Projectors have revolutionized how we communicate and watch entertainment. Typically, they were found in a sophisticated office to carry out business presentations. But nowadays, you can find them in an average home where people seek a movie theater experience while on their couch. Most brands have evolved and allowed connectivity with just about every gadget we use.
If you’re hoping to join in on the experience, we can understand the initial anxiety. Where does one start especially if you’ve never bought one before? We have you covered. In this article, we’ll review the best projectors under 100 dollar, a fair price for those on a budget. As technology evolves, more people are beginning to appreciate the experience they can get from the comfort of their own homes.
We’ll also provide a buying guide so that you know what product specifications you should look out for. While we have given you ten suggestions, the ultimate choice rests with you. Read carefully as to what constitutes for a perfect home theater projector so that you can make an informed decision.
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Best Projectors Under $100 Reviews
PURSHE HI01 – Best for Image Quality
The PURSHE Mini Projector aims to provide an affordable, compact, and high-quality option for those who want to enjoy a cinematic experience from the comfort of their homes or while traveling. Let’s take a closer look at what this mini projector has to offer.
The PURSHE Mini Projector has gained popularity because of its lightweight, compact design, making it easy to transport. Its wide range of compatibility with devices such as TV sticks, laptops, and gaming consoles ensures users can enjoy entertainment on the go. Moreover, the vivid image quality and built-in speakers deliver an enhanced viewing experience.
Feature Highlights
Mini but Powerful Fun
Despite its size, the PURSHE Mini Projector packs a punch. Its upgraded LED projection technology ensures that images are 40% brighter than similar models, providing clarity whether used indoors or outdoors.
Brilliant Color and Sharp Image
The projector supports 1080P HD resolution and features 3LCD color calibration with 24-bit true color, offering more than 16.77 million colors. This provides a rich visual experience with vibrant and accurate colors.
Big Screen Size Experience
With a screen size that ranges from 33” to 180”, this mini projector turns any room into a personal cinema. The ±15° keystone correction allows you to adjust the angle and focus for the perfect picture.
Low Noise Heat Dissipation
The projector’s efficient heat dissipation system ensures a quieter performance compared to other models, allowing you to stay fully immersed in your movie without distraction.
Wide Compatibility
Equipped with HDMI, AV, and USB ports, the projector can easily connect to PCs, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. However, it does not support direct streaming from services like Netflix and Disney+ due to copyright restrictions.
Warranty & Service
PURSHE offers a one-year warranty on the projector, ensuring peace of mind for users. Their customer support is reliable, providing timely assistance when needed.
AuKing M8-F – Best for Quality
The AuKing 2024 Upgraded Projector brings cinema-like experiences to your living room or backyard with its impressive Full HD resolution, vibrant color reproduction, and a large projection screen. But does it live up to its promise of delivering a superior home theater experience? Let’s find out.
The AuKing 2024 Upgraded Projector has quickly gained popularity for its combination of affordability, high performance, and ease of use. Consumers are drawn to its compact size and portability, making it ideal for outdoor movie nights, camping trips, and even impromptu family gatherings. Unlike other projectors in its price range, the AuKing model provides sharp and vivid imagery, making it a standout choice.
Feature Highlights
1080P Full HD Resolution
The projector supports 1080P resolution, ensuring clear and detailed visuals, whether you’re watching a movie, playing games, or sharing photos.
200-inch Screen
With a projection size that reaches up to 200 inches, the AuKing projector delivers an immersive viewing experience that rivals traditional TVs.
Advanced Color Reproduction
Thanks to its latest color reproduction technology, every detail on the screen is restored with vibrancy, enhancing your viewing experience.
Long Bulb Life
The AuKing projector features a powerful cooling system that extends the LED lamp’s life to an impressive 55,000 hours, meaning you can enjoy over 15 years of use with normal daily operation.
Low Noise:
Thanks to advanced noise reduction technology, the fan noise is significantly reduced by 80%, making it less distracting during quiet scenes in movies or shows.
Multiple Device Compatibility:
With HDMI, VGA, AV, and USB inputs, this projector can be connected to a wide range of devices, including smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, and TV sticks.
Warranty & Service
The AuKing team offers Lifetime Technical Support for all their products. This is a huge plus for buyers looking for long-term reliability. Whether you encounter connectivity issues or have questions about the setup, the customer service team is ready to help.
