Best Budget Projectors

Mick

By Mick

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Projectors offer a big-screen experience at home without the high cost, delivering larger images than most TVs at a fraction of the price. Recent improvements in budget projectors make them ideal for movie nights, gaming, or presentations. While once thought to be for dedicated home theaters, today’s budget projectors are portable, easy to set up, and perform well in different lighting conditions, turning any room into a temporary cinema or gaming space. Key factors when choosing a budget projector include brightness for visibility in various lighting, resolution for picture sharpness, and connectivity options for easy device hookup. After extensive testing, we’ve found the best budget projectors for different needs and spaces.

  • YABER Pro V9 Home Projector

    10

    We think the YABER Pro V9 is a solid choice for budget-conscious movie buffs seeking a feature-packed home projector.

    10

    We think the YABER Pro V9 is a solid choice for budget-conscious movie buffs seeking a feature-packed home projector.

    Pros

    • Sharp 1080p picture with 4K support
    • Quick auto-focus and keystone correction
    • Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity

    Cons

    • No built-in streaming apps
    • Mediocre brightness for well-lit rooms
    • Bulky size limits portability

    We were impressed by the Pro V9’s picture quality right out of the box. The 1080p resolution looked crisp, and 4K content scaled down nicely. Colors popped thanks to the wide color gamut, though we noticed some washout in brighter scenes.

    Setting up the projector was a breeze. The auto-focus and 6D keystone correction worked like magic, giving us a perfectly aligned image in seconds. We didn’t have to fiddle with manual adjustments at all.

    The built-in speakers surprised us with their fullness, filling our living room with clear dialogue and decent bass. For movie night, we paired it with a Bluetooth soundbar for an even more immersive experience. The Wi-Fi 6 support meant we could stream content from our phones without any lag or buffering issues.

    While the Pro V9 claims 600 ANSI lumens, we found it worked best in dark or dimly lit rooms. Daylight viewing was possible but not ideal. The lack of built-in streaming apps means you’ll need to connect a separate device for content.

    Despite its chunky size, the sealed optical engine should help this projector last. We appreciate YABER’s generous warranty and responsive customer service, which gave us peace of mind about our purchase.

    YABER Pro V9 Home Projector
    • 【Smart Auto Focus & Auto 6D Keystone Correction】Effortlessly getting a clear and well-aligned image in 5 Seconds after powering on! YABER 4k projector comes with auto-focus and 6D auto-keystone technology, save hassle of manually adjusting, easily set up for movies or games.With the built-in displacement gyroscope and sensor, this smart projector can automatically detect changes and movement in the environment, adjusting the picture accordingly to ensure it stays clear.
  • TMY V08 Mini Projector

    9.7

    We think the TMY V08 Mini Projector is a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers looking for a versatile home theater setup.

    9.7

    We think the TMY V08 Mini Projector is a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers looking for a versatile home theater setup.

    Pros

    • Bright, colorful 1080p image
    • Built-in Bluetooth for audio
    • Includes portable screen

    Cons

    • Native resolution is 720p
    • Built-in speakers are mediocre
    • Limited throw distance range

    We tested the TMY V08 Mini Projector and were impressed by its performance for the price. The image quality is quite good, with vibrant colors and sharp details. We found it easy to set up and use right out of the box.

    The included portable screen is a nice bonus. It’s bigger than we expected and helps create a true home theater feel anywhere. We tried it both indoors and outdoors and got good results in both settings.

    One thing to note is that while it supports 1080p input, the native resolution is 720p. For most casual viewing, we didn’t notice much difference. The built-in speakers are okay for small rooms, but we preferred using the Bluetooth to connect to better external speakers.

    Sale
    TMY V08 Mini Projector
    • 【Upgraded 1080P HD Video Projector】To better meet your needs, we have upgraded the V08 home projector with our latest LED light source. The V08 small projector features a native 720P resolution (1280x720) with 1080P Full HD support. The latest 3LCD color calibrating and adjusting technology works to reproduce more intricate color details than other mini projectors, which presents our customers a dynamic and color vibrant 1080P HD projected image quality.
  • WiMiUS P62 Auto Focus Projector

    9.5

    We think the WiMiUS P62 is a great choice for anyone looking for a feature-packed budget projector with impressive image quality.

    9.5

    We think the WiMiUS P62 is a great choice for anyone looking for a feature-packed budget projector with impressive image quality.

    Pros

    • Auto focus and keystone correction
    • Bright, clear 1080p image
    • Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2

    Cons

    • Built-in speakers could be better
    • Setup can be tricky at first
    • Slight fan noise

    We were impressed by the P62’s auto focus and keystone correction. When we turned it on, the image adjusted itself in seconds. This made setup much easier than other projectors we’ve tried.

