Best Entry Level Projector in 2023: Our top picks

April Prohaska
  Dec 6, 2023 8:16 AM

An entry-level projector is an ideal choice for those looking to get into the world of projection without breaking the bank. They are perfect for home theaters, classrooms, offices, or any other environment where a larger image is desired. Entry-level projectors generally feature lower resolutions, shorter throw distances, and more basic feature sets than their more expensive counterparts.

They also tend to be less expensive, making them accessible to a wider range of budgets and needs. Whether you’re looking for a basic projector to watch movies on a blank wall or need a reliable projector for presentations, there are plenty of entry-level models out there to choose from.

Best Entry Level Projector in 2023: Our top picks
A projector is a great way to enjoy films and presentations on a larger scale in the comfort of your own home.. Image source: Amazon.com

Compare

NoImageProductScoreCheck
1Anker NEBULA Capsule Max, Pint-Sized Wi-Fi Mini Projector, 200 ANSI Lumen Portable Projector, Native 720p HD, 8W Speaker, Movie Projector, 100 Inch Picture, 4Hr Video Playtime, Home Theater Best Outdoor Projector: Anker NEBULA Capsule Max9.5Check Price
2XGIMI Elfin Mini Projector, Ultra Compact 1080P Portable Projector 4K Input Supported for Movies & Gaming, Android TV 10.0, 800 ANSI Lumens, HDR 10, Harman Kardon Speakers, Auto Keystone, Auto Focus Best Portable: XGIMI Elfin Mini Projector9.6Check Price
3BenQ HT2050A 1080P Home Theater Projector | 2200 Lumens | 96% Rec.709 for Accurate Colors | Low Input Lag Ideal for Gaming | 2D Keystone for Flexible Setup Best Projector Under $1000: BenQ HT2050A 1080P Home Theater Projector8.9Check Price
4BenQ HT2150ST 1080P Short Throw Projector | 2200 Lumens | 96% Rec.709 for Accurate Colors | Low Input Lag Ideal for Gaming | Stream Netflix & Prime Video,White Also Great: BenQ HT2150ST 1080P Short Throw Projector9.4Check Price
5NEC Display Solutions NP-P350W 1280 x 800 3500 Lumens LCD Widescreen Entry-Level Professional Installation Projector 2000:1 Front, Rear, Ceiling RJ45 Best Value: NEC Display Solutions NP-P350W 1280 x 800 3500 Lumens LCD Widescreen Entry-Level Professional Installation Projector 2000:1 Front8.7Check Price

#1 Best Outdoor Projector:Anker NEBULA Capsule Max

The Anker NEBULA Capsule Max is a pint-sized Wi-Fi mini projector that delivers an impressive 200 ANSI lumen of brightness and native 720p HD resolution. This projector packs a lot of power into a small frame allowing for a truly portable experience. With an 8W speaker and 100-inch picture, the NEBULA Capsule Max is perfect for home entertainment. Enjoy up to 4 hours of uninterrupted video playtime, so you can enjoy a movie marathon with friends or family right in your living room. With the included remote control, you can easily access the projector's features and settings. Whether you're watching movies, playing games, or enjoying your favorite TV shows, the Anker NEBULA Capsule Max is the perfect choice for your home theater setup.

#2 Best Portable:XGIMI Elfin Mini Projector

The BenQ HT2150ST is the perfect choice for home theater enthusiasts who want a short throw projector with superior picture quality. With 2200 lumens of brightness and 96% Rec.709 color accuracy, this projector produces bright, vivid images with natural colors and deep blacks. The low input lag of 16ms makes it ideal for gamers, while the built-in streaming apps allow you to access Netflix and Amazon Prime Video with ease. An impressive 1.2x zoom and a short throw ratio of 0.69:1 means you can enjoy a big screen experience even in small spaces. With its sleek and modern design, the BenQ HT2150ST is the perfect addition to any home theater setup.

#3 Best Projector Under $1000:BenQ HT2050A 1080P Home Theater Projector

The BenQ HT2050A Home Theater Projector is the perfect option for enjoying movies, sports, and gaming in the comfort of your own home. Featuring Full HD 1080P resolution, 2200 lumens of brightness, and 96% Rec. 709 accuracy for true-to-life color performance, this projector is sure to provide an amazing viewing experience. The low input lag makes it ideal for gaming, while the 2D Keystone allows for flexible setup with corner keystone and four-corner correction. With the built-in 10W speakers, you can enjoy immersive audio without the need for external speakers. The HT2050A also comes with a number of other features, including a 2.1x zoom and 1.2x optical zoom, 3D compatibility, and a variety of connection options. So don't wait - upgrade your home theater experience today with the BenQ HT2050A Home Theater Projector!

