Cheapest 4K Projector

Cheapest 4K Projector for Your Home Theater in 2024

There was a time when using a 4K was considered to be a luxury, and only a handful of owners could afford them as they were priced around $10000. It was a dream for many movie enthusiasts to enjoy 4K movies at their comfort. But the advancement of modern technology and the arrival of 4K DLP chips made a revolution in the market that gave rise to some of the cheapest 4K projectors in the market.

A unique feature of these cheap 4K projectors is that they can produce 8.3 million pixels on the screen without having a native 4K chip. The image quality of these 4 K projectors is simply fantastic, and you will be awe-inspired once you start watching visuals on them.

However, finding these hidden gems can be tricky as nowadays there are many unknown manufacturers who dupe their customers by providing them enhanced 4K projector. So we have come up with a list of some of the best affordable 4K projectors that would make your dream of having a mini 4K movie theater at home a reality.

Here we also devised a comparison table that will highlight all the essential features of the enlisted 4K projectors and help you to compare them. Using this table, you can comfortably segregate your choices and take a closer look at the intended devices rather than wasting time on others.

Cheapest 4K Projector: Our Top Picks

IMAGENAMEDETAILS
Nebula Cosmos Max
  • Resolution: Truely 4K resolution
  • Brightness: 1500 ANSI lumen
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB, Triple HDMI , Wi-Fi, Optical
Optoma UHD50X
  • Resolution: True 4K Ultra HD
  • Brightness: 3400 lumens
  • Connectivity: HDMI 2.0, VGA-in, S/PDIF out, USB 2.0
Sony VPL-VW295ES
  • Resolution: Full 4K
  • Brightness: 1,500 Lumens
  • Connectivity: HDMI
Optoma HZ39HDR
  • Resolution: 4K UHD and 1080p
  • Brightness: 4000 lumens
  • Connectivity: HDMI 2.0, HDMI 1.4, 1x VGA, USB-A, micro USB
Optoma CinemaX P2
  • Resolution: 4K UHD
  • Brightness: 3000 lumens
  • Connectivity: HDMI 2.0, USB 2.0, power, USB, optical S/PDIF out
LG HU70LA
  • Resolution: 4K UHD
  • Brightness: 1500 lumen
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB, Dual HDMI
LG HU80KA
  • Resolution: 4K UHD
  • Brightness: 2500 lumens
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth
Optoma UHD30
  • Resolution: True 4K UHD
  • Brightness: 3400 lumens
  • Connectivity: HDMI 2.0, VGA-in, S/PDIF out, USB 2.0, RS-232C
BenQ TK800M
  • Resolution: 4K UHD
  • Brightness: 3000 Lumens
  • Connectivity: 2 x HDMI Audio, 1 x USB 2.0 Service Input
ViewSonic PX727-4K
  • Resolution: 4K UHD
  • Brightness: 2200 lumens
  • Connectivity: HDMI 1.4 , HDMI 2.0 , USB 2.0 Type A

The 10 Best Cheapest 4K Projector of 2024

1. Nebula Cosmos Max Android Home Theater 4K Projector

Nebula Cosmos Max Android Home Theater 4K Projector

At the first look, Nebula Cosmos Max might seem like an ordinary projector, but in reality, it is a top-of-the-line budget 4K projector offering tremendous performance. The combination of true 4K resolution, DLP chip, and HDR10+ helps this projector produce an incredible image quality. What’s more? The 85%+ NTSC color gamut coverage and 1500 ANSI Lumens take the 4K images to a new height with immense color depth and vibrant detailing.

It flaunts the advanced ALPD 3.0 cinematic technology, whose main motto is to give you a theater-like experience at your home. Geared with 4x10W Cosmos speakers with Dolby Audio, it will complete your visual experience with rich audio. Whether you watch movies, web content, or football matches, you can expand it up to 150inches with a short-throw rate of 0.233 for an immersive experience.

