This report covers all the home theater and home entertainment projectors we reviewed over the past year. With the COVID-19 pandemic keeping people at home, 2020 became the perfect time to create or upgrade a home theater setup.
Whether you want an affordable projector for backyard movie nights or a high-end model for a dedicated theater room, this guide will help you find one that fits your needs and budget.
What’s in the report:
We tested dozens of projectors and picked about 25 of the best options for home use. To make comparisons easier, we sorted them into different price ranges.
We also included a section on Laser TVs—ultra-short throw projectors that are gaining popularity thanks to their easy setup and reasonable prices. They work well as TV replacements.
Several award-winning models are highlighted for their outstanding performance in specific categories.
Ongoing updates:
New projectors are often announced at CEDIA (September) and CES (January). We’ll keep updating this report as we review new models throughout 2021.
While full reviews aren’t included here, you’ll find links to detailed reviews for each featured projector if you want more in-depth information.
Home Theater Projectors $1000 to $2000
This section lists more projectors in the $1,000–$2,000 price range (separate from the Smart projector section in the report). These models are still budget-friendly and give you plenty of choices.
BenQ HT3550 / HT3550i
Projector Specs
Price: $1,549 / $1,649
Technology: DLP
Displayed Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Native Resolution: 1920 x 1080 x4
Brightness: 2,000 lumens
Contrast: 30,000:1 (Dynamic)
Throw Ratio: 1.13:1 – 1.47:1
Zoom Lens Ratio: 1.3x
Lens Shift: Yes
HDR Support: HDR10 / HLG
Lamp Life: Up to 15,000 hours (Eco mode)
Weight: 9.3 lbs
Warranty: 3 years
Award Winner
The BenQ HT3550 is a 4K DLP projector made for dark home theater rooms, where deep blacks and accurate colors matter more than high brightness. Priced at $1,549, it’s one of the most affordable projectors with a dynamic iris, which improves black levels compared to others in the same range. It comes factory color-calibrated for accurate colors right out of the box.
The HT3550 uses a six-segment RGBRGB color wheel and a cinema filter to reproduce 100% of the Rec.709 color space and 95% of DCI-P3. It supports HDR10 and HLG with auto HDR tone mapping for better brightness control. While its 0.47″ DLP chip isn’t native 4K, pixel-shifting delivers the full 8.3 million pixels, making it look just like a native 4K image.
Key Features:
Dynamic Iris – Improves black levels significantly, rare at this price.
4K UHD Capable – Pixel-shifting delivers sharp 4K-like detail.
Cinema Filter – Expands the color range for HDR, covering 95% of DCI-P3.
Six-Segment Color Wheel – Enhances color accuracy using BenQ’s CinematicColor™ tech.
Factory Color Calibrated – Comes with a calibration report for guaranteed Rec.709 accuracy.
The HT3550 is best for movie lovers with a dedicated dark viewing space. The cinema filter boosts color performance but slightly reduces brightness. Even so, it can display colors that many projectors in its class cannot.
BenQ also offers the HT3550i for $1,649. It has the same picture quality but adds Android TV for built-in streaming apps and voice control.
ViewSonic LS700HD
Projector Specs
Price: $1,499
Technology: Laser DLP
Native Resolution: 1080p (1920 x 1080)
Brightness: 3,500 lumens
Contrast: 3,000,000:1 (Dynamic)
Throw Ratio: 1.13:1 – 1.47:1
Zoom Lens Ratio: 1.3x
Lens Shift: No
HDR Support: No
Lamp Life: 20,000 hours
Weight: 15.7 lbs
Warranty: 3 years
The ViewSonic LS700HD is a 1080p Full HD laser projector with a bright 3,500 ANSI lumens output. Using laser phosphor technology, it offers up to 20,000 hours of use, so you’ll never need to replace a lamp. It also features a special “3x Fast Input” mode for smoother gaming.
Key Features:
Laser Light Engine – Produces 3,500 lumens of brightness and up to 20,000 hours of life. The projector can reach a dynamic contrast ratio of 3,000,000:1 by adjusting laser power.
IP5X Dust & Moisture Protection – A sealed DLP engine and laser system keep dust and moisture out, making it virtually maintenance-free even in dusty environments.
Low Input Lag – In “3x Fast Input” mode, the LS700HD has just 16ms of lag for gaming. Even without it, lag is 33ms—still fast enough for most players.
3D Ready – Can display 3D content from Blu-ray players and HDMI devices (compatible 3D glasses required).
The LS700HD covers over 90% of the BT.709 color gamut, the standard for HD video. Its picture is bright and clear, though color accuracy is just average, which is typical for laser DLP projectors. Overall, it’s a long-lasting, low-maintenance projector with great brightness and good gaming performance.
Epson Home Cinema 3200
Projector Specs
Price: $1,499
Technology: 3LCD
Native Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Brightness: 3,000 lumens
Contrast: 40,000:1
Throw Ratio: 1.32:1 – 2.15:1
Zoom Lens Ratio: 1.62x
Lens Shift: Yes
Lamp Life: 20,000 hours
HDR Support: Yes
Weight: 14.6 lbs
Warranty: 3 years
The Epson Home Cinema 3200 is a 4K HDR-compatible 3LCD projector with a brightness of 2,900 lumens—enough for a great HDR picture on screens up to 120 inches and excellent SDR images on even larger screens. Like all Epson 3LCD projectors, it produces equal white and color brightness, ensuring vibrant colors that are essential for HDR.
Its native resolution is 1080p (1920 x 1080), but it uses Epson’s PRO-UHD pixel-shifting technology to enhance sharpness and detail, allowing it to display 4K60p content.
Key Features:
4K Pixel Shifting – Accepts 4K@60p signals and uses pixel shifting to create a sharper, more detailed image than standard 1080p.
HDR10 / HLG Support – Works with both HDR10 and HLG, covering most HDR content available now and in the future.
3D Ready – Supports 3D content, letting you enjoy older 3D movies and shows.
