#10 Best Projector for Gaming and Movies 2023
Discover the best projector for gaming and movies! Here we have compiled top picks from brands and products that experts have reviewed. Read on!
👤 Written by: | L. W. R. Ulla |
⏳ Updated on: | |
📋 List: | 10 items |
👀 Reader: | 54 views |
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If you’re a gamer or movie buff, chances are you spend a lot of time in your living room. And while it’s important to have a comfortable space to unwind after a long day, that doesn’t mean your home theater has to be boring. If you have a projector and screen set up in your living room, that’s great! These devices give you the opportunity to turn any blank wall into an immersive experience with vibrant images and sounds. However, if not done right, the projected image can appear too small or even look distorted. In this article, we will share some of the best projectors for gaming and movies so that your setup is perfect every time.
Table of contents
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1.BenQ TH671ST Projector : Best short throw projector for games at a reasonable price
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2.EPSON Home Cinema 1060 / EH-TW650: Best Cinema Projector
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3.Optoma HD143X: Best Price in 1080 HD
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4.BenQ TK850 : Best Investment and Superb Quality
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5.EPSON EpiqVision Mini EF12: Best Portability
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6.Optoma GT1080HDR Projector: Best Short-Throw Gaming Projector
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7.BenQ HT2050A: Best Screen Size for A Gaming Projector
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8.EPSON Home Cinema 2150: Best Deal with Unrivaled Zoom Options for Movie Projector
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9.BenQ HT2150ST Projector : Excellent Features Gaming Projector
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10.EPSON Home Cinema 2040: Best Clean and Crisp Images
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Cant find the answer you’re looking for? Reach out to our Q&A community.
What makes a movie projector decent enough to be a gaming projector?
One of the most important factors that contribute to a pleasurable gaming experience is having a fast refresh rate and a low latency, both of which can be found in a wide variety of movie projectors on the market today.
Even in 4K projectors, which allow you to get incredibly close to the action and examine every intricate detail. A projector is an excellent choice for a solution if you want to play your games on a screen that is significantly larger than any screen size you could possibly imagine.
What are the factors to consider when buying the best projector for gaming and movies?
To choose the best projector for gaming and movies, there are five steps you need to put into the hunt:
- Color technology: Generally there are two kinds DLP and LCD.
- Resolution: 1920×1080 known as Full HD and 4K UHD and 3840X2160, referred to as true 4K.
- Contrast: FOFO is mainly used, but for a better experience choose ANSI.
- Light output and brightness: A model with more lumens will work better if you want to use the projector to light up the room.
- Input source or connectivity: You need to know which source your projector can get connected to.
Which one is better, DLP or LCD Projector?
LCD projectors produce images that are more crisp and have better picture quality, but DLP projectors are more portable, lighter, and generally regarded as having higher levels of consistency.
Therefore, DLP is way superior than LCD. Due to the fact that micro-mirrors are utilized by the Digital Light Processing (DLP) technology, which allows images to be projected from a monitor onto a much larger screen.
Are 4K projectors better than 1080p?
In a few words, image sharpness is directly proportional to the number of picture elements, also known as pixels. As an illustration, the resolution of a 4K projector is 3840 by 2160 pixels, whereas the resolution of a 1080p projector is 1920 by 1080 pixels. Because of this, the image quality is dependent on having a high resolution, and a 4K projector is able to produce images that are more detailed than a 1080p one.