HAPPRUN H1 – Best for Ease of Use
The HAPPRUN H1 projector is a top-tier option for those seeking a versatile and portable solution for both home and outdoor entertainment. With a native 1080P resolution, this projector guarantees sharper, clearer images that make watching movies and TV shows a visual delight.
The 10000:1 contrast ratio and high brightness levels enhance image quality, ensuring vivid colors and deep blacks for a more immersive experience.
People prefer the HAPPRUN H1 projector because of its portability and ability to deliver stunning visuals, even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. The ability to project a screen size from 40 to 200 inches makes it adaptable to various environments, from a cozy bedroom to a backyard party.
Its built-in Bluetooth 5.1 functionality allows users to connect to external speakers for an enhanced audio experience, while its compact size makes it easy to carry on outdoor trips.
Feature Highlights
Native 1080P Full HD Resolution
The projector delivers crisp, clear visuals that enhance your movie-watching experience. Whether you’re watching movies, playing video games, or giving presentations, the 1920×1080 resolution ensures excellent picture quality.
Bluetooth 5.1 & HiFi Stereo Speaker
With Bluetooth 5.1, you can connect your headphones, soundbar, or other audio devices wirelessly for immersive sound. Alternatively, the built-in stereo speakers provide good sound quality for smaller spaces.
Wired Smartphone Connection
Forget WiFi interruptions during your movie nights! The wired connection via HDMI ensures smooth and stable playback, even when you’re on the go.
40″ – 200″ Projection Size
This projector is flexible enough for any room size or outdoor setting, making it ideal for everything from small bedrooms to large backyards.
Multiple Device Compatibility
The projector offers several connectivity options, including HDMI, USB, and 3.5mm jacks, making it compatible with devices like Fire TV Stick, laptops, smartphones, PS5, and more.
Additional Features
The HAPPRUN H1 projector stands out with its 15° keystone correction, which makes adjusting the screen angle a breeze. Plus, the 50% zoom function lets you resize the screen without moving the projector. These features make it easy to set up and optimize your viewing experience in any location.
Warranty & Service
The HAPPRUN H1 projector comes with a one-year limited warranty, covering manufacturing defects and offering technical support. The brand is known for its responsive customer service, ensuring that any issues are resolved promptly.
Pericat PJ108
Looking for a high-performance projector that suits both indoor and outdoor entertainment? The Pericat PJ108 WiFi Projector might just be what you need.
Combining the latest projection technology, stunning image quality, powerful audio, and versatile connectivity options, this projector is designed to elevate your movie nights, gaming sessions, and family gatherings to a whole new level.
Let’s dive into the details and discover why the Pericat PJ108 is quickly becoming a favorite for home and outdoor entertainment.
People prefer the Pericat PJ108 WiFi Projector for its combination of high-quality visuals, powerful audio, and versatile installation options. Whether you’re setting it up on a tripod, ceiling, or simply placing it on a table, this projector adapts to your needs.
Its portability makes it perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, providing a top-tier cinematic experience wherever you go.
Feature Highlights
Native 1080P Full HD Resolution & 13000 Lumens Brightness
The Pericat PJ108 delivers stunningly clear and bright images, making it perfect for movies, gaming, and even presentations. With a native 1080P resolution and an impressive 13000 lumens brightness, every detail on the screen is crisp and vibrant, even in well-lit environments.
Built-in 15W HiFi Speaker & 300” Giant Display
Equipped with powerful 15W built-in speakers, the PJ108 provides clear and rich audio, making it a great choice for outdoor movie nights without needing external speakers. The projector also offers a giant 300-inch display, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in movies and games.
Dual-Band WiFi & Bluetooth 5.3
The dual-band WiFi ensures a stable and fast connection for streaming and gaming, while the Bluetooth 5.3 technology allows you to connect wireless headsets or speakers for an enhanced audio experience.
Compact and Portable Design
Weighing just 0.634 ounces and with compact dimensions, the PJ108 is highly portable, making it easy to carry around for outdoor movie nights, family gatherings, or camping trips.
Advanced Cooling System & Low Noise Operation
The built-in cooling system helps prevent overheating during extended use, and the projector operates quietly, ensuring that your movie or gaming session is not disrupted by loud fan noises.
Multiple Installation Options
The projector can be easily mounted on a tripod, ceiling, or placed on a table.
