Your business proposal is due this week. While you have already prepared everything in advance, cross-checked every word of your presentation, you realize the last time you used your projector, it had connectivity issues. The pen drive carrying your presentation wouldn’t read and you were highly embarrassed.
Even when you did get it checked by a tech-expert, it had but served its life. Without any source of input, your projector is a waste.
If one wasn’t enough, another problem comes in the form of your budget. You haven’t got any projects lately and are a bit low on cash.
But, what if we tell you that you can buy the best projector under $300??
Yes, we are aware there are very few good options but we have rallied away for your cause.
Not only our selected projects are under your budget but have multiple features like high lumen, multiple connectivity options, and so on.
So without much ado, let us get to work.
How was This List Made?
In order to help you, we took some help ourselves too. We had brought some experts on board, people who had a lot of experience in dealing with the projectors. They helped us look for the right products with the best of features. While we consolidated a list with their help, we went further to cross-check our options.
For that, we interviewed some consumers, had them fill surveys about their experience with these products. On top of that, we even visited online reviewing sites such as Reddit and Amazon to have a clear idea about the pros and cons of these projectors.
Altogether, we curated a list of the 5 Best Projectors under $300.
What to Look for?
Before narrowing down an option, decide how you are going to use it. Is it for office use, for camping and outdoor activities, or for a movie marathon at home? This is the first step in the right direction.
Best on your usage, you might want to look at the amount of brightness the projector has, the sound quality, portability, connectivity ports, and so on.
5 Best Projector Under $300 [2020]
Category
Best overall projector for business or educational space.
Lumens & Contrast Ratio
With 3600L brightness and an incredible 22,000:1 contrast, you will experience sharp and crisp images.
Resolution
The projector has an SVGA (800X600) resolution which gives an aspect ratio of 4:3. This makes your projector suitable for graphics, charts, and presentations. Added to this is the propriety SuperColor Technology, which consists of the 6-segment color wheel, which takes your experience to the next level.
Throw Ratio
With an average throw ratio of 1.96~2.15, the projector projects image at a throw distance that ranges between 3.9 – 43 ft. Hence, making it suitable for medium to large spaces. With this, you can get a display size ranging from 30inches to 300 inches.
Lamp Life
If you chose to use the lamp in Dynamic Eco mode, the lamp life of your projector may go up to 15,000hours.
Connectivity
The projector offers flexible connectivity options via HDMI, VGA, or USB port. Apart from that, it has 1x Audio Output, 1xAudio Input, 1xControl (RS232), and a Composite RCA Video Input source.
With this, you can easily connect your Pc, Mac, media players, and mobile devices.
Sound
Though the 2W internal speakers are an added advantage, they will require some sound backup if you are to use this projector in a large/medium space.
Added Features
The optical zoom (1.1) helps you to adjust the image to your desired distance and size. In addition to that, the vertical keystone correction prevents any chance of distorted images.
The HDMI input with a 3D enabled feature, helps you to watch your favorite 3D movies from 3D Blu-ray players.
What’s in the Box?
The package includes a PA503W projector, a power cable, a remote control, VGA cable, and a quick-start CD.
Pros
- 3600L brightness with 22,000:1 contrast ratio
- SVGA (800X600) resolution, good for graphics, charts
- Incredible 15,000 hours lamp life in dynamic eco mode
- Flexible connectivity options
- Supercolor technology for fine image quality
- With an average throw distance, the projector is suitable for any type of space.
Cons
- 2W speakers don’t provide optimum sound quality
Verdict
Easy to use and set up, the ViewSonic SVGA projector is an overall winner. With a bright lumen, great contrast ratio, Supercolor technology, and lots more, your images are sure to grab the full attention.
Category
Best LED projector for indoors of outdoor movie or gaming sessions
Lumens & Contrast Ratio
With 4500L brightness and 2000:1 contrast ratio, you can use this projector both indoors and outdoors. As for the aspect ratio, it is 16:9/4:3.
Resolution
With a native resolution of 1280×720 and support resolution of 1920*1080, you are to experience HD content on screen.
Projection
You can use a display screen from 32” to 176” at a distance of 1.2m-5m
Lamp Life
Another unbelievable feature is the incredibly long lamp life. While other projectors have an average of 10-15,000 hours, this one serves you for 50,000hours.
Connectivity
Its ability to have inbuilt wifi connectivity is one of the best and most coveted features in this projector. So you don’t need to buy additional MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) adapters any more to connect your phone with your projector.
If you have an IOS, worry not, you can connect your phone via the USB cable.
Other than that you can connect to your projector via HDMI, VGA, USB, or AV. A wide array of connectivity options helps you to connect your PC, game consoles, Mac, TV sticks, Chromecast or DVDs, easily.
Fan
With an upgraded fan and cooling system, you won’t be disturbed by the fan noise while the projector is running.
