Gone are those days when you had to spend a large chunk of money on setting up a quality projector in your home. But things have changed over time, and nowadays you can get the best projector for under 1000 dollars that offer not only terrific visual quality but also tons of features.
If you are in search of the finest projector under 1000 dollars, then you have come to the right place as we have made a list of some top projectors. We have done thorough research and testing for weeks so that you won’t have to spend your waste to find them. In our reviews, we have tried to cover all the aspects, making sure you have an accurate idea of what you are getting.
Before we move to the review section, we want you to take a look at the comparison table. This table compares all the essential features of all the top projectors we have added so that you can sort out which units you want to target.
Table of Contents
Best Projectors under $1000: Our Top Picks
| IMAGE | NAME | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | BenQ HT2050A |
| |
 | Epson 2250 |
| |
 | Optoma HZ39HDR |
| |
 | BenQ TH685 |
| |
 | Optoma HD39HDR |
| |
 | BenQ MH733 |
| |
 | ViewSonic PX701 |
| |
 | LG PF50KA |
| |
 | XGIMI H2 |
| |
 | AAXA 4K1 |
| |
The 10 Best Projectors under $1000 of 2024
1. BenQ HT2050A 1080p Home Theater Projector
When you are searching for the best HD projector under 1000 dollars, then you can’t miss out on BenQ HT2050A. It is a fully packed unit with 1080p native resolution, 2200 ANSI lumens, and a 15000:1 contrast ratio, meaning it will give you a terrific visual experience without any compromise.
The best part is that it offers 96% color accuracy that not only pops out all the subtle colors but also adds to the superior image quality. You can use it in your house as well as your backyard because you will have the support of a 30-300inch screen-size with high lumens. The total setup area won’t be a big concern to you, and the credit goes to the 1.15:1 throw ratio, ensuring a crisp image from shorter distances.
Large screen sizes often attract image deformation, but you don’t need to worry because you will get lens shift, keystone adjustment, and zoom. Similarly, it also comes loaded with a lot of connectivity options which include the likes of HDMI< USB, RS232, D-Sub, RCA, and many more. In terms of durability, it might be slightly disappointing because it comes with a 240W lamp that can only last up to 7000hrs and that too in SmartEco mode.
What We Liked:
- Terrific image output.
- The colors are vibrant, and blacks have a considerable depth.
- It runs without making much noise.
What We Didn’t Like:
- The lamp is slightly dim.
2. Epson Home Cinema 2250 3LCD Full HD Projector
Epson Home Cinema 2250 is all about providing you with stunning picture quality as it utilizes some terrific hardware and features. Unlike others, this projector, with its 2700 lumens and 70000:1 contrast, offers best-in-class black depth and brightness whenever you play a movie.
It also doesn’t compromise on color as the 3LCD display technology can showcase almost 100% of the RGB color signal. With inbuilt Android TV, it is designed to give you non-stop entertainment by allowing you access to content from different OTT platforms. Besides, it also features HDMI so that you can play content from different devices, including a laptop and Blu-Ray player.
Interestingly this best home projector under 1000 dollars can even play contents up to 4k resolution, thus expanding your horizon for large-screen entertainment. We loved the fact that you can easily set up the device, and you will also have lens shift and keystone correction to correct any error.
The throw ratio of 1.33:1 is really great as it allows you to achieve a large around 100inches from a few feet away. If you are watching a movie alone or with your family, you won’t be needing any external speaker, and the credit goes to the 10-watt inbuilt speaker.
What We Liked:
- The projector delivers impressive color and brightness.
- Huge shadow detailing and black depth.
- Seamless and intuitive Android TV experience.
- It offers a bright 3D mode.
What We Didn’t Like:
- It comes with a single port.
3. Optoma HZ39HDR Laser Home Theater Projector
Optoma HZ39HDR is genuinely one of the best projectors under 1000 dollars available in the market that excels in almost every segment. It is based on a DualCore laser light source that not only makes maintenance free but also provides 30000hour of lamp longevity.
