Top 10 Best Projectors under $500 in 2023 – [Newest Models]

Are you looking for the best projectors under 500 dollar or do want to replace your existing one with a new budget projector?

Projectors are used for a lot of things such as presentations, watching movies, and gaming. There are many projectors in the market, but not all of them are worth the investment. You might be wondering if there is a way to find out which projectors are good for you, and which ones are not.

The answer to this question is yes. We’ve compiled a list of the best projectors under $500 in 2023 to help you make an informed decision. You can also check out reviews and guides for more information on what the best projector is for you.

To create this list, we’ve gone through all home projectors available in the market and narrowed down some best projectors that will give the best value for your hard-earned money. All these devices come with full HD resolution which allows you to enjoy high-quality pictures on the screen for movies, games, or other activities.

Image	Product	Ratings	Price
Best Choice	ViewSonic PA503W Resolution – 1280 x 800 Throw Ratio – 1.55~1.70 Contrast Ratio – 22,000:1 Brightness – 3,600 Lumens	9.8	Check on Amazon
Best for Offices & Classroom	Optoma X400LVe XGA Resolution – 1280 x 800 Throw Ratio – 1.94 ~ 2.15:1 Contrast Ratio – 25,000:1 Brightness – 3,600 Lumens	9.5	Check on Amazon
Best Portable	Anker NEBULA Capsule Max Mini Projector Resolution – 1280 x 720 Projection Size – 20-100 inch Video Playtime – 4 hours Brightness – 200 ANSI Lumen	9.7	Check on Amazon
Best 3LCD Portable	Epson Home Cinema 880 3LCD Projector Resolution – 1920 × 1080 Throw Ratio – 1.21:1 (D: W) Contrast Ratio – 16,000:1 Brightness – 3,300 Lumens	9.7	Check on Amazon
Best for Movies & Gaming	Optoma HD146X Projector Resolution – 1920 x 1080 Throw Distance – 120" @13–14 feet Contrast Ratio – 500,000:1 Brightness – 3,600 Lumens	9.8	Check on Amazon
Budget Choice	FANGOR F-701 1080P Projector Resolution – 1920×1080 Projection Size – 35″-300" Contrast Ratio – 10000:1 Image Brightness – 8500L (200-300 ANSI estimated)	9.5	Check on Amazon
Gamer's Choice	ViewSonic 1080p Projector (PX700HD) Resolution – 1920×1080 Throw Ratio – 1.5 – 1.65 Contrast Ratio – 12,000:1 Brightness – 3,500 Lumens	9.7	Check on Amazon
Best Mini	PIQO Smallest HD Projector Resolution – 1920×1080 Max projection range – 240 inch Operating system – Android Brightness – 200 Lumens	9.8	Check on PIQO
Budget Pick	YABER 5G WiFi Bluetooth Projector Resolution – 1920x1080 Projection Size - 45-300" Contrast Ratio – 10,000:1 Brightness – 9,500 Lumens	9.6	Check on Amazon
Best for Outdoor Movies	DBPOWER Native 1080P WiFi Projector Resolution – 1920×1080 Projection size – 40″-300″ Contrast ratio – 10000:1 Brightness – 8500 Lumens	9.6	Check on Amazon

Before buying a projector, it is important that you research each company and read reviews about their product. To help you out, here’re a few things you need to know to before buying a projector.

Buying Guide

When buying a projector under $500, there are several important factors to consider to ensure that you get the best value for your money. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