Multimedia Compatibility
Compatible with TV sticks, gaming consoles, laptops, smartphones, and more through HDMI, USB, and AV ports.
Keystone Correction
±15° keystone correction helps adjust the screen to the perfect angle.
Zoom Function
50-100% zoom allows easy adjustment of screen size without moving the projector.
Warranty & Service
Pericat offers a lifetime service warranty with 24/7 customer support. If you encounter any issues, their dedicated customer service team is available to assist with troubleshooting and product support.
TMY V08 – Best Value for Money
The TMY V08 Projector stands out as a budget-friendly option packed with premium features such as upgraded 1080P HD resolution, Bluetooth 5.1 technology, and a portable projector screen included. Whether you enjoy movies, gaming, or TV shows, the TMY V08 offers an immersive viewing experience in a compact and portable design.
The TMY V08 Projector has gained popularity due to its incredible value for money. It brings premium features like full HD support, Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity, and a built-in speaker, all while remaining compact and affordable.
This projector is perfect for families, movie buffs, and gamers who want a large-screen experience without breaking the bank.
Feature Highlights
1080P HD Resolution Support
The TMY V08 Projector is designed to provide crisp and clear visuals with 1080P HD resolution support. While the projector’s native resolution is 720P (1280×720), it can process and project content at a higher resolution, up to 1080P.
This means that even though it doesn’t display true 1080P natively, it still delivers a significant improvement over lower-resolution projectors. The result is a vibrant and dynamic picture, perfect for movies, gaming, and presentations, with clear details and rich colors.
Bluetooth 5.2 Technology
The TMY V08 Projector is equipped with the latest Bluetooth 5.2 technology, which provides significant improvements in wireless connectivity and audio performance.
Compared to previous versions, Bluetooth 5.2 offers faster pairing, increased connection stability, and lower power consumption. These enhancements ensure a more reliable and seamless wireless experience when connecting external audio devices such as Bluetooth speakers or headphones.
Portable and Lightweight Design
One of the standout features of the TMY V08 Projector is its portability. Weighing just 3.05 pounds and with compact dimensions (7.48 x 3.78 x 2.83 inches), this projector is designed for easy transport and setup.
Whether you want to set it up in your living room, take it to a friend’s house for a movie night, or use it outdoors for a backyard cinema experience, the lightweight and compact design make it hassle-free to move around.
Included 80″ Projector Screen
The TMY V08 Projector comes bundled with an 80″ projector screen, which is a significant advantage over many competitors. The screen is portable, foldable, anti-wrinkle, and easy to clean.
It’s specifically designed to enhance the picture quality by offering a wide viewing angle and improved image contrast. The size is perfect for creating a home theater setup, and the screen can be used both indoors and outdoors, providing versatility for different settings.
Digital Keystone Correction
The Digital Keystone Correction feature allows you to adjust the projector’s image to ensure it is perfectly aligned, even when the projector is not placed at the ideal angle.
This feature helps to eliminate image distortion caused by tilting or uneven surfaces, ensuring you get a rectangular, properly proportioned display. It makes the setup process quicker and easier, as you don’t have to worry as much about the exact positioning of the projector.
Built-In Cooling System
The TMY V08 Projector comes with an efficient built-in cooling system that prevents overheating, even during long movie marathons or extended gaming sessions.
The cooling system is designed to maintain optimal performance by keeping the projector’s internal components at a stable temperature. It also helps to extend the lifespan of the projector’s lamp, ensuring consistent brightness over time.
Extensive Connectivity Options
The projector offers a wide range of connectivity options, making it highly versatile. It includes:
- HDMI Port: For connecting media streaming devices like TV sticks, gaming consoles, laptops, and Blu-ray players.
- USB Port: Allows for easy playback of media files directly from a USB flash drive.
- TF Card Slot: A convenient option for viewing photos, videos, or presentations stored on a TF card.
- 3.5mm Audio Jack: Enables connection to external speakers or headphones for enhanced audio quality. This variety of input options makes the TMY V08 Projector compatible with most modern media devices, ensuring you can connect and enjoy content from multiple sources without hassle.
Projection Size and Versatility
The TMY V08 Projector supports projection sizes ranging from 40 inches to 200 inches, depending on the distance between the projector and the screen (from 1.5m to 6m).
