Gaming Projectors: Big Screens, Big Fun
When you think “projector,” you might imagine business slideshows or dark home theaters—not gaming marathons. But brands like BenQ are changing that. With brighter displays, powerful built-in audio, and features made just for gamers, projectors are now a serious alternative to TVs.
(Thanks to BenQ for sponsoring the 2024–2025 Gaming Projector Report and Buyer’s Guide.)
Game Anywhere
Today’s gaming projectors are compact, sturdy, and easy to take on the go. No need for a dedicated theater—just plug in and play anywhere: your living room, a friend’s place, even the backyard.
Why Projector Gaming Feels Next-Level
Games are more lifelike than ever, but a small monitor or 60″ TV can’t match the impact of a 100″+ screen. With 4K resolution, vibrant colors, and room-filling sound, projectors put you inside the action—whether you’re racing in Gran Turismo 7 or battling in Halo Infinite.
Must-Have Features for Gaming Projectors
1. Input Lag (Reaction Speed)
This is the delay between pressing a button and seeing the action on screen. Lower is better:
16–20ms – Best for competitive gamers.
26–33ms – Great for most players.
33ms+ – Fine for casual or offline gaming.
Every projector in this guide hits 26ms or less—fast enough for smooth, responsive play.
2. Realistic Color
BenQ brings its monitor expertise to projectors, ensuring vivid, accurate colors. Their Color Lab technology keeps shades true and stable, so visuals look natural every time.
3. Brightness & Light Source
Gaming in a bright room? Look for higher lumens so images stay clear with the lights on.
LED and laser projectors last much longer than traditional lamps—ideal for long gaming sessions.
4. Resolution & HDR
4K + HDR means sharper detail, richer colors, and better contrast. But only a few projectors handle true 4K HDR at 60fps—you’ll need one with an 18Gbps HDMI port. BenQ’s HDR-PRO™ tech keeps images bright and detailed without the washed-out look some HDR projectors have.
5. Audio
Some projectors, like BenQ’s X3100i, break the “weak sound” stereotype. With treVolo-tuned speakers and Bongiovi DPS audio processing, you get clear, immersive sound for games, movies, and music.
6. Optimized Gaming Modes
BenQ’s GameMaestro modes adjust picture and sound for different genres:
RPG Mode – Deep bass and cinematic immersion.
FPS Mode – Enhanced surround for footsteps and gunfire.
SPG Mode – True-to-life sports visuals and crisp commentary.
Switch modes instantly with a dedicated remote button.
The Three Gaming Projector Categories
Playing for Fun – Affordable, responsive models for casual gaming and family fun.
Playing to Win – Low-lag, high-contrast projectors for competitive play.
Enhanced Gaming Experience – Premium models with top-tier visuals, audio, and features.
The Bottom Line
Gaming projectors aren’t just for movies anymore. They’re portable, fast, and immersive—perfect for everything from casual couch co-op to competitive esports. And with brands like BenQ leading the way, there’s never been a better time to go big.
2024-2025 Buyer’s Guide to the Best Gaming Projectors: Playing for Fun
Low-Lag Projectors for Casual Gaming
These budget-friendly gaming projectors are quick and responsive—though not the absolute fastest. They’re perfect for family game nights, kids, or teaming up with friends for some co-op fun.
If you decide to buy a projector we’ve mentioned, using the links in this article or review helps support us. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
BenQ GS50
Price: $799
Brightness: 500 lumens
Display: DLP
Light Source: LED
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Input Lag: 26ms (1080p @ 60Hz)
Audio: 2 × 5W + 1 × 10W
The BenQ GS50 is a smart, portable Full HD (1080p) DLP projector built for fun on the go. With 500 ANSI lumens and an LED light source rated for up to 20,000 hours (or 30,000 in Eco mode), it delivers a bright, long-lasting picture. It even has a built-in battery that runs for about 2.5 hours—perfect for movie nights outside or quick gaming sessions.
