Are you in the market for a budget-friendly projector? If so you should look for the best projector under 300.
This provides an affordable projector with quality color/brightness, contrast, lamp, flexibility, etc. We’ll be reviewing some of the top cheap projectors on the market including their pros, and cons. We’ll also share some key features to look for when picking an under-$300 home projector.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Projector Under 300 Comparison Table
Straight to the winner? So for the top projectors in the under-$300 price range on the market, we would pick the: Nebula Capsule Wi-Fi Mini Projector by Anker.
[aawp table=”2811″]Best Projector Under 300 Reviews
1. Portable LCD Home Projector by Wsky
Summary
Image/Screen
The Wsky LCD Home Projector includes 1920p x 1080p resolution, 75% more brightness vs. other LED projectors, and 2500:1 contrast ratio. The projector supports screen sizes up to 185-inches.
Inputs/Multimedia
The projector supports images, TV series, movies, sports events, USB sticks, etc. You can use the HDMI/USB cables to connect the projector to iOS phones/tablets, or gaming consoles like Xbox One, PS$ or Wii.
Speakers/Fan
2 built-in Dolby speakers are included with the projector.
The fan’s thermal system and Dolby sound effects produce 2x better heat dissipation, which makes the projector cooler and 50% quieter.
Extras /Support
The projector is bundled with bonus HDMI cable.
There’s also a 1-year warranty and customer service offered.
PROS
- Works in dim environments
- Shows soft edges at a distance
- Many features for the price point
- Effective indoors/outdoors
- Small/compact projector
CONS
- Lighting isn’t excellent
- Doesn’t support Blu-ray movies
- Might only last for weeks
2. 1080P Home Theater Projector by CiBest
Summary
Image/Screen
The HD Home Theater Projector offers 1920p x 1080p resolution, 4000:1 contrast ratio and projection size up to 200 inches. The unit is designed for home theater and backyard use.
Inputs/Multimedia
The projector supports HDMI inputs/MHL connectivity. Other input options include VGA/AV/SD Card.
You can connect the projector to devices like:
- PC/Mac
- iOS/Android Smartphone/tablet
- DVD/Blu-ray player
- USB Drive
- Media players
- Laptop
- Fire TV Stick
- TV/cable
Speakers/Fan
The upgraded speaker system includes two 4-Ohm speakers with a surround sound system. The speakers provide enough sound for both indoor and outdoor use.
The speakers include cooling technology, so noise is reduced to low/medium frequencies. This prevents the operating noise from interfering with the speakers’ normal volume levels.
Features
The LED lamp protects viewers from projector light and includes up to 50,000 hrs. of lamp life. Even if you use the project 10 hrs. daily the lamp will last for 10+ years.
The projector can be installed on the desk, table, or ceiling in the bedroom, living room, backyard, etc.
Extras /Support
The projector includes a 3-year warranty, and you can contact the company about any questions/concerns you have.
PROS
- Fan is relatively quiet
- Full HD resolution
- Has the same features as expensive projectors
- Audio isn’t excellent
- Excellent value for the price
CONS
- Less bright than advertised
- Pixelated image
- Scratches on lens
3. GEARGO 2800 HD Portable Projector by GEARGO
Summary
Image/Screen
The GEARGO projector includes full HD resolution, 2800 lumens, and 2000:1 contrast. The manufacturer claims it’s 80% brighter than other projectors. The projector also works with screens up to 185-inches.
Inputs/Multimedia
The speaker supports multiple input interfaces including ports for HDMI (2), SD, VGA, AV, USB, and earphones. You can also connect devices like iPhone/iOS Android phones/tablets, media players, USB flash drives, SD card, PC/Mac, etc.
Speakers/Fan
The HD projector includes built-in dual 3-watt Stereo Speakers that let you watch content in a regular size room without an external speaker.
The in-house Noise Suppression System includes a cooling system to reduce fan sound by 90%.
Features
The LED lamp has a maximum of 30,000 hr. life so if you use the projector 10 hrs./day it will last for 12 yrs.
Extras /Support
The projector is bundled with:
- HD Portable Projector
- HDMI Cable
- AV Cable
- AC Adapter
- Remote Control
- User Manual
The GEARGO HD projector includes a 3-year replacement warranty. There’s also a 45-day guarantee so you can get a full refund within that timeframe.
