The best projectors for 2025

To experience the true grandeur of your home cinema, nothing can surpass the projector. A good size can show bright, sharp images up to 150 inches for an immersive experience that is unmatched, and it is usually much lower. Plus, they are perfect for gaming and can even be used as a second screen for your computer.
Projectors have become increasingly popular lately, so there are many options to choose from. The classic models installed on the ceiling are brighter and clearer than ever before, and you can choose a bulb or laser as the light source based on your budget. If you want to mount one on the floor near the screen, you can choose from dozens of ultra-short throw (UST) models.
But projectors are still more confusing for most buyers than TVs. This guide will introduce you to important details to consider brightness, type (classic, portable and ultra-short distance) and other factors to help you choose the best model to set.

Table of contents

• Best Projectors of 2025

• What to look for in a projector

• Projector FAQ

Best Projectors of 2025

Some projectors are suitable for serious movies, projecting HDR brightness and overly realistic colors onto large screens. Others are bright enough to replace sports or games on your TV and can set up some low-cost portable models for camping or outdoor entertainment. That's why we've divided this guide into several categories to help you find the right one.

What to look for in a projector

To dig deep into projector technology, check out my previous interpreter, but there are few key points to remember. What will the projector mainly be used for? What type of room will it use? How big is the image you want? You'll also see various specs that can be confusing, so here are some things to consider and what they mean.

Brightness and contrast

Brightness is measured in ANSI lumens; the brighter the projector, the more expensive it is usually. 1,500-2,500 lumens are perfect for dark rooms, 3,000-4,000 lumens allow you to see with certain ambient light, while 4,000+ lumens are bright enough to be used in direct sunlight. High contrast is important because the projector is more sensitive to things like ambient light and reflections.

DLP and LCD

Optoma, Benq, LG and other digital optical processing units (DLPs) used allow for 4K images. Negatively, they can produce a “rainbow” effect, or can affect some of the red/blue/green artifacts more than other viewers. LCDs are mainly used by Epson, but Sony and Sanyo. These are usually brighter, more accurate, and do not have a rainbow effect, but over time they are also more expensive and susceptible to image degradation.

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If you want a true 4K projector, beware: Only expensive models have native 4K resolution (many cinemas still use 2K projectors for a variety of reasons). However, most DLP projectors and certain LCD models can use pixel conversion to achieve 4K resolution.

HDR and color accuracy

Projectors cannot produce anywhere that qualifies as the amount of light required to be a true HDR. Instead, they used a technique called tone mapping to fit the entire HDR paradigm to a lower brightness range. That said, many projectors can show millions of colors, some of which exceed the color accuracy of TVs and monitors.

UST and Classics

Classic projectors and screens can be installed on the ceiling, and they are great if you don't have floor space. They can also project larger videos for a real cinematic experience. UST projectors are mounted on the floor next to the screen so they can replace the TV. They are not as big as images, but are usually brighter, clearer and more expensive. For best results, they require special screens.

Installation and fan noise

Ceiling installation takes some work, don't forget to budget for the stand and any necessary long cables, including the extra power for Google Chromecast or other streaming devices. UST projectors require less labor, but getting images perfectly can still be time consuming. As for fan noise, some projectors (usually cheaper DLP models) generate more generation than others.

Optics

To increase flexibility in position and image size, ceiling-mounted projectors require good scaling range. Meanwhile, if the projector is mounted on the screen higher or lower than the manufacturer recommends, use the lens to move. Otherwise, you may have to use “Basestone Correction” to digitally stretch a portion of the image, resulting in distortion or artifacts. Again, for some models, keystore corrections may not work in game mode.

Games and streaming

If you are interested in a gaming projector, look for refresh rates and input lag numbers. In this regard, some projectors (240Hz and <20ms respectively) offer a lot of projectors, but others for home entertainment have a input lag and refresh rate of only 60Hz. If you want streaming, be sure to choose a model with a built-in Google TV or a bundled streaming dongle.

Screen

Should you project it on a wall, scrolling screen, fixed screen, or ambient light rejection (ALR) screen? The choice depends to a lot on the room and the projector you have. The scrolling screen has no room to install, and the fixed screen can be easily moved, and the ALR model is perfect for rooms with a lot of ambient light.

Projector FAQ

Is 4K projector better?

Yes, 4K is especially useful in projectors because they are more pronounced in higher resolutions on larger screens, as they are as large as 200 inches in size. That being said, brightness and contrast are more important.

Is the projector better than the TV?

Thanks to the large screen, projectors can provide a more immersive experience, but not necessarily “better”. Since the lights are usually dimmed with a projector, TVs are a superiority for daily use.

Are 2000 lumens bright enough for projectors?

Yes, even with some ambient light in the room, 2000 lumens are easy to brighten. However, the image is still hard to see when the windows open on a bright day.

Should I get a 4K or 1080p projector?

It depends on your budget and needs. If your budget is below $1,000, look for a 1080p projector with the best brightness and contrast. Between $1,000-$2,000, both brightness and 4K resolution are the most important. Above this, choose the brightest 4K projector you can afford.

What is the best projector during the day?

The best projectors in daylight are the Ultra Short Throw (UST) models, as they have the brightest and clearest images. However, they usually cost over $2,000.

Do you need a screen for a better projector experience?

Technically, you don't need a screen to use the projector – any light, smooth walls can work in the pinch. However, if you want to make the most of the projector, the screen can make a difference. The projector screen is designed to reflect light evenly and enhance contrast, so the colors look more vibrant and the pictures look sharper. On the screen, you'll notice blacks and brighter colors, which can give a real boost to your movie night or game meeting. So while you can definitely enjoy the projector, the screen can make the experience more like your own personal theatre.

Should I buy a portable or home projector?

It depends where you intend to use it. If you want a projector that can be easily moved, taken to a friend’s house or set up indoors or outdoors, a portable projector is a great choice. They are usually small and lightweight, and usually have built-in speakers and batteries that make them ready to use.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a more permanent setup for a home theater or living room, it might be a home projector. Home projectors tend to be more powerful, with higher resolution and brightness, which gives you a crisp, movie-quality experience. If you have a dedicated space and don't mind setting it in one location, they are ideal.

This article originally appeared on Engadget