10 Best Projector Under 100 2026 in the United States

The ViewSonic LS740W is a versatile laser projector offering 5000 lumens of brightness, making it suitable for various environments such as auditoriums, conference rooms, and educational settings. Its WXGA resolution (1280 x 800) is adequate for presentations and general use, though it may fall short for users seeking higher-definition projections. The long-lasting laser light source is impressive, boasting up to 30,000 hours of use, reducing the need for frequent lamp replacements.

The projector supports flexible installation with features like 1.3x optical zoom, 360-degree projection, and H/V keystone correction, making it easier to set up in different spaces. Connectivity options include USB, HDMI, and a 3.5mm jack, providing good compatibility with various devices. However, for a projector under $100, this model might be an outlier, as most budget projectors in this range offer lower brightness and fewer features.

While the built-in speakers are convenient, they may not deliver the sound quality needed for larger rooms or more immersive experiences. Additionally, the resolution might not be ideal for home cinema enthusiasts who prioritize high-definition visuals.

The XGIMI HORIZON Ultra 4K Laser Projector stands out in the category of projectors with its impressive features. It offers a very high resolution of 3840 x 2160, ensuring ultra-clear and detailed images, which is excellent for home cinema use. The 2300 ISO lumens brightness rating means that it can deliver clear images even in well-lit environments. This is a significant strength for those who want to use the projector during the day or in rooms with ambient light.

The projector also boasts a unique dual-light technology combining LED and laser light sources, which enhances color accuracy and brightness. This can provide a more vivid and immersive viewing experience. Additionally, the built-in Intelligent Screen Adaption 3.0 helps the projector adjust to different wall colors and optimize screen correction, which adds to its ease of use. Connectivity options such as HDMI enable it to connect to various devices, making it versatile for different setups.

However, there are some potential drawbacks. While the projector features built-in speakers, it is important to note that the sound quality might not match the high-quality image output, so additional speakers might be necessary for a complete cinematic experience. The throw distance is noted as 'long throw,' which means it might require more space to project larger images, possibly limiting its use in smaller rooms. Despite these considerations, the XGIMI HORIZON Ultra is well-received with high customer ratings, indicating strong user satisfaction. This projector is suitable for home cinema enthusiasts looking for high-resolution and bright display capabilities in various lighting environments.

The ViewSonic PX701-4K is a solid choice for those wanting a bright, sharp image without breaking the bank, especially if you’re into gaming or home theater. It offers true 4K UHD resolution (3840x2160), which means you get clear and detailed pictures that stand out compared to lower-resolution projectors. At 3,200 lumens, it’s bright enough to handle rooms that aren’t completely dark, helping the picture stay vibrant. The contrast ratio and HDR support further improve colors and depth, so movies and games look more lifelike.

This projector is designed with gamers in mind, featuring a fast 240Hz refresh rate and very low input lag of just 4.2 milliseconds. This means motion appears smooth and controls feel responsive, which is great for fast-paced games. The throw distance allows you to project a large image (80" to 150") from about 9 to 16 feet away, so it fits well in medium to large rooms but requires some space.

Setup is user-friendly, with options like auto keystone correction, zoom, and image adjustments to get the picture just right even if your projector isn’t perfectly centered. It also includes dual HDMI ports and a USB port for connecting various devices, though the lack of wireless options might be a downside for some. Built-in speakers are included, but for a better sound experience, external speakers are recommended. Weighing over 6 pounds, it is more of a stationary unit rather than something you’ll move around often. Although this projector might be above the typical $100 budget, it delivers premium features that budget models often lack, making it a good investment if you want high resolution and gaming performance on a big screen. If your priority is basic, casual viewing on a tighter budget, simpler projectors might suffice, but for sharp visuals and smooth gaming, the PX701-4K stands out.