When someone says “projector,” you might picture a dark home theater or a corporate exec flipping through slides. But guess what? Projectors are everywhere—from classrooms and museums to churches and art installations!
What This Guide Is All About
This guide is all about helping you find the right projector for classrooms (K–12 and college), boardrooms, and even museum exhibits. We review each projector with its intended setting in mind so you’ll know exactly where it fits best.
Projectors = Big Screens Made Easy
Projection is still the best way to get a massive screen without blowing your budget—especially for schools and businesses.
Shoutout to Sony for sponsoring this year’s guide!
The Types of Projectors We Cover
We break projectors into three main categories:
1. Meeting Room / Classroom Projectors
These are your basic, affordable models—perfect for K–12 classrooms and smaller meeting rooms. They’re compact, easy to set up, and get the job done.
2. Conference Room / Lecture Hall Projectors
These larger models are designed for big classrooms, lecture halls, and boardrooms. Schools and businesses often use them in multipurpose rooms and auditoriums.
3. High-End / Specialty Projectors
Got a museum exhibit or creative project? These premium models are made for digital signage and projection mapping—think immersive experiences and eye-popping visuals.
It’s Not All About Specs
We focus on how projectors actually perform in real-world environments. Our awards go to models that shine where it counts—whether that’s a small classroom, a massive auditorium, or an art gallery.
What You’ll Find Inside
We reviewed dozens of projectors and selected the ones that stand out for educational and business use. You’ll find a quick summary of each model, plus links to in-depth reviews.
Many projectors have similar “siblings”—with minor differences like brightness or wireless capability. We highlight key models that represent a whole product line.
Older but Still Awesome
Seen a few of these projectors before? Yep, some made last year’s list too—and for good reason. They’re still top picks.
Thank You
We hope this guide makes your projector search easier. Thanks to all the educators and professionals making a difference—we’re here to support you however we can!
What to Look for in a Projector
1. How Big Should Your Screen Be?
Flat-panel TVs are growing, but projectors still win when it comes to sheer size and cost efficiency. Larger rooms? Go with a projector.
Need help figuring out the right screen size? Check out Epson’s whitepaper: Display Size Matters.
2. How Bright Should It Be?
Brightness depends on your screen size and room lighting. The brighter the space, the brighter your projector needs to be.
Brightness Guide for 100″ Screens:
| Room Lighting | Recommended Brightness |
|---|---|
| Bright, no control over lighting | 5000+ lumens |
| Bright, with some control | 3500–5000 lumens |
| Dim, with good control | 2000–3500 lumens |
| Fully darkened | 800–2000 lumens |
Pro tip: It’s better to have too much brightness (you can always turn it down) than too little!
3. What Resolution Do You Need?
More pixels = a sharper image. High resolution is crucial when displaying text or detailed content.
Common Resolutions:
| Type | Resolution | Aspect Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| SVGA | 800×600 | 4:3 |
| WXGA | 1280×800 | 16:10 |
| 1080p | 1920×1080 | 16:9 |
| 4K UHD | 3840×2160 | 16:9 |
True 4K projectors are amazing but expensive. Pixel-shifting 4K models are a great middle ground—sharper than 1080p, and easier on the wallet.
4. Installation Considerations
Mounting options, lens shift, maintenance needs, and remote monitoring all matter. Want more details? Visit our Custom Integration page for installation tips.
Need help picking the perfect projector? Reach out—we’re happy to assist