#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.

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.

*Disclaimer. We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct. Read more
Name Rank Check Prices
PROJECTOR PRO V7 YABER
YABER
PROJECTOR PRO V7
#1 Amazon Yabertech.com eBay
PROJECTOR Y31 YABER
YABER
PROJECTOR Y31
#2 Amazon Yabertech.com eBay
M1+ - Portable Smart LED Projector ViewSonic
ViewSonic
M1+ - Portable Smart LED Projector
#3 Amazon Viewsonic.com eBay
Capsule Nebula
Nebula
Capsule
#4 Amazon Us.seenebula.com eBay
MoGo Pro XGIMI
XGIMI
MoGo Pro
#5 Amazon Us.xgimi.com eBay
HD146X Optoma
Optoma
HD146X
#6 Amazon Us.xgimi.com eBay
Burger 101 Pico Projector VANKYO
VANKYO
Burger 101 Pico Projector
#7 Amazon Ivankyo.com eBay
Capsule Max Nebula
Nebula
Capsule Max
#8 Amazon Us.seenebula.com eBay
BL98 Native  GooDee
GooDee
BL98 Native
#9 Amazon Goodeestore.com eBay
VS250 SVGA 3LCD Projector EPSON
EPSON
VS250 SVGA 3LCD Projector
#10 Amazon Epson.com eBay

10 List of Best Projector Under $500

  • YABER PROJECTOR PRO V7
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    #1

    YABER PROJECTOR PRO V7

    Native 1080p Projector

    2  readers vote
    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY 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 ratio

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    The speakers sound subpar

    What 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.
    GStyle Magazine

    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.
    Expert Reviews
  • YABER PROJECTOR Y31
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    with this product?
    #2

    YABER PROJECTOR Y31

    4K Image Projector

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY 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 system

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    The lens can be blurry sometimes
    Noisy

    What 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.
    Visual Jacker

    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.
    Digital Art Projectors
  • ViewSonic M1+ - Portable Smart LED Projector
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    with this product?
    #3

    ViewSonic M1+ - Portable Smart LED Projector

    Excellent Safety Feature Projector

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY 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 travel

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Little bit noisy
    Not good for a formal situation

    What other experts liked

    Perfect for those looking for a portable projector with both practical and bonus features.
    Lifewire

    What other experts didn't like

    The projector also doesn’t work well in brightly lit environments
    Tech Radar
  • Nebula Capsule
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    with this product?
    #4

    Nebula Capsule

    Long Lasting Projector

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY 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 Android

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Brightness felt subpar
    No PlayStore

    What 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.
    Gadget Review

    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
    Projector Reviews
  • XGIMI MoGo Pro
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    with this product?
    #5

    XGIMI MoGo Pro

    Low Noise Projector

    2  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY 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-friendly

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Kinda expensive for its feature
    Works badly in a light room

    What 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.
    Tech Aeris
    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.
    Tech Radar

    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.
  • Optoma HD146X
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    with this product?
    #6

    Optoma HD146X

    Accurate Colors Projector

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY 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 life

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Loud noises
    Low zoom range

    What 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.
  • VANKYO Burger 101 Pico Projector
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    with this product?
    #7

    VANKYO Burger 101 Pico Projector

    Portable Burger-shaped Projector

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY 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 3D

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Subpar 480p resolution
    Works badly on a light room

    What 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 travel
    Mighty Gadget

    What other experts didn't like

    The native resolution is 854×480, which will appear a bit blurrier than a true 1080p machine.
    Projector Insider
  • Nebula Capsule Max
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    with this product?
    #8

    Nebula Capsule Max

    Compact Capsule Projector

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY 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 audio

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Limited battery life
    No Google PlayStore
    Less accurate colors

    What 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.
    One Cut Reviews

    What other experts didn't like

    Colour is not what I would call “accurate” even in the best of conditions.
    Sounphile Review
  • GooDee BL98 Native
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    with this product?
    #9

    GooDee BL98 Native

    Projector with Built-in Speaker

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY 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 install

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Bulky and heavy

    What other experts liked

    The GooDee BL98 Projector is a great entry-level device good for any home or small business.
    POC Network

    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).
  • EPSON VS250 SVGA 3LCD Projector
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    with this product?
    #10

    EPSON VS250 SVGA 3LCD Projector

    Crystal Clear Images Projector

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY 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 ratio

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Subpar native resolution
    The carrying bag is not included

    What 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.
    GearLab

    What other experts didn't like

    It just doesn’t have the resolution to compete in the modern projector market.
    Lifewire

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!

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