This allows you to customize your viewing experience based on the available space and the type of content you’re displaying. Whether you’re setting up a large outdoor theater or a smaller indoor setup, the projector provides flexibility to accommodate different environments.
Enhanced Lamp Life
The lamp inside the TMY V08 Projector is rated for 60,000 hours of use. This long lifespan ensures that the projector will serve you for years without requiring frequent bulb replacements.
The enhanced lamp technology also contributes to consistent brightness, maintaining the quality of your viewing experience over time. These detailed features highlight why the TMY V08 Projector is an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable yet feature-rich home cinema projector.
HOMPOW C10 – Best for Entertainment Value
The HOMPOW 1080P Portable Projector is one such product that promises to elevate your home entertainment. With a host of features including Full HD resolution, Bluetooth connectivity, HiFi stereo speakers, and a giant screen, this projector offers everything you need for a premium cinema-like experience in the comfort of your own home. But is it worth the investment? Let’s dive into the details.
The HOMPOW 1080P Portable Projector stands out due to its native Full HD resolution, which ensures sharp, clear images even on large screens. Unlike many competitors, this projector delivers a brighter and more vivid picture, perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
The built-in Bluetooth 5.1 functionality, paired with dual HiFi stereo speakers, allows users to enjoy an immersive audio experience without the need for external speakers.
Feature Highlights
Native 1080P Full HD Resolution
This projector boasts 1920 x 1080 resolution, providing crisp and detailed images with a dynamic contrast ratio of up to 10,000:1. Whether you’re watching movies, playing games, or projecting presentations, the visual quality will not disappoint.
Bluetooth 5.1 and HiFi Stereo Speakers
The built-in HiFi stereo surround speakers deliver high-quality sound, recreating an authentic cinema audio experience. Plus, the Bluetooth 5.1 technology lets you wirelessly connect to external devices such as headphones and speakers.
200” Giant Screen with Keystone Correction and Zoom
The projector can project a display of up to 300 inches, making it ideal for home theaters, gaming, and outdoor events. The ±15° keystone correction ensures that your images remain properly aligned, while the zoom function allows you to adjust the screen size for optimal viewing.
Wide Compatibility
Thanks to the multiple input options (HDMI, AV, USB, and 3.5mm headphone interface), the HOMPOW projector is compatible with a variety of devices including TV boxes, laptops, tablets, and USB flash drives, allowing you to project content from almost any source.
Long-lasting Lamp Life
With a lamp life of 50,000 hours, the projector’s LED bulb is built to last for years, eliminating the need for frequent and costly replacements.
Portability
Weighing just over 2 pounds, this projector is easy to transport and set up anywhere, whether it’s indoors or outdoors.
Zoom Function
The zoom feature allows for easy resizing of the projection without moving the projector, providing added convenience during setup.
Aspect Ratio Options
The projector offers both 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratio options, catering to different media formats and viewing preferences.
Warranty & Service
The HOMPOW projector comes with a 2-year warranty, providing peace of mind for customers. Additionally, HOMPOW offers lifetime professional technical support, ensuring that any issues or concerns you may encounter will be addressed promptly and effectively.
AKIYO O1 – Best for Compactness
The AKIYO 2024 Upgraded Mini WiFi Projector is an excellent solution for anyone seeking a portable, high-quality projector to use at home or on the go. With native 720P resolution and support for full HD 1080P, this tiny projector delivers a cinematic experience wherever you are. It’s packed with features like WiFi connectivity, Bluetooth 5.1, and a tripod to enhance your viewing experience without taking up much space.
The AKIYO Mini Wi-Fi Projector is perfect for users who want a portable projector without sacrificing quality. Its small size, coupled with powerful features like Wi-Fi screen mirroring and Bluetooth, makes it an excellent option for movie nights, gaming, and even presentations.
Feature Highlights
Native 720P Resolution and Full HD 1080P Support
Enjoy crisp and clear visuals with superb color brightness, ideal for watching movies or playing games.
Bluetooth 5.1
Effortlessly connect to Bluetooth speakers or headphones for an immersive audio experience.
Wi-Fi Screen Mirroring
Wirelessly mirror your screen from Android, iPhone, or Windows 10 devices with ease.
Mini Tripod Included
The included tripod adds flexibility in positioning, whether you’re indoors or outdoors.
Compact Design
The mini projector’s ultra-small size makes it incredibly portable and easy to carry anywhere.
