Best Projectors

By Jaspal · Updated March 2026 · 10 products ranked

Disclosure: We earn a commission from Amazon links. Our rankings are editorially independent.

A projector transforms any wall into a cinema-sized screen for a fraction of the cost of a massive TV. In 2026, 4K laser projectors have become affordable, short-throw models fit in small apartments, and portable projectors deliver genuinely usable brightness for outdoor movie nights.

We tested the top 10 projectors across image quality, brightness, contrast ratio, input lag, throw distance, noise levels, and smart features. From dedicated home theater rooms to backyard setups, our picks cover every use case and budget.

Pair your new projector with the best headphones for immersive audio, or check our best monitors guide if you decide a display is a better fit for your space.

1. Epson Home Cinema 5050UB

Best Overall

4K PRO-UHD cinema.

• 4K PRO-UHD
• HDR10
• 2600 lumens
• Lens shift

Pros

• Best overall image
• Excellent lens shift
• True cinema blacks

Cons

• Lamp-based
• Large size

2. BenQ TK700STi

Best Gaming

4K gaming projector.

• 4K 240Hz
• 16ms latency
• Short throw
• Android TV

Pros

• Low latency gaming
• Short throw distance
• Android TV built-in

Cons

• Fan noise
• Average HDR

3. Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen

Best Portable

Portable smart projector.

• Portable
• Samsung Smart TV
• 360 audio
• Auto keystone

Pros

• True portability
• Samsung Smart TV
• 360 audio

Cons

• Limited brightness
• 1080p only

4. Xgimi Horizon Ultra

Best 4K Laser

Dual-light laser.

• 4K laser
• Dolby Vision
• Harman Kardon
• 2300 lumens

Pros

• Dolby Vision support
• Excellent audio
• Laser longevity

Cons

• Expensive
• Large unit

5. Optoma UHD38x

Best Value 4K

Affordable 4K.

• 4K UHD
• 240Hz gaming
• 4000 lumens
• Budget 4K

Pros

• 4000 lumens bright
• 240Hz gaming
• Great value

Cons

• Fan noise
• Basic smart features

6. BenQ HT2060

Best Budget

Budget with great color.

• 1080p HDR
• DCI-P3
• 2300 lumens
• Budget

Pros

• Excellent color accuracy
• Good brightness
• Affordable

Cons

• Only 1080p
• No smart features

7. Anker Nebula Cosmos Max

Best Smart

4K laser smart.

• 4K laser
• Netflix
• Auto-focus
• Android TV

Pros

• Netflix built-in
• Auto-focus
• 4K laser quality

Cons

• Average HDR
• Fan noise

8. LG CineBeam HU915QE

Best Ultra Short Throw

UST laser.

• Ultra short throw
• 4K laser
• webOS
• 3700 lumens

Pros

• Sits inches from wall
• Very bright
• webOS smart

Cons

• Very expensive
• Needs special screen

9. ViewSonic PX701-4K

Best Budget 4K

True 4K budget.

• True 4K
• 240Hz input
• Low lag
• Under $700

Pros

• True 4K under $700
• Good gaming lag
• Bright image

Cons

• Basic features
• No smart OS
• Fan noise

10. Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12

Best Mini

Compact laser.

• Compact laser
• Yamaha audio
• Android TV
• Auto adjust

Pros

• Yamaha speakers excellent
• Very compact
• Auto adjustment

Cons

• Limited brightness
• 1080p only

How We Ranked

We evaluated each projector based on native resolution, measured brightness (lumens), contrast ratio, color accuracy (Rec. 709 and DCI-P3 coverage), input lag for gaming, fan noise, throw ratio, smart platform quality, lamp/laser lifespan, and overall value.

The Bottom Line

The Epson Home Cinema 5050UB is the best overall projector with its exceptional color accuracy and 4K PRO-UHD technology. Gamers should pick the BenQ TK700STi for its low input lag and short throw ratio. For portability, the Samsung Freestyle 2nd Gen is unmatched.

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