10 Cheapest 4K Projectors – The Ultimate Budget Guide

4K projectors are ultra-high resolution projectors that produce a very high-resolution image that is even clearer and more lifelike than an HD image. They have a very smooth display and are very sought after by tech enthusiasts. 

You might be wondering what 4K actually means. 4K projects have four times more pixels than a regular projector. These projectors have two specific specifications in general and display either 3840 x 2160 or 4096 x 2160 pixels. 

Good quality 4K projectors cost anywhere from $2500 to $6000 and maybe even more. Due to their high ticket price tag, it is important to do your research and find a projector that fits your budget without having to compromise features. 

What We Have Covered

After researching almost 35 hours with around 98 4k resolution projectors, our lab experts have sort out the list of 4k projectors. They have listed the top 10 cheapest 4K projectors available. As of their research, Epson 5040UBe WirelessHD projector is the best option if you think about the quality along with a 4k display at a cheap price.

Related Article: Best Projector to buy in 2019 (under $100, $150, $200, $300, $400, $500 & $1000)

Let’s see our top 10 inexpensive 4k projectors:

Top 10 inexpensive 4K projectors

Here we will talk about the best budget 4K projector available in the market, but it doesn’t mean that they won’t provide you a desirable performance. All the products are selected after proper examination, and once you get any of them, you won’t regret your decision.

Let’s dig deep into the details of all models we have coined under the affordable 4K projector catalog and choose the “dream 4K projector” for your home.

1. Optoma UHD60 4K Ultra HD Projector – The World’s First Budget 4K Projector

What We Liked Most About This Product UHD60 is an incredible 4K projector Optoma has produced in the market, and it is one particular model which liked by a considerable number of customers. Honestly, we loved every part of this stunning device, and it hardly leaves any room for dislike. We were quite overwhelmed by its 4K UHD resolution, extensive color gamut, and HDR10 compatibility.

 

Features, Pros, and Cons:

Features and Benefits Optoma UHD60 is arguably the best 4K projector in the market that you will find under an economical price tag and what makes it best? It’s an astounding performance. This model boasts true 4K UHD resolution coupled with 8.3 million on-screen pixels to cradle your eye with drooling visual output.

You will be startled to see that it is also geared with 3000 lumens, REC2020 color space, and a 1000000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. However, HDR10 serves to bring the real edge to the visuals as it provides a massive depth to the color output of the visuals. It even offers a dynamic black facility that maintains the deep dark section of the image.

Now, Optoma has offered quite an extensive screen size choice with UHD60 which can go up to 140inch with a minimum 1.39:1 throw ratio. With this projector, the setup process is easy as it comes with DLP-1 auto-alignment chip, vertical lens shift, and 1.6x zoom facility. Most importantly you will get the UltraDetail technology to adjust the visual for the best clarity.

It even comes with a dual 4-watt speaker and heavy-duty lamp so that you won’t have to spend any extra buck. Lastly, the array of ports provided by Optoma is commendable, and it even comes with HDCP 2.2 as well as HDMI 2.0 which assists the projector to throw a full 4K bandwidth.

Optoma UHD60 is a state of the earth projector that has rewritten the rulebook of HDR-compatible 4K projectors in the market with its astonishing performance. It is worth every penny you for this projector and it won’t betray you in the long term. This is a class apart device that has thousands of happy customers who swear by it longevity.

2. Epson 5040UBe 4k 3LCD – An efficient 4K HDR projector.

What We Liked Most About This Product As we all know Epson is top tier projector manufacturer who has always produced high-performance projectors and 5040UB is one of those projectors. It is an exciting model that has grabbed our eye with 4K enhancement facility, killer color production, and good lumens number. Apart from this, we were quite satisfied with its scintillating 3D performance which is at par with top-notch devices.

Features, Pros, and Cons:

Features and Benefits Epson home cinema 5040UB is an astounding projector for home cinema with 4K capability which is destined to provide you a theater-like experience at home comfort. It is powered by a 3-chip 3LCD projection system along with 2500 lumens of brightness and 1000000:1 dynamic contrast which depicts lifelike image quality.

To notch up its incredible quality, the manufacturer has also provided HDR compatibility and 4K enhancement technology. This 4K enhancement technology upgrades all the non-4K content to Full UHD content so that you can view every bit of the detailing. It is even geared up with a full 10-bit color gamut which provides the complete RGB color space.

5040UB is an intriguing 4K device that has a huge number of positive customer reviews on many e-commerce sites like Amazon, eBay, Walmart, etc. It really turns your room into a movie theater by providing Full 3D compatibility along with the assist motorized power lens. Apart from this, the no rainbow effect also serves as a highlighting feature.