You will be surprised to know it even comes with a Smart Android system giving you access to numerous 4K contents from different OTT platforms. Thanks to Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, triple HDMI, and USB, it will be easy for you to connect to different devices and play content without much hassle. Not only performance, but this 4K HDR projector will also impress you with 30000hours of lamp longevity, meaning you can run it for at least 10-year without replacement.

What We Liked:

  • Outstanding visual quality.
  • The audio output completes your visual experience.
  • It is loaded with modern features.
  • Incredible lamp longevity, which is better than its competitors.

What We Didn’t Like:

  • The menu system is not easy to operate.
  • You can’t make any adjustments to the HDR picture.

2. Optoma UHD50X Movie and Gaming 4K UHD Projector

Optoma UHD50X Movie and Gaming 4K UHD Projector

Optoma UHD50X may not have colossal popularity like other cheap 4K projectors, but it definitely serves as a worthy choice for users looking for an entertainment and gaming package. Whether you want to enjoy movies or play games, the 4K UHD resolution with 3400 ANSI lumens will always impress you with its cinematic visuals having great detailing. To our surprise, it also gets HDR10 and HLG compatibility at this price point which helps the projector to render realistic colors with sharp images.

Importantly, it incorporates an 8-segment color wheel with BrilliantColor technology that accurately produces HDTV standard colors. Thanks to gaming display mode, 240Hz refresh rate, and 15.7ms low input lag, this projector will immerse you in the game and take your experience to a whole new dimension. The excellent flexibility option like 40-degree keystone, vertical lens shift, and 1.3x zoom make it a better choice for home as you can easily place them anywhere.

UHD50X is designed to give you a big-screen view, and that is why it offers a 34-302inch projection size with a throw ratio of 1.21:1. A great thing about this device is its extensive connectivity options, where you will find HDMI, MHL, VGA, audio-in & out, USB 2.0, USB Type A, RS-232C, and S/PDF out. You can enjoy a 15000hours lamp longevity with this device and use it for a long time.

What We Liked:

  • Detailed and bright 4K images.
  • Buttery smooth gaming visuals.
  • High color accuracy with deep blacks.

What We Didn’t Like:

  • There is unevenness in the brightness.

3. Sony VPL-VW295ES Movies and Cinema 4K HDR Projector

Sony VPL-VW295ES Movies and Cinema 4K HDR Projector

Are you planning to treat yourself with one of the best value 4K projectors? But can’t decide which one to choose? You can consider Sony VPL-VW295ES which has amazed all its users with authentic 4K images with wide dynamic ranges. It may get 1500 ANSI lumens, but it is coupled with a Triluminos display that broadens up the spectrum to produce a bright and true-to-life image quality.

The reality creation feature gives this device an edge in 4K projector comparison with others as it analyzes and maps every pixel to create stunning enhanced output. Whenever you watch 4K movies or play games, you will always see lifelike motion in your visuals and the credit goes to the Motionflow technology. However, the feature that makes the major impact is the IMAX enhanced that treats you with stunning IMAX visual quality at your home. Since it is meant for movies and games, Sony has geared it with a broad projection size ranging from 60inch to 300inches.

Unsurprisingly, you won’t have a problem connecting various types of devices as it houses HDMI, RJ45, IR-IN, D-Sub, Trigger, USB, and audio. However, you will be highly disappointed by its 225-watt lamp, which is powerful but only offers 6000hours of lamp life. Another major drawback of this budget 4K projector is its gigantic stature and huge bodyweight, meaning you can’t easily shift to different locations.

What We Liked:

  • Realistic 4K visuals with impressive color depth.
  • Minimal motion blur and input lag for gaming.
  • Naturally sharp and excellent black levels.
  • It comes with three-year warranty coverage.

What We Didn’t Like:

  • It lacks any wireless connectivity options.