Name | Rank | Check Prices |
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BenQ
TH671ST Projector | #1 | Amazon Benq.com eBay |
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EPSON
Home Cinema 1060 / EH-TW650 | #2 | Amazon Walmart.com eBay |
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Optoma
HD143X | #3 | Amazon Optomausa.com eBay |
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BenQ
TK850 | #4 | Amazon Benq.com eBay |
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EPSON
EpiqVision Mini EF12 | #5 | Amazon Epson.com eBay |
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Optoma
GT1080HDR Projector | #6 | Amazon Optomausa.com eBay |
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BenQ
HT2050A | #7 | Amazon Benq.com eBay |
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EPSON
Home Cinema 2150 | #8 | Amazon Epson.com eBay |
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BenQ
HT2150ST Projector | #9 | Amazon Benq.com eBay |
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EPSON
Home Cinema 2040 | #10 | Amazon Epson.com eBay |
10 List of Best Projector for Gaming and Movies
- Have a problem
with this product?#1BenQ TH671ST Projector
Best short throw projector for games at a reasonable price
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:With the BenQ TH671ST, you can enjoy a gigantic 100-inch projection size from just 1.5 meters away. The features in this item make it the first top pick of the best projector for gaming and movies for solid reasons in this list. It’s also quite easy to set up, and you get access to options where you may change the colors of the walls and the picture.
Furthermore, if you don’t have access to a sound system, the built-in speakers will suffice. Meanwhile, as a gaming projector, the game mode not only provides amazing color but also wowed the projector experts with a lag time of only 1.4ms, which is comparable to the best gaming displays and almost unheard of during projector testing.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Short-throw projector
Nice built-in speaker
Quick input lag in gaming modeCons (reasons to avoid)
No ultra HD / HDR / extended colorWhat other experts liked
BenQ TH671ST is the ideal projector if you need a portable projector for the office, an outdoor movie, or watching movies or playing games in different roomsWhat other experts didn't like
Sad to say, it’s not Ultra HD and it doesn’t do HDR or extended color. - Have a problem
with this product?#2EPSON Home Cinema 1060 / EH-TW650
Best Cinema Projector
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:Epson EH-TW650 is the next top choice for the best projector for gaming and movies in our list. This model comes from a reputable brand that produces good HD quality images. Importantly, like a movie projector, this device is able to show vistas scenes even in low light.
Additionally, it’s simple to set up and comes with a number of pre-programmed presets for a great picture right away. Next, the gaming mode has a reduced input lag to 25ms, which is very fine for a projector at this price point. However, manual zoom and focus are common, but manual keystoning is out of the ordinary – it’s one of the few projectors that supports both vertical and manual keystone.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Crisp image quality
Great manual keystoning
Available vertical and horizontal keystoningCons (reasons to avoid)
Loud fan noise
No backlightWhat other experts liked
EH-TW650 has a brightness of 3100 lumens, making it suitable for daylight gaming and movies moment as well.What other experts didn't like
On the downside, the HC1060's speaker is somewhat small. Considerably more, so if you're taking it outside for a movie night, be prepared. - Have a problem
with this product?#3Optoma HD143X
Best Price in 1080 HD
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:From gaming, movies, and even sports. Spending your time and big family with Optoma HD143X will never be wrong. Being set at a super humble price, this movie projector offers the ability to show crisp images in a well-light room. Nevertheless, when it’s being on in a dark environment, it will definitely produce high-quality images in any configuration. Also, it’s simple to set up with a turn of the manual zoom and focus dials, and it comes with a good selection of color and brightness settings out of the box. In addition, the backlit remote is also simple to use in the dark.
