Top 5 Best Projectors Under $500 In 2024

You can see that we use projectors in our daily lives more than ever before, and at a lower cost as well. This is mainly because there are more and better projectors available for under $500. They are common in conference rooms for business meetings, for instance, where we need to connect to our laptops in order to deliver a PowerPoint. Additionally, they are present in classrooms across all grade levels to display a YouTube project or a slideshow that students took with their smartphones. When we host friends and family around to watch the Oscars or the Super Bowl on TV using our streaming subscription, we might still use projectors.

For consumers, what does this mean? To begin with, there are more options available because the projector market is more competitive more models and enhanced features than in the past. A wide range of models are available in the area from over a dozen well-known manufacturers as well as numerous smaller, emerging businesses. Brands are compelled to be relevant when they are vying for the same group of buyers who are in the market for projectors. Because of this, projectors are now more feature-rich, longer-lasting, and easier to use than in the past. This is crucial if you’re considering flexible connectivity options in addition to resolution options (from HD to 4K), including wired (HDMI, USB-C, etc.) and wireless (Wi-Fi, cellular, etc.). And our list of the top projectors under $500 includes all of these elements and more.

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Last update on 2024-08-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

Top 5 Best Projectors Under $500 In 2024

1.Nebula Capsule Max

Last update on 2024-08-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

This projector initially reminds me a lot of a wireless speaker. But its primary duty is to present an image, and for a budget-friendly model, it does a pretty decent job at that. It may only have 720p resolution, which is not the highest. It makes up for it, though, with a bright, clear picture that’s excellent for giving presentations, playing games, and watching movies.

The Anker Nebula Capsule Max is a great option for a low-cost projector for a few more reasons. Its portability is attributed to its lightweight and compact design, which allows you to fit it inside your backpack. It has a rechargable battery that can run the device for four hours when in battery mode. That’s fantastic if you don’t have access to a power outlet. Additionally, it comes with great connectivity, both wired and wireless.

When watching movies in a dimly lit room, the Anker Capsule Max performs poorly. The projector has exceptional coverage of the Rec. 709 color space, which is utilized in SDR material. However, due to its poor color accuracy straight out of the box, which is unavoidable by calibration, colors don’t appear as they should. Its poor contrast and insufficient brightness make colors seem flat and unimpressive in any kind of room setting. However, because of its compact size and built-in battery pack, it is incredibly portable.

Anker’s Nebula Capsule Max is a lightweight, portable, and compact LED projector that has an internal battery that can run the device for up to four hours. With its native 720p resolution, it can project a picture up to 100 inches at a distance of 9.4 feet, an 80-inch image from 7.5 feet, a 60-inch image from 5.6 feet, and a 40-inch image from 3.7 feet. It runs the Android 8.1 OS, and you can use it to mirror content from your iOS or Android device. You can also download apps from the Nebula Manager store. It has one integrated 8W speaker.

When I started Soundphile Review over three years ago, I never would have imagined that I would review portable projectors. However, from a technological standpoint, this category is fast growing and—above all—advancing. The battery life, color reproduction, and brightness of these devices are getting better with time, giving consumers more and more value and increasing their usefulness (and enjoyment). The newest model in Nebula’s expanding product lineup is the Nebula Capsule Max. The company began as a spin-off of Anker, which chose to divide its product offerings across several specialized brands. As a result, even with its new name, Nebula is a well-known company that is a member of an established group. This has an immediate impact on the product: the Capsule Max is appreciably good, especially for the size.

2.BenQ GV30

Last update on 2024-08-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

This low-cost model from BenQ, a company with a long history of producing digital projectors (like our best choice for golf simulators), has a lot going for it. Its handle adds to its lovely, portable style. There is focusing capability on the projection. Additionally, a 2.5-hour built-in battery is included. In the event that your projector isn’t exactly perpendicular to the screen, there’s also a vertical keystone correction feature that can provide a rectangular projection.

The RGBB LED light source that powers the GV30 is rated for 30,000 hours in Eco mode and 20,000 hours in full power mode. It is paired with a 720p DLP chip with a diamond arrangement. But in my experiments, it automatically established a 1080p connection with video sources, thus it functions more like a slightly soft-focused 1080p projector. At the image sizes you’ll probably use, the brightness is low enough that you might not detect any softness or lost detail.

