Best Projector Under 500 of 2024 - Top Recommended
Carwyn Robert Oct 24, 2022 6:55 AM
There are numerous reasons to have a projector in your home, including the desire to avoid watching television or to entertain friends and family in your backyard. Whatever the reason, there are numerous features to consider when selecting the best projector under 500 for you. Projectors on the market vary greatly in terms of lumens, built-in speakers, and resolution.
Overview
While you can get a reliable projector for under $300, if you're serious about picture quality, the right projector for you will most likely cost more than $500. Rather than scouring the internet for hours, I've compiled a list of the best projectors for the money.
1. XGIMI MoGo Pro Portable Projector
Important Specifications
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Hardware Interface: Bluetooth 4.0, HDMI, USB 3.0, Headphone
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Mounting Type: Tabletop Mount
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Brand: XGIMI
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Wattage: 36.0
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Brightness: 300 Lumen
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Controller Type: Remote Control, Voice Control
Product's highlights
This tiny projector houses a full Android TV with OK Google, Google Play, and Chromecast. From here, you can access Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, and a variety of other services. Except for Netflix, which is a major letdown. The built-in battery lasts two to three hours, depending on device usage, so it will play a lot of movies. You can even use it while it is charging. When it comes to audio, Harman Kardon does not cut corners. You can easily connect it to a Bluetooth speaker or soundbar for even more immersive sound. The rest is self-explanatory. The XGMI MoGo autofocuses regardless of where you point it, ensuring the best possible image regardless of where you are in the room. The latency is low enough that some light gaming is possible. You can also play your own media by connecting it via USB, but the remote will not control it. Aside from that, it's one of the best projectors under $500.
Pros
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Portable and potent
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All-in-one Android TV backend
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Harman Kardon audio
Cons
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When playing files from a USB, the remote becomes unresponsive.
2. BenQ WXGA Business Projector
Important Specifications
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Model Name: MW560
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Hardware Interface: VGA
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Mounting Type: Tabletop Mount
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Brand: BenQ
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Item Weight: 7.7 Pounds
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Minimum Throw Distance: 1 Feet
Product's highlights
Everything from pie charts to photos will pop with 4,000 lumens and three different modes designed for data review, infographics, and full-fledged presentations. Whatever way you choose to project, the BenQ Business Projector conserves up to 70% of its power for a long-lasting projector lamp. If you forget to turn it off, it will shut down after 20 minutes. Aside from being environmentally friendly, it is also extremely durable and dust-resistant even after years of use. While it isn't ideal for home theaters, it is designed for home and professional office use, with both HDMI and VGA ports. There are even USB Type-A and USB Type-B ports, as well as the old-school standard video input found on a 1990s TV. The input versatility simply cannot be matched. This projector is fast and has excellent picture quality regardless of which input you use. It, like many other projectors, has subpar audio capabilities, which is not surprising given that it is designed for professional use.
Pros
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Dust-resistant and long-lasting
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Eco-mode saves energy and extends the life of the lamp.
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Inputs both new and old
Cons
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Audio is distorted.
3. Epson Home Cinema 880
Important Specifications
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Model Name: Home Cinema 880
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Hardware Interface: HDMI
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Mounting Type: Wall Mount
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Brand: Epson
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Brightness: 3300 Lumen
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Item Weight: 5.95 Pounds
Product's highlights
All images projected are not only in full 1080p HD, but they are also fast, making this a great device for both gaming on an Xbox Series X, PS5, or PC, as well as live sports. The image is not only stunning, with some of the best color clarity available, but it also projects up to 200 inches diagonally, providing a truly cinematic experience. With an in-built picture skew corrector, you won't have to spend time focusing the image on movie night; simply point to a wall or screen and press play with the included remote. Surprisingly, and tragically, this powerful device lacks built-in streaming on the back end, so you'll have to provide your own. What's more, it's compatible with any HDMI-enabled device, such as a Roku Stick, an Android TV device, a Nintendo Switch, or even a laptop. Furthermore, it's a stunning device that you wouldn't mind permanently mounting and flaunting to the company. If Shaq thinks it's good enough, it's certainly good enough for the rest of us.