4. Optoma HZ39HDR Laser Home Theater 4K Projector

Optoma HZ39HDR Laser Home Theater 4K Projector

When it comes to one of the cheapest 4K projectors, Optoma HZ39HDR deserves mention. It is a great device that makes use of HDR10 and 300,000:1 contrast ratio to deliver cinematic visuals while you relax on your couch. The 4000 ANSI lumens it utilizes not only ensure a vivid image output but also ensure clarity in most ambient lighting conditions.

You will love watching 4K movies or playing games as it accepts native 4K resolution and plays them with enhanced detailing and depth of field. If you love watching 3D content, it would even fulfill that demand by producing accurate 3D content from different sources. We were really impressed by its 10-watt audio output that only lets you hear every detail but also elevates your movie experience.

It has a unique feature called Signal Power ON, where it automatically switches on when it detects an HDMI signal. The 30-degree keystone correction and 1.3x zoom make the installation entirely flexible and allow you to opt for flexible placement during setup. It gets all the standard I/O connectors which include the likes of HDMI, MHL, audio in & out, USB, micro USB, and RJ45, meaning you will have standard options for connectivity. However, the laser technology with 30000hour of lamp life takes all the limelight as it assures a smooth run for 10-years without any replacement.

What We Liked:

  • Huge laser lamp lasting period.
  • Super smooth visuals and excellent brightness level.
  • Mind-blowing sRGB color cover with deep blacks.

What We Didn’t Like:

  • It needs a good amount of space for setup.

5. Optoma CinemaX P2 Smart 4K UHD Projector

Optoma CinemaX P2 Smart 4K UHD Projector

Another brand new model from Optoma is CinemaX P2, and once you get this projector, you won’t use any other projector. It might not be the best cheap 4K projector, but it is loaded with top-notch facilities, and one of them is its super-short throw ratio of 0.25:1. Despite having a streamlined body, it comfortably houses all the necessary ports like HDMI 2.0, USB Type A, HDMI 1.00, RJ45, etc. In addition, it also flaunts a Smart+ on-board feature that will let you connect smart devices without any hassle.

With its inbuilt two 19-watt speakers, you can expect a premium sound experience with crystal clear vocals and smooth mid-ranges. It is designed to give you optimum convenience, and that is why it gets Alexa smart home and Google Action for a complete voice operation. However, the factor that will leave you flabbergasted is its unparalleled 4K UHD performance with rich cinematic colors.

It also comes with HDR10 support and a 2000000:1 contrast ratio that adds to the lifelike visuals with colossal clarity and smooth textures. CinemaX P2 features the premium PureMotion image processing system where it transforms every video to give you an instant theater-like experience. Many people often consider it as the best value 4K projector because it also treats you with 30000hours of light source life.

What We Liked:

  • Sleek and elegant body design.
  • Top of the line 4K performance with buttery smooth frame change.
  • Room filling audio with huge capacity.

What We Didn’t Like:

  • It has a short screen size range.
  • The input lag could have been impressive.

6. LG HU70LA Smart Home Theater 4K Projector

 

LG HU70LA Smart Home Theater 4K Projector

LG HU70LA can be introduced as a meticulously engineered 4K DLP projector with all the necessary features to turn your dream of home cinema into reality. Enjoy truly vivid viewing with a projection size of up to 140inches, which is an ideal size for any home cinema. Besides, it also gives you auto vertical keystone and 1.2x zoom so that you won’t have image deformation while achieving a screen of 140inches.

The LG webOS smart TV platform is a big attraction of this projector as it lets you explore thousands of web contents from different apps and that too using voice control. In addition, you will also have HDMI, USB, HID, Digital TV tuner, RJ45, Bluetooth, Wireless Content share, and screen share options. However, the main thing that drives this device is the realistic 4K resolution with impeccable detailing and superior color accuracy. This CineBeam device makes use of 1500 ANSI lumens, and 4Channel LED to create a vibrant and vivid image quality.

