You need a big screen with a minimum budget, but that minimum budget is 500 dollars. You probably wanted the best projector under $500 that's why you're searching for it on your search engine. In this article, we'll review the best projectors under $500.
Projector WOWOTO H10 can be connected to your devices not only HDMI but also through wifi. You just have to connect your device with the projector to the same wifi network, it will work just fine with the help of third-party apps like Miracast. With the 6.0 Android feature, you can enjoy videos and streams.
Finally, we have the Optoma X343 XGA as one of the best projectors under £500 on our list. It is specially designed for use in offices, meeting rooms, classrooms, and other small-medium-sized rooms. The picture resolution that this projector has is the XGA 1024x768 resolution with a contrast ratio of 22,000:1.
You can now have the incredible 3,600 lumens brightness with 15,000 hours of lamp life. This best budget gaming projector has an integrated 10-watt built-in speaker for presentations in a small room. You don't need to buy external speakers if you're going to use them in a small place.
Optoma X343 XGA has a wide range of connectivity options including HDMI, VGA-In, VGA-out, Composite Video, USB-A, Audio-In, etc. Furthermore, its installation is easy due to vertical keystone correction and a 1.1x zoom.
Home Theater Projectors are best if you want a projector for your home to watch videos and stream. Multimedia cheap projectors are most suited if you need a projector that will work in offices and classrooms. Ultra-portable pocket projectors are also available in the market so that you'll be able to carry them anywhere.
We know $500 is a lot, and you don't want to waste it by buying a useless projector. So don't worry, we got your back. We'll be guiding you to buy the best projector under 500 dollars.
Context
- Introduction
- Best Projector Under $500
- ViewSonic 3600 Lumens XGA
- Epson VS250 SVGA
- BenQ MH535FHD 1080P Home Theater Projector
- BenQ MW535A 1080p
- ViewSonic PJD5255
- Optoma S316
- XGIMI MOGO Pro
- Anker Nebula Capsule Max
- Projector WOWOTO H10
- Optoma X343 XGA
- What to see before buying Best Projector Under $500
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Introduction
Projectors are the devices that project the images or videos onto a surface. The projectors are used for multi-purposes. You'll see their use in the home, schools, colleges, offices, etc. These things are comfortable and are also getting popular over time.Most of the basic projectors use shining light through a transparent lens and project images on a surface. But some new types project the image by using lasers. A retinal projector is a projector that projects an image directly on the retina instead of using an external projection screen.
Here we will guide you to buy the best project. So without any further delay, let's get started with the Top 10 Best Projector Under $500.
In the first position, the best budget projector is the ViewSonic 3600 Lumens XGA. This projector is unique because it contains some of advance visual features. This budget projector is best for use in educational institutes as well as in small business meetings.
This projector is a big screen projector having 120 inches projection from 13-feet 2-inches with amazing color accuracy. Its installation is a lot easier. You just have to set it up and plug it in. After setting it up, you can watch whatever you wanted to on this best video projector under 500.
ViewSonic 3600 Lumens XGA has long-lasting lamp life that can shine for up to 15,000 hours. This projector is versatile because it can work on every platform like on most media players, on PCs, Macs, and mobile devices. Additionally, it will provide you with faster frame-by-frame action due to its ultra-low 16ms input latency.
The next best projector under $500 is the Epson VS250 SVGA. You will get accurate and vivid clours after using this projector even in a well-lighted room due to its 3,200 lumen light. You'll get more accurate, vivid colour, even in well-lit. This is almost a silent projector having 28dB in ECO mode and 37dB in digital mode.
The resolution of this projector is 800 x 600 with a projected distance of 30 inches to 350 inches. It is best for presentations in offices, schools and watching movies at home.
Epson VS250 SVGA is the most suited product if you wanted to use it for presentation purposes. This best movie projector under 500 is also a versatile projector that can be connected to any kind of device like PC, Mac, laptops, and other media players.
Our next pick for the best HD projector under 500 is the BenQ MH535FHD 1080P home theatre projector having 1080p 3D clear image quality. It is best for use in the home to make your own home a cinema theatre. You can now play games with supreme user experience due to its low lag technology specially designed for fast input response while gaming.
