 144Hz, and 240Hz are becoming more popular. For a gaming projector you want one that has a refresh rate of at least 120Hz for an immersive experience.

It’s also important to buy a game projector that spits out enough lumens so you can game in well-lit rooms.

Laser Projector For Office

Business laser projectors are designed to show static images, like graphs and PowerPoint slides. But they can also play moving pictures and sound, which makes them ideal for office settings.

Most work environments have strong overhead lighting, so it can be tough to see a presentation if the projector isn’t bright enough. But with an extra-bright business model, you can give amazing presentations in front of a large screen.

You can choose a regular or short throw projector. Usually, I recommend using a short throw projector so you won't block the light from the screen while giving your presentation.

However, keep in mind that short throw projectors often have limited zoom range (or no zoom range at all). This means you'll need to place the laser projector specifically in relation to the screen to get the desired image size.

When looking at lumen output, aim for a media beamer with at least 4000 lumens. This will ensure that your projected data is illuminated brightly. You have the option to choose between a 16:9 or a 16:10 aspect ratio.

My suggestion would be to go with a 16:10 WUXGA projector for the office as it has high definition (above 1080p) resolution in comparison to other types of projectors available. A 16:10 display is often more beneficial because you're able to see more information on the screen at one time.

This format is also supported by most computers, which tend to be the video source in business-related applications. The resolution you'll need in your projector depends on what content you plan on displaying. For example, if you often show financial reports or other presentations where tiny details matter, then opting for a 1080p or WUXGA projector would be best suited for your needs.

A 4K laser projector is suggested for the most critical applications as it can display four times the amount of data than a 1080p projector. The images will show the highest level of detail with a living room projector when you pair it with an ambient light rejecting screen. This way, you'll get the best visuals no matter what kind of lighting is in the room.

Type of Laser Projector by Throw Distance?

Each projector has a parameter called "projection ratio" or "throw ratio", indicating the ratio of the distance from the projector to the screen to the width of the screen.

Laser projectors with a high projection ratio are called Regular Throw (Long or Standard Throw) projectors. For example, with a ratio of 2.0:1, the projector will give you an image 2 meters wide from a distance of 4 meters. But this type of projectors requires large room and no obstacles.

Projectors with a small projection ratio are considered Short Throw. For example, Epson calls short-focus projectors with a projection ratio of 0.55:1, while other manufacturers sometimes consider short-focus projectors with a ratio of less than 1.5:1.

Finally, there is a class of ultra-short throw projectors. Such laser projectors have a projection ratio of 0.27:1, which allows you to install the device at a distance of only 10-20 cm from the screen.

At the same time, a large image is projected, and the presenter is not in the path of the light and does not cast a shadow on the screen.

What resolution to choose for Laser Video Projector?

Most of the laser projectors currently on the market are pretty advanced devices. And they work in FullHD (1920x1080) resolution, but top models can boast 4K UHD (3840x2160) support.

In addition to resolution, you should pay attention to the support for high dynamic range (HDR) technology, which makes the picture even more saturated with color.

Of course, it is best to buy a projector with 4K resolution and HDR support, but if the budget does not allow, then 1080p will also be good.

Brightness and contrast ratio for 4K Laser Projector

Brightness, contrast ratio, light flux, room background lighting and maximum image size are a set of laser projector characteristics that are closely related to each other. What is important to consider when choosing?

The higher the brightness and contrast of the image on the screen, the better it will stand out, even if the background light level is high. However, these parameters directly depend on both the light flux of the laser projector and the size of the image formed by it.

The light power of the projector is the main characteristic of the device. This value is measured in lumens (lm), and measurements are made according to the standardized ANSI (American National Standards Institute) method.

Contrast often depends on the background lighting, the material of the projection screen and other factors. It is very good if the contrast is high, but it makes no sense to overestimate the importance of this parameter.