It might be a cheap projector, but it features modern TruMotion technology and HDR10 that not only makes the frame more fluidic but also optimizes each frame. It even comes with a 4K upscaling facility, so even if you play HD or full HD contents, you can still get the essence of 4K quality in them. With outstanding visual performance, you will also enjoy huge longevity in the form of 30000hour of lamp life.

What We Liked:

  • Outstanding 4K visuals at an affordable rate.
  • Easy to operate the LG webOS platform.
  • It offers a wide variety of connectivity facilities.

What We Didn’t Like:

  • Poor speaker output.

7. LG HU80KA Smart TV CineBeam 4K Projector

 

LG HU80KA Smart TV CineBeam 4K Projector

LG is known for delivering some of the finest projectors in the market, and one of them is LG HU80KA which has made a considerable name with its performance. It not only gets you a 3840 X 2160 native resolution but also 2500 ANSI lumens to create a  crisp and high definition video that is better than any 4K TV. With HDR10 and comprehensive color gamut coverage, you can enjoy high dynamic ranges and immense color depth in all your images.

While watching fast-action movies or sports, you will always get great clarity in the visuals, and the credit goes to TruMotion technology that reduces all the motion blur. Once you purchase this device, you won’t be looking for another for at least 5-years, and it is mainly because of its 20000hour of lamp life. Moreover, it also comes with LG’s Smart TV platform which gives you the option to scour thousands of contents from different OTT apps.

You can set this one of the most affordable 4K projectors almost anywhere you want, and it is mainly due to its award-winning compact design. Streaming content directly from your mobile won’t be bothersome as you will have Wi-Fi support and a Screen-Share feature in your arsenal. LG has offered 1-year parts and labor warranty coverage with this device which is slightly low given the price point.

What We Liked:

  • Mindblowing color and vividness in all 4K visuals.
  • Convenient and lag-free Smart TV platform.
  • Incredible body design and portability.

What We Didn’t Like:

  • We didn’t like its black-level performance.
  • It doesn’t offer lens shift at this price.

8. Optoma UHD30 Low Input Lag True 4K UHD Projector

Optoma UHD30 Low Input Lag True 4K UHD Projector

There are many projectors that cause a massive 4K projector price drop in the market, and one of them is Optoma UHD30. It is a specialized product that has managed to deliver ultra HD 4K resolution with lifelike clarity and sharp detailing at an affordable rate. Significantly, it gears HDR and HLG that not only enhance the quality of the 4K visuals but also add depth to it.

You can enjoy lag-free gaming with unparalleled smoothness in this projector, and it is solely due to the 240Hz refresh rate coupled with 16ms response time. We can assure you will be in awe with the impact of the 8-segment color wheel and 500000:1 contrast ratio as it notches up the quality by a large margin. The screen size option of 33-300inches is pretty great in our opinion as it lets you cater to different situations without any limitations.

With that being said, you won’t also find any limitation in terms of wired connectivity as it offers you HDMI, HDMI 1.4a, S/PDIF, audio 3.5mm, VGA, USB A, and RS232. It gets standard 1.1x zoom and 40-degree vertical keystone which is sufficient during the setup process. We will suggest you use its 10-watt inbuilt speaker if you are planning to use it in the living room as it delivers excellent audio with decent volume.

What We Liked:

  • Colorful and crisp image.
  • The 4K image stays intact even in the daytime.
  • You will find zero motion blur for fast-paced games.

What We Didn’t Like:

  • Poor throw distance range.

9. BenQ TK800M 4K UHD Home Theater Projector

BenQ TK800M 4K UHD Home Theater Projector

Short on budget? Thinking about getting a 4K projector under the 1000 dollar range? Well, then BenQ TK800M should be your pick. Geared with a heavy-duty light source, it can run for 15000hours without needing to change the lamp. It even has a super-wide clear image size of 60-200inch, but we were disappointed by its 1.5:1 throw ratio that indicates a considerable setup space requirement.