The installation and calibration process in this projector is quite simple as it doesn’t involve a complicated integration process. You can connect almost all modern devices to this projector which includes ports like HDMI, USB, mini USB, D-sub 15 pin, LAN, and RS-232c. However, you can’t easily carry it everywhere because it is quite bulky and ceiling installation would require a lot of support.

5040UB is a highly rated 4K HDR projector that comes with an affordable price tag for the people who love 4K projectors. This projector holds all the guns so that it won’t give you any chance of dissatisfaction.

3. Acer V7850 4K Ultra HD DLP – An Affordable 4K Capable Home Theater Projector

What We Liked Most About This Product Acer V7850 is a highly efficient 4k device that made fall us in love with its performance and feature catalog. Truthfully, there is hardly any fact we didn’t like about this projector rather we were flabbergasted by some of its features. This DLP projector’s 4K UHD resolution with Ti XPR, ColorPurity technology, and availability of multiple inputs caught our eye. Its dual speaker acted as the final nail in the coffin for its inclusion in this list. This one is the best high lumens 4K projector on our list.

 

Features, Pros, and Cons:

Features and Benefits Acer V7850 is one of those 4K projectors which you desire to add to your cart because it offers an exceptional performance which makes it the best bang for the buck. This DLP device comes loaded with a 3840X2160 resolution along with Ti XPR and 8.3 million on the screen which ultimately produces a jaw-dropping visual.

Every frame is engulfed with 2200 ANSI lumens of brightness, 1200000:1 contrast ratio, and HDR which gives an extra edge to the frames with vividness and richness. With this projector, you will get the option for both 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratio support which would be a boon if you plan to use it as a gaming projector.

Acer has molded V7850 with some efficient color technology which comprises ColorPurity technology and RGBRGB color wheel with REC2020 which makes every frame come alive with massive color depth. It also packs AcuMotion technology that slashes any blur in the frame thus offering an entirely smooth visual output.

It also rocks a dual 5-watt speaker which would dazzle you with its crystal sound clarity, but it is only suitable for a small or medium-sized room. This projector also possesses various modern connectivity ports like MHL, HDMI, USB, etc. which allows you to hook large array of devices and media formats with ease. You won’t even have to worry about lamp replacement because it runs up to 15000 hours in Eco mode.

Acer V7850 is a solid 4K UHD HDR projector that is worthy to make its way to your home and that too without making a hole in your pocket. It may not suit the buyers who are looking for the best 4K projector under $2000 or above $1k but would suit the buyer who would tad increase their budget by a couple of hundreds.

4. Epson 5040UB 3LCD 4K Projector – A True 4K Projector

What We Liked Most About This Product 5040UBe is a prolific projector with the 4K capability of Epson that carries an enormous number of lucrative attributes which would force anyone to fall in love with it. However, its 4K enhancement technology, Full HD wireless streaming, and seamless full 3D compatibility. You will be glad to know, that it is the world’s first 4K support projector that boasts wireless HD streaming. We also got fascinated by its no rainbow effect technology which is one of its kind in the modern projector world.

 

Features, Pros, and Cons:

Features and Benefits Epson home cinema 5040UBe is not an ordinary projector that comes under $200 or $150 but instead a world-class device that has dazzled all its customer with its performance. This projector is based on 3-chip 3LCD technology along with three dimensional DCI P3 wide color gamut which offers the whole sRGB color space.

Not to forget its HD10 compatibility with 2500 lumens of brightness and 1000000:1 dynamic contrast ratio which brings depth and detailing to the frames. However, its 4K enhancement technology takes all the limelight which holds the prowess to upscale any ordinary to 4K quality without any oversaturation. To cope up with the quality, it also didn’t apply rainbow effect technology.

Another highlighting fact of 5040UBe is its wireless HD streaming facility that seamlessly plays all your favorite content. You can even play any 4K content through this projector as it supports all types of formats. This device is also compatible with 3D materials so it won’t be a problem for you if you are planning to watch a movie in 4K 3D.

The alignment process for this projector is quite easy as it comes preloaded with ten preset positions for focus, lens shift, and zoom. Like all leading projectors in the market, it also packs all class-leading connection facilities which include HDCP2.2, HDMI, USB, HDMI, mini USB, RS-232c, D-sub 15 pin, and LAN.

