Best Projectors 2024: Laser Projectors, Ultra Short Throw, 4K, and More
Welcome back, tech enthusiasts! If you’re in the market for a new projector, you’re in the right place. Whether you're setting up a home theater, need a bright projector for a living room, or are searching for a budget-friendly option, there’s a projector out there for you. But with prices ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, choosing the right model can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to help you navigate the top projectors of 2024.
In this post, we’ll cover the best 4K projectors, ultra short throw projectors, budget options, and more. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of which projector suits your needs. Ready to dive in? Let’s explore!
6. Epson Pro Cinema LS12000
If you’re searching for one of the best long-throw 4K projectors without breaking the bank, the Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 is an excellent choice. With a laser light engine and 2,700 lumens of brightness, this projector delivers a bright HDR picture that impresses even in a dim home cinema setting.
Its robust build quality allows it to project images up to 130 inches. The LS12000 features vertical and horizontal lens shift for easy setup with a projection screen and includes two HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K at 120Hz input. While it performs best in a dark room, its picture quality remains impressive even in less-than-ideal conditions. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, consider the nearly identical Epson S1000, which offers slightly lower contrast and less-defined blacks.
5. LG Sbeam Q
The LG Sbeam Q is a stylish and ultra-compact 4K projector designed for those who value aesthetics as much as performance. Encased in an all-metal body with a 360° rotating carrying handle, this projector doubles as a piece of art when not in use.
Despite its sleek exterior, the Sbeam Q is serious about picture quality, offering a filmmaker mode preset that delivers an accurate image right out of the box. Its RGB laser DLP light engine, 4K resolution, and HDR10 support make it a fantastic choice for movie lovers. However, with a limited 500 ANSI lumens brightness, this projector is best suited for dark rooms. The auto-screen adjustment feature with autofocus makes setup a breeze, and LG’s webOS platform provides access to popular streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, and YouTube.
4. Hisense L9G TriChroma Laser 4K TV
The Hisense L9G is more than just a projector; it’s a 4K laser TV system that comes with a 100-inch ambient light rejecting screen. As an ultra short throw projector, it sits at a fixed position close to the wall-mounted screen, making it ideal for living rooms.
In our review, the L9G’s bright 3,000-lumen image delivered an excellent viewing experience, even in a well-lit room. The TriChroma laser light engine provided vivid colors and rich shadow details. This projector features HDMI 2.1 ports with eARC, an Android Smart TV interface, and a powerful built-in 40W speaker system that eliminates the need for a soundbar. While the L9G is typically sold with an included screen, you can also purchase the projector separately at a reduced cost.
3. Samsung The Premiere
Samsung’s The Premiere is a top-of-the-line ultra short throw projector that justifies its higher price tag with some unique features. Firstly, it’s equipped with Samsung’s Tizen Smart TV interface, the same one found on their TV lineup, which makes content streaming and discovery a breeze. Secondly, it boasts a powerful built-in sound system that can rival external soundbars, providing immersive audio for movies and games.
With a brightness of 2,700 lumens and a triple-laser light engine covering 106% of the BT.2020 color space, The Premiere is perfect for home theaters. In our Samsung The Premiere review, we praised its excellent picture quality and were particularly impressed by the expansive, enveloping sound that seemed to elevate the entire viewing experience. If you’re looking for an all-in-one system with great picture quality, sound, and smart TV capabilities, The Premiere offers tremendous value.
2. BenQ X300G
The BenQ X300G may be marketed as a gaming projector, but it also excels at movie watching. Priced at $1,799, it’s an affordable 4K projector with a small form factor that makes it easy to move from room to room.
This DLP projector’s LED light engine is rated at 2,000 lumens of brightness. It features the Android TV system for streaming, an HDMI 2.0 port with eARC, and a USB-C port with DisplayPort support—a rare feature in projectors. The built-in 2.1-channel speaker system delivers potent sound, and the manual adjustments for focus, zoom, and keystone ensure that you can fine-tune the picture to your liking. The BenQ X300G’s standout feature is its ability to display 1080p images at a 240Hz refresh rate, making it the best 4K projector for gaming on the market.
1. Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800
Not all projectors are equally suited for daytime viewing, but the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 is an exception. This ultra short throw projector’s bright 4,000-lumen image retains its vibrancy even in well-lit environments, making it an excellent choice for sports or daytime gaming.
The LS800 uses three-LCD technology with a laser light engine and features the Android TV platform for streaming. However, it does lack the Netflix app and uses the older Wi-Fi 5 standard instead of Wi-Fi 6. Despite this, the overall picture quality is excellent, with bright and clear visuals. The built-in Yamaha speaker system with a virtual surround mode delivers impressive audio, maintaining dialogue clarity while providing a strong sense of surround sound. For those who need a projector that works well both day and night and delivers powerful sound, the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 is the perfect choice.
Conclusion: I hope you found this guide helpful in choosing the best projector for your needs. Whether you're setting up a home theater or need a versatile projector for multiple environments, the models listed above offer some of the best options for 2024. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below. Don’t forget to subscribe to stay updated on the latest tech reviews and guides. Happy viewing!