December 5, 2023
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Last Updated on January 21, 2024 by Mad Dog
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Fancy an extra-wide screen for your home? Like in the cinema?
Imagine when you can watch your favorite shows and series on a wider movie theater-sized screen in the comfort of your home after a long day.
With the cinematic rumbling from every scene into your own space, minus the sticky floor and overpriced popcorn and pizzas, you can finally say, “This is life!”
But nobody knows what kind of projector suits your media room if you buy one for the first time. I understand.
Those techie terms can be overwhelming. And you want to set up that home theater projector so bad!
Since buying a smart projector is not an ordinary purchase, we’ve sifted through an array of choices to make your home theater journey easier.
In this article, we’ll guide you on how to choose your dream projector for your home theater system.
So grab your seat and dim the lights as we show you our blockbuster solutions for your home media display!
Smartest 4k home projectors
#1 Editors Choice
AWOL Vision LTV-3500
- Ultra short throw projection of 6 to 20 inches
- 3500 ANSI lumens, the brightest on our list
- Dolby Vision & Atmos audio
- Clear motion pictures both in dark and bright environments
- With built-in 36W stereo speakers
- Can connect to Bluetooth speakers
- Can connect and stream with Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max
- Dedicated ALR screen for separate purchase
- Do not include auto keystone
#2 Best value
XGIMI Aura
- Impressive ultra-short throw projection at 4.3 to 17.3 inches
- Stream through Chromecast or Bluetooth
- Extra bright at 2400 ANSI lumens
- Operates by Android TV 10
- Starts up in 12 seconds
- Has 3 HDMI input ports
- Supports Dolby Vision & Atmos
- Impressive audio from built-in speaker
- No eArc
- Image quality adjustment issues
CHECK CURRENT PRICE
#3 Best short-trow 4k
LG HU85LA
- Amazingly throws a 120-inch screen at 7.2 inches
- Built-in voice assistant, Alexa
- Three-channel laser system produces realistic and accurate colors
- Impressive LG WebOS
- May show rainbow artifacts
- Built-in speakers can be improved
#4 4k home theater projector
Optoma CinemaX
- Throws up to 120 inches screen at a distance of 5.7 to 14.5 inches
- Impressive lamp life of up to 30,000 hours
- Watch even with lights on st brightness of 3,000 lumens
- Produces accurate colors even in dark viewing
- SmartFit image alignment makes setting up a breeze
- One out of three HDMI ports does not support 4K
- Bulky unit
#5 Streaming projector
AWOL Vision LTV-2500
- Set up as short as six inches from the wall
- Projects crystal clear pictures
- With built-in 36W audio speakers
- 30 ms lowest screen lag
- Average image quality in daylight
- Mono laser capability
CHECK CURRENT PRICE
#6 Home theater projector
Wemax L176FGN
- Equipped with 8-point keystone correction
- Has three HDMI ports
- Sturdy build
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Switch from gaming to movie mode
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Limited image quality customization
- The remote control doesn’t have a backlight
- Lacking 3D support
#7 4k Streaming projector
LG HU810PW
- Detailed pictures, vibrant colors
- Long-lasting light source
- Impressive motion processing
- Utilizes dual laser
- Contrast ratio needs improvement
- No 3D support
- Setting issues
#8 4k Projector for gaming
Optoma CinemaX D2
- Has 3D and HDR support
- Impressive 4ms @1080p and 16ms @4k screen lag
- Extremely long light life of up to 30000 hours
- Out-of-the-box accuracy needs improvement
- Enhanced gaming mode is available only on a single HDMI port
#9 Most affordable
BenQ TK850i
- Impressively bright, 3000 lumens, at an extremely low cost
- 3D compatible
- With built-in 10W speakers
- Color accuracy compromised with so much brightness
- Streaming apps not included
Top 1080p projectors
#1 Top 1080p
LG HF85LA
- Throws 90 inches screen at 4.7 inches away from the wall
- Operates on LG’s own, LG webOS
- Detailed pictures even at a 120-inch screen
- Impressive motion processing with TruMotion
- A wide array of input choices
- Stream wirelessly
- No built-in speakers
#2 1080p smart projector
BenQ TH685P
- Very bright at 35000 lumens
- Supports 4k resolution and downscales to 1080p
- Supports HDR
- Low input lag
- Adjusting to sharp images can be challenging
- Not suitable for RBE-sensitive
- Can’t read USB memory files
#3 1080p home theater projector
Epson EF-100
- Long-lasting laser light source
- Built-in Android TV
- Removes rainbow artifacts with 3-chip LCD
- No 3D and HDR support
- Poor black level
- Only one HDMI port is available
#4 1080p smart projector
Artlii Energon 2
- Supports 4K UHD
- Projects up to 250 inches screen
- Extremely long-lasting lamp life
- Audible fan noise
#5 Most affordable 1080p
Fangor F506
- Connect to a wide range of content sources
- Extensive lamp life of up to 65,000 hours
- Projection of up to 230 inches of screen
- Decent brightness even with background light
- Bluetooth connection limited to audio
- Needs quality internet network for a better experience
Why home theater projectors are worth it?