It also adopts a 1.21:1 throw ratio and 28-300inch screen size so that you can use this projector anywhere you want without worrying about setup area and crowd. With that being said, it offers up to 4000 ANSI lumens which is a massive figure, and you can pretty much use the device anywhere, even in ambient light.
Thanks to the full HD native resolution and DLP, it brings out a crisp and detailed image quality that elevates your whole movie-watching experience. However, it is the compatibility for 4K HDR input that takes all the limelight and enhances your viewing experience by ensuring deeper blacks and white.
This device changes the way you experience your entertainment session as it allows you to connect Firestick, Chromecast Ultra, Apple TV 4K, etc. It is a complete package when it comes to entertainment as it also gets a 10-watt built-in speaker offering decent volume level and sound clarity.
What We Liked:
- Exceptionally bright images with decent color accuracy.
- Incredible gaming experience with low input lag.
- It offers a laser lamp at an affordable rate.
What We Didn’t Like:
- The 4K visual quality is not that great.
- It doesn’t come with lens shift or horizontal keystone.
4. BenQ TH685 1080p Home Theater Projector
BenQ TH685 is not your usual device, rather one of the best 1080p projectors under 1000 dollars that offers great cinematics and gaming experience. BenQ has blended this device with 1080p resolution and DLP projection so that you won’t ever have to go to the theater to enjoy a movie with your friends.
It is also supported by 3500 ANSI lumens and a 10000:1 contrast ratio that also adds to the overall visual experience by delivering the optimum amount of brightness and clarity. The exciting part is that even if you expand the screen size up to its maximum, which is 300inch, it won’t take much space as it comes with a 1.13:1 throw ratio.
Playing games or watching football matches will blow your mind because it offers 8ms fast-response time with a 120Hz refresh rate that ensures smooth output without any lag. We were astonished to find out that not only enhances the quality by using HDR10 technology but also supports 4K input and that too at a 60Hz refresh rate.
We were impressed by the image correction capability of this projector, and the credit goes to the vertical lens shift, 1.3x zoom, and keystone adjustment. With the likes of D-Sub, HDMI, USB Type-A and Type B, audio 3.5mm, etc., you will also have all the options for connecting different external devices.
What We Liked:
- Immersive visual experience.
- Sharp color and fluidic frames.
- Supports 4K input smoothly.
What We Didn’t Like:
- You might face some difficulty in adjusting.
- USB doesn’t recognize certain files.
5. Optoma HD39HDR 120Hz Home Theater Projector
If buttery smooth visuals with razor-ship are your main requirement from a projector, then it would be smart to consider Optoma HD39HDR. Built with 8.4ms fast response time at a 120Hz refresh rate, it will deliver a silky smooth visual without motion blur, especially when you watch fast-motion scenes.
However, it is the full HD native resolution with a 6-segment color wheel that makes the major impact and immerses you in the scene with its mindboggling visual quality. You can stay assured that you won’t ever get a faded view in a room with ambient light, and it is due to the 4500 ANSI lumens that always maintain optimum brightness.
We were surprised to know that it also accepts 4K input which not only makes it superior to others but also makes it more dynamic when it comes to playing content. It comes with HDMI, VGA, USB, and audio ports, meaning you will have a decent amount of options for connectivity.
What’s more? The HDMI offers compatibility for all media players, consoles, and Smart sticks like Chromecast, Firestick, Apple TV, etc. While installing this device, it didn’t take us much time for installation, and we also had the support for 1.3X zoom with vertical keystone correction.
What We Liked:
- Incredible brightness figure.
- It supports up to 4K resolution through HDMI.
- Smooth visuals.
- Fast setup.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Disappointing black levels.
6. BenQ MH733 1080p Business Projector
BenQ MH733 would be an ideal option for users who want to introduce a new projector in their office that offers sharp texts and an overall excellent presentation. It is a carefully crafted projector with full HD native resolution and 160000:1 contrast ratio, and together they allow you to provide a great presentation with sharp texts.