AptX Bluetooth – Streams high-quality HD audio wirelessly to speakers or headphones.
The Home Cinema 3200 has a dynamic contrast ratio of 40,000:1 (with Auto Iris) and comes with two 18Gbps HDMI 2.0 ports for 4K HDR input. It’s priced at $1,499.99.
Epson also offers the Home Cinema 3800 for $1,699.99. For $200 more, you get 3,000 lumens brightness, more than double the dynamic contrast, extra aspect ratio controls for anamorphic lenses, and built-in dual 10-watt speakers.
While the HC3200 lacks high-end features like power zoom and advanced lens shift, it delivers strong performance and convenience features such as Active 3D, Bluetooth audio, and wireless networking. It’s a great choice for watching SDR and HDR movies in a living room or multipurpose space without breaking the bank.
Panasonic PT-LRZ35U
Projector Specs
Price: $1,699 (street price)
Technology: RGB LED DLP
Native Resolution: 1920 x 1200
Brightness: 3,500 lumens
Contrast: 30,000:1
Throw Ratio: 1.28:1 – 1.69:1
Zoom Lens Ratio: 1.32x
Lens Shift: No
Lamp Life: 20,000 hours
HDR Support: No
Weight: 14.8 lbs
Warranty: 3 years
Award Winner
The Panasonic PT-LRZ35 Series is Panasonic’s first portable projector to use a dedicated RGB LED light source. This new design aims to deliver richer colors and sharper images, making it a great choice for anyone who needs precise color accuracy—such as for art displays or detailed visual work.
This compact, single-chip RGB LED DLP projector offers WUXGA resolution (1920 x 1200), 3,500 lumens brightness, and a 20,000-hour light source life. While it was originally designed for business use, its high image quality also makes it a solid option for home entertainment. Although its official price is $2,999, it’s widely available for around $1,699.
Because it uses a separate LED for red, green, and blue, there’s no need for a traditional color wheel. This means fewer moving parts, better reliability, no “rainbow effect,” and a wider color range for more vibrant, accurate pictures.
Key Features:
Discrete RGB LED Light Source – Uses separate LEDs for each color to produce vivid, accurate colors without rainbow artifacts.
3D Ready – Can display 3D content with optional compatible glasses.
Sealed Light Engine – Filter-free design that can go up to 20,000 hours without cleaning in normal conditions.
With its consistent colors, sharp images, small size, and versatile use, the PT-LRZ35U works well in both home and business environments. Its impressive performance has earned it a Projector Review Special Interest Award.
Epson Home Cinema 4010 / Pro Cinema 4050
Projector Specs
Price: $1,999 / $2,399
Technology: 3LCD
Native Resolution: 1920×1080 (Full HD)
Brightness: 2,400 lumens
Contrast: 200,000:1 (Dynamic)
Zoom Lens Ratio: 1.85:1
Throw Ratio: 1.35:1 – 2.84:1
Lens Shift: Yes
Lamp Life: 5,000 hours (Eco mode)
Weight: 24.3 lbs
Warranty: 2 years / 3 years
This projector delivers Full HD 1080p with bright, dynamic images and flexible placement thanks to zoom and lens shift. Its 3LCD tech ensures vivid colors, and the lamp lasts up to 5,000 hours in Eco mode.
Award Winner
Epson Home Cinema 4010 & Pro Cinema 4050
Epson’s Home Cinema 4010 and Pro Cinema 4050 are bright, feature-packed 3LCD projectors with Full HD (1080p) resolution and 4K enhancement via Epson’s PRO-UHD pixel-shifting technology. They can handle 4K60p content, deliver wide color gamut, deep blacks, and a clear, sharp image. Both have a motorized zoom lens with lens memory for flexible placement.
The main difference: the Pro Cinema 4050 is black, comes with a mount, extra lamp, and a longer 3-year warranty, targeting commercial installs, while the Home Cinema 4010 is white and aimed at home users.
Key Features:
4K Pixel Shifting: Improves sharpness and detail for a near-4K experience.
HDR10 / HLG Compatible: Enjoy almost all HDR content, including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision backward compatible titles.
3D Ready: Works with 3D content and optional glasses.
AptX Bluetooth: Connect speakers or headphones wirelessly with high-quality HD audio.
Placement Flexibility: Lens memory and 2.1:1 motorized zoom support widescreen and HDTV setups.
These projectors shine in color, brightness, and flexibility, making them excellent for home theaters. The Pro Cinema 4050 adds extras for commercial use and a more robust warranty, while the Home Cinema 4010 delivers great performance for most home setups at a lower price.
BenQ TK850 / TK850i
Projector Specs
Resolution: 1920x1080x4 (pixel-shifted 4K)
Brightness: 3,000 lumens
Contrast: 30,000:1 (dynamic)
Lens & Placement: 1.3x zoom, 1.13–1.47 throw ratio, and lens shift for flexible installation
Durability: Lamp lasts up to 20,000 hours
Weight: 9.3 lbs (light and portable)
Warranty: 3 years or 20,000 hours
This projector is great for home theater enthusiasts who want near-4K quality, flexible setup, and long-lasting performance at a reasonable price.
The BenQ TK850i ($1649) is a bright, home-theater-focused 4K projector with pixel-shifting technology, delivering a native 3840×2160 resolution. With 3,000 lumens of brightness, it works well in both dark rooms and living rooms with some ambient light. Colors are vivid and accurate right out of the box, and HDR10/HLG support ensures modern content looks great.
Key Specs & Features:
Brightness: 3,000 lumens
Resolution: Pixel-shifted 4K (3840×2160)
HDR: HDR10 and HLG support, plus HDR-Pro tech (HDR Brightness, Tone Mapping, Dynamic Iris) for better contrast and detail
3D Ready: Works with optional 3D glasses
Audio: Built-in dual 5W speakers for basic sound
Smart Features: Android TV OS with apps like Prime Video, YouTube, Google Play, plus Chromecast and AirPlay support
Voice Control: Google Assistant integration for easy searching and streaming
The TK850i is ideal for home users who want a bright, sharp 4K HDR experience with accurate colors and smart streaming features. BenQ also offers a slightly cheaper, non-smart version called the TK850 ($1549).
