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 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.

The ViewSonic PX701-4K stands out in the budget projector category by offering true 4K UHD resolution, delivering very sharp and detailed images for movies and games. It has a brightness of 3,200 lumens, making it bright enough for rooms with some ambient light, and the contrast ratio provides decent color depth and shadow details. Its throw distance allows projection of a large screen between 80 to 150 inches from about 9 to 16 feet away, which is flexible for most home setups.

A key advantage is its very low input lag (4.2ms) and high refresh rate (240Hz), ideal for fast-paced gaming and ensuring smooth visuals. The projector also supports HDR content and uses SuperColor technology, enhancing color vibrancy for a more enjoyable viewing experience. For image adjustments, it includes automatic keystone correction plus manual horizontal and vertical correction, simplifying setup and maintaining a clear picture even if the projector isn’t perfectly aligned. Connectivity options include two HDMI ports and a USB port, making it easy to connect gaming consoles, media players, and other devices.

Weighing about 6 pounds, the PX701-4K is portable but not the smallest model available. It suits gamers and home cinema enthusiasts who want 4K quality without spending a premium. For users needing extremely long lamp life or more advanced installation features, higher-end models may be more appropriate.