Eye Protection
The projector uses diffuse reflection technology to protect your eyes from blue light damage.
Multiple Projection Modes
You can project from the front, rear, ceiling, or using the tripod.
Zoom Function
Adjust the screen size from 100% to 75% without physically moving the projector.
Low Noise Operation
Equipped with advanced cooling technology, the projector operates with 50% less fan noise than typical models.
Warranty & Service
AKIYO offers a 3-year warranty with each purchase, ensuring peace of mind. The brand also provides 24/7 customer support via Amazon, ready to assist with any issues or queries.
TENKER Q5 – Best for Portability
TENKER Q5 Mini Projector is the best value projector in our list of best projectors under $100. It supports 1080p resolution movies and images. The LED lamp used can run for up to 20,000 hours at a brightness of 1500 lumens.
The contrast ratio is 1000:1 with a display of 800 x 400. Manufacturers recommend that this projector is for home use as it will not produce the type of imaging desired for presentations.
The TENKER 1080P WiFi LED Mini Projector is favored for several key reasons. Its sharp resolution and vibrant display quality bring movies, games, and presentations to life, making it ideal for home theaters.
Additionally, the wireless capabilities of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allow users to stream content directly from smartphones and tablets, cutting down on clutter and cords.
Its affordability compared to other projectors with similar specs makes it even more attractive. Many buyers are drawn to its compact size, which doesn’t compromise performance, making it easy to set up in any room without taking up much space.
Feature Highlights
9500 Lumens & 1080P Resolution
The TENKER projector offers 9500 lumens of brightness, making it suitable for well-lit rooms. With Full HD 1080p resolution, it delivers sharp, clear images, perfect for movies, games, and presentations.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity
Built-in Wi-Fi allows for wireless streaming from devices like smartphones and tablets, while Bluetooth lets you connect external speakers for better sound quality, offering convenience and flexibility.
Hi-Fi Sound Speaker
The projector includes a 5W stereo speaker that delivers decent sound for small rooms. For enhanced audio, users can connect Bluetooth speakers for a better experience.
Keystone Correction & Zoom
Manual ±15° keystone correction allows for image adjustments when the projector isn’t perfectly aligned with the screen. The 75% zoom feature lets you resize the image without moving the projector.
Humanized Dust Proof Design
The projector’s dust-proof design includes an easy-access port for cleaning, preventing black spots on the screen and maintaining image quality over time.
Longest LED Lamp Life
The 10,000-hour LED lamp offers long-lasting performance, reducing the need for frequent replacements, making the projector a reliable investment.
Versatile Multimedia Connectivity
Multiple connection options like HDMI, USB, VGA, and AV allow for easy integration with various devices such as gaming consoles, laptops, and smartphones.
Compact & Portable Design
Weighing just 1.98 pounds, the compact design makes the projector highly portable, ideal for moving between rooms or taking on the go while still offering a large projection size up to 100 inches.
Crenova XPE496
This projector has 2,200 lumens with a projection size of 28-180 inches. It acts well as a home theater addition for movies, sports, and video games. You can also use it outdoors. It is quieter than the average projector too. That is due to the fan and cooling system the brand has used for this Crenova projector.
You can connect it to all new technology devices. That means a laptop, desktop, tablet or phone. The brands it is compatible with are Apple, Samsung, Mac, PC, Amazon or Google that have an HDMI dongle or one that can connect a DisplayPort to an HDMI adapter. There is also the option of connecting using a USB, SD or MHL.
The lamp is LED with 50,000 hours of lamp life. The contrast is a ratio of 1000:1. Projection size is available from 1.2 meters to 5.5 meters. You can watch 1080p HD videos at a resolution of 800 x 480. The format allows you to take with you to different areas of the house and even travel with it. Like the rest, it works to give your eyes a break from a screen.
Feature Highlights
Big-Screen Projection
The Crenova XPE496 offers big-screen projection with sizes ranging from 28 to 180 inches. This feature provides a cinema-like experience, perfect for home entertainment, gaming, and outdoor events, allowing you to enjoy vivid visuals on a large scale.
80% Higher Lumens
With 80% higher lumens, the Crenova XPE496 delivers significantly brighter images, ensuring clear and vibrant visuals even in moderately lit environments. This feature enhances the viewing experience by improving brightness and color sharpness.
