#10 Best Projector Under $500 2023
Get the best projector for your garden or home theater without spending much fortune with these excellent projectors for under $500!
👤 Written by: | Mohamad Dimas Fariz |
⏳ Updated on: | |
📋 List: | 10 items |
👀 Reader: | 70 views |
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There are a variety of reasons to install a projector in your home, including the desire to avoid watching television or the want to entertain friends and family in your garden. Whatever the cause, there are a number of factors to consider when selecting the best projector for your needs.
The projectors on the market differ greatly in terms of lumens, built-in speakers, and resolution. While it is usually recommended to purchase somewhat more expensive but good projectors, the best projector under $500 is also available. Here are some of the greatest projectors that won't break the bank.
Table of contents
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1.YABER PROJECTOR PRO V7: Native 1080p Projector
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2.YABER PROJECTOR Y31: 4K Image Projector
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3.ViewSonic M1+ - Portable Smart LED Projector: Excellent Safety Feature Projector
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4.Nebula Capsule: Long Lasting Projector
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5.XGIMI MoGo Pro: Low Noise Projector
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6.Optoma HD146X: Accurate Colors Projector
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7.VANKYO Burger 101 Pico Projector: Portable Burger-shaped Projector
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8.Nebula Capsule Max: Compact Capsule Projector
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9.GooDee BL98 Native : Projector with Built-in Speaker
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10.EPSON VS250 SVGA 3LCD Projector: Crystal Clear Images Projector
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Cant find the answer you’re looking for? Reach out to our Q&A community.
What is an ideal contrast ratio for the best projector?
The contrast ratio describes the contrast between a picture’s brightest and darkest areas. A greater contrast ratio is required to give the picture a more colorful and dynamic appearance. The optimal contrast ratio range is about 10000:1, and projector experts recommend that you don’t go lower than 5000:1 if you want good clarity.
How much brightness needed for a good projector?
It’s a good idea to consider the location and time of day you’ll be utilizing a projector before making a purchase. Higher lumens are advised if you want to use them throughout the day when the light is bright. Lumens are not limited as much in dimly lit spaces. You should aim for 1,000-2,000 lumens.
What should i look before buying a projector?
First and foremost, consider what you’re going to use it for. You won’t need much if it’s only for infrequent movie evenings. If you want to use it as your major source of entertainment, look for excellent resolution, a big throw ratio, a greater lumen count, and color brightness. You can also look for the warranty and the durability of the projector as you don’t want to get a broken item.
Which type of projector that is the best for under $500?
If you’re looking for the best projector under $500, go with a DLP or LCD model since they have higher image quality. Because the DLP chips are protected against dust and debris, which may generate a rainbow effect and distort the picture, DLP projectors need less maintenance than other projector types. Because LCD projector displays may burn out or cause motion blur, they may need more care than DLP projectors. They are, however, often less costly, which is a significant benefit for many individuals.
Name | Rank | Check Prices |
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YABER
PROJECTOR PRO V7 | #1 | Amazon Yabertech.com eBay |
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YABER
PROJECTOR Y31 | #2 | Amazon Yabertech.com eBay |
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ViewSonic
M1+ - Portable Smart LED Projector | #3 | Amazon Viewsonic.com eBay |
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Nebula
Capsule | #4 | Amazon Us.seenebula.com eBay |
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XGIMI
MoGo Pro | #5 | Amazon Us.xgimi.com eBay |
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Optoma
HD146X | #6 | Amazon Us.xgimi.com eBay |
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VANKYO
Burger 101 Pico Projector | #7 | Amazon Ivankyo.com eBay |
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Nebula
Capsule Max | #8 | Amazon Us.seenebula.com eBay |
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GooDee
BL98 Native | #9 | Amazon Goodeestore.com eBay |
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EPSON
VS250 SVGA 3LCD Projector | #10 | Amazon Epson.com eBay |
10 List of Best Projector Under $500
- Have a problem
with this product?#1YABER PROJECTOR PRO V7
Native 1080p Projector
