Are you still playing video games on a tiny tv or monitor? Below are a few major benefits of gaming on a projector, along with our list of the best gaming projectors for 2024. Video games have such stunning advances in rendering abilities that the size of the display, 4k resolution, and speed really does make or break a great game.
Playing on a projector screen 100" or larger is the only option to be fully immersed in a game. Whether you are playing in first-person shooter mode, third-person RPG (role-player games), or any other gaming style, there’s nothing like having your screen extend to the edge of your peripheral vision. Gaming on a projector is the best way to reach your gaming potential.
Looking for other projectors? View our list of the best projectors we have reviewed this year, broken out by category.
There are three main factors that make gaming on a projector a great option: input lag, High Dynamic Range, and the projector's audio capabilities.
The most important factor to consider when purchasing a gaming projector is input lag. Input lag is an important term in the world of projector gaming. It is a word that relates to the gaming speed performance on projectors – the time between when the gaming system sends out its signal, to the time it is received by the projector, and is measured in milliseconds. The range of acceptable input lag speeds are as high as 50ms to as low as 16ms and there are three categories these speeds fall into: Acceptable, Good, and Optimal.
Acceptable input lag the category of the casual gamer. These are the gamers who do it for fun, and do not compete. They’ll typically stay offline, and play games with their friends and family in person, or by themselves. These are your Nintendo Switch gamers, RPG players, and first-person shooter types who don’t spend much time playing against other gamers online.
Good input lag is in the 33ms to 40ms range. Any projector that is within these speeds will be suitable for all but the most competitive gamers.
Good input lag at 33ms to 40ms, will put you behind just over 1 frame per second on a 30fps game, and 2 frames behind on a 60fps game. This isn’t enough to make a difference for most people – again, unless highly competitive, such as a career gamer type, or those who play a lot of online maps.
Anything below that 33ms mark can be considered “really good” or “great,” but truly excellent input lag is 16ms to 20ms, with 16ms being the aim for manufacturers who are positioning their model as a gaming projector.
Even though it doesn’t have a built-in battery, the GP100A can be hooked up to USB battery banks, making it truly portable. Its LED light source lasts up to 30,000 hours, which is great for both sustainability and saving money over time.
Whether you're watching movies, TV shows, sports, or gaming, the GP100A can turn any space into a stunning viewing area. It's a fantastic choice for anyone with an active lifestyle or limited living space.
HDR is a feature that appears on many 4K UHD projectors on the market. The acronym stands for “High Dynamic Range,” and refers to a type of image processing in 4K capable projectors and TVs that saturates the colors to become more vibrant, with more “pop and wow” factor. It does so by expanding the contrast and color, often significantly. On most projectors, HDR will considerably reduce the brightness of whatever color mode it is being used on.
The list of projectors that have the ability to handle 4K games with HDR gets significantly shorter than the list of projectors that have HDR. This has to do with the type of HDMI port that is used on projectors that can handle 4K gaming with HDR, and those that cannot. To project a game in 4K HDR at 60 fps, the projector requires an HDMI port that is 18 Ghz.
Projectors aren’t necessarily considered the pinnacle of audio performance, and for good reason, they don’t match the power an AV sound system or a soundbar can offer in a small box, but that’s not to say that they can’t offer compelling audio performance.
For many projectors, the different gaming modes manipulate how audio is delivered from the projector. A great example of this in action is with role playing mode, which better amplifies deep bass from the projector, making monster roars and 50 caliber sniper rounds more guttural and impactful. Areas like voice are enhanced when using sports mode so the player can better understand what the announcer is saying in the game. Whereas surround effects are more accurately placed when users access first-person shooter mode, which helps you better locate where other players are in relation to you in the game, making you a more effective player.
The size of the screen certainly helps a lot, but so does the ability to intelligently adjust the projector’s video and audio output to best match each game’s performance. Previously there were many obstacles that made projectors not as ideally suited to gaming as monitors or TVs, we’re pleased to see many—dare we say all—of these barriers adequately removed.
Below is the list of projectors we at Projector Reviews would work best for gaming. We will continue to add to this list as more projectors become available that we think would enhance your gaming experience.
The flagship game projector from BenQ, the X3100i, is a 0.65" DLP short-throw, 4LED, 4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160p) projector. The X3100i boasts a brightness rating of 3,300 ANSI lumens, a color gamut coverage of 95% of Rec.709, 100% DCI-P3, and exceptionally low latency gaming at speeds as low as 4.2 ms (1080p 240Hz). At $2,399, the X3000i offers full support for HDR gaming, HDR10, and HLG content.
BenQ's X3100i game projector takes the top rank among its X series, right above the X3000i, which has won numerous awards. BenQ has boosted contrast by increasing the brightness of the X3000i, maintaining the high performance 0.65-inch DMD, and introducing a vertical lens shift to an X Series gaming projector for the first time.