Pros
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Image of cinematic quality
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Color and brightness are exceptional.
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HDMI 2.0 devices are supported.
Cons
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There is no streaming backend included.
4. Anker NEBULA Capsule Max
Important Specifications
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Model Name: D2423
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Hardware Interface: USB
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Mounting Type: Tripod Mount,Table Mount
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Brand: NEBULA
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Wattage: 45 watts
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Brightness: 200 Lumen
Product's highlights
Not only is the immersive sound superior to that of traditional home theaters, but Anker's picture quality is also superior. NEBULA Capsule Max promises an authentic cinematic experience.
Nebula has integrated advanced DLP technology, HD Viewing, and 200 ANSI Lumen brightness into this device. This device also supports a projection screen up to 100" in size, which is ideal for a variety of activities ranging from entertainment to education.
Capsule Max, in particular, has an innovative mechanism of action that reduces the amount of light that directly enters your eyes. As a result, spending hours watching movies or television shows will reduce the familiar sensation of eye strain.
Anker NEBULA Capsule Max will impress you with its unique design, powerful speakers, and numerous intelligent features.
Pros
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8W speaker with all-around sound.
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DLP technology that is cutting-edge.
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Reduce the amount of light that enters the user's eyes directly.
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Small and portable.
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Come with a cutting-edge operating system.
Cons
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The user interface on the Max is difficult to master.
5. LG PF50KA Portable Full HD LED Smart Home Theater Projector
Important Specifications
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Model Name: PF50KA
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Hardware Interface: USB
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Mounting Type: Tabletop
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Brand: LG
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Brightness Rating: 600 Lumen
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Controller Type: Button Control
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Item Weight: 3.97 Pounds
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Control Method: Remote
Product's highlights
The build quality is as good as you'd expect from an LG product, and it's glossy and eye-catching enough to hang permanently in a living room or home theater. With the LG Smart TV backend, accessing all of your favorite content from a variety of streaming destinations with a remote is a breeze. LG Portable Full HD LED Smart Home Theater Projector is fantastic on its own, but it also works well with other Bluetooth devices such as soundbars and smart devices aside from iPhones and iPads, and any other Mac device for that matter. If you want to connect wirelessly, only Android and Windows devices are supported. With a USB-C connection that allows for super-fast file transfer and displays from streaming and gaming devices alike, the possibilities for plug and play are limitless.
Pros
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LG Smart TV is extremely user-friendly.
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Bluetooth compatibility is excellent.
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Capabilities for Plug and Play
Cons
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Wireless connectivity is only available for Windows and Android.
ABoolon 4K Projector with Wifi and Bluetooth,800Ansi 1080P Projector,Outdoor Projector Support 500"Display,4P/4D Keystone Correction,50%Zoom,PPT,Dolby,Projector 4K Compatible TV Stick,iOS,Android,Win
View on Amazon- SCORE8.8PF Score
PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.
- BrandABOOLON
- Prime
5G WiFi Bluetooth Projector, 4K-Supported Tkisko Native 1080P Projector, 450 ANSI LM 13000lm Outdoor Movie Projector, ±50° 4D/4P Keystone Correction, 50% Zoom, Compatible with Phones, Laptop, Switch
View on Amazon- SCORE9.8PF Score
PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.
- BrandTkisko
- Prime
Projector with WiFi and Bluetooth, Native 1080P Projector 4K Supported 460 ANSI WiMiUS S26 Outdoor Movie Projector 4K/4D Keystone 300'' & 50% Zoom, Mini Portable Projector for Phone/PC/TV Stick/PS5
View on Amazon- SCORE9.6PF Score
PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.
- BrandWiMiUS
- Prime
5G WiFi Bluetooth Projector, TOPTRO TR23 Outdoor Projector 1080P Supported 9200 Lumen, Mini Projector with 360 Degree Surround Sound, Dust-Proof, Projector Compatible with TV Stick, iOS, Android, PS5
View on Amazon- SCORE9.2PF Score
PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.