Projectors are usually more expensive than TVs. It’s a hefty purchase, so you must ensure it is worth it.
So, before making any purchase, ensure you understand how a projector can solve your home entertainment needs.
1. Smart projectors have integrated entertainment systems.
Smart projector packs up a home theater, gaming console, and streaming systems in one device.
It combines the projector’s versatility with smart home entertainment features.
Although not all units have built-in streaming apps, projectors support external content sources. You can integrate some models with other smart home devices.
2. Connect to the internet seamlessly.
Before, projectors relied on external sources for content.
Today, projectors have wired and wireless options to connect to the internet.
Some of them have built-in connections to Wi-Fi, which provides access to more content.
3. Run streaming apps at any time.
You do not have to go to the cinema to watch a new movie. Since projectors can connect to the internet, you can access different content on streaming applications.
Audiences watch more on streaming apps rather than the cinema or free channels. They prefer to pay for subscriptions to access more exclusive content.
4. More portable and flexible than a TV
TVs are fixed in their places. Unlike a projector, you can bring it and set it up outdoors when you create an event.
Also, projectors are not limited to watching TV. You can also play games and use it for presentations in school or in the office.
5. Adjust screen size to your preferences.
One of the conveniences of having projectors than TVs is you can adjust the screen size to fit your wall.
Projectors only need a wall to display movies and TVs.
Unlike TVs, the screen shown by a projector is not bound to the size of the device. And the good thing about it is that no matter how large or small the images projected are, they retain their quality.
It is like bringing the theater screen into your home because you can technically adjust images to a life-like size.
6. Integration with compatible AV equipment.
If you think only TVs can connect to computers and other devices, smart projectors can also work with other AV equipment, depending on the model.
That means you can use your projector to connect with different sources like gaming consoles, Blu-ray or DVD players, streaming devices, laptops or computers, cable boxes, and more.
Aside from that, you can also equip your projector with audio devices like a soundbar or surround sound system.
7. Enjoy a life-like viewing experience.
Having a home theater seems like a dream. With a huge screen paired with an all-in-one surround soundbar, we can now enjoy a cinematic experience at home.
We can now immerse ourselves in the scene. We can hear the thunder or helicopters from above us. We can now watch like we are in the scene.
Thanks to the screen size adjustment technology. We can now see things more in detail and front of us.
8. Smart home integrations
If you are converting to a smart home, you can include your projectors in your network of devices.
These devices speak with each other devices. You can access and control them with voice commands.
How do you choose a home theater projector?
Find out the light source.
The light source is crucial in selecting a projector. The light source affects the overall user experience and device performance. Lamp, LED, and laser are the three types of light sources.
a. Lamp
Typically found in entry-level projectors, they are made from lamps or bulbs. They offer reliable brightness and color accuracy. However, you must replace the lamps at some point because they degrade.
b. LED
LED lights offer longer life and energy efficiency.