PROS
- Excellent value for the price
- Crisp/clear resolution
- Lightweight/portable projector
- Good design/durability
- Projector is easy to use
CONS
- Difficult to focus
- Fan is relatively loud
- Price should be lower for quality
4. M1 Portable Projector by ViewSonic
Summary
Image/Screen
The portable LED projector includes 854p x 480x resolution and projects on walls up to 100-inches.
The keystone feature lets you automatically correct images from any angle to provide the best viewing experience.
Inputs/Multimedia
The project connects to Pc/Mac, mobile devices, and media players through input options like USB-A/C, HDMI, and Micro SD,
You can also use wireless HDMI dongles to stream wireless via Amazon Fire TV Stick and GoogleCast. You can mirror images/videos from a phone/tablet and share them from anywhere.
Speakers/Fan
The HD projector includes 2 built-in Harman Kardon speakers for quality digital. This provides a clear/balanced bass, mids, and treble and an immersive experience for live concerts, music videos, and blockbuster movies.
Features
This palm-size HD projector is small, compact, and lightweight. This makes it easy to use for indoor/outdoor and move it from room to room.
The projector is easy to set up/control through plug/play. This allows you to view images, videos, and presentations easily.
The project has 16GB of internal storage for 4 hrs. of movies or 4,000 songs.
The battery lasts up to 6 hrs. on a single charge. You can also use USB-C to charge mobile devices like smartphones and tablets via the power adapter.
A safety feature causes the lens to switch off when the projector detects close objects.
Extras /Support
The built-in 360-degree Smart Stand lets you install the project at almost any angle. The stand also functions as a lens cover that switches off the HD projector when it’s closed and easily powers up the unit.
The box includes:
- HD Projector
- USB-C Cable
- Power Adapter
- Projector Case
- Remote Control
- Quick Start guide
The HD Projector includes a 3-year warranty that covers parts/labor and 1-year light source coverage.
PROS
- Good projector business presentations
- Good audio/images
- Compatible with MacBook/iPad
- Stylish portable projector
CONS
- Might break quickly
- Shipping/defects
- Max. SD card size is 32GB.
5. IN112XA HDMI Projector by InFocus
Summary
Image/Screen
The HD projector includes 800p x 600p resolution, 3800 lumens, and 26:1 contrast ratio for sharper images, brighter whites, and darker blacks. The screen projects onto screens up to 300-in.
The projector includes DLP tech from Texas Instruments and in-house Brilliant Color. This produces 1+ billion colors.
Inputs/Multimedia
Input options include HDMI and VGA.
The project also supports 3D content from PCs, Blu-ray players, video games, 3D broadcasting, etc. you must purchase 3D glasses separately.
Speakers/Fan
With a 3W mono speaker for an inbuilt projector speak it does the job but for high-quality crisp sound this is not the case. As per most of the projectors on this list, external speakers would be required except you could get away with it maybe outdoors on your patio on a quiet night.
The fan noise when the projector is a full brightness is 31dB which is something you will definitely hear but shouldn’t be too much of a hassle.
Features
This home/business projector can be used for various applications like 3D movies, presentations, gaming, music, etc.
The design of compact/lightweight, so it’s easy to move and install.
The IN112XA has a lamp with up to 15,000 hrs. of life, which is among the most long-lasting lives among projector lamps.
Extras /Support
The product is bundled with Projector, Power Cord, VGA Cable, and Remote Control.
The projector is covered by a 2-year warranty and customer service that doesn’t include phone trees or voice mail.
PROS
- Projector’s overall quality
- Size/weight ideal for traveling
- Synchs easily with devices
- Good option for consoles like PS4
- Clear/sharp image
CONS
- No lens cover
- Keystone isn’t very effect
- Speaker might not turn off
6. MS524AE Business Projector by BenQ
Summary
Image/Screen
The MS524AE produces 800p x 600x resolution, 3300 lumens, 15,000: 1 contrast, and 4:3 aspect ratio.
The DLP tech from Texas Instruments and optical lens systems offer clarity, smooth color transitions, and crisp readability for better business presentations.
Inputs/Multimedia
Input options include 2 HDMI inputs for digital connectivity, HDTV/video compatibility. The projector can host multiple laptops/mobile devices without requiring IT support and complex adapters.
Speakers/Fan
The speakers for this device do not perform well as the sound can barely be heard so definitely a requirement for external sound systems.