If you are hunting for a projector to set up your home theater that would treat your eye with 4K content without breaking your bank, then Epson home cinema 5040UBe would be the ideal addition. It is an exclusive projector that offers both 4K support as well as 4K quality augmentation

5. Vivitek HK2288 DLP – An strong 4K ultra HD projector.

What We Liked Most About This Product HK2288 is a flagship model from Vivitek which has impressed a lot of customers with its lucrative modern attribute and design. We mostly liked its true 4K resolution, RGB color customization, HDR10 compatibility, and 10-watt speaker. However, overall we were delighted to see so many attributes packed in this little shiny box without exaggerating it with an expensive price tag. We were stunned by its image output, and it really outplays many famous manufacturers of the projector in the market

 

Features, Pros, and Cons:

Features and Benefits Vivitek HK2288 is a state of the earth native 4K projector that packs all the necessary gears to treat your eye with fluidic visuals. It utilizes DLP DarkChip3, 8.3million on-screen pixel, and native 3840 X 2160 resolution to immerse you in an extraordinary home theater experience. Possibly, this one is the lowest cost true 4K projector.

It is also equipped with a 500000:1 contrast ratio, 2000 lumens, and HDR10 which helps the projector to bring out the essential quality you would expect. Not to forget the BrilliantColor technology and 12-bit RGB color with a six-segment wheel engulfs every frame with intense color detailing which ultimately brings the best out of the content.

Whether you use this projector to watch a movie outside or inside the room, you won’t have any difficulty with the screen size as it can change from 24inches to 325inches. You can quickly tune the frame for optimum clarity by utilizing its advanced color management and gamma tuning.

It even offers a vertical lens shift and 1.5x zoom which will assist you to place them correctly during installation. Vivitek has also supplied heavy-duty lamps which can last up to 4000 hours when used in Eco mode. You will also find a 10-watt in-built speaker which provides a decent output although you might require an external speaker to bring up some volume.

HK2288 is an exclusive UHD projector that would hardly disappoint you in any section, and many customers consider it as a gem in the 4K projector market. It fulfills all your requirements of an outstanding theater-like experience without giving you any chance of having a second thought.

6. Sony VPLVW285ES – Best Native 4K Projector for Gaming

What We Liked Most About This Product Sony is a pioneer of visual products, and whether it is a projector or TV, they are always known as the top manufacturer in the market. VPLVW285ES is one of their flagship that has swayed us with incredible 4K visuals backed by SXRD technology. However, we were more attracted to its Triluminous display and Reality creation technology which brings the magic in the output. Overall, we were impressed to see such a vast list of attractive attributes in this beast.

 

Features, Pros, and Cons:

Features and Benefits Sony’s VPLVW285ES is a top-notch flagship model which is often associated with the title of best 4K home theater projector in the market. It is based on world-famous SXRD technology that promises to deliver lifelike 4K visuals, and it is backed up by 1500 lumens of brightness as well as a 120000:1 contrast ratio.

All thanks to HDR and Trilumios display technology which allow immense production of natural colors in the frame thus bringing pragmatism and depth. While playing DVD, Blu-Ray or 3D movie, you won’t have to worry about quality because Reality Creation technology upscales the content to 4k resolution. Not to forget, the Motionflow technology also gives an extra edge to clarity.

VPL VW series of Sony is known for its incredible 3D performance and VPLVW285ES is no different, and it also allows you to use RF 3D glasses. The installation process is quite efficient as you get the support of a substantial lens shift and 2.1x zooming capability. Sony has also embedded it with a heavy-duty lamp which promises to last up to 6000 hours in Low Mode.

With this projector, you will find a large array of connection facility which includes the likes of RS-232, Trigger, Ethernet, IP controller, USB, HDCP2.2, HDMI2.0, etc. Once you get this projector, you won’t have a look back because Sony offers three years warranty for all types of customer service.

Sony VPLVW285ES will be ideal for you if you are planning to go beyond $1000 projector and immerse yourself in the world of pure 4K resolution. It is a top-end projector which excels in almost every section and hardly lacks in certain facilities.

7. Epson Home Cinema 4000 – Best 4K short throw projector

What We Liked Most About This Product Home Cinema 4000 is unarguably one of the most compelling 4K projectors Epson has brought in the market. This one is also a good 4K projector with an affordable price tag. It is one of those products which might not look appealing at first instance, but once you start using it, you will fall in love with it. It is filled with so many features that you would like every bit of this fantastic device. However, we were mostly fascinated by its 4K enhancement technology, HDR10 compatibility, 3D performance, and DCI-P3 color space

 

Features, Pros, and Cons:

Features and Benefits Epson projector is always known to offer crystal clear image quality, and Home Cinema 4000 is nothing different. It is an exclusively designed product that is powered with a 3-chip 3LCD design and 4K enhancement technology which bring true to life visual output. Not to forget other reasons behind its exceptional quality are its 2200 lumens and 140000:1 contrast ratio with UltraBlack technology.

