Gone are the days when projectors were only meant for organizations, educational institutes, media houses & the elite class. Though projectors are still expensive, if we look a few years back, we will realize how cheap they are now!
Now, there are two things to be happening here. One is positive, while the other one is a little bit negative. The good one; is you can now enjoy a detailed, big, & high-quality screen at your home cinema. While the bad is; that they are still not that cheap.
You can easily find home cinema projectors under $1000, but it does not make sense if you don’t want to spend this much for many reasons. Now, there’s no such thing to worry about, but we will take care of your budget with our best.
If you want a projector for home theatre, but you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on its purchasing, then don’t worry. We are here to help you out. This guide to the best home theater projector under 500 is meant for you!
Best home theater projector under 500: 7 Products Reviews
1: Optoma H184X – 3D-Compatible Projector
If you have been following our blog & buying guides since day one, this brand does not need to be praised. However, if you are here for the first time, you will get to know this projector and the brand that is opening our list of best home theater projectors under 500.
Technical Specifications
So, this home cinema projector is offered in a couple of other variants to help you make a wise decision. A brief intro for their variants, there are five different variants provided.
Here, you have two variants featuring 3600 Lumens with some other changes, while the main difference is their model year. One of these was launched in 2019, while the other was in 2020.
You can also select from 3000 lumens as they offer two different variants from 2017 & 18, respectively, along with minor changes. If you want something in the middle of that, you can get a 3300 lumens projector.
Display & Performance
These bright home cinema projectors offer you one of the best viewing experiences for the price. Though they are a native 720P display, you can also get one with 1080P support, which is a rare thing to see for the price.
Even being a 720P, these projectors reproduce a sharp & bright image. It would be better to say that image clarity is even better for the contrast ratio that Optoma is claiming for this one.
Another great thing is that you can also use it for outdoor projection if you have planned to spend your summer nights outside. If you choose from the 3600Lumens variant, you can also project 3D quality.
If you are not a fan of short-throw projection (that is hard to get for this segment), then be happy, as you can get a standard projection rate here. You can expect to get a 120-inches wide & clear screen size from a 14-15 Feet distance.
However, if you are a fan of big screens, then this thing is also achievable here as you can expect a projection by a 300-inches screen. This projector is a true 1080P resolution, & you can enjoy a decent cinematic experience.
2: Epson Home Cinema 880
Specs:
— Dimensions: 11.9 inches L x 9.2 inches W x 3 inches H
— Weight: 5.95 pounds
— Brightness: 3,300 lumens
— Display: Up to 200 inches
The Epson Home Cinema has the words home cinema in it’s title for a reason.
All images projected by this device come in 1080p FHD, and are projected with a low latency, which makes this a great projector for anyone who is looking to play live sports or to connect gaming systems to it. The image is amazing and offers high color clarity. It has a display that can project images up to 200 inches on the diagonal, which allows for a true cinematic experience.
The device includes a built-in skew corrector which means that you won’t have to spend time trying to get the image to focus, when the Home Cinema 880 is about to be used . All you really have to do is point it at a screen or wall and press play on the remote.
An issue or potential problem it does have though, is that it doesn’t come with built-in streaming on the device’s backend, so you’ll have to add that yourself. A bonus though, is that one can add things that are HDMI compatible such as Fire Sticks, Roku Sticks, and gaming devices to show content from. And not to mention that the design of the Home Cinema 880 itself is literally amazing.
3: Xgimi Mogo Pro – Portable Budget Projector
Today’s list of Best 1080P projectors under $500 includes Xgimi for the first and last time. If you are looking for something unique, you should never miss it.
If you are not happy with 720P resolution at 500 bucks & looking to get at least a Full HD experience, then this Mogo Pro is obviously for you. However, you will need to spend some more dollars to get this.
Technical Specifications
Let’s talk about the technical specifications that Xgimi has officially packed in this guy. If you are fond of a bright screen, you will say that it must have at least 3000 lumens. This projector is quiet without any noise.
Hold your bear, as this entertainment projector doesn’t even give you 1000 lumens. This projector is just rated at 300 Lumens ANSI brightness level, which you will never accept. Now, you will be saying, then why have we listed it on the list here?
Because this still shines like a star. Its 300 lumens are a lot higher than ordinary projectors when it comes to performance. This guy has been using a contrast ratio of 10000:1, which is nothing compared to the standard budget projector.
But, you need to compare it just like apple vs. apple. This contrast ratio, with 300 lumens, is a lot more when it comes to factorizing it. However, this projector is recommended for dark rooms, just like home theaters, to get the most out of it.
