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Best Projector under $1000
In a world where home entertainment has become more important than ever, choosing the right projector can transform your viewing experience without draining your wallet. In this review, I delve into the realm of affordable yet high-end projectors, scrutinizing various models that promise exceptional performance, crisp images, and versatile features in this budget-friendly price range.
Whether you're setting up a home theater, enhancing your gaming experience, or preparing for professional presentations, our analysis aims to help you find the best choices on the market so that you can find a projector that not only meets your needs but also offers excellent value for money.
Let's take a look at what the market for projectors under $1000 in April 2024 has to offer and help you make an informed decision on your next big purchase.
If you're short on time, here are my top two projectors under 1000.
Table of contents:
- Home Theater Projector under 1000 - Buyer's Guide
- Best Projectors under $1000 - TOP 7
- Home Projectors under 1000: Comparison
- VIEWSONIC PX701-4K
- BENQ TH671ST
- BENQ TK800M
- VIEWSONIC PS600X
- EPSON Home Cinema 2250
- EPSON EpiqVision Mini EF11
- BENQ TH685i
- FAQ about Best Projectors under $1000
- Best Projector for under 1000: Conclusion
Home Theater Projector under 1000 - Buyer's Guide
Drawing from my experience projectors as a class have a steady interest among buyers. After all, they have a number of advantages over modern TVs.
But for a newcomer to this topic there is always a question – how to choose the best projector for under 1000 and not to fail?
A few tips that will help you not to get lost in the world of this equipment.
Size and Portability
There are many sizes of projectors on the market, but all-in-all they can be divided into 2 large groups:
Truly portable models weighing up to 4.4 pounds (2 kg). They can work in any room, they focus on wireless interfaces, and some have built-in memory and batteries. The price for a compact size is the picture quality. For example, Epson EF11 Mini Laser Projector with weighing 2.7 pounds.
Heavier and larger projectors with different types of mountings are designed for fixed use.
Display Technology
Nowadays there are 2 main approaches to making a projector: 3-matrix and single matrix.
3-matrix projectors take three colors from the white spectrum, single matrix projectors use only one color at any given time and cut off the rest. This results in a poor brightness.
The common type of projectors today are DLP single matrix and 3-matrix LCD (3LCD). More expensive models have 3-camera LCoS (Sony calls it SXRD) and 3-matrix DLP.
Single matrix DLP have deep black color, but unpleasant "rainbow effect" can occur in contrast scenes. 3LCDs have high color brightness, but pixel mismatch can occur. 3 DLP projectors do not have most of the disadvantages of single matrix projectors. LCoS combines 3LCD and DLP advantages, which leads to higher price.
Light Source
There are lamps, LEDs, lasers and hybrid sources on the market now.
Traditional mercury and xenon lamps combine a relatively low cost and easy replacement with high brightness, the approximate life at maximum power is on average 3000 to 5000 hours.
Semiconductor (LED and laser) lamps give clear colors, have a huge life span up to 20,000 hours and low power consumption. At the same time lasers are more powerful and used in premium models.
Hybrid sources appeared relatively recently, they use both laser and LED at the same time.
Resolution
As with all digital technology, one of the main characteristics is the actual resolution. And you would think the higher it is, the better the detail of the picture you can get from the projector for under 1000. But do not jump to conclusions.
Divide the reasons for this seemingly paradoxical statement into the ones that apply to any digital technology, and those that apply only to projectors. So, to get real 4K on a device that supports this resolution, you need a video file with a resolution of 3840 (4096) x 2160 pixels. In addition, the projector itself or the signal source that "spins" the video must be able to handle this resolution.
Speaking specifically about the resolution of projectors, it is worth noting characteristics such as the resolution of the optical path, the pixel spacing and the quality of the surface on which the picture will be projected.
Brightness
This property is crucial for the final performance of the projector. First of all it depends on the screen diagonal: the bigger it is, the less light is needed per unit area.
