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Best Home Theater Projectors For 2024

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Bring theater-level quality into your home with one of the best home theater projectors on the market. As more movies than ever release directly to streaming platforms, now is the best time to purchase a projector for your home theater.

Having a projector as your primary viewing experience creates large pictures that offer immersion that can't be found with a standard-sized TV. With all of the projectors on this list being 4k, you will get a great watching and gaming experience. Not to mention that projector-level quality comes at a fraction of the cost of an ultra-sized TV.

Choosing the Best Home Theater Projector for Your Space

The ultimate home theatre experience is all in the projector. Whether your plans are for a dedicated media room, or a multi-purpose living area, there's a projector that will fit your need and determining which one to get depends on room size, ambient light, seating, and so on. Our projector reports and projector buyers guides detail the most thorough information and suggestions to help you make these choices with confidence.

Besides performance and image quality, also look at features that will spice up the experience in viewing. Modern projectors come with all kinds of functionalities, from 4K resolution to compatibility with HDR and advanced connectivity. Get yourself the right projector for those stunning visuals and immersive sound, bringing cinema to your home. Get exploring with our top picks and find the perfect projector to take your entertainment to the next level.

Sony VPL-GTZ380

If you are looking for the ultimate home theater experience, you should look closely at Sony’s flagship projector, the VPL-GTZ380, a 10,000-lumen, native 4K SXRD projector that retails for $80,000 (minus lens).

Enter the VPL-GTZ380. Compared to its predecessors, the GTZ380 delivers much higher brightness and wider color gamut resulting in a massive increase in color volume. The unit’s X1 Ultimate chip also boosts video processing power, further improving both SDR and HDR picture quality.

Sony VPL-GTZ380 Specs

Price$80,000 (minus lens)
TechnologySXRD-3
Native Resolution4K (4096x2160)
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)10000
Contrast∞:1
Zoom Lens Ratio1.95:1 (VPLL-Z8014 Lens)
Lens ShiftYes
Lamp Life20,000 hours
Weight112
Warranty3 year

The GTZ380 is intended for applications where the highest image quality is critical. While the unit will be most attractive to video enthusiasts looking for the ultimate home theater projector, you will also see it utilized for other applications, including film festivals, private screening rooms, and training simulators.

Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800

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Sony VPL-XW7000ES 4K SXRD Home Theater Projector

Sony VPL-XW7000ES projector Premium home theater Award

The XW7000ES is a 3200-lumen native 4K home theater projector that retails for $27,999. It is part of a complete line refresh of Sony’s SXRD projector lineup. Sony has reduced the number of models they offer but now every unit utilizes a laser light source. Since the laser light source has a rated life of 20,000 hours the result is years of nearly maintenance-free operation.

In addition to their laser sources, these models also utilize a new 0.61-inch SXRD panel which is more compact while still offering high native contrast and native 4K UHD resolution. The XW7000ES is 20% smaller and 30% lighter than the VW915ES.

Sony VPL-XW7000ES Specs

Price$27,999
TechnologySXRD
Native Resolution3840x2160
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)3200
Contrast∞:1
Zoom Lens Ratio2.14:1
Lens ShiftYes
Lamp Life20,000 hours
Weight31 lbs
Warranty3 year

SONY VPL-XW7000ES

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JVC DLA-NZ9 D-ILA Laser Projector

JVC NZ9-PQ with Projector Reviews best in class award

JVC has announced three new D-ILA home theater, projector models. The JVC DLA-NZ9 is an HDR home theater projector that delivers true 4K resolution (4096 x 2160). It is the replacement for the award-winning DLA-NX9/RS3000, which we reviewed a while back. These JVC models utilize their BLU-Escent laser light source, include 8K e-shift technology, and are the world’s first projectors to offer 48Gbps 8K/60p inputs.

JVC DLA-NZ9 Specs

Price$25,999
TechnologyDILA, 3Chip
Native Resolution4,096 x 2,160
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)3000
Contrast100,000:1
Zoom Lens Ratio2.00:1
Lens ShiftYes
Lamp Life20,000 hours
Weight56
Warranty3 year

The DLA-NZ9 sits at the higher end of JVC’s D-ILA FPJ lineup, but its high native contrast combined with 4K resolution results in exceptional performance. Since this is a native 4K unit (unlike a 2K pixel shifting projector), it can faithfully reproduce all 8.8 million pixels found in 4K content.