Made for an active lifestyle, the GS50 is tough and travel-friendly. It’s IPX2 splash-resistant, so light rain or spills won’t ruin your fun, and it can survive drops up to 2.3 feet thanks to its layered protective design. Whether you’re camping, in the backyard, or at a friend’s place, this rugged little projector is ready to go.
LG HU710PB CineBeam Q
Price: $799
Brightness: 500 lumens
Display: DLP
Light Source: RGB Laser
Resolution: 3840 × 2160 (4K)
Input Lag: 26ms (1080p @ 60Hz)
Audio: 3W mono speaker
The LG HU710PB—also called the CineBeam Q—is a sleek, portable 4K smart projector priced at $999. It packs high-end tech into a small, easy-to-use package, delivering excellent picture quality thanks to its 3-channel RGB laser, which covers an impressive 154% of the DCI-P3 color range.
Gamers will appreciate LG’s Game Optimizer, the same feature found on many LG TVs. It gives you quick, easy access to settings that make games look and play their best. The projector also supports ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), automatically switching to game mode when it detects a console or gaming device, dropping input lag to about 20–30ms at 1080p/60Hz.
For portable gaming, it’s a great match with the Nintendo Switch. The HU710PB’s USB-C port can take video directly from a Switch, phone, or laptop, and even charge your device while you play.
XGIMI Halo+
Price: $779
Brightness: 700 lumens
Display: DLP
Light Source: LED
Resolution: 1920 × 1080 (Full HD)
Input Lag: 26ms (1080p @ 60Hz)
Audio: 10W Harman Kardon speakers
The XGIMI Halo+ is a portable Full HD smart projector with a built-in 59W battery that lasts up to two hours. It delivers 700 ANSI lumens of brightness—already brighter than the original Halo—and with updated specs, it now reaches 900 ANSI lumens, making it the brightest in its class.
Setup is a breeze thanks to Intelligent Screen Adaptation (ISA) and Auto Keystone Correction. The projector automatically focuses, adjusts the screen size, and even avoids obstacles like light switches or picture frames. (The older Halo only had Auto Keystone and couldn’t avoid obstacles.)
The Halo+ also packs dual 5W Harman Kardon speakers, delivering crisp, rich sound with solid bass—no extra speakers required. Just power it on, and it practically sets itself up.
Gaming feels smooth and responsive, with an input lag of around 26.5ms at 1080p/60Hz—perfectly fine for casual and family play. Overall, the Halo+ is a solid upgrade from the original Halo, adding brightness and smarter tech for a better all-around experience.
Nebula Cosmos 4K SE
Price: $1,299
Brightness: 1,800 lumens
Display: DLP
Light Source: LED + Blue Laser
Resolution: 3840 × 2160 (4K UHD)
Input Lag: 19ms (1080p @ 120Hz)
Audio: 15W × 2 (Dolby Audio & Atmos)
The Nebula Cosmos 4K SE is a portable 4K UHD smart projector that delivers sharp, vibrant images and powerful sound. Its hybrid blue laser phosphor + LED light engine puts out 1,800 ANSI lumens, making it bright enough for most rooms. It also supports Dolby Vision HDR, so movies and shows look rich and dynamic.
Built-in 30W speakers (15W × 2) provide big, immersive sound with Dolby Audio and Dolby Atmos support—great for both movies and games.
It runs Google TV, giving you easy access to Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Apple TV, Prime Video, and more, without extra devices.
For gamers, there’s a GAME mode with STANDARD and EXTREME settings. EXTREME drops input lag to around 19ms at 1080p/120fps, making it responsive enough for fast-paced titles like shooters.
Dangbei DBOX02
Price: $1,899
Brightness: 2,450 lumens
Display: DLP
Light Source: Blue Laser
Resolution: 3840 × 2160 (4K UHD)
Input Lag: 10ms (1080p @ 120Hz)
Audio: 12W × 2
The Dangbei DBOX02 (Mars Pro 2) is a 4K UHD smart projector that delivers sharp, vibrant images right out of the box. Its traditional square design makes it a sleek lifestyle-friendly option, and it’s one of the most accurate projectors under $2,000.