Pros (reasons to buy)
True-to-life color projection
Ideal for well-lit environments
Game mode and low input latencyCons (reasons to avoid)
Posterization shows in brightest mode
No Wireless OptionWhat other experts liked
For the price, the Optoma HD143X is an astonishingly capable home-entertainment projector, especially if you want 1080p.What other experts didn't like
Unfortunately, despite the features this projector lack of Bluetooth connection for more convenient use. - Have a problem
with this product?#4BenQ TK850
Best Investment and Superb Quality
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:This is a projector with superb audio, and with a brightness of 3,000 lumens, good HDR, and a big screen size, it’s no surprise that it’s a wonderful choice for sports. Its dedicated sports mode demonstrates this, and when you factor in motion-smoothing and upgrades, the TK850 offers a compelling case for being the greatest BenQ projector available. Its vibrant colors, 4K resolution, and HDR compatibility, as well as motion enhancement, make it a strong candidate for gaming, even in fast-paced shooters. Overall, the TK850 is a fantastic projector that deserves to be on this list.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Stunning 4K and HDR implementation
Stunning hues and HDR
Extremely brilliant imagesCons (reasons to avoid)
Loud fan noise
No streaming appsWhat other experts liked
This HDR product in particular is exceptional, as are the manual zooming, lens shift, and focus tools.What other experts didn't like
For a more permanent home theater installation with this product, I'd recommend a dedicated sound system. - Have a problem
with this product?#5EPSON EpiqVision Mini EF12
Best Portability
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:While the pricing of this tiny movie projector is somewhat high, the sights and sound Epson EF-12 produces are impressive. Thus, this brand and product is a must to be included in our list of the best projector for gaming and movies. It also comes with good Yamaha speakers that produce a well-rounded, non-harsh sound.
In addition, there are two HDMI ports with ARC capability, and the unit runs on the fast Android TV platform, making setup a breeze to your mind. Besides, the EF12 can project a picture up to 150 inches wide, but at that size, the brightness starts to fade. Despite having only 1,000 lumens, it is bright enough to project in a room that isn’t completely dark.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Impeccable pictures quality
Wireless options available
Nice interface and soundCons (reasons to avoid)
Brightness only in moderate mode
3D UnsupportedWhat other experts liked
This projector combines 1080p resolution, good light output, and a great sound system in a relatively compact package. It’s what we look for in a portable lifestyle projector.What other experts didn't like
This is a Full HD projector, so if you want the increased detail of 4K resolution, this isn't the projector for you. - Have a problem
with this product?#6Optoma GT1080HDR Projector
Best Short-Throw Gaming Projector
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:When it comes to response time, the Optoma GT1080HDR projector for gaming is the fastest options. Hence, it’s the next choice for the best projector for gaming and movies. With an input lag of only 8.4 milliseconds, this projector is fast enough for even the most competitive players.
Also, when you add in the 120Hz refresh rate, you get a responsive and smooth picture in games like Call of Duty, League of Legends, and Overwatch. Nothing to say, that this item also has incredible visual quality because to its 1080p resolution. You’ll achieve consistent color accuracy with both sRGB and Rec. 709 color profiles using a six-segment RYGCWB color wheel.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Keystone correction of 40 degrees
Lamp with 3800 lumens of extra-brightness
Short-throw arrangement with a lot of optionsCons (reasons to avoid)
The sound quality of the on-board speakers is poor
Even 4K content will be displayed at a resolution of 1080pWhat other experts liked
The upgraded gaming mode allows for a high refresh rate (120hz) and quick response times.What other experts didn't like
The sound is about the only thing it lacks—the pathetic 10-watt speakers aren't going to cut it for most people. - Have a problem
with this product?#7BenQ HT2050A
Best Screen Size for A Gaming Projector
2 experts agreeWHY WE LIKE IT:Finally, the low-cost, high-resolution movie projector is suitable for most gamers and video games. BenQ HT2050A really deserves the best projector for gaming and movies on the list. To begin with, this device can play games with only 16ms of input lag, indicating that it can keep up with even the most fast-paced games.
The image size, however, is where it really shines. You can achieve visual sizes up to 300 inches depending on where you set the device, which is fantastic if you’re seeking for full immersion. Besides, the exclusive CinemaMaster Audio+ 2 speakers, which are incorporated directly into the projector, only add to the immersion be more impressive.