Due to its more than 3600 lumens, it is best for use in even bright light. Additionally, this is one of the best 1080p projector under 500 has a high native contrast ratio that will give you higher dynamic contrast image quality. Its projector lamp is designed to have more than 10,000 hours of life.
The installation of the BenQ MH535FHD 1080P home theatre projector is too easy due to its vertical keystone correction and 1.2x zoom. Furthermore, this best projector for home has DLP Technology, the most used technology in modern cinemas and digital IMAX theatres.
Next, the best projector under 500$ is the BenQ MW535A having 1080p image quality and a widescreen projection. It is capable of projecting a 120inches big image from 13ft-2inches while having a contrast ratio of 15,000:1.
With having 3600 lumens colors, this is the best choice for home and office use. It might not be best for home theatre but is most suitable for presentations in offices, schools, and colleges. It has a total number of three retractable adjustment feet, vertical keystone, and 1.2X zoom that will help you in setting this projector quickly.
BenQ MW535A 1080p is powered with two HDMI, two VGA, and audio in/out ports for flexible connectivity with other devices like PC, laptops, etc. The lamp life is more than 15,000 hours with additional 3-year limited parts and labour warranty. This projector can be the best home theatre projector under 500.
ViewSonic PJD5255 is the second one from the manufacturer ViewSonic. This is very much like the previous product but has enhanced, advances, and upgraded features. With its advanced and versatile features, it is best for education and office environments.
ViewSonic PJD5255 has a big-screen projection of 120 inches from 15-feet 8-inches. The remarkable feature that makes this product elite as compared to the previous one is the amazing 3300 lumens colours as well as the 1024 x 768 resolution display.
The controls and setup are simple and easy to understand. Just plug in it and give your presentation in the office or class. Furthermore, it has Dynamic Eco-Mode due to which its lamp has 10,000 hours lifespan.
Here comes the next best projector under $500 the Optoma S316. It is a DLP projector with superior lamp life and an HDMI port. This is a powerful projector having 3200-lumen bright images that will give you bright and shining images while in external light. Additionally, it also has an extraordinary contrast ratio of 20,000:1.
Optoma S316 is an outstanding product for use in schools, colleges, and offices due to its rich image quality, outstanding brightness, and colour accuracy. Furthermore, its lamp has a low operating cost with up to 10,000 hours of lamp life.
Other features like Full 3D compatibility, Rapid Shutdown, Quick Resume, Direct Power On, Auto Power Off, VGA dongle, etc. are also available.
Here comes something different. XGIMI MOGO Pro is one of the best portable projectors under $500 having 1080p HD image quality with powerful sound standards. It has 300 ANSI lumens brightness, but we won't recommend you to use it in bright light. It also has 2x3W Harman-Kardon speakers for the best sound experience.
This product can be used as a Bluetooth speaker via Bluetooth or a 3.5mm audio cable. This projector is compact and powered with a 10,400 mAh built-in battery that is enough to ensure its portability.
XGIMI MOGO Pro has built-in official Android TV 9.0. With this upgradable software, you can download more than 5000+ apps directly from Google Play Store. You can search for anything with the help of Google Assistant. With enough 30,000 hours of LED lifespan, you can enjoy big-screen movies, films, etc. with your family and friends.
8. Anker Nebula Capsule Max - 200-ANSI Lumen
Here comes another one of the best portable projectors under $500. It has cutting-edge DLP technology with 720p high-quality image resolution. It has fewer 200-ANSI lumen colours as compared to the previous one but has other extra features to encounter this drawback.
Due to its autofocus and keystoning technology, you will get clearer and sharp images on the screen. This HD projector can give you the 20-100inch image that is most suited for use in the home. To make it easier to use, there are also buttons available on the top to operate it.
Anker Nebula Capsule Max is powered by Android 8.1. Now you can download or stream from your favorite streaming platforms like youtube and Netflix. You can also use it via the Nebula Connect app which can be installed on your phone.
It is time for the next best projector under $500 which is Projector WOWOTO H10. It is a 3D projector having 2Gb Ram and 16Gb disk space with 4500 lumens brightness. Now you can watch and enjoy 3D movies in your home. You don't have to go to cinemas anymore.