Price | $2199 |
Technology | DLP w/ XPR (Single-Chip DMD) |
Displayed Resolution | 3840x2160 |
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim) | 3300 |
Contrast | 600,000:1 (Dynamic) |
Zoom Lens Ratio | 1.3x |
Lens Shift | No |
Lamp Life | 20,000 hours (Normal) 30,000 hours (ECO) |
Weight | 15 lbs |
Warranty | 3 Year Limited Warranty |
With its numerous powerful features, the X3100i is a home entertainment projector designed with gaming in mind. BenQ has incorporated Cinematic Sound in addition to its treVolo-tuned audio and preset settings for video and audio. With the aid of cinematic sound, you can block out outside noise and immerse yourself in the action.
The most remarkable feature of this powerful projector is that BenQ has improved gaming performance by maintaining the X3000i's existing modes and adding brand-new custom game settings.
For console players who want to make every game, from expansive open-world titles to first-person shooters and even fast-paced racing games, extremely immersive, this is the ideal option. In 4K resolution, the BenQ X3100i produces realistic, lifelike landscapes. With the help of the two integrated 5-watt chamber speakers that are driven by Bongiovi DPS technology, users may immerse themselves in breathtaking simulated 3D surround sound that complements the graphics of play.
The ViewSonic X2-4K is a 4K (native 1440p) HDR-capable, LED DLP gaming projector that is currently retailing for $1,599.99 MSRP. The X2-4K's state-of-the-art RGB LED light source is said to produce 2,000 ANSI lumens of brightness according to their manufacturer claims. We are also treated with an integrated Harman Kardon sound system designed to elevate the projector's sound performance.
Price | $1599 |
Technology | DLP (.065" DMD) |
Displayed Resolution | 3840x2160 |
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim) | 2000 |
Contrast | 3,000,000:1 (Dynamic) |
Zoom Lens Ratio | 1.2x |
Lens Shift | No |
Lamp Life | 60,000 hours (Normal mode) |
Weight | 12.1 lbs |
Warranty | 3 years (PJ), 1 year/2000 Hrs (Lamp) |
After a highly rigorous testing process, the X2-4K was designated by Microsoft as the world's first "Designed for Xbox" projector. This projector can easily display games on screen sizes up to 120" with a native 240 Hz refresh rate. The ViewSonic X2-4K is the largest Microsoft-certified Xbox gaming display available today.
This is just a brief overview of the X2-4K, followed by some of the projector's notable features. I will then take you through the projector's hardware and discuss performance. From there, I will sum it all up for you on the last page. You will have to read the full review to get the information you need to decide if the ViewSonic X2-4K is the right projector for your console gaming, home theater, and streaming needs.
The NOMVDIC P1000 is a short-throw, gaming projector that is currently selling for $1699. It features a Texas Instruments 0.65" DLP DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) and boasts a manufacturer-rated brightness of 2,300 ANSI lumens. Its RGB LED light source allows for the display of vibrant colors, covering up to 125% of the Rec.709 color gamut.
Price | $1699 MSRP |
Technology | DLP (065” DMD) |
Displayed Resolution | 3840 x 2160 |
Claimed Input Lag | 15.7 ms (1080P/240P) |
Brightness | 2300 lumens |
Contrast | 3,000,000:1 (Dynamic) |
Zoom Lens Ratio | 1.2X |
Lens Shift | No |
Lamp Life | 30,000 Hours |
Weight | 6.8lbs |
Warranty | 1 Year Limited |
The P1000 aims to provide an immersive 4K UHD gaming and home entertainment experience. With super-low-latency for gaming, as well as speeds as low as 4.2 ms at 1080p 240 Hz, the NOMVDIC P1000 is fast growing in popularity as a gaming projector. For those all about looks, it fully supports HDR formats, including HDR10 and HLG.
This new projector features a Harmon Kardon Dolby and DTS sound system that, based on initial impressions, performs on par with many mainstream RGB LED projectors we've reviewed.
The P1000 is NOMVDIC's only 4K gaming projector and the second 4K model I've reviewed from the company. Based on its design, features, and price, the P1000 fits neatly into the Lifestyle projector category. Its specifications place it among the top Lifestyle and Gaming projectors released this year, alongside established brands like Hisense and BenQ.
Let's take a closer look at the NOMVDIC P1000 and see if its performance matches its impressive specifications.
The $1,699 price tag makes the TK700STi perfect for the gaming enthusiast and anyone else who wants an all-in-one portable, full HD 3D-ready smart projector which requires only a flat viewing surface or projector screen and a power outlet to get the entertainment started with audio provided by its built-in 5-watt speaker.
The projector utilizes a DLP (Texas Instruments 0.47” DMD) chip. Its lamp light source is rated to deliver at 3000 ANSI lumens for up to 15,000 hours.