JVC claims the NZ9 has a native contrast ratio of 100,000:1 (Dynamic Contrast Ratio 1,000,000:1), which is exceptional. Laser dimming gives the NZ9 a nearly infinite dynamic contrast ratio. In addition, the NZ9 can also deliver rich, vibrant colors. JVC also claims that the NZ9 can reproduce 100% of the DCI-P3 color space with the Cinema Filter engaged.

JVC DLA-NZ9

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Sony VPL-XW5000ES 4K SXRD Home Theater Projector

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The Sony VPL-XW5000ES 4K SXRD Home Theater Projector is celebrated for its balance of performance, features, and value, marking itself as the most budget-friendly 4K model both in Sony’s lineup and in the market as a whole. This affordability does not compromise its performance, as it competes robustly against most products in its class. This is attributed to the inclusion of several advanced Sony technologies, which were previously exclusive to more expensive models.

Despite being a base model, it holds its own against more feature-rich models, offering a performance that is commendable. The projector seems to embody a kind of democratization of high-quality projection technology, offering high-end features to consumers at a relatively lower price point. This is particularly highlighted by its ability to outperform most products in its class, making it a notable contender for those seeking quality and performance without the hefty price tag.

Sony VPL-XW5000ES

Price$5999
Technology3 LCoS panels (SXRD)
Native Resolution3840x2160
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)2000
Contrast∞:1
Zoom Lens Ratio1.60:1
Lens ShiftYes
Lamp Life20,000 hours
Weight28lbs
Warranty3 year

 

The review also sheds light on the evolution of laser light source technology, particularly Sony’s Z-Phosphor system, which is now available on this model. This feature was once a premium offering, but its inclusion in a model retailing for under $6,000 marks a significant step towards making high-quality laser light source technology accessible to a broader audience. The Sony VPL-XW5000ES projector, with its blend of affordability, performance, and features, stands as a testament to Sony's commitment to delivering value-packed offerings to its consumers.

Sony VPL-XW5000ES

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Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 Laser Projector

Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 Laser Projector

The Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 which retails for $4999 is a 4K HDR-compatible laser home theater. The Pro Cinema LS12000 uses native 1080P 3LCD panels but the projector is equipped with the latest version of Epson’s 4K UHD Pro technology. This feature combines advanced pixel-shifting technology and a new Precision Glass Shift Plate with three individual high-definition LCD chips to produce 4K resolution (3840×2160 pixels) on screen.

Epson LS12000 Specs

Price$4999
Technology3LCD laser
Native Resolution1920x1080
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)2700
Contrast2,500,000:1 (Dynamic)
Zoom Lens Ratio2.00:1
Lens ShiftYes
Lamp Life20,000 hours
Weight28.0
Warranty3 year

The LS12000 is Epson’s most advanced Pro Cinema Series projector to date and it is designed to deliver the performance and features demanded by the most discerning video enthusiasts. The LS12000 is a great option for someone who wants to enjoy HDR movies and high frame-rate gaming in a family room or dedicated home theater.

Epson LS12000

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Epson Home Cinema LS11000

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The Epson Home Cinema LS11000, which retails for $3999, is a 4K HDR compatible laser home theater projector. The LS11000 has a rated brightness of 2,500 ANSI Lumens and can deliver over 1,200,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio.

We had the opportunity to review the Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 and were incredibly impressed with the unit’s performance. The Home Cinema LS11000 delivers a lot of the same performance as the LS12000, but for a thousand dollars less.

Epson LS11000 Specs

Price$3999
Technology3 LCD
Native Resolution1920x1080x4 (3840x2160)
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)2500
Contrast1200000:1
Zoom Lens Ratio2.1:1
Lens ShiftYes
Lamp Life20,000 hours
Weight28lbs
Warranty3 years

The LS11000 sits at the top of Epson’s Home Cinema Series projector lineup. It is feature packed and delivers outstanding performance at a price that should be within reach of many enthusiasts. The LS11000 is a great option for someone who wants to enjoy HDR movies and high frame-rate gaming in a media or family room.

EPSON HOME CINEMA LS11000

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LG AU810PB CINEBEAM 4K LASER PROJECTOR

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The AU810PB is one of these great new offerings and part of the LG CineBeam line-up of projectors. This series is designed to make projection more accessible and appealing to a broader range of consumers. We have reviewed a couple of other projectors in this line-up.

The LG AU810PB is a 4K DLP Laser Smart projector with a suggested retail price of $3999. This projector offers a great deal of performance and numerous advanced features for its price. The LG AU810PB has a rated brightness of 2700 Lumens, and its Laser-light source is rated to last up to 20,000 hours.

