Gone are the days when you had to spend lots of money on a projector. A good projector offers you an amazing entertainment experience with the best quality. Now, you must be thinking that a projector providing a lot of qualities will be a costlier one. Well, you are wrong.
In this article, you’ll get all the details of the best projectors under $500 that have amazing features. These include screen size, bulb life, imaging technology, and a lot more. So, are you ready to go into the world of projectors? Great! Go ahead and have a look at all the best projectors that will suit your needs.
How was This List Made?
To construct the list of the best projector under $500, we explored the web for articles, blogs, and forums. Huge numbers of items were there, and we narrowed all of them and then elaborated them by spending a lot of hours and effort. We investigated the user experiences, prices, pros and cons, qualities, and features of the best projector under $500.
We also put our efforts and time into going through complete Amazon reviews. This was to know the exact views of the buyers of the projectors. Well, we made a great list that will permit you to get all the knowledge of the projector that you are going to add in your cart.
What to Look for?
While buying the best projector under $500, there are different factors that you need to look for. These factors will help you to buy an ideal projector that will suit your needs.
Projector Type
As you know, there is a great advancement in technology these days and so in the kind of projectors. Well, each projector is different based on its features and style of work. So, it’s time to say Hello to kinds of projectors.
1. DLP
These projectors have distinct models that differ in the chip. DLPs are available in single-chip and three-chip. So, if you want a projector for your home entertainment, you can go with the projectors that have single-chip that provide sharp pictures.
2.LCD
There is no doubt in accepting the fact that LCD projectors aren’t as amazingly bright as the DLP. However, Liquid Crystal Display projectors provide images of high quality. These projectors are purposely designed, keeping its weight and flexibility in mind so that it can be easily moved.
3.Screen Size
The next important factor you need to look for while buying a projector is its screen size. You need to observe the size of the screen that will perform appropriately with your projector. And for that, it will be better if you first look at the aspect ratio of the projector before making any decision on the screen size.
4.Contrast
This factor will let you know how the picture will look on the screen. The pictures will be more detailed on the screen if the projector has a higher contrast ratio. The texts, images, and numerous other things will be clearly viewed if the black and white brightness level is properly balanced.
5 .Throw Distance
The separation in the middle of the projector and the wall or screen is the Throw Distance. Throw Distance plays a major role in the design of a projector. Some of the projectors are of long-distance throw, while others are of the short-distance throw. The long-distance projectors can be easily installed on the wall or ceiling for perfect picture quality. You can use short-throw distance ones on the ceiling or tabletop. So, throw distance will decide the sitting place and picture quality.
Top 5 Best Projector under 500 in 2020
The brand, called Optoma, is famous for its audio-visual hardware specialization, and it also incorporates projectors. HD143X is the recent launch by Optoma. As the name suggests, this comes under the category of best home theater projector. It is perfect for big-screen entertainment, whether it is TV shows, live sports, or watching films as it is a full HD projector.
You’ll simply love this projector for your gaming nights and enjoyable film as it offers a brilliant color technology and lamp life guarantee.
It just weighs 5.5 pounds and measures 9″ x 11.7″ x 3.8″. You may presume this projector to be heavy; however, it is light in weight.
You need to consider the two most important features while buying the best home theater projector. These include the color brightness and output. This Optoma model can provide the color output of REC. 709. It is a perfect choice at an affordable price because of its amazing brightness level of 3000 lumens.
Well, HD143X offers an extended lamp life of 12,000 hours, and this is one of the most brilliant features of this projector. It’s unusual to get such good features at this price. If you use the projector for several hours daily, it can amazingly last for more than 10 years. You can install it simply for an extensive range of different spaces and screen sizes, all because of its throw ratio and flexible zoom.
The HD143X can show 3D content from the majority of the 3D sources, incorporating gaming consoles just like the other projector models offered by Optoma. Also, you can simply connect your tablet or smartphone to this projector if you desire to watch images, presentations, or stream videos by easily connecting a cable utilizing MHL.
Experience
A user of this projector shared his review on subreddit. He mentioned that this projector has incredible features for a reasonable price and bought this for home theater. He was using a second-hand projector for several years and then spent money on this model of Optoma. He is simply amazed by the crispness of the picture. Text is simple to read, and one can even observe the individual grass blades in the projected picture.
The guy is also impressed with the silence of the fan. He also mentioned that this projector wouldn’t heat up like his previous ones. He found its quietness as its unique feature.
Pros
- Full 3D support
- Various capabilities for input
- Easily movable
- Easy to use
- Brilliant image quality
- Simple to setup
Cons
- Sometimes a bit noisier
- Normal speaker quality
- Produces heat
Verdict
If you want the best sound experience, you need to spend money on an external speaker system as its built-in speaker has average or normal sound quality. Overall, it has a professional and cool design. The HD143X by Optoma is one of the several affordable and reasonable movable projector models and is the best home theater projector.
Do you have a low budget? Don’t worry! This beast by Epson is an amazing deal as it offers amazing features at a modest price. It is ideal for watching movies and can also act as a backup for your professional purposes. The Epson EX3240 SVGA offers quality and detailed video with the HDMI connectivity. It is a perfect fit for home and comes under the category of the best projector under $400.