1. Purpose: Consider what you will be using the projector for. Will you be using it for home theater, gaming, or presentations? Different types of projectors are optimized for different uses, so make sure to choose one that suits your needs.
2. Room size and lighting: Consider the size of the room where the projector will be used and the amount of ambient light in the room. A brighter projector may be necessary if the room is well-lit or if you plan to use it during the daytime. On the other hand, a lower brightness rating may be sufficient if the room is smaller or if you plan to use the projector in a darker environment.
3. Resolution: Consider the resolution of the projector. Higher resolution means clearer and more detailed images. Look for a projector with at least 720p resolution. If you want even better image quality, look for a 1080p or 4K resolution projector, but expect to pay more.
4. Brightness: Projector brightness is measured in lumens, with higher lumens indicating a brighter image. For a projector under $500, look for a brightness rating of at least 2000 lumens. This will ensure that the image is clear and bright, even in a well-lit room. If you plan to use the projector in a darker room, a lower brightness rating may suffice.
5. Contrast ratio: Consider the contrast ratio of the projector. A higher contrast ratio means that the colors are more vibrant and the blacks are deeper. For this budget range, you should look for a projector with a contrast ratio of at least 2000:1.
6. Lamp life: The lamp life of a projector is an important factor to consider before buying because it affects the lifespan and maintenance cost of the projector. Choose a model with a lamp life of at least 10,000 hours to ensure that you get plenty of use out of it.
7. Portability: Consider the size and weight of the projector if you plan to move it around frequently. Look for a projector that is compact and lightweight if you plan to use it for presentations or move it between rooms.
8. Brand reputation: Choose a reputable brand with a good track record for producing quality projectors. You should always look for customer reviews and ratings to get an idea of the performance and reliability of different models. Some popular brands for projectors under $500 include ViewSonic, Epson, and Optoma.

Best Projectors Under 500 Dollars in 2023

1. ViewSonic PA503W Best Choice – Latest Model

• Resolution – 1280 x 800
• Throw Ratio – 1.55~1.70
• Contrast Ratio – 22,000:1
• Image Brightness (Lumens) – 3,600
• Display Technology – DLP
• Connectivity – HDMI, VGA, Composite Video

ViewSonic PA503W is one of the most versatile projectors with many advanced visual features making it ideal for education and small business environments. The projector offers a long lamp life which maximizes your view time for up to 15,000 hours.

One of the standout features of the ViewSonic PA503W is its high resolution. With a native resolution of 1280×800, this projector produces clear, crisp images with vibrant colors. This resolution is perfect for displaying presentations, photos, and videos in both small and large rooms.

Another great feature of the PA503W is its brightness. With a rating of 3600 lumens, this projector is capable of producing bright and vivid images even in well-lit rooms. This makes it a great option for use in classrooms, conference rooms, and other settings where bright lighting is a concern.

The ViewSonic PA503W also offers a range of connectivity options. It features HDMI, VGA, and composite inputs, allowing you to easily connect your devices and display your content. It also includes a USB port, which can be used to display multimedia content directly from a USB drive.

Setup and installation of the PA503W are easy and straightforward. The projector comes with a quick-start guide that provides step-by-step instructions for getting it up and running. The on-screen menu system is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it easy to adjust the settings and configure the projector to your liking.

Overall, the ViewSonic PA503W projector is an excellent option for anyone looking for a high-quality, versatile projector at an affordable price. With its high resolution, bright output, and range of connectivity options, it is perfect for both home and office use. Additionally, the projector comes with a 3-year limited warranty for protection against defects or issues.

2. Optoma X400LVe XGA Projector

• Resolution – 1280 x 800
• Throw Ratio  – 1.94 ~ 2.15:1
• Contrast Ratio – 25,000:1
• Image Brightness (Lumens) – 4000
• Lamp Life – Up to 15,000 hours
• Connectivity – Wireless, HDMI, MHL, USB

The Optoma X400LVe XGA Projector is the best budget projector that is ideal for use in classrooms, and conference rooms. With its bright output, advanced connectivity options, and versatile features, this projector is a top choice for those who need a high-quality projector for presentations and events.

One of the standout features of the Optoma X400LVe is its high brightness output. With a rating of 4000 lumens, this projector is capable of producing bright, vivid images even in large, well-lit rooms.

The X400LVe also features a high resolution of 1280×800 XGA resolution which is ideal for projecting everyday presentations and graphics. The contrast ratio of 25,000:1 ensures that the images are sharp and well-defined, even in low-light conditions.

The projector also includes an eco mode, which reduces the brightness and power consumption of the projector, resulting in longer lamp life and lower energy costs.

Another great feature of the X400LVe is its advanced connectivity options. It features HDMI, VGA, and composite inputs, allowing you to easily connect a variety of devices and display your content.