With D-Sub, HDMI, USB Type-A & B, Audio in & out, and RS232, you can connect almost all the standard video sources to play favorite movies or TV shows. It also saves you from the hassle of image deformation by providing auto keystone correction and 1.1x zoom as standard options. Besides all these, it is the 4K visual performance that will impress you the most as the projector showcases all the contents in optimum clarity and detailing. Whether you use it in a completely dark room or semi-lit room, the 3000 ANSI lumens and 10000:1 contrast ratio will always give you perfectly balanced visuals.

Unlike other 4K LCD projectors, it gets an all-glass 4K optimized lens array that, by increasing the light penetration, gives you a razor-sharp clarity in the images. Despite having excellent performance and longevity, it fails to shine in the audio department, and we would suggest you get an external speaker if you want good audio output.

What We Liked:

  • Incredible HDR performance.
  • The visuals are clear and preserve the details.
  • An extremely competitive price point for a true 4K projector.

What We Didn’t Like:

  • The black levels aren’t excellent.
  • The audio quality at high volume degrades.

10. ViewSonic PX727-4K Home Theater 4K Projector

ViewSonic PX727-4K Home Theater 4K Projector

The ViewSonic PX727-4K is truly a one-of-a-kind device that serves as a common name when you talk about the best budget 4K projector. If you are drooling for a home cinema experience at budget, then this is the one. It boasts a native 4K resolution and SuperColor color wheel, and together they make sure that you get top-notch 4K visuals with rich colors.

The 2200 ANSI lumens and 12000:1 contrast ratio may seem low in the first place but trust us; you won’t be disappointed when you see the clarity and vividness it has on offer. 4K contents are incomplete without HDR, and that is why ViewSonic has made it capable of decoding HDR contents for optimum detailing. Even though it offers a widescreen size of 30-300inches, it requires ample space for setting it up as it has a throw ratio of 1.47-1.76:1.

Powered by a 240-watt lamp, you can comfortably use it for 15000hours before opting for a lamp replacement. The 10-watt inbuilt is quite decent, in our opinion, and it gets the job done for a good audio experience if you plan to use it in a small room. With wider zoom, a lot of mounting options, and a 40-degree keystone, it gives you terrific setup flexibility that you won’t quickly get with others.  We hope in terms of connectivity you won’t have a problem as you will find HDMI, HDCP 2.2, audio-out, USB Type A, and Type B, 12V trigger, computer-in, and RS232.

What We Liked:

  • Unparalleled 4K clarity and detailing.
  • The motion processing is really smooth and stutter-free.
  • The menu is easy to operate.
  • It offers a wide range of mounting options.

What We Didn’t Like:

  • It doesn’t provide you with 3D compatibility.

But before we bid final goodbye, we have put up some crucial information that needs your attention. All this information will not only help you to judge projectors in a better way but will also help you to find yourself the best one.

What is a 4K Projector?

What is a 4K Projector

In simple terms, a 4K projector is a device that has the capability to 4K or 3840 X 2160 resolution on the screen. A 4K projector produces 8.3millions pixels on the screen, and all these tiny pixels create a magnificent image with realistic colors as well as fine detailing. The term “4K” basically highlights the measurement of the resolution where it has 4000 pixels horizontally and 2000 pixels vertically. Only a handful of 4K projectors come with actual 4K resolution, and they mainly belong to Sony, BenQ, Optoma, Epson, and JVC.

The projectors from these organizations are not only built with some incredible features but are also equipped with high-end hardware. Unsurprisingly they also get some fantastic audio features that you will hardly find in the market. Not all projector has the capability to produce a 4K resolution because it needs the appropriate hardware (4K chip) to produce the required amount of pixels.

However, nowadays, some manufacturers are coming with non-native 4K chips that use special techniques to produce the necessary pixel count to produce 4K resolution. An exciting feature of 4K projectors is that they come with HDR compatibility and a wide color gamut that makes the image quality much more realistic. Not only are the images super sharp and have less, but they are less stressful on the eye and give you an immersive viewing experience. A true 4K projector comes with a hefty manufacturing cost, and it is not easy for everyone to own them.