Optoma UHD50X
The Optoma UHD50X ($1599) is a bright 4K-capable DLP projector with 3,400 lumens, HDR10/HLG support, and excellent color performance. It’s great for home entertainment, even in rooms with some ambient light.
Key Specs & Features:
Resolution: Pixel-shifted 4K (1920×1080×4)
Brightness: 3,400 lumens
Contrast: 500,000:1
HDR: Supports HDR10 and HLG with color and tone mapping
Lens: 1.3x zoom, lens shift, throw ratio 1.21–1.59:1
Lamp Life: 4,000 hours (15,000 in Eco mode)
Weight: 8.6 lbs, Warranty: 2 years
Gaming Features:
Ultra-Low Input Lag: 15.7ms at 1080p/240Hz, 25ms at 4K/60Hz in Enhanced Gaming Mode
High Refresh Rate: 1080p up to 240Hz, 4K up to 60Hz (no HDMI 2.1, so 4K@120Hz isn’t supported)
Dynamic Black Technology: Adjusts brightness automatically for better contrast
Color & Image:
Uses an 8-segment RGBW color wheel for vivid colors and full Rec.709 coverage
Out-of-the-box colors can be oversaturated, but easy to calibrate for accurate results
The UHD50X is perfect for both cinematic movies and fast-paced gaming, delivering bright, sharp images with low lag and vibrant colors.
Home Theater Projectors $1000 to $2000 (Smart)
There are plenty of projectors under $2,000 that perform really well in bright or moderately lit rooms—just as good as many higher-end models. The main differences show up in very dark scenes. If you care more about sharp, clear images than perfect black levels, you can easily find a projector in this price range that fits your needs.
ViewSonic X10-4KE
Projector Specs
Price: $1,499
Technology: 3-Chip DLP
Native Resolution: 3840×2160 (4K)
Brightness: 2,400 lumens
Lens: Fixed focal length, no zoom
Lens Shift: No
Lamp Life: 30,000 hours
Weight: 9 lbs
Warranty: 3-year limited, 1-year on light source, plus first-year free express exchange when registered
The ViewSonic X10-4KE is a compact, portable 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) projector that brings big-screen entertainment anywhere. It features a short-throw design, smart TV functions, and a handy handle, making it easy to move around. Measuring just 10.3” x 10.7” x 6.5” and weighing 9 lbs, it’s small but powerful.
Its sleek matte gray body with brown leather accents gives it a retro-modern look. Even the ports are hidden behind a leather flap for a clean design. With 2,400 lumens, it works well in living rooms and media rooms with moderate lighting, though it’s not meant for very bright spaces.
The X10-4KE includes built-in Harman Kardon speakers, or you can connect a Bluetooth speaker or soundbar for better audio.
Key Features:
Voice Control: Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for easy hands-free use.
Auto-Focus & Auto-Keystone: Automatically sharpens and straightens the image when powered on.
On-Board Media Player: Play movies, music, and photos from a MicroSD card or the 16GB internal storage.
CFI (Creative Frame Interpolation): Adds extra frames for smooth motion, perfect for sports and action.
In short, the X10-4KE is a stylish, portable 4K projector with smart features, solid brightness, good colors, and versatile placement options—great for home theater or outdoor movie nights.
LG HU70LA
Projector Specs
The LG HU70LA is a 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) DLP LED projector designed for home theaters. With HDR support and a 4-channel LED light engine, it delivers 1,500 lumens of brightness and up to 30,000 hours of maintenance-free operation. It’s lightweight at 7.1 lbs and built to replace a TV in spaces where a large screen won’t fit.
LG includes smart TV features with its ThinQ AI webOS, giving you access to apps, voice control, and streaming, just like an LG Smart TV. The projector also has built-in speakers and a TV tuner for an all-in-one experience.
Key Features:
4-Channel LED Light Engine: Uses red, green, blue, and an extra blue LED for brighter, more vivid colors.
4K DLP with Pixel Shifting: Delivers sharp 4K UHD images even though it uses a single 0.47” DMD chip.
Smart TV Features: Full ThinQ AI webOS, voice control, and app support.
HDR10 with Auto Tone Mapping: Enhances dynamic range, color, and detail in both bright and dark scenes.
The HU70LA is a great option if you want a smart, low-maintenance projector that can replace a large TV in a limited space.
Note: Many excellent smart projectors are now available in the $1,000–$2,000 range. Over the coming months, more models will be reviewed to help buyers make informed decisions.
BenQ X1300i
The BenQ X1300i is a 1080p DLP home entertainment projector designed for both gaming and movies. It delivers 3,000 lumens of LED brightness, a high 500,000:1 contrast ratio, and up to 20,000 hours of lamp life. Lightweight at 14.1 lbs, it comes with a 3-year warranty and has won awards for its performance and design.
Key Features:
Gaming Optimized: GameMaestro Technology offers low-latency performance and visual/audio presets for RPGs, sports, shooters, and custom EQ.
Bright 4LED Engine: Adds an extra blue LED to boost green output by 40% and overall brightness by 8–12% compared to standard 3LED projectors.
Smart TV Features: Built-in Android TV OS with Google Assistant, Chromecast, and AirPlay support lets you stream movies, music, and games easily.
HDR Support: Hardware and software combine to deliver true High Dynamic Range images with better detail and lifelike colors.
Cinematic Color Accuracy: 98% Rec.709 coverage and manual calibration options for accurate, vibrant color.
Auto Keystone & 3D: 2D keystone correction (±30°) and 3D support for movies, sports, and games.
The X1300i stands out for combining long-lasting bright LEDs, immersive audio, and smart gaming features, making it a top choice for a versatile home entertainment projector at a great price.
Home Theater Projectors $2000 to $5000
If you’re spending $2,000–$5,000, you can get a high-quality 4K projector. These projectors offer excellent picture, deep blacks, sharp images, and still leave room in your budget for accessories to complete your home theater setup.
