Choosing the right projector is crucial for an optimal gaming experience on a very large screen. To guarantee smooth, immersive video games, it’s essential to take into consideration the refresh rate, response time and resolution. Whether you’re playing on a PS5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch 2 or gaming PC, a projector with the right technical specifications will enhance your performance and provide a more enjoyable experience.
What are the best projectors for video games?
To choose the best projector for gaming, several criteria are essential to guarantee an optimal experience. These include:
- The refresh rate: the higher the rate, the smoother the images (generally 60, 120 or 240Hz).
- The response time: a low response time (< 20 ms) improves image responsiveness and reduces motion blur.
- The resolution: 4K UHD offers a more detailed image than Full HD, but the choice of projector also depends on the computing capacity of the console or PC used.
- The brightness: high brightness (>2,000 lm) is essential for gaming in partially lit rooms.
The choice of projector also depends on the type of game you’re playing. For narrative and/or undemanding titles, 4K resolution at 60Hz is perfectly suitable, as it’s the visual experience and immersion that matter. On the other hand, for fast-paced games where every millisecond counts, a refresh rate of 120Hz or 240Hz should be preferred to reduce response time and guarantee optimum smoothness.
🗒️ Expert tip: in esport competitions, professional players limit the image size of their screen, usually to between 24" (61cm) and 27" (68cm). This ensures that all the action is always in the field of vision so you can spot opponents' movements more quickly, without moving your head. What's more, these monitors can reach refresh rates in excess of 500Hz with a response time of less than 1 ms to ensure impeccable responsiveness and eliminate motion blur. In this sporting context, the performance of projectors is still too limited.
Projectors up to 120Hz
Optoma UHD35x (4K 60Hz / FHD 120Hz)
The Optoma UHD35x projector boasts an ultra-low input lag of 4.2ms in 1080p at 120Hz, making it ideally suited to games requiring high responsiveness. It supports UHD 4K at 60Hz via two HDMI 2.0 inputs, and offers HDR10 and HLG compatibility for more detailed, lifelike graphics. It’s also 3D-compatible, and its high brightness of 3,600 lumens means you can play even in the middle of the day.
Leica Cine Play 1 (4K 60Hz / FHD 120Hz)
Tested by our image expert, the Leica Cine Play 1 projector features a gaming mode with an input lag of less than 12 ms in 1080p at 120Hz, ideal for gamers looking for excellent responsiveness. Compatible with 60Hz 4K, it delivers a smooth, accurate image thanks to DLP technology and its triple RGB laser source, all enhanced by high dynamic contrast and full Rec. 2020 spectrum coverage, bolstered by 3,000 lumens of brightness. DLP Turbo mode further optimizes the display by reducing latency. Equipped with two HDMI 2.1 ports, including eARC, it supports the latest game consoles. Its VIDAA interface, combined with HDR10+, Dolby Vision and Filmmaker Mode compatibility, ensures complete visual immersion for both gaming and cinema.
Epson EH-LS12000B (120Hz 4K)
Designed for discerning gamers, the Epson EH-LS12000B projector supports 120Hz 4K with an input lag reduced to 20 ms, ensuring good responsiveness for gaming sessions. 3LCD technology guarantees a rainbow-effect free picture, with vivid colors, 2,700 lumens of brightness and smoothness enhanced by frame interpolation. HDR10+ compatible, it offers the visual depth essential for HDR gaming. Thanks to its laser source and motorized lens with zoom and lens shift memory, it adapts easily to any space, while ensuring a lifespan of 20,000 hours, ideal for intensive use.
| Model | Resolution / Frequency | Response time | Brightness |
| Optoma UHD35x | 4K 60Hz / FHD 120Hz | 4.2 ms (1080p) | 3,600 lm |
| Leica Cine Play 1 | 4K 60Hz / FHD 120Hz | < 12 ms (1080p) | 3,000 lm |
| Epson EH-LS12000B | 120Hz 4K | 20 ms (4K) | 2,700 lm |
🗒️ Expert tip: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series and Nintendo Switch 2 game consoles can achieve a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz. Above this frequency, a gaming PC equipped with a high-performance graphics card is required. It is therefore essential to choose your projector depending on the capabilities of your machine.
Projectors up to 240Hz
BenQ X500i (4K 60Hz / FHD 240Hz)
Designed with gamers in mind, the BenQ X500i projector combines a reduced input lag of 4.2 ms in 1080p at 240Hz and 16 ms in 4K at 60Hz. It features several image modes dedicated to various video game genres (FPS, RPG, SPG), optimized for HDR. Its 4LED light source ensures a brightness of 2,200 lumens and a lifespan of up to 20,000 hours. Equipped with two HDMI 2.0 ports (including one eARC) and a USB-C DisplayPort, it adapts easily to consoles and PCs. The integrated Android TV operating system provides access to streaming services, enhancing its multimedia versatility.
Hisense C2 Pro (4K 60Hz / FHD 240Hz)
The Hisense C2 Pro projector features a dedicated gaming mode with an input lag that is reduced to 12 ms in DLP Turbo mode, ideal for optimal responsiveness on consoles or PC. HDMI 2.1 compatible, it supports 4K at 60Hz and Full HD at 240Hz, ensuring perfect smoothness. Its triple laser technology and HDR10+, Dolby Vision and IMAX Enhanced compatibility guarantee graphics that are rich in contrast and color, even in daylight thanks to its 2,600 lumens. It offers several display formats, including 21:9, and automatic image correction to adapt to all gaming environments. Last but not least, the Vidaa operating system and full connectivity (Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2) add further entertainment possibilities, including cloud gaming.