The fan on the other hand although it produces hot air does have a quiet noise range of 29-32dBA which shouldn’t disturb any viewing time with unwanted noise.
Features
The lamp has a maximum of 10000 hr. life in Smart Eco mode.
Triple adjustment feet make it easy to move the projector from room to room.
The total cost of ownership is low so you won’t have to spend tons of money on maintenance/repairs.
Extras /Support
The product is bundled with:
- HD projector
- Remote Control
- Power Cord
- VGA Cable
- Quick Start Guide
- User Manual CD
PROS
- Includes features on pricier projectors
- Good for home/office/school
- Functions as entry/basic projector
- Works in bright environments
- Excellent value for the price
CONS
- Short zoom
- Lamp life, not 10,000 hrs.
- Few positioning options
7. ABOX A6 Portable Home Theater by GooBang Doo
Summary
Image/Screen
The projector produces full HD with 1920p x 1080p resolution, 20 million dots, and a contrast ratio of 4,000:1. The resolution is 3x higher than other 480p projectors.
The ABOX A6 has 200 ANSI lumens and offers 4x brighter colors and a new optical system that includes brighter colors/white vs. other LCD projectors. The unit works even with a small amount of ambient light.
The HD projector can produce 75% NTSC color spectrum, which is the global HDTV standard. This produces accurate movie theater colors.
The projector can be viewed on screens up to 200-inch. This is 16x bigger than a 60-inc. flat-screen TV.
The ABOX A6 projects RGB-LED light towards the wall/screen, which helps to reduce eye strain/fatigue.
Inputs/Multimedia
Input options include 2 HDMI, VGA, USB, and AV. You can connect the projector to iOS and Android smartphones/tablets for screen mirrors.
HD sources include gaming consoles, Blu-ray/DVD players, and Android boxes.
There’s an audio output for connecting the projector to an external speaker to build a surround sound system in your home.
The projector connects to devices like smartphones, laptops, and Amazon firesticks. Applications include movies, video games, business presentations, and weddings.
Speakers/Fan
The sound is boosted 50% by upgraded 80e-watt stereo speakers. You can use them for applications like movies, parties, and sports events.
Fan noise is reduced by 30% due to heat dissipation and a full sealed lens.
Features
The projector includes a 45-degree vertical keystone correction.
After long-term use, there are fewer burn images and black spots for optimization.
The lamp life is up to 50,000 hrs.
Extras /Support
The HD projector is bundled with:
- ABOX A6 Projector
- HDMI cable
- AV Cable
- Power Adapter
- Remote Control
- User Manual
The ABOX A6 is protected by a 2-year warranty with a basic design.
PROS
- Crisp picture quality
- Native HD resolution
- Good for indoors/outdoors
- Easy to set up/move
- Quality project w/ budget-friendly price
CONS
- Focusing home menu screen
- Compatibility with Chromecast Ultra/Dolby Audio
- Warranty/replacement issues
8. HD Portable Projector by CRENOVA
Summary
Image/Screen
CRENOVA claims its projector is 80% brighter vs. similar projectors on the market. It includes 1280p x 800x resolution, 200 ANSI lumens, and 3000:1 contrast ratio. The LED light tech provides sharp/clear images and especially in dim environments.
The project includes upgraded NTSC tech that provides a better color gamut vs. similar projectors. The color-correction tech provides clear/natural colors.
The project can display images on screens up to 200-in. in certain situations.
Inputs/Multimedia
The HD Portable Projector supports full HD content, and input options include RCA, HDMI, USB, AV, VGA, and MicroSD.
Speakers/Fan
The projector produces 90% less fan noise vs. similar projectors. That’s due to the cooling/fan system and Noise Suppression tech that produce less noise. You can also reduce the noise further by connecting the project to another audio device.
The built-in speakers provide a clear/loud sound with good projection in a small room. The speakers include an SRS Sound System that produces high-end sound quality for indoor/outdoor use for an immersive experience. You also have the option to add an external speaker for louder sound.
Features
The lamp has a maximum life of 30,000 hrs. so you can use it for over 10 yrs. in certain cases.
The fan’s vent door is removable for cleaning and overheating prevention.
The projector can be mounted on the ceiling using the mountain brackets/racks.
