If you don’t want a massive 75-inch 4K TV that will occupy a lot of space in the room all the time, but you do want to watch a movie or sport when you do, we have an excellent recommendation – 4K laser projectors.
When acquiring such a laser projector, you can expect a 100-inch image to be the norm. Moreover, some models offer projections as large as 300 inches or as small as 40 inches. Everything depends on the size of your room and your needs.
Also read: Top 5 laser projectors you should buy
Setting up projectors is actually easier than you might think. Plus, it has a number of benefits, such as huge, bright, and beautiful images. So the suggestions below should help you when making a purchase decision.
The best 4K projectors to buy in 2023
1. Samsung The Premiere
- Projection System: Triple Laser DLP
- Resolution: 4K
- Brightness: 2,800 lumens
- Projection size: 100-130 inches
- Video Input: 3x HDMI, 1x RF, Optical, 1x AUX output
- Dimensions: 550 x 141 x 367mm
- Audio: 40W 4.2 channel system
Pros
- HDR10+ and 40W audio
- Full TV intelligent system
Cons
- Some rainbow effect
- The operating system performs relatively slowly
More than a decade after launching its last home theatre projector, Samsung is back in the market with the Premiere LSP9T projector.
This ultra-short throw projector uses 4K HDR laser projection, with three-colour lasers eliminating the need for color filters. This allows Premiere’s 2,800 lumens to really shine on images up to 130 inches. Samsung is the world’s first to introduce the HDR10+ format, which adds scene-by-scene image calibration to compatible movies and TV shows.
The projector also benefits from a full implementation of Samsung’s Smart TV OS – albeit a little sluggish at times – and it’s incredibly well suited to a projector with the simple and uncluttered interface we’re used to.
It’s expensive, but for those who can afford it, it’s certainly a knockout option.
2. Epson EH-TW9400
- Projection System: Lamp
- Resolution: 4K
- Brightness: 2,600 lumens
- Projection size: 50-300 inches
- Video input: 2x HDMI, 2x USB
- Dimensions: 520 x 450 x 193mm
- Audio: no
Pros
- Excellent color reproduction
- Motorized lens controls
Cons
- Blacks may be deeper
- Sports aren’t its forte
We give this projector five stars for its impressive color reproduction, HDR support, and 2,600 lumens for bright, impressive images. It’s not a native 4K projector (you can’t get that at this price), but even upscaled images are detailed and work well, with very natural-looking flesh tones and impressive shadow detail.
Blacks could be deeper and motion smoother, but there’s really nothing to complain about here. The EH-TW9400 is packed with advanced features, from 3D compatibility to motorized lens controls – the latter for real precision and easy adjustment. There’s even a lens cover to keep the dust out!
The Epson EH-TW9400 will be available in 2019. In select markets, such as the UK or India, it’s available under different names. In the USA, however, it’s called the Epson Pro Cinema 6050UB. Just remember that it doesn’t have any built-in speakers, so you’ll have to rely on connected audio equipment.
3. XGIMI Halo
- Projection System: Lamp
- Resolution: Full HD/1080p
- Brightness: 800 lumens (plugged in), 600 lumens (battery)
- Projection size: 30-300 inches
- Video Input: 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x USB 2.0
- Dimensions: 113.5 x 145 x 171.5mm
- Audio: 10W (2x 5W) speakers
Pros
- Bright picture, even on battery
- Excellent portability
Cons
- Video noise in dark scenes
- Aggressive autofocus
The XGIMI Halo is a great option for anyone looking for a portable projector that doesn’t sacrifice quality images. This sleek, compact and powerful projector is easy to take anywhere, with built-in 5W speakers and 1080p/Full HD resolution to see and hear.
You’ll get a maximum brightness of 800 lumens when plugged in, but this drops to 600 lumens when running on battery – which is fine for dark outdoor environments. However, there’s no doubt that the former setting will be better. Regardless, the battery life is more than enough to watch an average-length film. Unfortunately, there’s no native Netflix support, which also plagues the XGIMI Horizon Pro, but there are few complaints about the Halo.