Sound
The 2 inbuilt speakers give SRS audio quality. If you need more sound, the AV cable helps you attach additional speakers.
Added Features
The projector is designed with the latest technology LED light source. So you can expect 50% more brightness than the average projectors.
Pros
- 4500 L brightness with 2000:1 contrast ratio
- Inbuilt SRS sound quality speakers
- Wifi-enabled projector
- LED light source with 50% more brightness
- An upgraded fan has less noise
- 50,000 hours of lamp life
Cons
- A strong wifi connection needed for streaming and mirroring simultaneously
Verdict
Nothing can beat the superior quality and multiple features that the Poyank Wireless projector provides, in this price range. The LED light source, wifi connectivity, long lamp life, and inbuilt speakers are some of the best features of this projector. If you have a strong wifi connection, think no more.
Category
Best portable projector for outdoor screenings and camping experiences (at night).
Resolution
With a support resolution of 1920 x 1080P, HD images are on your way.
Projection
You can use a projection screen from 50-130 inches.
Lamp Life
With 50,000 hours of lamp life, you are free to binge-watch your favorite movies and tv shows.
Connectivity
As for the connectivity, you have multiple options to choose from. You can use a USB, VGA, HDMI, or a TF card. With these options available, you can easily connect your PC, phone, game consoles, tablets, laptops, streaming devices, DVD players, or flash drives.
Added Features
The manual keystone correction helps you bring clarity to your images.
What’s in the Box?
A free 65” projection screen is to be acknowledged first. Other than that you have the projector, a remote control, HDMI cable, AV cable, and a power cable.
Pros
- Portable, easy to carry for outdoor screenings
- 1920 x 1080P, HD images
- Free 65” projection screen
- Lamp life of 50,000 hours
- HDMI, VGA, USB connectivity options
Cons
- Works in pitch dark spaces
- Resolution not as good as claimed
Verdict
If you are someone who enjoys a movie while you are on a hike uphill, this projector will serve your purpose. It is easy to carry and set up. You can binge-watch to your liking. However, if you are looking for a business or movie theatre type of a projector, you might leave this one out.
Category
Another portable projector, best for home use
Lumens & Contrast Ratio
With 250 LED lumen brightness, this projector is perfect for the cozy movie sessions with your family.
However unbelievable it is, but this small projector uses an LED light source. So even in a less than 2 pounds weighing device, you get sufficient brightness.
Resolution
With a WVGA (854x480p) resolution, you get clear, life-like images.
Throw Ratio
With a short-throw lens, you can view large images as small distances. So from a distance of 8-9 feet, it can project an image up to 100 inches.
Lamp Life
Thanks to the LED light source, you get a good 30,000 hours of lamp life in this projector.
Connectivity
You can connect several devices to this projector using the HDMI, micro SD card, or USB-type C port. So whether you want to connect your camera, laptop, game consoles, tv sticks, phones, or tablets, you won’t be facing any trouble.
Sound
The dual Harman Kardon speakers make this projector worth buying. You need not worry about the sound system anymore, because Harman Kardon assures you a clear and loud sound quality.
Added Features
Being compact and portable, this projector can easily be added to your luggage wherever you go camping.
The smart stand rotating 360 degrees, helps you to set up the projector in any angle that you like. It also doubles up as a lens cover, switching on and off with just a flip. Added to this, is the auto keystone correction that relieves you of the task of manually correcting images every time.
If you are not convinced enough, the inbuilt 6-hour battery life is sure to convince you! So without any hassle of wires or cables, you can enjoy your movie anytime, anywhere.
What’s in the Box?
The package includes a 1xMI projector, USB type C cable, remote control, startup guide, projector case, and a power cable.
Pros
- Portable, easy to set up
- LED light source
- 360 rotating smart stand
- Inbuilt Harman Kardon speakers
- WVGA (854x480p) resolution
- Short throw distance
- 30,000 hours of lamp life
- Auto keystone correction
Cons
- Consumers faced certain connectivity issues
Verdict
The design award winner, ViewSonic MI portable projector, is nothing short of a miracle. It is a small package with lots of interesting features. So if you are planning on a late-night movie session in your bed, with kids tugged up on your side, this one is a perfect gig.
Category
The best projector in an expandable budget – Best Under 400
Lumens & Contrast Ratio
With 3200 Lumens, this projector works well even in well-lit rooms.
Resolution
The SVGA resolution (800 x 600) makes it an ideal companion for your presentations and business meetings.
Projection
You can project up to 120” or larger, using this projector.
Lamp Life
In Eco-mode the lamp life of this projector can last up to 10,000hours.
Connectivity
The wireless connectivity of this projector is the biggest boon. So whether you have iPhone, iPad, iPad touch, or Android devices, you can easily connect these with the projector.