Display & Performance
You will be shocked when you will get to know its quality. Xgimi has already allowed you to use 1080P, but this projector does also support both 2k & 4k inputs. Doesn’t it fascinate you?
With this Native 1080P quality, you are supposed to get a decent & detailed picture with true color rendering & little to no compression. Some compression may occur automatically, but it depends on your input model.
Most of the time, you can get a decent playback on projectors, but they mostly lack music performance. But here, this is not the case anymore, as Xgimi has used Harman Kardon’s satellite speakers. The audio quality is not that high-end, but it is still audible.
Xgimi has integrated a lot of tiny little yet attractive surprises in the form of features. You will be amazed when you get to know & refer back to its price. You can connect this projector to your Android TV, which is also upgradeable.
4: Optoma HD27 – Full HD Projector
Optoma has captured the list with its HD budget projector for the second time. Like any other projector, this machine is also offered in various variants. There are four different variants available.
Technical Specifications
So, we were talking about its variants as this will clear your requirements. Here, you have a couple of different technical specifications that suit your price perfectly. However, we will follow your budget, which is the immediate context of this guide.
For the 500 buck variant, Optoma has offered you 3200 lumens bright screen, which is standard for the price, especially when it comes to Optoma. This brightness is perfect for experiencing HD content.
Optoma uses some bulb (an advanced bulb), enabling you to enjoy a detailed picture reproduction that doesn’t fade nor compress. You will get a contrast ratio of 25000:1, which is enough.
With this projector, you are supposed to get an image size of 120-inches from a throw distance of 13-15 feet, as this is not a short throw (this is a standard throw projector).
Display & Performance
If Xgimi’s projector didn’t fascinate you, but you still want a Native 1080P projector, this one will be your dream gaming projector. This projector delivers you the true meaning of the HD screen.
Whether you are fond of watching movies, playing a golf simulator, you like playing games, or maybe both, you will enjoy its vibrant colors for sure. This projector reproduces true & vibrant colors rather than adding digital effects to give you a cheap look.
Though the quality & experience is one of the best, this projector is far behind in its lamp longevity. This projector is supposed only to have 8000 hours of lamp life, which is not satisfying.
Moreover, Optoma has also included some advanced options in its screening that ultimately enhance the picture quality, to be honest. This short lens astonishes your viewing experience.
Besides these things, you can also enjoy 3D content streaming, which is an excellent achievement for this price. This 1080P projector has a rapid screen refresh rate of 144Hz, refreshing the screen without buffering any 3D content if you have good input.
5: ViewSonic PS501X – Short Throw Projector
The only projector from the list of ViewSonic is its PS 501, which is slightly above your budget, but those ten bucks are nothing for its performance.
In 2018 launched, this home theater and business projector. However, you can also get coupon codes while checking them out at Amazon.
Technical Specifications
ViewSonic has launched this business projector in two variants with professional names that we can also discuss here. This projector resolution is known as XGA, while the other is known as WXGA. There’s a considerable price difference, so we will not compare them thoroughly.
With this projector, you can enjoy a bright screen of 3400 lumens, which is decent for actual performance. However you can enjoy this screen in daylight, but it’s better to experience it at night to get the most out of it.
Overall, this is a good projector, both technically and physically. Most budget speakers lack ventilation & sometimes cause heat issues that turn into a bad twist. Thankfully, this is not the case anymore!
Display & Performance
While reviewing Optoma’s H-184X on top of the list, we were saying that getting a short-throw projector at this price is hard. But, after analyzing the available products in the market, we were shocked!
This ViewSonic projector can project a 120-inches screen size from just 4 to 5 feet. If you have planned to get a projector for a room rather than having it for the living room, then this is going to be the best choice.
To get a big screen, you must project it back from 10 feet to 300 inches on the wall. Even for this size, you will get a quality screen that you will love seeing.
The projector projects a well-balanced picture that does not feel compressed. You will, most of the time, enjoy true colors that generate stunning images to make your day.
6: BenQ HT1075 – Home Theater Budget Projector
For the last time, BenQ is way to home theater budget projectors. This projector was launched in 2014, & till then, it has been building the trust of home theater enthusiasts.
Technical Specifications
If you are getting sick of 720P High Definition, & now you want a projector with at least full High Definition aka FHD resolution, you should never miss this.
Though it was launched long ago, BenQ has kept updating it to the latest technologies, making it stand out. We will discuss it later, as this firmly belongs to the performance department.
Here, BenQ has offered you a bright screen of 2200 Lumens, which is not as high as some others. But we suggest you not judge this guy by their number of games. You will be getting almost the same quality.
BenQ has made much effort in constructing the projector at its best. On the right side, there is a powerful lens that also reduces eye stress; on the other hand, decent ventilation has been made.