Extras /Support
The projector is bundled with Portable Projector, power cable, RCA/HDMI input cables, remote control, and instruction manual.
This CRENOVA projector is covered by a 1-year warranty that provides a refund/replacement. There’s also lifetime customer service and 24/7 tech support that provides help with any questions/concerns you have.
PROS
- Affordable yet good quality
- Easily connects to a laptop
- Clear picture with little noise
- Movie theater-like experience
- Better than the previous model
- Good customer service
CONS
- No SD slot
- No brightness controls
- Shipping/defective parts
9. PA503S HDMI Projector by ViewSonic
Summary
Image/Screen
The PA503S can be used for small business and education applications like images, videos, and presentations. The projector has a resolution of 800p x 600p and 3600 lumens.
SuperColor tech provides a wide range of colors for clear images in nearly all lighting environments. The 6ms input latency provides quicker frame-by-frame action.
It produces images to screens up to 120-in.
Inputs/Multimedia
The HDMI Projector can be connected to a PC/Mac and smartphone/tablet. Input options include HDMI and VGA.
Speakers
This projector did not put much effort into the inbuilt speaker as only 2W power so highly recommended hooking it up to your own sound system for better performance. Is adequate enough for small meeting rooms for presentation noises or video but not the greatest.
Features
The lamp’s life is a maximum of 15,000 hrs. in SuperEco mode that reducing lamp brightness by up to 70%. This can reduce energy consumption and thus the total cost of ownership (TCO).
Extras /Support
The projector is bundled with HDMI Projector, Power/VGA Cable, and Remote Control.
The PA503S includes a 3-year limited warranty that covers parts/labor. There’s also 1-yr. lamp warranty.
PROS
- Excellent value for the price
- Good project for backyard movies
- Can be used for indoor/outdoor movies
- Good for PowerPoint presentations
- Large/clear image
CONS
- Might only work for months
- Lamp costs as much as the projector
- Shipping/packaging issues
10. Nebula Capsule Wi-Fi Mini Projector by Anker
Summary
Image/Screen
Nebula Capsule mirrors a smartphone’s screen or displays content from video streaming app on screen up to 100-in.
DLP tech from Texas Instruments uses IntelliBright algorithms to produce 100 ANSI lumens.
Inputs/Multimedia
You can connect Capsule to your iOS/Android phone at App Store and Google Play.
Speakers/Fan
The projector produces omnidirectional sound and supports Android 7.1 OS.
Features
The battery provides 4-hrs. of continuous video playtime on a single charge. You can also juice up the Capsule with the Quick Charge feature.
Extras /Support
PROS
- Good portable projector
- Several features for the price
- Produces 100-in. display
- Good image/sound
- Can be set up/installed quickly
CONS
- Doesn’t work well in bright rooms
- Packing doesn’t match the product description
- Company’s privacy policy
Key Features of Projectors Under $300
When shopping for the best projector under 300 it’s critical to know the most important factors to weigh. Here are some of them:
Type
When shopping for an under-$300 projector, you should narrow your search to portable and mini projectors. If you’re on a shoestring budget, you can find several pico projectors in the under-$100 range.
If you’re willing to spend $200 to $300, then you should definitely consider a portable projector. You can find many budget models in this range with good specs and several features. On the other hand, if you want a higher-quality unit then be ready to shell out $500+ or even $1000+ for full-size projectors.
Lumens
This figure is greatly related to how bright the lamp/projector is. In terms of the overall quality of the projector’s image, it’s one of several factors.
Look for high-level lumens in particular if you’ll be using the projector in low-light environments. High lux figures will also improve the projector’s contrast, which is a critical feature in terms of the overall quality of the image.
Portability
You won’t have problems with 1-lb. palm-size mini projectors being portable. On the other hand, even so-called “portable” projects can have different degrees of portability.
What should you look for? Make sure to consider basics like the unit’s size and weight since these issues will greatly affect where you can operate the projector.
Another key factor is how wireless the project is. This includes whether the unit itself can operate while running on the rechargeable battery. Then there are other factors like live-streaming that prevents the need for cables to connect your mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.
Customer/Technical Support
These are both offered by many companies, and sometimes it’s 24/7. This is a great feature that helps you deal with any questions or problems you have. Around-the-clock support is especially important when the support is provided on the other side of the world, for example.