This business projector has DLP display technology which gives 3 times higher color brightness and 3 times wider color gamut. Its 10-watt built-in speaker makes it loud enough for small-to-medium classrooms and meeting rooms.

If you want to buy a projector for movies, sports, and gaming but running on a tight budget then Optoma X400LVe is one of the top-rated projectors within $500 budget for you.

3. Anker Nebula Capsule Max – Best Mini Projector For Camping

• Resolution – 1280 x 720
• Projection Size – 20-100 inch
• Video Playtime – 4 hours
• Image Brightness (Lumens) – 200 ANSI lumen
• Display Technology – DLP
• Connectivity – HDMI, USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Screen Mirroring

This mini projector from Anker Nebula is another great movie projector under 500 dollars with high-end specifications. With its small size and powerful features, this projector provides an excellent viewing experience in a wide range of settings.

One of the standout features of the Nebula Capsule Max is its portability. It measures just 3.14 inches in diameter and 6.94 inches in height, making it easy to take with you wherever you go. Its lightweight design and built-in rechargeable battery also make it perfect for outdoor entertainment, such as camping trips or backyard movie nights.

Despite its small size, the Nebula Capsule Max produces a high-quality image. With a resolution of 720p and a brightness rating of 200 ANSI lumens, it produces clear, bright images with vibrant colors. It also features automatic focus and keystone correction, which ensures that the image is always crisp and well-defined, regardless of the viewing angle.

The Capsule Max is featured a built-in 8W speaker that gives you immersive audio for heightened cinematic immersion. For connectivity, this projector comes with HDMI, USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-fi connectivity so you can project all your media on the big screen.

With autofocus and keystoning technology, the projector delivers an ultra-sharp image from almost any angle in under a second. The lamp life of the Capsule Max mini projector is up to 30,000 hours.

Overall, the Anker Nebula Capsule Max Mini Projector is an excellent option for anyone looking for a highly portable and versatile projector.

4. Epson Home Cinema 880 Best Projector for Home Theater

• Resolution – 1920×1080 (FHD 1080p)
• Throw Ratio – 1.21:1 (D: W)
• Contrast Ratio – Up to 16,000:1
• Image Brightness (Lumens) – 3,300
• Display Technology – 3LCD
• Connectivity – HDMI/Composite

Epson is one of the most trusted and popular brands when it comes to buying the best 3LCD projector for your work. The Epson Home Cinema 880 is one of the best business projectors as well as the best home theater projector under 500 bucks which delivers great quality at the budget price rate.

One of the standout features of the Epson Home Cinema 880 is its high resolution. It features a native resolution of 1920×1080, which allows for clear and detailed images. The projector also includes a dynamic contrast ratio of up to 16,000:1, ensuring that the images are sharp and well-defined, even in low-light conditions.

Another great feature of the Epson Home Cinema 880 is its high brightness output. With a rating of 3300 lumens, this projector is capable of producing bright and vivid images even in well-lit rooms. This makes it ideal for use in home theaters or living rooms, where lighting can be a challenge.

Another feature that I really appreciate about this projector is its advanced connectivity options. The HDMI and USB inputs make it easy to connect a variety of devices, while the Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to stream content directly from your smartphone or tablet. The built-in speaker system is also a nice touch, delivering high-quality sound that adds to the overall viewing experience.

I also appreciate that the Epson Home Cinema 880 is compatible with a variety of devices, including gaming consoles and Blu-ray players. And for those who enjoy 3D content, this projector supports it, providing an immersive viewing experience that’s hard to beat.

Finally, the lamp life of this projector is impressive, with up to 12,000 hours in eco-mode. This reduces the need for frequent lamp replacements, saving you money in the long run.

Overall, the Epson Home Cinema 880 projector is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a high-quality home theater projector under $500. Its advanced features, superior image quality, and ease of use make it an excellent investment that’s sure to enhance your home entertainment experience.