2 readers vote1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:This is a Yaber WiFi projector that can project in 4K resolution. It features a 1080p native resolution. 6D auto keystone adjustments are available in Pro V7. It can project onto a gigantic 350-inch screen. Dual 3W stereo speakers are included in the Pro V7. The Pro V7 has dual-band WiFi (5 GHz and 2.4 GHz), which enhances image/video transmission smoother, quicker, and more reliable.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Superb brightness
Large screen size
Excellent contrast ratioCons (reasons to avoid)
The speakers sound subparWhat other experts liked
I’m pretty impressed with the Yaber Pro V7. The picture quality is great and suits my needs while the different input sources are very much welcome.What other experts didn't like
The way the projector deals with motion isn't quite up to scratch – extreme movement such as horizontal panning can look a little juddery. - Have a problem
with this product?#2YABER PROJECTOR Y31
4K Image Projector
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Yaber Projector Y31 has a lot of features that help it generate high-quality pictures. It only costs roughly $200, yet the brightness (9,000 Lumens) provided by this under $500 projector is outstanding. It supports a 4K projection and has a native resolution of 1080p. It promises to minimize noise by 30-40% compared to competitors thanks to clever temperature regulation and an innovative double-sided cooling technology.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Durable lamp
Excellent brightness
Superior cooling systemCons (reasons to avoid)
The lens can be blurry sometimes
NoisyWhat other experts liked
In case you have a strict budget, you can get stick with the Yaber Y31. It will serve you well and if used properly will work for multiple years to come.What other experts didn't like
The YABER Y31 isn’t going to be ideal for anyone looking to wow their audience with state-of-the-art bells and whistles or top-of-the-line color or sharpness. - Have a problem
with this product?#3ViewSonic M1+ - Portable Smart LED Projector
Excellent Safety Feature Projector
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:With the ViewSonic M1+ Projector, you may enjoy the flexible and compact usability of a very small-sized projector. This M1+ is a must-have for your next camping trip or outdoor adventure, thanks to its small and lightweight design that allows it to be used both inside and outdoors. The LED projector fits in the palm of your hand and weighs less than 2 pounds, making it surprisingly simple to pack in your bag for presentations and entertainment on the move.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Portable sized
Excellent speakers
Ideal for travelCons (reasons to avoid)
Little bit noisy
Not good for a formal situationWhat other experts liked
Perfect for those looking for a portable projector with both practical and bonus features.What other experts didn't like
The projector also doesn’t work well in brightly lit environments - Have a problem
with this product?#4Nebula Capsule
Long Lasting Projector
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Nebula Capsule Projector, which is about the size of a can at best, is an amazingly great solution for turning any space into an ideal home theater at an affordable price. The Pocket Projector’s amazing picture quality is complemented by a class-leading 360° speaker that delivers heart-pounding sound from any angle.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Quick charging
360° surround sound speaker
Detailed images quality
Built-in AndroidCons (reasons to avoid)
Brightness felt subpar
No PlayStoreWhat other experts liked
The Nebula Capsule is the best portable alternative for anyone who doesn’t want to move around with a big clunky projector.What other experts didn't like
Its lack of brightness, poor audio quality and lack of reliability when it comes to downloading apps give me serious concerns about actually purchasing this unit - Have a problem
with this product?#5XGIMI MoGo Pro
Low Noise Projector
2 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:This XGIMI projector is designed to be tiny and lightweight, weighing just 1.87 pounds. You can bring this under $500 projector anywhere to enjoy a cinema-like movie-watching experience anytime. MoGo Pro has a brightness of 300 ANSI lumens and a 1080p resolution, allowing for crisp, clear images. Additionally, the product’s DLP display technology adds to flawless color expression, allowing you to record every moment.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Flexible and compact
Lightweight
Crisp audio speakers
User-friendlyCons (reasons to avoid)
Kinda expensive for its feature
Works badly in a light roomWhat other experts liked
If you’re looking for a decent portable projector, the XGIMI MoGo Pro is a pretty decent option — especially considering the audio quality.This product delivers a powerful punch with plenty of options and no real learning curve. When it comes to the core qualities, image reproduction and sound quality, it is as good as it gets.What other experts didn't like
At only 300 lumens, it’s only best used in darker lighting conditions. I’ve tried using this in the middle of nowhere under a canopy at sunset, and even that wasn’t dark enough. I’d wait until it’s actually dark to enjoy it. - Have a problem
with this product?#6Optoma HD146X
Accurate Colors Projector
