A comparison of the best projectors of 2024

Right now, video projection is the preferred solution to obtain a real feeling of immersion with a life-size image that can reach or even exceed 3 meters across. The market has developed considerably in recent years, with the appearance of projectors for different uses: ultra compact pico projectors you can slip into a bag to project films anywhere, HD and 4K UHD projectors for cinema and video game sessions at home, and even ultra short throw projectors that replace the living room TV, even in bright conditions.

How do you choose the right projector for everyday or occasional use? Below is our selection of the best pico projectors, HD projectors, UHD 4K projectors and ultra short throw projectors (based on user ratings and the number of reviews of each model).

The best picoprojectors in 2024

Ultra compact and light, a pico projector is an easily transportable mini video projector, capable of broadcasting a large image (1 to 2 m diagonal, or even more) from a smartphone or a computer, connected with a cable or wirelessly. Some pico projectors are limited to a modest definition, others offer Full HD 1080p high definition.

Most have a built-in USB media player compatible with multiple audio and video file formats, even desktop for viewing presentations. The most complete pico-projectors have a rechargeable battery to be used easily during an evening with friends or for a professional meeting.

Xgimi MoGo 2: 720p HD, Android TV, automatic picture settings

The Xgimi MoGo 2 can project a large image from 1m to 5m across in 720p HD. Compact and lightweight, it can accompany you anywhere: on vacation, to the office, and from room to room at home. All you need is a power outlet or an external battery to power it via its USB-C port.

To ensure that the image quality is always optimal, this projector features automatic settings that correct the picture in real-time (size, focus and keystone). This Xgimi HD picoprojector integrates Android TV 11.0, allowing it to access many VOD services (Prime Video, Netflix, etc.), but also receive videos wirelessly from a smartphone thanks to the Chromecast protocol (WiFi). Lastly, its HDMI input supports video streams up to UHD 4K, displaying them in 720p HD after scaling.

Philips PicoPix Micro 2: WiFi, HDMI, USB-C, mirroring

The Philips PicoPix Micro 2 is an ultra-compact model that’s only 14cm long, 11cm wide and 5cm tall! This small Philips projector is nevertheless capable of displaying a large picture measuring up to 2 meters across.

Equipped with an HDMI input and USB ports for multimedia playback, it also features WiFi connectivity to wirelessly mirror a smartphone screen. Conveniently, it can be powered via USB or its built-in rechargeable battery that provides up to 2h30 of autonomy.

The best 1080p HD projectors in 2024

Choosing a 1080p HD video projector is the assurance of enjoying a very large image for home theater, sports and video games. Placed on a coffee table or mounted on the ceiling, a few meters from the screen, a 1080p HD projector guarantees full immersion in the heart of the action.

Optoma HD146X: home theater and video game versatility

The Optoma HD146X projector is a 3D-compatible HD DLP model equipped with an HDMI 1.4 input and a powerful long-lifespan lamp. It provides high brightness and contrast whilst generating very little noise. Its low input lag (16 ms), an important aspect for gaming, makes the Optoma HD146X the perfect model for console and PC gaming.

The Optoma HD146X is equipped with a driver and a 5-watt amplifier, so that you don’t systematically have to turn on your recevier. The HD146X is a versatile projector that can be used for home theater, to watch TV or for high-definition gaming, in both dark and dim lighting conditions.

Epson EH-TW7100: extremely flexible installation

Capable of projecting a very large (up to 13m across), bright (3000 lumens) and well contrasted image, the Epson EH-TW7100 projector can stream both 1080p HD and 4K UHD movies, via its two HDMI ports.

Among its many advantages, its powerful zoom, its lens shift and its keystone correction greatly facilitate its installation. It can therefore be placed more or less far from the screen and even off-center without deforming or degrading the image. It was awarded the 5-star label from the specialist magazine What-Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision.

The best UHD 4K projectors in 2024

4K ultra high definition projectors let you enjoy a very large ultra-realistic picture, with a real feeling of immersion in the heart of a life-size image. UHD 4K projectors are HDR compatible and offer a high level of contrast, more color nuances and more details visible in the brightest parts as well as in the darkest areas of the image. They are the best solution if you want to enjoy a very large image of more than 3 meters across.