5. Optoma HD146X

• Resolution – 1080p (1920 x 1080)
• Throw Ratio  – 41.8″ – 305″
• Contrast Ratio – 500,000:1
• Image Brightness (Lumens) – 3,600
• Display Technology – DLP
• Connectivity – Wireless, HDMI, MHL, USB

Optoma HD146X is a dynamic and cost-effective Home Theater Projector that comes with many high-end features. It has a sleek and compact design that makes it easy to set up and use. It weighs just over 5 pounds, so it’s lightweight enough to move around as needed, but still feels sturdy and well-built.

First and foremost, the image quality of this projector is outstanding. With a native resolution of 1080p and a high contrast ratio of 500,000:1, the images are sharp, clear, and well-defined. The projector also has a high brightness output of 3,600 lumens, which makes it suitable for use in both dark and well-lit rooms.

With up to 15,000 hours of lamp life in dynamic mode, you can enjoy high-quality viewing for years to come without having to worry about frequently replacing the lamp.

The Optoma HD146X has a variety of connectivity options, including HDMI and USB inputs, which also make it easy to connect a variety of devices, while the built-in speaker system delivers clear and powerful sound.

One potential downside of this projector is that it doesn’t have a lens shift or zoom feature, which could limit its placement options. Additionally, some users may find the fan noise to be a bit loud during operation, but this is a common issue with many projectors.

With DLP technology, this projector is great for gaming platforms including Xbox One, PS4, and Sky3D.

Overall, If you’re looking for a reliable and high-performing best projector under $500 for your home theater, the Optoma HD146X is definitely worth considering.

6. FANGOR F-701 1080P Projector

• Resolution – 1920×1080
• Projection Size – 35″-300″ Inches
• Contrast Ratio – 10000:1
• Image Brightness – 8500L (200-300 ANSI estimated)
• Lamp Life – 100,000 hours
• Connectivity – HDMI x 2 (Shared MHL)

FANGOR F-701 is a DLP projector that offers many high-end features under $500 price range. The projector comes with a sleek and lightweight design of anti-dust, lower noise, and a cooling system. The build quality feels solid and sturdy, which gives me confidence that it can handle regular use without any issues.

The FANGOR F-701 boasts a resolution of 1080p, which means it delivers sharp and clear images that are perfect for watching movies, TV shows, and gaming.

The high contrast ratio of 10000:1 gives you fine details in dark and bright scenes without washout. The brightness of 6000 lumens ensures that the projector works well in well-lit rooms.

The FANGOR F-701 projector comes with a wide range of connectivity options, including HDMI, VGA, USB, and AV inputs. This makes it easy to connect to a variety of devices such as laptops, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. The built-in stereo surround 2*5W speakers deliver clear and powerful sound, eliminating the need for external speakers.

Setting up the FANGOR F-701 projector is easy, thanks to its intuitive on-screen menu system and easy-to-use remote control. The projector also has ±45° keystone correction that helps in achieving a perfect image alignment. The fan noise is reduced to an acceptable level, which means you can enjoy your movies without any distractions.

With this projector, you can maximize big-screen thrills in minimum space as it requires mere 9.8 feet to project stunning 300” images. As this projector is based on LED technology, you won’t have to worry about buying pricey replacement light bulbs as well.

The FANGOR F-701 projector is priced affordably, making it an excellent option for anyone looking for a high-quality projector on a budget.

7. ViewSonic PX700HD Best Projector For Gaming

• Resolution – 1920×1080
• Throw Ratio – 1.5 – 1.65
• Contrast Ratio – 12,000:1
• Image Brightness (Lumens) – 3,500
• Display Technology – DLP
• Connectivity – HDMI, USB 2.0 Type A, Mini USB Type B

The ViewSonic PX700HD is an impressive home entertainment projector that is designed to deliver the exceptional image quality and a range of features to enhance your viewing experience.

The projector boasts a sleek and modern design that looks great in any living room or home theater. The build quality is solid, ensuring that the projector can withstand regular use without any issues.

Additionally, the projector features Full HD 1080p resolution and a high contrast ratio of 12,000:1, which delivers vibrant colors and crisp, detailed images. Whether you’re playing your favorite games, watching movies, or giving a presentation, the PX700HD projector is a reliable and versatile choice.

With an impressive brightness of 3500 lumens, the projector can display clear and vivid images even in well-lit rooms. It also features an exclusive SuperColor technology that offers a wide color gamut for beautiful image production in nearly any environment.

