In many offices across the world, there is a lot of different technology that is used on a day-to-day basis. In a graphic design or agency office, these can be used to present the next big pitch!
We set out on a course to find the best projectors for presenting work. Here are our top picks for the best projectors in 2019.
But what should you take into consideration when purchasing a projector? Let’s start there!
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What to Consider When Buying A Video Projector
When you first start looking around at a projector for your office, it can get a little confusing to know exactly what to look for. Even if you have some idea, there are certain things that you need to consider before buying:
Type of Projector
You are more than likely to run into one of the following types of projectors: DLP and LCD.
A DLP (Digital Light Processing) projector uses a light source in combination with a color wheel as well as a chip that contains microscopic mirrors that tilt. This projector works by having light pass through the color wheel, reflect off the mirrors and is then projected onto the screen.
An LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) projector’s light source passes through 3 LCD Chips, which are assigned to the primary colors red, green and blue and are used to create and project the image
Lamp, LED, or Laser
While the type of projector is important, the light source that it uses is important as well. Projectors will come with three different options which are a lamp, LED, or laser. Each has its advantages and disadvantages:
Projectors that use lamps need to have their bulb changes after about 3,000 to 4,000 hours of viewing. There are some though that can last much longer.
Video projectors have a light source using either an LED or laser can have a much longer life of up to 20,000 hours or more.
Light Output & Brightness
If the light output on a projector is too low, the image displayed won’t be as bright as you might want, making it look muddy and soft, even in a dark room. Check the ANSI Lumens rating to know if the projector puts out enough light to produce bright images.
This rating lets you know how much light the projector can put out. Generally, projectors with a rating of 1,000 ANSI Lumens or higher will have more than enough brightness for use in a home theater. This the room size, screen size/distance as well as ambient room light can also affect the need for more or fewer lumens
Contrast Ratio
Brightness is complemented by the contrast ratio. Contrast is the ratio between the black and white areas of the image. A high contrast ratio will deliver blacker blacks and whiter whites. Even if your projector has a great Lumens rating, if the contrast ratio is low, it will make your image look washed out. A contrast ratio of 1,500:1 in a darkened room is good, but 2,000:1 or higher is better.
Pixel Density
Also known as display resolution, pixel density is important. LCD and DLP projectors have fixed numbers of pixels.
Not all 4K projectors will project in true 4K resolution. You should understand how 4K video projectors work as well as how they are labeled to make the best choice for your needs.
Color Reproduction
Check to see how colors look in the brightest and darkest parts of the image. You will want to check the degree of color stability from input to input. Also, you should become familiar with the types of picture settings that are offered by video projectors. Everyone can have a slight difference in color perception of color and what looks good.
Input Types
With the way technology is today, making sure that your projector has the inputs you need is critical. Just about all projectors come with HDMI inputs and some still come with VGA and/or DVI inputs as well.
The Best Projectors in 2019
- BenQ HT3550 $1368
- Optoma UHD60 $1679
- BenQ TK800 $1099
- Optoma UHD51A $1249
- Viewsonic PJD7828HDL $899
- Epson Home Cinema 4010 $1799
- BenQ HT2150ST $737
- Anker Nebula Capsule $239
- LG Minibeam PH550 $557
- NEC Display Solutions NP-ME401W $999
The Best Video Projectors in 2019 Compared
BenQ HT3550
The Best Performing Projector
Projection system: DLP | Resolutions: 3840 x 2160 | Brightness: 2,000 lumens | Video inputs: HDMI x 2 | Dimensions: 380 x 127 x 263mm
With a beautiful new design, the BenQ HT3550 supports both HDR10 and HLG and also comes with zoom up to 1.3 times along with the support for a screen size of up to 120 inches and has a brightness of 2,000 lumens. The HT3550 boasts an impressive 30,000:1 contrast ratio giving you a dynamic image. While the brightness could be a little higher, the HT3550 is a high-quality option for your office needs.
