The choice of a projector depends on how you plan to use it. If you want the projector to completely replace your TV, then the priority is the durability and reliability of the device. A good choice is a projector based on three LCD-matrixes. But if you want extra-class image quality and a full-fledged home theater, then you need a DLP-based projector.
In our ranking, we have collected the best projector models of 2020, and we will show you how to choose the model that is best suited for your tasks.
How to choose a home theater projector: lamps versus lasers
Three types of sources can provide light to the screen. These are lamps (halogen or gas-discharge), as well as LEDs and even lasers. All three have their own advantages and disadvantages.
- Lamps. The light comes from them bright and stable. However, lamps do not last long.
- LEDs. They work, of course, longer, they heat up less, therefore, they harm the surrounding components of the projector less. But in terms of luminosity, they are inferior to lamps. Also, is there any point in buying a fancy projector, even if the filter cannot be used? And with LEDs it will not work.
- Lasers. It is very difficult to calibrate them to get a clear picture with natural colors. Therefore, lasers are most often used by professionals, for example, at exhibitions or installations in art museums.
The most common resolution for home projectors is classic FullHD (i.e. 1920 by 1080). However, the first swallows with 4K support have already appeared on the market.
Which is better - LCD or DLP projector?
- LCD matrix
A set of several semi-permeable (that is, transmitting light of one spectrum and cutting off the other) mirrors and a prism that reunites the streams of light and forms a full-color image. The projector can have one or more LCD-matrices; the most common number is three. The higher the number of matrices, the better the brightness and color of the picture (and the better the build quality of the product should be for the normal operation of the device). However, there is also a downside - the more components, the larger and heavier the projector. And more expensive, of course. - DLP Matrix
It is a collection of many tiny mirrors that all fit on the surface of the projector chip. An image with a DLP matrix is more contrasting and clear than that of a liquid crystal one, but unpleasant artifacts may appear on the screen with fast frame rates. Most often, projectors use one such matrix. - LCOS matrix
Combined the strengths of both LCD and DPL matrices, while getting rid of the weaknesses. This matrix has only one drawback - you will have to pay for the quality.
How to choose a screen for a projector
It is important that the size of the screen matches the aspect ratio of the projected image, that is, it has the same ratio of width to height. For movies, the classic 16: 9 format is usually used. For slides - 3: 2.
Usually at home they use screens attached to the wall or ceiling. Portable options are good for presentations or classes at school, but they are rather inconvenient for a regular apartment.
And inveterate moviegoers will probably prefer a stationary screen in a frame. You can't hide it, you can only curtain it. But the surface will always be perfectly flat.
But the coverage should be chosen based on the level of illumination of the room. A distinctive feature of the white matte finish is the ability to scatter light equally in all directions. This means that the image on such a screen can be perfectly distinguished from any angle. It is a versatile choice for both audiences and the home.
Beaded coating, unlike matte, reflects light mainly towards the source, so it will be difficult to distinguish the image from the side. But the picture is clearly visible even in a brightly lit room.
And there is also a reflective coating with high gain and wide viewing angle. It is the best choice for ceiling screens.
TV or projector - which is better for the home?
In terms of screen size, the priority remains with the projector. If you want, you can stretch the screen even to the entire wall.
But in terms of image quality in the middle price category, the TV wins. The main problem of the projector is the overexposure of the picture, grayish black and white colors.
But in the high price category and projectors (especially laser, especially based on DLP), and TVs go almost head to head.
It is worth considering the ease of installation. To install the TV, you will have to: bring the device home, put it on a horizontal surface and plug it into an outlet. If you want to hang it on the wall, drill a hole for the bracket. But you will have to tinker with the projector: first, install or hang the screen, supply electricity to it (if it is with an electric drive), choose a place for the projector, pull the cables to it from the device that hosts the files being played, take care of the audio system and stretch the cables to the media already from it ...
Paradoxically, the price of an average good projector and an average good TV (when viewed in a home theater conglomerate) is about the same. Good 40-inch TV, an audio system for it and a high-resolution projector, a screen and an audio system will cost about 80-85 thousand rubles. each.
Best home theater protectors
3. Optoma HD144X
The average price is 38,000 rubles.
Characteristics:
- portable widescreen projector
- DLP technology
- resolution 1920 × 1080 (Full HD)
- luminous flux 3200 lm
- contrast ratio 23000: 1
- HDMI connection
- image output from USB flash drives
- 3D support
Opening the list of home projectors in the 2020 ranking is a model capable of delivering excellent image quality even when projected onto a regular white wall.
The projector has a high resolution, so the picture quality is quite comparable to the cinema, thanks in large part to the superior performance of DLP technology.
pros: picture quality, brightness, colors.