This has mind-blowing 45,000 hours long-lasting lamp lifespan as well as Advanced DLP technology. This best 4k projector under 500 supports 4K 1080p Full HD videos and images but will show you 1280x800 resolution on-screen and a maximum of 200 inches big screen.
Here we will guide you to buy the best project. So without any further delay, let's get started with the Top 10 Best Projector Under $500.
For More: Best Reviews for Products
Best Projector Under $500
1. ViewSonic 3600 Lumens XGA - 3600 Lumens
In the first position, the best budget projector is the ViewSonic 3600 Lumens XGA. This projector is unique because it contains some of advance visual features. This budget projector is best for use in educational institutes as well as in small business meetings.
This projector is a big screen projector having 120 inches projection from 13-feet 2-inches with amazing color accuracy. Its installation is a lot easier. You just have to set it up and plug it in. After setting it up, you can watch whatever you wanted to on this best video projector under 500.
ViewSonic 3600 Lumens XGA has long-lasting lamp life that can shine for up to 15,000 hours. This projector is versatile because it can work on every platform like on most media players, on PCs, Macs, and mobile devices. Additionally, it will provide you with faster frame-by-frame action due to its ultra-low 16ms input latency.
Key features
- 3600 Lumens
- 120 inches projection
- 15,000 hours of lamp life
- Workable on every platform
- Ultra-low 16ms input latency
Additional information
- Product Dimensions: 4.33 x 11.57 x 8.58 inches
- Item Weight: 4.85 pounds
- Manufacturer: ViewSonic
- ASIN: B071WPR7XK
- Item model number: PA503X
- For more information or to buy the product: ViewSonic 3600 Lumens XGA
2. Epson VS250 SVGA - 3,200 Lumens
The next best projector under $500 is the Epson VS250 SVGA. You will get accurate and vivid clours after using this projector even in a well-lighted room due to its 3,200 lumen light. You'll get more accurate, vivid colour, even in well-lit. This is almost a silent projector having 28dB in ECO mode and 37dB in digital mode.
The resolution of this projector is 800 x 600 with a projected distance of 30 inches to 350 inches. It is best for presentations in offices, schools and watching movies at home.
Epson VS250 SVGA is the most suited product if you wanted to use it for presentation purposes. This best movie projector under 500 is also a versatile projector that can be connected to any kind of device like PC, Mac, laptops, and other media players.
Key features
- 800 x 600 resolution
- ECO mode
- Low voice
- The projected distance of 30 inches to 350 inches
- Perfect for presentations
- 3,200 Lumens Color
Additional information
- Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 3.2 x 9.2 inches
- Item Weight: 5.3 pounds
- Manufacturer: Epson
- ASIN: B073P73RTZ
- Item model number: VS250
- For more information or to buy the product: Epson VS250 SVGA
Read Also: Top 10 Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker
3. BenQ MH535FHD 1080P Home Theater Projector
Our next pick for the best HD projector under 500 is the BenQ MH535FHD 1080P home theatre projector having 1080p 3D clear image quality. It is best for use in the home to make your own home a cinema theatre. You can now play games with supreme user experience due to its low lag technology specially designed for fast input response while gaming.
Due to its more than 3600 lumens, it is best for use in even bright light. Additionally, this is one of the best 1080p projector under 500 has a high native contrast ratio that will give you higher dynamic contrast image quality. Its projector lamp is designed to have more than 10,000 hours of life.
The installation of the BenQ MH535FHD 1080P home theatre projector is too easy due to its vertical keystone correction and 1.2x zoom. Furthermore, this best projector for home has DLP Technology, the most used technology in modern cinemas and digital IMAX theatres.
Key features
- 1080p 3D clear image quality
- 3600 lumens
- The projector lamp has 10,000 hours of life
- 1.2x zoom
- DLP Technology
Additional information
- Product Dimensions: 13.09 x 3.9 x 9.5 inches
- Item Weight: 5.3 pounds
- Manufacturer: BenQ
- ASIN: B07MV524ZD
- Item model number: MH535FHD
- For more information or to buy the product: BenQ MH535FHD 1080P Home Theater Projector
4. BenQ MW535A 1080p - 3600 Lumens
Next, the best projector under 500$ is the BenQ MW535A having 1080p image quality and a widescreen projection. It is capable of projecting a 120inches big image from 13ft-2inches while having a contrast ratio of 15,000:1.
