A standard display just doesn’t cut it anymore. Right?
We all need more than just a projector. We need more features. Better functionality and above everything else, a decent picture quality.
So, what if I told you that all of this is possible with some best projectors under $500? Of course, you don’t have to rob a bank to be able to afford a decent quality projector.
These projectors under $500 can still provide you with an immersive, near cinematic experience at home, and that too at the expense, that’s far less than buying a new TV (be it LED or OLED TV).
And the good news is, most projectors in this range still provide stunning image quality, multiple connectivity options, portability, and flexible controls.
So, if you are someone who is looking for a detailed review on 4k projectors under 500, this guide is for you.
By the way, if you are new here, don’t forget to check out our most frequently asked questions or a buying guide section.
Best Projectors Under $500 in 2023
Choosing a good quality projector will help you have a great entertainment experience right at your home. To make your choice easier, here is a summary of the top 10 best projectors under 500.
Although in the low-cost segment, these projectors still meet your basic needs. Moreover, some products also possess modern technology with impressive features that are in no way inferior to products in the high-price segment.
Now without any further ado, let’s review our top picks.
| Sr.No | Product | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ViewSonic PA503S | ● Hardware Interface VGA, Serial Interface, HDMI ● Ceiling Mount ● Wattage 260 watts ● Brightness 2600 lumen | Check Price |
| 2 | ZCGIOBN US7-900DAB-1 | ● Hardware Interface VGA, USB ● Ceiling Mount, Wall Mount ● Wattage 50 watts ● Brightness 7200 lumen | Check Price |
| 3 | ViewSonic PJD5155 | ● Hardware Interface VGA ● Ceiling Mount, Wall Mount ● Wattage 265 watts ● Brightness 3300 lumen | Check Price |
| 4 | Epson VS250 | ● Hardware Interface HDMI ● Button Control ● Brightness 3200 lumen | Check Price |
| 5 | Anker NEBULA Projector | ● Hardware Interface USB, HDMI ● Wattage : 45 watts ● Brightness 200 lumen | Check Price |
| 6 | FANGOR 8500L | ● Hardware Interface USB ● Remote Control ● Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Check Price |
| 7 | WiMiUS P28 Projector | ● Hardware Interface VGA, HDMI, USB 2.0 ● Wattage : 45 watts ● Brightness 10000 Candela | Check Price |
| 8 | XNoogo 5G Projector | ● Hardware Interface USB, HDMI, Headphone, USB 2.0 ● Remote Control ● Brightness 9600 Lux | Check Price |
1.) ViewSonic PA503S – Editor’s Top Pick
The Viewsonic PA503S secures the number 1 position in our category of $500 projectors.
Why? Let’s find out.
Let’s first look at its features.
Features
- Display technology: DLP
- Brightness: 3,600 lumens
- Contrast: 22,000:1
- Resolution: 1080p
- Screen size: 30-300 inches
- 3-year warranty
Best for education and small business enterprises
Owing to its maneuverability, the projector also makes the best outdoor projector for a movie night on a warm summer night. So whether you want it close or far away, the projector features a throw range of 3.9–43 feet, which gets the perfect job done. This is the best replacement for some applications which are to be run in a cramped office. It’s best suitable for giving presentations for education and small business enterprises. It’s best for folks who are looking for affordability as well as flexible connectivity options.
Bright images in any environment
The projector comes packed with 3,800 lumens and a high contrast ratio which lets you watch bright images in nearly any environment. The ultra-bright bulbs also last longer than one can expect. Surprisingly they last for more than 15,000 hours before you need to replace them. This is a decent lifespan for a lamp life considering the bulb’s high brightness.
Multiple Connectivity options
The projector also provides you with multiple connectivity options, it can support VGA, RCA, and HDMI hookups.
And since it comes equipped with the latest HDMI and gets connected to any HDMI-supported devices, it also displays 3D images directly from DVD, 3D Blu-ray players, Mac, or PCs.
