Best Budget Projectors Under $500 (2025)
Affordable projectors that deliver impressive picture quality for movies, gaming, and presentations without breaking the bank.
What to Expect Under $500
Budget projectors have come a long way. In this price range, you can find native 1080p resolution, 5000+ lumens for bright rooms, built-in streaming apps, and decent throw ratios. While you won't get true 4K or the best contrast, these projectors offer excellent value for casual viewing.
Comparison Table
| Projector | Resolution | Lumens | Throw Ratio | Features | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Epson EX3280
3LCD Business/Home |
XGA (1024x768) | 3,600 | 1.45-1.96:1 | HDMI, USB, 3LCD | $399 | View on Amazon |
|
BenQ TH575
Gaming Projector |
Native 1080p | 3,800 | 1.15-1.5:1 | 16ms Lag, Game Mode | $499 | View on Amazon |
|
XGIMI MoGo 2
Portable Smart Projector |
Native 1080p | 400 ISO | 1.2:1 | Android TV, Harman Speakers | $399 | View on Amazon |
|
Optoma HD146X
Home Theater DLP |
Native 1080p | 3,600 | 1.47-1.62:1 | 25,000:1 Contrast | $449 | View on Amazon |
|
ViewSonic PX701HD
1080p Home Projector |
Native 1080p | 3,500 | 1.5-1.65:1 | Low Input Lag, 240Hz | $469 | View on Amazon |
|
Anker Nebula Capsule 3
Portable Mini Projector |
Native 1080p | 200 ANSI | 1.2:1 | Google TV, Battery | $449 | View on Amazon |
Projector Highlights
BenQ TH575 - Best for Gaming
The BenQ TH575 stands out in the budget category with its dedicated gaming mode and 16ms input lag. Native 1080p resolution and 3,800 lumens make it bright enough for rooms with some ambient light. Perfect for console gaming on a big screen.
- 16ms input lag in game mode
- Native 1080p resolution
- 3,800 lumens for bright rooms
- 10W built-in speaker
Optoma HD146X - Best Image Quality
The Optoma HD146X delivers the best picture quality in this price range with its 25,000:1 contrast ratio. DLP technology provides sharp images with minimal motion blur. A great choice for movie enthusiasts on a budget.
- 25,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
- DLP technology for sharp images
- Rec.709 color accuracy
- 15,000 hour lamp life
XGIMI MoGo 2 - Best Smart Features
The XGIMI MoGo 2 packs Android TV built-in with access to all your streaming apps. Automatic keystone correction and focus make setup effortless. Best for dark rooms due to lower brightness, but the convenience is unmatched.
- Android TV 11.0 built-in
- Harman Kardon speakers
- Auto keystone and focus
- Compact and portable design
What to Look For in a Budget Projector
Resolution
At this price point, prioritize native 1080p resolution. Some projectors advertise "4K supported" but only accept the signal - they still display at 1080p. True native 1080p will look sharper than upscaled lower resolutions.
Brightness (Lumens)
For budget projectors:
- Dark room viewing: 1,000-2,000 lumens is sufficient
- Some ambient light: 2,500-3,500 lumens recommended
- Bright room/Outdoor: 4,000+ lumens needed
Throw Distance
Budget projectors typically have throw ratios between 1.2:1 and 1.8:1. For a 100" screen, you'll need 10-15 feet of distance. Check our Throw Distance Calculator for exact measurements.
Smart Projector vs. Streaming Stick
Smart projectors like the XGIMI MoGo 2 include built-in streaming apps, but they cost more and have lower brightness. A high-lumen projector paired with a $30 streaming stick often provides better picture quality for the same budget.
Beware of Inflated Specs
Many budget projectors from lesser-known brands advertise inflated lumen counts. Stick with reputable brands (Epson, BenQ, Optoma, ViewSonic, XGIMI, Anker) that use industry-standard measurements like ANSI lumens.