10 Best Budget Projectors 2025 in the United States

The BenQ TK700ST is a budget-friendly projector that stands out with its sharp 4K resolution, making it ideal for users who want clear and detailed images for movies and gaming. It offers a bright 3000 ANSI lumens output, meaning it can perform well even in rooms that aren't fully dark, which is great if you want to watch with some ambient light. Its short throw design allows you to place the projector relatively close to the screen or wall, saving space in smaller rooms.

For gaming, it features a quick 4ms response time and supports a high refresh rate of 240Hz at 1080p, helping reduce lag and provide smoother motion. The built-in speaker and support for advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos via ARC/eARC connections enhance the overall experience without needing extra sound equipment. It weighs nearly 9 pounds and is somewhat bulky, so it’s less portable than lighter models. Connectivity options focus mainly on HDMI, which is standard but somewhat limited if you want more variety.

If you’re looking for a projector that delivers a strong mix of 4K visuals, gaming-friendly features, and good brightness on a budget, the BenQ TK700ST makes a solid choice, especially for home entertainment setups where space is a consideration.

The ViewSonic LX700-4K is a strong choice if you want a budget-friendly projector that performs well for both movies and gaming. It offers a sharp 4K UHD resolution, ensuring images and videos are detailed and clear. With a brightness of 3500 lumens, it can function effectively even in rooms that aren’t completely dark, making it versatile for different lighting conditions. The projector is designed with gamers in mind, especially Xbox users, featuring a very fast 4.2ms response time and a high 240Hz refresh rate. This helps games run smoothly with less blur or lag, which is beneficial for fast-paced gaming.

The laser light source promises a long lamp life of about 20,000 hours, so you won’t need to replace bulbs frequently, saving on upkeep costs. Its throw distance and zoom capabilities, along with keystone correction and lens shift, simplify setup in various room sizes and angles. Connectivity options are flexible, with two HDMI ports and USB support, allowing connection to multiple devices like laptops, gaming consoles, and media players.

While it’s portable enough to move around at 7.3 pounds, it isn’t the lightest or most compact option if frequent carrying is planned. Although the projector supports HDR and HLD for enhanced color and contrast, the lack of a specified contrast ratio may influence how deep blacks and bright details appear. This projector is ideal for those looking for a bright, sharp image with excellent gaming features on a budget; however, if ultra-portability or top-tier cinema contrast is a priority, other options might be worth considering.

The Epson Home Cinema 3800 stands out in the budget projector category, delivering impressive features that cater to home cinema enthusiasts and casual gamers alike. With its 4K PRO-UHD resolution, this projector excels at producing sharp, vibrant images, thanks to its advanced 3LCD technology, which prevents color issues often found in lower-quality models. Its brightness rating of 3,000 Lumens ensures that it performs well in various lighting conditions, making it suitable for daytime viewing without losing image quality. The contrast ratio of up to 100,000:1 enhances the depth of blacks, contributing to a more immersive viewing experience.

For connectivity, the Home Cinema 3800 includes HDMI 2.0 and Bluetooth options, allowing easy connection to modern devices and sound systems. The built-in stereo speakers provide a basic audio experience, but for a true cinematic feel, external speakers are recommended.

While the projector offers excellent image quality, its weight of 15.2 pounds and dimensions may limit portability. If you're looking for a projector to easily move between rooms or take on trips, you might find this model a bit cumbersome. Additionally, while the projector supports active 3D content, the need for compatible glasses may not appeal to everyone.