- Multiple connectivity options
- DLP format which displays sharp images
- 3,800 lumens which display bright images
- Up to 15,000 lamp hours
- Quick power off
- Easy to set up
- Decent but shorter bulb life in comparison with other projectors.
As per a happy customer on Amazon,
2.) ZCGIOBN US7-900DAB-1 – Best for Gaming Freaks
Features
- Display technology: LCD-LED
- Brightness: 7000
- Contrast: 10000:1
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Screen size: 16:9, 4:3
- 50,000-hour lamp life
If you are looking for some top-tier functionality and decent features, then the ZCGIOBN US7-900DAB-1 will be an ideal choice for you in the range of $500. Being on a budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality and settle down with subpar quality. Keeping the idea in mind, the projector falls second in our list of best home cinema projectors under 500.
Multiple Connectivity options – Highly Compatible
We really liked the dual Wi-Fi capability feature that comes with this projector as it supports multiple devices, so you can easily project images using your phone, laptop, or computer.
Bluetooth connectivity option is another feature that we appreciate, as it helps you connect speakers and headphones directly without having to use any long wires. But other than Wi-Fi and Bluetooth you can also link various other devices to your projector using its audio ports, HDMI, USB, VGA, etc.
Built-in Hi-Fi Stereo Speaker
The built-in Hi-Fi stereo speaker media player is another remarkable feature that we almost fell in love with. All you need to do is just connect a USB or your external hard drive and enjoy playing your favorite movies and music videos for hours, without having to connect to any external devices or Wi-Fi.
Smart Android OS
The smart projector comes with a built-in Android operating system with 16GM memory, where you can install your favorite apps, takes hardly 5 seconds to install most of the apps. You can easily install Netflix, Spotify, and other apps just from the Google Play store and enjoy them on your smart projector.
Optical coating technology for Excellent Image quality
With the native resolution of 920*1280 and Ultra HD 4k support, enjoy clearer, crisper, and more detailed images.
The projector features an optical coating technology, which filters out excessive blue light that makes the images more realistic and pure and the image quality better.
The projector also uses the highest quality seven-layered glass lens which has excellent light transmission quality and no false focus.
5G Wi-Fi wireless connection
For starters, the projector uses 5G Wi-Fi wireless connection technology that makes your projector connect faster to Wi-Fi-enabled devices. The latest 5G Wi-Fi technology provides smooth video streaming and an online gaming experience without the need for a USB cable or adapter.
The projector also supports Bluetooth features, which let you easily pair with your Bluetooth speaker/headset/mouse/keyboard/gaming pad, which allows you to enjoy audio/gaming conveniently!
Having a stable and wireless internet connection is a must for smoothing the gaming experience, without the hassle of a bulky adapter, that’s why we highly endorse this projector for gaming freaks.
A happy customer on Amazon shares his experience,
- Wi-Fi connectivity and Bluetooth.
- Multiple connectivity ports
- Built-in-media player.
- High resolution
- The projector features a 6GB memory for storage of applications.
- Some people complain of a projector’s fan being slightly loud
3.) ViewSonic PJD5155 – Best Home Theater Projector
Features
- Display technology: DLP
- Brightness: 3,300 lumens
- Contrast: 20,000:1
- Native resolution: SVGA (800*600p)
- Screen size: 83-207 inches
- 3-year warranty
It’s one of the best versatile projectors under the $500 category for use in education and small business environments.
Best as both indoor and outdoor projector
Owing to its nice wide range for its throw distance, it’s best suitable for some applications at the office, or outdoor for a movie night.
Though it does have a short bulb light, it’s the nicest and brightest projector with a maximum lumen of 3,300. The projector projects at multiple resolutions to up to 1080P. It’s an ideal choice for movie buffs for watching high-definition movies, gaming freaks or giving office presentations.