The projector is rated at 300 ANSI lumens by BenQ. However, the brightest image can only be obtained by using a color mode that is conspicuously tinted green. The brightness is reduced in modes that offer better color fidelity, and it decreases even more when using a power mode that prolongs battery life. The brightness is good enough to be practical, that’s the best that can be said.

Normal is the AC power setting by default and the brightest power mode. While many portable projectors do not have this feature, it is available when utilizing the built-in rechargeable battery. When utilizing the battery, Low Power is the default setting. Depending on the brightness, loudness, and even content, this mode can last anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours. No battery is present life rating for Eco or Normal modes. For most of my viewing tests, I used the Normal power mode.

The GV30 is 4.7 inches wide and weighs 3.5 pounds without the external AC adaptor. Measured at the point where the lens and control panel protrude from the overall wheel shape, the height specification is 7.7 inches. The diameter of the remaining wheel is the 7.3 inch “depth” stated in the specifications. BenQ rates the projector as drop-proof up to 27.6 inches, or tabletop height, and claims that it was made with indoor portability in mind. BenQ is basically telling you not to worry too much if the loop drops off and you carry it at your side with your finger through the loop, which puts you holding it somewhere around 25 inches over the floor.

3.Epson EpiqVision Flex

Last update on 2024-08-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

The GV30 is 4.7 inches wide and weighs 3.5 pounds without the external AC adaptor. Measured at the point where the lens and control panel protrude from the overall wheel shape, the height specification is 7.7 inches. The diameter of the remaining wheel is the 7.3 inch “depth” stated in the specifications. BenQ rates the projector as drop-proof up to 27.6 inches, or tabletop height, and claims that it was made with indoor portability in mind. BenQ is basically telling you not to worry too much if the loop drops off and you carry it at your side with your finger through the loop, which puts you holding it somewhere around 25 inches over the floor.

The key to understanding why you would want the Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 Portable Projector ($429.99) is found in the word “Flex” in the product name. Its WXGA (1,280 by 800 pixel) resolution, which is used for projectors in business and education, may also be used to view videos and movies in 720p (1,280 by 720 pixels). More importantly, it has adequate color accuracy to be used as a projector at home for informal viewing. While it has some shortcomings, its low cost (now reduced to $299.99 from some sellers) sets it apart from more expensive WXGA business projectors that aren’t significantly brighter and from less expensive mini projectors for home entertainment that fall well short in terms of color accuracy and brightness.

The CO-W01 is constructed using three LCD chips and a conventional bulb. The projector has a rated brightness of 3,000 lumens thanks to the lamp, which has a 6,000 hour rating in Normal (full brightness) mode. Color images will be as brilliant as you would expect given its white brightness since the three-LCD design ensures equal color and white brightness. Additionally, it facilitates the design of the projector to provide good color fidelity, a promise that the CO-W01 fulfills. Furthermore, you won’t see the rainbow artifacts that can appear with a single-chip projector because there are three chips—one for each main hue.

The CO-W01 is small enough to carry in a briefcase or bag at just 5.3 pounds and 3.4 by 11.6 by 8.3 inches (HWD), but it might also end up on a cart or permanently installed. Simple setup is quick and simple. Make sure the power cord is connected, align the video source with the screen, switch it on, and fine-tune the focus. Since there is no optical zoom, you will have to modify the image size by moving it closer or farther away from the screen, unless you want to utilize digital zoom, which can create artifacts and diminish brightness.

4.AuKing Projector with WiFi and Bluetooth

Last update on 2024-08-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

While using a projector in a dark area is normally desirable, this isn’t always feasible. You should have a projector that can cast a bright image if you have to compete with a daylight setting. This AuKing projector has the advantage of being able to project a reasonably bright image during the day, while more expensive projectors made specifically for daylight will perform better. A good range of wired and wireless connections are also available.

