Budget projectors are a great way to enjoy movies, TV shows, and video games on a big screen without breaking the bank. They are also ideal for presentations and business meetings, providing a larger display than a laptop or tablet. In this article, we will be discussing the best budget projectors available in the market.
When choosing a budget projector, there are a few key factors to consider. One of the most important is brightness, which is measured in lumens. The higher the lumen count, the brighter the projector will be. This is especially important if you plan to use the projector in a bright room or during the daytime.
Another important factor is resolution. While higher resolution projectors are generally more expensive, they provide a clearer and sharper image. However, for a budget projector, a resolution of 720p or 1080p should suffice for most users.
Finally, you should also consider the size and weight of the projector, as well as its connectivity options. A lightweight and compact projector is ideal for portability, while a projector with multiple connectivity options, such as HDMI and USB, can be used with a variety of devices.
After researching and testing several budget projectors, we have identified the top performers that offer the best value for your money.
Best Budget Projectors
Looking for a budget-friendly projector that won’t break the bank? We’ve got you covered. Our team of experts has scoured the market to find the best budget projectors available. These projectors offer great features and quality without the high price tag. Whether you’re looking for a projector for movie nights, gaming, or presentations, we’ve got something for everyone. Check out our top picks below.
1. HAPPRUN Projector
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly projector that delivers excellent picture quality, the HAPPRUN projector is an excellent choice.
Pros
- Native 1080P Full HD Resolution for Sharper, brighter, and richer images
- 200” Giant Screen & ±15° Keystone Correction for Easy Setup
- Bluetooth 5.1 Function & HiFi Stereo Speaker for Excellent Sound Effects
Cons
- Not suitable for bright rooms
- Doesn’t support connecting with smartphones via Bluetooth
- Short lamp life compared to more expensive projectors
We were impressed by the HAPPRUN projector’s native 1080P Full HD Resolution, which provides sharper, brighter, and richer images than other budget projectors. The 200” Giant Screen & ±15° Keystone Correction makes it easy to set up and get the perfect screen position. The Bluetooth 5.1 Function & HiFi Stereo Speaker offers excellent sound effects and an excellent auditory sense experience.
However, the HAPPRUN projector is not suitable for bright rooms, and it doesn’t support connecting with smartphones via Bluetooth. Additionally, the lamp life is shorter than more expensive projectors.
Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly projector that delivers excellent picture quality, the HAPPRUN projector is a great choice.
2. AuKing Projector
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly projector that delivers a clear and vibrant viewing experience, then the AuKing Projector is a great option.
Pros
- The latest 1080p Full HD resolution technology supported for clear and sharp detailed images.
- Huge screen size of up to 200 inches for an immersive viewing experience.
- Long bulb life of up to 55,000 hours due to the powerful cooling system that effectively cools the heat of the bulb.
Cons
- An extra HDMI adapter is needed to connect with a phone.
- Not recommended for PPT or business presentations.
- Copyright restrictions limit playback of some apps via TV Stick, Roku, etc.
We recently tried out the AuKing Projector and were impressed with its overall performance. The 1080p Full HD resolution technology ensures that every detail on the screen is accurately restored, resulting in a real and color-vibrant viewing effect. The huge screen size of up to 200 inches provides an immersive viewing experience, perfect for movie nights with friends and family.
The long bulb life of up to 55,000 hours is a standout feature, ensuring that you can enjoy your projector for many years to come. The powerful cooling system effectively cools the heat of the bulb, making it more durable than previous models.
The advanced noise reduction technology reduces fan noise by 80%, resulting in a quieter viewing experience. The built-in dual stereo speakers provide loud and crystal clear sound quality, although connecting to external speakers will achieve a higher sound quality if you want.
The AuKing Projector is portable and can be connected to multiple devices such as smartphones, laptops, pads, USB drives, and TV boxes. However, an extra HDMI adapter is needed to connect with a phone. It’s not recommended for PPT or business presentations, as it’s designed for home theater use.