With having 3600 lumens colors, this is the best choice for home and office use. It might not be best for home theatre but is most suitable for presentations in offices, schools, and colleges. It has a total number of three retractable adjustment feet, vertical keystone, and 1.2X zoom that will help you in setting this projector quickly.
BenQ MW535A 1080p is powered with two HDMI, two VGA, and audio in/out ports for flexible connectivity with other devices like PC, laptops, etc. The lamp life is more than 15,000 hours with additional 3-year limited parts and labour warranty. This projector can be the best home theatre projector under 500.
Key features
- 15,000:1 contrast ratio
- Best home theatre projectors under 500
- 1080p image quality
- Adjustable feet, vertical keystone, and 1.2X zoom
- Widescreen projection
- 15,000 hours of lamp life
Additional information
- Product Dimensions: 13.1 x 8.4 x 3.9 inches
- Item Weight: 5.24 pounds
- Manufacturer: BenQ
- ASIN: B07DW1GFB2
- Item model number: MW535A
- For more information or to buy the product: BenQ MW535A 1080p
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5. ViewSonic PJD5255 - 3300 Lumens
ViewSonic PJD5255 is the second one from the manufacturer ViewSonic. This is very much like the previous product but has enhanced, advances, and upgraded features. With its advanced and versatile features, it is best for education and office environments.
ViewSonic PJD5255 has a big-screen projection of 120 inches from 15-feet 8-inches. The remarkable feature that makes this product elite as compared to the previous one is the amazing 3300 lumens colours as well as the 1024 x 768 resolution display.
The controls and setup are simple and easy to understand. Just plug in it and give your presentation in the office or class. Furthermore, it has Dynamic Eco-Mode due to which its lamp has 10,000 hours lifespan.
Key features
- 1024 x 768 resolution display
- 3300 lumens colours
- Dynamic Eco-Mode
- 10,000 hours lifespan
- Easy to use
- Flexible connectivity
Additional information
- Product Dimensions: 8.98 x 12.44 x 4.08 inches
- Item Weight: 4.63 pounds
- Manufacturer: ViewSonic
- ASIN: B00SFJ9MR0
- Item model number: PJD5255
- For more information or to buy the product: ViewSonic PJD5255
6. Optoma S316 - 3200 Lumens
Here comes the next best projector under $500 the Optoma S316. It is a DLP projector with superior lamp life and an HDMI port. This is a powerful projector having 3200-lumen bright images that will give you bright and shining images while in external light. Additionally, it also has an extraordinary contrast ratio of 20,000:1.
Optoma S316 is an outstanding product for use in schools, colleges, and offices due to its rich image quality, outstanding brightness, and colour accuracy. Furthermore, its lamp has a low operating cost with up to 10,000 hours of lamp life.
Other features like Full 3D compatibility, Rapid Shutdown, Quick Resume, Direct Power On, Auto Power Off, VGA dongle, etc. are also available.
Key features
- 3200-lumen colours
- Contrast ratio of 20,000:1
- 10,000 hours of lamp life
- A lot of other features
- DLP Projector
- Best for schools, colleges, and offices
Additional information
- Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 12.4 x 4 inches
- Item Weight: 5.2 pounds
- Manufacturer: OPTOMA TECHNOLOGY
- ASIN: B00J4E97U2
- Item model number: S316
- For more information or to buy the product: Optoma S316
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7. XGIMI MOGO Pro - 300 ANSI Lumens
Here comes something different. XGIMI MOGO Pro is one of the best portable projectors under $500 having 1080p HD image quality with powerful sound standards. It has 300 ANSI lumens brightness, but we won't recommend you to use it in bright light. It also has 2x3W Harman-Kardon speakers for the best sound experience.
This product can be used as a Bluetooth speaker via Bluetooth or a 3.5mm audio cable. This projector is compact and powered with a 10,400 mAh built-in battery that is enough to ensure its portability.
XGIMI MOGO Pro has built-in official Android TV 9.0. With this upgradable software, you can download more than 5000+ apps directly from Google Play Store. You can search for anything with the help of Google Assistant. With enough 30,000 hours of LED lifespan, you can enjoy big-screen movies, films, etc. with your family and friends.
