Projection technology has come a long way in the last few years. Whether it’s for a maximum impact presentation, a home theatre or video gaming on a larger than life screen; there is a projector that can deliver what you want. For many years the price tag on a decent projector was shocking.
Demand, modern innovations and ingenuity mean you can have a projector with a fantastic, bright and colourful display for a price that won’t cost you too much.
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Best Projector Under 1000 Comparison Table
[aawp table=”2905″]Choosing the Right Projector in the Under $1000 Category
Identify Your Purpose
Every projector offers something different so choosing the right projector offers a few hurdles. Most mid-range devices can project a high-resolution video in 1080p some can even do 4k and 3D. All of the choices we list below will suit most people’s need for a projector; however, some are more geared to gamers, professionals or home theatre users.
We suggest you keep your primary purpose for a projector in mind when you shop. All of the projectors on our list are lightweight and durable so you shouldn’t have any issues if you need to move from location to location.
Know the Place of Installation
If you are considering buying a projector for your home, yard or office, you may be wondering about screens. There are many high-quality choices for screens available for purchase as well as kits to construct your own. Buying a screen isn’t always necessary; you can cast onto a wall or a whiteboard and still get a great image.
If you have coloured or textured walls in the room you are going to be using your projector; you should think about purchasing or making a screen. We have seen DIY screens using white fabric or canvases that have great potential as well. These mid-range models of projectors are highly portable and can be moved quickly from room to room, so we recommend buying your projector and testing it out in multiple spaces before investing in a screen.
Consider the Specs
When you are looking for a projector, you may find terms like lumens, screen throw distance and contrast ratio thrown around. It’s vital that you consider the specs of a projector before purchasing it. We have included a buyers guide at the bottom of this review to explain a few of the most critical specs you should watch for. Specifications are a prime concern for any new gadget. All of the reviewed projectors on our list should have been selected for their performance and specifications.
Best Projectors Under 1000 Reviews
1. BenQ HT2150ST
Fast, Light and Versatile
The BenQ HT2150ST is a fast, sharp project with excellent optics, bright displays and a sleek and modern aesthetic. It is a great pick for gamers and people who have a smaller space. The HT2150ST weighs just over 7 pounds so it can be quickly moved from room to room or even outside on a warm night. BenQ offers a three-year warranty for this projector with six months on the bulb; you can also purchase an extended warranty of extra protection through them.
The Tradeoff Is The Bulb
With a 240 watt bulb, It projects a decent 2,200 ANSI lumens, so it should give you a bright display as long as the ambient lighting is dimmed down. This model is a good amount dimmer than others in its price range. BenQ has included three different modes for its bulb so you can switch between performance as need be. If you keep the device in Eco mode the project life of the lamp is 7000 hours or a little over six years if used 3 hours a day.
Short Throw
This model delivers a high resolution in native 1080p Full HD with the added capability of projecting in 3D. The projection is bright and colourful with a six times RGBRGB colour wheel that gives lifelike colours in high resolution. The high contrast ratio in the device of 15,000 to one ensures sharp edges and dynamic blacks. The HT2150ST can throw a 300-inch screen from a short throw distance; it has one of the shortest throws on our list capable of projecting a hundred-inch screen from only 5 feet away.
No Issues With Latency
This projectors sound is vibrant and crystal clear, giving you great audio to go along with the fantastic visuals. The HT2150ST has two 10w speakers with stereo sound housed in resonant sound chambers the music is vibrant and loud, so there is no need for sound hooking up another audio device.
The device is highly responsive with a minimal lag of 16.67ms making for a great gaming experience. Connections are limited in the device, and you may want to upgrade it to a wireless connection. This is one of our top recommendations for anyone looking for a projector for gaming.
PROS
- No lag issues
- Excellent speakers
- Very short screen throw
- Good colour and contrast ratio
- A beautiful, modern design aesthetic
CONS
- The bulb isn’t as bright compared to others in its class
- Limited choice of connection ports
2. ViewSonic PX706HD
Great Multiple Usage Option
The ViewSonic PX706HD is another excellent all-around choice for a projector in its class. This device is the perfect choice for multi-use buyers with portability and a colourful, bright display. At just under 6 pounds it should be light enough to carry between locations without much effort. It’s a great choice for small spaces and gamers alike.