Optoma UHD38x: versatile projector for movies and video games

The Optoma UHD38x 4K Ultra HD video projector is intended for both video games and home theater sessions. HDR10 and HLG compatible, it covers a large color space and offers very high brightness (4000 lumens) for projecting in the middle of the day. Its very low input lag announced at 4.2 ms is perfect for video games in which reactivity time is essential.

The other advantage of this Optoma 4K projector is its “Wall Color” setting which corrects the projected image by adapting it to the color of your wall if it is not white. Six options are available to easily adjust the image depending on whether you are projecting on a black, light yellow, light green, light blue, pink, or gray wall. This way, you are sure to obtain an image with the most accurate color range possible.

BenQ W4000i: 4K HDR cinema picture

The BenQ W4000i UHD-4K projector uses a 0.65″ Texas Instrument DMD chip to project a very bright and accurate image. The BenQ W4000i also covers the entire DCI P3 color space used for film projection in digital movie theaters, displaying over a billion different hues. Its 4LED lamp offers a maximum brightness of 3,200 lumens, with an estimated life of 20,000 hours in normal mode and up to 30,000 hours in eco mode. Its 1.3x zoom and horizontal and vertical lens shift also simplify installation.

In practice, the BenQ W4000i projector can project a 100″ image from a distance of between 2.5m and 3.3m. It also comes with a Google-certified Android TV module (BenQ QS02) enabling access to online video services such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+ and YouTube, including in 4K HDR.

Read the review: BenQ W4000i: the best 4K HDR DLP projector

Epson EH-TW9400: the best of 3LCD UHD 4K technology

The Epson EH-TW9400 projector is able to display 4K HDR video images and upscale 1080p HD images to improve definition. It also features a process for improving image smoothness, which eliminates judder and allows for sharper and more fluid action sequences. This Epson projector has two HDMI 2.0 ports which let you connect a 4K Blu-ray player and a network AV player, for example.

The installation of the Epson EH-TW9400 projector is greatly facilitated by its motorized optical unit with a powerful 2.1x zoom factor and a horizontal and vertical lens shift function. All optical adjustments can be controlled with the remote control and the device can memorize up to ten different image adjustments.

Epson EH-LS12000B: a dynamic 4K HDR picture with excellent contrast

HDR10+ compatible, the Epson EH-LS12000B 4K laser projector has a brightness of 2700 lumens and a high contrast that optimizes the display of HDR video content. This Epson 4K laser projector also features HDMI 2.1 connectors with a low input lag of 20ms, ideal for video games. Its motorized zoom, focus and lens shift with 10 customizable image positions allows you to quickly adapt the projection mode to the source’s native format, at the touch of a button on its backlit remote control.

As well as being very bright, the Epson EH-LS12000B’s laser lamp has an estimated lifespan of 20,000 hours (over 13 years, with 4h of projection every day)! This 4K laser projector from Epson can project an ultra HD image measuring 7.6m across at a distance between 1.5m and 19m.

Sony VPL-XW5000: native 4K SXRD and laser lamp

The Sony VPL-XW5000 native 4K laser projector replaces both the Sony VPL-VW290ES and the Sony VPL-VW590ES in the Japanese manufacturer’s range. Its laser lamp has a brightness of 2000 lumens to optimize the display of HDR programs. The Sony VPL-XW5000 laser projector uses a new SXRD matrix in native 4K HDR definition associated with a specific lens. It is also equipped with the Sony X1 Ultimate video processor and a whole array of processing functions optimized for videoprojection, an element that can also be found on the ultra high-end Sony VPL-GTZ380.

This Sony VPL-XW5000ES projector is also the first to benefit from an IMAX Enhanced certification, so you can enjoy films in the best possible conditions. Available in two finishes (black or white), its chassis is more compact and lighter than that of previous generations, making it easier to integrate into a living room or private home theater. Finally, HDMI 2.0 connectivity offers low input lag for 120 fps gaming (13 ms in HD 1080p 120 Hz) and 4K 60 fps gaming (21 ms in UHD 4K 60 Hz).