The LG AU810PB combines all the Smart capabilities of flat-panel TVs but with the high-quality, maintenance-free Laser-light engine and 4K resolution to make it a true flat panel TV replacement.

LG AU810PB Specs

Price$3999
TechnologyDLP with XPR (0.47” DMD)
Native Resolution1920x1080x4
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)2700
Contrast2,000,000,000:1, 2,000.000;1
Zoom Lens Ratio1.6:1
Lens ShiftYes
Lamp Life20,000 hours
Weight24.3. lbs
Warranty2 year

LG AU810PB

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XGIMI Horizon Ultra 4K Hybrid LED/Laser Projector

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The XGIMI Horizon Ultra 4K Hybrid LED/Laser Projector initially made a strong impression with its high-quality picture display, showcasing images that were both clear and vibrant. However, the subsequent firmware update seemed to have altered the accuracy of most picture modes, which was a noticeable downside. Although the image quality remained commendable, it didn't uphold the initial allure that was experienced before the firmware update, which may be a concern for individuals seeking consistent picture quality over time.

A distinguishing feature of the Horizon Ultra is its Dual Light Source technology, which is engineered to deliver exceptional color accuracy by equally balancing Red, Green, and Blue light. This specific feature sets the Horizon Ultra apart from other projectors in the RGB LED or RGB Laser categories, which often find it challenging to achieve this level of color balance. The underlying technology of the Dual Light Source is crafted to cater to individuals who hold color accuracy in high regard, making it a potential choice for enthusiasts and professionals alike​.

XGIMI HORIZON Ultra
Price $1699
Technology DLP (0.47” DMD)
Displayed Resolution 3840 x 2160 Pixel Shifting
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim) 2300 ISO Lumens
Light Source Dual Light (RGBB LED+ Red laser)
Contrast Not listed
Zoom Lens Ratio 1.15:1 (motorized)
Lens Shift Fixed
Sound System 2 x 12-watt Harman/Kardon
Dimensions (H x W x D) 8.8” x 6.7” x 10.4” (224 x 170 x 265 mm)
Weight 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg)
 

Despite the innovative technology, the firmware update appears to have impacted the color accuracy adversely, which could raise concerns among potential buyers. The Horizon Ultra, with its unique dual light source, initially had a strong selling point in color accuracy which seems to have been compromised post the firmware update. This scenario highlights a potential area of improvement for XGIMI, ensuring that firmware updates do not negatively affect one of the projector's primary selling features. Maintaining the color accuracy post firmware updates could enhance the user experience and uphold the projector's market position​.

XGIMI HORIZON Ultra

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BenQ HT3650 4K DLP Home Theater Projector

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The BenQ HT3560 is currently going for $1,599 and is a 4K UHD (3840 x 2160p) DLP projector. It’s manufacturer(BenQ) claims a brightness of 2,200 ANSI lumens and is said to display colors covering 95% of the DCI-P3 and 100% of the Rec.709 color gamuts.

The HT3560 is the newest projector in BenQ's popular range of UHP lamp-based home theater projectors. Which means it will potentially out-perform models like the TK850i and HT3550. This projector also uses a Texas Instruments pixel-shifting 0.47" DMD DLP system to display in 4K UHD. Though it’s remarkably similar to its predecessor, the HT3550, which is also known for producing a crisp 4K image.

BenQ HT3560 Specs

Price$1,699 MSRP
TechnologyDLP
Displayed Resolution4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160)
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim2200 ANSI Lumens
Light SourceLamp
Contrast50,000:1 (Dynamic)
Zoom Lens Ratio1.3X
Sound System5 Watt x2 Stereo
Dimensions(WxHXD) 14.9 x 4.9 x 10.35 inch
Weight9.25 lbs. (4.2 kg)

We've tested previous models like the HT3550 and TK850i, which we praised for their high image quality. This is largely due to features like BenQ's Auto Tone Mapping, Color Mapping technologies, and Dynamic Iris technology, allowing the projectors to display high-quality, natural-looking images out of the box. The HT3560 continues this tradition, upgrading us to HDR10+, an open-source alternative to Dolby Vision HDR, and even throwing in BenQ's HDR-PRO and Dynamic Black technologies for a cinema-grade home experience.

The HT3560 is more of an evolutionary update rather than a revolutionary one, sharing a similar design and feature set with its 2021 predecessor. While the projection industry has seen newer, more affordable, and higher-quality laser and LED light sources, lamp-based projectors like the HT3560 remain relevant.

