Getting the best projector under $100 can be a challenge since we are talking about budget projectors here. It is very important for you to consider many different factors when considering a cheap projector under 100 dollars. As far as the use-case is concerned, you can use these projectors for a lot of different activities like for office presentations and watching movies at home. In this article, we will see 8 such top projectors within $100 with proper validations and USPs.
Things to consider when buying a projector under $100
Display Technology
The very first feature you need to notice in a good projector is it’s display technology. Manufacturers mainly use three types of display systems while making projectors. These are LED, LCD and DLP.
The prices of projectors depend on their display technologies also. Whereas DLP type display is more costlier than LCD and LED. Therefore, it’s better to go for LED and LCD displays rather than DLP, as you can’t look forward to DLP display projectors under $100.
Brightness (Lumens)
Comparing the brightness among projectors is the second thing that to keep in mind while buying a new projector. The brightness of a projector is measured by a unit called Lumens. You should choose a high Lumens projector if you want higher brightness rates. For instance, if you buy a projector for home theatre, the Lumens should be at least 1500 or if you buy it for large classrooms, hall or official work, the Lumens should be more than 2500. However, you can get 1500 lumens projector within 100 dollars.
Contrast Ratio
The next essential part of a good projector is the contrast ratio that might be printed on it. It refers to the light reflection of any image or video. It decides the image’s brightness, sharpness or vividness. It compares the ratio between bright and dark pixels. If the contrast ratio is higher, that means it consists of brighter white and darker black. It is recommended that when you buy a projector keep eyes on contrast ratio if it is at least 1000 or not.
Throw Distance
The distance between projector and projected image is known as throw distance ratio. It is essential to know about the distance between your projector and projected screen. The recommended distance options can be like this – 3ft to 16.4ft, 4ft to 18ft etc. The projector’s video quality depends on these types of throw distance.
Screen Size
Here screen refers to the projected screen by the projector. This screen size is related to the throw distance. For instance : if your screen size is larger, the video will decrease, whereas smaller screens consist of better video quality. Therefore, all the projector come with screen size mentioned, so that image quality can be maintained.
Long-last bulb
The most important part of a projector is it’s bulb. This is very expensive and not long lasting too. Moreover, there is no warranty or replacement for that. So, it is better to check thoroughly before buying any projector, that will last long.
Portability
Portability depends on the projector’s design. Always keep it in mind that the projector’s weight must not exceed 2 pounds. However, these projectors can induce too much heat than standard sized projectors, as they are compact in design.
Cooling System
Last feature is the cooling system of the projector, though your budget is not handsome enough to get the best projector. Still you can look forward to a cooling system as an additional feature. This feature will not only protect your device from overheating, but will ensure your lamp life’s longevity. However, manufacturers are trying to add more useful features to the projectors by every other year.
8 Best Projectors Under $100
1. VANKYO LEISURE 3 Mini Projector: Best Projector For Home Entertainment
VANKYO LEISURE 3 MINI projector is the first choice of the best level projector under $100. It is a single chip LCD projector that uses LED lights to create illumination. It is 40% extra brighter than its other competitors, that means 2400 Lumens. Native resolution 1920*1080 with contrast ratio of 2000:1. It can be connected to all gadgets like smartphones, PS3, PS4, XBOX gaming consoles etc. It’s one of the best projectors for home entertainment.
Pros
- It is ideal for projecting a big screen from 32 inches to 176 inches.
- Throw distance between 4.9 and 16.4 ft.
- It has a noise cancelling system with an advanced fan suppression system.
Cons
- Support only one HDMI port.
2. DR. J Professional HI-04 1080P Supported 4Inch Mini Projector
The Dr. J Professional HI-04 is the second most popular under $100 will native resold of 800*480. Recommended throw distance in between 1.5m to 5m and maintains better picture quality with screen size from 32 inches to 170 inches. Contrast ratio is 2000:1 and supports brightness upto 2000 Lumens. It is compatible with gadgets like PCs, Macbook, Laptops, USB drives, SD cards, smartphones and blu-ray DVD players. The best part is that it also comes with a screen.
Pros
- 40,000 hours bulb life longevity.
- It contains the clearest resolution with five layered LCD lens display.
- It offers in build Stereo sound speakers.
Cons
- Backside remote sensors.
- No wireless HDMI dongle included.
3. Auking Mini Projector 2020 Upgraded Portable Video-Projector : Best For Home
The AuKing mini Projector is the perfect option for home theater projector. It’s current version is much more compatible than the 2018 version. It is 35% brighter than the previous version that supports 2600 Lumens. More colourful, bigger and the best picture quality consists of a 2000:1 contrast ratio. It provides the best resolution with throw distance from 32 inches to 170 inches.
With the ideal connectivity system it allows you to connect it with gaming consoles, USB flash drive, laptops etc. above great features, the connectivity and compatibility of the projector are also good. It allows you to connect all modern gadgets such as USB flash drives, gaming consoles (Xbox, PS3, PS4, ETC.), smartphones (Android and iPhone), and laptops. So, you can connect pretty much all the devices via the standard connectivity HDMI.
Pros
- The perfect noise cancellation feature compared to the previous version.
- 55,000 hours of LED lamp life with a proper cooling system.