With better color saturation, LED projectors can produce high-quality images that are eye-friendly. Moreover, they don’t require ventilation and constant replacement.
c. Laser
Laser projectors offer the best motion picture quality, ideal for larger places with ambient light.
Most short-throw projectors use a laser to project crisp, clear pictures at 90 to 150-inch screens at a short distance of 4.5 to 20 inches.
Aside from the higher price range, laser projectors may not be the friendliest for the eyes. But for the best home theater viewing experience, a laser projector will surely deliver.
Do you often watch high-resolution content?
Resolution
We know that 4k projectors offer the most detailed screen images. Although most movies produced today are not in 4k format, some 4k projectors can downscale to 1080p.
With a 4k projector, you can future-proof your home theater. If you are serious about it, it will be a worthy investment.
Although 1080p is still a decent choice for most movies, some projectors support the 4k format.
For personal or family use, I’d say that 1080p is still a practical choice if you have a lower budget.
Brightness
You don’t necessarily need the projector with the highest lumens. It depends on the room or environment.
If you use the projector in a dark room without ambient light, you can go with 1500 to 2000 lumens. If the room has ambient light sources, you need a brighter projector with 3,000 lumens.
Contrast ratio
The contrast ratio is the difference between the brightest white and darkest black parts of the image.
In projectors, a higher contrast ratio is better. A higher contrast ratio will display better and more vivid visual graphics.
For example, a projector with 2000:1 means the white in the picture is 2000 times brighter than the image’s black. With a higher contrast ratio, the brighter the image. You will see a more detailed image on the screen.
Check your budget.
If you are serious about setting up a home theater, you must set a budget range for your projector. Understand that projectors are not usually cheap equipment, so plan for it.
Also, some projectors, like the lamp types, will have maintenance requirements.
But they are generally cheaper compared to laser projectors. Be aware of the consumption hours before you need to replace the lamps. Allocate a budget for lamp replacement.
Ultra-short throw projectors are costly, but they require little maintenance.
Take note of your screen size and viewing distance.
We purchase a projector because we want that cinematic screen size in our room.
Find out how much screen size a projector will throw at a distance from the wall.
From here, you should plan where your projector should go.
Will you mount it from the wall? Will you place it on a tabletop? How far will it go against the wall?
Consider future-proofing.
Since you will be taking out a huge sump of money for a projector, future-proof your home theater as a whole.
Ensure that the projector can support audio and visual formats that are significant for a better home theater experience.
Also, remember to have the necessary ports like HDMI and eArc for audio and visual data processing.
What’s the input lag?
Input lag is crucial for real-time motion pictures.
When you also use the projector for gaming or watching live streams, you want one that responds to the press of a button or command in a few seconds.
The best smart home theater projectors
Top performing 4k smart projector
AWOL Vision LTV-3500
AWOL Vision LTV-3500 is a high-performance ultra short throw projector with 3500 ANSI lumens that shoots up to 150 inches screen six to 20 inches from the wall.
With this number, the device projects exceptionally bright images and vibrant, accurate colors even with ambient lighting. Unlike others, it doesn’t operate on Android TV but with Android9 OS and Amazon Firestick.
The projector is equipped with Triple Laser technology, covering a wide Rec.2020 color gamut.
Inside the chassis are 36W speakers that you can set to movies, sports, or music modes.
The 2-ft wide projector has a wide range of connectivity, including two HDMI inputs at the rear! With one arc, an ethernet port, a slot for optical cable, another HDMI in front, and a USB port for the dongle.
Although you might find the calibration controls confusing, this unknown brand can match up performance from high-end projectors in the 3000 lumens range.
Pros
- Supports Dolby Atmos and HDR10+
- RGB Triple Laser technology
- 30ms input lag
- Includes an eye safety feature
- Two-year warranty coverage
- Performs best with a dedicated ALR screen
Cons
- Box is bulky
- Expensive
Best value 4k
XGIMI Aura
XGIMI Aura is one ultra short throw projector that provides great value for the money.