However, modern technology has come a long way, and institutions like Texas Instrument, JVC, Epson, etc., have found a way to produce 4K alike image quality at an affordable cost. They have come with a pixel shifting process where they use a couple of 1080p chips, and pixels are shifted diagonally in a swift manner. Basically, they are shifted with half of the total pixel length. The rapid to and fro movement creates an image that is almost similar to 4K quality but not with actual 4K resolution.

JVC has named its shifting method eShifting, Epson has named it 4K enhancement while Texas calls it TI UHD. There are also some manufacturers who are using various other methods to produce the least expensive 4K projectors, but none of them could match the pixel shifting method.

Is 4K Projector Worth It?

Suppose you want to experience best-in-class image quality from your projector along with some sophisticated modern features. In that case, a 4K projector is worth every penny you spend on them. Well, apart from just image quality, many other factors also make 4K projectors the best buy option. So let’s take a look at why you should invest in a 4K projector;

Incredibly Sharp Image Quality

Incredibly Sharp Image Quality4K resolution being 4K offers an unparalleled image quality that you would hardly get in other consumer-grade projectors. It has the capability to produce more than 8 million pixels on the screen and create a razor-sharp image quality that can baffle every viewer. Besides higher pixel count, most of the 4K projectors come with a high contrast ratio that helps in creating a realistic image output. The detailing on the images is simply outstanding, and you will be able to see all the minute details, which ultimately enhances your viewing experience.

Realistic Color and Bright Images

Another factor that adds to the superior image quality of the 4K projector is the superior color quality and incredible bright images. Most of the 4K projectors come with comprehensive color gamut coverage (almost %100) and top-end color technology to create a splendid color output. The high color accuracy, along with a 4K resolution, allows the projector to pop out subtle colors that you won’t see with other resolutions. Similarly, it also gets high lumens rating with a powerful lamp, and together they create bright images in almost all the ambient light conditions. A majority of 4K units get sharp images with massive clarity, so you can always expect a vivid view.

Ideal for Modern Movies, Web Contents, and Games

Nowadays, many movies and web contents in OTT platforms come with 4K resolution. So having a projector will give you the option to explore those contents at their highest resolution. If you love watching videos on YouTube, then it would be great for you to have a 4K projector as most of them get the 4K resolution option. Playing games on 4K resolution takes the experience to a whole new level and gives you an immersive feeling. If you have a Nintendo Switch, PS4 Pro, PS5, Xbox One, or PC, you can comfortably utilize the projector to play your favorite game at the best quality possible.

Comfortable to the Eye

One of the main reasons that many users prefer 4K projectors is that they are comfortable to the eye. Since the light we see on the screen is reflected, it not only allows us to see the visual comfortably but also spares us from any kind of fatigue. A good 4K projector gets a minimal amount of flickering that also comforts the eye, especially when you are watching a movie for a long time. The best part is you can see each and every detail on the screen without putting much pressure on the eye. With this kind of projector, changing the screen won’t matter much, and when you go big, it won’t put any pressure on the eye.

Minimal Amount of Noise

When you watch movies or any kind of content on a 4K video projector, you will hardly find any noise. The visible noise in most 4K projectors is relatively low, and whether you watch a 4K or full HD video, you will hardly find any noise. The main reason behind low noise is the use of high-end hardware that prevents the projector from producing any noise.

Excellent Zooming Output

Excellent Zooming OutputUnlike other resolution projectors, a cheap 4K projector has an outstanding zooming output. It may have the same zooming facility as other top-notch models, but it retains the visual even after the high zoom. Whether you go for digital or optical zooming, you won’t find any deterioration in the image quality.

Comes at Wide Price Ranges

A few years ago, 4K projectors were costly, but things have changed as they now come in different price ranges. You can now get a good quality 4K projector for around $2000, and that too without compromising on anything. Although most budget projectors don’t offer true 4K resolution, you will hardly find any difference.

