Classroom Projector Report: Best Education Projectors 2019-2020

Timing of Projector Purchases

K-12 schools in the U.S. and many other countries typically select projectors by June for the following school year. Purchases and bidding are usually completed before the school year ends, with most installations done over summer. Colleges and universities also buy projectors around this time but follow less rigid schedules.

These institutions, along with museums (often nonprofits or affiliated with public universities or governments like the Smithsonian), also seek high-performance, high-value projectors with specific features. Many projector brands extend educational discounts to museums as well.

About This Year’s Report

The 2019-2020 Classroom Projectors Report covers 20 new projectors launched within the past year or so. These range from budget-friendly models to high-performance projectors for large venues and include projectors with advanced networking and interactive capabilities.

Many of the reviewed models belong to families of projectors that vary in resolution, brightness, and features. A comprehensive specs spreadsheet includes both the reviewed models and their variations (“siblings”).

Note: Since manufacturers often keep projector models on the market for 2–3 years, some award-winning models from previous reports (still current) are included here again—but are not eligible for new awards this year.

This report is sponsored by Epson America, which holds over 50% market share for projectors in North America, per PMA Research.

Purpose of the Report

Instead of reviewing hundreds of projectors, this report focuses on:

• Highlighting top-performing projectors

• Helping decision-makers (IT/AV managers, tech coordinators, teachers, and buyers) choose wisely

• Addressing various educational environments and feature requirements

While many schools rely on state and multi-state consortiums for procurement and analysis, this report offers an independent review of outstanding models suited for educational use.

Industry Overview

There are approximately 500 business/education projectors available in the U.S., from companies like:

• Epson, Sony, NEC, Optoma, BenQ, ViewSonic, Casio, LG, Panasonic, Canon, etc.

Most are designed to fit education markets. Pico projectors are excluded from consideration.

Projector Categories in This Report

• 11 high-brightness projectors: for large university classrooms, K-12 auditoriums

• 8 portable/fixed install projectors: for smaller classrooms

• 3 crossover models: suitable for both K-12 and higher education

• 5 Hi-End/Specialty projectors: for advanced applications in universities and museums (e.g., Epson L1755UNL with 15,000 lumens)

Ultra-short throw (UST) and interactive projectors typically come in smaller families—sometimes just 1–2 models.

Why “Families” Matter

Example: The NEC NP-ME331W, a 3,300-lumen WXGA projector, is part of a series of 8 models (XGA and WXGA, different brightness levels). If one model fits your needs but the resolution doesn’t, a sibling likely will.

This is common across brands. Schools often buy multiple versions from the same family, depending on room size, resolution needs, and installation constraints.

Interactivity and UST Projectors

Interactive projectors often use pen or touch control and are typically ultra- or short-throw models mounted near the screen:

• Advantages:

  • Avoids blinding presenters

  • Reduces shadow casting

  • Cheaper and easier to install than ceiling mounts

Even many basic projectors support MHL or wireless connectivity, but true interactivity refers to more advanced controls.

Light Source Options

The report covers and compares:

• Lamp

• LED

• Laser

• Hybrid (LED/Laser) – like Casio’s lineup

Each has pros and cons regarding brightness, longevity, and maintenance.

3D Projection in Education

Although once considered promising, 3D hasn’t become mainstream in schools due to:

• Cost of glasses

• Maintenance and hygiene issues

Still, 3D is useful in areas like:

• Architecture

• Engineering

• Biochemistry

• Flight simulation

There are still sufficient 3D-capable projectors for schools that require them.

Report Highlights

• Short overviews and links to full projector reviews

• Integration of previous award winners still on the market

• New “Hi-End/Specialty Higher Ed” category

• Evaluation of key purchase factors: cost, light source, networking, and more

• Helps align projector selection with classroom environments and educational needs

Conclusion

This year’s report serves as a curated guide to the most capable and versatile classroom projectors—across price points, performance levels, and features—helping educators and decision-makers find the best fit for their specific needs

List of Winners