Display & Performance
This is a DLP projector that is loaded with Texas Instruments. With this projector, you can expect a throw range of 50-inches from 4 feet, 200-inches from 20 feet & 235 feet from 22.5 feet to its greater extent.
This 1080P projector helps you enjoy lucrative picture quality to make you feel proud. Now, you will say there would be some compression, but believe us, you will never see any compressed picture.
The projector delivers a clear, sharp & bright image for the price. Here, the contrast is not ordinary; instead, this is dynamic to reproduce an even pretty picture. In movies, the projector isn’t supposed to fade or compress the scenes.
The little thing we have found is its mediocre lamp life which is supposed to be 3500 to 5000 hours. I think this is the least lamp life by far & possibly the only one on this list.
Moreover, the projector also supports 3D media & you can use it to play such content from various 3D inputs. This projector is by far the best 3D quality BenQ offers.
7: Kodak 150 Luma – Portable Pocket Projector
If you are not a big fan of expensive & high-end performing projectors or want to get a projector for home theater at a lot lower price, then keep scrolling this section as this is specifically meant for you.
It is a cheaper projector than you have imagined & this guy has been ranking in the first 100 spots against the best video projectors. Now, you might have got an idea of its popularity.
Technical Specifications
So, let’s break the deal with its technical specs. This projector uses just 150 lumens which is even half that Xgimi Mogo Pro. Here, one thing we need you to be clear about is that; you are required to use it in a dark room with very little incoming light.
This projector is a pocket size & this makes it portable & easy to carry whenever & wherever you want to go with it. Portability means lightweight & easy to install. But don’t worry, as this is not even required to install.
On a side note, the official brightness range from Kodak is just 60 Lumens, but one of our editorial members has checked it personally. This 3D projector makes us mark its practical lumens range to this number.
Display & Performance
What things can you expect from this tiny little projector? Let us tell you this. This baby can project up to 150-inches, which is insane for this machine. You can also use it for home theaters, presentations, or office meetups.
You might need to get a stand to sit it right there because it does not come out of the box. So, getting a stand or finding a local hack is better. This also supports wireless connectivity, which you can always use to get a movie streamed.
Not only can you project movies, slides, and presentations. Instead, you can play games on this small project as well. In a nutshell, this projector is a complete package you can get for a way lower price.
Besides these things, this is an HD projector that also supports 4k input. However, the contrast ratio will be meager at 1000:1 for this input. This projector will still look okay, but there is no refresh rate with this projector.
8. Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-W01
The EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 is great for home entertainment, remote work, and more. It’s built to provide convenience and ease during the workday and provides widescreen images up to 300 inches – 4x larger than a 75 inch flat panel – making it great for detailed presentations and online meetings. Also, it comes with built in speakers and HDMI support, meaning you can easily stream, games, television, and movies with a streaming device of your choosing.
White Brightness: 3,000 ANSI Lumens
Color Brightness: 3,000 Lumens CLO
Resolution: 1280×800
Aspect Ratio: 16:10 (WXGA)
Display Type: 3LCD Chips
Video Modes: 720p, 1080i, 1080p/60, 1080p/24, 1080p/30, 1080p/50, 576i, 576p, 480p, 480i
Data Modes: MAX 1920×1080
Lamp Type: 188W UHE bulb
Lamp Life: 6,000 hours / 12,000 hours (Eco)
Included Lens: Fixed focal length , manual focus
Optional Lenses: No
Lens Shift: No
Throw Distance: 3.0′ – 33.9′ Calculate Throw Distance
Image Size: 32.98″ – 378.18″
Throw Ratio: 1.27:1 (D:W)
Digital Zoom: Yes
Digital Keystone: Horizontal & Vertical
Projector Size: 3.40″ x 11.60″ x 8.30″ (HxWxD)
Weight: 5.3 lbs
Audible Noise: 38 dB / 29 dB (Eco)
Internal Speakers: 5.0 Watts Mono
Power: 284 Watts 100V – 240V
Connection Panel
HDMI
USB x 2
Features
Streaming Apps
How we picked the best products
When it comes to choosing the best home theater projector under 500, there are a few things that you need to take into account. The most important factor is the price. You don’t want to spend more than necessary, but at the same time, you want a projector that will offer you a good quality image.
Other important factors include the brightness of the projector, the contrast ratio, and the resolution. These all play a role in how clear and sharp the image will be. You’ll also want to make sure that the projector you choose is compatible with your preferred media player, whether that’s a Blu-ray player, streaming device, or gaming console.