However, the presence of HDR10 makes the main impact as it cradles every frame with 10-bit color output. Likewise, the wide color gamut with DCI-P3 color space provides an extra edge to the frame output bursting with natural colors.

The screen size range of Home Cinema 4000 is quite large which starts from 50inches and goes all the way up to 300inches. With this projector, you can even enjoy all your 3D movies with ease, but they are only restricted to 1080p resolution. The calibration process is fluidic as the motorized lens comes with ten positions presets and a 2.1x zoom facility with a large lens shift.

Epson also packed this projector with a heavy-duty lamp which holds the capacity to last more than 5000 hours which ultimately relieves you from lamp replacement cost. Lastly, you will find all the crucial ports in this projector which includes HDMI, HDCP2.2, USB, D-Sub, RS-232c, etc.

Epson Home Cinema 4000 is a well-packed and competitively priced 4K projector that will all your need for home entertainment. Even though it doesn’t have a true 4K resolution but still it holds all the facilities to treat your eye with 4K quality visuals.

8. JVC DLA-X700R – Best Affordable Projector with 4K

What We Liked Most About This Product JVC DLA X700R is an underrated 4K projector in the market which holds the prowess to topple many expensive projectors from top brands. It is filled with various intriguing features, but we mostly liked its 4K e-shift3 technology, multiple pixel control image processor, auto-calibration, and real color imaging technology. If not the ideal but X700R is undoubtedly one of the best budget 4K projectors in the market.

 

Features, Pros, and Cons:

Features and Benefits JVC is quite popular in the projector for DLA-X flagship models, and X700R sits on the pinnacle position of that series. The showstopper feature of this projector is its e-shift3 technology that with the help of multiple pixel control image processes treats you with jaw-dropping 4K resolution.

To cradle the incredible visual output, it also packs a 90000:1 contrast ratio and 1300 lumens of brightness. JVC has gone one step higher in the color section as it has introduced Real Color Imaging technology, large color space, Xenon-lamp color temperature setting, and a 7-axis matrix color management system. You won’t find any blurry visuals in this projector as it comes with a Clear Motion Drive.

JVC has given a lot of facility in the 3D segment which includes advanced 3D output with negligible crosstalk, but you can only view visuals in 1080p resolution. It also comes attached with various other 3D facilities like 2D to 3D conversion, depth adjustment, disparity adjustment, IR transmission, PK-EM2 3D emitter, and RF transmission, etc.

You can easily connect all modern devices with the assistance of ports like HDMI, HDCP2.2, USB, LAN, etc. 255 screen adjustment modes would be available to you along with a ten-mode lens memory function. You will also find a digital keystone feature in this projector, but that would be only available in 2D mode.

JVC X700R is an exclusive D-ILA 4K UHD projector that would meet all your need starting from 720p to 4K resolution. It is a sturdy device that promises to be run for a long time without deteriorating its overall quality.

9. Sony VPLVW665ES – Best 3D 4K Projector at an Affordable Tag

What We Liked Most About This Product Sony VPL VW600ES has impressed us in every section, and it hasn’t given us any room to discard this projector from our list. We were in awe of its visual quality, highly efficient 2D to 3D conversion, and colossal contrast ratio. The sleek, sophisticated design made us fall in love with the projector, and it is a worthy showpiece that can beautify any room.

 

Features, Pros, and Cons:

Features and Benefits Sony is always known for its marvelous visual output, and VW600ES follows the same trend which is why it is also judged as the most potent true 4K projector in the market. It is geared with a DLP projector system that utilizes its 4096X2160 resolution, 1700 ANSI lumens, and 200000:1 contrast to treat your eye with lifelike visual quality. This is one of the cheapest but high-quality 4K projectors.

It also possesses an SXRD panel and Triluminos display technology which works all together to overwhelm you with razor-sharp image clarity. The Deep Color support facility along with Triluminous display engulfs every frame with a colossal color range which is far better than the color performance of top-end projectors.

VW600ES takes care of your screen priority seriously as it allows you to change the size from 60inches to 300inches. Likewise, it engages you in a theater-like 3D experience with the option for 2D to the 3D conversion facility. To make things more comfortable for you, Sony has provided an auto-calibration feature, motorized lens, and motorized lens shift.

Like other sections, this projector even excels in connectivity as it comes loaded with all kinds of ports which includes the likes of HDMI, USB, LAN, etc. Moreover, it is entirely compatible with almost every of media format so that you won’t have any difficulty playing your favorite content.