BenQ continues to produce a significant portion of its home theater, gaming, and cinema projectors powered by ultra-high performance lamps, emphasizing their value. The BenQ HT3560 is worth considering as a new addition or upgrade to your existing 1080p home theater projector.

BENQ HT3650

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BenQ W5800 4K Laser Home Cinema Projector

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The BenQ W5800 is a premium 4K UHD capable home theater projector priced at $5,999. Designed for home theater enthusiasts seeking top-notch performance and exceptional picture quality, it delivers an unparalleled cinematic experience, which has made it a highly anticipated release in BenQ's lineup, especially since their previous home theater projectors haven't seen an upgrade in a few years.

In order to compete with other premium projectors like the Sony XW5000ES and the Epson LS12000, the W5800 uses BenQ's proven CinematicColor technology to give accurate color production. The DYNAMIC BLACK technology adjusts the laser's light to maximize visible contrast, resulting in a stunning SDR and HDR picture.

BenQ W5800 Specs

Price$5999 MSRP
TechnologyDLP
Displayed Resolution4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160)
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim2600 ANSI Lumens
Light SourceBlue Laser Phosphor
Contrast2,000,000:1 (Dynamic)
Zoom Lens RatioMotorized 1.6x
Sound System N/A
Dimensions(WxHxD) 20.7" x 5.7" x 15.4" inches
Weight23 lbs.

The BenQ W5800 supports HDR content mastered in HDR10, HLG, and HDR10+. This is done with BenQ's HDR-PRO technology which has tone mapping that balances details in bright and dark scenes. 

To ensure maximum color accuracy, BenQ calibrates each W5800 before it leaves the factory and includes a calibration report in the box. The W5800 can reproduce 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, used to master most HDR content without a light-robbing cinema filter.

The projector features a motorized lens with 1.6X zoom and a good amount of lens shift (vertical +/-50% and horizontal +/-21%), allowing for flexible placement without losing out on image quality. This flexibility makes the W5800 an adaptable option for various home theater setups.

BenQ continues to balance performance with value, impressing with models like the HT3650i and HT4550i. The W5800 builds on these models with advanced features, making it a significant step up from the award-winning W4000i/HT4550i reviewed last year.

BenQ W5800

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BENQ W4000i/HT4550i 4K 4LED Projector

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The BenQ W4000i/HT4550i is the most recent addition to the company's growing family of LED light source projectors for an HDR home theater. If you live in the US, you will have access to the W4000i, which is identical to the HT4550i but sold in different regions.

The W4000i gives you a display resolution of 4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160) using a brand-new Texas Instruments (TI) 0.65" Digital Light Processing (DLP) Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) with XPR technology. With an MSRP of $2,999, the W4000i/HT4550i replaces the company's popular and successful HT3550i.

BenQ HT4550i Specs

Price$2,999 MSRP
Technology4LEDDLP
Displayed Resolution3840 x 2160 Pixel Shifting
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)3200 ANSI Lumens
Light Source4LED light source
Contrast2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast
Zoom Lens Ratio1.3x
Lens ShiftH ±15% max, V 0%-60%
Dimensions16.55” x 5.32” x 12.28” (w x h x d))
Weight14.55 lbs. (6.59 Kg)

The core of the new BenQ W4000i projector is its 4LED light source, which offers a broad yet precise color gamut. BenQ claims that the new projector displays genuine film colors. BenQ refers to this CinematicColor as an exclusive design that offers precise color reproduction to users. Additionally, BenQ offers users a new feature called WIDE COLOR GAMUT (WCG), which reproduces 100% DCI-P3 color performance when enabled in HDR mode. This is 1.3 times larger than the color gamut of comparable DLP 4K projectors with Rec. 709. With brilliant colors and amazing depth in both bright and gloomy areas, the image quality is excellent whether you're viewing movies or your favorite television shows.

BenQ has been pushing the boundaries with their 4LED technology in recent years, producing ever-higher brightness levels. With 3,200 ANSI lumens of brightness, the W4000i gaming projector outperforms the highly acclaimed X3000i. Not only has BenQ improved the brightness of the W4000i, but it has also used a larger 0.66" DLP imager to achieve this.

BenQ has added complete Netflix support for the first time. This is the Netflix app without the need to sideload an app or use a personalized launcher. I appreciate BenQ incorporating this much-needed feature at last.

BENQ W4000i/HT4550i

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