10 Best Projectors Under $500 in 2024

1. ViewSonic 3600 Lumens SVGA High Brightness Projector

ViewSonic 3600 Lumens is one of the best projectors in the market for the price with stunning specifications and features. The versatile unit is best suited for use in small business and education environments. The 3600 lumens projector boasts of a big screen projection with the capacity of projecting 120 inches from 15 feet 8 inches. With an intuitive user-friendly design, the product is easy to set up and control –just plug and proceed to pay your videos, pictures, and presentations. Its flexible connectivity explains the reason why it supports most media players, Macs, PCs, and mobile devices with input options like VGA, HDMI, etc.

Specifications:

• 3-year limited warranty on labor coverage and parts
• Brightness -3,600 lumens
• Resolution –VGA (640 by 480) to Full HD (1920 by 1080)
• 3D Blue-Ray HDMI input
• Low fan noise

2. VANKYO Performance V600 Native 1080P LED Projector

You may think that we are kidding that when we say that VANKYO Performance V600 Native 1080P LED Projector is among the top best units under $500. This is because it offers performance challenged only by projects over $1000. With native HD resolution of 1920 by 1080 and contrast ratio of 5000:1, the high performance electronic brings three times more details than its 720P counterparts, delivering an unmatched image quality and vivid clarity for professional use. It features a lamp expected to last more than ten years of daily 2-3 hours use. Through one of the two HDMI ports, users can easily connect and project full HD presentations from smartphones, laptops, or any other streaming device.

Specifications:

• It comes with a three-year limited warranty and life-long technical and professional support
• Brightness -2,400 Lux
• Contrast ratio -5000:1
• Display technique –LCD
• Built-in speakers
• Native resolution -1920 by 1080P

3. Epson VS250 SVGA Projector

The Epson VS250 SVGA Projector is one of the most reliable units from a reputable brand offered at amazingly affordable price. With a brightness level of 3,200 Lux, this unit is more accurate and produces vivid colors even in well-lit spaces. Featuring a SVGA resolution of 800 by 600P, this Epson projector is best suited for projecting everyday graphics and presentations. The unit is built with convenient controls and easy image adjustments modes so you can get up and running in no time. Supporting standard connectivity through an HDMI port, users can work with the latest media players and laptops. The projector includes a zoom ring so you can reduce or enlarge the image size with great ease.

Specifications:

• Power supply voltage -100V-240V, 50/60Hz
• Eco mode power consumption -211W
• Brightness -3200 Lux
• 800 by 600 SVGA Resolution
• Fan noise –37 dB for normal mode and 28 dB for ECO mode

4. Nebula Capsule by Anker Smart Portable Wi-Fi Mini Projector

Nebula Capsule by Anker is one of the best and affordable projectors (pocket cinemas) giving users the ability to enjoy their video contents anywhere anytime. Using advanced Intellibright algorithms, this unit delivers 100AMSI Lux enough to produce remarkable contrast and clarity as well as vivid pictures. Made of an aluminum body, this projector ensures greater durability and effortless portability. Using Andriod 7.1, this device can flawlessly stream from media apps besides displaying content from YouTube, NetFlix, Hulu, and other entertainment environments. The unit comes with an inbuilt power source that can run for up to four hours with a single charge. With a 360-degree base speaker and dedicated control app, users can easily operate this projector from the convenience of their smartphones.

Specifications:

• Omni-directional sound
• Soda-can design
• Broad connectivity –HDMI, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Screen mirroring, Aux-In, and USB
• Android 7.1 OS
• Resolution -1280 by 720

5. Optoma HD143X 3D DLP Home Theater Projector

The latest addition on for the brand Optoma, HD143X 3D DLP Home Theater Projector, is designed specifically for big screen entertainment, whether it is watching TV shows, movies, or live sports. With stunning picture quality and high contrast ratio, this unit adds stunning detail and color to every home theater experience. The projector’s lamp has an extended life of over ten years with an impressive 12,000 hours. Featuring a flexible zoom, this device delivers easy installation for various screen sizes and spaces. Users can comfortably connect the unit to Blu-ray player, cable box, PC, and gaming console through 2x HDMI, 3D Sync, USB, or audio-out port. The compact product makes it easy to carry around from room to room.