Minuses: lamps in the device do not last long; you need absolute darkness in the room for viewing, otherwise there will be problems with dark colors.
2. BenQ W1720
The average price is 76,000 rubles.
Characteristics:
- fixed widescreen projector
- DLP technology
- resolution 3840 × 2160
- luminous flux 2000 lm
- contrast ratio 10000: 1
- connection via VGA (DSub), HDMI
- HDR support
- image output from USB flash drives
- 3D support
The image quality and color scheme of the picture are simply mesmerizing even on a large screen with a double magnification of the image. Well, still, in 4K resolution.
And for gamers, the built-in HDR support will be important, which makes the picture on the screen clear and bright. Moreover, the image does not lose quality even in the absence of a special screen (it can be projected directly onto the wall).
pros: resolution, color rendition.
Minuses: color loss occurs in a brightly lit room; there is a thin gray border around the edge of the image, which can interfere with viewing.
1. TouYinGer X20
The average price is 6,000 rubles.
Characteristics:
- ultraportable projector
- LCD technology, LED light source
- resolution 800 × 600
- luminous flux 2200 lm
- contrast 2000: 1
- connection via VGA (DSub), HDMI
- image output from USB flash drives
- image output from memory cards
- weight 1.1 kg
The cheapest projector in the rating. At the same time, for your money, you will receive a parting that can produce a picture in 720 resolution and with good quality.
In general, a great option if you want to understand what a projector is and whether you need it at all. Of course, the resolution does not shine, and the brightness is not as good as we would like, but for such a price it would be a sin to wish for more.
The main disadvantage of the device is the lack of support for AC3 sound, and this is one of the most common formats for video files from the network.
pros: price, size, weight.
Minuses: noise during operation, lack of support for ac3.
Best Projectors for School: Presentations and Learning
3. Epson EH-TW9400
The average price is 185,000 rubles.
Characteristics:
- fixed widescreen projector
- LCD x3 technology, UHE light source
- resolution 1920 × 1080 (Full HD)
- luminous flux 2600 lm
- contrast ratio 1200000: 1
- connection via VGA (DSub), HDMI
- network connection via Ethernet
- HDR support
- image output from USB flash drives
- 3D support
The king of projectors for the school assembly hall and stands like a king. But for this price, you get: high brightness, contrast ratio comparable to top-end TVs, excellent colors, HDR support, quiet operation, excellent focusing and many different options. Including zoom, the ability to connect different presets for even better picture quality and much more.
pros: Excellent picture quality.
Minuses: As with all 3LCD projectors, the black is not as black as we would like. The matrix can get dusty, which will inevitably affect the image quality, but you can't clean it yourself, you have to go for repairs.
2.Xiaomi Mijia Laser Projection MJJGYY02FM
The average price is 86,000 rubles.
Characteristics:
- fixed widescreen projector
- DLP technology, Laser-LED light source
- resolution 1920 × 1080 (Full HD)
- luminous flux 5000 lm
- contrast ratio 3000: 1
- HDMI connection
- network connection via Wi-Fi, Ethernet
- image output from USB flash drives
- weight 7 kg
One of the few projectors powered by laser light sources. Together with innovation, there are:
- excellent solid design;
- high-quality performance;
- great picture;
- convenient remote control.
Moreover, the device is also practically silent. Alas, like many other products from Xiaomi, this one is primarily targeted at the Chinese market. This means that the menu is not only not in Russian, but not even in English. To eliminate this drawback, you will have to give the projector for a flashing.
pros: design, execution, image quality.
Minuses: Chinese menu without firmware.
1. Epson EB-X41
The average price is 27,000 rubles.
Characteristics:
- portable projector
- LCD x3 technology, UHE light source
- resolution 1024 × 768
- luminous flux 3600 lm
- contrast ratio 15000: 1
- connection via VGA (DSub), HDMI
- image output from USB flash drives
- weight 2.5 kg
In the top of the presentation and study projectors is a product from Epson. The weight is not as tiny as the pocket models, but at the same time it is not as solid as the stationary products for home theaters.
The picture is good, perfect for presentations and educational films. It's nice that, unlike other models, the air for cooling is not removed back (and does not blow directly into the audience's face), but forward.
pros: portability, picture quality, thoughtful design.
Minuses: in the full sense of the word, it can only function in conjunction with a computer, and to connect Wi-Fi you will have to spend money on a proprietary USB adapter.
Best Pocket Projectors
3. Everycom S6 plus
The average price is 13,000 rubles.