Apart from this, the HDMI cable helps you connect to other devices like PCs, laptops, Mac, Amazon fire stick, Roku, Chromecast, Apple tv, digital camera, cable box, or media players.
Fan
While normal projectors emit a sound of 32dB, this projector emits a mere 28dB sound in Eco mode.
Sound
The 2W speakers are a good feature if you are projecting in a small room. Otherwise, you might have to add additional speakers.
What’s in the Box?
Apart from the projector, the package includes a power cable, VGA cable, remote control, and a user guide in a CD.
Pros
- 3200L brightness makes it suitable for well-lit rooms
- 28dB sound in Eco mode ensures quiet functioning
- Multiple connectivity options including wifi
- 10, 000 hours of lamp life
- SVGA resolution, great for office use
Cons
- Lack of audio output port
Verdict
If you are looking for a professional-grade projector for your office or home use, the Epson VS250 projector is a great choice. It has multiple connectivity options and low fan noise. Apart from the issue with the sound quality of the projector, this one is a great pick if you expand your budget a bit.
Also check out 5 Best Projectors under $500 in 2020.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a 300$ Worth Projector
When your upper limit is 300$, you get but a few options to choose from. Though it might be a bit of a setback, if you are smart enough, it might work in your favor. So you must know what all features are essential in your projector and what all can be compromised on. If however, you mixed the two of them, you might fall in trouble.
So let’s have a look at some of the noteworthy features of a projector.
1. Brightness:
In the terminology of projectors, we define the brightness of a projector in terms of Lumens or Lux. It ranges from 2000-6000. The average lumen is 2500.
How will you decide how much Lumen brightness do you need?
If you need a projector for your movie nights, you will be using the projector in a dark room. For this purpose, a projector with a lumen range from 2000-3000 is good enough. You don’t need a high lumen projector for this use.
However, if you need a projector for office use, you might need to use it in well-lit or semi-lit environments, so for that, a high lumen is recommended. You can choose our options that fall above 3000 Lumen.
In other cases such as outdoor activities, screenings, or backyard movie nights, an average of 3000L is a must.
2. Resolution:
The resolution of your projector will determine how many pixels your projector can render effectively.
In projectors, we have 4 types of resolutions. SVGA(600X800), XGA(1024×768), WXGA(1280x 800) and HD(720p or 1080).
The SVGA(Super Video Graphics Array) has an aspect ratio of 4:3 and is the most basic or standard. This resolution is fit for displaying graphics, charts, and presentations. Hence, fit for office use.
The XGA(Extended Graphic Array) is one step above SVGA. It can render a higher number of pixels in the same aspect ratio of 4:3. Thus, your presentations and charts become more sharp and clear.
The WXGA(Wide Extended Graphic Array) has an aspect ratio of 16:10. This delivers the quality of images akin to your LCD screens and laptops. So it is best for movies, videos, and images apart from business use.
HD (1280x720p ) or (1920×1080) is for your movies and home theatre needs. The high definition provided by this resolution gives a vivid, life-like clarity.
3. Connectivity:
If your projector doesn’t have various connectivity sources, you are in for trouble. While not relying on a single source, opt for projectors that have various sources of connectivity.
Again, the source of connectivity matters, as per your usage.
Generally, 1xHDMI and 1xUSB ports are standard that most of the projectors maintain. The difference is in their number and size. Most projectors offer only 1 HDMI port. While having 2 is a boon, it’s not that necessary. As for USB, a mini USB port is what is usually provided.
But if you need to connect your projector with your phone, you can look for projectors with wireless connectivity. These make your life easy and save you from buying additional adapters to connect your phone.
If you want to watch your 3d movies, your HDMI port should be 3D enabled, otherwise, your 3D images won’t get displayed.
Apart from this, the VGA port is a must.
Also, take care of additional audio output ports. When your projector doesn’t have a sufficient sound system, you will have to add additional speakers via an audio port.
4. Throw Ratio:
For this, you need to decide where you will put the projector? Is it a large room or a small room? Is the screen big or small?
Throw ratio determines what size of an image will you receive when the projector is kept at a certain distance. There are short-throw projectors and standard ones.
A short-throw projector has a throw ratio of 0.4~1. This will give you a large image when the projector is kept near the screen. For usage in small rooms, a short-throw projector is recommended.
A standard projector has a throw ratio of above 1. This will give you a large image when kept at a certain distance from the screen. For large to medium spaces, a standard projector is recommended.
The Conclusion
After reading a competitive list of 5 products, you must have been able to pick one for yourself. But if you are still confused, we are offering a final suggestion.
According to our understanding, the best projector in our list is the Poyank 4500Lux LED WiFi Projector. It is nothing short of a power-packed device. The various features that the Poyank projector offers is beyond the competition in this price bracket. Be it the high lumen brightness, the wifi connectivity, the unbelievable lamp life, or HD quality of the images, the Poyank LED wifi projector serves as the winner.