If you’re looking for versatility in your projector that also offers outstanding specs, this ViewSonic won’t let you down. The company provides a three-year warranty for this projector with one year on the bulb itself, extended plans up to 5 years are offered for purchase as well.
Bright, Long-Lasting Bulb
The ViewSonic PX706HD has a very bright 3,000 ANSI DLP 240 watt lamp so your viewing should be bright and colourful even in a brightly lit office. This projector also has vertical digital keystone correction so you shouldn’t have any issues with blurry image quality. View Sonic has included two settings for the bulb, normal mode, and a dynamic eco mode to help you extend the life of your lamp. When placed in Eco mode the PX706HD’s light has a projected life of 15,000 hours or 13 and a half years at 3 hours a day viewing.
Beautiful Colors and a High Contrast
Like all the other projectors on this list, the ViewSonic PX706HD offers the full HD 1080p experience and also has the capacity to project in 3D. The projection of this device won’t disappoint due to its high contrast ratio of 22,000 to one.
It puts on a spectacular show projecting in 1.07 billion colours with clear edges, dynamic blacks and bright whites. This projector is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a short-throw device, it is capable of projecting a 120-inch screen from 5 feet away. It may not be the biggest screen but it will be beautiful and bright.
Ultra-Low Lag
ViewSonic has equipped the PX706HD with a 5w speaker, it may not be the most prominent speaker on our list, but it delivers a clear sound with minimal feedback in a full 20Hz – 20Khz sound range.
If you are looking for a projector for gaming on a large scale, then this device has reduced input latency and a gaming mode that should give you a fast and immersive experience. The PX706HD has a multitude of input methods and should be able to connect to any device, including two HDMI ports and a USB Type-C sadly it is doesn’t have a wireless connection.
PROS
- A high powered bulb with a long life span
- Good contrast ratio
- Colourful and bright display
- Virtually lag-free
- Good connectivity
CONS
- Mediocre speakers
- Smaller screen size compared with others in its class.
3. InFocus IN3148HD
A great choice for the classrooms and office
The InFocus IN3148HD is a top-of-the-line device at a mid-range price. This Projector is ideal for meeting rooms and classrooms and could make for a good outdoor movie projector, but we don’t recommend this projector for serious gaming. At almost 10 pounds it is heavier than other models but is still portable and compact. The InFocus IN3148HD comes with a comprehensive two-year warranty that also covers the bulb.
5,000 ANSI Lumens Bulb
This is the brightest projector on our list with a 310-watt bulb and an ultra-bright 5,000 ANSI lumens projection you shouldn’t have any fears of ambient lighting.
Due to the bright display, the bulb can go fast lasting only 3,500 hours at the brightest setting, but InFocus has included four modes to help lengthen the life expectancy of your bulb; bright, low, eco and dynamic. When the device is used in dynamic mode, it has a projected 6,000 hours life expectancy giving you almost 5 and a half years at 3 hours a day before you need a new bulb.
A 400 Inch Screen
The IN3148HD professional projector is capable of producing a massive screen of 400 inches in full 1080P full HD as well as 3D. The decently high contrast of 16,000 to 1 makes for a beautiful picture with a million colours on six-segment wheels and utilising BrilliantColor DLP imaging. The colours are bright, the blacks are deep, and the images have nice sharp edges. You shouldn’t have much trouble using the projector in smaller rooms because of its medium throw range.
Good Connection Options for Computers
Connecting to the device shouldn’t be a problem even though it doesn’t have wireless access or a USB port. Along with two HDMI ports and an RCA port, it also offers two VGA ports and a few other means of connecting computers or media players.
The InFocus IN3148HD has a loud 10w speaker, but when turned up all the way it has some feedback and compared to other devices it can fall a bit flat. If you are looking for a projector for gaming and you are worried about lag time the IN3148 may not be the best fit for you but for anything else it is an exceptional buy.
PROS
- Great colouring and decent contrast ratio
- It has one of the brightest bulbs in its price range.
- A huge 400-inch screen at a medium throw range.
- Has decent and loudspeakers
- Comes with a two-year warranty on the bulb.
CONS
- It can have some lag.
- No USB port or wireless connectivity.