Keep in mind that the stronger the room illumination, the higher brightness index of the projector should be. In a small and dark room even 700 Lumen will look good, but for a large hall with lots of windows you will need at least 2000 Lumen. For example, XGIMI HORIZON XK03K with 2200 lumen or BenQ TK800M with 3000 lumen.
Contrast Ratio
Projector's contrast is, to put it simply, the ratio of its maximum white brightness to the minimum black brightness.
This refers to its ability to block out the light from the lamp in the black areas of the image. And the stronger this blocking is, the "deeper" the black becomes. Low contrast makes black look dark gray.
Features of Projectors for the Home Theater under 1000
Home theater projectors should be able to display high quality dynamic scenes (such as movies, videos, sports) and provide equally good results for different sources or signal standards. The implementation of these features, unfortunately, costs a lot of money, and for models with 4K resolution – even more.
Not surprisingly, manufacturers are looking for different tricky ways to get high definition pictures without using expensive, full-fledged 4K chips. JVC has the corresponding technology called "e-Shift", Epson has "4K Enhancement", Texas Instruments has "XPR" (Optoma projectors).
Basically, they all implement the idea of an optical shift of half-frames with subsequent overlapping, just each in its own way. By the way, there is a benefit of this pseudo-4K when watching less clear content. The same pixel grid dissolves almost completely. However, at the expense of some loss of focus.
A minimum lag time can be a specific requirement for home projectors under $1000 – for gamers this parameter is extremely important.
These days most of the models are capable of displaying 3D video. The only thing is that in order to get a full-fledged surround sound in a home theater, you will have to buy a speaker system of the appropriate level.
Features of Projectors for Work and Study
Educational purposes and business need simply working with static images. Consequently, projectors for offices and classes can most often easily do without complex hardware and software projection interpolation and scaling, color management and other expensive features.
Their matrices focus on "computer" resolutions, while "movie" ones are displayed with a significant trimming of the used area. It is clear that the latter affects the clarity of the image in not the best way. This category has some specific features, for example, support of interactive modes of operation, etc.
Connectivity
The main interface to connect projectors is HDMI, and many models are equipped with a couple of these connectors. If you have several signal sources – they are not excessive.
Almost all projectors can communicate with smartphones and other devices using the MHL protocol. They often have USB ports for easy connection of portable equipment. Here a useful feature can be considered the ability to charge mobile gadgets through this connector at the same time.
Note that the presence of a USB interface does not mean the ability to work with flash drives.
Only projectors with a built-in media player are entitled to such functions. Moreover, the smarter the media player is, the more video formats can be played in standalone mode.
Throw Distance
Depending on the expected distance to the screen you should choose a projector according to its throw distance (distance of focus). The most short-focused projectors are able to form a pictiure with a big diagonal being literally inches away from the wall or projector’s screen.
On the other hand, such units (as a rule) are not suitable for projecting from afar.
Best Projectors under $1000 - TOP 7
To kick off this review, let's quick explore the seven best projectors available for less than $1,000.
Home Projectors under 1000: Comparison
The table above showcases the best projector models that you can own for less than a thousand dollars.
Now let’s go further and know more details about each projector from my rating.
| Projector Model | Resolution | Lumens | Contrast Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| ViewSonic PX701-4K | 4K UHD (3840x2160) | 3,200 | 12000:1 |
| BENQ TH671ST | Full HD (1920x1080) | 3,000 | 10,000:1 |
| BenQ TK800M | 4K UHD (3840x2160) | 3,000 | 10,000:1 |
| ViewSonic PS600X | XGA (1024x768) | 3,500 | 22,000:1 |
| Epson Home Cinema 2250 | Full HD (1920x1080) | 2,700 | 70,000:1 |
| Epson EpiqVision Mini EF11 | WXGA (1280x800) | 1,000 | 2,500:1 |
| BenQ TH685i | Full HD (1920x1080) | 3500 | n/a |
ViewSonic PX701-4K Projector under $1000
Editor's Choice
The ViewSonic PX701-4K is a top-tier 4K UHD projector that shines with its 3200 lumens and high contrast ratio, significantly boosting image quality. It features 1.1x optical zoom and advanced correction capabilities, making it versatile for projecting on different surface types.