If you are seeking a 4K powerhouse to rave up your home entertainment, then there is no better option than Sony VPL VW600ES. It offers you a tantalizing taste of crystal clear quality with the right feel of a highly curated home theater projector. It has a huge fan base, and almost everyone swears by its longevity and performance.

10. Zenbility V8Plus 4K 3D Portable – Highly Rated 4K HDR Projector

What We Liked Most About This Product V8 Plus mini projectors is a brand new model from Zenbility which is often regarded as one of the best 4K 3D projectors in the market with an affordable price tag. It rocks on a DLP projection system that gets assistance from Android 5.1 OS and a 1.4GHz 64bit Cortex-A53 processor.

It is equipped with 1280X720 native resolution, but interestingly it also offers you 4K resolution support. It boasts an implausible visual quality and all the credits go to its 2000 lumens of brightness, 5000:1 contrast ratio, and high color accuracy. For convenience, you will also get 16GB ROM and a screen ratio of up to 16:9.

V8 Plus boasts a decent 3D projection performance with the support of all modern formats, and you will possess the option to change the 3D viewing size between 40inches and 200inches. This device is slightly better than the average model that is used in churches (check our guide on the church projectors) as you will get the option for wireless connectivity like Bluetooth 4.0 and 2.4 as well as 5Ghz Wi-Fi.

The lamp longevity provided by V8 is really commendable as it promises to last more than 30000 hours. With this projector, you are also offered the varied type of ports including HDMI, DC5.5, USB, TF card, micro USB, and 3.5mm. If you want to use this projector in a small room, then you won’t require an external speaker as it is padded with two 4-watt speakers for crisp output.

Zenbility V8 Plus mini projector is a premium design projector that packs all the modern attributes but doesn’t force you to pay a large chunk of money. It even supplies various other accessories which restrains you from spending an extra amount of accessories.

What to look for in a budget 4k projector

When you are on the hunt for the best budget 4K projector you can find yourself overwhelmed by the choice and features available to you. It can be difficult to identify what a projector’s top features are amongst all of the fancy specifications. 

You should keep in mind the projector’s ease of use and installation, as well as its lamp life, longevity, and power. If you are unsure what the industry standards are for each specification, I suggest following the buying guide b to get a feel for what to look for. 

Buying Guide

Use this guide as a reference before you finalize your purchase. You will also find this guide helpful to use while you shop around for 4K projectors as it will keep your mind focused on the most important features. 

Resolution

Screen resolution is the most important feature when it comes to 4K projectors, after all, what is the point in splashing out on a new 4K projector if it doesn’t show a brilliant picture?

A standard projector has roughly 600 x 800 pixels, whereas an ultra high definition 4K projector will have 3800 x 2200 pixels. 3800 x 2200 pixels may also be referred to as 4K x 2K pixels. 

Ease of Use

Ease of use refers to its ease of installation through to its ease of daily operation. Only buy a 4K projector if it has clear and easy-to-read instructions, it will be better for you if your projector has only a few short steps for installation. 

There are a number of things that can go wrong with investing in a projector that is not convenient and functional. Firstly, you run the risk of damaging it while you try to figure out how to use it, and secondly, you will get increasingly frustrated with it and you may not use the projector as much as you want to. 

Price

It is very easy to buy an expensive projector unnecessarily. Buying new technological equipment is always an exciting process, and if we don’t manage our budget appropriately, we will find ourselves spending more than we need to. 

Projectors vary in price and quality. A high-quality budget projector costs anywhere between $2500 and $6000. Work out a budget that suits you and stick to it. With enough research, you will find a 4K projector with the features and specifications you want at the price you are happy to pay. 

Durability

It goes without saying that you aren’t going to be bashing your projector intentionally, but you might want to take it into work with you if you are doing a seminar, or to a friend’s house to watch a movie with 4K resolution. 

Durability is a feature that most people forget about when they shop around for 4K projectors, so make sure you are not one of them! Look at what materials the projector you are thinking about getting is made out of. You want a projector that is made using rust-proof metals and strong plastics. 

Lamp Life

4K projectors are fitted with special lamps that are not as easy or cheap to replace as regular projector lights. The average lamp life for a 4K projector is anywhere between 1500 to 2000 hours. 

Brightness

Projector brightness is measured in lumens. A good projector will have between 1500 to 3000 lumens. 

10 Cheapest 4K Projectors in 2020 – The Ultimate Budget Guide – Verdict

From the 10 4K projectors listed above, we have one clear winner, the Sony VPLVW665ES.