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The operation of the Optoma HD146X is superb and accurate. Even if you play the most difficult versions of the game, it will meet all of your needs. Apart from processing speed, this HD146X is distinguished by its superior image quality. It features 3600 lumens of brightness, native 1080p resolution, and the RYGCWB premium color wheel, so you may provide your eyes with sharp, precious frames.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Affordable price
Lightweight
Long battery lifeCons (reasons to avoid)
Loud noises
Low zoom rangeWhat other experts liked
The Optoma HD146X home entertainment projector delivers an impressive picture for the price by cutting corners that don't affect image quality.What other experts didn't like
All small projectors are fairly loud, but the noise created by the HD146X is more noticeable than most. - Have a problem
with this product?#7VANKYO Burger 101 Pico Projector
Portable Burger-shaped Projector
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Vankyo Burger 101 Mini Projector is roughly the size of a burger and is a wonderful alternative for traveling families or on-the-go people. It has a number of mobility features, including HDMI, a USB connector for flash drives, 3D movie capability, and a three-hour rechargeable battery. This tiny portable projector uses modern DLP technology to provide more accurate, long-lasting color and sharper images.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Cute-shaped and lightweight
Affordable price
Supports 3DCons (reasons to avoid)
Subpar 480p resolution
Works badly on a light roomWhat other experts liked
This is a decent pico projector that offers plenty of connectivity options and comes in a convenient hard case making it perfect for travelWhat other experts didn't like
The native resolution is 854×480, which will appear a bit blurrier than a true 1080p machine. - Have a problem
with this product?#8Nebula Capsule Max
Compact Capsule Projector
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Nebula Capsule Max may be little, but it delivers a powerful punch. It seems to be nothing more than a Bluetooth speaker at first appearance, yet the projector can show pictures with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels. It has a shorter throw distance, allowing you to obtain a full-size image in a compact place. It’s noted for its excellent contrast and seamless projection when it comes to the image.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Compact and lightweight
Deep dark colors
Excellent built-in audioCons (reasons to avoid)
Limited battery life
No Google PlayStore
Less accurate colorsWhat other experts liked
The Nebula Capsule Max Mini Projector is an Android-powered device that lets you download and stream YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, and more from the comfort of your own home.What other experts didn't like
Colour is not what I would call “accurate” even in the best of conditions. - Have a problem
with this product?#9GooDee BL98 Native
Projector with Built-in Speaker
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:One of the greatest HD video projectors in this price range is the GooDee BL98. This is a solid approach for providing an immersive media-watching experience. There are also a few handy features here. For starters, it boasts a built-in speaker. As a result, you won’t need to buy a new sound system to enjoy your movies and videos.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Excellent built-in speaker
Low noise fan
Easy to installCons (reasons to avoid)
Bulky and heavyWhat other experts liked
The GooDee BL98 Projector is a great entry-level device good for any home or small business.What other experts didn't like
A month in and there are is a large white spot that is visible and slowly taking over half the screen. As others have mentioned you can get the picture in focus and the edges (border about 5"-7" wide will still be blurry). - Have a problem
with this product?#10EPSON VS250 SVGA 3LCD Projector
Crystal Clear Images Projector
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:Epson has always been a pioneer in projector technology, and with the VS250, it’s simple to understand why. It’s quite easy to set up and connect to in a number of ways. With a brightness of 3,200 lumens, its 3LCD display helps it deliver crystal clear pictures. This under $500 projector is also capable of displaying a variety of different resolutions.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Super high lumens
Easy to install
Excellent contrast ratioCons (reasons to avoid)
Subpar native resolution
The carrying bag is not includedWhat other experts liked
For those that do a lot of slideshow office presentations in lots of different places, the Epson VS250 is a great deal compared to the projector competition.What other experts didn't like
It just doesn’t have the resolution to compete in the modern projector market.
Conclusion: Best Projector Under $500
The consumer market for projectors is quite rich, you can get excellent and valuable projectors available for around $500. There are various home theater projectors that provide good picture quality, color accuracy, extended light life, and a variety of other advantages. Purchase one that is appropriate for your needs, and have fun shopping!