The home theater experience is about more than having a big screen TV. In fact, most home theater aficionados will tell you that the best home theaters feature large screens, premium sound systems, comfortable seats, and comfortable seating arrangements. But one essential that people often forget about is the projector.
A projector can take your home theater experience to the next level. A projector can allow you to watch your favorite movie in 4K resolution, or it can allow you to project your favorite photo onto your living room wall. Projectors also offer the ability to project onto unusual surfaces, such as ceilings.
Our Media & Tech Lab tests and reviews a variety of home theater projectors, ranging in size from 20-100 inches. We’ve been testing home theater projectors since 2011, and we’ve reviewed 108 different models.
We’ve tested and evaluated all of the top projectors, analyzing factors such as resolution, brightness, color, contrast, and price. We’ve also tested and compared the best projectors for gaming, which are ideal for playing first-person shooters, racing games, and MMORPGs. Here are the best projectors for 2022, based on testing and popular reviews.
Astronaut Galaxy Star Projector Starry Night Light, Astronaut Light Projector with Nebula,Timer and Remote Control, Bedroom and Ceiling Projector, Best Gifts for Children and Adults
The Astronaut Galaxy Star Projector Starry Night Light is hard to fault (with the exception of that annoying little voice that tells you to turn on/off the projector). The projector offers four different modes, including the default starry sky mode, a nebula mode, a galaxy mode, and a combination mode that cycles between the two. It also includes a green, blue, and orange light setting, and you can adjust their brightness with a dial on the back. It’s sleek, compact, and weighs less than 2 pounds, so it’s easy to toss in your bag and take along on a road trip or camping trip. The projector also has a nice soft glow that’s perfect for setting a mood. The projection quality is great, and it produces a beautiful, luminous nebula. The projector maxes out at 90 lumens, which is dimmer than the projector in our top pick, but if you use the lamp to the fullest brightness setting, it will still provide plenty of light for most rooms. And unlike cheaper projectors, the Astronaut Galaxy Star Projector Starry Night Light includes an HDMI input, so you can set up a home theater system and use your device to stream movies or connect to a small screen. The remote control is convenient and easy to use, though it’s hard to program it and it’s missing some of the basic functions, such as the ability to adjust the projector’s brightness or to navigate through the projector’s on-screen menu.
5G WiFi Bluetooth Native 1080P Projector[Projector Screen Included], Roconia 12000LM Full HD Movie Projector, 300″ Display Support 4k Home Theater,Compatible with iOS/Android/XBox/PS4/TV Stick/HDMI
The Roconia Q6 has a nice design that’s easy to setup, and it delivers on a promise of a long-lasting, bright image. The picture is crisp and clear, and the native 1080p resolution means you get better color accuracy and contrast. It features HDMI, Mini HDMI, USB, and AV inputs, and its wireless function makes it simple to connect your smartphone, tablet, or other compatible device. The auto-brightness feature does a good job of adjusting its brightness based on the amount of ambient light in the room, and its generous 100,000-hour lamp life means you won’t have to worry about it breaking down any time soon. The fan, while quieter than before, is still audible in high mobility mode in bright-room scenarios. The built-in speakers are a little underpowered, but you can connect a Bluetooth speaker for much better sound quality. Finally, the included projector screen is thick and sturdy, as well as well built. Its size (30 inches by 50 inches) and the fact that it folds up flat for storage make it a good choice for a dorm room or a small apartment. As with most projectors, the image quality degrades in darker rooms, but unless you screen is the size of the image (which is difficult), you are unlikely to have this problem.
Rossetta Star Projector, Galaxy Projector for Bedroom, Bluetooth Speaker and White Noise Aurora Projector, Night Light Projector for Kids Adults Gaming Room, Home Theater, Ceiling, Room Decor (Black)
When it comes to star projectors, the Rossetta star projector is second only to the Lumenier Skybeamer Star Projector. The Lumenier unit was a very close second, but while the Lumenier is less expensive, the Rossetta has more features and more versatility, including a built-in Bluetooth speaker and a built-in white noise machine. It’s also well built and portable, with a rechargeable battery, and it comes with a carry case and a remote. Like the Lumenier, the Rossetta has powerful white and multi-color light effects, but this model features 16 colors and 8 different sound modes, whereas the Lumenier has fewer colors and more sound modes. It also features a much brighter (better for darker rooms) white and multi-color light effect, and the LEDs are brighter too, which makes a better-looking projection in a dark room.
Rossetta Galaxy Projector, Star Projector Galaxy Light Projector for Bedroom, Starlight Projector with Bluetooth Speaker and White Noise, Night Light for Kids Adults Home Thealter, Ceiling, Room Decor
The galaxy projector is a really nice novelty that lights up the room beautifully. It’s packed with features, has a fantastic app, and is an especially great choice if you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative to the latest Amazon or Netflix show. The only downside is that the company’s customer service is dreadful, and we couldn’t get the projector to work at all before we had to return it. However, we thoroughly enjoyed the simplicity of the design, and the light itself is beautiful.