    The 1080p picture looked crisp and bright in our tests. Colors popped nicely, even in a room with some ambient light. We watched a few movies and played some games, and the image quality held up well.

    We liked the Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 features. Streaming content was smooth, with no buffering issues. We paired it with a Bluetooth speaker for better audio. The built-in speakers work fine, but external ones make a big difference.

    One small issue we noticed was some fan noise during quiet scenes. It wasn’t too bad, but light sleepers might want to keep that in mind for bedroom use.

    Overall, we think the WiMiUS P62 packs a lot of value into a budget-friendly package. Its auto-adjustment features and good image quality make it a solid pick for most people looking for an affordable projector.

    WiMiUS P62 Auto Focus Projector
    • ➤[WiMiUS Market-Tested Leading Projector] WiMiUS's first video projector with auto-focus and auto-keystone correction, focused on core functionality upgrades. With a return rate lower than the industry average and the highest satisfaction rating within the brand, P62 projector ensures reliability and quality. It adopts auto-focus and 6D auto-keystone technology, say goodbye to troublesome manual adjustments. Enjoy a clear rectangular picture within 5 seconds of startup! The built-in displacement sensor continuously detects the projector's movement for seamless image clarity.
  • ONOAYO ONO3 Pro

    9.4

    We think the ONOAYO ONO3 Pro is a great choice for those seeking a feature-packed budget projector with built-in streaming apps.

    9.4

    We think the ONOAYO ONO3 Pro is a great choice for those seeking a feature-packed budget projector with built-in streaming apps.

    Pros

    • Built-in Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube
    • Bright 800 ANSI lumens with 4K support
    • Compact and portable design

    Cons

    • Native 1080p resolution (not true 4K)
    • Remote batteries not included
    • Limited app store selection

    We recently tested the ONOAYO ONO3 Pro, and it’s an impressive little projector for the price. The built-in smart TV operating system is smooth and responsive, making it easy to access Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube without needing extra devices. We loved being able to start streaming right out of the box.

    The image quality surprised us for a budget projector. With 800 ANSI lumens, it’s bright enough for most rooms, even with some ambient light. Colors looked vibrant and punchy thanks to the AI image optimization. While it’s not true 4K, the 1080p resolution still looked sharp on our 100-inch screen.

    We found the sound quality better than expected for such a compact unit. The Dolby-certified speakers produced clear dialogue and decent bass. For movie nights, we connected a Bluetooth soundbar for a more immersive experience. The electric focus and keystone correction made setup a breeze – we had a perfectly aligned image in seconds.

    ONOAYO ONO3 Pro
    • [Ultimate Experience-2024 Newly Designed Smart TV OS]: ONO3 projector with wifi and Bluetooth is the first smart projector to utilize the self-developed smart TV operating system. Its powerful processing power eliminates the clumsiness and delay of traditional operations, providing you with a smooth and seamless experience. Multiple personalized settings: customizable home page/built-in E-manual/one-click wake-up screen projection. ONOAYO projector redefines home entertainment with excellent performance
  • AuKing Mini Projector

    9.3

    We think this affordable projector offers good value for casual home theater use, despite some limitations.

    9.3

    We think this affordable projector offers good value for casual home theater use, despite some limitations.

    Pros

    • Bright 9500 lumen output
    • Long 55,000 hour lamp life
    • Supports full HD 1080p resolution

    Cons

    • Fan noise can be noticeable
    • Not ideal for business presentations
    • Requires adapter for phone connections

    When we tested the AuKing Mini Projector, we were impressed by its brightness. The 9500 lumen output created vivid images even in rooms that weren’t fully dark. We could see details clearly on the big 200-inch screen.

    Setup was pretty easy. We plugged in our laptop and game console using the HDMI ports. The built-in speakers were okay for casual viewing, but we preferred connecting external speakers for better sound.

    One downside we noticed was some fan noise during use. It wasn’t too bad, but light sleepers might find it distracting for bedroom use. The picture quality was good for movies and TV, though not quite as sharp as more expensive projectors we’ve tried.

    We liked the long lamp life rating of 55,000 hours. That means years of use before needing a replacement. The remote control was handy for adjusting settings from across the room.

    For the price, we think this projector is a solid choice for casual movie nights or gaming sessions. Just don’t expect top-tier performance in every area. It’s best suited for fun home use rather than critical viewing or business presentations.