Overall, the AuKing Projector is a great budget-friendly option for those looking for a clear and vibrant viewing experience with a long bulb life. Plus, with a 2-year warranty and 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can purchase with confidence.
3. WIMIUS P61 Mini Projector
We highly recommend the WIMIUS P61 Mini Projector for those looking for a budget-friendly projector with high-quality features.
Pros
- Innovative electric focus for clear rectangular picture in 3 seconds
- Outstanding visual experience with 15000:1 contrast ratio and 99% NTSC technology
- Ultra-fast 5G WiFi and Bluetooth 5.2 for smooth and lag-free online streaming and immersive sound
Cons
- Built-in speakers are not very loud
- The fan can be a bit noisy
- The remote control is not very responsive
The WIMIUS P61 Mini Projector is a great option for those who want a portable projector with impressive features. The electric focus is a game-changer and allows for a clear rectangular picture within seconds. The 15000:1 contrast ratio and 99% NTSC technology provide an outstanding visual experience with vibrant colors and real color content. The ultra-fast 5G WiFi and Bluetooth 5.2 ensure smooth and lag-free online streaming and immersive sound with stable connection to various Bluetooth speakers/earphones/airpods.
The projector can display up to 300 inches with a 4:3/16:9 aspect ratio, making it perfect for home theater or outdoor movie nights. The built-in 2*6W speaker with SRS sound system generates cinematic stereo sound and deep bass. The projector is equipped with HDMI/USBx2/AV/3.5mm headphone jack, compatible with Fire TV Stick, Chromecast, Roku, DVD, Laptop, USB, External Speaker, iPhone Android, iPad, PS5, and more.
The built-in speakers are not very loud, but this can be easily solved by connecting external speakers. The fan can be a bit noisy, but it’s not a dealbreaker. The remote control is not very responsive, but the projector can be controlled through the app, which is more convenient.
Overall, the WIMIUS P61 Mini Projector is a great value for its price with impressive features and performance.
4. WiMiUS P62 Native 1080P Projector
We highly recommend the WiMiUS P62 Native 1080P Projector for anyone looking for an affordable projector with advanced features.
Pros
- The innovative auto focus and auto keystone correction features make setup a breeze and ensure a clear rectangular picture within seconds.
- The native 1080P resolution and 20000:1 high dynamic contrast ratio provide a high-quality image with excellent color reproduction.
- The Wi-Fi 6 capability and Bluetooth 5.2 chip make for smoother and more stable content transmission and a better gaming experience.
Cons
- The built-in speakers may not be sufficient for larger rooms or outdoor use.
- The projector is relatively heavy at 6.47 pounds, making it less portable than some other options.
- The Wi-Fi 6 feature may not be useful for those without a compatible router.
The WiMiUS P62 Native 1080P Projector is a great choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly projector with advanced features. The auto focus and auto keystone correction features make setup a breeze, and the native 1080P resolution and high dynamic contrast ratio provide a high-quality image with excellent color reproduction. The Wi-Fi 6 capability and Bluetooth 5.2 chip make for smoother and more stable content transmission and a better gaming experience.
The built-in speakers may not be sufficient for larger rooms or outdoor use, but the projector can easily be connected to external speakers for better sound quality. At 6.47 pounds, the projector is relatively heavy, but it is still portable enough for occasional use. The Wi-Fi 6 feature may not be useful for those without a compatible router, but it is a nice bonus for those who do.
Overall, we highly recommend the WiMiUS P62 Native 1080P Projector for anyone looking for an affordable projector with advanced features.
5. Dxyiitoo Native 1080P Projector
We highly recommend the Dxyiitoo Native 1080P Projector for those looking for a budget-friendly option. The projector offers a variety of features and high-quality image projection that will enhance your viewing experience.
