10 Best Affordable Projector 2025 in the United States

The BenQ X3100i is a stunning 4K UHD projector designed with gamers in mind, making it a top contender in the affordable projector category. Its standout feature is the true 4K resolution (3840 x 2160), ensuring crisp and vibrant visuals that enhance the gaming and viewing experience. With a brightness level of 3300 ANSI Lumens, it performs well in ambient light, providing clear and bright images.

The projector supports a versatile throw distance thanks to its 1.3x zoom and vertical lens shift capability, making it adaptable to various room sizes and setups. Users can easily adjust the projection without physically moving the projector, which adds to its convenience. Connectivity options are robust, with HDMI, AirPlay, and Chromecast support, making it easy to connect a range of devices.

Additionally, the built-in 10W TreVolo speakers with Dolby Atmos output deliver a rich audio experience, although for a more immersive feel, external speakers might be preferred. Portability could be a drawback due to its weight (18.46 pounds) and size (15.7 x 15.3 x 13.3 inches), making it less ideal for those needing a lightweight, mobile projector. The lag-free gameplay with a response time of 4ms at 1080p 240Hz is a big plus for gamers, ensuring smooth and responsive gaming sessions. Potential buyers should consider whether the weight and size align with their portability needs.

The BenQ X500i stands out with its true 4K resolution, offering exceptional clarity and detail for gaming and home entertainment. With 2200 lumens of brightness, it performs well in moderately lit rooms, though it may struggle in very bright environments. The short throw distance (0.69~0.83) allows for large screen projections even in small spaces, making it perfect for bedrooms or small living rooms. However, its 11-pound weight and dimensions (14.1 x 4.6 x 9.6 inches) might make it less portable compared to smaller projectors.

Connectivity is robust, featuring HDMI, Wi-Fi readiness, built-in speakers, and support for eARC and S/PDF, ensuring compatibility with various gaming consoles like Xbox, PS5, and Switch. The built-in 5Wx2 speakers provide decent audio, but for a more immersive experience, the projector supports 7.1-channel and Dolby Atmos audio through external systems. The 4ms response time (at 1080p) ensures lag-free gaming, enhancing the gaming experience.

The BenQ X500i is a solid choice for gamers and home cinema enthusiasts looking for high-resolution projection in compact spaces, with excellent connectivity and low-latency performance.

The Optoma GT1080HDRx is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable projector that excels in gaming. Its 1080p resolution combined with HDR support enhances the visual experience, offering vibrant colors and deeper blacks, which gamers will appreciate. With a brightness of 3,800 lumens, this projector performs well in both dark and lit environments, making it versatile for different settings. The high contrast ratio of 50,000:1 also ensures clear, sharp images that can bring your games to life.

One of the standout features is its fast response time of just 8.4ms and a 120Hz refresh rate, which are crucial for a smooth gaming experience. The short throw lens design allows you to project a large 120” image from only four feet away, making it a great option for smaller rooms or setups where space is limited.

In terms of connectivity, the GT1080HDRx is flexible, supporting dual HDMI inputs which can connect to various devices such as gaming consoles, streaming devices, and more. This means you won’t have to swap cables frequently, making it user-friendly.