LG AU810PB
Projector Specs
Price: $3,999
Technology: DLP with XPR
Resolution: 4K UHD (1920x1080x4 native)
Brightness: 2,700 lumens
Contrast: 2,000,000:1
Zoom Lens Ratio: 1.6:1
Throw Ratio: 1.30:1 – 2.08:1
Lens Shift: Yes
Lamp Life: 20,000 hours
Weight: 24.3 lbs
Warranty: 2 years
Award Winner
The LG AU810PB is a 4K DLP Laser Smart projector that brings all the features of a smart flat-panel TV into a projector format. Priced around $3,999, it offers a bright, high-quality image and long-lasting, maintenance-free laser light. Its 1920x1080x4 pixel-shifting DLP chip delivers a picture that’s practically indistinguishable from native 4K.
Key Features:
Dual-Channel Laser Light Engine – Reduces color breakup and rainbow effects compared to traditional blue-laser phosphor projectors.
Brightness Optimizer – Adjusts light output with multiple presets and a manual user mode, plus Adaptive Contrast for richer darks and brighter highlights.
HDR Pro & HGiG – Dynamic tone mapping enhances shadow detail, vibrant colors, and HDR gaming performance.
HDMI 2.1 – Supports eARC and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for smooth, lag-free gaming.
WiSA Ready – Can wirelessly send 7.1-channel audio to compatible speakers, simplifying surround setups.
Smart TV Features – Runs LG’s ThinQ AI webOS with Google Assistant and Alexa voice control, streaming apps, and wireless media playback.
Calman Auto Calibration – Automatically fine-tunes color and image settings using Calman software.
The AU810PB delivers accurate colors out of the box, Dynamic HDR tone mapping, HGiG support, and advanced gaming features. Its smart functionality, wireless audio support, and comprehensive calibration options make it the most advanced feature-packed projector under $5,000.
BenQ HT5550
Projector Specs
Projector Specs
Price: $2,699
Technology: DLP
Resolution: 4K UHD via 1920x1080x4 pixel-shifting
Brightness: 1,800 lumens
Contrast: 100,000:1
Zoom Lens: 1.6x
Throw Ratio: 1.36–2.18:1
Lens Shift: Yes
Lamp Life: 4,000 hours
Weight: 14.3 lbs
Warranty: 1 year
Award Winner
The BenQ HT5550 is a 4K DLP home theater projector that offers excellent color and deep blacks, making it one of the best value projectors under $3,000. It’s ideal for movie lovers who want rich, cinematic picture quality in a dark or controlled lighting room.
Key Features:
Dynamic Iris: Improves black levels, giving more depth to dark scenes—rare in this price range.
4K UHD via Pixel Shifting: The 0.47″ DMD chip shifts pixels rapidly to create a sharp 4K-like image (8.3M pixels).
Cinema Filter: Enhances color, covering 95% of DCI-P3 for vivid HDR images (slightly reduces brightness when engaged).
Six-Segment RGBRGB Color Wheel: Supports BenQ’s CinematicColor™ technology for accurate Rec.709 color reproduction.
Factory-Calibrated: Comes with a report ensuring accurate colors and white balance right out of the box.
Optical Lens Shift: Horizontal and vertical adjustments make image placement easier without digital distortion.
The HT5550 is best for dark home theaters and delivers colors and black levels that outperform many projectors in its price range. It’s a top choice for serious movie enthusiasts looking for high-quality 4K HDR performance without breaking the bank.
Epson Home Cinema 5050UB
Projector Specs
Price: $2,999
Technology: 3LCD
Native Resolution: 1080p (1920×1080)
Brightness: 2,600 lumens
Contrast: 1,000,000:1 (Dynamic)
Zoom Lens Ratio: 2.10:1
Throw Ratio: 1.35:1 – 2.84:1
Lens Shift: Yes, for easy image positioning
Lamp Life: 3,500 hours
Weight: 24.7 lbs
Warranty: 2 years
Award Winner
Key Highlights:
4K PRO-UHD Technology: Uses advanced hardware to enhance resolution, HDR, and overall image processing for an impressive 4K experience.
True 3-Chip 3LCD Design: Displays 100% of RGB color for each frame, giving bright, accurate colors without rainbow effects common in single-chip projectors.
4K Pixel-Shift Processor: Precision controls three HD LCD chips to process up to 12 million pixels, producing sharp, detailed 4K visuals.
HDR Support: Handles HDR10 for 4K Blu-rays and HLG for live broadcasts, bringing more detail in bright and dark scenes.
3-Axis Motorized Lens: Offers huge placement flexibility with horizontal lens shift up to 96% and vertical up to 47%, plus adjustable zoom, focus, and 10 memory presets.
Performance:
Excellent color right out of the box
Deep black levels for dark scenes
Sharp, detailed 4K image quality
Bright enough (2600 lumens) for moderately lit rooms
For $2,999, the HC5050UB delivers top-tier home theater performance, stunning color, HDR, and flexible placement—making it one of the best value 4K projectors on the market.
JVC LX-NZ3
The JVC LX-NZ3 is a 4K UHD DLP home theater projector with HDR support, priced at $3,699. Its laser light engine, combined with true 4K resolution, delivers bright, detailed images while requiring minimal maintenance.
Key Specs:
Resolution: 3840×2160 (true 4K UHD)
Brightness: 3,000 lumens
Contrast: ∞:1
Lamp Life: 20,000 hours (High Power)
Lens Shift & Zoom: Yes, 1.6:1 zoom ratio
Weight: 13.86 lbs
Warranty: 1 year
Highlights & Features:
Laser Light Engine: Uses BLU-Escent™ technology with a blue laser diode and yellow phosphor wheel, providing years of worry-free use.
True 4K DLP: A 0.47” DMD chip with rapid pixel shifting delivers a perceived 8.3 million pixels, almost indistinguishable from native 4K UHD.
HDR Compatible: Supports HDR10 and HLG content, covering nearly all available HDR material.