Pros (reasons to buy)
High-quality built-in speaker
16ms Fast response time
Projection size up to 300 inchesCons (reasons to avoid)
Poor performance in bright room
Costly lamp replacementWhat other experts liked
It's our top sub-$1,000 projector for 2020 because of its excellent contrast, accurate color, and great features.BenQ's compact DLPs always impress me, and the HT2050A is one of the best I've reviewed so far. - Have a problem
with this product?#8EPSON Home Cinema 2150
Best Deal with Unrivaled Zoom Options for Movie Projector
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:Epson is without a doubt the unrivaled king of projectors because of its amazing 60,000:1 color contrast, which provides you with a wide variety of tonal options. When using the 2150 Projector with a minimum throw distance of 11 feet, the screen size of this 2150 Projector is four times that of a 60-inch flatscreen panel. Also, the built-in speaker with 10 watts of power and support for the Miracast protocol makes it possible for you to stream high-definition media. Additionally, it is not the most expensive choice, particularly when taking into account the extensive color palette this projector provides.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Built-in speakers that sound great
High-definition images
Wireless supportCons (reasons to avoid)
Loud fan noiseWhat other experts liked
The Epson has a greater zoom range, so it can be set farther from the screen, and vertical lens shift, which is rare among its rival.What other experts didn't like
With measurements of 12.2 by 11.2 by 4.8, it wouldn't be easy to carry around. You can't take his projector with you when you travel because it's not portable. - Have a problem
with this product?#9BenQ HT2150ST Projector
Excellent Features Gaming Projector
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:BenQ HT2150ST Projector will really impress you with its feature. In the first place, it boasts a 100-inch immersive screen that can be seen from just five feet away. Hence, it’s the device that received the most vote from experts as the best projector for gaming and movies. As well as a 1.2x optical zoom lens and vertical picture keystone for simple installation.
Even in 3D, thanks to 2,200 lumens of brightness and a 15,000:1 contrast ratio with no distortion, the image is brilliant and lively. Moreover, gamers will benefit from low input lag, which means that even on the 100-inch screen, racing and action games will not skip a beat. Customized gaming modes add even more value, letting you view the darkest shadows and sharpest details in all of your games for the most dramatic experience possible.
Pros (reasons to buy)
For the price, color accuracy and contrast are excellent
From near to the screen, a short-throw lens produces a large image
Low input lag means gamers can react quicklyCons (reasons to avoid)
1080p max input resolution (1,920 by 1,080)
No HDRWhat other experts liked
Its low lag gives gamers a significant advantage in reaction time, while its excellent color accuracy, contrast, and black levels make it ideal for viewing in a dark room.What other experts didn't like
The brightness uniformity of the product is below average. - Have a problem
with this product?#10EPSON Home Cinema 2040
Best Clean and Crisp Images
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The 3LCD lighting technology in the Epson Home Cinema 2040 is a new way to improve your movie time quality. This unique arrangement of bulbs is able to get rid of the rainbow effect that is common in home theater projectors. This means, that even when the action is fast, the game will stay clear and sharp. Plus, it has a contrast ratio of 35,000:1, which makes the blacks darker and makes it easier to tell the difference between light and dark colors. Also, when you put all of this together with a bright 2,200 lumens lamp, you get a picture with the best colors.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Unique bulb eliminates rainbow effects
MHL makes more connections possible
Up to a 300-inch screenCons (reasons to avoid)
Lens shift unavailable
Short bulb lifeWhat other experts liked
Gamers will be pleased to know that it has less input lag than most other projectors, which is a huge step forward for Epson and makes the Home Cinema 2040 a fantastic gaming projectorWhat other experts didn't like
Unfortunately, it lacks lens shift, which is something that every projector user desires, so you won't be able to move the image to where you want it.
Conclusion: Best Projector for Gaming and Movies
As a fellow gamer or movie enthusiast, you know nothing beats the thrill of watching your favorite shows and games in the comfort of your own home. However, to get the most out of your viewing experience, you’ll need to invest in a projector. That’s because projectors are arguably the best way to make home entertainment even more immersive.
If you’re looking for a projector that can double as an excellent gaming machine as well as a fantastic home theater piece, this article has served as an excellent resource for meeting all your needs! Now, after you have explored some of the best projectors for gaming and movies, we hope you can find one that fits your budget and criteria with ease.