Built-in 12W × 2 stereo speakers provide immersive sound that matches the big-screen visuals.
For gamers, it’s a solid pick for casual and home setups. It supports 4K/60Hz, 1080p/60, 1080p/120, and even 1080p/240Hz on PC. At 1080p/120Hz, input lag measures just 10ms, keeping gameplay smooth and responsive.
Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650
Price: $2,799
Brightness: 2,600 lumens
Display: 3LCD
Light Source: Blue Laser
Resolution: 1920 × 1080 × 2
Input Lag: 20ms (1080p @ 60Hz)
Audio: Yamaha 20W
The Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650 is a 4K ultra-short throw laser projector that delivers bright, sharp images and deep contrast. It runs on Android TV and has a built-in Yamaha sound system for great audio.
Thanks to its ultra-short throw design, you can place it close to the wall and still get a big screen, making it ideal for almost any room. Gamers will love the low input lag of under 20ms, which keeps 1080p gaming smooth at up to 120Hz—no noticeable delay between pressing a button and seeing the action on screen.
Sony XW5000ES
Price: $5,999
Brightness: 2,000 lumens
Display: SXRD
Light Source: Z-Phosphor Laser
Resolution: 3840 × 2160
Input Lag: 17ms (1080p @ 120fps)
Audio: None
The Sony VPL-XW5000ES is a native 4K home theater projector with 2,000 lumens of brightness, priced around $6,000. It’s Sony’s entry-level 4K 3-chip LCOS projector and the most affordable option in its class.
It uses a Z-Phosphor laser light rated for 20,000 hours, giving you years of nearly maintenance-free operation. For gamers, the Low Latency Game Mode cuts down processing to reduce input lag—measured at around 28ms for 4K/60fps and 17ms for 1080p/120fps. That’s fast enough for most gaming setups.
Hisense PX3-Pro
Price: $3,499
Brightness: 3,000 lumens
Display: DLP
Light Source: TriChroma (RGB) Laser
Resolution: 3840 × 2160
Input Lag: 17ms (4K @ 60fps)
Audio: 40 watts
The Hisense PX3-Pro is a 4K ultra-short throw projector with a bright 3,000-lumen RGB laser, Dolby Vision HDR, and a 40-watt Dolby Atmos sound system. It runs Google TV, making it easy to browse and stream from your favorite apps.
It has good native contrast (3,000:1), low input lag, and features like MEMC for smooth motion and ALLM for optimized gaming. The PX3-Pro is even certified as the world’s first UST “Designed for Xbox Limited Series” projector.
For gaming, it’s fast and responsive with 17ms input lag at 4K/60Hz. While it doesn’t natively play 1440p/120Hz like some “Designed for Xbox” models, it scales games smoothly to 4K/60Hz or 1080p/120Hz. The HDR support, including Dolby Vision and HDR10+, makes visuals crisp and immersive, perfect for movies or gaming nights.
XGIMI Horizon Ultra 4K Hybrid LED/Laser Projector
Price: $1,699
Brightness: 2,300 lumens
Display: DLP
Light Source: RGBB LED + red laser
Resolution: 3840 × 2160
Input Lag: 18ms (4K @ 60fps)
Audio: 2 × 12 watts
The XGIMI Horizon Ultra packs a lot of advanced tech for just $1,699. Its standout feature is the Dual-Light system, which combines an RGBB LED with a red laser to deliver a bright, color-accurate image.
Projector image quality usually depends on three things: brightness, color accuracy, and color range. Many bright projectors struggle with color accuracy, while LED models are accurate but dim. Tri-laser projectors are bright but can show color fringing or speckle. The Horizon Ultra balances all three perfectly, giving 2,300 lumens—77% brighter than the HORIZON Pro—while keeping colors sharp and vivid.