With SuperColor technology and HDR/HGL support, this projector delivers a wide color spectrum, presenting images and videos in strikingly vibrant colors. The SuperEco mode enhances energy efficiency, extending the lamp life up to 20,000 hours without sacrificing brightness.
Gamers will appreciate the PX701-4K's low input latency, ideal for fast-paced gaming. The projector’s extensive connectivity options, including Dual HDMI and Powered USB A inputs, allow for easy integration with various devices like media players, game consoles, and streaming sticks like Chromecast and Amazon Fire TV. This makes the ViewSonic PX701-4K a versatile choice for all entertainment needs.
Pros:
- 4K resolution, 3,200 lumens brightness
- SuperEco mode to extend lamp life up to 20,000 hours
- 1.1x optical zoom, anti-shake stabilization and keystone distortion
- 4.2ms low input lag and 240Hz refresh rate for smooth gaming experience
- Supports game consoles, media players, Google Chromecast, Firestick and Apple TV
Cons:
- Can't connect via Bluetooth
Summary: The ViewSonic PX701-4K projector boasts 4K UHD resolution and 3200 lumens for vivid, bright visuals. It features high contrast and SuperColor technology, producing rich and vibrant images. With low input lag, it's optimized for gaming, providing a seamless experience. This projector is highly adaptable, compatible with a wide array of devices like media players, game consoles, PCs, Macs, mobile devices, and Amazon Fire TV, making it a versatile option for all your entertainment requirements.
- 4K resolution, 3,200 lumens brightness
- SuperEco mode to extend lamp life up to 20,000 hours
- Supports game consoles, media players, Google Chromecast, Firestick and Apple TV
BenQ TH671ST Short Throw Gaming Projector under $1000
People’s Choice
BenQ TH671ST is an impressive projector with a very solid set of features for the money. This projector is my favorite in the price range and also the best gaming projector under 1000$ The projector delivers rich colors, quite adequate contrast and shadows, which is useful in dark scenes in games.
Latency is 16.4 ms. In addition, most gaming-related advantages, coupled with the weight of 5.9 lbs (2.7 kg) make BenQ TH671ST a good option for home, office, or both tasks. Well, a short throw distance makes this model especially attractive for anyone who wants to deploy a large image in a small room. Whether for home theater, office, or gaming, you will benefit from the ease of installation thanks to the combination of the short-throw lens, 1.2x zoom, and excellent for such a small device sound system.
The TH671ST is on par with home theater projectors under $1000 in terms of color accuracy, black depth and shadow detail, while colors look bright and effective with graphics and animations like in more expensive models. BenQ TH671ST can display on a 120" screen at 1.2 Gain in a room with moderate ambient light (full lamp mode) or on a 100" screen in eco mode when optimal video settings are used.
Well, the LumiExpert function allows you to automatically adjust the gamma correction mode to the current lighting level. There is even a separate button on the remote for this function, so you can quickly adjust its operation to suit you. The combination of brightness, color accuracy, contrast, ease of installation, short-focus lens with optical zoom, short output delay and light weight allows you to recommend BenQ TH671ST projector without hesitation as a gaming projector and for other tasks.
It would be especially good if you need a mobile projector to take with you to work from time to time, for nighttime viewing in the back patio, or to take from room to room to play games and watch movies. If you are interested in using a projector for any of the above tasks, the BenQ TH671ST should definitely be on your final list of models to consider.