- It is a lightweight and handy mini projector with dimensions of 7.7×6.2.7 inches that can be carried to anywhere.
Cons
- The Instruction manual is complicated.
4. QKK [2020 Upgrade] Mini Projector [with Tripod] LED Projector
The QKK is an easy to carry and handy mini projector that is equipped with 2800 Lumens brightness with more than 50,000 hours of long bulb life. It offers hd resolution that supports 1920*1080 px. From 32 inches to 176 inches larger screen with recommended throw distance of 1.5m to 5m. It also supports the contrast ratio of 2000:1 with aspect ratio of 16::9. It allows you to connect gadgets like PCs, Macbook, laptops, smartphones, SD card slot, TV Firestick, Chromecast, tablets, USB flash drives etc.
Pros
- Multiple inputs like HDMI, AV, VGA and SD card slots.
- Double USB ports set this projector apart from others.
Cons
- Instructions are not up to the mark.
5. DBPOWER Mini Projector, 176″ Display 1080P Full HD LED Movie Projector
DBPOWER Mini Projector is also a perfect portable projector under $100. With 800*480px native resolution, it provides 1080px full HD image quality. It’s contrast ratio is 2000:1 and aspect ratio is 16:10. It supports projection of a larger screen from 32 to 176 inches with 1.5m to 5m throw distance. It lets you connect with your laptop, DVD players, TV sticks, gaming consoles, and USB flash drives. You can also connect these devices wirelessly if you combine a wireless dongle to it.
Pros
- It has advanced cooling technology with noise-cancellation effect.
- It is a compact designed light-weight and easy to carry mini projector.
- Wireless dongle accessibility.
Cons
- There are some audio issues with the new model.
6. Hausbell Mini Projector Portable
Hausbell Mini Portable Video Projector is the popular choice for making business presentations or viewing documents. The model supports 800*600px real screen resolution with the extension upto 1920*1080px. It comes with a 220-inch wide screen that is ideal for home theater. This is well-known as a dark room projector. The static contrast ratio is 600:1 whereas the dynamic ratio of 10,000:1.
Pros
- Works uninterruptedly.
- Increased brightness.
- Sharp image.
- Better portability.
Cons
- Noise of in build fan.
7. TENKER Upgrade Lumens Q5 Mini : Best Projector For Outdoor Movies
TENKER Q5 is also great for home entertainment. Therefore, this projector is not recommended for business presentations. It gives a 50% louder sound system than its previous model with a modern speaker system. Moreover, TENKER provides 3 years of professional technical support and customer services. It’s tremendous heat protection cooling system never lets the projector get over-heat. Due to its great throw distance, this is a great choice if you are a fan of watching movies indoors and outdoors.
Pros
- Compact size.
- Noise reduction.
- High level of illumination.
Cons
- No HDMI cable included.
8. GooDee Mini Projector 2019 (Upgraded Version): Best Projector For Home Theater
The upgraded version GooDee 2019 projector has an attractive design with 80% extra brightness. It is compact designed and has immensely low noise level. It’s primary native resolution is 800*480px and extends upto 1080px.It has an exclusive power saving feature that extends the lamp life of the projector up to 30,000 hours. It supports a projection screen from 50 to 130 inches with a throw distance of 5-12 feet. If you are looking for a projector that supports your home theater then GooDee is a great choice.
Pros
- Easy operation and installation.
- High brightness.
- Good speaker.
- Compatible with other devices.
Cons
- Grain effects in the images.
FAQ
1. What projector under $100 will be the best for outdoor movies?
Outdoor cinemas demand inflatable movie screens, better sound quality with high brightness and contrast effects. For all these features it needs digital or analogue projectors. In this case VANKYO LEISURE is the one that can meet all the requirements.
This one is the cheapest projector with the best output. Though cheaper projectors don’t work properly in daylight, they are perfect for night shows. Daylight projectors are a bit costlier than dark light projectors.
2. What projectors can I connect with my PS4 gaming console?
Again it is VANKYO LEISURE! Though more or less all the projectors are compatible with any gaming console, if it comes to connectivity, this one is the best. You can even use HDMI hook up with your console and it can stream video also.
3. Which projectors are portable under 100 dollars?
Though you can carry all the above mentioned projectors wherever you want unless you are concerned about lamp life of the projector. In this case AUKING MINI PROJECTOR is the best portable projector you can ever have that comes with more than 55,000 hours of lamp life. However, VANKYO LEISURE 3 mini projector is also worthy in terms of performance and features.
4. What projectors are best for business Powerpoint?
Previously it was not possible to buy business presentation projectors under $100 but in 2020 several Powerpoint projectors have been launched. Such as Hausbell Mini Projector Portable, TENKER Upgrade Lumens Q5 Mini Projector, GooDee Mini Projector 2019 (Upgraded Version), RAGU Z498 Mini Projector, Upgraded – B07DC4NCPW, DR. J Professional HI-04 1080P Supported, DBPOWER L21 LCD Video Projector, VANKYO LEISURE 3 Mini Projector etc.
Check Out: Best projector under 500
Conclusion
If you are confused in choosing the best projector under $100 then you can simply go with TENKER Upgrade Lumens Q5 Mini projector as it has zero setbacks and is a great cheap budget option. We have recommended all the options and we will always keep refreshing this list while looking for any new budget projector that comes in the market.