Key features
- 1080p HD images quality
- 300 ANSI lumens colours
- Can be used as a Bluetooth speaker
- Powerful 2x3W Harman-Kardon
- 10,400 mAh built-in battery
- 30,000 hours LED lifespan
- Official Android TV 9.0
Additional information
- Product Dimensions: 5.71 x 4.13 x 3.78 inches
- Item Weight: 1.98 pounds
- Manufacturer: XGIMI
- ASIN: B08145121K
- Item model number: MGP88
- For more information or to buy the product: XGIMI MOGO Pro
8. Anker Nebula Capsule Max - 200-ANSI Lumen
Here comes another one of the best portable projectors under $500. It has cutting-edge DLP technology with 720p high-quality image resolution. It has fewer 200-ANSI lumen colours as compared to the previous one but has other extra features to encounter this drawback.
Due to its autofocus and keystoning technology, you will get clearer and sharp images on the screen. This HD projector can give you the 20-100inch image that is most suited for use in the home. To make it easier to use, there are also buttons available on the top to operate it.
Anker Nebula Capsule Max is powered by Android 8.1. Now you can download or stream from your favorite streaming platforms like youtube and Netflix. You can also use it via the Nebula Connect app which can be installed on your phone.
Key features
- Cutting-edge DLP technology
- 720p high-quality resolution
- 200-ANSI lumen
- 20-100-inch image size
- Android 8.1
- Can operate through Nebula Connect app
- Portable and compact
Additional information
- Product Dimensions: 3.15 x 3.15 x 5.91 inches
- Item Weight: 1.6 pounds
- Manufacturer: Anker
- ASIN: B07TF834PT
- Item model number: AK-D2423111
- For more information or to buy the product: Anker Nebula Capsule Max
Read Also: Top 10 Best Webcam For Zoom Meetings
9. Projector WOWOTO H10 - 4500 Lumens
It is time for the next best projector under $500 which is Projector WOWOTO H10. It is a 3D projector having 2Gb Ram and 16Gb disk space with 4500 lumens brightness. Now you can watch and enjoy 3D movies in your home. You don't have to go to cinemas anymore.
This has mind-blowing 45,000 hours long-lasting lamp lifespan as well as Advanced DLP technology. This best 4k projector under 500 supports 4K 1080p Full HD videos and images but will show you 1280x800 resolution on-screen and a maximum of 200 inches big screen.
Projector WOWOTO H10 can be connected to your devices not only HDMI but also through wifi. You just have to connect your device with the projector to the same wifi network, it will work just fine with the help of third-party apps like Miracast. With the 6.0 Android feature, you can enjoy videos and streams.
Key features
- 3D projector
- 2Gb Ram + 16Gb
- 4500 lumens brightness
- 1280x800 resolution
- 200inches big screen
- 6.0 Android
- Wifi-enabled
Additional information
- Product Dimensions: 6 x 4.72 x 1.22 inches
- Item Weight: 1.1 pounds
- Manufacturer: WOWOTO
- ASIN: B07RR8CWQZ
- For more information or to buy the product: Projector WOWOTO H10
10. Optoma X343 XGA - 3,600 Lumens
Finally, we have the Optoma X343 XGA as one of the best projectors under £500 on our list. It is specially designed for use in offices, meeting rooms, classrooms, and other small-medium-sized rooms. The picture resolution that this projector has is the XGA 1024x768 resolution with a contrast ratio of 22,000:1.
You can now have the incredible 3,600 lumens brightness with 15,000 hours of lamp life. This best budget gaming projector has an integrated 10-watt built-in speaker for presentations in a small room. You don't need to buy external speakers if you're going to use them in a small place.
Optoma X343 XGA has a wide range of connectivity options including HDMI, VGA-In, VGA-out, Composite Video, USB-A, Audio-In, etc. Furthermore, its installation is easy due to vertical keystone correction and a 1.1x zoom.
