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Best Projectors under $100 in 2024 – Ultimate Guide

When we think about converting our room into a mini theater to watch movies or enjoy football matches, there is no better alternative than a projector. But we often consider that to own a projector for high-quality projection; we need to spend a considerable amount of money.

It is valid to some extent, but with the advancement of modern technology, the price dimension has changed. Nowadays, many top-notch budget projectors are able to offer visual quality and facilities at par with high-end LED TVs.

Thankfully, you will also find some of the best projectors under the $100 range that will adequately suffice all your entertainment requirements without any degradation.

Before we make our move to the reviews of all finest projectors under $100, we would like to highlight the feature that makes each projector different from the other. Our main motto is to help to know about the products briefly before you dive into the reviews.

Best Cheap Projectors Under $100: Our Top Picks

IMAGENAMEDETAILS
CiBest W13
  • Display Resolution: 1080P
  • Display Technology: LED
  • Lamp life: 50,000 hours
TMY ‎V28
  • Display Resolution: 1080P
  • Display Technology: LED
  • Lamp life: 60,000 hours
Hompow T20
  • Display Resolution: 1080P
  • Display Technology: LED
  • Lamp life: 50,000 hours
DRJ Professional
  • Display Resolution: 1080P
  • Display Technology: LED
  • Lamp life: 40,000 hours
ELEPHAS W13
  • Display Resolution: 1080P
  • Display Technology: LED
  • Lamp life: 50,000 hours
ManyBox V501
  • Display Resolution: 1080P
  • Display Technology: LED
  • Lamp life: 45,000 hours
DBPower L12
  • Display Resolution: 1080P
  • Display Technology: LED
  • Lamp life: 50,000 hours
AuKing Mini
  • Display Resolution: 1080P
  • Display Technology: LCD
  • Lamp life: 55,000 hours
Ohderii Mini
  • Display Resolution: 1080P
  • Display Technology: LED
  • Lamp life: 40,000 hours
PVO Mini
  • Display Resolution: 720P
  • Display Technology: LED
  • Lamp life: 40,000 hours

The 10 Best Projectors Under $100 of 2024

1. CiBest W13 4500 LUX LED Mini Projector

Apeman LC350 4500Lumens Home Entertainment Projector

Without a shadow of a doubt, CiBest W13 is one of the highest-rated projectors you will find under $100 whose main motto is to deliver visual quality. With support up to full HD resolution and a terrific 2000:1 contrast ratio, this projector produces an incredible visual output that is at par with mid-range TV.

However, it is the 4500 LUX brightness that makes the main difference and ensures top-notch brightness image quality without getting affected by ambient light. Without good audio, you can’t expect great entertainment, and that is why it gets a powerful stereo speaker. Watching movies or playing games for long hours can be problematic, so it uses diffuse reflection technology to make the image softer and save your eye.

W13 is a highly compact portable projector that you can fit anywhere or carry wherever you want without having weight issues. However, you should underestimate its screen based on its portable design as it provides a massive 30-200inch screen size from just 2.62-14.8ft away.

With HDMI, SD card, USB, audio-in, and support for the MHL adapter, you won’t have any problem connecting this device to any media player for entertainment. Another great thing about this projector is that it can run for long hours without overheating as it employs a modern cooling system with low-fan noise.

What We Liked:

  • Play full HD video without degradation.
  • Superior lamp lifespan.
  • Extremely compact and portable.
  • Brightness doesn’t get much affected by ambient light.

What We Didn’t Like:

  • It doesn’t get battery backup.

2. TMY ‎V28 WiFi Projector

TMY ‎V28 WiFi Projector

If you are planning to bring a good projector under 100 dollars that is portable and offers excellent visual quality, then we would suggest the TMY ‎V28. It is a popular budget model that combines an LED projection system and 7000 lumens of brightness to provide a great cinematic and gaming experience with rich detailing.

The 4000:1 contrast, on the other hand, ensures optimum clarity and vivid colors while you enjoy your TV shows on a large screen.  With that being said, the maximum screen size you can achieve is 100inch which we think is more than sufficient for home and outdoor entertainment. Plus, it offers an excellent throw distance of 1.5-5m so that you can have great spectating movie time without needing a vast setup area.