Characteristics:
- pocket widescreen projector
- DLP technology, Laser-LED light source
- resolution 854 × 480
- luminous flux 1500 lm
- contrast 2000: 1
- HDMI connection
- Wi-Fi network connection
- image output from USB flash drives
- image output from memory cards
The S6 plus is not only one of the smallest and lightest, but also one of the cheapest projectors. Its price compares favorably with stationary monsters for home theaters and even their own counterparts - pocket projectors.
Thanks to the DLP matrix, the picture is clear and bright, even if its resolution is small. This model can be powered by a battery, which will last for a couple of hours of viewing, but no more, so you will have to carry the charger with you.
pros: size, weight
Minuses: own stand is unreliable.
2. DIGMA DiMagic Cube
The average price is 15,000 rubles.
Characteristics:
- pocket widescreen projector
- DLP technology, LED light source
- resolution 854 × 480
- luminous flux 50 lm
- contrast ratio 1000: 1
- weight 0.34 kg
The DIGMA projector with the telling name "magic cube" really looks like a cube. It is made magical by both the not very high price and the small size, the ability to play video from the media and the presence of a remote control. And to make it easy to understand the settings, the device has an interface in Russian. Powered by a battery that lasts a couple of movies.
pros: compact size with built-in sound.
Minuses: makes noise, does not read mkv format.
1. Acer C202i
The average price is 21,000 rubles.
Characteristics:
- pocket widescreen projector
- DLP technology, LED light source
- resolution 854 × 480
- luminous flux 300 lm
- contrast ratio 5000: 1
- HDMI connection
- image output from USB flash drives
- weight 0.35 kg
The size and weight of the Acer C202i is more like a pocketbook than a high-tech device. Conveniently, with the help of EZCast technology, the projector can be connected without any wires either to a computer, even to a smartphone, or even to capricious Apple devices in this regard. And for wire lovers, there is HDMI.
Not only that, the courteous manufacturer has included a tripod with which the projector can be positioned anywhere without losing the viewing experience.
pros: Size, tripod and remote control included.
Minuses: you can watch the picture only in a darkened room, built-in speakers - purely for show, audio quality is low.
Best stationary projectors
3. Epson EH-TW6700
The average price is 108,000 rubles.
Characteristics:
- fixed widescreen projector
- LCD x3 technology, UHE light source
- resolution 1920 × 1080 (Full HD)
- luminous flux 3000 lm
- contrast ratio 70,000: 1
- connection via VGA (DSub), HDMI
- image output from USB flash drives
- 3D support
- weight 6.9 kg
The three best stationary projectors are opened by the model from Epson. It is large (no joke, almost 7 kg), but this is not a problem for a stationary projector. True, this size is best suited for a country house or a spacious studio apartment, although owners of more modest premises can find a lot of pleasant things in the EH-TW6700.
The picture from the projector is excellent, especially in Cinema Eco mode. Not only that, even the black color that many projectors suffer from, the EH-TW6700 is truly black. In addition, this is one of the rare projectors that can independently play video from a flash drive.
pros: picture, usability.
Minuses: After 800+ hours of operation, the picture may start to fade and color distortion may occur.
2. JVC LX-UH1
The average price is 150,000 rubles.
Characteristics:
- fixed widescreen projector
- DLP technology
- resolution 3840 × 2160
- luminous flux 2000 lm
- contrast ratio 100000: 1
- connection via VGA (DSub), HDMI
- HDR support
- image output from USB flash drives
- weight 4.6 kg
Let's say right away that the 4K resolution of this projector is not entirely true. In fact, this is an ordinary FullHD with the "4K shift" function. The picture quality is excellent; if the source is 4K, then the projector will show it in 4K (or close enough to it), but Full HD will come out even better.
At the same time, the JVC LX-UH1 has minimal projection distortions. Users will appreciate the abundance of settings and amenities such as a backlit remote control.
pros: image quality, user-friendly interface.
Minuses: starts to make noise, this is treated by activating the e-shift function.
1. Sony VPL-HW45ES
The average price is 130,000 rubles.
Characteristics:
- fixed widescreen projector
- SXRD x3 technology, UHP light source
- resolution 1920 × 1080 (Full HD)
- luminous flux 1800 lm
- HDMI connection
- image output from USB flash drives
- 3D support
- weight 9 kg
One of the main advantages of this projector (besides the excellent picture, which is to be expected in this price range) is its quiet operation. You can safely watch a movie when a one-year-old child is sleeping in the next room.
However, the size and weight of the projector is quite large, so it may be inconvenient to use it in a typical small apartment. Especially considering the difficulties with the focal length, the VPL-HW45ES has a specific one.
pros: picture quality, quiet operation.
Minuses: traditional picture problems in a lighted room; the smell of plastic is possible during operation.