Smart design
The Viewsonic PJD5155 has an intuitive and user-friendly design. It also comes with an optional cable management hood that’s connected onto the back of the projector that conceals unnecessary cable clutter and open ports.
SuperColor Technology
Viewsonic offers a wider color range than your regular DLP projectors thanks to its Supercolor technology, which supports in projecting realistic and true-to-life colors, in any given environment be it a dark or bright environment without compromising on image quality. The projector also combines a 6 wheel color segment design and lamp control functionality.
Balanced Color and Brightness
A choice of 5 unique view settings provides the best possible viewing experience in any environment regardless of ambient light.
A happy customer on amazon shares his experience,
- Widescreen throw distance
- Flexible connectivity options
- Easy to set up
- The widescreen size makes it best for both indoor and outdoor environment
- The short span of bulb life.
4.) Epson VS250 – Best Value Projector
Features
- Display technology: 3LCD
- Brightness: 3,200 lumens
- Contrast: 15,000:1
- Native SVGA resolution (800×600)
- Throw distance: 3-34ft
- Screen size: 30-350 inches
- 2-year warranty
Epson isn’t a new name in projector technology, it’s a brand well known for its superior quality products and VS250 is another fine example of that.
It’s a great projector choice for everyday business presentations. Not only its super simple to set up but can also be connected in multiple ways. Its 3,200 Lumens produce a high level of brightness and its 3LCD display helps to produce the crispiest of images.
The projector can work at most popular resolutions, but it works best at 800*600, which is even though decent, but might not be best for watching certain movies and games.
The contrast ratio of 15000:1 brings clarity to the darker parts of your presentation or media and is of the best among the LCD types.
The projector is ideal to use in any given environment be it indoors or outdoors. Its throw distance makes it perfect to use even in large spaces, but you can also use it in small spaces or anywhere you like it.
Michael Joseph shares his experience with us and says,
Also Recommended : Best Projectors under $200
- Best value for money
- High contrast ratio
- Simple interface and easy to setup
- Its low native resolution might create an issue for some media types.
5.) Anker NEBULA Projector – Best for high performance in low light environment
Features
- Resolution: HD 720p.
- Brightness: 200 ANSI Lumens.
- Display Technology: DLP
- Screen size: 100 inches.
High performance in low light environment
Anker Nebula may be considered as the best projector for low-light environments. The projector uses DLP technology along with 200 Lumens, which almost brings images to life as if you are physically present in a high-class cinema.
Other than offering the best and brightest picture quality, the projector also has smart features that optimize the user experience.
Autofocus technology
Autofocus technology is one feature that gets you super crisp images from any given angle and brings sharpness to images instantly.
Smart Operating system
The projector’s smart operating system lets you download your favorite apps. Download or stream YouTube or Netflix, using Nebula Manager Store. Watch movies, take online zoom classes, or presentations. The possibilities are endless.
You can control your mini projector from your phone with the “Nebula Connect” app.
Binge-watch your favorite movies
The projector also prevents and reduces the amount of direct light entering your eyes. Now with Capsule Max, you can binge-watch your favorite Netflix series without straining your eyes.
A customer shares his experience and this is what he has to say,
Support is also amazing, running google play store now.”
- Smart OS
- HD Viewing: Cutting-edge DLP technology
- Keystone and autofocus technology
- Up to 100-Inch Picture
- Built-in 8W speaker
- 200 ANSI lumen bulb.
- Protection from eye straining
- Big screen
- Multiple connectivity
- Not quite loud enough
6.) FANGOR 8500L – Best for Home Cinema Experience
Features
- Resolution: 1080P, 4K Supported.
- Brightness: 8500 lumens.
- Display Technology: LCD.P
- Screen size: 300 inches.
Take the magic of the cinema wherever you go. With the Fangor 8500L projector, bring the cinema into the comfort of your house. The projector has some impressive features and image quality that makes it worth spending every penny you spend on it.