It may come with a 1080p native resolution, but it doesn’t shy away when it comes to playing full HD contents and that too without any degradation. Built with USB, AV, HDMI, VGA, audio-in, and SD card, you can easily play full HD content from any source.

While setting up the projector for a movie marathon, you can use the keystone correction and manual focus feature to correct any image error. Once you get this projector, it can comfortably run for a decade without needing lamp replacement, and the credit goes to 60,000hours of lamp life. Importantly it also gets 5-years after-sales service, which is a great advantage.

What We Liked:

  • Supports almost all modern devices.
  • It can last more than ten years.
  • Impressive image quality, even in ambient light.

What We Didn’t Like:

  • Making image adjustments is slightly tricky.

3. Hompow T20 3600L Portable Video Projector

Hompow T20 3600L Portable Video Projector

Hompow T20 is another highly rated projector under 100 dollars that has impressed numerous users with its cinematic viewing experience and portable design. The image quality is simply incredible, and it has been made possible by its 3600 lumens and 2000:1 contrast ratio that delivers the required brightness and clarity in the frames.

To our surprise, it holds the prowess to play content up to 1080p, thus allowing you to watch all your favorite movies and shows in their best quality. The exciting part is that you can enjoy this fluidic visual performance for more than 12 years, and it is due to the mammoth 50,000hours of lamp life. In terms of energy consumption, it is also pocket friendly as it only has 48 milli-watts consumption.

Whether you want to watch in your room or backyard, you can place it anywhere and expand the screen size up to 176inch for large screen viewing. However, it would take around 17ft throw distance to achieve a massive screen size of 176inches.

While changing the screen size, you might face some issues with focusing and image adjustment, and that is why it comes with 15+/- keystone correction and focus ring. For outdoor sessions, you can easily fit it in your backpack as it comes with 7.3 X 5.8 X 2.8 inches size and 2.17lbs.

What We Liked:

  • Simple setup.
  • Vivid and sharp full HD quality.
  • Lightweight and portable body.
  • Negligible overheating.

What We Didn’t Like:

  • The inbuilt speaker is terrible.
  • Poor build quality.

4. DRJ Professional 170inch Display Portable Projector

DRJ Professional 170inch Display Portable Projector

With impressive performance and modern styling, DRJ Professional is getting popular day by day, and if you go through their reviews, you will understand it. Incorporating a sophisticated styling and portable design not only fit in your backpack during traveling but also blends well with your modern room decor.

This projector is quite versatile when it comes to connectivity, as you will find HDMI, USB, SD card, and audio 3.5mm on the side. Being one of the best inexpensive projectors, it takes cooling seriously, and that is why it gets a modern cooling system with low-noise fans. Similarly, they even haven’t compromised on longevity, and the terrific 40000hour of lamp longevity serves as the proof.

However, it is the widescreen 1080p support with 7500 lumens of brightness that will impress you the most as it will ensure a breathtaking visual experience with enormous depth. The 2000:1 contrast ratio with the MStar color engine also dramatically impacts the performance and puts out excellent reproduction of every frame.

This projector is designed to offer a big-screen experience, and that is why it provides a 32-176inch screen size with a 4.9-16ft throw distance. When you are dealing with such a high screen range, you are going to face adjustment issues, so it offers a 15-degree keystone, one-touch zoom, and manual focus. Even though it comes inbuilt with a powerful speaker, we would recommend a separate speaker for a better experience.

What We Liked:

  • Silent operation.
  • Immense color depth and high brightness.
  • Easy to correct image errors.
  • Stylish and portable.

What We Didn’t Like:

  • Poor native resolution.

5. ELEPHAS W13 1080p Supported Mini Projector

ELEPHAS W13 1080p Supported Mini Projector

A first look at Projector ELEPHAS W13 might give you the impression of just another ordinary model, but once you start using it, there is no going back. Based on a five-layer LCD display and huge color depth, this projector maximizes your viewing experience by delivering clear textures and accurate colors.

