The Best Cheap Projectors of 2024 (2024)

Updated on February 23, 2024

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  The 5 Best Projectors for a Bedroom in 2024 | Digital TrendsThe 5 Best 4k Projectors - Spring 2024: ReviewsThe 5 Best Projectors for Home Theater - Spring 2024: ReviewsBest projectors in 2024: the best long throw and laser projectors

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The Vankyo Leisure 3 is a solid choice for an affordable projector with all the usual features. It comes with a carrying case, HDMI ports, an AV port, a VGA port, and cables, so you won’t need to make additional connector purchases. It also features SD and USB ports to view media from a card or stick and is very easy to set up, whether connecting a laptop, smart device, or video game console.

Using the built-in operating system to navigate the settings and options with the included remote is intuitive. However, the stand is relatively small, which means you may need to prop it up on a table or desk with something to get the angle you want. The 2,000:1 contrast ratio provides solid picture quality, but the brightness level is surprisingly dimmer than expected from a projector boasting 2,400 lumens.

The built-in speaker is unlikely to impress those used to high-quality speaker systems or even an excellent built-in laptop speaker. Fortunately, the Vankyo Leisure 3 has a 3.5mm cable port, allowing for a connection to an external speaker. You can bypass the built-in speaker by exporting your audio directly from the source device, such as your computer or streaming stick.

_{Resolution: 1920x1080 | Brightness: 2400 lumens | Contrast ratio: 2000:1 | Projection size: 170 inches}

The BenQ HT2150ST is admittedly on the higher end of the cheap projector category, but It’s still worth considering, especially if you want a good projector for playing video games. This model boasts incredibly low latency with just a 16ms input lag, which means minimal delay from when you press a video game controller button to when the action happens on-screen.

This budget projector also boasts a 1:1.69 foot throw ratio that gives you an extra 2 feet of image for every foot away from the wall or screen where the projector sits. This ratio is good as it will allow you to make a sizable projection when used in a small place such as a child’s bedroom or tent.

The 2,200 ANSI lumens allow the BenQ HT2150ST to put on a generally solid show in dimly lit rooms. At the same time, the support for 1080p resolution and 15,000:1 contrast ratio produces a projection with solid colors and fine details.

Where this projector impresses is with its range of ports. With two HDMI ports, a USB-A port, a USB Mini-B port, 3.5mm input and output audio jacks, an RS-232 control port, and a PC VGA port, very few devices won’t be able to connect to the BenQ HT2150ST.

_{Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Brightness: 2,200 ANSI Lumens | Contrast ratio: 15,000:1 | Projection size: up to 300 inches}

The disappointing 480p resolution on Kodak’s Luma 150 projector rules it out as a primary home cinema projector. Still, its small size and stylish build make it an ideal solution as a projector for traveling, attending gatherings, or the occasional presentation with a client on location.

In addition to the usual HDMI and USB connections, the Luma 150 also supports wireless casting from Apple, Android, and Windows devices. The 60 ANSI lumen hardware and low 1,000:1 contrast ratio limit projections to smaller, darker spaces. Its convenient size and tripod support also add functionality many may find worth the trade-off. If you’re after an inexpensive portable projector, the Luma 150 is worth a look.

_{Resolution: 854x480 | Brightness: 60 ANSI lumens | Contrast ratio: 1000:1 | Projection size: 150 inches}

The Anker Nebula Capsule Max projector features the usual HDMI and USB ports for connecting media, but its claim to fame is its built-in support for the Android operating system, which allows it to run Android apps natively. You don’t need to connect another device to the Nebula Capsule Max for streaming content, nor worry about copyright-protected content when casting Netflix or Disney Plus. You can run your favorite apps directly from the projector itself as if it’s a tablet or smart TV. You will need to use the Nebula Capsule Max smartphone app to control the apps you run on the projector, though.

Another benefit of the Nebula Capsule Max project is its size. The size of a soda can, this cheap projector is easy to pack for a trip and store at home when not in use. The Anker isn’t perfect, though. It must be plugged into a power source regularly, offering just four hours of battery life. Its low lumen count can also affect its visibility in bright environments.

_{Resolution: 1280x720 | Brightness: 200 ANSI lumens | Contrast ratio: 400:1 | Projection size: 100 inches}

FAQ

• How much should a projector cost?

  Projector pricing ranges from under $100 to well over $2,000. This massive price range is why projectors that cost around $500 are still considered cheap or at least more affordable than others. The manufacturer or brand associated with a projector can impact the price, but the cost is mainly affected by the quality of the projection and the resolution it offers. For example, a projector that needs to be used in the dark and only displays a 480p resolution image might cost $80. In contrast, a 4K projector that produces a clear picture during the daytime from all angles could cost around $1,500.

• How many lumens do you need in a projector?

  Lumen is a term that describes the level of light output from projectors and other similar devices. The minimum requirement to create a quality projection in a home theater setting is 1,000 lumens. Generally speaking, the higher the lumens, the better the image quality. It’s important to note that cheaper projectors with lower lumen counts can often be fine if you prioritize portability and price over quality. After all, it’s unlikely that you’ll need a 4K home cinema experience from a portable projector designed to keep kids entertained while camping in a tent.

• What is the throw ratio on a projector?

  The throw ratio is the distance between a projector and a screen required to produce a clear or high-quality image. The throw ratio or throw distance is independent of a projector’s lumen count and resolution. For example, two 4K projectors with the exact lumen count could have different throw ratios. Standard or long-throw projectors usually require a minimum of 6 feet between the projector and the screen to project an image of 80 inches or more, while short-throw projectors can create a 100-inch image at a distance of only 4 or 5 feet. Throw ratios are usually found on a projector’s product description page and within its manual.

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