Best projector

Save money on a large TV by purchasing a projector instead. You can display your favorite shows and movies on most blank surfaces.

projector
(Image credit: Alex Litvin via Unsplash)

If your household doesn't have a lot of room for a TV or you want a bigger picture, then a projector is an excellent alternative. These devices can broadcast media from your devices to a blank surface, like a wall or screen, allowing everyone to stream and watch movies and shows. Our favorite options have superior brightness for high-quality image delivery and are easy to set up. To find the right one for you,  check out our impressive projector selection.

Staff pick

projector

(Image credit: Amazon)

CiBest video projector

Built-in stereo speakers

Low fan noise keeps this device from interfering with your viewing time.

Pros:

  • 1080p resolution
  • 30 to 200-inch screen support
  • Remote included
  • Lightweight

Cons:

  • No Bluetooth or Wi-Fi
  • Can be a bit buggy

Grab the popcorn from the kitchen, cuddle up on your favorite couch, and turn on this projector. It will quickly become your go-to for family movie night. The device has a bulb that lasts up to 50,000 hours (that's a lot of movies) and adjustable feet so it can sit flat on uneven surfaces. There is an HDMI cable included, so you can plug in your media source to make setup a breeze. We also like how this projector is lightweight and includes a remote.

Dual-viewing

projector

(Image credit: Amazon)

TMY projector with screen

Four video inputs

This unit supports screens up to 220 inches for a home movie theater experience.

Pros:

  • Projection screen and remote included
  • 7,500 lumens

Cons:

  • Iffy software
  • Spongey focus

Have you ever wanted to watch movies while laying under the stars? How about while floating in a pool? This projector comes with a screen you can hang wherever, so you can organize an outdoor movie night. The projector supports a 220-inch viewing area and has a 7,500-lumen bulb to create vibrant visuals. Keep in mind, it isn't waterproof, so you'll still want to be mindful of where you place it. As a bonus, this option has a very quiet fan, so your content can be enjoyed without interruption. 

For any space

projector

(Image credit: Amazon)

GooDee HD video projector

Two 3-watt speakers for great sound quality

This option has multidirectional projection to accommodate any room setup.

Pros:

  • Supports USB Type-C connections
  • Two HDMI ports
  • Removable feet

Cons:

  • Slight discoloration
  • No remote included

Most projectors require external audio equipment if you want a better sound experience while watching movies or TV. This device has two 3-watt JBL speakers built-in. It's like two devices in one. However, the main reason we like this projector is because it can display the projection from multiple directions. This means you have more options for how you set up your room because you can project onto the screen or ceiling.

4K support

projector

(Image credit: Amazon)

YABER full HD Projector

Massive range of colors

This projector has dual fans to keep the lamp temperature low.

Pros:

  • High contrast
  • X and Y zoom
  • Supports 350-inch screen size

Cons:

  • Low refresh rate at 4K
  • Blurry at high brightness

You can hardwire almost any device to this projector, helping to deliver a stable and vibrant image. There are ports for HDMI, AV, USB, and RGB mounted on the back for your convenience—and you'll need it if you want to display 4K content. That's right, this model supports 4K, but with some caveats. For starters, it has a lower refresh rate at 4K, and it can be a bit blurry when super bright. However, we think these small hiccups are worth it for a projector with a 9,000-lumen bulb, support for 350-inch screens, and dual fans for longer run times.

Pocket cinema

projector

(Image credit: Amazon)

ViewSonic M1 mini+ ultra-portable led projector

Works wirelessly with other devices

This projector has excellent JBL speakers for such a small form factor.

Pros:

  • Battery-powered
  • Supports different apps
  • Fits in a pocket or bag

Cons:

  • Low resolution
  • A bit buggy with iOS

ViewSonic's ultra-portable option can slide into your travel bag so it can be used at your hotel. The best part is that you can connect it to your phone or laptop, widening your content viewing options. Once the media is playing, you can adjust the image alignment with the press of a button. No more getting up to adjust the projector every few seconds until it's just right.

The big picture

Create a movie-viewing room that will quickly become the envy of your friends with one of these projectors. If we had to select one, we'd go with the CiBest video projector. Once you have everything set up, you can use this projector like your TV, and it even includes a remote. The viewing area supports 30 to 200-inch screens, so it's an excellent choice for crafts, classrooms, and living rooms. It's also lightweight, in case you need to put it away often or take it with you to a friend's house.

However, if portability is your main concern, consider the ViewSonic M1 mini+ ultra-portable led projector. Small enough to fit in a pocket, it also works wirelessly with your phone. While the picture it produces isn't very large, it's definitely sufficient for a short hotel stay, or you can use it for crafts at home with the kids. 

Why trust us?

At GardeningEtc, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.

Nicole Cozma is a freelance writer for Future. She's known for being inquisitive and finding the tiny details that may otherwise go unnoticed. When she's not writing about products, she can be found playing Blizzard game titles, doing copy editing work, cooking, or expanding her photography skills.