Read the review: Sony VPL-XW5000ES/XW7000ES: how Sony is revolutionizing 4K laser projection

JVC DLA-NZ7: a 120Hz 4K laser compatible with 60Hz 8K!

The JVC DLA-NZ7 laser projector features 48 Gbps HDMI connectors that are compatible with 4K 120Hz and 8K 60Hz. Thanks to its powerful laser lamp, it can project a very large picture of up to 5m across. Equipped with a D-ILA matrix in native 4K definition (4096 x 2160 pixels) and a 65mm-diameter all-glass motorized lens, the JVC DLA-NZ7 projector is not only capable of displaying the full richness of native 4K and 8K Ultra High Definition images, but can also enhance the display of 4K images thanks to its 8K e-shift technology.

HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG compatible to project pictures with a wide dynamic range, this JVC projector has a low latency mode optimized for PC and console video games, ensuring optimal response times for seasoned gamers. The brigtness of the JVC DLA-NZ7 is 2,200 lumens and it has a native contrast of 40,000:1, with intense blacks thanks to dynamic contol of the laser light source. Lastly, its ISFccc settings menu enables it to be calibrated by an expert to achieve optimum image quality, perfectly adapted to the specifications of the room in which it is installed.

The best ultra short throw projectors / laser TVs in 2024

Ultra short throw projectors and Laser TVs use a wide angle lens that allows them to be positioned very close to the screen or projection wall. They can thus project an image measuring 2.5 m in diagonal by being placed a few tens of centimeters from the projection surface! They are easier to install than a conventional projector and can be placed very close to the screen without the risk of obscuring the image. Capable of projecting a bright and well-contrasted image in broad daylight, ultra short throw projectors can replace the living room TV. Many models thus integrate a TNT tuner, have an efficient audio section and offer connected functions: Internet access, streaming services, network and USB multimedia player, etc.

LG HU85LS: RGB laser lamp, HDR10

The LG HU85LS ultra-short-throw projector is one of the few on the market with 4K Ultra HD resolution. Equipped with a powerful RGB laser lamp offering a brightness of 2,700 lumens, it can project a very large image (up to 120″/3m across) even in daylight, from a distance of just 18 cm from the screen. Designed to replace the TV in a bedroom or living room, it can be placed right at the foot of a white wall or short-throw projection screen.

HDR-compatible, with two HDMI inputs and a USB port for multimedia playback, this LG HU85LS ultra-short-throw projector also features the LG WebOS operating system for access to multiple online entertainment services (Netflix 4K, Prime Video 4K, Google Play Film, YouTube 4K…). Last but not least, the LG HU85LS projector features a 2 x 5 watt stereo audio system with the Clear Voice III function, which optimizes sound clarity for better perception of movie dialogue among the various sound effects.

Hisense PX2-PRO: triple laser lamp, Dolby Vision/HDR10

The Hisense PX2-PRO ultra-short-throw projector projects a very large UHD 4K HDR image, from 2.28 m to 3.3 m across the diagonal, just a few dozen centimeters from the wall or screen. The Hisense PX2-PRO uses DLP XPR projection technology combined with a TriChroma (triple laser) lamp. This enables it to cover the entire BT.2020 color space, projecting an extremely realistic image with rich, natural hues. What’s more, this Hisense projector supports the high dynamic range image formats HDR 10, HLG and Dolby Vision, for greater detail and nuance in both dark and bright areas of the image.

To deliver an immersive experience, the Hisense PX2-PRO ultra short-throw laser projector incorporates a Dolby Atmos-compatible soundbar. It deploys a wide soundstage that encourages spectator involvement and guarantees a total home-cinema experience. Its connectivity includes three HDMI inputs, one of which is ARC/eARC compatible, as well as two USB multimedia ports. Unlike the manufacturer’s laser TVs, this Hisense PX2-PRO does not include a TV tuner. It does, however, offer smart TV functions such as access to major streaming services and wireless screen sharing (PC, tablet and smartphone).