This model by Epson just weighs 5.3 pounds and measures 11.7″ x 9.2″ x 3.2″. You can easily move it anywhere as it is portable. Just like the other models of Epson, this projector has button controls on the top of it. Various connection ports are available at the back of this projector having proper space in the middle of them.
You can connect a single video/audio line as it has one HDMI port. In addition to this, there are S-Video, composite, and USP ports for more inputs. It comes with a good speaker, still, you can use the Audio Out Port to connect with external speakers.
For visual purposes, it makes use of a 3LCD chip. It helps in avoiding the rainbow and motion effects that are normal in LCD projectors. For both colors and whites, it offers a brightness rating of 3200 lumens. This model of Epson offers each pixel to that rating so that the picture quality appears extremely clearer and brighter than other low-cost projectors. However, it doesn’t support 3D video. It provides both auto vertical keystone and digital zoom. It is low maintenance as the lamp can last through 10,000 hours of usage. You can simply mount it on a ceiling mount.
Experience
A user of Epson EX3240 is quite happy and shared his experience on subreddit. According to him, this projector is simply wonderful at a very less price. He bought it for presentation purposes. And when he compared this Epson model with the other projectors, he was simply amazed by the color and picture clarity. He installed it in a church and mentioned that people in the back pews could easily read and see everything on the screen. And, at last, he mentioned that one could not go wrong with this projector.
Pros
- In-built speaker
- 800 x 600 resolution
- Movable with a bag
- 3200 lumens for whites and colors
Cons
- Digital zoom causes artifacts
Verdict
This Epson model gives its best than the other projectors available on the market. It comes at a very affordable cost. If you want brilliant features, modern technology, quality design, and portability, then don’t look anywhere, the Epson EX420 is a perfect and the best projector under $400.
This projector by ViewSonic is one of the best projectors under $500. You can easily use it at any place, whether it is far away or close. The PA503S offers a throw range of 3.9-43 feet. It is perfect for different applications, whether for a home theater, cramped office, or an outdoor projector for an amazing watching experience on a summer day.
You won’t encounter any issue when you look at the picture with the projector. This projector is adequately bright for pretty much everywhere as it offers remarkably bright 3600 lumens. A brilliant thing that will amaze you is its ultra-bright bulb. Before any need for replacement, the bulbs can last for approximately 15,000 hours, even at high brightness. It supports a max resolution of 1080p, and this feature makes it the best 1080p projector under $500.
As it can support RCA, VGA, and HDMI hookups, you can have many connectivity options using this projector. You can easily connect this projector with MAC or PCs, Blue-Ray or DVD players, or any other gadget that you desire to use.
Experience
A happy user wrote his experience by mentioning that the projector’s best quality is its low price. He wanted a projector that can be easily used as a full-time entertainment without any need to keep the blinds closed. He also mentioned that even with the 3 windows opened, the colors don’t fade away, and the image quality is superbly brilliant. One thing he didn’t like about this projector is its speaker. He struggles to hear in a normal-sized room, so one has to purchase an external speaker that can be easily attached to the aux port. Taking all its considerations, ViewSonic PA503S is the ideal and best choice.
Pros
- Numerous options for connectivity
- 15,000-hour bulb life
- DLP format for sharp pictures
- 3600 lumens
- Wide throw range
Cons
- A cooling fan may generate some noise
Verdict
To enhance the appearance of presentations, the ViewSonic PA503S provides amazing visual performance. It offers the finest details, and one can select from 5 color modes, incorporating presentation, brightest, photo, standard, and movie. The user can select any mode that suits his requirements depending on the usage scenario, as this is the best 1080p projector under $500.
In the modern technology of projectors, Epson is an amazing leader, and you can easily see the advanced features in VS250. You can easily connect it in different ways and is so easy to setup. At a high brightness level of 3200 lumens, it generates clear pictures with its 3LCD display. You can also use it at the various famous resolution. However, it operates at 800 x 600, which may not be good for some games or films.
Its contrast ratio is 15000:1 and is the best for LCD kinds. It makes it to offer brilliant clarity to the bright sections of your media or presentation.
Its throw distance is ideal for small or large spaces, and you can use it pretty much anywhere.
Experience
A user of Epson VS250 is extremely happy. He mentioned on subreddit that he also tried the Optoma projector for a similar cost. And yes, there wasn’t any comparison. This beast is sharp and focused from top to bottom and left to right. He also mentioned that you could set it as per your preference as it has a lot of image adjustments. It is extremely bright and offers great colors. He placed it on the wall of his bedroom. He didn’t measure it, but he also claimed that it is nearly 9 feet wide.
If you are not picky, then the speaker on the projector is good. However, he suggested making use of a stereo. He also mentioned that it doesn’t come with any port for headphones or to plug into a stereo. So, you need to hook audio from your DVD-player or Blue-Ray to a receiver and use a different cord to the projector for the picture. So, if you desire a perfect movie theater experience, you need to take his advice.