It’s worth noting that cinema buffs may not be happy with the Halo’s brightness and picture, especially because of some annoying video noise in dark scenes. But for those who need flexibility and want the best projector for the job, the XGIMI Halo will prove a worthy choice.
4. BenQ TK700STi
- Projection system: DLP
- Resolution: 4K
- Brightness: 3,000 lumens
- Projection Size: Up to 120 inches
- Video Inputs: 2x HDMI 2.0 (with ARC), 1x Audio Out, 1x USB, 1x RS-232
- Dimensions: 312 x 110 x 246mm
- Audio: 5W
Pros
- 16ms input lag is great for a projector
- 60Hz 4K Premium Gaming
Cons
- No Netflix, although that’s common for projectors
- Cumbersome onboard buttons
If you’re looking to splash out on a projector, you can’t go wrong with the BenQ TK700STi. It’s ideal for gaming.
This projector supports 4K at 60Hz and has an unrivaled 16ms response time at this resolution, which is as fast as a native 4K projector. This sets a new standard if you want bright, crystal-clear gaming on walls or screens up to 120 inches. You can also push this up to 120Hz if you’re happy with HD output.
But if you’re never going to use it for gaming and 4K isn’t a big deal to you, you’re probably better off with something cheaper.
5. Anker Nebula Capsule II Mini
- Projection system: DLP
- Resolution: HD (720p)
- Brightness: 200 lumens
- Projection Size: Up to 100 inches
- Video input: 1x HDMI, 1x USB
- Dimensions: 3.15 x 3.15 x 5.9 inches
- Audio: 8W
Pros
- Built-in Android TV, supports a large number of applications
- Full-size HDMI port, despite its size
Cons
- Dim output ruins dark scenes
- Netflix must sideload
Some projectors are portable by nature. Few do it better than the Anker Nebula Capsule II Mini Projector.
About the size and shape of a Coca-Cola can, this tiny projector looks more like a battery pack for AV equipment than a full-fledged projector. But appearances can be deceiving. The Capsule II is great for its size, offering 720p (HD) resolution and powerful audio output. This is a marked improvement on 2018’s Anker Nebula Mars II.
Given its size, we were pleasantly surprised to find a full-sized HDMI port rather than a mini HDMI alternative – as well as a USB port and a USB-C charging port, so you can charge the projector while it’s plugged in.
6. LG HU85LA CineBeam
- Projection System: Laser
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (4K)
- Brightness: 2,700 lumens
- Projection size: 90-120 inches
- Video input: HDMI x 3
- Dimensions: 6.8 x 13.7 x 5 inches
- Audio: 2x 5W
Pros
- Excellent image quality
- Stylish design
Cons
- Mid-priced speakers
Do you really need a projector that can be placed right up against a wall? This ultra-short throw CineBeam projector from LG can project a huge image from just inches away.
The construction of the projector itself is also very sharp, with a sleek rectangular profile that will center your living room rug or coffee table without interfering with any image it projects onto the wall – although you can also mount it from the ceiling if you prefer.
At 2.2 inches, the projector gives you a 90-inch screen, while at 7.2 inches, you get a 120-inch projection. The sound quality isn’t as impressive as the projection, however, as the high frequencies lack detail, and the low frequencies don’t have much power.
7. Hisense PX1 Pro
- Projection system: Laser 3LCD
- Brightness: 2200 lumens
- Projection size: 90 to 130 inches
- Video input: 2 HDMI 2.1 ports (1 with eARC)
- Dimensions: 12.8″W x 6.3″H x 20.5″D
- Audio: 2 x 15 watts
Pros
- Compact all-in-one package
- Amazing pictures
- Flexible Setup Options
Cons
- Distorted picture in a bright room
In a bright room, the Hisense PX1 Pro is an excellent, if somewhat distorted, ultra-short-throw (UST) projector that stands out from the competition. It’s not a budget home cinema machine but a sensible upgrade from more expensive projectors.