Experience a cinematic environment with Full HD native resolution, 10000:1 contrast ratio, and 8500 Lumen brightness. With these specifications, no doubt, the projector delivers what it promises.
Many projectors offer more within the same or even lower price range; but what good is a projector, if it doesn’t project true colors and realistic images? This is one projector that brings home the coziest images and outstanding color accuracy for Home Theater, Outdoor Movies, Games, Graphics.
Also Recommended : Best Projector For Home Theatre Under 1000
The Fangor projector provides you with more detailed and crystal clear images, 80% higher than other 1080p projectors, thanks to 4K technology. This ensures vivid colors and allows for a perfect home cinema experience.
Customized carrying case
The projector comes with a customized carrying case so that you can carry it with ease to any place you want, and a carrying case is also a good way to protect the projector itself. Also, the dustproof interior of Fangor prevents black spots on the projection screen so that users continue enjoying high-quality images
Fangor also provides a great listening experience. It comes with two 5W speakers with stereo sound. Listening to music with a stereo system is a treat and with built-in speakers, you almost have a cinematic experience.
A customer has left a ravishing review, and this is what she has to say,
- Two 5W stereo speakers.
- Anti-dust design
- Low noise
- Customized carrying case
- Advanced cooling system
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity options
- Not suitable for professional use for office presentations and slides
7.) WiMiUS P28 Projector – Best for Children use
Features
- Resolution: 1920×1080.
- Brightness: 10000 Candela.
- Screen size: 50-400 inches
- 150,000 HOURS LED LAMP.
The projector is best for families with young children, who are concerned that a large screen with high brightness will affect their eyesight drastically. If this is your concern too, then the projector is the best pick for you.
Similarly, if you are bored with your small t. v screen and want to create a cinematic experience at home, then, WiMiUS P28 is the right pick for you.
It has many features that make the projector worthy enough to buy.
Eye friendly Projector
WiMiUs uses a technology called “Automatic Image Diffusion” to prevent your eyes from being exposed to intense light. This then prevents any eye damage and protects the retina, which in turn results in a more comfortable viewing experience after long periods.
Other than being a user-friendly projector, it has some other smart features too. For instance, it has 4D Keystone Correction technology with Keystone Correction feature.
Brighter images
The main component of any projector is its brightness. This LCD projector has both high white brightness and high color brightness, which helps deliver brighter images with more true-to-life colors. After a recent update, the manufacturer has even improved the brightness by 20%. It is now very bright. Having said that we still don’t recommend using it in a bright environment, it’s only to be used in dark or semi-dark environments.
4k Videos Projection
The resolution of a P28 projector is 1920 1080. With its connection to a smartphone and PC, the projector can also play 4K video – though it will be downgraded to 720P 30Hz. Moreover, because of its mature technology, there shouldn’t be any lag issues when playing videos with a 1080P resolution on this machine.
X&Y Zoom Function
Now you don’t need to move your projector closer to or away from the screen. The WiMiUS P28 video projector has a built-in zoom function that supports both horizontal and vertical zooming too. This can change the size of the projected image as you need it. For instance, you can change the resize your image from 100″ to 75″ without having to move the projector itself. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who have small projector installation places in smaller or middle-sized spaces.
Similarly, if you are bored with your small TV screen and want to create a cinematic experience at home, then WiMiUS P28 is here to serve you.
- Eye friendly projector
- Smart 4D Keystone Correction
- Display 4k videos
- X&Y Zoom Function
- 50-300 inches projection size
- Doesn’t lag when playing HD videos
- It can only support 4k videos when the projector is connected with smartphones or PCs.
As per a happy customer on Amazon,
8.) XNoogo 5G Projector – Best for Outdoor
Features
- Resolution: 1080P.
- Brightness: 9600 Lux.
- Display Technology: LCD.
- Screen size: 60 – 450 inches.
- 3 Years Warranty
Excellent image quality, high compatibility, and suitability for use in outdoor parties are what make it worthy to be on our list of best projectors under 500.