Whether you are presenting a PPT to a few clients or a large crowd, no one would miss out on any details, and it is due to the massive 4000 ANSI lumens. It also employs BriliantColor technology that employs a new algorithm to pop out beautiful textures out of all your data images and videos. Since it is mainly aimed at offices that is why it offers complete network control with Creston, AMX, and PJ-line via LAN.
It is highly dynamic when it comes to presentation because it gives you accessibility to playing presentations through USB, QCast APP, and network projection. You won’t ever have a problem when it comes to screen size as it offers a clear image size of 60-180inches. The rear section of the projector has D-Sub, HDMI, and USB, so you will have numerous options to connect various other devices like phones, laptops, media players, etc.
What We Liked:
- Explicit texts with lively data images.
- It is incredibly bright and colorful.
- It is loaded with numerous connectivity options.
- Decent lamp longevity.
What We Didn’t Like:
- The speaker volume control is slightly fuzzy.
- It is pretty heavy for portability.
7. ViewSonic PX701-4K True 4K UHD Projector
4K visual experience is a dream for many movie enthusiasts, and if you have the same, then ViewSonic PX701-4K can fulfill it. A high-quality entertainment projector needs proper brightness and contrasts to showcase fluidic visuals, and this is why it comes with 3200 ANSI lumens with a 12000:1 contrast ratio.
However, it is the 3840 X 2160 that helps the projector to create the magic on the big screen by providing accurate 4K visuals with lifelike clarity. The support of SuperColor technology and HDR support ensures not only a comprehensive color gamut coverage but also realistic output whenever you play a 4K content.
Apart from movies and TV series, playing games would give you a whole new experience, and the credit goes to the 240Hz refresh rate coupled with low input lag. Many consider it as the best 4K projector under 1000 as it also supports streaming of contents from different OTT platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Prime, etc.
What gives this projector an edge is the setup facilities that include 1.1x optical zoom, keystone adjustment, and anti-warping stabilization. Most high-end tends to have low lamp life, but it breaks the trend by offering a lamp life up to 20000hour that amount of a minimum of five years of the stable run.
What We Liked:
- The 4K images look realistic with sharp clarity.
- Incredible detailing and color clarity.
- It runs quietly even when the cooling system is at its peak.
What We Didn’t Like:
- The contrast level could have been better.
8. LG PF50KA Portable LED Home Theater Projector
LG PF50KA is a hidden gem in the market that is often considered as one of the best LED projectors under 1000 dollars by many experts. Since it packs 1080p native resolution with DLP projection, you can stay assured you will always be treated with crystal clear display and fine detailing.
It might come with 600 ANSI lumens, but its combination with a 100,000:1 contrast ratio assists the projector in creating a proper high-definition output. However, it is the Smart TV feature that will impress you the most, and you can access most of the premium content providers along with the option of web browsing.
Playing the web content gets really easy with this device as it comes with Wireless Contents Share and Screen Share facility. It has a decent screen size of 25-100inch, which we think is suitable for portable and home usage. Thanks to the 1.4:1 throw ratio, you can easily set up this device without needing to maintain much space between screen and projector.
It gets the traditional manual focus and auto keystone correction, so you won’t have to struggle while correcting keystone. Despite being a portable and mid-budget model, it treats you with a 30,000hour lamp longevity which is an impressive figure for a LED projector.
What We Liked:
- Intuitive smart platform with seamless play.
- It is extremely portable and easy to set up.
- The full HD performance is outstanding.
- Mammoth lamp life.
What We Didn’t Like:
- It only comes with a fixed zoom.
- The remote control is quite tricky to use.
9. XGIMI H2 True 1080p 4K Support Projector
XGIMI H2 may not seem like the usual content or when you consider the best 3D projector under the 1000 dollar category, but you will be surprised when you will use it. This projector is known for its mindboggling cinematic visuals with stunning detailing, and it has been possible due to 1080p native resolution.
What fascinated us the most is the support for 2K and 4K visuals through HDMI, which you will hardly get in others? It is geared with a powerful Android system so that you can explore the world of entertainment apps without facing any kind of lag. If you fancy 3D movies, you can enjoy an immersive 3D experience as it can comfortably play full HD 3D contents without causing artifacts issues.