Hisense PX3-Pro (4K 60Hz / FHD 240Hz)
Praised for its HDR10+ and Dolby Vision picture during our review, the Hisense PX3-Pro ultra short throw projector is aimed at gamers seeking both comfort and performance. It is compatible with 4K at 60Hz with a response time of 30 ms, and Full HD up to 240Hz with a response time reduced to 20 ms. Xbox certified, it ensures optimum compatibility with the latest-generation consoles. Thanks to DLP technology and triple RGB lasers, it covers 110% of the Rec. 2020 gamut, guaranteeing outstanding colorimetric accuracy and brightness of 3,000 lumens, enhanced by Dolby Vision and HDR10+ compatibility. It features a Dolby Atmos soundbar, as well as three HDMI inputs, two of which are 2.1. Finally, the Vidaa U system and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity enable access to games via the cloud and streaming services.
ViewSonic X2-4KB Pro (4K 60Hz / FHD 240Hz)
Optimized for gaming, the ViewSonic X2-4KB Pro is an Xbox-certified short-throw projector ideal for small rooms, combining responsiveness and 4K HDR image quality. Thanks to its 0.65″ DLP DMD chip, it offers great sharpness, better native contrast and a brightness of 3,300 lumens. It supports 4K at 60Hz, 2K at 120Hz and Full HD at 240Hz, the latter with a response time of 4.2 ms. What’s more, it’s compatible with HDR10 content and covers 125% of Rec. 709 space for vivid colors. With dual HDMI 2.0 (including eARC), Bluetooth compatibility, integrated Google TV and a Harman Kardon audio section, this projector is a reference choice for gamers seeking smoothness, precision and versatility.
| Model | Resolution / Frequency | Response time | Brightness |
| BenQ X500i | 4K 60Hz / FHD 240Hz | 4.2 ms (1080p) / 16 ms (4K) | 2,200 lm |
| Hisense C2 Pro | 4K 60Hz / FHD 240Hz | 12 ms | 2,600 lm |
| Hisense PX3-PRO | 4K 60Hz / FHD 240Hz | 30 ms (4K) / 20 ms (1080p) | 3,000 lm |
| ViewSonic X2-4KB Pro | 4K 60Hz / FHD 240Hz | 4.2 ms (1080p) | 3,300 lm |
🗒️ Expert advice: like televisions, projectors offers a wide range of processing options to obtain the best possible image for films and TV series. These filters can add a delay to the display (latency). It is therefore preferable to select "game mode" when a console or PC is connected to a projector to get the best performance. The ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) function automatically switches to this mode when a game console is detected.
Choosing a projector for gaming means taking into account several technical criteria that directly influence the gaming experience. Responsiveness and display fluidity are all essential elements to consider. Depending on your priorities, whether it’s online performance, visual immersion or compatibility with recent consoles, some models will prove more suitable than others. To take things a step further, it’s also possible to choose a gaming screen, offering even faster response times to meet the demands of high-level competitive gaming.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible to connect a games console to a projector. However, it must have HDMI inputs capable of supporting Ultra High Definition and/or a high refresh rate. Consoles such as the PS5, Xbox Series X and Nintendo Switch 2 are compatible with most recent projectors. However, it’s important to check that they can support 4K and 120Hz for the full experience.
The latency (or response time) of a projector corresponds to the delay between the sending of the signal from the console or PC and the display on the screen. It varies from model to model, but the best-performing gaming projectors have a response time of between 4 and 20 ms. This value should be as low as possible for fast-paced or competitive games, where high responsiveness is required.
To enjoy 120 fps in 4K on a PS5, you need to connect the console to a projector with an HDMI 2.1 port, capable of handling this refresh rate and resolution. You’ll also need to ensure that the PS5’s video output settings are set to 4K/120Hz. Finally, you need to check that the game offers this resolution and refresh rate.
In daylight, it’s best to choose a projector with high luminosity, usually a minimum of 2,000 lumens or more, so that the image remains clear even in the presence of ambient light. Models with laser light sources or LED technology are often more suitable for maintaining good visibility.
The optimum distance for a projector depends on its projection ratio and the desired image size. In general, a projector with a long focal length requires a greater distance, while a model with a short focal length can be placed closer to the screen. It’s important to check the model’s specifications to determine the ideal distance.
For optimum placement, the projector must be positioned to project the image symmetrically in relation to the screen. The projection angle, the height of the projector in relation to the screen and the projection distance must also be taken into account, depending on the required image size. Ideally, it should be ceiling-mounted or placed on a stable table, away from any direct light.
The projected image can appear blurred for a number of reasons, such as incorrect focus adjustment, poor quality of the video source, or installing the projector too close to or too far from the screen. To improve sharpness, it’s necessary to adjust the focus, check the input resolution, and optimize the projection distance depending on the model.
The choice of HDMI cable depends on the desired resolution and refresh rate. For 4K projectors, we recommend using an HDMI 2.0 (max. 4K at 60 Hz) or 2.1 (max 4K at 120Hz) cable, capable of supporting the bandwidth required for high resolutions and fast refresh rates.
Projectors offer the advantage of creating very large images. They provide an immersive experience, ideal for video games and films. Short and ultra short throw models are also popular in environments where space is limited.
4K projectors offer crisp, detailed definition, enhancing immersion, especially for games with rich graphics. However, to fully enjoy a smooth 4K gaming experience, you need to ensure that the projector has a high refresh rate and low response time. If resolution is important, a Full HD projector with a higher refresh rate may be a more suitable alternative for fast-paced gaming.
The lifespan of a projector depends on its light source. Projectors with interchangeable lamps generally last between 3,000 and 5,000 hours, after which the lamp must be replaced. LED or laser models do not require regular lamp replacement and can last up to 30,000 hours (about 20 years at 4 hours a day), or even longer. Regular maintenance and moderate use (ECO mode) can help extend lamp life.