Pros
- Supports WiFi, Airplay, and Screen Mirroring
- Native 1080P resolution with 12000 lumens and 10000:1 contrast ratio
- Built-in speaker and Bluetooth 5.0 for easy sound connection
Cons
- Limited brightness in well-lit environments
- Some limitations on website selection for movie streaming
- Could be more adjustable for picture quality
The Dxyiitoo Native 1080P Projector offers a variety of connectivity options, including WiFi, Airplay, and Screen Mirroring. The native 1080P resolution, along with the 12000 lumens and 10000:1 contrast ratio, provides excellent image quality with vibrant colors and clear details. The built-in speaker and Bluetooth 5.0 make it easy to connect to external speakers for an enhanced audio experience.
However, the projector’s brightness may be limited in well-lit environments, and there may be some limitations on website selection for movie streaming. Additionally, the picture quality could be more adjustable for optimal viewing.
Overall, the Dxyiitoo Native 1080P Projector is an excellent budget option for those looking for high-quality image projection and versatile connectivity options.
6. VOPLLS Mini Projector
We highly recommend the VOPLLS Mini Projector for anyone looking for a budget-friendly, portable projector that delivers high-quality video and audio.
Pros
- The upgraded LED light source and 1080P Full HD resolution provide clear, vibrant images.
- The compact design and lightweight build make it easy to take with you on the go.
- The built-in Hi-Fi stereo speakers and noise reduction technology offer an immersive viewing experience.
Cons
- The optimal projection distance is limited to 6.5-8.2 feet.
- The Wi-Fi connection/phone mirroring feature may not work for all devices.
- Some users have reported issues with sound when casting to the projector.
We were impressed with the VOPLLS Mini Projector’s ability to deliver high-quality video and audio in a small, portable package. The upgraded LED light source and 1080P Full HD resolution provide clear, vibrant images that make for an immersive viewing experience. The compact design and lightweight build make it easy to take with you on the go, whether you’re traveling or just moving from room to room. We also appreciated the built-in Hi-Fi stereo speakers and noise reduction technology, which made for a more enjoyable viewing experience.
However, we did find that the optimal projection distance is limited to 6.5-8.2 feet, which may not work for all users depending on their setup. Additionally, the Wi-Fi connection/phone mirroring feature may not work for all devices, so users should be aware of this before purchasing. Finally, some users have reported issues with sound when casting to the projector, so this is something to keep in mind.
Overall, we believe the VOPLLS Mini Projector is a great option for anyone looking for a budget-friendly, portable projector that delivers high-quality video and audio.
7. CLOKOWE Mini Projector
We highly recommend the CLOKOWE Mini Projector for those looking for a budget-friendly option with great picture quality and portability.
Pros
- The 9000 Lux brightness and 1080P Full HD display provide a clear and vibrant image.
- The compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around.
- The projector is compatible with a variety of devices and can be used for multiple applications.
Cons
- The projector does not support Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Hulu due to HDCP copyright.
- The audio quality is not the best and may require external speakers for a better experience.
- The projector may not be suitable for use in bright environments.
We were impressed by the CLOKOWE Mini Projector’s picture quality and portability. The 9000 Lux brightness and 1080P Full HD display provide a clear and vibrant image, making it perfect for home theaters, video games, parties, and outdoor activities. The projector’s compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around, and the handle on the product box adds to its convenience.
The CLOKOWE Mini Projector is compatible with a variety of devices, including iPhone/Android phones, tablets/iPads, laptops, Blu-ray players, TV boxes, DVD players, PS4, and USB flash disks. The projector’s multiple interfaces make it easy to connect to different devices, and the zoom feature adds to its versatility.
However, the projector does not support Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Hulu due to HDCP copyright, which may be a drawback for some users. The audio quality is also not the best and may require external speakers for a better experience. Additionally, the projector may not be suitable for use in bright environments, as the image may appear washed out.
Overall, we believe the CLOKOWE Mini Projector is a great budget-friendly option for those looking for a portable and versatile projector with good picture quality.
8. CiBest 4K Support Android TV 10.0 Projector
We highly recommend the CiBest 4K Support Android TV 10.0 Projector for anyone looking for a budget-friendly projector that delivers a high-quality viewing experience.