Samsung The Premiere SP-LSP9TFA: triple laser lamp

HDR10+ compatible, the Samsung The Premiere LSP9T UHD 4K projector features a triple RGB laser lamp. This optimizes color reproduction which is more precise and brighter than with a UHP lamp or a single laser. Capable of projecting an image measuring up to 3.3m diagonally at a distance of 24cm from the projection screen, it also has a 4.2 channel audio section which benefits from 40 watts of amplification of power. Equipped with 3 HDMI inputs and a multimedia USB port, it is also WiFi and Bluetooth compatible and includes the Tizen home operating system with access to many applications including Netflix, Disney +, Apple TV +, Prime Video but also OCS , Molotov, Youtube or even myCanal.

Particularly at home with films and series, the Samsung The Premiere LSP9T projector features the Filmmaker Mode image mode which guarantees viewers to enjoy films the way the director and the technical team wanted it. With three HDMI inputs, one of which is ARC and eARC compatible, and a powered multimedia USB port, this Samsung projector is ideal for pairing with a 4K Blu-ray player to enjoy the best possible picture quality.

Should you buy a projection screen?

Although many projector manufacturers mention that it is possible to project a movie or series directly onto a wall, especially with ultra short throw projectors, it is recommended that you use a projection screen instead. The screen fabric has a perfectly smooth surface optimized for projection, which is not generally the case for the walls of a living room on which the slightest roughness or irregularity risks catching the light and affecting the picture.

It is advisable to opt for a manual projection screen or an electric projection screen when projecting in a living room. For a perfect image, an electric screen with a tensioned fabric offers much better flatness, guaranteeing an image without any distortion. You can also opt for a built-in projection screen, allowing discreet integration into the decor.

If you have a dedicated home cinema room, it is better to opt for a fixed projection screen with a canvas perfectly stretched on a very rigid frame. Its perfectly flat projection surface guarantees perfect image quality. Some models are also equipped with a transparent canvas behind which you can place the center speaker or even the front left and right speakers: the sound seems to come directly from the image, which ensures total immersion in the world of the film.

With an ultra short throw projector used in the middle of the day as well as in the evening, we recommend an ultra short throw projection screen whose canvas is specifically designed to eliminate parasitic reflections and prevent diffraction in the room. The light from the projector is indeed reflected almost exclusively towards the spectators who then benefit from a bright and well-contrasted image, even in broad daylight.

Even with a picoprojector, the use of a portable projection screen improves the projected image which is thus brighter and better contrasted.

Is it necessary to mount the projector on the ceiling?

Fixing your projector permanently to the wall or ceiling is the best solution for everyday use. This is not useful when you have a very occasional use of your projector and even irrelevant with a picoprojector. For a sedentary installation, on the other hand, a support for video projector is almost essential, especially when regularly organizing movie nights or video game sessions on the big screen. It is an ideal integration solution in a living room as in a dedicated room. Almost all projectors also incorporate an image inversion function so that they can be hung mounted down from the ceiling.

A ceiling support allows the projector to be positioned optimally in relation to the screen according to its focal length and the size of the desired image. Once the projector is in place and the cables are connected, all you have to do is make the adjustments once and for all. It is much more practical than having to redo the settings for each screening when you put the projector on a coffee table and put it back in its case once the film is finished … Even ultra short throw projectors can be mounted on a support. This prevents someone from moving it, which would result in having to redo the image adjustments.

Some support brackets are very long for installation with high ceilings. There are also video projector supports with a raising / lowering platform which can be installed into a false ceiling to completely hide the projector when not in use.

The best projectors under €700

• LG PF510Q-GL: 60Hz 4K, DLP, 450 lm LED, 2x HDMI, Smart TV
• Xgimi MoGo 2: 720p, DLP, 400 lm LED, 1x HDMI, Android TV
• Philips PicoPix Micro 2: 1080p, DLP, 850 lm LED, 1x HDMI, Android, 3h battery
• Xgimi Elfin: 1080p (4K HDR), DLP, LED, 1x HDMI, Android TV, 3D
• Optoma HD146X: 1080p, DLP, 3,600 lm UHP, 1x HDMI, 3D
• Viewsonic M2e: 1080p, DLP, 1000 lm LED, 1x HDMI, USB-A and USB-C
• Optoma HD28e: 1080p, DLP, 3,800 lm UHP, 1x HDMI, 3D