Finally, you’ll want to think about the size and weight of the projector. If you plan on moving it around often, you’ll want to choose a lighter model. But if you’re okay with a little more bulk, you can opt for a heavier and more feature-rich projector.
How we tested products
To help you find the best home theater projector under $500, we researched and analyzed over a dozen different models. We looked at features such as image quality, resolution, brightness, and price to find the best overall projector under $500. We also considered customer reviews and ratings when making our selections.
We looked for projectors with at least 1080p resolution and a contrast ratio of 3000:1 or higher in terms of image quality. Brightness is an important factor to consider when choosing a projector, and we looked for models that had a minimum of 2000 lumens on this price tag.
Best home theater projector under budget: Related FAQ’s
Which Projector Is Better DLP Or LCD?
The most common type of projector is a DLP or Digital Light Processor. A projector that uses these chips will have a higher contrast ratio and better color reproduction.
LCD or Liquid Crystal Display is another type of projector that has a lower contrast ratio and worse color reproduction, but a higher brightness.
DLP projectors usually have more mirrors and pixels used t project desired video and images in with higher levels of definition.
LCD projectors, on the other hand tend to be cheaper (less expensive), but they also require more maintenance (preventing dust buildup and changing out filters).
What Should I Look For In A Good Projector?
There are many factors that must be compared in order to find the best projector like size, brightness, contrast ratio, native resolution, and more.
Display Resolution: Keeping display resolution in mind is very important. LCD and DLP projectors both have specific numbers of pixels. If the content you’ll be viewing on the projector will be HD, then you will likely want to stick with a projector that has a high number of pixels. Pixel counts of 1024 by 768 are good for DVD’s. 720p HDTV signals need a pixel count of 1280 by 720 for displays, while 1080i HDTV input requires pixel counts of 1920 by 1080.
Light Source: If you don’t have proper lighting, your projector won’t be able to display bright images. If you have low lighting, the image will be blurry and soft, even in dark rooms. If you need to know about the lighting and brightness, you should check the projector’s brightness rating – often stated in lumens. This rating will tell you the amount of light that will be put out by the projector. 1000 ANSI lumens or more is considered solid for moderate ambient light in home theaters.
Contrast Ratio: Brightness and contrast ratio go hand in hand. Contrast ratio is essentially the ratio between white and black pieces of an image. A projector with a high contrast ratio will be able to deliver blacker blacks and whiter whites. Regardless of the lumen rating, if the contrast ratio is low then the image will appear washed out. Contrast ratios of 1500:1 are considered good, while a contrast ratio above 2000:1 is usually perfect for everyday content.
Inputs: You always want to make sure your projector has all the inputs you need. Some of the most common inputs are DVI, HDMI, and VGA. When you’re going projector shopping make sure your projector has all the inputs you’re going to need.
Color Reproduction: The ability to reproduce colors accurately is a factor that should always be considered in projector purchases. This is how colors appear in the brightest and darkest area in an image. To get an idea of this factor check out natural tones and color depth of the projector.
Portability: Portability is important for both installing and setting a projector up and for travelling purposes. If your projector is portable, then you can take it anywhere and project onto any surface you’d like, even if that surface is a wall or a white bedsheet.
What Is The Best Projector To Use As A Home Theater?
There are plenty of great projectors out there that can be used as a home theater. It really depends on your price range and what features you care about most. a few of the best projectors to use as a home theater are the Epson Home 5050UB and the BenQ HT2050A.
Can I Use A Projector With An Older TV Set That Only Has HDMI Inputs?
Yes, you can use a video converter to get an older TV to work with your projector. However, the image quality will be degraded.
How much brightness do I need in an at-home projector?
The standard measurement for projector brightness is ANSI lumens. For an at-home theater projector, you’ll want to look for a model with at least 1,000 lumens. But if you’ll be using your projector in a room with lots of ambient light, you may need a brighter model.
Does high-resolution matter?
Yes, high resolution matters when it comes to choosing a projector. A higher resolution means that you’ll be able to see more detail in the image, and it will also be less likely to pixelate. Look for a projector with at least 1080p resolution for the best image quality.
Home Theatre projector setup
Conclusion Paragraph | Best Home Theater Projector Under 500
In this ocean of high-quality projectors, you can easily find a native projector if you don’t want to compromise on quality. But, finding the best home theater projector for under 500 dollars is not a piece of cake for most of us.
This guide has made it easier for you to find your dream projector under your budget. Most of the projectors listed here work best on 720P HD content; however, some out of these support FHD 1080P & even 4K as well.
If you want something very generous for the price, then we suggest you choose from Optoma H184x, BenQ MW535A, Xgimi Mogo, or ViewSonic PS501X.