- Shorter bulb life
4. Optoma HD39Darbee
One of Optomas Best
The Optoma HD39Darbee is a great projector for all-around good performance. Weighing just above 6 pounds, it is a highly portable device with amazing specifications for a projector in its price range. This projector is an excellent pick for anyone looking for a versatile machine that can deliver a powerful punch.
Optoma is a leading provider of quality projectors; this device comes with a comprehensive three-year warranty with one year on the bulb itself. The company also offers extended warranties if you need or want one.
Long Bulb Life
This projector sports a 260-watt bulb that can project in a whopping 3500 ANSI lumens ensuring a dazzling display even in brighter lit rooms. Compared to other bulbs with its brightness, the Optoma HD39Darbee offers a longer life on its bulb.
The lamp has three settings; Bright, Dynamic, and Eco mode. When set in dynamic mode the bulb has a projected life of 15,000 hours giving you an outstanding 13 and a half years of 3 hours a day watch time before you need a new lamp. When it is time to replace your bulb you should have no issues finding a replacement and Optoma offers easy ordering on their website.
Great Performance
This projector has native Full HD 1080p resolution with the ability to project in 3D. It can throw a 303-inch screen from a medium distance. With a contrast ratio of 32,000 to 1, you won’t be disappointed with the Optoma HD39Darbee’s picture presentation. The projector sports a reference display mode; giving it beautiful, accurate colour via a REC.709 or an RGB connection. This projector has crisp and clear whites while blacks are deep giving visuals exceptional depth.
Decent Speakers And No Lag
This Projector has a multitude of connection ports including two MHL supported HDMI ports. The Optoma HD39Darbee does not come standard with the wireless connection, but for an extra cost, you can upgrade the projector to become wireless.
You should be happy with the performance of the 10w speaker or most uses, but it can offer some feedback when turned up to a maximum. There is no need to worry about lag time with this device because It also features an enhanced gaming mode with a 16ms response time.
PROS
- Virtually lag-free
- Bright bulb with a long life
- Possible to upgrade to a wireless connection
- Great contrast ratio
- Good sound
CONS
- When you turn off the device after prolonged use, it may take a few hours before it can be booted up again.
5. Epson Home Cinema 2150
Reliable And Versatile
The new line of Epson projectors have 3lcd technology which is why they are virtually free of the rainbowing effect. The Epson Home Cinema 2150 is an all-around great device if you need something versatile and reliable. This seven and a half pound device is easily transported from room to room or taken on the go to presentations if need be. The projector comes with a two-year warranty with only 90 days of coverage on the bulb.
It Could Be Brighter
The Home Cinema 2150 has a 200 Watt bulb capable of projecting at 2,500 ANSI Lumens making it bright enough to enjoy in most settings. Compared to others on this list, it isn’t the most brilliant, but it is bright enough to deliver a spectacular display even with moderate ambient light.
The bulb has a projected life of 7,500 hours in eco mode and 4,500 hours in normal mode. If you watch for 3 hours a day, your lamp will last almost seven years when in the eco mode before you need a replacement.
Decent Performance
The Epson Home Cinema 2150 has full HD native 1080p resolution capable of projecting in 3D. The contrast ratio on this device is a whopping 60,000 to 1 with a beautiful display of a promised 1.07 billion colours. The blacks are, and the whites are vibrant and bright, you won’t have any complaints with the picture quality of this projector. 2150 can throw an impressive 300-inch screen from a medium throw distance.
It Is Wireless
The 2150 offers you connect wirelessly and an MHL HDMI as well as various other ports including USB so you shouldn’t have any issues connecting with the device. The 10w speakers are loud enough to fill a room, but you may find that they aren’t as clear as you like.
PROS
- It has a wireless connection
- It is virtually free of the rainbowing effect
- The Speakers are loud.
- It has a high contrast ratio.
- No rainbowing effect
CONS
- Not as bright as others in its class
- Can be laggy
Buyers Guide for Projectors Under $1000
The Rainbowing effect
The rainbowing effect is the name given to a visual artefact that’s created in the image when the colours flash sequentially on the screen. All the red of your projection will appear on the screen followed by all the green and finally blue. It is an annoying few seconds of distracting visuals and can turn your movie night rotten.