The 1080P HD Projector runs on a German LED light source, is made of high-quality materials, and is designed with precision.
Support HD quality images
The projector has been designed to project HD quality images, owing to its 10000:1 Contrast ratio. The TV projector boast of real native resolution 1920*1080, whereas other brands only support 1080P. It even can support 4k videos when connected to a smartphone and PC. Furthermore, it can support native 1080p videos without any lag. Its highest contrast ratio can bring more clarity and true color than a projector can display.
Built-in-Speakers
It comes integrated with 2 Built-in 5 Watt speakers, which will produce a loud and clear sound. There’s absolutely no need for carrying any external speakers for outdoor use.
Digital Keystone Correction
Another interesting feature of XNoogo X8 is its latest Keystone Correction technology, so when you turn the power on to set a rectangle as your standard image, there’s no need for manual adjustments. If your projector undergoes any jerky movements or collisions, it will automatically correct itself. Amazing, isn’t it?
Sharp Detailed Images
The projector provides sharp detailed HD images without downgrading or compressing the image quality. The projector also protects your eyes. It’s native 1920 * 1080 resolution will give you 10 times more detail than 1080P supported projectors.
Big screen and HIFI Stereo Sound
This TV will provide you with a wonderful view experience whilst offering a wide range of colors and a 450 inches big screen size. You can also connect other devices such as your PC, tablet, or laptop to take advantage of the surround sound system with inbuilt speakers. Games consoles like PS3 and PS4 are also available to enjoy while you comfortably sit on your sofa.
The projector supports both wired and wireless connections, no need to buy any additional HDMI adapter to connect to the smartphone, all you need is a working WIFI connection and USB cable.
3 Years Warranty
The projector comes with a 3-year warranty and long-life customer support. You can always contact the technical support team if you face any issues or feel confused about the installation process.
It has a simple user interface, a simple setup, and controls. Just plug and play, and enjoy your favorite movies and shows or play your presentations.
A happy customer on Amazon leave the following review,
- Built-in latest Bluetooth 5.0 chip.
- Clear images
- Plays 4k Videos and support Dolby’s digital
- No HDMI adapter is required
- High definition
- Free portable projector bag
- Touch screen feature
- Projector adopts an advanced German LED light source.
- Lacks portability, so carrying it might be a problem.
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Quick Summary
Editor’s Choice: ViewSonic PA503S
If you are looking for a versatile projector, then, ViewSonic 3800 will be the best pick for you. Its advanced visual features are ideal for use in education and small business environments. It’s a DLP projector with the highest brightness and contrast ratio, a wide throw range of 3,600 lumens. 30-300 inches of screen size. Super economical and versatile.
Best for Gaming Freaks: ZCGIOBN US7-900DAB-1
Equipped with the latest 5G wireless connection, LCD-LED, and large maximum screen size, high brightness, contrast ratio, and 1920 x 1080 max. the resolution makes it an ideal choice for gaming lovers.
Best for low-light environments: Anker Nebula
The project shows the best performance whether you want it for personal or commercial use. It’s one projector that will never disappoint you.
Best for Home Theater Projector: ViewSonic PJD5155
It falls second for contrast on our list, a decent quality DLP projector, with a large screen size and throw distance, makes it an ideal choice for the home theater experience.
Best for Eye Protection: WiMiUS P28 Projector
It’s best for households with small children who don’t want their children’s eyesight to be affected by excessive screen time. Other than that, it also has some intelligent features that make it the best projector under the $500 range.
Best Value: Epson VS250
If you want the best value out of your projector then Epson V250 will do the perfect job for you. It’s a mid-range 3LCD projector, with decent image quality, high brightness and contrast. Easy to set up, 83-207 inches of screen size, and 2 years warranty.
Final words
Now which Projector is best for you is solely dependent upon your individual needs and budget. Here are a few suggestions for you.
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