Most importantly, it is based on HD native resolution and can support up to full HD so you can explore all your high definition contents without compromising on quality. The brightness and contrast play a significant role in enhancing the visual quality, and this is the reason it gets a 3500:1 contrast ratio with 5000 lumens of brightness. Enjoy clear home theater stereo sound while watching a movie as the dual inbuilt speaker delivers 3D stereo sound.

However, while setting up the projector, it would be tough to correct image errors using the manual optical adjustment options it has on offer. Depending upon the crowd and location, you can easily notch up the screen size from 32inch to a huge 170inch and entertain everyone.

According to the manufacturer, the ideal projection distance is 2.6-14.5feet, so you should try to maintain this distance to get the best possible image quality. You shouldn’t underestimate it based on its size as it houses HDMI, USB, VGA, AV, SD card, and 3.5mm audio for connection.

What We Liked:

  • It is loaded with all the standard ports.
  • Excellent clarity and depth in images.
  • Wide projection size.

What We Didn’t Like:

  • Lacks keystone correction.

6. ManyBox V501 45000hrs LED Lamp Mini Projector

ManyBox V501 45000hrs LED Lamp Mini Projector

ManyBox V501 can be considered as a hidden gem that might not have huge popularity in the budget segment, but it is actually a terrific projector to miss out on. Under its specification list,  it gets the combo of 4500 lumens of brightness and a 2000:1 contrast ratio so that you can expect razor-sharp clarity and vividness in every frame.

Despite being a 480p native, you will be flabbergasted by its 1080p quality, which is at par with any mid-range unit. Unlike others, it gives 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratio options so that you can use it for various purposes. A good visual experience is incomplete without a good sound, and this is why it gets an inbuilt dual speaker with decent clarity and depth.

The compact body size and lightweight body make this projector easy to move when you need it for outdoor projection. For your convenience, the manufacturer has given a small bag so that you can easily carry it. To make it suitable for every situation, ManyBox has given it a screen size range from 36inch to 150inch, which is an excellent figure for any compact device.

Importantly, you can achieve extensive screen viewing without requiring a large setup area, and it is due to a short 3-12ft projection distance. For connectivity, you will get all the standard ports like HDMI, USB, AV, and 3.5mm audio so you can quickly hook any type of device.

What We Liked:

  • Short projection distance.
  • Images are sharp and clear.
  • Easy to carry and store.
  • Negligible degradation in 1080p contents.

What We Didn’t Like:

  • The cooling system isn’t great.

7. DBPower L12 3000Lumens Movie Projector

DBPower L12 3000Lumens Movie Projector

When you look for the best cheap projector under 100 dollars, one model you are going to come across a lot is DBPower L12. It might seem like an average projector with 800 X 600p native resolution, but it will baffle you with its full HD supporting capability. Not only that, it can play all your HD and full HD contents up to 176inch screen size and that too without much pixelation issue.

Unfortunately, you can use this projector in a congested or small apartment because it comes with a projection distance of 1.5-5m. Experience super clear and accurate color reproduction in all your visuals, and the praise goes to the 3000 lumens and decent color depth.

With 2000:1 contrast, you will get proper clarity and sharpness in the darkest and brightest parts of an image. To complement the excellent visual quality, DBPower has also given inbuilt Hi-Fi stereo sound that can immerse you in a full-spectrum sound.

Playing or accessing any content is quite simple in this projector as it supports HDMI, Wi-Fi display dongle, USB, AV, SD card, and 3.5mm audio. With 50000 hours of lamp longevity, you can say goodbye to all your future lamp replacement thoughts as it would easily last for 15-years. The combination of sleek design, durably built, and improved cooling fan makes this an ideal entertainment device for your home.

What We Liked:

  • Excellent clarity and color quality.
  • Marvelous lifespan.
  • Wide image size range.
  • Sleek body design.

What We Didn’t Like:

  • Short power cable.

8. AuKing Mini Portable Video Projector

AuKing Mini Portable Video Projector

We often judge products based on their brand name, but it would be unwise to do the same with AuKing as it offers top-notch performance and numerous facilities. One of the major highlights of this projector is 55000hour of LED lamp life that makes sure you can use this projector for decades without lamp replacement.