The PX700HD projector is designed with gamers in mind and has a reduced input latency of just 16ms so you can enjoy smooth and responsive gameplay without any noticeable delay or lag.

It has a long lamp life which can shine brightly for up to 15,000 hours with less power consumption. For connectivity, it supports 2 HDMI inputs and can be powered by a USB cable plugged into the USB A port.

With a user-friendly design, advanced connectivity options, and ease of use, the ViewSonic PX700 is an ideal home theater projector for gaming as well as for watching movies.

8. PIQO – Most Powerful Portable Projector

• Resolution – 1920×1080
• Max projection range – 240 inch
• Operating system – Android
• Image Brightness (Lumens) – 200
• Net weight – 210g
• Connectivity – HDMI, USB, Headphone jack, Bluetooth

If you are looking for a portable projector that you can easily fit in your pocket, then the PIQO projector is the ultimate solution for your multimedia experience.

The projector is as portable and slim as an iPhone with a weight of just 210g, which means you can easily fit it in your pocket or purse. It can project up to a 240-inch screen so you can enjoy your personal home theater experience anytime, anywhere. Moreover, the projector offers 16GB of internal memory so you can access your media even when there’s no internet available.

Despite its small size, the PIQO projector boasts a high resolution of 1080p HD. This means that you can project high-quality images and videos onto any surface, from a wall to a ceiling, and enjoy crystal-clear visuals.

This projector is compatible with all devices and operating systems that let you cast the content from your mobile or WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI, or USB. Apart from this, PIQO offers an amazing 50 hours of music playback and 5 hours of video playtime on one charge of the music. The projector also has a headphone jack so you can plug your headphones in for solo enjoyment.

The PIQO projector also features built-in speakers, so you don’t have to worry about carrying around extra speakers or cables. The sound quality is impressive and can easily fill a room.

Furthermore, the projector has an automatic keystone correction feature that ensures that the projected image is always rectangular and aligned. This means you can project onto any surface, even if it’s not perfectly flat.

Overall, the PIQO projector is an excellent choice for those who want a high-quality, portable projector to buy under $500 budget range. Its small size and impressive features make it a great option for both personal and professional use.

9. YABER 5G WiFi Bluetooth Projector for Home Entertainment

• Resolution – 1920×1080
• Projection Size – 45-300″
• Contrast Ratio – 10,000:1
• Image Brightness (Lumens) – 9,500
• Aspect Ratio – 4:3/16:9/Auto
• Connectivity – HDMI, USB 2.0 Type A, Mini USB Type B

The YABER V6 projector is one of the best gaming projectors under 500 price range that boasts a range of impressive features. The projector features a native 1080P resolution, which means that it can deliver stunning, detailed images that are sharp and clear. It also supports 4K resolution input, which makes it ideal for watching movies or playing games.

The YABER V6 has a high brightness rating of 13000L, which makes it suitable for use in well-lit rooms or outdoors. It also has a high contrast ratio of 10000:1, which ensures brilliant picture quality with vibrant colors.

It features an innovative 4-Point Keystone Correction Function (±50° for four angles) that helps to adjust the image to the right size and shape. It also features a zoom function that allows you to adjust the image size without moving the projector.

The built-in HiFi 5W stereo speakers deliver clear and loud sound without distortion, providing an immersive audio experience. It also features advanced noise reduction technology, which keeps the noise level below 45dB even when the projector is in use.

The projector supports a variety of input options, including USB Type-A, USB Type mini B, HDMI, audio in and audio out, etc. It also has built-in dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to connect your smartphone, tablet, or laptop wirelessly.

Additionally, the projector has a lamp life of up to 100,000 hours, which means you can use it for years without needing to replace the lamp.

All in all, the YABER V6 is an excellent choice for those who want a high-quality, portable projector with impressive features.