The Groview Projector offers clear and bright 1080p video performance with decent contrast. It has a generous 100-inch projection image size, and you can adjust the image with the projector’s 25% zoom function, while most projectors are limited to either a fixed image size or manual focus. Like our other top pick, the GS2, the Groview’s Eye-friendly diffused reflection screen reduces glare and eye strain. It also offers more options for connectivity than our previous pick, including USB, HDMI, USB-C, and Bluetooth, though our pick’s built-in Android TV is easier to use. Its built-in speaker isn’t as loud as its competitors, and it’s louder than our former pick. The one drawback to the Groview is its relatively limited range of viewing angles, which makes it harder to use in rooms with walls that curve in or out.
AuKing Projector, 2023 Upgraded Mini Projector, 9500 lumens Multimedia Home Theater Video Projector, Compatible with Full HD 1080P HDMI, USB, VGA, AV, Smartphone, Pad, TV Box, Laptop
The AuKing upgraded phone projector is the best portable movie projector for both indoor and outdoor use, thanks to its 9500 lumens of brightness, 20,000:1 contrast ratio, and brilliant image quality. It outperformed the other projectors we tested in pretty much any setting, and it has some of the clearest, sharpest images we’ve seen from any home projector. And it’s durable, too, with a cooling system that cools down the heat generated by the projector’s lamp. Best of all, it’s extremely easy to set up and use. The size is comparable to our former top pick, but it’s lighter, cheaper, and easier to use. The only drawback is that there is no Wi-Fi module, so if you want to stream content from a phone or other mobile device, you’ll have to plug it into your computer and transfer the files that way.
Native 1080P Projector with WiFi and Two-Way Bluetooth, Full HD Movie Projector for Outdoor Movies, 300″ Display Projector 4k Home Theater, Compatible with iOS/Android/PC/XBox/PS4/TV Stick/HDMI/USB
If you’re looking for a projector that comes with a bunch of options and caters to a large range of uses, the Dxyiitoo WiFi projector is worth considering. It has a strong feature set, and we tried every function. After plugging in and loading a quick-start guide, we were up and running in five minutes or less. With both Bluetooth and HDMI connectivity, you can quickly and easily hook up your phone or tablet, and the phone’s screen will project on a nearby wall or screen. This projector also has some common extras, like 360-degree speaker sound, a built-in battery, and an automatic shutdown after four hours. The LCD panel has really good contrast and brightness, and the auto-focus feature focuses easily enough, though it can’t focus on objects very close to the screen. It also doesn’t have the widest viewing angle (about 90 degrees), which is disappointing, since you’ll be sitting closer to the screen than most projectors in this price range. There’s also no remote, which we expect at this price point, and the show screen option doesn’t work, so you are limited to the built-in screen.
FATORK Mini Projector, 5G WiFi DLP Smart Portable Movie Projectors, Pocket Monster Outdoor Projector for Phone 1080P HD Support Wireless Video Travel Short Throw, Compatible with iOS/Android/HDMI/USB
If you’re looking for a pocket-size projector that’s easy to use anywhere, the FATORK Mini Projector is the best pick for you. This compact device has a bright and colorful image, and it can easily project a huge 104-inch image that’s suitable for TVs or larger screens. The FATORK Mini Projector also delivered the best overall picture quality of all of the projectors we tested. It provided a bright image with good color and clarity that made it an ideal choice for watching movies, and the images stayed clear and pleasant in many lighting conditions. This pocket projector is also easy to use, has excellent connectivity options, and delivers video with good detail and minimal color blooming and washout. It offers all the functionality you need in a portable projector, and it even comes with an auto-focus feature, which we found especially useful when projecting onto a ceiling or wall. The app and remote control that come with the projector aren’t that great, though, so it’s worth downloading an AV receiver app, such as the AV Controller by DVD Player, if you need one.
Astronaut Galaxy Star Projector Starry Night Light, Astronaut Light Projector with Nebula,Timer and Remote Control, Bedroom and Ceiling Projector, Best Gifts for Children and Adults
The Astronaut Galaxy Star Projector is a great projector for kids and adults alike. The projector combines a starry night sky and galaxy projector inside the head of the astronaut, creating the illusion of a starry night sky above your kids. The projector also projects moving nebula and starry sky patterns on the ceiling. The projector is multi pattern, which can create different patterns by remote control. The projector also features two lighting mode, one is starry sky mode, the other is galaxy mode. The starry sky mode projects a starry sky on the ceiling, and the galaxy mode projects galaxies. The projector uses high-quality LEDs, so it does not disturb other house lights, resulting in a peaceful and restful sleep. The projector is easy to operate: you turn it on by remote control or buttons on the back panel, and then you can use it to project nebula onto walls and ceilings, create stunning illusions in your kids’ rooms. With unique appearance and innovative design, it attracts everyone’s attention. The projector has a flexible neck, so you can stretch the projector to any angle you want, and the projector is waterproof, so it can be used in rain and snow. The projector comes with a remote control and remote controller, and it can also connect with your phone through Bluetooth. You can use your phone to teach the projector many cool tricks. It is suitable for kids, families, adults, or friends.