First, this projector could sum up all your home theater needs.
The almost 24-inch wide chassis holds 60W built-in Harman Kardon speakers, which support DTS Studio Sound, DTS HD, and Dolby Audio. Also, Aura operates on Android TV, which makes streaming a breeze.
The modern elegant projector could throw images in 150-inch screen size at 17.3 inches and surprisingly bright at 2500 ANSI lumens.
Also, this projector comes equipped with automatic dimming capability with IR sensors that activate when it detects any audience presence.
Although still expensive, its capabilities, features, and build lowers its price compared to projectors of the same specs.
CHECK CURRENT PRICE
Pros
- Phosphor ALPD laser
- Uses XPR pixel shifting to achieve 4K UHD
- Mirror cast with Chromecast
- Has three HDMI input ports
- Impressive sound from Harman Kardon speakers
Cons
- Black detail needs improvement
- No eArc
- Image adjustment issues
Top 1080p
LG HF85LA
If you want smart TV functionalities in an ultra-short throw projector, LG HF85LA delivers with its smart TV platform, LG webOS.
Watch 1080p movies crystal clear in Full HD with 1500 lumen bright projector.
This projector shoots up to 120 inches within 4.7 to 16.6 inches short of the wall.
The projector comes with TruMotion technology, enabling smooth image transition while maintaining picture quality.
Pros
- Share content with Miracast
- Quick on and off feature
- Can be used outdoors
- Enjoy built-in smart TV features
Cons
- Minimal fan noise
- No Netflix, Hulu, or other channels
Most affordable 4k
BenQ TK850i
Not a short-throw projector. But this BenQ TK850i is equipped with a Google-certified Android TV, which makes watching smooth and convenient.
It throws images up to 150 inches screen at a 7.4 to 12.3′ distance. Powered by Dynamic Iris, the 4K HDR projector displays impressive black levels and vibrant, rich colors.
The low-profile projector takes only 15-inch width and 10-inch depth.
TK850i has a built-in 10W speaker having three modes: music, cinema, and game.
It has a wide array of ports for inputs, including HDMI, USB, and a VGA port, making this projector a wise investment for your home theater.
Pros
- High brightness
- High-precision colors
- With built-in Android TV and Chromecast
- Lots of input choices
Cons
- Needs replacement after 15 hours of around six to seven years, depending on usage
- Will need external speakers
4k vs 1080p: Which one should you get?
If you are still torn between a 4k and 1080p projector, I understand. The difference lies not only in the image quality.
On the flat surface, most of the 4k projectors in this list have 3840 x 2160 pixels or 8.3 million individual pixels.
Meanwhile, a 1080p projector has 2,073,600 individual pixels.
If you are getting excited about the new low-light action cameras that can record in 4k, you might want to watch your personal videos in 4k!
Who should use a 4k projector?
4K projectors provide an immersive experience on large screens, making it perfect for cinephiles or movie enthusiasts.
For serious gamers who want an interactive screen, 4k projectors will bring you into action.
Content creators and photographers who take image details seriously for presentations will appreciate 4k projectors. Yes, you can bring it outside your home too.
For homes with walls where you can project expansive screens and individuals who take image details seriously and have the budget to spend, a 4k projector is a wise investment.
Advantages
- Brighter than 1080p
- For environments with ambient light
- Higher contrast ratio
- Wider color gamut
- Better frame rates
- HDR support
- More detailed images
Disadvantages
- Expensive
- Finding replacement bulbs can be a challenge
- Needs stronger hardware for processing
- Most content is not in 4k yet
Who should use a 1080p?
However, it is not the end for people with tighter budgets. You can get a quality projector under 1500 or even 1000 and still enjoy the cinematic experience right at your home paired with a quality budget soundbar.
Some games do not support 4k graphics. You can take a 1080p instead. In my opinion, 1080p is still a wise investment if you’re looking for a projector that will last up to the next 13 to 15 years.