Worthy Future Investment

We can confidently say that a 4K projector is a worthy future investment as it will soon replace full HD resolution as the standard resolution. The entertainment is gradually making necessary steps to normalize 4K resolution as a standard and best option. So if you want to cope with the modern trend, a 4K projector would be an ideal investment.

What to Look For In A Budget 4K Projector?

Buying the best 4K projector is one thing but getting the top-notch budget 4K projector is a whole different situation. 4K units are similar to any other electronic item with different features that makes it difficult for users to decide which will be ideal for them. So we have created a buying guide that will highlight what you should look for in a budget 4K projector;

4K Projection Technology

As we have already discussed, most of the budget 4K projectors use specialized chips to produce a 4K alike image quality. It might not have separate 8.3million pixels, but they specialized technique pixel shifting to produce images similar to 4K. Currently, 4K DLP is the most popular projection technology as it uses three single-chip DMDs to create 8.30 million pixels on the screen. The image quality is simply fantastic, and it makes it perfect for movie and gaming enthusiasts. Apart from 4K DLP, you can opt for a 4K LCD unit that also does an outstanding job to produce 4K alike image quality using modern LCD chips. In this type, the light is passed through 2-3LCD chips to create dual pixels at once, and this helps the projector to produce 8.3million pixels on the screen. The image quality of the 4K LCD is also awe-inspiring, but it often showcases rainbow effects that can ruin your visual experience. You will also find specialized 4K projection from JVC that also uses a similar pixel-shifting technique to produce images closer to 4K resolution.

The vividness and Color Quality

When you are going for a 4K projector, even if it is in the budget range, you shouldn’t compromise on the brightness level and color quality. The brightness and color accuracy plays a vital role in determining your 4K experience. Depending upon the lighting condition in your room, you should choose the brightness level, but it would be safe to get at least 2000 ANSI lumens for proper image output. Similarly, you also need at least 95% color accuracy to get a jaw-dropping color output that will complement the 4K images.

Screen Size and Throw Distance

Screen Size and Throw DistanceLike every other projector, when you are considering a 4K projector, you should consider the screen size and throw distance. Depending upon your room size or placement area, you should consider the throw distance. It would be convenient to get a short throw projector or throw distance around 1.2:1 because it will let you get a big screen from a few away. With that being said, you also need an extensive screen size range to cater to different occasions. It is advisable to get a widescreen size range as you can watch videos in 50inch and also watch movies with your family at 150inch.

Lamp Life

Never compromise on the lamp life because it not only decides the longevity but also the cost of ownership. Replacing a worn-out lamp will cost a good amount of money. So to get the best value deal, it would be wise to get a 4K unit having a minimum of 10000hour of lamp longevity. However, there are some projectors that can offer lamp life up to 20000hour, but the number of those units is quite limited. You can settle for a low lamp life projector only if they come with an affordable replacement cost.

Ease Of Use

After checking the lamp life, the next thing you should evaluate is the feasibility it offers in usage. A projector should be straightforward to use both in terms of operation and setup. It should come with all the required mountable accessories and provisions so that you won’t problem setting it up in any desired location. Check whether it has a streamlined menu because it will facilitate you to navigate different options and also operate freely. You also need to evaluate the image correction available, and a projector with a minimum +/- 15-degree keystone correction, manual or autofocus, and zoom would be a great choice. The cooling fan should be highly efficient, and it should work without making much noise.

Connection Options

The last thing you need to look for is the connection option available with the 4K projector. An HDMI, USB, audio 3.5mm, and 12volt trigger is a must for a 4K unit because it will help you play 4K contents from different sources. Having MHL, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, VGA, AV, and other connection support would serve as an added advantage.

FAQs

Question: Why are 4k projectors so expensive?