However, it is the 1080p resolution support and 2600 lumens that impress everyone because together, they deliver a visual quality you can’t expect in this price range. The 2000:1 contrast ratio adds to the overall visual quality and ensures top-notch clarity in every image. However, in terms of color quality, it won’t impress you much, but it does a decent job by maintaining the overall picture quality.

If you are getting this one of the best mini projectors under 100 dollars for big-screen movie time, then it would be ideal. It treats you with a massive screen size of 32-170inches and throws a distance of 3-12ft, which we think is more than sufficient for home entertainment.

Engineered with a Hi-Fi level speaker, you can easily watch movies or play games without frowning on the audio output. Whether you want to connect your PC, PS4, or smartphone, you can hook everything with the help of HDMI, VGA, AV, USB, SD card, and audio 3.5mm port. The most interesting part is that it gets 2-years 100% money-back guarantee that you won’t find in its rivals.

What We Liked:

  • Excellent image quality.
  • Totally budget-friendly.
  • Decent audio output for two people.

What We Didn’t Like:

  • The colors could have been better.
  • Lacks the zoom knob.

9. Ohderii Mini 1080p Supported LED Projector

Ohderii Mini 1080p Supported LED Projector

Ohderii is probably the highest-rated and widely used projector you will encounter in the budget range. The main reason behind its immense popularity is its terrific visual performance, and the 5000 lumens of brightness along with the 1200:1 contrast ratio is mainly responsible for it. The MStar advanced color engine also plays a big part as it ensures optimum color saturation and color quality to produce a lifelike image quality.

The most exciting part is that it can support 1080p resolution, making it suitable for playing high-end games and watching all the current full HD movies. However, during setup, you might not get a clear image quality, so you can use manual keystone correction and focus ring to get a high clarity image.

With a 32-170inch image size range, Ohderii is meant to pamper you with a superior viewing experience without signs of pixel burst or haziness. The best part is you can achieve a large screen size without needing colossal space, and the credit goes to a 4.9-16.4ft throw distance.

The Plug ‘n Play facility makes this projector extremely easy to use, and you can start your movie or games within a few seconds. Equipped with a fan noise suppression system and innovative cooling system, it not only reduces any overheating issues but also suppresses any fan noise.

What We Liked:

  • Top-notch visual output with accurate colors.
  • Impressive cost to performance ratio.
  • Durable built quality.
  • Clean audio output.

What We Didn’t Like:

  • It is not suitable for presentation purposes.

10. PVO Home Entertainment Projector

PVO Home Entertainment Projector

PVO is another famous name in the budget circuit that has impressed thousands of customers with its visual quality at an affordable rate. Many consider it as one of the best home projectors under 100 dollars as it adopts modern 4.0 LCD display technology with an advanced LED light source.

With 4500 lumens of brightness and a 2000:1 contrast ratio, the projector takes care of clarity and vividness of the image even when you play it in outdoor areas. Once you buy this projector, you are entitled to a spectacular movie experience, and it has been made possible by its full HD playing capability. For playing your content, you can utilize the HDMI, USB, VGA, AV, RCA, and micro SD to connect any content source or media player.

With an updated cooling system, you can enjoy your movies for a long time without requiring to switch off the projector every 2-hrs. Importantly it comes loaded with inbuilt dual speakers that offer decent audio quality, but it fails to deliver in front of a large crowd.

The maximum screen size you can achieve with this projector is 180inch, and it is quite sufficient for any crowd. It might not excel much in the audio department, but it compensates with its incredible 45000 lamp longevity that promises a smooth run for a decade.

What We Liked:

  • Easy and quiet operation.
  • Vivid and sharp visual quality.
  • Decent amount of connection options.

What We Didn’t Like:

  • Short cables.
  • The audio quality isn’t that great.

Apart from the reviews, this article also offers a buying guide and some criteria that you should consider while choosing the projector.

What Criteria Do You Need To Consider When Choosing The Best Projector Under 100?

When it comes to choosing a projector under $100, there are some criteria that you need to consider. If you choose wisely, it will not only serve you for an extended period but will also provide top-notch visual quality.