Also, if you casually watch movies or are more likely to watch TV shows than movies, love to enjoy them on the big screen, and do not have time to go to the theater, you may not have to spend over two thousand bucks on a 4k projector.
Also, if you want to enjoy it on a smaller screen, like under 70 inches, some 1080p projectors can narrow it down to 22 inches.
So, what do you get from a 1080p screen?
Advantages
- More affordable, of course.
- Can support 3D images
- High definition, still
- Generally smaller and more portable
- Availability of replacement bulbs is not an issue.
Disadvantages
- Limited color gamut
- Lower frame rates
How I compared the features
4k smart projectors
| AWOL Vision LTV-3500 | XGIMI Aura | LG HU85LA | Optoma CinemaX P2B | AWOL Vision LTV-2500 | Wemax L176FGN | LG HU810PW | Optoma CinemaX D2 | BenQ TK850i | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Verdict: | |||||||||
| CHECK CURRENT PRICE | CHECK CURRENT PRICE | CHECK CURRENT PRICE | |||||||
| Brightness: | 3500 ANSI lm | 2500 ANSI lm | 2,700 ANSI lm | 3,000 ANSI lm | 2,600 ANSI lm | 2,100 ANSI lm | 2,700 ANSI lm | 3,000 ANSI lm | 3,000 ANSI lm |
| Contrast ratio: | 1,000,000:1 | 2,000,000:1 | 2,000,000:1 | 1,000,000:1 | 3,000:1 | 2,000,000:1 | 1,800,000:1 | 30,000:1 | |
| Throw distance: | 6 to 20" | 4.3 to 17.3" | up to 7.2" | 5.7 to 14.5" | 6 to 20" | 5.5 to 9.3 " | 3.6 to 22.6' | 7.4 to 12.3' | |
| Screen size: | 80 to 150" | 80 to 150" | 90 to 120" | 85 to 120" | 80 to 150" | 80 to 150" | 40 to 300" | 50 to 100" | 70 to 150' |
| Lamp life | 25,000 hrs | 25,000 hrs | 20,000 hrs | 30,000 hrs | 25,000 hrs | 25,000 hrs | 20,000 hrs | 30,000 hrs | 15,000 hours |
1080p smart projectors
| LG HF85LA | BenQ TH685P | Epson EF-100 | Artlii Energon 2 | Fangor F506 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  | |
| Verdict: | |||||
| CHECK CURRENT PRICE | CHECK CURRENT PRICE | ||||
| Brightness: | 1500 ANSI lm | 3500 ANSI lm | 2,000 lm | 340 ANSI lm | 6500 lm |
| Contrast ratio: | 150,000:1 | 10,000:1 | 2,500,000:1 | 10,000:1 | 10,000:1 |
| Throw distance: | 4.7 to 16.6" | 8.2 to 12.5' | 6.1 to 11.5' | 5 to 27' | 7 to 20" |
| Screen size: | 90 to 120" | 100 to 150" | 22 to 150" | 44 to 250" | 30 to 230" |
| Lamp life | 20,000 hrs | 15,000 hrs | 20,000 hrs | 100,000 hrs | 65,000 hrs |
Our top smart home theater projectors
After extensive tests and research, our top smart home theater projector is AWOL Vision LTV-3500.
The 4K projector boasts a single-chip digital light processing equipped with an eye safety feature. With a 3500 ANSI lumens rating, you can watch movements in detail even with ambient light.
The wired and wireless connectivities provide more options and help you enjoy more content with Android TV functionality and Amazon Firestick.
Truly, the LTV-3500 embodies a perfect all-in-one solution for home theater needs.
AWOL Vision LTV-3500
- Exceptionally bright
- Ultra short-throw projection
- A wide array of content inputs and outputs
- Works well with AWOL ARL screen
- Vibrant colors at Rec.2020 gamut
- Supports 3D and Dolby Vision
- Low latency
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