Among the several ultrabudget projectors available, I determined that the Elephas JingHuier and the Hision HIUS-LP-M7 were the two most deserving rivals. Although the Hision is a startling 20% more expensive, it’s also the best projector I’ve tested so far in this price range. I called the Elephas JingHuier’s image a “smeary, joyless mess of washed-out colors and sadness.” It is $10 less expensive than the AuKing, thus it was unavoidably going to be included in our comparison. I used a Monoprice distribution amplifier to connect them all, and I used a 1.0-gain screen to view them side by side.

Unexpectedly—perhaps shockingly—the AuKing isn’t all that horrible after all. To be honest, I have seen worse, but this isn’t good either. The Elephas JingHuier is, of course, right there. The colors of the AuKing are ok. The difference is ok. It’s bright enough. It’s not the worst thing I’ve seen if you enlarge it to around 60 inches and view it in low light.

First, let’s talk about the light output. In actuality, the 212 lumens I measured are higher than the AAXA P7 Plus that I just tested and a few other more costly projectors. In fact, it’s marginally higher than the Hision. Still, it’s not a lot. I wouldn’t attempt to observe something with a diameter of 100 inches. It would be difficult to observe even in a totally dark room. A more TV-size image would be fine. It would still be dark, but watchable. Brightness uniformity is abysmal, with the corners noticeably darker than the center. This is yet another casualty of the simplistic lens.

5.VANKYO Leisure 3

Last update on 2024-08-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

For anyone searching for a projector under $200, this one is excellent. As it turns out, this model only costs $68.99. Naturally, it could not have as many features as more expensive versions. However, a good range of wired and wireless connection options are included. It can stream video through a streaming service and has an integrated speaker as well. The fact that its resolution is lower than others in its class is a drawback, though.

An extremely basic entry-level projector is the VANKYO Leisure 3. With a variety of ports, such as USB, microSD, or even VGA for older systems, it’s made to easily transmit media from your phone or mobile device.

Projector Reviews covers tiny projectors made to pack a punch in addition to home theater, home entertainment, and business/education projectors. The Vankyo Leisure 3, which weighs only 2.4 pounds and has dimensions of just 7.8 x 5.8 x 2.7 inches, is one of the most well-liked versions of this kind on Amazon.

That is roughly the size of a tiny laptop, so you can carry it about with you anywhere you need a projected image. The projector, cords, and remote are all accommodated in the carrying case that comes with it, and it’s compact enough to fit in with anything else you could need. Even better, as of this writing, Amazon is offering $10 off the list price, making it only $99.99.

What to consider when shopping for the best projectors under $500 

Even with low-cost projectors, it might be difficult to know where to start when making a purchase. For this reason, it’s useful to be aware of the kinds of projectors that are available right now.Now that you are aware of the many types of projectors that are out there, I have put together a brief list of crucial attributes and functionalities that you should be aware of before making a purchase. But keep in mind that since you’re purchasing a projector for less than $500, it’s highly possible that it won’t have every feature that a high-end, pricey projector has to offer:

Brightness

Lumens, also known as ANSI lumens, are used to measure a projector’s brightness. The projected picture will be brighter the higher the number. Three times as bright as a projector with a 1,000 lumen rating is a 3,000 lumen projector. The majority of low-cost versions have lumen counts that range from 60 to 300.

Resolution

Generally speaking, you’ll need a greater resolution the larger the image you want your projector to produce. Therefore, video in 4K (3860 x 2160) quality projected from a distance of 10 feet from the screen may appear more detailed than a 1080 (1920 x 1080) image projected from the same distance away. On the other hand, the image gets smaller but has more detail if you move the project closer to the screen. On the other hand, the size of the image grows when the projector is moved farther away from the screen.

Contrast ratio 

The ratio of light to dark in a picture or video clip is called contrast, and it can have an impact on how clear, vibrant, and detailed a film seems. The technical specification is typically given in the “3000:1” format. This indicates that the image’s whitest region is 3000 times brighter than its darkest region.

Connectivity

Check the model you wish to purchase’s Wi-Fi settings and wired (HDMI or other) connection. If you plan to stream media while using wireless, be sure you have a strong signal. You may connect a variety of devices, such as your laptop or a Blu-ray player, via wired connections.