Specifications:

• Brightness -3,000 lumen
• Resolution – 1920 by 1080P
• Noise level -25dB
• Contrast ratio -23000:1
• Hour lamp life -12,000 hours
• Full 3D output

6. GooDee HD 4000L 200″ Home Theater Projector

It is hard to believe that GooDee HD 4000L 200″ Home Theater Projector is a unit under $500 for the simple reason that it features state-of-the-art features. It beats any other small projector in the market as far as brightness and clarity are concerned. Adding 80 percent better brightness than any other projectors and 2200 lux, this unit is a force to reckon. It delivers HD 1080P resolution and ultra-vivid & accurate video quality, an experience that converts home to a cinematic theater. This device is ideal for projecting games, movies, graphics, and presentations. The HD video projector from GooDee utilizes LCD display and LED light source technology, ensuring lower energy consumption.

Specifications:

• 3-year limited factory warranty
• Compatible with PS4, HDMI, AV, USB, VGA, and Fire TV Stick
• Two built-in 3W speakers
• Item weight -5 pounds
• Brightness -4000 Lux

7. VANKYO 510 Full HD Projector

If you are looking for a pocket-friendly projector for a small office display, home theater, and outdoor theater viewing, then VANKYO 510 Full HD Projector is the right product. This is a full HD projector utilizing the upgraded TFT LCD and LED light source display technology to significantly reduce light attenuation and improve brightness. Equipped with a myriad of inputs, including VGA, HDMI, USB, Micro SD, and AV ports, the unit is one of the easiest to use projectors. Built with two three-watt stereo speakers, the Leisure 510 projector from VANKYO delivers great audio support and eliminates the need for costly externals speakers.

Specifications:

• It comes with a carrying bag
• Projection size -200 inches
• Brightness -3800 Lux
• Resolution – 1920 by 1080P
• Contrast ratio -1000:1

8. BenQ MH530FHD 1080P Home Theater Projector

If you are looking for a multi-featured projector for an affordable price, then BenQ MH530FHD 1080P Home Theater Projector is worth trying out. With an ANSI brightness of 3,300 Lux and native 1080P full HD resolution, this brand is sure to deliver the finest picture quality. The projector’s lamp life is estimated to be up to 10,000 hours. It offers support to multiple connectivity through dual HDMI, VGA, TV connect capability, and USB. Since it comes installed with an inbuilt speaker, users are saved tons of money otherwise used to buy external speakers. The unit comes with a three-year limited warranty on labor and parts.

Specifications:

• Brightness -3,300 Lux
• Screen size projection -100”-300”
• Operating temperature – 0-40℃
• Contrast ratio -15,000:1

9. ViewSonic M1 Portable Projector

This is one of the best projectors in the market with the best specifications and features. As its name suggests, this unit is highly portable, delivering convenient entertainment in nearly every environment. It comes installed with an inbuilt dual Harman Kardon speaker to produce room-filling audio. The ViewSonic M1 Portable Projector is designed with straightforward controls and simple setup experience –just plug and play your videos, pictures, and presentations. It also comes with a built-in battery powerful enough to provide up to six hours of standby power. Connectivity to this unit is through options such as USB, HDMI, and much more. It supports most media players like PCs, mobile devices, and Macs.

Specifications:

• It comes with a three-year limited warranty covering labor and parts
• Resolution –WVGA 854 by 480P
• 360° Projection with Smart Stand
• Brightness -250 Lumens
• Lens –fixed zoom

10. WOWOTO T8E Full HD Mini Portable Projector

If you are looking of a 3D video projector with a long-lasting in-built battery, then WOWOTO T8E Full HD Mini Portable Projector is the most ideal. This device is well-known for its high brightness, which is 50 percent sharper and brighter than any other projector of the same class in the market. With a DLP technology and built-in Andriod 4.4 system, this unit is perfect streaming entertainment via YouTube, Airplay, Miracast, and Netflix. It also comes with inbuilt 7800 mAh rechargeable battery, meaning you can enjoy your movies without worrying about power issues. Included in the box with the device is a projector bag, suitable for an outdoor party and travel camping.

Specifications:

• Lamp life cycle: >20,000 hours
• 100 percent money back guarantee
• Brightness -3000 lumens
• Contrast ratio -2000:1
• Throw ratio -1.66:1
• Native resolution -1280 by 800P WVGA

Conclusion

If you thought that projectors were the preserve of the selected few in the society who can afford to pay over $1000 for a piece, then you now know! The units we have reviewed in this article not only the best in the market in 2024 but also the most affordable. Get one from our list and make your business, family, party, or education gatherings entertained with high-quality pictures, images, presentations, movies, or videos.