Whether you use it in the dining room or bedroom, you can easily use it everywhere as it needs only 2m distance to achieve 76inch screen. Equipped with autofocus and vertical keystone, it lets you easily adjust the image whenever required. This projector adopts two 8-watt speakers with symmetrical bass diaphragms that deliver not only soothing audio but also a dynamic bass performance.
What We Liked:
- Fast and easy adjustment facility.
- Best-in-class audio output.
- Buttery smooth full HD visuals.
What We Didn’t Like:
- You might have difficulty connecting the apps.
- The projector needs time to get acquainted.
10. AAXA 4K1 LED Home Theater Projector
AAXA 4K1 is a complete device that excels in all the departments so that you won’t search for other devices when you crave entertainment. It houses a two 2-watt speaker that takes care of audio needs by delivering a room-filling sound, but it would be better to use an external speaker when you have a large crowd.
It is all about offering a big-screen visual experience, and that is why it comes with a projection size ranging from 16inches to 200inches. It is based on a 4K UHD native resolution and 2000:1 contrast ratio and creates an image quality that is at par with many top-notch 4K models.
The projector even possesses 1500 LED lumens that maintain a bright and clear image even if there is ambient light in the room. Unlike contenders in the best short throw projector under the 1000 dollar category, it utilizes Osram Quadcast LED lamps that can comfortably last up to 30000hours.
What We Liked:
- It is compatible with most OTT apps.
- The UHD visuals are crisp and detailed.
- Fine color saturation in almost every screen size.
What We Didn’t Like:
- The fan noise is on a higher level.
Here we have also come with a buying guide that we think will come really handy to you when you are about to choose a projector under $1000.
Buying Guide for Best Projector under $1000
When you decide to buy a projector capped under the $1000 budget, you need to keep some factors in mind that will help you to find the best one. Let’s take a look at those factors;
- Your Usage- Before you pick the ideal one from our list, you first need to decide what the usage will be. Whether you want to get the projector for a presentation, home entertainment, church congregation, outdoor sessions, or travel, your use will decide the projector you need. A presentation projector will not offer you a cinematic visual experience, while a home theater unit won’t give you sharp text during the presentation.
- Native Resolution- Whatever is your visual requirement, you should never compromise on the native resolution of the projector, especially when you have around a $1000 budget. Full HD should be your main priority, but there is a chance that you might also get 4K native resolution under your budget. It would be better if you avoid any projector with a resolution below 720p because it will be a futile investment.
- Lumens and Color- A high lumens and color accuracy will always result in excellent visual quality. But you need to choose each of the aspects wisely as there are applications where you won’t need high brightness or color. While choosing the lumens, you should calculate the desired amount as various locations require various lumens. However, it would be better if you get a minimum of 1500 ANSI lumens. Similarly, you need to decide the color accuracy according to your usage. Remember, you won’t need around 100% color accuracy for a presentation projector.
- Connectivity- A projector with a lot of connection options will be a great choice because it will allow you to connect different types of devices with ease. However, if you can’t get a projector with a massive number of ports, then try to get a projector with minimum HDMI, audio 3.5mm, USB and VGA.
- Other Features- You should check whether the projector comes with a long screen size and appropriate throw distance. A sufficient amount of optical zoom, lens shift, and keystone correction would also come in handy for correcting any image deformation.
Final Word
When you are investing capital of around $1000 on a projector, then you deserve to get a high-quality performance from your projector. This is why we have created this article with an exclusive review of all the top projectors under 1000 dollars so that you can have the visual experience you want.
Our team has worked hard to find these top projectors so that you can rely on them without looking anywhere else. For your assistance, we have also put forward a buying guide to make things easier for you. However, if you want more information regarding any product, you can get in touch with us and we will try to help you in every way.
My name is Henry Larson and I have been associated with research and development of projectors throughout my professional career. I used all my experience and expertise to create this blog so that I can guide people to get the best projector of their choice. For any further assistance, you can get in touch with me through email or comments.