Pros:
- 6-segment RGBYCM configuration color wheel provides good color reproduction - rich, vibrant colors
- Small size and weight for portability and easy handling
- Lamp life 4000 hours in max mode, 10000 in eco-mode and 15000 hours in LampSave mode
- 5 watt speaker provides surprisingly vivid sound for such a small projector, with volumes big enough for a large living room; 5 selectable sound modes and one custom mode
- LumiExpert feature allows you to detect the level of backlighting and automatically adapt gamma correction
Cons:
- Can't read files from USB drives; USB A port only powers HDMI media players
Summary: As indicated by my tests the BenQ TH671ST projector is an excellent choice for both gaming and general use, offering solid features for the price range. It delivers vibrant colors, adequate contrast, and shadows, with a low latency of 16.4 ms, making it the best gaming projector under $1000. With its small size and weight, short throw distance, and 5-watt speaker, it's portable and easy to handle.
- Connectivity: USB, HDMI
- Resolution: FHD 1080p
- Brightness: 3000 lumen
- Image Contrast Ratio - 10000:1
BenQ TK800M 4K Home Theater Projector under $1000
Premium Choice
I can surely call the Benq TK800M the Best 4K Projector under 1000$. When you get a projector with native 4K video resolution, 3000 ANSI lumens brightness, projection size from 60 to 200 inches and more. The projector is made of white and blue plastic.
The case is well assembled and looks very sturdy. The size and weight cannot be categorized as very compact or ideal for transportation. It weighs 4.2 pounds (1.9 kg). The dimensions are 13.9 x 10.7 x 5.3 inches (353 x 272 x 135 mm). But you can take it to the office absolutely fine if you need it infrequently. The projector is designed for home use, watching movies and TV. The color rendering is at a high level, which allows you to watch sports channels, or play a video game. The projection size ranges from 60 to 200 inches. The optimal size is 150.
The main feature of the projector is its native resolution of 4K or 3840 x 2160 pixels. Therefore, the picture quality is clear and detailed. The projection distance is from 1 to 9 meters. The ability to work with ambient light allows us to recommend the BenQ TK800M projector for viewing not only movies, but also for sporting events. After all, it is better to cheer for your favorite team or sportsman in the company of friends, with drinks and snacks.
And in the dark, you can't see your friends or snacks, so you can't do without a room light. But this is no problem for the BenQ TK800M - especially when using a somewhat decent specialized screen with a retroreflective coating. Even if you aim the lens at a white wall, though, the result is still decent.
The next sports attribute of the projector is thematic image presets "soccer" and "sports", which can be called for a couple of clicks by a special button on the remote control. By the way, it is backlit. And these presets are good. Of course, the user has access to the usual fine settings either through the traditional on-screen menu, or through direct access buttons.
Finally, the projector has a 5 watt speaker that sounds surprisingly solid and loud. It will not replace stationary equipment, but now you don't have to watch a silent movie if you brought the projector to the summer cottage or at friends' place where there is no suitable audio system. As an intermediate sounding option, you can choose to connect any portable speaker to the projector with a wire, for which there is a 3.5 mm output.
Pros:
- High contrast
- 3D movie mode
- Long lamp life for up to 10 years of projector use (if you use the projector for 3 hours per day)
- Quality construction and materials, attractive appearance
Cons:
- Light scatters from the blue iris opening (in comparison with flat black in other models)
Summary: Based on my observations the BenQ TK800M is a home theater projector that offers a native resolution of 4K, 3000 ANSI lumens brightness, and projection size from 60 to 200 inches. The projector provides high contrast, 3D movie mode, and long lamp life for up to 10 years of projector use. The device is well-assembled, looks sturdy, and has an attractive appearance. The ability to work with ambient light makes it ideal for watching sporting events, and it features thematic image presets for soccer and sports.
