How to choose a projector

Summary

Brightness is key for projector performance. Aim for at least 1,000-3,000 lumens.
Light source impacts image quality and lifespan.
Consider resolution and contrast for better picture quality, with 1080p and 4K the top choices.

Modern projectors are more portable and accessible than ever, making them perfect for movie nights or watching the big game on a massive screen. They often have a better price-to-screen-size ratio than the best smart TVs and include quality speakers with superb sound.

Projectors come in many shapes and sizes. Some are meant to fit into your living room setup to provide the ultimate viewing experience. Portable models are perfect for picnics and camping trips and include built-in batteries. Choosing the right one can be challenging, with many available choices and specs. I’ll make it easier by listing the critical features I consider when buying a projector.

The projector with Dolby Audio that turned my living room into a theater

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1 Brightness

Ambient lighting makes or breaks the experience

Brightness is one of the first things to consider when buying a projector because ambient lighting heavily influences performance. Projector brightness is usually measured in ANSI, ISO, or CVIA lumens, which measure how much light it produces. Projectors work better in the dark, but this isn’t always realistically possible. If you’re using a projector in a dark room or at night only, you can do with lower brightness. If you plan on using it with more ambient lighting during the day, you’ll need one with higher brightness.

Brightness is one of the first things to consider when buying a projector because ambient lighting heavily influences performance.

But how much is enough? Budget projectors start at under 100 lumens, but a minimum of 400 and 1,000 is recommended if you want a detailed picture in dark environments. Between 1,000 and 3,000 lumens is the sweet spot for pricing and providing great picture quality in dark and moderate lighting conditions. Projectors over 3,500 lumens are the best for use when there is significant ambient lighting, but they tend to be pricey.

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2 Light source

It determines the projector’s overall lifespan

The light source is critical to the projector’s image quality and lifespan. Most projectors use lamps, lasers, or LED light sources, although some hybrid models exist. Lamps are the oldest type and often the most affordable. They deliver high brightness at the cost of high power consumption and have the shortest lifespan of between 2,000 and 10,000 hours.

Many compact projectors are LED-based, offering efficient power consumption and a longer life span of over 20,000 hours. However, they aren’t known for their brightness, although this is changing with newer models like the Yaber K3 offering 1,600 lumens. Laser projectors use the latest technology to deliver the best color accuracy, contrast, and brightness. They are also more power efficient and have a long lifespan of up to 50,000 hours. The main drawbacks of laser projectors are that they are generally bulkier and costlier than the other types.

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I skipped an outdoor TV in favor of this mini projector instead

Planning a movie night? Bringing this outside for nighttime viewing works way better than I expected.

3 Resolution

Picture quality is everything

I will lump resolution and contrast in the same category because they often go hand in hand. Resolution refers to pixel density, and a higher count makes a clearer and more detailed image. Projectors with 720p should be the minimum resolution for presentations and business use. Anyone looking for the most detail for movies or gaming should go for at least 1080p, with 4K offering the best resolution.

The contrast ratio is the difference between the light and dark parts of the image and has a massive impact on picture quality. Higher contrast ratios deliver richer picture quality, especially with projectors, which are sensitive to ambient lighting conditions. When considering a projector, aim for a minimum contrast ratio of 1,500:1, meaning the display’s whitest part is 1,500 times brighter than the darkest black.

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4 Connectivity

Watch content on any platform

Connectivity is essential for watching content and gaming. Any projector you consider should have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth as standard to access streaming platforms and cast from your phone. It gets bonus points if it has Google OS, another intuitive operating system, and a remote control with shortcuts to Netflix, YouTube, and other services you regularly access.

Most people still use wired connections for gaming consoles and Blu-ray players, and decent projectors should have at least one HDMI port. They should also have a USB-A port for external drives and digital cameras. Ethernet and 3.5mm audio ports aren’t necessary for everyone but come in handy if you want to add a wired network connection or external speaker to boost sound quality.

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5 Sound Quality

As important as picture quality

Speaking of sound quality, projectors have varying speaker types depending on their size, use, and price. Because of their small size, compact portable projectors often have a single speaker, while larger models often have dual speakers. Higher-end projectors have tuned sound from brands like JBL and Harman Kardon, and many include built-in subwoofers for that extra oomph.

Even if your projector doesn’t have the best sound, you can usually enhance it with external speakers. Bluetooth connectivity and the 3.5mm and HDMI ARC ports can accommodate a range of options, like soundbars, speakers, and headphones, to improve your viewing experience.

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6 Stand

Easy setup and adjustment

Pocket-lint

Stands are an often overlooked feature that can drastically improve your projector’s practicality. Projectors without a built-in stand usually require a separate mount kit, which adds to the cost and can limit movement if it has a fixed design. This isn’t ideal if you plan on moving your projector around, and balancing it on books and other objects to get the perfect elevation isn’t practical either.

Stands are an often overlooked feature that can drastically improve your projector’s practicality.

Projectors with integrated stands are faster and easier to set up. The stand provides support, improves adjustability, and simplifies moving the projector to another room or location. Another benefit of a built-in stand is that it creates a cleaner aesthetic, and some add another level of practicality because they double as a carry handle.

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I skipped an outdoor TV in favor of this mini projector instead

Planning a movie night? Bringing this outside for nighttime viewing works way better than I expected.

7 Portability

It depends on your requirements

Portability is only a concern if you plan to move your projector around. Many home theater projectors spend their lives in the same spot, and it doesn’t matter if they’re bulky because they won’t be going anywhere.

On the other hand, users who want to take their projector on the road for presentations or enjoy movies on camping trips will need one that’s light and portable. Luckily, countless options are available in every size, so you’re covered no matter your requirements.