The rainbowing effect can be an issue with many projectors, especially in cheaper devices. Many newer projectors have fixed the problem with rainbowing by using multiple chip technology. All of the projectors on our list have few to no issues with the rainbowing effect. If you are looking at a projector that isn’t on our recommended list, we suggest that you pay close attention to the reviews for complaints about this annoying visual artefact.
Lag time
Lag time is a term used to describe how long the media you are trying to display takes to reach the screen. Lag time can be an issue if you are planning on using your projector for video games. All of the devices listed above have no problems with lag for most purposes. Many of the projectors on our list have virtually no lag, so they are ideal for gaming.
The lamp
The lamp may be one of the most critical aspects of your projector we recommend getting a projector with at least 2,200 ANSI lumens or above so you can get the most versatility out of your device. The brighter the bulb is, the less you have to worry about ambient lighting or sunlit windows.
When considering different projectors, we recommend you compare the bulbs projected lamp life. Most devices come with different settings of brightness to help you get the most extended life possible for the bulb. We recommend a bulb with a projected life of at least 6,000 hours, that will give you three hours of use a day for five years.
Speakers
Depending on what you plan to use your projector for, you may want to pay attention to the speaker strength and quality. The projectors we listed above all have competitive and decent speaker strength that can fill a room with a clear and loud sound.
If you already have a sound system in your home, this may not be a high concern for you. We recommend speakers of 5w or better for this price range so even if you take your projector on the go you don’t have to worry about bringing along any extra equipment.
Screen throw
The term screen throw is used to describe how far your projector needs to sit away from the screen to project a hundred-inch screen. If you have a small room or you will be using your projector in various locations we recommend getting a projector with a short or medium throw length. All of the projectors on our recommendation list have a medium throw length with some boasting a super short distance.
Screencast
A screencast is about how big your projector can make its projection. If you want to use your projector for large rooms or groups, we suggest looking for a projector that offers a 200 to the 300-inch screen without a loss in resolution or video quality.
The projectors we have selected for our recommendations will all produce a big beautiful colourful display. Many projectors on the market claim to be able to project large screens but they lose quality the larger they go, so pay attention to reviews when shopping outside this list.
Resolution
Resolution is one of the most important specifications you should consider with projectors. We recommend looking for a resolution of 1080p in full HD which is Bluray quality. Our list doesn’t include anything lower than 1080p. You may want to get a device that is capable of projecting in 3D for movies and video games; many of the projectors on our list will give you 3D capabilities.
The contrast ratio
The contrast ratio is a good indication of how vibrant and sharp your projection will be. The higher the contrast ratio is the picture will be. If you want deep, rich blacks, crisp, vivid whites with sharp edges and lines we recommend finding a projector with a contrast ratio of at least 10,000 to one. As always we haven’t suggested anything below this ratio.
Compatibility
How important the connections of a projector are and how much attention you should give them will depend on what you’re going to be using your projector for, primarily. A wireless connection can be the best tool for a smooth and accessible setup, but many lack this feature. HDMI is probably the most important port for most users, but if you have an older computer or device, you may want to find a projector that will fit your needs.
Warranty
These projectors may be less expensive than some of the other high-end devices, but warranties should always be a prime consideration. Most mid-range projectors come with a two to three-year warranty with six months to a year for the bulb. If you are worried about accidental drops and spills, we suggest getting an extended coverage warranty.
Conclusion – What is the Best Projector Under $1000
The BenQ HT2150ST is our top choice for a do it all projector it is fast enough to play video games it has excellent optics and a bright display for movie watching and a sleek and modern aesthetic that will fit into any office. For the classroom the InFocus IN3148HD is our clear winner, it has the brightest bulb in our review so you will never have any issues with lighting. For gaming and home theatres, our top pick is the ViewSonic PX706HD due to its high resolution and ultra low lag time.
Projectors are the latest tool to enjoy high-resolution movies, games and presentations on a huge screen without buying a massive flat screen. As technology has advanced so too has the projector, demand for these devices has brought down the price enough that you can now get a decent mid-range device for under 1000 dollars.
If you have been thinking about getting a projector and you didn’t know where to start, we hope this has been a help. It can be overwhelming trying to find a new device, and with a gadget like a projector, most people don’t know where to start. If you stick to our recommended list or follow the advice in the buyer’s guide, you should get a great device.