The customer service is connected closely to a company’s warranties and guarantees. In many cases when customers complain about customer service, they also had issues related to a product’s warranty/guarantee.
Projection Tech
This is a very technical issue so make sure to research the particular system that’s used for a particular model. One of the most common ones is DLP from Texas Instruments. Other companies use in-house projection tech so do your homework about how it works and its efficacy.
Connectivity Options
This can include a wide range including HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, screen mirroring, etc. Make sure to consider the type(s) of connectivity you’ll be using to help guide you when picking a projector.
Warranty/Guarantee
A warranty is usually valid for 1-3 years, and typically it’s limited instead of comprehensive. Check about what’s covered in limited warranties. Typically it includes things like defects from materials/manufacturing and might cover parts and labor.
E-commerce companies like Amazon sometimes offer their own warranty. This will generally be less generous than the manufacturer’s warranty but provides extra protection.
The guarantee tends to promise a 100% satisfaction guarantee within 30 days although it’s sometimes good for 60 or 90 days. A satisfaction guarantee usually provides a refund or replacement unit if you’re not a happy customer for whatever reason.
Resolution
When picking a projector in the under-$300 price range the best resolution available is full HD (1080 pixels). If you absolutely, positively must display 4K resolution then expect to pay more for such models.
As with other issues, the resolution itself won’t guarantee crisp/clear images. In fact, sometimes when companies advertise full HD, the actual resolution is below that figure and might even produce pixelation in certain situations.
Video Playtime
If you’re picking a portable projector, you should check the max. video playtime on a single charge. The main factor is the battery size so you should expect much lower figures for mini projectors than portable projectors.
Some projectors include a Quick Charge feature that lets you juice up the projector when you just need to use it for a short session. It’s a helpful feature when you have to charge the unit for a last-minute business presentation, for example.
Indoor/Outdoor Applications
This is mostly related to how effectively the projector operates in high or low-light environments. Make sure if you just want to use the projector for indoor and/or outdoor movie nights, for example. Based on their tech specs some projectors perform better in low or high light levels.
Mobile App
Some projectors include a dedicated mobile app you can download from App Store or Google Play. This provides more convenience since you can operate the projector using your smartphone. It’s a good option if you want to be more “mobile” while operating the projector.
Devices Supported
A home projector can support a wide range of devices. They include PC/Mac, smartphone/tablet, gaming console, DVD/Blu-ray players, media players, etc.
Make sure to consider how you’ll be using your next under-$300 projector. If you’re a gamer, then you’ll likely want compatibility with Wii, PS4, Xbox One, etc. On the other hand, if you’ll be using the projector for business presentations, then you’ll likely want to connect the unit to a desktop/laptop or tablet.
Brand
Fun Fact: Explay/Kopin announced their partnership in 2005 to develop the first handheld projectors. Portable and mini projectors are relatively new to the industry, so you’ll find fewer brands/models than full-size home projectors.
Make sure to research a company before selecting a projector. This is especially true when searching for budget-friendly units since you’ll find many generic/off brands. You should arguably avoid such projectors since you’ll get lower-quality products and service.
Extras
This usually includes the basics like power cord, HDMI/AV/USB cable, AC Adapter, owner’s manual, and so on. Make sure to check if cables, in particular, are bundled with the projector since you’ll have to purchase them separately if they’re not.
Conclusion
We’ve just reviewed some of the top projectors in the under-$300 price range. We’re now ready to announce our pick for the best of the best: Nebula Capsule Wi-Fi Mini Projector by Anker,
Anker is a Chinese electronics company specializing in computer/mobile accessories. The company was founded in 2011, so it’s an established company, so it’s a better option than startup companies, for example.
Let’s get to the projector’s details. Nebula Capsule includes 1854p x 480p resolution, 100 ANSI lumens, 400:1 contrast ratio, and DLP projection tech. It projects to screens up to 100-inch.
The Capsule is small/compact and weighs about 1 pound. This makes it easy to transport and store the projector. Meanwhile, it provides a crisp/clear picture using IntelliBright algorithms and provides 4 hrs. of video on a single charge. The indoor/outdoor project also includes an in-house Capsule Control app for iOS/Android.
The X-factor feature that makes the Capsule the best projector under 300 is the soda can shape. This is a unique shape that makes it different from other portable projectors on the market. The Anker Nebula Capsule delivers a heavenly experience!