2024-2025 Buyer’s Guide to the Best Gaming Projectors: Playing to Win
Ultra-low lag projectors with a dedicated gaming picture image preset.
Projectors in this category are perfect for serious gamers—especially teens and competitive players who want every advantage. These projectors offer ultra-low input lag and high contrast, making it easier to spot opponents hiding in the shadows.
If you decide to buy a projector mentioned here, using the links in this article helps support Projector Reviews at no extra cost to you.
BenQ TH690ST
Price: $1,099
Brightness: 2,300 lumens
Resolution: 1080p (1920 x 1080)
Imager: DLP
Light Source: 4LED (lasts up to 30,000 hours)
Input Lag: 8.3ms @ 1080p/120Hz, 16ms @ 1080p/60Hz
Sound: 2 x 5W Stereo
The BenQ TH690ST is a 1080p HDR short-throw projector built for console gaming, delivering 2,300 lumens of brightness. Part of BenQ’s gaming-focused TH Series, this 4LED model is a step up from BenQ’s original lamp-based HT2150.
At $1,099, the TH690ST is perfect for gamers who want a fast, bright projector without paying for a 4K model. It’s a great middle ground—more advanced than a basic 1080p lamp projector, but more affordable than a full 4K gaming setup.
BenQ TK700
Price: $1,499
Brightness: 3,200 lumens
Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160)
Imager: DLP
Light Source: Lamp
Input Lag: 4ms @ 1080p/240Hz, 8ms @ 1440p/120Hz, 16ms @ 4K/60Hz
Sound: 5W Mono
The BenQ TK700 is a 4K HDR short-throw gaming projector with 3,200 lumens, designed for competitive console gaming. While it shines for fast-paced games, it’s also great for movies and TV shows.
Don’t mix it up with the TK700STi, which costs $1,699. The “i” model is a smart projector with Android TV built in via a BenQ dongle, letting you stream apps easily.
Some differences:
TK700: Black Detail Enhancement, FPS game mode, 1.3x zoom, 150-inch image at 12 ft.
TK700STi: FPS, RPG, SPG game modes, 1.2x zoom, 150-inch image at 9.8 ft.
Both are short-throw projectors designed for immersive gaming and big-screen fun.
Benq TK700STi
Price: $1,699
Brightness: 3,000 lumens
Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160)
Imager: DLP
Light Source: Lamp
Input Lag: 4ms @ 1080p/240Hz, 8ms @ 1080p/120Hz, 16ms @ 4K/60Hz
Sound: 5W Mono
The BenQ TK700STi is a bright, high-lumen gaming projector that’s compact enough to take anywhere. It’s a smart projector with Android TV, Chromecast casting from Android or iOS, and supports Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch gaming.
With ultra-low input lag, the TK700STi keeps you in control even in fast-paced 4K games. Its built-in 5W speaker is handy, but the real advantage comes from the tailored Game Modes—FPS, RPG, and SPG—which adjust visuals, sound, and latency. Dark scenes are clearer, helping you spot enemies and gain the upper hand.
BenQ TK710
Price: $1,999
Brightness: 3,200 lumens
Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160)
Imager: DLP
Light Source: Blue Laser Phosphor
Input Lag: 4ms @ 1080p/240Hz, 8ms @ 1440p/120Hz, 16ms @ 4K/60Hz
Sound: 5W Mono
The BenQ TK710 is a 4K UHD projector with 3,200 lumens and a blue laser phosphor light source. It covers 95% of the Rec.709 color gamut and supports HDR10, delivering bright, vibrant images for both movies and games.
Thanks to its 0.65-inch DMD, the TK710 offers 600,000:1 dynamic contrast with laser dimming, giving deeper blacks and better shadow detail. Low input lag and specialized HDR game modes make it perfect for fast-paced gaming, whether in bright or dark rooms.