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- TRUE 4K PROJECTOR: 8. 3 Million Pixels give awe-inspiring 3840x2160 image quality and deliver incredible clarity and crisply defined details
- GRAND CINEMATIC ENJOYMENT: Cinematic Color technology reproduces out-of-the-box Rec. 709/DCI-P3 color accuracy, and offers super wide DCI-P3 color space
- PROJECTOR-OPTIMIZED HDR: HDR-PRO supercharged by HDR10 and HLG support with auto color rendition and present detail in darkest black and brightest white
- INSTALLATION FLEXIBILITY: Vertical lens shift (5%) and short throw with 1. 3x big zoom lens enable 100" at 8. 2ft to be set up at a limited space
- SHARP PICTURE QUALITY: All glass 4K-optimized Lens, high contrast 30, 000: 1 with dynamic Iris for enhanced clarity and sharpness
https://amzn.to/2lTeUww – $1368
Optoma UHD60
The Best All-round Projector
Projection system: 4K DLP | Resolutions: 4K | Brightness: 3,000 lumens | Video inputs: 2x HDMI | Dimensions: 498 x 141 x 331 mm
The UHD60 from Optoma is an inexpensive option if you’re looking for a projector that puts out a 4K image without blowing your budget. 3,000 Lumens of brightness allows the projector to better fill screens and compete against any ambient light in the room. With such a powerhouse of a projector, the lamp life is exceptional at 15,000 hours before you need to replace it although you can adjust the settings to dim the image and extend that number.
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- TRUE 4K ULTRA HD: Experience premium, high-quality home cinema feel with 8.3 million distinct addressable on-screen pixels, enabled by the Texas Instruments 4K UHD DLP chipset
- 4X THE PIXELS OF 1080p: See more detail with 4 times the pixels of your 1080p HDTV; higher resolution creates a razor sharp picture for the ultimate 4K home theater experience
- ULTRA-BRIGHT: With 3,000 lumens, the UHD60 is bright enough in any room in the house, whether in a well-lit living room or a dimly lit home theater space
- HDR COMPATIBLE: HDR10 technology with DCI-P3 wide color gamut support displays everything in the REC.2020 colors; also providing brighter whites, deeper blacks, and greater color depth
- LONG LAMP LIFE: Enjoy up to 15,000 hours of lamp life enabling an average of 4 hours of viewing time every day 10+ years
BenQ TK800
The Best Projector for Animation
Projection system: DLP | Brightness: 3,000 lumens | Inputs: HDMI x2, PC/VGA, USB x2 | Dimensions: 353 x 135 x 272mm | Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 | 4K support: Yes (see below)
While the TK800 was originally designed with gamers in mind, many professionals have found it to be a great choice for interactive graphics and live demonstrations due in large part to its minimal input lag. With such an affordable price, it surprisingly supports 4K. There is a catch though: the projector takes an image at 1920 x 1080 and flashes it four times very rapidly, which creates the effect of 4K which does qualify as 4K. The only real downside is the noise of the machine, which can be a little much.
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- TRUE 4K UHD RESOLUTION: True 8. 3 million pixels deliver awe-inspiring 4K UHD image quality with incredible clarity and crisply defined details
- VIVID COLORS IN ANY AMBIENT LIGHTING: Perfectly balanced high visual brightness (> 3000lm) and vivid colors (> 92% rec. 709) for well-lit environments
- HYPER-REALISTIC HDR10 QUALITY: BenQ projector-optimized HDR features natural Auto HDR color and tone rendering for greater brightness and contrast
- COMPACT 4K HDR PROJECTOR: Sleek design with light, compact profile makes installation quick and easy with vertical keystone and 1. 2x zoom
- IMMERSIVE SPORTS EXPERIENCE: Dedicated football & Sport modes with Cinema Master Audio+2 feels like you're in the stadium joining in the action
Optoma UHD51A
The Best 4K 3D-ready projector
Projection system: DLP | Resolutions: 1920×1080 (x4) | Brightness: 2,400 lumens | Video inputs: 2x HDMI (1x MHL) | Dimensions: 5.1 x 15.4 x 11.1 in
One of the key selling points that Optoma makes with its UHD51A projector is its Alexa integration which lets you control the projector with voice commands using a smart speaker. While it can be a bit gimmicky at first, after a while you get more accustomed to not searching for a remote during a presentation. While the addition of 3D support requires you to have Active DLP Link glasses, the picture that the UHD51A projects a rich and sharp image.