Purpose

First, you need to check what will be the purpose of the projector. Whether you will use it for entertainment or presentation in the office, you should choose the model based on the motive.

Suppose you need a projector mostly for movie sessions and unknowingly get a presentation-oriented projector, then the entire investment will be in vain. So you will have to be careful while choosing a projector and opt for a projector that will cater to your requirement.

Dimension Of The Screen

The screen size you plan on achieving through your projector will determine the type of projector you want to purchase. When you look for a projector under $100, you will come across different types where some of the models will provide a widescreen range while others will offer only a few.

Setup Area

You also need to consider the place where you will set up the projector because not all projectors can perform in every space. An entertainment projector will work best in a completely dark environment, while an office model will offer bright images even if there is ambient light.

Buying Guide for Choosing Best Projector under $100

Now that you know about the crucial criteria, it is also essential to know the features that you need to consider when getting a budget projector. We have listed all the vital factors that will guide you to the most excellent budget projector.

Resolution

Even if you are going for a projector under $100, you should never compromise on the projector’s resolution. You will hardly get a projector offering more than 720p resolution as a native resolution, but it would be better if you can avoid settling below 480p. A high resolution will not only ensure impressive visuals but will also justify the quality of the video source.

Projection Technology

Based on your requirement, you should carefully choose the projection technology. DLP projection will be ideal if you are getting the projector for movie and entertainment as it offers superior color and brightness. However, DLP models are expensive, so you will hardly find projectors offering this technology for under $100.

Apart from DLP, you can choose LCD or TFT LCD technology as an alternative as they are relatively cheap and provide vibrant color and bright images. LED projectors, on the other hand, may not offer visual quality like DLP or LCD but excels well in brightness and longevity.

Contrast Ratio and Color

The contrast ratio is a crucial factor determining the clarity and vividness of the video. A high contrast ratio will treat your eye with vibrant and crisp visuals that have bright white and deep blacks.

However, there are fewer chances that you will get a contrast ratio higher than 2000:1 when you are going below the radar of $100. Similarly, you can’t expect to have a high color accuracy in the budget range, but make sure the projector has at least 16.7m color support.

Brightness

The video quality of a projector depends a lot on the brightness level. A projector with high brightness will not only offer you clear images but will also maintain image quality even if it faces ambient light intrusion.

If you plan to use the projector in a completely dark room, then a brightness level between 500-1000 lumens would be ideal for your needs. However, if you think that you will use the projector in a semi-lit room or outdoors, then you need to go beyond 1000 lumens.

Screen Size

Under the $100 range, you won’t get a projector with a huge screen size range, and the maximum size you will get is 200inch. You can even opt for a lower range if you think you will mostly use the projector in your living room.

Throw Ratio

The throw ratio of a projector determines the distance between the screen and projector after producing a specific screen size. Always try to get a short-throw ratio around .4-.8:1 as it will assist you in creating a large screen size from a short range. However, if space won’t be a problem for you, then you can get a projector that offers a screen throw between 1:1 and 1.5:1.

Portability

Won’t you love to use a projector that would be easy to carry that you can take anywhere you want? Well, if you travel regularly, then you should emphasize the portability of the projector. Either you can opt for a pocket projector or models that come with a compact design.

FAQ

Are cheap projectors any good?

Based on our experience, we can say that a cheap projector may not offer mind-boggling performance. But the performance it provides is sufficient for home entertainment or official presentation.

How much is a decent projector?

Well, there is no exact price for a decent projector, but it tends to lie within $50 and $350. However, the range you consider decent totally depends upon your preferences. Some might consider a $200 projector as a worthy device, while others might think of a $500 as a reasonable projector.

Conclusion

We hope by now you have already found your best projector under $100 as we have laid out all the potential projectors from different categories.

Our team has invested a significant amount of time in searching and testing a bunch of products so that they can come up with the top ten projectors that will meet your requirement.

Although all the models in this list don’t come from popular sellers, you can completely trust them as they will never make you regret it. For your convenience, we have added a buying guide and FAQs so that you can clear all the confusion before making the final purchase.

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