Key features
- Small size
- 3,600 Lumens Colors
- Contrast ratio of 22,000:1
- XGA 1024x768 resolution
- 15,000 hours of lamp life
- Wide range of connectivity options
Additional information
- Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 12.4 x 3.9 inches
- Item Weight: 6.7 pounds
- Manufacturer: OPTOMA TECHNOLOGY
- ASIN: B07FZSRVWV
- Item model number: X343
- For more information or to buy the product: Optoma X343 XGA
For More: Best Buyer's Guide
What to see before buying Best Projector Under $500
Application of the Projector
It is necessary to consider the application of the projector before buying the best projector for yourself.Home Theater Projectors are best if you want a projector for your home to watch videos and stream. Multimedia cheap projectors are most suited if you need a projector that will work in offices and classrooms. Ultra-portable pocket projectors are also available in the market so that you'll be able to carry them anywhere.
Projection Type
You have to choose b/w LCD and DLP while considering the best projector. DLP projector's chips are sealed to save themselves from dust and debris, giving off a prism effect. That's the reason these projectors need less maintenance.LCD projectors' screens can burn out or create motion blur due to which they need more maintenance. But LCD projectors are less in price compared to DLP projectors
It is an important factor if you wanted to have a cinematic experience, but it won't be necessary if the projector is going to use in daylight or in a well-lighted room.
We've tried our best to give the best projectors under 500 dollars, but the prices may change after some time. Currently, all of them are under $500. The best projector under $500 that we've discussed earlier are:
Resolution
You have to check the resolution of the projector that you're going to buy because it is one of the most important factors. With only the $500 range you can't buy a 4K projector, but there are a lot of 720p and 1080p projectors on the list that you can buy with this budget.Contrast Ratio
The contrast ratio is the difference between the brightest and darkest parts of a picture. You should buy the projector with the most contrast ratio. The ideal range ratio is 10,000:1, but you can go for the higher one. Please don't buy a projector that has a contrast ratio lower than 5000:1.It is an important factor if you wanted to have a cinematic experience, but it won't be necessary if the projector is going to use in daylight or in a well-lighted room.
Lumens
Lumens is another necessary factor before buying the best projector under 500. It would be best if you use 3000-4000 range lumens. 1500 lumens is also not a bad choice. After all, you're buying a projector with a limited budget.Image Size
It is also worth considering factors before buying a projector. You should buy the one that suited you the most. If you're going to use a projector outdoors, then you must need the one that will project a large size image, but in the case of indoor use, you don't actually need a large-size image.Lamp Life
It is truly another must-seeing factor before buying a projector. The lamp replacement is going to cost you too much, so you need to have a projector that has at least 10,000 hours of lifespan.Budget
Here comes the last and most important thing. All these projectors are under $500, so you know what are you buying and how much you're going to spend. But I suggest you buy the one with the most features and functionalities at a minimum cost.FAQ
Which Projector will be best for Home purposes under $500?
We've told you about various projectors in the list that are solely for home use. You can click on the links and can check further information about the product.How much should I spend on projectors?
It totally depends upon you. If you're going to use the projector outdoors, then your budget should be $500 to $1000. But in the case of indoor use, $500 should be enough.Can I expect a 4K projector for under $500?
No, you can't. 4K projectors are expensive and can't be bought for under $500. If you wanted to buy one with a 4K resolution, then you must increase your budget.How many Lumens is enough for a projector?
It would be best if you use 3000-4000 range lumens. 1500 lumens is also not a bad choice. But don't go with the one that has lumens less than 1000. There are some of the projectors in the list having 200-300 ANSI lumen. Don't worry one ANSI lumen is equal to seven ordinary lumens.Conclusion
So this is the list of best projectors under $500. This is not a ranked list, so don't get the wrong idea. The list contains the best projectors available in the market. If you're interested in buying a projector, then we've also provided the links from where you can buy these products.We've tried our best to give the best projectors under 500 dollars, but the prices may change after some time. Currently, all of them are under $500. The best projector under $500 that we've discussed earlier are:
- ViewSonic 3600 Lumens XGA
- Epson VS250 SVGA
- BenQ MH535FHD 1080P Home Theater Projector
- BenQ MW535A 1080p
- ViewSonic PJD5255
- Optoma S316
- XGIMI MOGO Pro
- Anker Nebula Capsule Max
- Projector WOWOTO H10
- Optoma X343 XGA