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- Alexa smart home ready. Built-in Media Player, and Wifi Display support
- 4K UHD and bright 2,400 lumens and RGBRGB color wheel
- HDR10 support for brighter whites, deeper black levels and vivid colors
- Dynamic Black delivers 500,000:1 contrast ratio for exceptional black levels
- HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2 connectivity ensures compatibility with 4K UHD video sources
Viewsonic PJD7828HDL
The Best Projector for smaller rooms
Projection system: DLP | Resolution: 1080p | Brightness: 3,200 lumens | Video inputs: 2x HDMI (1x MHL) | Dimensions: 498(w) x 141(h) x 331(d)mm
With a FullHD resolution, Viewsonics offers an affordable projector that is great in small rooms as the short-throw lens helps to project a larger image in smaller spaces. With a lumens rating of 3200 the Viewsonic projector measure bright than many other, more expensive options. The addition of a “hidden” port underneath a hatch on top of the projector adds to its flexibility and makes this projector a hidden gem amongst others in this space.
Learn More
- Screen Size Range: 96-inches from 8 feet; 144-inches from 12 feet
- Brightness: 3200 Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 15,000:1, Keystone Correction: Vertical +/- 40ยบ
- Warranty: 3 Years parts & labor, 1 year lamp and 1 year free express exchange*; Lamp Life: 4,000 / 6,000 hrs
- HDMI x2, S-Video, VGA x2, Composite Video, 3.5mm Audio, RS-232, USB, Mini USB
Epson Home Cinema 4010
The Best 3D Projector
Projection system: LCD | Brightness: 2,400 lumens | Inputs: HDMI x2, VGA, USB, Ethernet | Dimensions: 520 x 450 x 193mm | Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 | 4K support: Yes
This projector from Epson does double duty as a great projector for all of your work projects as well as one you can use at home for a movie night with your kids. While it simulates a 4K resolution, it does so masterfully to keep the price down. Along with 4K content being beautifully reproduced, the projector also has support for 3D. Although it’s on the larger side, it is also one of the quietest projectors available.
Learn More
- TRUE 3 CHIP PROJECTOR DESIGN - Advanced 3LCD technology displays 100% of the RGB color signal for every frame. This allows for outstanding color gamut while maintaining excellent brightness, without...
- 4K RESOLUTION PROCESSING - Advanced pixel shifting technology precisely controls three individual high definition LCD chips to parallel process millions of pixels. This new type of resolution...
- HDR PROCESSING - Full 10 bit HDR (3) color processing accepting 100% of the HDR source information to faithfully reproduce HDR content for an exceptional visual performance
- DIGITAL IMAGING PROCESSING - Realtime 12 bit analog to digital video processing for smooth tonal transitions, while helping to eliminate banding, blocking, and other compression artifacts from the...
- OUTSTANDING BRIGHTNESS - Capable of displaying 4K content at an incredible 2,400 lumens for both color and white brightness (2). This not only provides for a wider performance envelope but allows for...
BenQ HT2150ST
The Best Projector for darker rooms
Projection system: DLP | Resolutions: 1920 x 1080 (x4) | Brightness: 2,200 lumens | Video inputs: 2x HDMI (1x MHL), 1x RCA, 1x Component, 1x VGA | Dimensions: 312 x 104 x 244mm
A problem with a lot of projectors that put out images in 4K is that the cost that comes with it can be extraordinary. This isn’t the case with the HT2550 from BenQ. As one of the least expensive projectors available, it can easily boast a great combination of vivid, clear colors, plenty of detail, and of course, 4K resolution. While the blacks aren’t as deep as some may like if you’re looking for a basic projector that has support for both 4K resolutions and HDR content.
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- UNPARALLELED PICTURE QUALITY : Native 1080p Full HD image quality with 2200 ANSI lumens, 15,000:1 contrast ratio, 6x RGBRGB color wheel delivers rich colors and crisp details that are calibrated for...
