Top 3 Best Budget Projectors In 2024

Looking for the best budget projector without breaking the bank? We’ve got you covered. After extensive research, we’ve narrowed it down to three top picks that stand out for their value and performance.

Stay tuned till the end to find out which one is the best fit for you. And don’t forget to like, subscribe, and let us know your thoughts in the comments. Let’s get started!

Number 3. WiMiUS P28

WiMiUS P28, is a budget projector that packs a surprising punch. If you’re looking for a projector that offers more than the typical budget options, this one might just be it.

First, the P28 impresses with its native 1080p resolution and brightness of up to 7200 lumens, making it stand out in the budget category . This level of brightness means you can use it in rooms with some ambient light without sacrificing too much image quality—a notable improvement over competitors like the Vankyo V600 . The projector also boasts a 10,000:1 contrast ratio, which delivers deep blacks and vibrant whites, enhancing the overall viewing experience .

Another feature that sets the P28 apart from other budget projectors is its 4D Keystone Correction. This allows you to adjust the image both horizontally and vertically, making setup easier even if your projector isn’t perfectly aligned . This kind of flexibility is rare in budget projectors, giving the P28 an edge over similar models .

However, it’s important to note that the P28 doesn’t support HDR, which means colors, while vibrant, won’t have the extra depth you might get from an HDR-capable device . Additionally, although it can handle 4K input, it’s not a true 4K projector—it downscales content to 1080p, which still looks sharp, but it’s something to keep in mind .

The sound quality is another area where the P28 is just adequate. The built-in dual 10W speakers are fine for small rooms, but they lack the depth and bass needed for a truly immersive experience. If you’re serious about your audio, you’ll likely want to use external speakers . This is typical for projectors in this price range, so it’s not a huge surprise, but it’s something to consider .

The P28 also features a handy zoom function, allowing you to adjust the screen size from 75% to 100% without moving the projector. This is great for small spaces where you might not have much room to maneuver . Plus, with a projection size range of 50 to 300 inches, it can easily handle everything from casual viewing to big movie nights .

Setting up the P28 is straightforward, and the menu system is easy to navigate, which is a big plus whether you’re tech-savvy or not . It’s also ceiling mountable, adding to its versatility for different viewing setups . However, like many projectors, the fan noise is noticeable at about 50 dB, especially during quieter scenes. It’s a trade-off you often find with budget projectors .

In summary, the WiMiUS P28 is a solid budget projector that offers bright, vibrant images and user-friendly features typically found in higher-end models. While it has some drawbacks, like the lack of HDR and average sound quality, these are minor compared to its overall performance and value. If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly projector that delivers more than expected, the P28 is a strong contender.

To sum up what I like is the

Bright, vibrant 1080p image with 7200 lumens 4D Keystone Correction for flexible setup Large projection size up to 300 inches Easy to setup and menu navigation

On the downside…

No HDR support
Average built-in speakers
Noticeable fan noise

Number 2. ViewSonic PA503W

ViewSonic PA503W, is one of the most reliable and versatile budget projectors out there. Whether you’re setting up for a business presentation or just want to enjoy a movie night at home, this projector offers a mix of pros and cons that make it a solid choice for its price range.

First, let’s talk about brightness. With a brightness of 3,600 lumens it’s an excellent choice for environments where you can’t completely control the lighting, such as offices or classrooms. It’s significantly brighter than many other budget projectors, like the Epson EpiqVision Flex, which is why it stands out. However, when watching movies in a dark room, this high brightness can sometimes wash out the colors, so keep that in mind.

In terms of resolution, the PA503W features WXGA (1280 x 800pixels) with a 16:10 aspect ratio, offering a noticeable improvement over cheaper models that typically have a 4:3 ratio. This makes text and data visuals look sharp, which is great for presentations. However, the color accuracy isn’t perfect. The projector tends to produce warmer tones, which can lead to slightly off skin tones and oversaturated reds. For casual movie watching, this is acceptable, but it might be a downside if you’re a stickler for perfect colors.

Another area where the PA503W falls short is sound. The built-in speaker is underwhelming, lacking bass and distorting at higher volumes. If sound quality matters to you, plan on connecting external speakers, which is easy thanks to the 3.5mm audio jack.

When it comes to contrast, the PA503W offers decent performance with a contrast ratio that highlights bright whites and deep blacks, though it struggles with midtones. This makes it better suited for presentations and less so for movies with dark, complex scenes.

Setting up the PA503W is straightforward, and the remote works well, eventhough the menu can be a bit confusing. The projector has basic zoom and focus controls but lacks advanced features like autofocus or horizontal keystone correction. However, the inclusion of an online distance calculator helps position the projector for the best results.

Gamers will appreciate the low input lag of around 48 milliseconds, making this projector a surprisingly good choice for gaming on a budget. Whether you’re playing on a PS5 or an older console, the gameplay is smooth and responsive.

Lastly, the lamp life is impressive, offering up to 15,000 hours in SuperEco mode. However, this mode can be tricky to maintain, as the projector often defaults back to the normal 5,000-hour mode, which can be frustrating.

In summary, the ViewSonic PA503W is a great choice if you’re looking for a bright, versatile projector on a budget. It’s ideal for business use and can handle home entertainment reasonably well.

To sum up what I like is the…

Excellent brightness for well-lit environments
Sharp resolution with a 16:10 aspect ratio
Low input lag, suitable for gaming
Long lamp life in SuperEco mode

On the downside…

Colors can be slightly inaccurate, especially for movies
Built-in speaker lacks quality
Fan noise can be noticeable during quiet scenes

Number 1. YABER Y31

Our top pick for the best budget projector is the YABER Y31 1080P. With its 1080p resolution and 7500-lumen brightness, it provides high-quality display that is on par with high-end projectors. The contrast ratio ensures sharp and vivid images for an enhanced viewing experience.

Adjusting the screen is made easy with the keystone correction and zoom feature, which can be controlled with the remote. Compared to the Yaber Y30, the Y31 offers more versatility with its One-Click to Brighten and Auto vertical keystone correction features, making it a better value for a similar price.

The Y31 also boasts a built-in sound system and various input ports, providing a complete entertainment package. The cooling system, which uses three fans, is efficient and silent, unlike other projectors that produce distracting noise.

We recommend using the Eco Mode to extend the lifespan of the projector to 100,000 hours. Overall, YABER Y31 offers exceptional features and lifetime, making it the best budget projector that you can buy.

So what do you think? Which of these is the best projector for you?

Or do you think another cheap projector is better?

Tell us in the comments below.