Pros
- The 1080p Full HD resolution and 500 ANSI Lumens brightness deliver a vivid and immersive visual experience.
- The fully-sealed optical engine protects against dust, extending the projector’s life to a maximum of 100,000 hours.
- The WiFi and Bluetooth support, along with Chromecast built-in, provide fast and stable connections for streaming high-resolution films, high-quality music, and games.
Cons
- The projector works best in a dark environment, as the brightness is not sufficient for daytime viewing.
- Some users may find the remote control to be a bit small and difficult to use.
- The projector’s built-in speaker is not very powerful, so external speakers may be necessary for a better audio experience.
We were impressed with the CiBest projector’s 4K support and Android TV 10.0 capabilities, which allow for easy access to over 8,000 apps from Google Play. The projector’s Autofocus feature and Google Assistant make searching and focusing a breeze, and the built-in Netflix and Prime Video apps provide seamless access to millions of movies and TV episodes.
The projector’s compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry and set up, and the fully-sealed optical engine ensures easy maintenance with no worries about dust or black dots. Overall, the CiBest 4K Support Android TV 10.0 Projector is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly projector that delivers a high-quality viewing experience.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a budget projector, there are a few key features that you should consider to ensure that you get the best product for your money. Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for a budget projector:
1. Resolution
Resolution is an important factor to consider when purchasing a projector. The higher the resolution, the clearer and sharper the image will be. Look for a projector with at least 1080p resolution to ensure that you get a high-quality image.
2. Brightness
Brightness is another important factor to consider. The brighter the projector, the better it will perform in well-lit environments. Look for a projector with at least 2000 lumens to ensure that it can handle bright rooms.
3. Contrast Ratio
Contrast ratio refers to the difference between the darkest and brightest parts of an image. A higher contrast ratio will result in a more detailed and vibrant image. Look for a projector with a contrast ratio of at least 2000:1.
4. Connectivity
Make sure that the projector you choose has the connectivity options you need. HDMI is a must-have for connecting to modern devices, but you may also want to consider a projector with VGA or USB inputs.
5. Portability
If you plan on using your projector on the go, look for a lightweight and portable option. Some projectors come with carrying cases or built-in handles to make them easy to transport.
6. Lamp Life
Finally, consider the lamp life of the projector. A longer lamp life means less frequent bulb replacements, which can save you money in the long run. Look for a projector with a lamp life of at least 10,000 hours.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can find the best budget projector for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
– What are some of the best budget projectors for outdoor use?
If you’re looking for a budget projector for outdoor use, we recommend the Vankyo Leisure 3, the DR. J Professional HI-04, and the QKK Mini Projector. These projectors are all under $100 and offer decent brightness and image quality for outdoor use.
– Which budget projectors offer 4K resolution?
If you’re looking for a budget projector with 4K resolution, we recommend the VAVA 4K UHD Laser TV Home Theatre Projector and the BenQ HT3550. These projectors offer stunning 4K resolution and are priced under $2000.
– What are the top-rated cheap projectors on the market?
If you’re looking for a cheap projector that won’t break the bank, we recommend the Anker Nebula Capsule, the AAXA P300 Pico Projector, and the ViewSonic PA503S. These projectors are all under $500 and offer great value for the price.
– What is the best projector for home use under $500?
If you’re looking for a budget projector for home use, we recommend the Epson VS250, the Optoma HD143X, and the BenQ MH535FHD. These projectors offer great image quality and brightness for under $500.
– Are mini projectors a good investment for home entertainment?
Mini projectors are a great investment for home entertainment if you’re looking for a portable and affordable option. We recommend the AAXA P300 Pico Projector, the LG PH550, and the Anker Nebula Capsule for their portability and ease of use.
– What are the most recommended budget portable projectors?
If you’re looking for a portable projector that won’t break the bank, we recommend the LG PH550, the Anker Nebula Capsule, and the AAXA P300 Pico Projector. These projectors are all lightweight and easy to carry, making them perfect for on-the-go use.