#4 Also Great:BenQ HT2150ST 1080P Short Throw Projector

The XGIMI Elfin Mini Projector is the ultimate home entertainment solution. This ultra-compact projector packs a big punch with its 1080p resolution, 4K input support, 800 ANSI Lumens, HDR 10, and Harman Kardon Speakers. Combined with Auto Keystone and Auto Focus technologies, it delivers an unbeatable viewing experience for movies and gaming. And with Android TV 10.0, you can access all your favorite streaming services and apps. The XGIMI Elfin Mini Projector is a must-have for any home entertainment setup.

#5 Best Value:NEC Display Solutions NP-P350W 1280 x 800 3500 Lumens LCD Widescreen Entry-Level Professional Installation Projector 2000:1 Front

The NEC Display Solutions NP-P350W LCD Widescreen Projector is the perfect entry-level professional installation projector. With a resolution of 1280 x 800, this projector offers high-definition clarity, perfect for presentations, classrooms, and boardrooms. Plus, its 3500-lumen output creates a bright, vibrant image that will be sure to capture the attention of your audience. It also features a 2000:1 contrast ratio and can be mounted in front, rear, or ceiling. For added convenience, this projector also features an RJ45 port for easy connectivity. With its many features and versatile installation options, the NEC Display Solutions NP-P350W is the perfect choice for your professional presentation needs.

1
Anker NEBULA Capsule Max, Pint-Sized Wi-Fi Mini Projector, 200 ANSI Lumen Portable Projector, Native 720p HD, 8W Speaker, Movie Projector, 100 Inch Picture, 4Hr Video Playtime, Home Theater
  • LSF Rating

    LSF Rating is a ranking system developed by LostSocietyFinland.com. Our Rating has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.5
  • Brand
    Unknown
2
XGIMI Elfin Mini Projector, Ultra Compact 1080P Portable Projector 4K Input Supported for Movies & Gaming, Android TV 10.0, 800 ANSI Lumens, HDR 10, Harman Kardon Speakers, Auto Keystone, Auto Focus
  • LSF Rating

    LSF Rating is a ranking system developed by LostSocietyFinland.com. Our Rating has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.6
  • Brand
    XGIMI
3
BenQ HT2050A 1080P Home Theater Projector | 2200 Lumens | 96% Rec.709 for Accurate Colors | Low Input Lag Ideal for Gaming | 2D Keystone for Flexible Setup
  • LSF Rating

    LSF Rating is a ranking system developed by LostSocietyFinland.com. Our Rating has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    8.9
  • Brand
    BenQ
4
BenQ HT2150ST 1080P Short Throw Projector | 2200 Lumens | 96% Rec.709 for Accurate Colors | Low Input Lag Ideal for Gaming | Stream Netflix & Prime Video,White
  • LSF Rating

    LSF Rating is a ranking system developed by LostSocietyFinland.com. Our Rating has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.4
  • Brand
    BenQ
5
NEC Display Solutions NP-P350W 1280 x 800 3500 Lumens LCD Widescreen Entry-Level Professional Installation Projector 2000:1 Front, Rear, Ceiling RJ45
  • LSF Rating

    LSF Rating is a ranking system developed by LostSocietyFinland.com. Our Rating has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    8.7
  • Brand
    NEC
6
NEC Display Solutions NP-P350X 1024 x 768 3500 Lumens LCD Entry-Level Professional Installation Projector 2000:1 Front, Rear, Ceiling RJ45
  • LSF Rating

    LSF Rating is a ranking system developed by LostSocietyFinland.com. Our Rating has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    8.8
  • Brand
    NEC
7
1080P HD Projector, WiFi Projector Bluetooth Projector, FANGOR 230" Portable Movie Projector with Tripod, Home Theater Video Projector Compatible with HDMI, VGA, USB, Laptop, iOS & Android Smartphone
  • LSF Rating

    LSF Rating is a ranking system developed by LostSocietyFinland.com. Our Rating has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    8.8
  • Brand
    FANGOR
8
Nebula Anker Capsule 3 Laser 1080p, Smart, Wi-Fi, Mini Projector, Black, Portable Projector, Dolby Digital, Laser Projector, Autofocus, 120-Inch Picture, Built-in Battery, 2.5 Hours of Playtime
  • LSF Rating