10. DBPOWER RD828 – A Smart Portable Projector

• Resolution – 1920×1080
• Projection size – 40″-300″
• Contrast ratio – 10000:1
• Image Brightness (Lumens) – 8500
• Display Technology – DLP
• Connectivity – HDMI+USB/VGA/AV/TV BOX/DVD, Bluetooth & Wi-Fi connectivity

DBPOWER RD828 Projector is another extremely portable yet reliable home theater projector under a $500 price range. As far as the design of this projector is concerned, it has a fabric on top that gives it the feel of a modern speaker.

The projector supports 1080p and is capable of displaying a screen size of up to 300 inches. It also has a contrast ratio of 15,000:1 and can display up to 16.7 million colors, ensuring that the images projected are sharp and vibrant.

It offers 12000 lumen 450 ANSI brightness, makes it one of the best in its class, and delivers a crisp, sharp picture in any lighting condition.

The RD828 has built-in 5W speakers that provide decent sound quality. However, if you want a more immersive audio experience, you can connect external speakers via the 3.5mm audio jack or HDMI port.

The projector offers a long lamp life that is rated to last for 10,00,000 hours. It can produce a clear image with screen sizes between 40 to 300 inches. Furthermore, these mini projectors offer an innovative 4-point keystone correction to project ideally aligned images from a variety of locations.

Overall, the DBPOWER RD828 is a versatile projector that provides a bright and clear image, easy adjustment options, and a long lamp life. It’s a great choice for home entertainment enthusiasts who want a high-quality projector at an affordable price.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best inexpensive projector?

Of the ten best cheap projectors on this list, the Optoma S334e is certainly the brightest, with an equal 3,800 lumens. This projector is simply an excellent choice for business presentations boasting 1920 x 1080 pixels SVGA resolution.

2. Are cheap projectors any good?

There are plenty of cheap projector options available as low as $60 and are worth it for the price. However, if you’re planning to run HD movies or play moderate gaming, then we recommend you go for projectors for at least $500 or higher depending on your budget.

3. Are mini projectors worth buying?

The main advantage of having a mini projector is that it can be easily carried in a backpack or taken on a trip for a presentation. Usually, they don’t offer 4K resolution, but that won’t let you settle for low quality.

Many mini projectors come with versatile connectivity options such as USB, HDMI, Micro SD, Headphone Jack, Bluetooth & Wi-Fi connectivity. Some of these projectors (like the PIQO projector) run on the Android operating system.

4. Can a 500-dollar projector be used for gaming?

Yes, these projectors can be used for gaming. However, when choosing a projector for gaming, it’s important to consider factors such as input lag, refresh rate, and color accuracy. These factors can affect the overall gaming experience and can make a significant difference in fast-paced games.

5. Do inexpensive projectors come with a warranty?

Yes, many projectors under this price range come with a manufacturer’s warranty. The length and terms of the warranty may vary depending on the brand and model. Typically, warranties for these projectors range from 1 to 3 years.

6. Are there any budget projectors that are good for outdoor use?

Yes, there are many affordable projectors that are suitable for outdoor use. When choosing a projector for outdoor use, consider factors such as brightness, weather resistance, and portability.

Look for projectors with at least 2,000 lumens, an IP rating to protect against the elements, and a lightweight and portable design. Some of the best outdoor projectors include the YABER 5G and the DBPOWER Native 1080P WiFi Projector.

7. How long do cheap projectors typically last?

The lifespan of projectors can vary depending on various factors such as usage, maintenance, and quality of components. Typically, projectors can last anywhere from 2,000 to 10,000 hours of use.

Final Words

Finding the best projector under $500 can be a challenging task, but it’s not impossible. With a little research and knowing what features to look for, you can find a projector that suits your needs and budget.

We hope that our article has provided you with valuable insights into some of the best affordable projectors under $500 in 2023 available in the market. While they may not have all the advanced features of more expensive models, they can still provide an immersive and enjoyable viewing experience.

So, take your time to evaluate your options, do your research, and choose the projector that fits your needs and budget.

If you have any queries or suggestions about this review guide, let us know in the comments below!

You may like to check: 

• Top 10 Best Projectors Under $1000
• Top 10 Best Projectors Under $200
• Top 10 Best Gaming Projectors
• Top 10 Best 4K Projectors – From Cheapest to Most Expensive
• Top 10 Best Short Throw Projectors