    Sale
    AuKing Mini Projector
    • 【AuKing 2024 Upgraded Projector】With latest 1080p Full HD resolution supported, AuKing portable projector brings you a clear and sharp detailed images. Adopted the latest color reproduction technology, every details on the screen is accurately restored to ensure a real and color-vibrant viewing effect
  • HAPPRUN HD Projector

    9.1

    We think this projector offers great value for budget-conscious buyers looking for a solid 1080p home theater experience.

    9.1

    We think this projector offers great value for budget-conscious buyers looking for a solid 1080p home theater experience.

    Pros

    • Crisp 1080p native resolution
    • Easy smartphone connectivity
    • Versatile 40″-200″ screen size

    Cons

    • Built-in speakers lack bass
    • Not ideal for bright rooms
    • Setup can be tricky

    We were impressed by the HAPPRUN’s image quality right out of the box. The 1080p resolution produced sharp, vivid pictures that looked great on our living room wall. Colors popped nicely in darker scenes, though brighter content looked a bit washed out in well-lit rooms.

    Connecting our phones was a breeze using the included HDMI cable. We streamed movies and shows without any noticeable lag. The 40″ to 200″ projection size gave us flexibility to use it in different spaces. It worked well for intimate viewing in the bedroom and larger gatherings in the backyard.

    The built-in speakers got surprisingly loud, but lacked depth for action movies and music. We ended up using external speakers for better audio. Setting up the keystone and focus took some fiddling, but the remote made adjustments easier. Overall, we think this projector punches above its weight for the price.

    Sale
    HAPPRUN HD Projector
    • 【Native 1080P Full HD Resolution】If you looking for a high quality projector of 1920*1080 clear picture, HAPPRUN H1 Native 1080P projector must be your top choice. You could enjoy Full HD movies and TV Show with HD sharper, brighter, and richer images at night. H1 projector equipped with 1920*1080 native resolution, excellent brightness and 10000:1 high dynamic contrast ratio
  • Aurzen EAZZE D1 Smart Projector

    9

    We think the Aurzen EAZZE D1 is a great budget-friendly smart projector that offers a lot of features for its price.

    9

    We think the Aurzen EAZZE D1 is a great budget-friendly smart projector that offers a lot of features for its price.

    Pros

    • Built-in smart TV OS with popular streaming apps
    • Auto focus and keystone correction
    • Good sound quality with Dolby Audio

    Cons

    • Limited brightness at 200 ANSI lumens
    • Native 1080p resolution (not true 4K)
    • Wi-Fi connectivity can be spotty at times

    We tested the Aurzen EAZZE D1 and were impressed by its ease of use. The auto focus and keystone correction worked well, letting us set up quickly. We didn’t need to fiddle with settings to get a clear picture.

    The built-in smart TV system is a nice touch. We could stream Netflix and YouTube without needing extra devices. The picture looked good for a budget projector, though it’s not as bright as pricier options.

    Sound quality surprised us. The dual 8W speakers with Dolby Audio were loud and clear enough for most rooms. For outdoor use, we linked our Bluetooth speaker for extra oomph. While it’s not perfect, we think the EAZZE D1 is a solid pick for casual movie nights or backyard gatherings.

    Sale
    Aurzen EAZZE D1 Smart Projector
    • Built-in Smart TV Operating System with Officially Certified Streaming Apps: The Aurzen EAZZE D1 smart projector comes with a built-in smart TV OS, offering access to millions of videos, including officially certified content from NetfIix, Prime Video, and YouTube without using an extra TV stick. Additionally, explore endless entertainment from hundreds of built-in app or watching videos online with features like 'My App', 'APP STORE', and 'Open Browser'.
  • JOWLURK 4K Smart Projector

    8.7

    We think this projector is a solid choice for anyone seeking a feature-packed, budget-friendly option for home entertainment.

    8.7

    We think this projector is a solid choice for anyone seeking a feature-packed, budget-friendly option for home entertainment.

    Pros

    • Bright 20,000 lumen output
    • Auto keystone and electric focus
    • Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity

    Cons

    • May be complex for tech novices
    • Built-in speakers could be better
    • Large size limits portability

    We tested the JOWLURK 4K Smart Projector and found it offers a lot of bang for your buck. The 20,000 lumen brightness really impressed us, making images pop even in rooms with some ambient light. We liked how we could set it up quickly thanks to the auto keystone and electric focus features.

    The Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity made it easy to stream content and connect audio devices. We streamed movies from our phones with no lag. The 4K support and native 1080p resolution gave us sharp, clear images up to 450 inches.

    While we enjoyed the picture quality, the built-in speakers left us wanting more. They work fine for casual viewing, but for the best experience, we suggest connecting external speakers. The projector is also on the larger side, so it’s not ideal if you need something ultra-portable.