If it is not known in advance in what conditions the projector will have to be operated, it is better to buy a model with the maximum available light flux - at least 2000-2500 lm. The general rule with a typical projected image diagonal of about 2.5 m is as follows: if it is possible to completely darken the room, then even a flow of 1000-1500 lm will be enough to form a bright and juicy picture.

In this case, the main role is played by the size and interior of the room - in small rooms with light walls and furniture, the power should be increased due to overreflection.

Unfortunately, rooms with a controlled level of background lighting are more the exception than the rule - blinds and curtains on the windows on a sunny day still let in a fairly large amount of light.

Therefore, I advise you to follow the recommendations from the table, at least with one and a half times the reserve.

Connectivity and Laser Projectors

The image source for the projector is not restricted to computers - many models have several analog and digital inputs. Analog signal transmission usually employs VGA or RCA connectors, while HDMI and DVI are more common for digital signals. More advanced models might also feature DisplayPort, Thunderbolt or Type-C connectivity.

Some laser projectors even allow playback of smartphone video content via MHL support- provided the smartphone itself is compatible with this standard. You can connect projectors to a local network for control and signal transmission using either a cable or Wi-Fi.

Many users prefer the latter option as it's more convenient than physically connecting devices like laptops or PCs. Some models of projector also allow you to present directly from an external drive in addition to other external signal sources such as PCs or smartphones.

This device has both card readers and USB ports available, even though the USB interface is sometimes used for controlling the projector alongside the COM port.

Smart TV options and Laser Projectors

The situation is similar to televisions. The most advanced models are equipped with Smart TV. Such models are guaranteed to have network functions, including Wi-Fi.

Depending on the manufacturer, different platforms may be used. Samsung uses its own Tizen OS, as well as LG uses WebOS. Also, there are a lot of models with Android TV. Tizen OS and WebOS are faster and lighter, but Android TV offers a wider range of apps.

But all the Smart TV platforms offer YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime and other streaming options out of the box for streaming via laser projector.

FAQ about Laser Video Projectors

Now, let's explore the commonly asked questions regarding laser projector technology.

How Do Laser Projectors Work?

Unlike the common lamp and LED projectors, laser projectors are different primarily because they use laser as a light source, which gives more brightness with slightly less power consumption, and several times longer life of the light source.

Other than that, the projection technology is the same:
- 3LCD with three different color matrices,
- DLP - based on a reflective DMD matrix, which using three lasers with different colors can get rid of the color wheel. The color wheel can cause the rainbow effect that some viewers notice.

How Far Should Laser Projector Be From the Screen?

The distance between the wall and the screen depends on the specific projector model.

Just like the more traditional lamp models, today's laser projectors have a feature called "Projection Ratio" which tells you how far away from the screen the projector should be to create the desired diagonal image.

How Much Power Does a Laser Projector Use?

Laser projectors have the same power consumption as today's projectors with a high efficiency UHE lamp of similar brightness. Depending on the mode, it will be 250-400 W for a projector with 3000 ANSI lumens.

What is the Lifetime of a Laser Projector?

Classic projectors with an incandescent lamp can last about 2,000 hours. More modern UHE lamps can last up to 5,000 hours when used in economy mode. At the same time, laser light sources can last several times longer - up to 20,000 hours.

This is more than two years of continuous operation. If you use the projector for three hours a day, for example, I can talk about a lifetime of a couple of dozen years.

And probably the device will become obsolete much faster and be replaced by a newer one before the laser has used up its life span.

Best Laser Projector for Home Theater

In conclusion, the laser projector market has evolved significantly over the past few years, and the latest models available in 2024 are truly remarkable. Like the Samsung The Premiere SP-LSP9T, NexiGo Aurora Pro or the Epson EF-11 mini.

With features such as high-resolution images, incredible brightness, and excellent contrast ratios, these laser projectors provide a viewing experience that's hard to beat. Whether you're a movie buff, gamer, or business professional, there is a perfect laser projector available for you.

So, after going through my top picks, you can confidently choose the best laser projector to suit your needs and take your viewing experience to the next level.

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