- Connectivity: USB, HDMI
- Resolution: 4К UHD
- Brightness: 3000 lumen
- Image Contrast Ratio - 10000:1
ViewSonic PS600X Projector for Home and Office for under $1000
Best Budget
ViewSonic PS600X is the best short throw projector under $1000, with XGA high brightness features. It can project 100" diagonal images from a distance of 4 feet (124 cm) on any projection surface. You can call the PS600X a versatile projector to fit in any interior design.
The 3500 lumens brightness gives the projector the ability to project clear, detailed images when the light is on. The SuperEco power-saving mode reduces power consumption and extends lamp life to 15000 hours.
ViewSonic PS600X is compatible with PJ-vTouch-10S, an optional interactive module that transforms the classroom into an interactive learning environment when needed. In addition, users can easily monitor and control the projector remotely via LAN for maximum efficiency.
Featuring two HDMI inputs, PS600W allows multiple users to connect laptops or mobile devices for high-definition viewing, losing no time.
Pros:
- Horizontal and vertical keystone
- Large projected pictures in small rooms
- SuperColor: great color rendering
Cons:
- One may face difficulty to adjust the keystone
Summary: The ViewSonic PS600X is a versatile short throw projector under $1000, with XGA high brightness features. It can project 100" diagonal images from a distance of 4 feet on any projection surface. The 3500 lumens brightness and SuperEco power-saving mode provide clear, detailed images and extend lamp life to 15000 hours. It features two HDMI inputs, allowing multiple users to connect laptops or mobile devices for high-definition viewing. However, users may face difficulty adjusting the keystone.
- Connectivity: USB, HDMI
- Resolution: XGA 1024 x 768
- Brightness: 3700 lumen
- Image Contrast Ratio - 22000:1
Epson Home Cinema 2250 3LCD Full HD Projector under $1000
Best Home Cinema
Epson Home Cinema 2250 projector has everything at once: FullHD resolution, brightness up to 2700 lumens, UHE lamp that can last up to 7500 hours in eco mode. Dynamic contrast ratio 70000:1.
Smart functionality is realized with a small stick connected to one of the two HDMI connectors (located on the back of the device under the cover). Android TV 9 is installed on the smart adapter.
The gaming part of the projector is implemented by means of fast image processing mode, latency in which is only 26 ms, high brightness will also not be superfluous and will make visible all the details of the games.
In addition, the model has a rather compact size for its capabilities: 315×309×122 mm, weight 3.8 kg.
Pros:
- Unit/voice remote control
- 4K content acceptance ability makes it possible to watch TV shows, sporting events, movies and games
- Built-in vertical lens shift
Cons:
- No HDR support
Summary: The Epson Home Cinema 2250 is a versatile projector that provides FullHD resolution, brightness up to 2700 lumens, and a UHE lamp that can last up to 7500 hours in eco mode. The projector features a small stick connected to one of the two HDMI connectors with Android TV 9 installed on the smart adapter, providing smart functionality.
- Connectivity: HDMI
- Resolution: 1920×1080
- Brightness: 2700 lumens, contrast: 70000:1
- Packed with Content: Android TV, 3D
Epson EF11 Mini Laser Projector under 1000
Best Mini Projector
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.
Pros
- Compact size and light weight
- Great picture quality
Cons
- Lack of Smart TV functionality
Summary: The Epson EF-11 is a very tiny projector that is easy to carry around, weighing only 1.2 kg, and measuring 7×18×18 cm. It offers a brightness of 1000 lumens in standard mode and 500 lumens in economy mode, and a contrast ratio of 2500000:1. The device's matrix is 3LCD, providing advantages in color display quality and brightness level. The projector allows you to play content from your smartphone screen using Miracast technology, and it features HDMI, USB 2.0 type A, USB 2.0 type B, and 3.5 mm mini jack line output connectors. However, it lacks Smart TV functionality.
