Budget Projectors are rapidly becoming standard fixtures in several schools and offices and many of us are searching for the Best projector under 500. You cannot ignore the role of a projector when you are organising a conference, a seminar or just using it to watch movies at home. Due to their paramount significance in our everyday lives, it is important to select the best projector available in the market. Hence, if you want to make your presentation stand out, you should opt for a projector which offers high-definition images.
Whether you are a gamer or a professional in a meeting, a standard display fails to create impressions. For the best display and entertainment, you need a good all-round projector. In this article, we have done an in-depth analysis of the best projectors under 500 dollars. But before delving into their intricacies, let’s go through the things to consider while buying the a projector in 2022.
Things to consider when buying a projector under 500
When the context is about buying the best projector under 500 dollars, ensure that you consider some crucial points. While buying a projector priced fewer than 500 dollars, make sure that you identify your purpose. Projectors are available in a mix of configurations and being aware of the purpose would help you to implement a wise buying decision.
Screen size of the projector
The screen size of the projector refers to its projection size. It also depends on the type of the surface you want the device to project the image upon. Hence, you should be mindful of the distance too while buying the projector.
Contrast
The amount of contrast the projector has makes all the difference between good and bad image projection. Always opt for a projector that has got higher values of contrast. In this manner, you can make a particular image brighter or dimmer.
Brightness
Brightness is one of the key factors to consider while buying a projector. A good projector usually should have a minimum of 1000 lumens brightness. Note that 1000 lumens is suitable for use at night. In broad daylight, you would need a projector with 3000 lumens.
Throw distance
You might be well-aware of the factor that the distance between the projector and the screen is responsible for good image quality. In usual cases, the projectors permit extending the range from a couple of feet to fifteen feet.
Top 8 projectors under 500 dollars in 2022
1. ViewSonic PA503S
Undoubtedly, this is one of the best projectors you can buy under $500. One of the highlighting traits of this projector is that it is super maneuverable. This DLP projector would get your job done irrespective of the position it is placed. Phenomenally, it has a flow range of 4 to 43 feet. This is also the reason that you can use this projector in various kinds of places.
From cramped workplaces to large conference halls, this projector would never disappoint you. On the other hand, you would have no issues seeing the image with the projector. It has a brightness of 3600 lumens which is sufficiently high even in daylight. Even at these high brightness levels, the bulbs would last you for 15000 hours. The device also has VGA, RCA and HDMI ports.
Pros:
- 15,000 hours battery life
- Wide range of throwing
- Provides an array of connectivity options
Cons:
- Build quality is inferior
2. Epson VS250
Epson is a well-known name when the context is about projection technology. The Epson VS250 is easy to set up and simple to operate. It is equipped with a 3LCD display which can produce crystal clear images. It has a brightness level of 3200 lumens which enables you to use this projector even at daylight or bright lighting conditions. Another highlighting trait of this projector is that it supports a large number of resolutions.
Moreover, the contrast of this projector is among some of the best projectors available nowadays. The contrast ratio of this projector is 15000:1 which unarguably makes it one of the best projectors under 500. In other words, it is a versatile projector which you can use anywhere. It also comes with a good throw distance which is an added advantage.
Pros:
- Easy to set up
- High contrast ratio
- Great all-round performance
Cons:
- Low native resolution can be a setback
3. ViewSonic PJD5155
The ViewSonic PJD5155 is all about high performance and versatile features. It operates in DLP format and despite of that has a nice and wide throw range. This is also the reason that this device is ideal for various kinds of applications. For instance, you can use it either in an auditorium or in office as per your needs. Moreover, it also has high levels of brightness in the form of 3300 lumens.
However, it has a shorter bulb life which can be your major issue. It can also operate at maximum resolutions the top being 1080P. Furthermore, the contrast range also helps to counter various issues that DLP projectors face with darker images. So you should ensure that you adjust the contrast properly.
Pros:
- Equipped with a wide screen range
- Large range of contrast
- Good throw distance
Cons:
- Bulb life is shorter
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4. GooDee GP90
The GooDee GP90 operates on the LCD display technology. It has a brightness of 3200 lumens and can support a maximum resolution of 1080P. All these features make it an excellent choice for office and educational purposes. The bulb has a great life expectancy of 30000 hours which is an added bonus. It offers the users a lot of options when the context is about connectivity.