1080P Resolution Support
The projector supports 1080P resolution, offering crisp, detailed images with enhanced clarity. This makes it ideal for movies, games, and presentations, providing a high-definition experience that rivals larger, more expensive models.
Versatile Connectivity
The Crenova XPE496 supports multiple connectivity options, including VGA, USB, and HDMI, making it compatible with various devices such as desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. This versatility allows for easy content sharing on a big screen.
Quieter Operation
Featuring an advanced cooling system, the Crenova XPE496 operates 50% quieter than previous models. This ensures a more peaceful and immersive viewing experience, minimizing distractions from fan noise.
Long Lamp Life
Equipped with new LED technology, the projector offers a 50,000-hour lamp life. This longevity means users can enjoy years of uninterrupted entertainment without the need for frequent bulb replacements, making it cost-effective.
Portability
Weighing just 3.67 pounds and compact in design, the Crenova XPE496 is easy to carry and set up anywhere. Its portability makes it perfect for outdoor movie nights, gaming on the go, or impromptu presentations.
Warranty & Service
Crenova offers a 12-month replacement or refund warranty for the XPE496, along with lifetime customer service. Their dedicated 24/7 technical support team is available to answer any questions or concerns, ensuring customer satisfaction throughout the product’s life.
Best Projectors Under 100 Buying Guide
Before stepping out to make your purchase, go through this checklist below. It will help you understand the key features of the best projectors under $100 in the market. Once you are through, we hope that you’ll be able to settle for the right projector for your home theater needs.
Types of Projectors
Projectors fall under two categories: DLP (Digital Light Processing) and LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).
- DLP
There are three components of this type of projector. There is the light source, a spinning color wheel, and a chip containing microscopic tilting mirrors. For it to work, light passes through first the color wheel and goes on to reflect on the chip.
After, it goes through the lens projected on a screen. DLP is low maintenance. They are sealed so dust and debris cannot enter and affect the image. Their disadvantage is that they tend to produce a rainbow effect sometimes. You may have noticed this.
- LCD
This projector works differently. Instead of a color wheel, there are three chips (red, blue and green). For an image to get projected, a light source passes through the chips.
There are however more advanced varieties of the LCD where, instead of light passing through the chips, it gets projected. They are less expensive but can burn out the screen.
That is the case with some projectors giant electronic companies manufacture. In the market, you will find the SXRD which stands for Silicon Crystal Reflective Display that Sony developed.
It is the system they use in their projectors. JVC developed and currently use two similar LCD projectors; the D-ILA (Digital Imaging Light Amplification) and LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon).
Usage of Projectors
- Data Projector
This type of projector is what you may have first interacted with. They are typically found in classrooms or boardrooms, typical for the small-sized audience and in smaller rooms. They can either be placed on a table or mounted.
- Installation Projectors
Where there are larger conferences or audience, you’ll find these here. They are a type of data projector that you have to put further away for a bigger image. Installation projectors tend to be brighter meaning the image remains sharp despite the distance.
- Large Venue Projector
As the name implies you’ll find these at your local sports bar projected on a screen. You will also see them in events with quite a large audience with a couple of thousand people. As you can imagine, it is very bright to be able to project the image from a long distance.
- Short Throw Projector
These types are mostly found in your sophisticated boardroom. You will see them mounted on a wall behind the screen. What makes them different is that they are interactive. A presenter can use a pointing a device or a pen during their presentation.
They are called short throw because they are very close to a screen and still project a sizable image.
- Home Theatre Projector
What makes these projectors different is that they aren’t as bright as those used in sizeable rooms to large rooms. However, they are higher in contrast. As the name implies, they are best for home use and would be problematic in other contexts.
- Projectors for Home Use
Projectors are a neat alternative for a TV in the digital age. It is not uncommon to find millennials plugging a projector to their laptop and enjoying a projected movie on one wall.
There is usually no screen, only a white wall. If you’re looking for the best projectors under 100, you may want only to use it for entertainment purposes only.
Those who watch regular TV are better off sticking to the set than a projector. An average projector with a lamp lasts between 2-5,000 hours of viewing while most televisions give you 60,000 plus hours of viewing.
Other places to use a projector are outdoors during special occasions at night. It works fantastic when you want to catch a movie outdoors with friends and family.
It is also typically be used when sharing a presentation during birthday, wedding engagements or even the wedding itself. With fair weather and a sheet, you can use it just about anywhere.
