Best projector: the best movie projectors for that cinematic feel at home

Everyone loves taking a trip to the movie theater, enjoying the big screen thrills that, even in a world of big-screen TVs, are hard to recreate at home. But there are plenty of less enjoyable things about it, too, such as sticky floors, the smell of nachos, and the chatter from the row behind.

The best projectors let you enjoy all the best parts of the movie theater in your own living room. As said, TVs are only getting larger and the latest technology more affordable, but you'll still need to spend thousands of dollars to get a cinema-sized screen at home. On the other hand, projectors are far more affordable and can give you huge images up to 300" on a screen or blank wall.

Many can also be used inside or outside, opening you up to outdoor movie nights in the summer and cozy winter evenings on the couch alike. If you're more interested in the former, you can learn more in our guide to the best outdoor projectors. And why not repurpose it for a work presentation or enjoy the big game with friends?

We've rounded up the best in this list, ranking projectors on price, resolution, sound quality, and smart features. Keep reading to see what we think and for more advice on choosing the best projector.

The best projectors in 2023

The Samsung Premiere is an excellent all-around projector with impressive in-built 40W speakers, 4K resolution with HDR10+, and voice control from Alexa and Google Assistant. It's also a great alternative to a traditional television set, with a TV tuner and Samsung's Tizen platform offering all of the streaming apps you'll need.

The Premiere is available with triple laser or single laser technology, with the latter being slightly less expensive. The downside is that the single laser will lack the color and brightness that the triple laser can offer, but that's really the only difference. 

Otherwise, Samsung's projector is clearly designed to be an all-in-one entertainment solution rather than something you take out of the cupboard on movie night. With 2800 lumens' brightness, it will be fine to use in lit rooms (though still much better in dark conditions), and the ultra-short throw means it can work in smaller spaces positioned closer to the wall. 

A portable option that can be used indoors or outdoors, the Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 Full HD Smart Projector is a compact, versatile projector perfect for those who want to use it for multiple purposes.

The device has built-in Android TV on board to make streaming as easy as it would be on a TV, and while the native resolution is Full HD, images up to 4K are supported. You also benefit from Google Assistant and Chromecast, so this is definitely one for those already tied into the Google ecosystem rather than Alexa households.

Epson claims that the projector's sound - for which it has partnered with Yamaha - that the EpiqVision Mini EF12 can be used as a standalone speaker. No matter what, the built-in sound is always good for those who don't want to contend with additional speakers or soundbars.

Lacking slightly in brightness, the BenQ HT2050A DLP projector is still a fantastic choice for those who want to boost their home cinema experience.

Keystone correction and a lens shift feature reduce issues with getting the perfect alignment, and 1080p native resolution (with support for much more besides) with a 15:000:1 contrast ratio means you're not compromising on image quality.

The projector comes with a 10W built-in speaker that will suit those who don't want to splash out on a surround sound system or soundbar, and we're also glad to note that BenQ promises the fan noise will reach no louder than 29dB. 

A great projector suitable for a wide range of uses at an affordable price point, the Vankyo Performance V630 boasts an ultra-long lamp life, 1080p HD resolution, and more than enough ports (HDMI, AV, VGA, USB, SD Card, Audio Out) to view whatever you want from consoles, streaming sticks and more.

The brightness and contrast suffer a little due to the price but with the projector able to produce good results from up to 30.8ft away, there's an added convenience for those who need to contend with crowded spaces. There's also an integrated speaker, though some reviewers claim this isn't up to much.

A genuinely portable projector, the Miroir Surge SYNQ Mini is small enough to pop in a handbag or briefcase when used out and about and to place on a coffee or side table when you want to enjoy movies or games at home. Making things even easier, a single charge will get you 3 hours of wireless use.

The brightness and contrast ratio means it will only be useful in dark settings, but it will support resolutions up to 1080p and has a 5W speaker built-in. It also has a good lamp life at 20,000 hours, so it won't burn out in a hurry—ideal for use at work and at home without lugging a huge device around.

Not just lightweight enough to carry around with you, the LG CineBeam PH550 projector also lets you enjoy without the usual tangle of wires with an in-built battery that will last for around 2.5 hours. With a native resolution of 720p, supporting everything up to 1080p, the fantastic contrast ratio ensures deep blacks and bright whites.

Unfortunately, the low brightness means it might not be the best option for use outside, but the portability still makes it ideal for taking with you on the go, like on a camping trip or to a friend's house. The image will stretch to 100", but you'll need to position the projector no further than 10ft from the screen for the best experience.

How to choose the best projector for your home