Although the Hisense PX1 Pro only takes up a fraction of the space on a shelf or media center, it can project from 90-130 inches with its triple laser light source. Its brightness is 2200 lumens, and its bright image is perfectly complemented by the colors of the three red, green and blue lasers.
Hisense’s built-in speakers will do the job in a pinch, although an average speaker easily beats them. However, these speakers can still come in handy, as the projector is easy to move around with a hair’s breadth of 20 pounds and can adjust focus for different settings, connect to Wi-Fi, and access content via the Android TV interface.
8. Anker Solar Portable
- Projection System: Lamp
- Resolution: Full HD (1080p)
- Brightness: 400 lumens
- Projection Size: Up to 120 inches
- Video Input: 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x USB 2.0
- Dimensions: 192 x 192.2 x 54.5mm
- Audio: 2x 3W speakers
Pros
- Stunning design
- Doubles as a Bluetooth speaker
Cons
- A bit dark
- Sound could be more powerful
The Anker Nebula Solar Portable is a compact and stylish mini projector that can project in almost any area. It has a sleek design that looks great on a shelf in your living room while you’re using it, and it’s small enough to fit easily in a drawer or even in a backpack or bag for easy access and portability.
As a portable model, the battery life is around 3 hours, which should be fine for shooting when you’re not near a power socket. However, its USB-C power port means you should be able to plug in a portable power supply for multiple uses.
While the picture quality is adequate for the price and form factor, the projector’s brightness is disappointing. Still, it’s a sleek, smart device with a few tricks up its sleeve – including a Bluetooth speaker function that turns off the projection and turns on the music.
9. Optoma CinemaX P2
- Projection System: Laser
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (4K)
- Brightness: 3,000 lumens
- Projection size: 85-120 inches
- Video input: HDMI x 3
- Dimensions: 576 x 383 x 130mm
- Audio: 40W
Pros
- Projection up to 120 inches
- Solid sound
Cons
- Basic, outdated software
- Not as bright as its predecessor
The Optoma CinemaX P2 is definitely a cool-looking package, and you don’t usually say that about projectors. With a sleek matte white finish, a complementary grey fabric grill and peek-a-boo lenses on the top, it looks stylish.
It’s built around a single-chip DLP 4K unit connected to a laser engine, which means sharp images and great color vibrancy. However, it’s not as vibrant as its predecessor.
The P2’s audio performance is first-rate. Each driver has its own 10W digital amplifier module, giving a total output of 40W. With sound waves from a large Bluetooth speaker, it’s loud enough to mask its low 26dB operating noise.
It’s not a cinema-quality projector, but the handy form factor and great audio performance should more than make up for it for most of us.
10. Hisense Laser TV
- Projection system: DLP laser
- Resolution: 4K
- Brightness: 2,700 lumens
- Projection Size: 88, 100, or 120 inches
- Video Inputs: 4x HDMI 2.0, 2x USB, 1x Optical, 1x Audio Out, 1x Ethernet
- Dimensions: 547 x 346 x 158mm (projector); 2244 x 1275 x 30.5mm (screen and stand)
- Audio: 2x 15W
Pros
- Bright and colorful pictures
- Great value for a 100-inch screen
Cons
- The average black level only
Laser TVs are a tricky one – technically, they use the same ultra-short throw projection as the other high-end laser projectors on this list. But they come with specially designed ALR (Ambient Light Rejection) screens to ensure a clear and colorful picture.
This hybrid of the projector and TV technology can be impressive, although it takes away much of the projector’s flexibility. The image is fixed at 88″, 100″, or 120″ and costs far more than most projectors and 4K TVs. However, the built-in Smart TV system, strong audio output, and general novelty all help to make the Hisense L5F Laser TV a worthy contender. It might be worth a try if you’re looking for something different.