Note: Home theater projectors have less light than those for office or a significantly sized audience. Usage ought to be in a darkened room or area where the projector is the only source of light.
Portability
What we love about projectors nowadays is they are light and portable. That means you can take it just about anywhere with you. This aspect makes it easy to try out different walls around the house and distances before settling on a place it works best.
However, it’s not just about whether you can travel with it or use it outdoors. Portability also refers to how easy it is to connect to other gadgets. It requires installation and set-up.
Light Output
Brightness is a crucial feature in projectors. A light that is not bright enough will mean the image will be dull. It will be reminiscent of an old movie even when watching the latest comic adaptation movie.
On average, a projector with 1,000 ANSI Lumens is ideal. However, this will depend on usage and distance from the wall. In a larger room or where there is some light, you want something with a higher ANSI.
There are three bulbs: lamps, LED and laser. The first are inexpensive but have a shorter lifespan. LEDs are mainly in portable projectors, last longer and require less maintenance. Lasers are newer in the market and by far the most expensive.
They do however very bright and produce high contrast images. They also never burn out and are energy-efficient.
Contrast Ratio
This feature goes with the brightness. What a contrast does is balance the white and black in an image. You want to go with a ratio of 2,000:1 if you want sharp images or are likely to use the project in a room with some light in it. However, in a darker place, 1,500:1 also works, but you won’t get the same experience.
Display Resolution
Also known as the pixel density, you want a projector that will give you the HD experience we all enjoy. If you’re mostly watching HDTV, the ideal resolution to go for is 1920×1080 as it will be able to run blue ray content comfortably.
For 720p then a 1280×720 works as well. Otherwise, for normal viewing, a 1024×768 works just fine for your standard DVD.
Tip: While most projectors come with a default setting, you can change to suit your preferences. Pros however advice you to purchase a projector with the resolution and aspect ratio it came in.
Screen size
How large you wish the screen to be is tied in with several factors. For a bigger screen, the projector needs to be further away from the screen. That implies that you need a larger room.
As the projector moves away, that means it needs to have a higher light output for the image to maintain its clarity. Having a large room is a matter of audience size. You need the person in the back row to be able to see everything.
With that in mind, offices and such places with limited spaces should opt for a short throw projector. It still provides an average sized screen where you can get plenty out of it. Brands include Sony, Panasonic, Canon, and Epson to mention a few.
Inputs
Though all brands provide the same output, ensure that they still match your device. Most offer HDMI inputs and a VGA or DVI when you want to use your computer.
That said, if you have older analog TV or an older model computer, you might need to find a projector brand that still offers these input models. Don’t assume; make sure you check your TV or laptop if you’ve had them for a couple of years.
FAQs About Cheap Mini Projectors
We’ll look at a few basic questions that come up often. They both address questions for those looking to buy a projector and those looking to troubleshoot common issues.
- Why a mini projector?
The most appealing advantage a projector has over a TV is the size, with some projecting to as high as 300 inches. It feels like a movie theater at the comfort of your own home if that’s what you’re doing.
Those having a significantly sized gathering like in a conference or a sporting event, they can project the image on a screen. A projector is also obviously cheaper than a TV that size. It is also, unless mounted, portable.
- What are the main reasons for the projector now working?
The first could be compatibility issues. As companies upgrade their projectors, they tend to tailor them for newer devices. Therefore, before making a purchase, ensure they are compatible.
The other reason it can stop working if the connection cables are faulty. Consider trying connecting to another device to ensure it is working.
If you’re using a laptop and the connection goes off, it could be low on power. It could be that your computer is powering down to sustain vital functions.
- The projector seems to be fine, but there’s no light. What’s the problem?
There could be two reasons. The first is that the lamp has burnt out and needs fixing. The other is there is a voltage fluctuation. Newer models will not power up if they detect it to save the lap from burning out.
- What are the “blobs” on my screen?
It is likely that there is dust or debris in your projector. To keep in good condition, vacuum it monthly to remove dirt from the filter.
Wrap Up
We hope that you now have a full understanding of the aspects that make for the perfect projector for your home entertainment needs. We have all at one point bought something, and it didn’t pan out as we wanted.
If you had a projector prior and it disappointed you, we hope you’re now able to know what features to look for in your next one.
We hope that our review of the best projectors under 100 has now made your next purchase that much easier.
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