The best projectors between €700 and €1,200

• Xgimi Halo+: 1080p (4K HDR), DLP, 900 lm LED, 1x HDMI, Android TV, 4h battery, 3D
• Xiaomi Mi Smart 2 Pro: 1080p (4K HDR), DLP, 1,300 lm LED, Android TV, 2x HDMI (ARC)
• Epson EH-TW6150: 60Hz 4K, 3LCD, 2,800 lm UHE, 2x HDMI
• Optoma UHD35x: 60Hz 4K HDR, DLP, 3,600 lm UHP, 2x HDMI, 3D
• Xgimi Horizon: 1080p (4K HDR), DLP, 2,200 lm LED, 2x HDMI (ARC), Android TV
• Optoma UHD38x: 60Hz 4K HDR, DLP, 4000 lm UHP, 2x HDMI, 3D

The best projectors between €1,200 and €2000

• Epson EH-TW7000: 60Hz 4K, 3LCD, 3000 lm UHE, 2x HDMI, Lens Shift (H/V), 3D
• LG HU715QW: 60Hz 4K, DLP, laser, 2500 lm, HDR10, 3x HDMI, Smart TV
• Optoma ZH420: 1080p (4K HDR), DLP, 4,300 lm laser, 2x HDMI, 3D
• BenQ TK860i: 60Hz 4K HDR, DLP, 3,300 lm UHP, 3x HDMI (ARC), Android TV, 3D
• Optoma UHD55: 60Hz 4K HDR, DLP, 3,600 lm UHP, 2x HDMI, Lens Shift (V), 3D
• Epson EH-TW7100: 60Hz 4K, 3LCD, 3000 lm UHE, 2x HDMI, Lens Shift (H/V), 3D
• Xgimi Horizon Pro 4K: 60Hz 4K HDR, DLP, 2,200 lm LED, 2x HDMI (ARC), Android TV, 3D

The best projectors between €2000 and €2,500

• EPSON EH-LS650: 60Hz 4K, 3LCD, 3,600 lm laser, 2x HDMI, Android TV
• Epson EH-TW9400: 60Hz 4K, 3LCD, 2,600 lm UHE, 2x HDMI, motorized lens
• LG BU50NST: 60Hz 4K, DLP, 5000 lm laser, HDR10, 2x HDMI, smart TV
• Xgimi Aura: 60Hz 4K, DLP, 1,800 ISO lm LED, 3x HDMI, Android TV, 4 x 15W audio
• LG HU810PW: 60Hz 4K HDR, DLP, 2,700 lm laser, 2x HDMI (ARC), smart TV

The best projectors between €2,500 and €5000

• LG HU85LS: 60Hz 4K, DLP, 2,700 lm laser, HDR10, 2x HDMI, Smart TV
• Epson EH-LS800: 60Hz 4K, 3LCD, 4000 lm laser, 3 x HDMI, Android TV, Chromecast
• Hisense 100L9HD Laser TV: 60Hz 4K, DLP, 3000 lm laser, anti-glare screen (2.5m)
• Epson EH-LS12000B: 60Hz 4K, 3LCD, 2,700 lm laser, 2x HDMI, Lens Shift (H/V)
• Samsung SP-LSP9TFA: 60Hz 4K HDR, DLP, 2,800 lm laser, 3x HDMI (eARC), smart TV
• Sony VPL-XW5000: native 60Hz 4K HDR, SXRD, 2000 lm laser, 2x HDMI, Lens Shift (H/V)

The best projectors over €5000

• Leica Cine 1: 60Hz 4K, DLP, triple RGB 2,500 lm laser, 3x HDMI, Smart TV
• JVC DLA-NZ7: 120Hz 4K/60Hz 8K, D-ILA, 2,200 lm laser, 2x HDMI, Lens Shift (H/V), 3D
• Sony VPL-XW7000: 60Hz 4K, SXRD, 3,200 lm laser, 2x HDMI, motorized lens