- Connectivity: HDMI
- Resolution: FHD 1080p
- Brightness: 1000 lumen
- Built-in stereo system
BenQ TH685i Projector for under $1000
Gaming Projector
The BenQ TH685i projector excels with 1080p HDR and 4K compatibility, producing crisp visuals with its 3500 ANSI lumens brightness that stands out even in well-lit rooms. It offers exceptional color accuracy with 95% Rec. 709 coverage, enhancing the viewing experience. This projector is not just about superior image quality, it's a complete entertainment hub with Google Certified Android TV, providing access to a vast array of apps, movies, shows, and music through the Google Play store.
Additionally, it supports Airplay and Chromecast for effortless streaming, all controlled by a universal remote, making it like a mini movie theater in your own home.
Pros:
- 1080p HDR-enabled and 4K compatibility, 3500 ANSI lumen brightness.
- Outstanding Color Accuracy
- Gamer-Friendly Features
- With Google-certified Android TV and access to the Google Play store
- Support for Airplay and Chromecast
Cons:
- Sound quality is mediocre
Summary: The BenQ TH685i goes beyond being a mere projector; it serves as a versatile multimedia solution. Ideal for enhancing church services with vivid visuals or transforming community spaces into hubs for gaming and movie nights, this projector is up to the task. With its combination of cutting-edge technology and user-friendly design, it stands out as a prime choice for any church considering an investment in a high-quality projection system.
- 1080p HDR-enabled and 4K compatibility, 3500 ANSI lumen brightness
- 100-inch images from 8.2 feet (2.5m) away
- Battery life up to 15,000 hours
FAQ about Best Projectors under $1000
Your questions about projectors under 1000, my answered.
Which projectors work well in a well-lit room?
For a room with a lot of ambient light, projectors with more than 3000 lumens are best. Anyway, a projector with less than 2000 lumens will not produce a good picture under such conditions.
Differences between a projector for the office and the home theater one?
Brightness. For a home theater with the lights off, projectors with 900 lumens and higher are possible, but for office space, large and bright auditoriums projectors less than 3000 lumens are not very suitable, unless you plan to always turn off the lights.
Resolution. Nowadays, you want the higher the better resolution for watching movies and games ( the most popular resolutions are 1280×720 (HD Ready, 16:9), 1280×800 (WXGA, 16:10), 1920×1080 (Full HD, 16:9), 1920×1200 (WUXGA, 16:10) and, finally, 4096×2160/3840×2160 (4K). )
But for a presentation projector, it is possible to start with 800×600 (SVGA, 4:3) and 1024×768 (XGA, 4:3). Unless you plan to show better quality material and pictures.)
Interfaces and connections. Presentation projectors are most often connected to computers and standard media players, so they lack many digital interfaces. These devices do not have connectors for high resolution images – HDMI and similar. Projectors for home theater on the contrary, are equipped with all sorts of connectors through which you can feed analog and digital signals from any source. Also these projectors have a wireless connection, which allows them to integrate into the most advanced theater systems.
And of course – Weight and Dimensions. The lighter and smaller the projector is, the more convenient it is to move it from place to place in the class-rooms and office. More wrote about small and portable projectors in this article – Best Portable Projector for Business Presentations.
Best Projector for under 1000: Conclusion
So, the best projectors under $1000 offer a fantastic balance between affordable price and high-end features. These projectors typically deliver excellent image quality, with good resolution, brightness, and contrast that are suitable for both home theater and professional presentations.
Many models in this price range also offer convenient connectivity options, such as HDMI and wireless streaming, making them versatile for a variety of multimedia needs. Additionally, some models have built-in speakers, eco-friendly modes, and long lamp life, which adds to their value. For example, the BENQ TH671ST, ViewSonic PX701-4K or BENQ TK800M.
Projectors under $1000 are more than enough for most users, providing an enjoyable movie, gaming, and presentation experience without spending too much.
Go Deeper:
Jim's our tech geek with a mission since February 2023. From movies to video projectors, he knows his stuff and aims to make tech work for you. When he's not geeking out, he's there to guide you through making savvy decisions.