5G WiFi Bluetooth Native 1080P Projector[Projector Screen Included], Roconia 12000LM Full HD Movie Projector, 300″ Display Support 4k Home Theater,Compatible with iOS/Android/XBox/PS4/TV Stick/HDMI
The Roconia Q6 is a dynamic projector, delivering a 12,000-lumen brightness and a vivid, colorful image. It has more than 10,000:1 contrast ratio, so you get significantly richer, deeper blacks. That increased contrast, as well as high brightness, helps the projector, which has a resolution of 1920 x 1080, produce better-than-HD-quality images. Its excellent color accuracy, better than average in our testing, helps to avoid color shift, even when boosting brightness. The built-in speakers, along with audio-out and headphone-out connections, deliver decent sound quality, and the unit comes with a remote control.
Evaluating your bedroom setup: Factors to consider before choosing the best projector for your bedroom ceiling.
Before we delve into the world of bedroom projectors, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of various projector types, as well as the factors that should be taken into account when selecting a projector for your bedroom. There are several options available, including affordable projectors, top-rated projectors, high-quality projectors, best projector brands, bedroom projector options, and sleek projectors. Ultimately, the choice will come down to each individual’s unique preferences and requirements.
The best projectors for your bedroom are those that offer excellent picture quality, enhanced audio, and ease of use. It should be easy to set up the projector and connect the necessary devices. A wide range of ports is highly desirable, allowing you to connect a variety of devices, such a laptop, DVD player, gaming console, and set-top box. Some projectors even come with Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to easily stream your favorite movies, TV shows, and music wirelessly.
Another important factor to consider is the size of the screen. For individuals looking for an immersive movie experience, a large projector screen is crucial. While portable projectors are lightweight and compact, they typically require a separate screen to be displayed. On the other hand, home theater projectors can be easily mounted above your bed. A 100-inch screen offers stunning picture quality, giving you a true cinematic experience.
When it comes to audio, a projector’s built-in speaker won’t cut it. A high-quality audio setup is essential, allowing you to fully appreciate your favorite movie soundtracks. The audio setup should be subtle and discreet, and ideally, it should not be visible from the street. Ideally, the projector should be placed in a central location, ideally across the room from the display.
Another important factor to consider is image quality. While a 4K resolution is ideal for a family living room, a full HD projector is sufficient in your bedroom. An HD projector produces crystal-clear images and smooth animations, even when viewed from up close. While a 4K projector offers superior picture quality, the investment required is considerable. For instance, the Epson Home Cinema 4010HD projector is available at a starting price of $1,099. However, similar models with a 4K projection are available in the range of $1,499 to $2,499.
The best projectors for your bedroom should offer an immersive movie-viewing experience, with crystal-clear images and enhanced audio. So, before investing in a projector, be sure to evaluate your needs and consider factors such as screen size, audio setup, and image quality. This will allow you to create a perfect bedroom entertainment system that is truly one of a kind.
Projector installation and compatibility: Ensuring a seamless setup for your projector and bedroom ceiling.
Projectors are quickly becoming the go-to solution for an immersive cinematic experience in the comfort of your own home. However, before you delve into the world of affordable projectors, it’s important to carefully consider the projector’s overall size, brightness, and compatibility with your bedroom ceiling; a misstep here could spell disaster for your viewing experience.
When it comes to the projector’s size, it’s important to strike a balance between screen size and projector dimensions. On the one hand, a larger screen provides a more immersive experience, while the smaller footprint of mini projectors make them ideal for travel. Furthermore, certain projectors, such as the portable projector and HD projector, can easily be mounted on tripods, allowing for flexible installation.
Next, consider the projector’s brightness to ensure optimal image quality. For example, the top-rated projectors boast a brightness of up to 3,000 lumens, while more affordable options offer between 1,000 and 2,000 lumens. This is an important consideration, as projectors with low brightness levels can strain the eyes, causing headaches and even injury in the event of a projector fall.
Finally, it’s vital to consider the compatibility of your projector and bedroom ceiling. Here, ceiling height plays a pivotal role in the overall viewing experience. For example, your projector should be positioned at eye level for optimal viewing angles, while high ceilings provide ample legroom to stretch out.