Auto HDR Tone Mapping: Automatically adjusts HDR settings for the best image brightness and quality based on the content.
Bright & Compact: Brighter than JVC’s NX Series, making it ideal for rooms with some ambient light, while remaining compact and easy to place.
Summary:
The LX-NZ3 offers a bright, sharp 4K image with HDR and the low-maintenance benefits of a laser light engine. It’s a great option if you want a compact, worry-free 4K projector that performs well in moderately lit rooms.
Epson Pro Cinema 6050UB
The Epson Pro Cinema 6050UB is a high-end 3LCD home theater projector, priced at $3,999. It offers top-tier color, excellent black levels, and flexible placement options, making it one of the best choices in its price range.
Key Specs:
Resolution: 1920×1080 (Full HD, enhanced with 4K PRO-UHD pixel-shifting)
Brightness: 2,600 lumens
Contrast: 1,200,000:1 (Dynamic)
Lamp Life: 5,000 hours (Eco)
Lens Shift & Zoom: Yes, 2.1:1 zoom ratio
Weight: 24.7 lbs
Warranty: 3 years
Highlights & Features:
4K PRO-UHD Technology: Uses advanced hardware processing and pixel-shifting to create a sharp 4K-like image from Full HD panels.
True 3-Chip Design: 3LCD panels display 100% of RGB color for every frame, giving bright, accurate colors without rainbow or color brightness issues.
Dedicated 4K Pixel-Shift Processor: Controls three HD LCD chips to process up to 12 million pixels for stunning 4K visuals.
3-Axis Motorized Lens: Allows up to 96% horizontal and 47% vertical lens shift. Zoom and focus can be stored in presets for easy setup.
HDR Support: Compatible with HDR10 and HLG content for both movies and live broadcasts.
Extras: Includes a spare lamp, ceiling mount, cable cover, and rapid three-year replacement warranty.
Summary:
The 6050UB delivers razor-sharp images, vibrant P3 colors, and best-in-class black levels, making it ideal for serious home theater enthusiasts. Its combination of brightness, color accuracy, HDR, and placement flexibility makes it one of the most versatile projectors in its price range, with only the HC5050UB coming close in performance.
LG GRU510N
The LG GRU510N is a high-brightness, laser-powered DLP home theater projector priced at $3,999. It’s HDR-compatible, delivers sharp 4K UHD images, and is designed for both professional and home use.
Key Specs:
Resolution: 2716x1528x2 (perceived 4K UHD)
Brightness: 5,000 ANSI lumens
Contrast: 3,000,000:1 (dynamic)
Lens Shift & Zoom: Yes, 1.6:1 zoom ratio, throw 1.32–2.11:1
Lamp Life: 20,000 hours
Weight: 21.4 lbs
Warranty: 3 years
Highlights & Features:
Laser Light Engine: Long-lasting 20,000-hour laser avoids frequent lamp changes. Brightness can be adjusted dynamically, giving a huge contrast range.
4K UHD Resolution: Single DLP chip with pixel-shifting delivers a sharp 8.8 million-pixel image, nearly indistinguishable from native 4K.
Dynamic HDR Tone Mapping: Automatically adjusts HDR settings for the best brightness and detail based on the content.
Optical Lens Shift: Easy horizontal and vertical image adjustment without digital distortion.
Smart Connectivity: Supports wireless streaming via Miracast, WebOS apps like Netflix/YouTube, and USB media playback.
Flexible Installation: Compact size, HDBaseT support, lens shift, and 12-point geometry correction make setup easy in almost any room.
Summary:
The LG GRU510N is ideal for bright rooms and spaces with ambient light. It combines accurate colors, high brightness, flexible installation, and low maintenance thanks to its laser-phosphor light engine. If you want a reliable, high-performance 4K projector with smart features, this model is a strong choice.
If you’re spending $2,000–$5,000, you can get a high-quality 4K projector. Projectors in this range offer great picture quality, deep blacks, sharp images, and still leave room in your budget for accessories to complete your home theater setup.
LG AU810PB Cinebeam
The LG AU810PB is a 4K DLP Laser Smart projector priced at $3,999, designed to be a true flat-panel TV replacement. With a bright 2,700-lumen laser light engine rated for 20,000 hours, it delivers excellent image quality without the hassle of lamp replacements.
This projector uses a 1920x1080x4 pixel-shifting DLP chip, giving a perceived 4K resolution that’s hard to distinguish from native 4K. Key features include:
Dual-Channel Laser Light Engine – Reduces rainbow effects and improves color accuracy.
Brightness Optimizer & Adaptive Contrast – Adjusts light output and dynamic contrast for any room.
HDR Pro & HGiG – Enhances dark scenes, shadow details, and HDR gaming visuals.
HDMI 2.1 Support – Includes eARC and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for smooth gaming.
WiSA Ready – Wirelessly transmit high-quality audio to compatible speakers.
Smart TV Features – Runs LG’s webOS with voice control, streaming apps, and media playback.
Calman Auto Calibration – Auto-calibrates the picture for accurate colors.
The AU810PB delivers accurate out-of-the-box colors, dynamic HDR tone mapping, and HGiG support, making it ideal for movies, gaming, and streaming. Its Smart features, WiSA audio compatibility, and advanced laser engine make it one of the most feature-packed projectors under $5,000.
BenQ HT5550
The BenQ HT5550 is a 4K DLP home theater projector priced at $2,699, offering excellent picture quality with deep blacks and accurate colors. It’s part of BenQ’s CinePrime series, designed for serious movie enthusiasts who can optimize their room for the best viewing experience.
Key features include:
Dynamic Iris – Improves black levels for richer, more detailed dark scenes.
4K UHD Capable – Uses pixel-shifting to deliver a perceived 4K resolution that looks like native 4K.
Cinema Filter – Expands the color gamut up to 95% DCI-P3 for vibrant HDR colors (slightly reduces brightness).
Six-Segment Color Wheel – BenQ’s CinematicColor™ technology ensures accurate Rec.709 color reproduction.