It can connect to iPhones as well as computers. However, the projector is ideal for a smaller setting as it has throw range of only 16.5 feet. Moreover, the contrast is not great which can make it difficult to use it in brightly lit areas. But if you can ignore these two flaws, it is a great projector which would last you for a long time.
Pros:
- Multiple resolutions
- Long bulb life
- Vast connectivity options
Cons:
- Lower contrast range
5. BenQ MW526AE : Best Business Projector Under $500
If you want a projector which is versatile and is ideal for official and business use, you can opt for this product. Well, it has a small throw size when compared to its rivals. However, this feature also makes it one of the best projectors for medium-sized offices.
This projector is also not good for home entertainment purposes due to its low throw range. But as mentioned above, if you want a projector for office and business use, this is your best bet. It is able to utilize a large screen as it can go from 36 inches to 300 inches. It is compatible across all devices and supports an array of resolutions. You can use it with Mac and Blue-Ray players too. No wonder, why its a great business projector under $500.
Pros:
- Supports multiple resolutions
- Brightness of 3300 lumens
- Easy to use and setup
Cons:
- Shorter bulb life
6. Optoma HD143X
This should be your go-to choice if you want a projector for home entertainment purposes. It comes equipped with a brightness of 3000 ANSI lumens and can support up to full HD resolution. Note that the display of this projector belongs to the DLP class. The throw distance can be bit of an issue if you want to use it in larger spaces.
One of the highlighting traits of this projector is that it is 3-D compatible. So it is a great choice if you want to illustrate graphs and charts in your office presentation. Phenomenally, it also has a 10W built-in speaker which takes entertainment to an all new level.
Pros:
- 1.1x optical zoom
- Multiple ports make connectivity easier
- Supports full HD resolution
Cons:
- Doesn’t have support for Dolby sound
7. VIVIBRIGHT GP100
This is one of the newest projectors in the market you can ever buy. It is also a bit different when compared to the other projector. It is because it harnesses the potential of LED technology for image projection. But make no mistake as it is a bright projector with brightness of 3500 lumens. One of the highlighting traits of this projector is its bulb. The bulb can be used for 30000 hours which exudes practicality if you are a heavy user.
This projector can be used for a plethora of occasions. It also doubles up as a great home theatre entertainment projector. It has a decent throw size which makes this projector one of the best in its class. On the other hand, you can easily connect this projector with various devices. With correct corrections, you can use this projector to run several HD resolutions. It also comes with a built-in speaker which is great for entertainment purposes.
Pros:
- 30,000 hours bulb life
- Supports large screen size
- Easy to operate’
Cons:
- Shorter throw range
8. BenQ HT1070
This is the second BenQ projector we have included in our review and for good reasons. As it is a DLP projector, it is best suited for fast-moving media and 3-D videos. On the other hand, it can operate in multiple resolutions which easily make it one of the versatile projectors. Even being a DLP projector, it doesn’t have great contrast.
This can severely affect the image quality in bright light conditions. On the other hand, it is also known as one of the dimmest projectors with brightness levels of only 2000 lumens. However, you can definitely use it for office and educational purposes. The throw range is also not that great which might be a setback. But it is a very good projector if you want to use it small spaces.
Pros:
- Multiple resolutions
- Supports big screen size
- Great build quality
Cons:
- Low lumens
FAQs:
Q. Which projectors are best for home?
The first projector of the review is the best projector for home. It has one of the best brightness levels.
Q. Can I buy a 4K projector under 500 dollars?
The simple answer is no! You have to shell out more to buy the best 4K projector.
Q. How much to spend on projectors?
If you want a good projector with excellent features, you have to spend more than 500 dollars. But if you want a basic projector for indoor use, you will get it under 500 dollars.
Q. What projectors are best to use with 3D glasses?
Any projector that runs on the DLP technology can be used with 3D glasses. However, that doesn’t imply that all DLP projectors would support 3D technology.
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Conclusion
Let’s hope that the information as provided would help you to buy the Best projector under 500. We would recommend the ViewSonic projector as it is the most versatile one. But it is up to you to select one as per your preferences. Make sure to go through the things you need to consider when going for your first projector.
