10 Best Projector Under 500 2025 in the United States

The Optoma GT1080HDRx is a solid choice for gamers and home cinema lovers looking for a projector under $500. It offers a sharp 1080p resolution with HDR10 support, providing clear and vibrant images along with better contrast featuring deep blacks and bright whites. Its 3,800 lumens brightness and 50,000:1 contrast ratio make it suitable for use in various lighting conditions, including some daylight. The short throw lens is a standout feature, allowing you to project a large 120-inch image from just four feet away, saving space in smaller rooms. The enhanced gaming mode with a fast 8.4ms response time and 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth gameplay with minimal lag. Additionally, lamp life is impressive at up to 15,000 hours, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Connectivity is flexible with two HDMI ports supporting devices like gaming consoles, streaming sticks, and media players.

While it may not include some advanced features found in higher-priced models, such as lens shift or extensive audio options, it delivers excellent image quality and gaming performance for its price. This projector is a bright, sharp, and responsive option for gaming and casual movie watching without breaking the bank.

The LG CineBeam HU70LA is a strong contender in the under-$500 projector category, especially for home cinema lovers who want sharp 4K UHD resolution. Its 3840 x 2160 pixel display delivers crisp and detailed images, making movies and shows look quite impressive on a large screen up to 140 inches. The LED light source provides vivid colors with less risk of the rainbow effect common in DLP projectors, and the HDR10 support enhances the picture quality by adjusting brightness and contrast frame by frame. This model is generally bright enough for dim to moderately lit rooms but may struggle in very bright environments.

The projector offers flexible setup options, including remote focus and 1.25x zoom, which means you can adjust the image size without moving the device—convenient if you mount it on the ceiling or place it on a shelf. Connectivity is modern and versatile, with HDMI, USB, Bluetooth, and smart features built in, along with voice control via Alexa and Google Assistant, adding ease to navigating apps and content. Weighing about 7 pounds and measuring compactly, it fits well in most home setups.

With mostly positive reviews, the LG HU70LA suits users seeking a 4K home projector with smart features and flexible installation who are prepared to manage lighting conditions for the best picture quality.

The BenQ TH671ST is a solid choice for a projector under $500, especially designed for gaming and entertainment. It offers a native Full HD 1080p resolution, ensuring clear and sharp images compared to many budget projectors that often have lower resolution. With 3000 lumens brightness, it performs well even with some ambient light, allowing you to enjoy your games or movies without needing a fully dark room. The contrast ratio and 92% Rec. 709 color accuracy contribute to richer colors and deeper blacks, enhancing the visual experience.

One of its standout features is the short throw distance, enabling projection of a large 100-inch screen from just about 5 feet away. This makes it ideal for smaller rooms or setups where space is limited. It supports HDMI connectivity, which is standard and convenient for connecting gaming consoles, laptops, or streaming devices. The built-in stereo speakers provide decent sound, although external speakers may be preferable for fuller audio.

A significant advantage for gamers is its ultra-low input lag and refresh rate compatibility with popular consoles like Xbox One X and PS4 Pro, helping to reduce delays and motion blur during fast-paced action. The 3-year warranty provides peace of mind and is supported by US-based customer service. The BenQ TH671ST suits casual gamers and home entertainment enthusiasts seeking a bright, sharp image in a compact, short-throw design without breaking the bank.