    LSF Rating is a ranking system developed by LostSocietyFinland.com. Our Rating has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    8.6
  • Brand
    Unknown
9
KODAK Luma 150 Ultra Mini Pocket Pico Projector - Built in Rechargeable Battery & Speaker, 1080P Support Portable Wireless LED DLP Movie & Video Travel Projector, Connects to iPhone and Android
  • LSF Rating

    LSF Rating is a ranking system developed by LostSocietyFinland.com. Our Rating has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    8.9
  • Brand
    KODAK
10
FATORK Mini Projector, 5G WiFi DLP Smart Portable Movie Projectors, Pocket Monster Outdoor Projector for Phone 1080P HD Support Wireless Video Travel Short Throw, Compatible with iOS/Android/HDMI/USB
  • LSF Rating

    LSF Rating is a ranking system developed by LostSocietyFinland.com. Our Rating has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    8.6
  • Brand
    FATORK
11
NEC Display Solutions NP-P420X 1024 x 768 4200 Lumens LCD Entry-Level Professional Installation Projector 2000:1 Front, Rear, Ceiling RJ45
  • LSF Rating

    LSF Rating is a ranking system developed by LostSocietyFinland.com. Our Rating has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    8.8
  • Brand
    NEC

Last update on 2023-12-06 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Best 4k Projector Under $3000 – Top 14 Picks in 2023: If you're looking for a top-of-the-line 4k projector without breaking the bank, you'll be pleased to know that there are some excellent options available at....

Listed Questions and Answers

XGIMI Elfin Mini Projector, Ultra Compact 1080P Portable Projector 4K Input Supported for Movies & Gaming, Android TV 10.0, 800 ANSI Lumens, HDR 10, Harman Kardon Speakers, Auto Keystone, Auto Focus

The best entry level projector is a device that offers high-quality visuals and features at an affordable price. Image source: Amazon.com

What is the best entry-level projector for my home cinema setup?

The best entry-level projector for a home cinema setup depends on your budget and needs. If you are looking for an affordable projector, then the BenQ HT2050A is a great option. It is an DLP projector that offers plenty of features for its price. It has a 3,000 ANSI lumens brightness, full HD 1080p resolution, and a 15,000:1 contrast ratio. It also has two HDMI inputs, 3D support, and allows for up to a 200-inch screen size. If you are looking for a higher-end projector, then the Optoma UHD51A is a great choice. It offers 4K UHD resolution, 2,400 ANSI lumens brightness, and a 500,000:1 contrast ratio. It also has HDR10 compatibility, Alexa voice control, and two HDMI inputs.

What are the key features to look for when selecting an entry-level projector?

1. Brightness: Look for a projector that has a brightness rating of at least 2,000 lumens. This will ensure that the projector can display an image clearly even in a brightly lit room.

2. Resolution: Look for a projector with a resolution of at least 720p (1280 x 720). This will provide a crisp and clear image.

3. Contrast Ratio: Look for a projector with a high contrast ratio (at least 2000:1). This will ensure that you get deep blacks and bright whites.

4. Connectivity: Make sure that the projector has the right connections for your device, such as HDMI, VGA, or USB.

5. Price: Look for a projector that is within your budget. You don’t want to spend too much on an entry-level projector.

What are the differences between entry-level and higher-end projectors?

Entry-level projectors are typically lower in cost, lower in brightness, and have lower resolution than higher-end projectors. Entry-level projectors may also have fewer connection options, shorter lamp life, and lower contrast ratios than higher-end projectors. Higher-end projectors usually have higher brightness, higher resolution, more connection options, longer lamp life, and higher contrast ratios than entry-level projectors. Higher-end projectors may also have advanced features such as 3D compatibility, motorized lens shift, and more.

How much does an entry-level projector typically cost?

Entry-level projectors typically cost between $200 and $500.

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Summary

BenQ HT2050A 1080P Home Theater Projector | 2200 Lumens | 96% Rec.709 for Accurate Colors | Low Input Lag Ideal for Gaming | 2D Keystone for Flexible Setup

A projector is a great way to bring movies, presentations, and games to life. Image source: Amazon.com

In conclusion, Anker NEBULA Capsule Max is a great entry-level projector that offers an excellent balance of quality and affordability. It has good brightness and decent image quality, making it ideal for watching movies and playing games. The inputs are comprehensive and the price is very reasonable. With all of these features and benefits, it is the best entry-level projector on the market.