- VIDEO GAMES ON THE BIGGEST SCREEN: Superior short throw projection enables you to project 100 inch screen from just 3 feet letting you fully immerse into your games. Project up to 300 inches.
- HIGH RESPONSIVENESS: The specialized low input lag and unique game modes ensure gamers an ultra-smooth and comprehensive gaming experience
- INDUSTRY-LEADING WARRANTY: 3-year limited parts and labor coverage makes you rest easy that our US-based customer service team is here when you need it.
- AWARD WINNING PROJECTOR - Best Overall - Best Projectors for Gaming 2019 - IGN
Anker Nebula Capsule
The Best Mini-Projector
Projection system: DLP | Brightness: 500 lumens | Inputs: HDMI, Micro USB | Dimensions: 68 x 68 x 120 mm | Resolution: 854 x 480 | 4K support: No
Not every presentation you will ever do will take place inside a big boardroom on the top floor. For those meetings, you can’t be lugging around a bulky projector which makes the Nebula Capsule from Anker a perfect fit. Easily connectable to your laptop, the Capsule uses either HDMI or Micro USB although it doesn’t have any WiFi connectivity. Rather than plugging into an outlet every time, the Capsule comes with a rechargeable Li-ion battery. The only drawbacks are that the resolution is only 854 x 480 and has a rating of only 500 Lumens. If you’re looking for portability, these shouldn’t be major concerns for you.
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- Remarkable Clarity and Contrast: DLP's advanced IntelliBright algorithms deliver remarkably bright (100 ANSI lumens), vivid picture up to 100 inches big. Recommended for use in dimmer environments.
- 360° Speaker: Equipped with a powerful omnidirectional speaker to pump out sound in every direction.
- Super Portable: A seamless aluminum body ensures greater durability and a meager 15 oz weight to effortlessly go wherever you do.
- Android 7.1: Run Streaming and media apps flawlessly. Seamlessly display content from Netflix, Youtube, and more for endless entertainment.
- NOTE: Copyrighted content from Hulu, Netflix, and similar services CAN NOT be mirrored or screencast. Download and use the apps directly through Capsule to view copyrighted content from these...
LG Minibeam PH550
The Best Portable Projector
Projection system: DLP | Brightness: 550 lumens | Inputs: HDMI, USB, VGA | Dimensions: 109 x 174 x 44mm | Resolution: 1,280 x 720 | 4K support: No
If the Nebula Capsule is the best mini projector, the opposite side of that coin is the Minibeam from LG which is a great portable projector. With a more conventional design, the Minibeam has no power cable, using a rechargeable battery and can provide Bluetooth screen and sound mirroring from your phone, tablet, or laptop. Your work can also be displayed directly from a USB stick or through an HDMI input. The versatility this projector has makes it a great option if you’re constantly going from one presentation to another.
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- HD (1280 x 720)
- Wireless Connection (with Android O/S, WiDi)
- Bluetooth Sound Out
- Built-in Battery (up to 2.5 hrs.)
- Up to 550 lumens
NEC Display Solutions NP-ME401W
The Best Projector for Mid-Sized Rooms
Projection system: DLP | Resolutions: 1280 x 800 | Brightness: 4,000 lumens | Video inputs: Composite, HDMI, VGA |
An LCD-based projector, the NP-ME401W from NEC is a quality piece of technology with its high Lumens rating, excellent data and image quality, as well as its robust set of available connection inputs. You may likely have seen this projector in other board rooms, as it tends to be a popular choice. The only downside is that it doesn’t project 3D content. If that isn’t an issue for your work, the NEC Display Solutions projector can handle just about anything you can throw at it.
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- 20W audio
- Advanced accublend
- Auto power on
- Autosense
- Built-in wall color correction
The Best Video Projectors in 2019
There are so many different options out there when you start looking around at projectors you can use with your work. By making sure that the one you choose meets all of your needs, you can have a long and successful relationship with your projector. We hope our list of the Best Projectors in 2019 not only put a spotlight on some of the best ones out there but also gave you some ideas for when you choose your own.
What do you consider the best projector? Let us know in the comments below.
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