- BrandTOPTRO
- Prime
YABER Pro V8 4K Projector with WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, 450 ANSI Outdoor Projector, Native 1080P Portable Movie Projector, 300" Display&Zoom, 5G Projector Compatible with TV Stick, Phone, Computer
View on Amazon- SCORE9.2PF Score
PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.
- BrandYABER
- Prime
BIGASUO Upgrade HD Bluetooth Projector Built in DVD Player, Mini Video Projector 1080P Supported Compatible with TV/HDMI/VGA/AV/USB/TF SD Card, Portable Outdoor Movie Projector
View on Amazon- SCORE8.8PF Score
PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.
- BrandBIGASUO
Projector with WiFi and Bluetooth, Projector 4K Support Native 1080P Projector, 5G WiFi FUDONI Outdoor Projector with 350 ANSI Max 300" Display, Movie Projector Compatible w/iOS/Android/Win/PS5, White
View on Amazon- SCORE8.8PF Score
PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.
- BrandFUDONI
- Prime
Native 1080P 5G WiFi Bluetooth Projector 4K Support, 350 ANSI YOWHICK Outdoor Movie Projector with Screen and Max 300" Display, Video Projector Compatible w/iOS/Android/Win/TV/PS5, Grey
View on Amazon- SCORE8.6PF Score
PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.
- BrandYOWHICK
- Prime
Raydem Video Projector 13000L 350ANSI Native 1080P 200" Display, 5G WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0, Outdoor Movie LED Overhead Projector Supports 4K, HD, Home Theater Projector Compatible with TV Stick,Phone
View on Amazon- SCORE8.6PF Score
PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.
- BrandRaydem
- Prime
HD1080P 5G WiFi Bluetooth Projector 4K with 450" Display,2022 Upgraded 15000Lumen Outdoor Movie Projector Support 4k,Dolby,Zoom,Correct Keystone,4K Projector Compatible W/TV Stick,iOS,Android,PS5
View on Amazon- SCORE8.4PF Score
PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.
- BrandJIFAR
- Prime
Projector with WiFi and Bluetooth, 5G WiFi Native 1080P 9500L 4K Supported, FUDONI Portable Outdoor Projector with Screen, Home Theater Projector for HDMI, USB, VGA, PC, TV Box, iOS & Android Phone
View on Amazon- SCORE8.4PF Score
PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.
- BrandFUDONI
- Prime
Projector with WiFi and Bluetooth, 5G WiFi Native 1080P 9500L YOWHICK Outdoor Projector 4K Support, Mini Portable Movie Projector with Screen, for HDMI, VGA, USB, Laptop, iOS & Android Phone
View on Amazon- SCORE8.2PF Score
PF Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Read more How We Rank.
- BrandYOWHICK
- Prime
Last update on Oct 24, 2022 6:55 AM / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. What are the brightness specifications for a home projector?
If you have decided to use the projector at home, you must consider how frequently you will use it.
For instance, if you want to use the projector in-room during the day, a brightness of 10000 - 2000 Lumen is ideal.
On the contrary, if you only use the projector at night, you may want to consider some devices with lower brightness.
2. Is there anything I should avoid doing when installing the projector?
The priority is always to install according to the manufacturer's instructions. Then you must ensure that you do not make mistakes such as installing the projector next to a heat pipe, in hazardous areas, or where there is no minimum space between the screen and the projector.
3. Is it necessary for me to be concerned about the rights to display videos from streaming platforms?
Yes, the answer is yes. Because an adapter is required if you want to watch videos on this platform on a device that does not support display permissions. Accessing it will be much easier if your projector supports app downloads.
Choosing a device with as many different features as a projector is never an easy task, especially when your budget is limited.
However, you have the most excellent suggestions with the list of the best projector under 500. You can find the product that works best for you based on your specific needs.