Classroom Projectors
The classroom projectors category includes lcd projectors, digital projectors, and a great selection of K12 projectors for teachers. See below for a list of classroom projector reviews and information pages.
Teachers are relying more heavily on classroom projectors at all grade levels, but especially high school. Schools, and more often School Districts are usually in the market to find the biggest bang for their buck. With budgets always tight, it often comes down to how many more classrooms can we equip, if we go with a classroom projector with less features.
Each year, the performance of projectors designed with classroom use in mind (a large percentage) improves, and the prices manage to fall.
The most common classroom projectors currently being installed in classrooms have XGA or WXGA resolution, and brightness of 2000 to 3000 lumens.
If your requirement is the lowest possible price, there are still a number of lower resolution SVGA projectors out there, with prices from about $500. In the last year or two, some very high resolution projectors, including WUXGA and 1080p, have come down below $2000. This makes using a few of them in a school, practical for special applications, including some science classes, perhaps Art, and others, without completely breaking the budget.
Great resource for learning about and comparing classroom projectors: Classroom Projector Comparison Report
Classroom Projector Reviews
-
BenQ MS517: The MS517 is budget-conscious, SVGA projector but it still has the ability to project 3D via Blu-Ray and a HDMI source. That is pretty unique for a projector in sub $500 price range. Brightness levels are also very good! -
Epson W16SK: This W16SK consists of two projectors stacked together to allow for exceptionally bright 3D (and 2D). Low cost passive 3D glasses create a better solution in the classroom and training room thanks to inexpensive glasses. -
Optoma TW610STi+ projector: Ultimately, with advertised prices under $1000 the Optoma TW610Sti+ gets high marks as a solid, bright, top performer in the short throw projector category. -
Mitsubishi WD390U-EST: Mitsubishi's "Cloud" projector is a single chip DLP projector with an ultra-short throw lens, 3000 lumens. It presents from local computers, from distant computers on a network (or "cloud"), plus PC free presentations from iPads. -
NEC NP-M311X: NEC delivers a business and education projector with good color, sharpness and brightness considering its small package. From wireless compatibility with iPads to an excellent lamp warranty, the NEC is equipped with features to spare! -
Epson BrightLink 436Wi: The Epson BrightLink 436Wi was a strong performer in the area of interactivity, picture quality and ease of use. It is a good choice for those looking for an affordable interactive projector that is easy to use and reliable. -
Viewsonic PJD5533w: 3/24/13 Designed for the budget-conscious, this ViewSonic is appealing for school districts and small businesses. While it lacks any serious networking capabilities, the PJD5533w gets you an excellent performance for its price. -
NEC NP-VE281X: NEC has produced a pretty solid performer with the VE281X. For the educators, you will enjoy the projectors capabilities in terms of being able to grow with the changes in technology. The projector is 3D ready too! -
ViewSonic PJD6383s: Receiving our Special Interest Award, the PJD6383S pretty much ticks all the boxes when making a list of the desired features in a short throw, multimedia projector. Bright, accurate color, quiet operation and a great warranty! -
InFocus IN114: The InFocus IN114 is a ultra portable projector that packs a lot of power into a pretty small package. The IN114 has a really low MSRP of $399 and its performance proved to be quite impressive! -
Panasonic PT-DZ770UL: Truly impressive. Though it comes with a hefty price tag of $17,099, this projector is exceptionally sharp and boasts 7000 lumens. Guaranteed to produce an incredible picture. -
BenQ LW61ST: We awarded the BenQ LW61ST the Best in Classroom award in this year's Classroom Projector Report. With a laser light source, tremendous source flexibility, and great brightness and color, we are definitely impressed! -
Panasonic PT-VX400NT: Compact and bright with great color and sharpness, we like the Panasonic. Capable of wireless presentation from an iPhone, iPad or iPod, it's versatile too! Special Interest Award. -
Epson PowerLite 435W: This projector has proven to be a real performer in the ever growing, short throw class, of projectors. With its measured brightness of 2639 lumens, the 435w has more than enough power to handle just about any environment! -
Optoma ZX210ST: This Optoma is one of the most feature-laden multimedia projectors we’ve reviewed. Overall, the Optoma ZX210ST’s combination of features, brightness, cost savings and warranty make it a desirable choice for the K-12 education market. -
Epson BrightLink 485Wi: Overall, Epson has produced a ultra short throw interactive projector that is easy to use, easy to set up, and is priced right.
About Classroom Projectors
Physical Aspects:
Most classroom projectors are basically 5-10 pound projectors that are also sold for portable use. Each year, though, more projectors are targeting the classroom market, with a lot of features that portable users don't demand.
For installation in the classroom, most of the education focused models will have big sound, at least one 5 watt speaker. Some may have one or two 7 watt speakers, there are even a few with 10 watts or more. It's not easy to carry over the din of "studying" students.
Most of these projectors have a footprint a bit larger than a standard sheet of paper, and most are less than 5 inches tall. All will have VGA inputs, but many newer models are sporting HDMI, and also USB display. All will have remote controls, but beware of remotes with limited range, that can be a mild nuisance.
In our most recent report, we discuss many issues, and the report encompasses 13 projectors reviewed, that were specifically recommended for school use by their respective manufacturers. We even give out some awards. The report also has a spreadsheet of features on approximately 75 projectors recommended for classroom (or school multi-purpose room) by the manufacturers.
Classroom Projector Report: Best School Projectors for K-12 Education
Price
On a school district level purchase, lower resolution projectors surely sell for under $500. Most districts, however, are likely spending $700 - $1200 a projector, with many fully networking the projectors, including central monitoring. Just plug them all in, and the projectors can be set to notify support of lamp failures or required maintenance (such as filter cleaning), or needing repair.
Cost of Ownership is something that should be considered. Lamp life and cost factor in, big time. There are projectors with 2000 lamps that cost $299, and other projectors that might have a lamp good for 4000 hours for $249. These projectors will have to last a really long time, as is the nature of school funding. If these projectors are getting serious use, maintenance, lamp replacments, and repairs all factor in. Consider the value of a projector that has a 3 year warranty, and will send you a loaner, while it's being repaired.
Down on an individual teacher level, if you need a projector and have no recourse but to buy one yourself, or you have, perhaps a limited grant, fear not. You can find plenty to choose from below $800, and some of them are very light - in the 4 to 5 pound range, for those of you transporting them.
Popular School Projectors
Entry Level XGA and SVGA
XGA and WXGA - More Featured
Interactive and Ultra Short Throw projectors
There is definitely a projector out there that can fit your specific classroom environment needs, as well as your budget!
Check out our Classroom Projector Report: Best School Projectors for K-12 Education