Price | $1699 |
Technology | DLP with XPR (0.47” DMD) |
Native Resolution | 1920x1080x4 |
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim) | 3000 |
Contrast | 10,000:1 |
Zoom Lens Ratio | 1.2x |
Lens Shift | No |
Lamp Life | 4,000 hours / 15,000 hours (Eco) |
Weight | 6.83 |
Warranty | 3 years |
BenQ proudly states the TK700STi is the “World’s First 4K HDR Gaming Projector; 4K @ 60Hz” and “Game with 16ms Lowest Input Lag Ever Paired with 4K Resolution.”
In addition, it should be noted that this gaming projector comes with unique game modes for FPS (First-Person Shooter), RPG (Role-Playing Game), and SPG (Sports Game) gaming modes with audio, visual, and optimized latency settings for each type of game.
BenQ TK850i is targeted directly at the gaming crowd with a lag time of 16.7ms for 4K 60Hz: and just 4.16ms for 1080p 240Hz: 4.16ms which great for hardcore gamers where response times matter. Not only does the TK700STi have a dedicated video picture mode for gaming, there are also multiple game-focused audio modes.
The BenQ TK700STi is a 4K HDR Gaming Projector that is bundled with the QS0I Android TV dongle which provides access to over 5,000 Android TV apps including YouTube and Amazon Prime Video. The smart features are integrated seamlessly, and the menus are easy to navigate.
The BenQ GP100A is a standout portable smart projector that brings movies and gaming to life wherever you are. Priced at $899, this Full HD projector (1920x1080) uses a 4LED light source, offering 1000 ANSI Lumens of brightness and covering 90% of the DCI-P3 and 97% of the Rec. 709 color gamuts. It's compact—measuring just 7.60" x 6.70" x 8.40" and weighing around 6.4 lbs—making it easy to carry without sacrificing performance.
This projector takes portable entertainment up a notch with built-in Android TV, letting you stream directly through the QS01 Android TV dongle that comes with it. It supports both Chromecast and AirPlay for flexible streaming and screen mirroring. Plus, there's a USB-C port that not only connects to mobile devices and laptops but also powers and projects from a Nintendo® Switch without needing an extra port.
BenQ GP100A Specs | |
---|---|
Price | $899 MSRP |
Technology | DLP |
Displayed Resolution | Full HD (1920 x 1080) |
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim | 1000 ANSI Lumens |
Light Source | RGB LED |
Contrast | 100,000:1 (Dynamic) |
Zoom Lens Ratio | Fixed |
Sound System | 5W x2 + 10W |
Dimensions (WxDxH) | 7.6" x 6.7" x 8.4” |
Weight | 6.4 lbs. |
Even though it doesn’t have a built-in battery, the GP100A can be hooked up to USB battery banks, making it truly portable. Its LED light source lasts up to 30,000 hours, which is great for both sustainability and saving money over time.
Whether you're watching movies, TV shows, sports, or gaming, the GP100A can turn any space into a stunning viewing area. It's a fantastic choice for anyone with an active lifestyle or limited living space.
2024's lineup of 4K home entertainment projectors includes the Optoma UHZ55 as their newest model. Optoma is promoting the UHZ55 as a premium home theater and high-performance gaming projector, with an estimated street price of $2,499 (EST).
Optoma UHZ55 Specs | |
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Price | $2,499 MSRP |
Technology | DLP |
Displayed Resolution | 4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160) |
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim | 3000 ANSI Lumens |
Light Source | Blue Laser Phosphor |
Contrast | 2,500,000:1 (Dynamic) |
Input Lag | 4.4ms (1080p/240), 8.6ms (1080p/120), 17ms (4K60) |
Zoom Lens Ratio | 1.3X |
Sound System | 10 watts x 2 |
Dimensions | (W x D x H) 13.26 x 10.43 x 4.69 inches |
Weight | 11.02 lbs (5 kg) |
The UHZ55 projects 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) images up to 300 inches diagonally onscreen using a 1.3x zoom lens and a DLP 0.47-inch Digital Light Processing (DLP) processor with XPR shifting technology. With up to 30,000 hours of prolonged life, its laser light source can produce 3,000 ANSI lumens of brightness and a dynamic contrast of 2,500,000:1.
As for gaming, the UHZ55 offers users a big-screen gaming experience with 1.07 billion colors, HDR compatibility, and lightning-fast rates of up to 16.2 ms at 4K 60 Hz and 3.2 ms at 1,080p 240 Hz. Because of this, the gameplay is fluid and there is hardly any noticeable lag between pulling the trigger and seeing the action on screen.
The Optoma UHZ55 laser projector is the follow-up to the company's well-liked UHZ50 model from 2022. With the exception of the black chassis, the UHZ55's appearance and features are exactly the same as those of the UHZ50. Those who follow consumer electronics are probably somewhat acquainted with this procedure. It's not out of the ordinary. But sometimes appearances can be deceiving. Optoma chose to price the UHZ55 $300 less than the previous model without sacrificing any features or performance, despite the UHZ55 appearing to have the same features and specs as the UHZ50—at least on paper. It's unclear if Optoma is making the UHZ55 function better.