Factory Calibrated – Comes with a calibration report guaranteeing accurate colors out of the box.
Optical Lens Shift – Allows easy vertical and horizontal image positioning without digital distortion.
With HDR10 and HLG support, the HT5550 offers rich color and strong contrast in dark rooms. Its combination of dynamic iris, optical lens shift, and precise color reproduction makes it one of the best value 4K projectors under $3,000.
Epson Home Cinema 5050UB
The Epson Home Cinema 5050UB is a 3LCD home theater projector priced at $2,999, offering performance that rivals much more expensive models. It’s great for dedicated home theaters, media rooms, living rooms, or dens, as long as you have some control over ambient light.
Key features include:
4K PRO-UHD Projection – Uses advanced hardware to enhance resolution, HDR, and image processing for a true 4K experience.
3-Chip 3LCD Design – Displays 100% of the RGB color signal for each frame, ensuring bright, accurate colors without the rainbow effect common in single-chip projectors.
4K Pixel-Shift Processor – Processes up to 12 million pixels using three HD LCD chips, creating sharp, detailed 4K visuals.
HDR Support – Handles HDR10 and HLG for vibrant colors and better detail in dark scenes.
3-Axis Motorized Lens – Offers up to 96% horizontal and 47% vertical lens shift, with adjustable zoom and focus, plus ten memory presets for easy setup.
With 2600 lumens of brightness, excellent color accuracy, and best-in-class black levels, the HC5050UB delivers an outstanding 4K home theater experience at an affordable price. It’s ideal for anyone seeking sharp, vibrant images with full HDR performance and maximum placement flexibility.
JVC LX-NZ3
The JVC LX-NZ3 is a 4K DLP home theater projector priced at $3,699. It combines true 4K UHD resolution (3840 x 2160) with a laser light engine, delivering bright, high-quality images with low maintenance.
Key features include:
Laser Light Engine – Uses JVC’s BLU-Escent™ technology for bright, long-lasting illumination. Rated for 20,000 hours in High Power Mode, it provides years of hassle-free use.
4K UHD Resolution – A 0.47” DLP chip with rapid pixel shifting creates a perceived 8.3 million pixels, producing sharp, detailed images almost indistinguishable from native 4K.
HDR Compatible – Supports HDR10 and HLG, covering almost all HDR content currently available.
Auto HDR Tone Mapping – Automatically adjusts settings to optimize HDR brightness and contrast, making HDR content look vivid without dull spots.
Bright Performance – With 3,000 lumens, it works well even in rooms with some ambient light, making it more versatile than higher-contrast, darker NX Series models.
Compact, bright, and easy to maintain, the LX-NZ3 is ideal for anyone looking for a reliable, high-quality 4K projector with the long life and convenience of a laser light engine.
Epson Pro Cinema 6050UB
The Epson Pro Cinema 6050UB is a high-end 3LCD home theater projector priced at $3,999. It delivers excellent color, top-tier black levels, and impressive placement flexibility, making it one of the best options in its class.
Key features include:
4K PRO-UHD Projection – Uses advanced hardware for resolution enhancement, HDR, and image processing, giving a true 4K home theater experience.
True 3-Chip 3LCD Design – Displays 100% of RGB color per frame for accurate colors and brightness, without rainbow or color brightness issues common in single-chip projectors.
4K Pixel-Shift Processor – Combines three high-definition LCD chips to process up to 12 million pixels, producing sharp and detailed 4K images.
3-Axis Motorized Lens – Offers up to 96% horizontal and 47% vertical lens shift, 2.1:1 zoom, and ten programmable presets for easy setup and placement flexibility.
HDR Support – Compatible with HDR10 and HLG for bright, vivid images on both Blu-ray and streaming content.
Extras – Includes a spare lamp, ceiling mount, and cable cover, plus a 3-year parts and labor warranty with rapid replacement.
With stunning P3 color, razor-sharp 4K content, and excellent HDR performance, the 6050UB delivers outstanding home theater performance. Its deep blacks make dark scenes truly stand out, putting it ahead of nearly all other projectors in this price range.
For anyone looking for a flagship home theater projector, the Pro Cinema 6050UB—or its slightly more affordable sibling, the HC5050UB—is a top choice.
LG GRU510N
The LG GRU510N is a high-performance DLP laser home theater projector priced at $3,999. It delivers 4K UHD resolution (3840 x 2160) with a powerful 5,000-lumen output and a long-lasting 20,000-hour laser light source, making it low-maintenance and bright enough for rooms with some ambient light.
Key features include:
Laser Light Engine – Provides 20,000 hours of operation and a dynamic contrast ratio of 3,000,000:1, with instant power modulation from full brightness to off.
4K UHD Resolution – Uses a DLP chip with 2.2 million mirrors and advanced pixel-shifting to deliver a perceived 8.8 million pixels, producing sharp 4K images.
Dynamic HDR Tone Mapping – Adjusts HDR brightness and tone automatically for more accurate image reproduction.
Optical Lens Shift – Horizontal and vertical lens shift allows precise image placement without digital distortion.
Wireless and Network Connectivity – Supports Miracast, WebOS browser, streaming from Netflix/YouTube, and media playback via USB.
Installation Flexibility – Compact design with HDBaseT support, horizontal/vertical lens shift, and 12-point geometry correction.
The LG GRU510N combines high brightness, accurate colors, and smart features in a flexible, easy-to-install package. It’s ideal for bright rooms and those looking for low-maintenance, high-quality 4K projection.
Home Theater Projectors $5,000 to $10,000
If you’re shopping at this price range, you’ll notice a big jump in performance, image quality, clarity, and even noise levels. At this level, you can get an excellent projector that will deliver top-notch entertainment for many years. One great option is the Sony VPL-VW295ES.
The Sony VPL-VW295ES is a top-notch home theater projector that delivers a stunning, sharp picture. At just under $5,000, it’s the only native 4K SXRD projector in this price range, making it a great value for serious home cinema enthusiasts.