With a 20,000-hour laser life, the TK710 is part of BenQ’s casual gaming projector series, offering immersive visuals and smooth gameplay on the big screen.
NOMVDIC P1000
Price: $1,699
Brightness: 2,300 lumens
Resolution: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
Imager: DLP (0.65″ TI DMD)
Light Source: RGB LED
Input Lag: 4.2 ms @ 1440p/120Hz
Sound: 6W x 2
The NOMVDIC P1000 is a short-throw 4K UHD gaming projector with a bright 2,300-lumen RGB LED light source that covers 125% of the Rec.709 color gamut. Its DLP chip ensures crisp visuals, while HDR10 and HLG support bring movies and games to life.
Gamers will love the ultra-low input lag—just 4.2 ms at 1080p/240Hz—for smooth, responsive gameplay. The built-in Harmon Kardon Dolby and DTS speakers deliver solid sound quality that matches many other RGB LED projectors.
The P1000 is NOMVDIC’s only 4K gaming projector, making it a strong choice for those looking for a vibrant, high-performance lifestyle projector for gaming and home entertainment.
Optoma UHD35
Optoma UHD35
Price: $1,299
Brightness: 3,600 lumens
Resolution: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
Imager: DLP (.47″ TI DMD with pixel-shifting)
Light Source: Lamp
Input Lag: 16.7 ms @ 4K/60Hz, 8.9 ms @ 1080p/120Hz, 4.2 ms @ 1080p/240Hz
Sound: 10W mono
The Optoma UHD35 is a 4K gaming projector built for performance. With ultra-low input lag, fast refresh rates, and high contrast, it helps gamers spot enemies in both bright and dark scenes. It’s perfect for consoles and high-end gaming PCs, offering a level of responsiveness that rivals premium gaming monitors.
Thanks to its Texas Instruments pixel-shifting DLP chip, the UHD35 delivers true 4K resolution and smooth, immersive visuals. At 3,600 lumens, it also performs well in brighter rooms, making movies, sports, and games look crisp and vibrant.
In short, the UHD35 isn’t just a big screen—it’s a high-performance gaming and home theater projector.
2024-2025 Buyer’s Guide to the Best Gaming Projectors: Enhanced Gaming Experience
Ultra-low lag and game-focused audio/video modes
These gaming projectors give the most immersive experience, perfect for players who want both competition and cinematic adventures. With specialized game modes and powerful built-in sound, they help you see and hear every detail for top-tier gameplay.
BenQ X300G
BenQ X300G – Portable 4K Gaming & Entertainment Projector
Price: $1,099 | Brightness: 2,000 lumens | 4K UHD | 4LED | Input Lag: 4.1ms (1080p@240Hz) | Sound: 8W x 2 with bass radiator
The BenQ X300G is a compact 4K gaming projector that’s also perfect for movies and videos. With 2,000 lumens, your images stay bright and clear even in moderately lit rooms.
Its 0.47″ DLP chip with XPR tech delivers sharp 4K UHD resolution, making games, movies, and videos look stunning. Gamers will love the ultra-low input lag and dedicated game modes, while everyone else can enjoy a cinematic experience that rivals most TVs.
BenQ TK700
BenQ TK700 – 4K HDR Short-Throw Gaming Projector
Price: $1,499 | Brightness: 3,200 lumens | 4K UHD | Lamp | Input Lag: 16ms (4K@60Hz) | Sound: 5W mono
The BenQ TK700 is a 4K lamp-based short-throw projector built for console gaming. With 3,200 lumens, it delivers bright, detailed images that are perfect for fast-paced games—and it’s great for movies too.
The lamp lasts 4,000 hours in Normal mode and up to 15,000 hours in Lamp Save mode. The TK700 includes features like Black Detail Enhancement and FPS game mode, making it ideal for competitive play.
It’s designed for consoles like PlayStation and Xbox, so it doesn’t include smart TV features—that keeps the price lower. Compared to the TK700STi ($1,699), the TK700 has a slightly longer throw (150-inch image at 12.03 feet vs. 9.8 feet) and a 1.3x zoom lens, while the TK700STi adds smart features and extra game modes.