Answer: Unlike regular HD and full HD projector, which only uses single or regular chips to produce the required resolution, 4K projectors use high-end or two-three chips to produce 4K. Plus, 4K projectors use much modern and pricey hardware, which are some primary reasons that they come with an expensive price tag. Not to forget, most of the 4K employ high-end technologies that also add to manufacturing costs.

Question: What is a native 4K projector?

Answer: A native 4K projector is one that comes with a native resolution of 3840 X 2160 resolution and is capable of producing 8.30millions separately on the screen. A native 4K unit is considered to be a projector offering actual 4K resolution with all other 4K capabilities. If you go for the best projector for under 5000 dollars, then you will easily find a native 4K projector of your choice.

Question: Are 4K projectors as good as 4K TV?

The visual performance offered by most high-quality 4K projectors is at par with 4K TVs and sometimes better. 4K projectors come equipped with best-in-class hardware and features that help them to produce a cinematic visual experience. Most importantly, they offer widescreen size options and give you the facility to carry it to different locations.

Question: What’s the difference between upscaled 4K and native 4K?

Answer: An upscaled 4K projector uses two to three full HD chips to create an image that is similar to 4K quality. However, a native 4K projector comes with a 4K chip and all the other attributes to produce proper 4K native resolution. Notably, a native 4K projector can produce 8.3millions pixels separately while an upscaled 4K can’t. An upscaled projector has to double the pixel count to produce a pixel count almost similar to the native 4K unit.

Question: What does 4K enhancement mean?

Answer: A 4K enhancement is a modern video processing technique used by various manufacturers to produce 4K alike image quality. They use pixel-shifting technology that uses two to three full HD to double the resolution and produce an image quality very close to native 4K output. Nowadays, many manufacturers are using 4K enhancement in their projector as it is offering performance almost similar to 4K resolution at an affordable rate.

Question: Does 1080p look blurry on 4K?

Answer: A 4K projector is capable of playing all the resolutions ranging from 480p to 2160p, and that too at their optimum quality. So not only does a 1080p look buttery smooth on a 4K projector but also offers a vivid and sharp image output. There is no chance that you will get a blurry view even if you go beyond the 200inch image size.

Question: Is 4K better than 1440p?

Answer: A 4K resolution is a better choice than 1440p in many ways. You get better image quality and clarity with 4K than 1440p. Most importantly, a 4K projector serves as a standard resolution in the entertainment section, while 1440p serves as a middle ground for 4K and 1080p. The number of 4K projectors is high in the market, but you will hardly find any projector offering 1440p as a native resolution.

Question: Can projectors do 4K?

Answer: A projector can quickly produce 4K resolution by using a native 4K chip, and the quality is equal and often better than a 4K UHD TV. Most of the 4K projectors come equipped with high-end hardware that allows them to treat you with 4K cinematic visuals in your home comfort. Almost all the projector in the 4K segment gets HDR10 and sometimes HLG compatibility, so it becomes for them to produce 4K contents.

Question: What percentage of 4K is 1440p?

Answer: A 4K resolution 3840 X 2160 while a 1440p or 2K is 2560 X 1440p resolution. In general sense a 4K is almost 200% of 1080p while 1440p is 67% more than 1080p. Since 1440p is also regarded as 2K resolution so you might see it as half of 4K, but in reality, it isn’t.

Conclusion

By now, we hope you have been able to find the cheapest 4K projector of your choice. If you haven’t, you can take assistance from our buying guide as well as the FAQ section, which will solve a lot of your confusion. Through the comparison table, you can narrow down your choice and go through the reviews of products which you think will cater to your requirement. You can also check out our recommendations for 4k projectors under $2000.

We can assure you that all the products on this list are appropriately assessed and tested before being put on the final review. So you can stay assured that you are getting a high-quality 4K projector that will treat you with a breathtaking visual experience. Pricing won’t be a massive problem for you as all the products are priced at an affordable rate. If you need any further assistance, you can write to us through our email, and one of us will get in touch with you.