Even when turned off, the VW295ES looks sleek and minimalistic, with a high-quality lens that hints at the performance inside. Out of the box, it delivers excellent color and HDR performance, along with impressive P3 color accuracy.
Key features include:
Native 4K Resolution – Uses Sony’s 4K SXRD panels (4096 x 2160) for true 4K sharpness and cinema-quality color.
Reality Creation – Enhances detail subtly for a sharper image without adding noise.
HDR & Wide Color Gamut – Supports HDR content and DCI-P3/BT.2020 color for vibrant, lifelike images.
IMAX Support – One of the few Sony projectors with official IMAX certification.
Motorized Lens – Offers zoom and optical horizontal/vertical lens shift for easy installation and precise image positioning.
With excellent brightness, color accuracy, and flexibility, the VW295ES is perfect for dedicated home theaters and can perform well in rooms with some ambient light when paired with the right screen. It’s a serious 4K projector built to last and impress.
BenQ HT9050
The BenQ HT9050 is a flagship home theater projector from BenQ’s Pro Cinema series, delivering sharp, vibrant images and excellent color accuracy. Priced at $5,999, it’s designed for serious home cinema enthusiasts.
It uses a Philips HLD ColorSpark LED light engine, producing 2200 lumens and a 20,000-hour lifespan. Its premium 14-element glass lens with 1.5x zoom ensures a sharp, detailed image.
Key features include:
LED Light Engine – Rich, intense colors with lower noise and minimal rainbow effects compared to lamp-based projectors.
Premium Lens – High-quality optics reduce distortions and deliver a crisp picture.
Dynamic Iris – Improves black levels for deeper contrast.
4K UHD Capable – Uses fast pixel-shifting DLP to deliver an effective 4K image, indistinguishable from native 4K for most viewers.
Cinema Filter – Reproduces up to 95% of the P3 color space when engaged, though brightness is slightly reduced.
Six-Segment Color Wheel – BenQ’s CinematicColor™ tech reproduces Rec.709 colors accurately and minimizes rainbow effects.
Factory-Calibrated – Each unit comes with a calibration report for accurate color out of the box.
Optical Lens Shift – Easy horizontal and vertical adjustments without digital distortion.
The HT9050 is extremely quiet, offers a full range of inputs, and produces some of the sharpest images among 4K UHD DLP projectors. Its main limitation is the lack of HDR support, which is available on its higher-end sibling, the HT9060.
JVC NX7 / RS2000
The JVC DLA-NX7 is a high-end home theater projector delivering true 4K resolution (4096 x 2160) and outstanding contrast for an immersive viewing experience. Priced at $8,999, it’s ideal for serious cinephiles who want rich colors, deep blacks, and top-tier HDR performance.
It uses JVC’s 3rd-generation 0.69-inch native 4K D-ILA panels, giving superior native contrast and reproducing all 8.8 million pixels in 4K content. With 1,900 lumens of brightness and an 800,000:1 contrast ratio, the NX7 delivers vibrant, detailed images. Engaging the Cinema Filter allows it to cover 100% of the DCI-P3 color space.
Key features include:
Frame Adapt HDR with Theater Optimizer – Automatically adjusts HDR tone mapping based on the projector and content, giving great HDR10 results without manual tweaks.
Multi-Element All-Glass Lens – A 65mm lens with 17 elements in 15 groups ensures sharp focus across the screen.
Native 4K D-ILA Panels – True 4K panels with dynamic iris for deep blacks and improved contrast.
Motorized Lens with Memories – Horizontal/vertical shift and zoom with memory presets, perfect for switching between HDTV and widescreen films.
Compared to other projectors at this price point, the NX7 stands out for its color accuracy, contrast, black levels, and HDR performance. If you’re investing in a premium home theater projector, the JVC DLA-NX7 should be at the top of your list.
Sony VPL-VW715ES
The Sony VW715ES is a premium home theater projector delivering true 4K resolution (4096 x 2160) with excellent HDR performance. Priced at $9,999, it’s ideal for anyone looking for a high-end, cinematic experience at home.
It uses three 4K SXRD panels, the same technology found in Sony’s professional cinema projectors, producing 1,800 lumens of brightness and deep, detailed colors. The lamp lasts up to 6,000 hours in low-power mode.
Key features include:
Native 4K Resolution – Delivers all 8.8 million pixels of 4K content for a sharp, detailed image with minimal “screen door” effect.
Advanced Video Processing – Sony’s X1 processor, optimized for projectors, enhances detail, color, and black levels, upscales HD content close to 4K, and improves HDR performance.
Dynamic HDR Enhancer – Analyzes HDR content scene-by-scene and works with the dynamic iris to optimize HDR10 and HLG images.
Motorized Lens with Memories – Motorized zoom and lens shift with memory presets make it easy to switch between HDTV and widescreen formats.
Out of the box, the VW715ES delivers accurate colors and natural-looking images, and its Auto Calibrate feature keeps color performance consistent over time. Combined with excellent black levels and sharpness, it’s a top choice for anyone wanting a high-end, long-lasting home theater projector.
BenQ HT9060
The BenQ HT9060 is a high-end 4K UHD home theater projector priced at $8,999. It uses a pixel-shifting DLP chip (2716 x 1528 x2) to deliver sharp, detailed 4K images.
Its LED light engine provides bright, vibrant colors, long-lasting performance (20,000 hours), and lower noise compared to traditional lamps. The projector also has excellent optics, supports a wide color gamut, and even works with 3D glasses for immersive viewing.
Awarded a Projector Reviews Special Interest award, the HT9060 is ideal for anyone looking for a bright, colorful, and reliable 4K projector with modern LED advantages.
The BenQ HT9060 is a top-tier home theater projector from BenQ’s Pro Cinema series. It can reproduce up to 98% of the DCI-P3 color space and uses a Philips HLD ColorSpark LED light engine that delivers 2200 lumens with a 20,000-hour lifespan. Its premium 14-element, 6-group lens with 1.5x zoom ensures a sharp, clear image.