Pros
- Simple to setup
- 3200 lumens
- High contrast ratio
Cons
- Less native resolution is not ideal for some kinds of media.
Verdict
No doubt, this projector has various problems regarding its inability to connect external speakers. However, it offers many pros and positives at a very less price.
You don’t have to look any more in the market if you want a projector that delivers high performance. As it has amazing features, so it won’t ever let you down. This projector performs wonderfully in any environment as it has 2800 lumens. And you don’t have to adjust the lighting of your room when you use it. You can get every single detail clearly on the screen as it has a contrast ratio of 15000:1. You can enjoy the life-like experience because it can display 3D content from a Blue-ray 3D display with its latest HDMI.
It is a little projector that weighs just 4.7 pounds having a height of 3.7 inches. The ViewSonic PJD5134 has a filter-less style that knocks out the requirement of lens cleaning. Also, this projector is carefully built with high quality.
When not in use, you can dim the lamps; this way, you can also reduce the power consumption. It has a dynamic eco button on its remote control that permits the presenter to put the projector on standby mode in the meantime, he engages the audience. You can go a long way to save power consumption with these 5 to 10 minutes intervals.
There are various brilliant features that ViewSonic PJD5134 possesses. It incorporates keystone correction, optical zoom, integrated speaker, HDMI, and a lot more. By putting the projector in dynamic mode and save on energy, you can reduce the brightness of the projector if you desire. You can easily set it up on ceiling or tabletops, so you don’t have to worry about its place of installation.
Experience
A user wrote his experience regarding this projector on subreddit. For approximately two years, he is using this projector for home use. He mentioned that each and everything is superb. However, its less native resolution is not so good for text. Rest, everything is great. Pictures and films are extremely clear, dark scenes are great in the dark, and lights don’t spoil them either. The user is quite happy with the thing that it operates at 120 Hz @ 800 x 600, and this is superb for games, mainly horror ones. It is a great way to initiate yourself if you have never utilized a great refresh rate display. For him, the ViewSonic PJD5134 is a bright and good budget projector, especially for films and games.
Pros
- Brilliant picture quality
- Portable and lightweight
- Great lamp life
- 3D capability
Cons
- Generates rainbow effects
- Don’t have a carry case
- Audio quality can be better
Verdict
The review of ViewSonic PJD5134 claims that it is the projector that is ideal for all the purposes of home/classrooms/office use. If you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars and also want a huge HD TV experience, then it is ideal for you. Have a serious look at this projector if you want to set up a home theater.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Projector Under 500 ?
There are major key factors that you need to consider while buying the best project under $500. Here, you’ll get complete knowledge of all the primary things that you need to observe in a projector. These factors are important in every projector regardless of the fact for what purpose you are buying one, whether it if for gaming, office presentations, or home entertainment.
1. Brightness
You need to determine how bright the location of the projector is to decide the brightness level you require. A dimmer projector (1000 lumens) will be an ideal one if the location is dark. But, if you intend to use the projector in a place full of sunlight and a lot of windows, you need to go for somewhat more bright (3000 lumens) so that you can see every picture properly.
2. Resolution
You’ll get better image quality if the resolution is better. You need a projector that can easily manage higher resolutions if you want to amaze your clients or just want a unique home entertainment experience. In order to get a projector that fits your requirements, ensure to buy a one that has an extensive range of fixed resolutions.
3. Bulb Life
The bulb is one of the costlier parts of a projector. In addition to this, it is one of the hardest components to switch out. There isn’t any need to spend more on a new one too soon. Get a projector with a higher life expectancy, and that can be of more than 10,000 hours.
4. Connectivity
When buying a projector, there are a lot of connectivity options that one can contemplate. If you want to get the perfect picture quality, connect your projector with an HDMI cable. You can also connect your projector wirelessly with Bluetooth. You need to ensure that the projector you buy can be easily connected with a VGA cable in case you have an older setup. There are things necessary for a home theater setup, so ensure that it connects to true red, yellow, and white RCA connectors.
5. Compatibility
Well, there are various parts of technology that are still not compatible with different computer formats. Ensure that the projector you buy is compatible with a PC or Mac type computer.
6. Use
It is really significant to understand that the projector you buy should be simple to use. Otherwise, you will be only involved in fumbling and end up with the physical struggle. A usable remote control that handles all its features and qualities will be very beneficial.
7. Lens Zoom
This factor is crucial if you are making use of a movable projector and a screen. There is a possibility that you cannot place it at an identical distance. You have to adjust the distance of the system with the option of lens zoom. You can easily adjust the zoom lens as per your need.
Also read: Best Projectors under $300 in 2020
The Conclusion
It was hard to select the perfect projectors under $500 for you. However, now you know which one to choose as you have the insight into all the distinct projectors with wonderful features and qualities. Every individual has different wants and requirements for a projector, so each will get one as per his needs with the ideal features.
Well, you now know what is good for you and that even under $500. If you want to know which projector wins the race in this article? Well, it is the Optoma HD143X that possesses all the amazing features that one is looking for in the projector. It is an affordable, reasonable, and movable projector having the best qualities.