BenQ X3100i
BenQ X3100i – 4K UHD 4LED Short-Throw Gaming Projector
Price: $2,799 | Brightness: 3,300 lumens | 4K UHD | 4LED | Input Lag: 4.1ms (1080p@240Hz) | Sound: 5W x2
The BenQ X3100i is a top-tier short-throw 4K gaming projector with 3,300 lumens of brightness. It delivers vivid colors (95% Rec.709, 100% DCI-P3) and ultra-low input lag down to 4.2ms for smooth, competitive gaming. HDR10 and HLG are fully supported for movies and games alike.
Building on the award-winning X3000i, the X3100i adds even more brightness, maintains high-contrast 0.65″ DMD performance, and introduces vertical lens shift for flexible setup.
It’s designed for immersive gaming and home entertainment, with BenQ’s Cinematic Sound and treVolo-tuned audio enhancing both movies and gameplay.
BenQ TK700STi
BenQ TK700STi – Portable 4K Gaming Projector
Price: $1,699 | Brightness: 3,000 lumens | 4K UHD | Lamp | Input Lag: 4.1ms (1080p@240Hz) | Sound: 5W mono
The TK700STi is a bright, portable 4K gaming projector perfect for gaming and streaming on the go. It supports Android TV apps via Google Play, Chromecast casting, and works with Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch.
With ultra-low input lag, even fast-paced FPS and sports games feel smooth and responsive. The built-in 5W speaker is a bonus, but the real edge comes from its tailored Game Modes. FPS, RPG, and SPG modes adjust visuals, audio, and latency so you can spot enemies in dark scenes and stay in control of every game.
BenQ X1300i
BenQ X1300i – Gaming & Home Entertainment Projector
Price: $1,299 | Brightness: 3,000 lumens | Full HD (1080p) | 4LED | Input Lag: 8ms (1080p@120Hz) | Sound: 5W x 2
The X1300i is a compact, square-shaped projector built for gaming and home entertainment. It offers 120Hz 4LED performance with 3,000 lumens and a 5,000,000:1 contrast ratio for crisp, vibrant visuals.
With just 8ms input lag at 120Hz, Game Mode gives players smooth, nearly real-time control for fast-paced gaming.
ViewSonic LX700 Gaming Projector
ViewSonic LX700-4K – Laser Gaming Projector
Price: $1,599 | Brightness: 3,500 lumens | 4K UHD | Laser | Input Lag: 4.2ms (1080p@240Hz) | Sound: 15W mono
The LX700-4K is a 4K HDR gaming projector designed for Xbox and home theater use. Its blue laser light delivers 3,500 lumens, bright enough for lights-on rooms, and lasts up to 30,000 hours. It can project massive images up to 300 inches diagonally—the largest Xbox-certified gaming display available.
Gamers get smooth performance with support for 4K at 60Hz, native 1440p at up to 120Hz, and 1080p at 240Hz for PC gaming. Perfect for immersive gameplay or movie nights, it fills screens from 60 to 120 inches in a 16:9 ratio.
ViewSonic X2-4K Gaming Projector
ViewSonic X2-4K – 4K Gaming Projector
Price: $1,599 | Brightness: 2,000 lumens | 4K UHD | 4LED | Input Lag: 4.2ms (1080p@240Hz) | Sound: 6W x 2
The X2-4K handles 4K content at 60Hz with an input lag of 33.4ms. Drop to 1080p 120Hz, and lag drops to 8.4ms; at 1080p 240Hz, it’s just 4.2ms—perfect for fast-paced gaming.
While consoles don’t run games at 240Hz, gaming PCs can. The X2-4K also plays select Xbox games at 1440p 120Hz, delivering sharp visuals, rich colors, and stunning depth—whether you’re racing at high speed or exploring casual titles.