The main upgrade over the HT9050 is HDR support—the HT9060 handles both HDR10 and HLG, with auto HDR tone mapping to maximize brightness.
Key features:
LED Light Engine – Brighter, richer colors with less noise and minimal rainbow effects.
Premium Lens – High-quality glass elements reduce distortions.
Dynamic Iris – Improves black levels for deeper contrast.
4K UHD Capable – Pixel-shifting DLP chip delivers a perceived 8.3 million-pixel resolution.
Cinema Filter – Boosts color accuracy to 95% of P3 (with some brightness loss).
Factory Calibrated – Ready-to-go accurate colors out of the box.
Optical Lens Shift – Easy image positioning without digital distortion.
With its natural DLP look, long-lasting LED, superb lens, and excellent color, the HT9060 is perfect for serious home theater enthusiasts seeking near-theater quality at home.
At this price range, you really notice the difference in performance, picture quality, clarity, and noise levels. Investing here gets you an excellent projector that will deliver years of top-notch home theater enjoyment.
Home Theater Projectors $10,000 and Above
Projectors priced $10,000 and up are the top-tier models, offering the best performance, reliability, and picture quality. They’re luxury items for most, but if you can afford one, the performance is unbeatable.
JVC NX9 / RS3000
Projector Specs
Price: $17,999
Technology: 3-Chip D-ILA
Native Resolution: 4096×2160
Brightness: 2200 Lumens
Contrast: 100,000:1 (Dynamic 1,000,000:1)
Throw Ratio: 1.35:1 – 2.70:1
Zoom Lens Ratio: 2.00:1
Lens Shift: Yes
Lamp Life: 4,500 hours (Low Mode)
Weight: 48 lbs
Warranty: 3 years
Awards: Premium Home Theater Award
Projector Overview
The JVC DLA-RS3000 (NX9) is a top-tier home theater projector, known for its incredible contrast, rich colors, and sharp 4K resolution. It uses JVC’s 3rd-generation 0.69-inch 4K D-ILA panels and a 100mm all-glass 18-element lens, delivering crystal-clear images across the screen.
With JVC’s 8K e-shift, the projector can upscale 4K content to a perceived 8K resolution for extra detail, even though it doesn’t accept an 8K signal. The RS3000 also features Frame Adapt HDR and Theater Optimizer for scene-by-scene dynamic tone mapping, making HDR content look stunning without constant manual adjustments.
Key Features:
Frame Adapt HDR with Theater Optimizer: Automatically adjusts HDR scenes for the best brightness and contrast.
8K E-Shift Technology: Quadruples the perceived resolution of 4K content for extra sharpness.
100mm All-Glass Lens: High-quality optics for superb image clarity.
Native 4K D-ILA Panels: Excellent contrast and black levels for deep, rich images.
In short, if you’re moving up from a 4K DLP projector, the RS3000 delivers unmatched color fidelity, contrast, and black levels—truly a premium home theater experience.
Sony VW915ES
Projector Specs
Price: $19,999
Technology: 3 SXRD (LCoS) panels
Native Resolution: 4096×2160
Brightness: 2000 Lumens
Contrast: Infinite (Dynamic)
Throw Ratio: 1.38:1 – 2.83:1
Zoom Lens Ratio: 2.06:1
Lens Shift: Yes
Lamp Life: 20,000 hours
Weight: 44 lbs
Warranty: 3 Years Parts and Labor
Awards: Premium Home Theater Award
Projector Overview
The Sony VW915ES is a top-of-the-line 4K home theater projector that delivers stunning HD and 4K SDR performance. Its native 4K SXRD panels produce sharp, detailed images, and the built-in X1 processor enables frame-by-frame HDR tone mapping for spectacular HDR10 and HLG content.
Key Features:
Laser Light Engine: Long-lasting 20,000-hour Z-Phosphor laser ensures maintenance-free viewing for years.
Native 4K Resolution: True 4K panels reproduce all 8.8 million pixels for cinema-quality image quality and minimal screen door effect.
Advanced Video Processing: The X1 processor and Reality Creation technology upscale HD content and enhance colors, details, and black levels.
Dynamic HDR Enhancer: Combines frame-by-frame HDR analysis with a dynamic iris for precise HDR performance.
Motorized Lens with Memories: Easily adjust and save horizontal/vertical shift and zoom for different screen formats.
The VW915ES delivers accurate colors, deep blacks, and natural sharpness right out of the box. With its combination of laser light, advanced processing, and precise HDR handling, it’s a perfect choice for serious home theater enthusiasts who want a premium cinematic experience.
Sony VW995ES
Projector Specs
Price: $34,999
Technology: LCoS
Native Resolution: 4096×2160
Brightness: 2200 Lumens
Zoom Lens Ratio: 2.10:1
Lens Shift: Yes
Lamp Life: 20,000 hours
Weight: 49 lbs
Warranty: 3 Years
Awards: Premium Home Theater Award
Projector Overview
The Sony VW995ES is a top-tier 4K home theater projector that delivers one of the best viewing experiences available. It excels in black levels, natural sharpness, quiet operation, and optical quality. Its premium ARC-F lens provides outstanding focus, extra clarity, and reduced color fringing—perfect for large screens.
Key Features:
Laser Light Engine & Dynamic Iris: Combines dynamic laser and mechanical iris for exceptional black levels.
ARC-F Lens: Sony’s high-end lens delivers clearer, more “real” images across the entire screen.
Native 4K Resolution: True 4K SXRD panels reproduce all 8.8 million pixels for cinema-quality detail and deep color.
Motorized Lens with Memories: Easily adjust and save lens settings for different screen formats.
18Gbps HDMI Inputs: Supports 4K HDR content with fast, high-quality signal processing.
The VW995ES produces images that feel more lifelike—like looking through a window rather than at a screen. Out of the box, it delivers superb color accuracy, sharpness, and contrast. For those seeking one of the best home theater experiences, this projector is hard to beat. Only the top JVC models or the Sony VW915ES come close.