    JOWLURK 4K Smart Projector
    • 【Electric Focus & Auto Keystone】JOWLURK projector has a built-in smart sensor that automatically adjusts the screen when placed at an angle of less than 15°. This 4k projector can also focus through the remote control, and the precision electric focus system responds quickly, from blurry to sharp in just 3 second.
  • YOWHICK Mini Portable Projector

    8.7

    We think this projector is a good choice for budget-conscious buyers who want a portable option with modern features.

    8.7

    We think this projector is a good choice for budget-conscious buyers who want a portable option with modern features.

    Pros

    • Easy electric focus adjustment
    • Bright 15000 lumen output
    • WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity

    Cons

    • Some users report connectivity issues
    • Limited throw distance range
    • Android OS may have a learning curve

    We tested the YOWHICK Mini Portable Projector and were pleased with its performance for the price. The electric focus feature worked well, letting us quickly dial in a sharp image using the remote. It’s much easier than fiddling with manual focus knobs.

    The 1080p resolution looks crisp, and the 15000 lumen brightness is enough for most rooms, even with some ambient light. We watched movies in a dim living room and could see all the details clearly. The colors looked vivid too.

    We liked the WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 for fast wireless connections. Streaming worked smoothly from our phones and laptops. The 210-degree rotation is handy for ceiling projection. The Android 9 OS takes some getting used to, but opens up lots of app options.

    YOWHICK Mini Portable Projector
    • [Built-in Apps & Electric Focus] This mini projector is equipped with the latest Android TV, with over 8,000 apps to access more than 500,000 movies and TV shows. No need to buy a TV stick, after connecting to Wi-Fi, you can freely download your favorite software from the store. You can get a clear image by simply using the F+ or F- on the remote control, without having to adjust the focus manually.
  • NICPOW Mini Home Theater Projector

    8.6

    We think this budget-friendly projector offers good value for casual movie nights and backyard entertainment.

    8.6

    We think this budget-friendly projector offers good value for casual movie nights and backyard entertainment.

    Pros

    • Bright 7500 lumen output
    • Supports large 240-inch screen size
    • Long 65,000 hour lamp life

    Cons

    • Native 720p resolution (not true 1080p)
    • Built-in speakers are underwhelming
    • Requires adapters for some devices

    We were impressed by the NICPOW mini projector’s bright 7500 lumen output when we tested it. Colors looked vivid and images were clear enough for casual viewing, though not as sharp as pricier 1080p models. The ability to project a huge 240-inch image is great for backyard movie nights.

    Setup was simple. We connected our laptop via HDMI and had a big picture on the wall in minutes. The ±15° keystone correction helped get a perfectly rectangular image. For phones, you’ll need to buy separate adapters which is a bit of a hassle.

    While the built-in speakers work in a pinch, we’d suggest using external speakers or a soundbar for better audio. The cooling fan is fairly quiet, so it didn’t distract us during movies. Overall, we think this projector punches above its weight for the price if you want big-screen entertainment on a budget.

    NICPOW Mini Home Theater Projector
    • 🔥【Updated System & 65,000 Lamp Life】NICPOW mini projector supports 1920x1080P resolution, the original resolution is 1280x720P, providing high-definition and bright images and videos. With a projection distance of 3.3 to 16 feet and a viewing size of 32'' to 240'', you have a variety of viewing options. The 6000: 1 color contrast, 7500 lux brightness, along with 4: 3/16: 9 aspect ratio, ±15° keystone correction and the longest 65,000 hours lamp life, ensuring a superior viewing experience.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a budget projector, there are several key factors to consider. We’ve put together this guide to help you find the best option for your needs and budget.

Resolution

Look for at least 720p resolution. While 1080p is better, it may cost more. Higher resolution means sharper, clearer images.

Brightness

Brightness is measured in lumens. For dark rooms, 1500-2000 lumens works well. Brighter rooms need 2500+ lumens for a clear picture.

Contrast Ratio

A higher contrast ratio produces better image quality with deeper blacks and brighter whites. Aim for at least 2000:1.

Connectivity

Make sure the projector has the right ports for your devices. HDMI is essential for modern gadgets. USB and Wi-Fi are nice extras.

Lamp Life

Longer lamp life means less frequent bulb replacements. Look for 5000+ hours in standard mode.

Throw Distance

This determines how far from the screen you need to place the projector. Short-throw models work well in small spaces.

Audio

Built-in speakers are convenient but often low quality. Consider external speakers for better sound.

Keystone Correction

This feature helps align the image if the projector isn’t perfectly centered. Vertical and horizontal correction is ideal.

By focusing on these aspects, we can find a budget projector that offers good performance without breaking the bank.