Best Projectors Under $1,000 For 2026

The Epson Home Cinema 2350 delivers a bright, colorful image for under $1000. Built around Epson’s established 3-chip 3LCD technology, the 2350 produces balanced color. It avoids distracting rainbow artifacts that can occur with single-chip DLP systems while enhancing 4K PRO-UHD resolution via pixel shifting from its native Full HD panel. With 2,800 lumens of color and white brightness, it can comfortably light up large screens in low to moderate ambient light.

 The projector includes an Android TV dongle that brings streaming apps and services directly to the big screen without requiring additional hardware. Installation is made easier with a 1.62× manual zoom and a generous ±60% vertical lens shift, giving users the flexibility to position the unit without resorting to heavy keystone correction. The built-in 10-watt speaker provides basic sound, but most users will pair it with external audio for full home theater immersion. 

The BenQ GP520 is an all-in-one 4K HDR home entertainment projector that delivers bright, sharp visuals and modern smart features in a compact chassis. The 4K (3840x 2160) DLP imaging engine paired with an advanced 4LED light source delivers 2,600 ANSI lumens of brightness, helping images remain punchy even under ambient light.

The built-in Google TV platform provides direct access to popular streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+, and the integrated automatic focus and digital image alignment features simplify setup by getting a squared, focused image quickly without extensive manual adjustments. Dual 12 W internal speakers deliver robust sound for casual viewing, with optional Bluetooth audio for external speakers or headphones.

The GP520 has a fixed zoom lens and digital adjustments rather than a traditional zoom ring, so placement flexibility comes primarily through smart digital keystone correction. The GP520 is a versatile choice for living room theaters, game nights, and weekend binge sessions.

The Optoma UHD38x is a high brightness 4K UHD DLP projector that delivers compelling picture quality with versatility for a wide range of viewing environments. At its core, this projector uses a single-chip DLP imaging engine with a traditional 240 W lamp to deliver 4,000 ANSI lumens of brightness, ensuring vibrant, engaging images even in living rooms with ambient light. Native 3840×2160 resolution delivers sharp detail to movies, shows, and games, while HDR10 and HLG support enhance contrast and color depth for compatible content.

The UHD38x also supports a high-refresh-rate mode (up to 240 Hz at 1080p) with low input lag, making it a strong choice for competitive gaming. The projector has a manual 1.1× optical zoom lens.

Although there is no mechanical lens shift, digital keystone correction helps square images when precise placement isn’t possible. Integrated audio and robust port options round out a feature set aimed at home theater enthusiasts who want bright 4K performance without unnecessary complexity.

The ASUS ProArt A1 is a Full HD DLP projector that delivers bright, accurate imagery. It is designed for creators, studios, and home theater enthusiasts who demand true-to-life color performance. Built around a DLP imaging engine with a long-life LED light source rated at 3,000 ANSI lumens and 1920×1080 Full HD resolution, with support for 4K input, the ProArt A1 can project vivid, detailed images even in moderate ambient lighting.

The A1 stands out with its Calman Verified factory calibration, offering exceptional color accuracy with 98% sRGB and Rec. 709 coverage and Delta E < 2 out of the box, ideal for color-critical viewing. Setup and image alignment are eased by a 1.2× manual optical zoom, 2D keystone correction, and four-corner adjustment, allowing the projector to adapt to a wide range of room configurations.

Built-in audio and wireless mirroring support further expand its versatility. With its high brightness and accurate color reproduction, the ProArt A1 is a strong option for creative spaces, classrooms, or living rooms that value both performance and flexibility.

The XGIMI Horizon Pro is a smart 4K home theater projector that delivers sharp, detailed imagery and intuitive setup features in a compact package. Built around a single-chip DLP imaging engine with an LED light source, the Horizon Pro produces a native 3840×2160 4K UHD image with approximately 1,500 ISO lumens of brightness, making it bright enough for living rooms and controlled ambient light environments while maintaining fine detail in movies, sports, and games.

The projector runs Android TV 10.0 with Chromecast built-in, giving users direct access to popular streaming apps and voice control via Google Assistant. Setup is simplified through automatic focus and auto keystone correction, which help square the image quickly, and smart screen alignment further streamlines placement.

While it lacks mechanical optical zoom and traditional lens shift, its fixed throw design with a 1.2:1 throw ratio yields a wide range of screen sizes from roughly 40 to 200 inches diagonal from typical room distances. Dual 8 W Harman Kardon speakers deliver robust built-in audio for casual viewing. The Horizon Pro’s blend of 4K resolution, smart platform, and solid brightness makes it a strong choice for mainstream home theater enthusiasts.

The Hisense M2 Pro is a highly capable portable 4K laser projector that brings striking picture quality, advanced smart features, and flexible placement options into a compact lifestyle form factor. Powered by a 3840×2160 4K UHD DLP imager and a 1,300 ANSI lumens Triple Laser (RGB) light source capable of displaying 110% of the BT.2020 color gamut, the M2 Pro delivers a bright, vibrant image.

The projector’s smart platform is based on Hisense’s VIDAA OS, giving users direct access to streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube without external devices. The motorized 1.3× optical zoom accommodates a range of room sizes and placement distances without sacrificing image clarity. Although it does not include traditional horizontal or vertical lens shift, the projector’s gimbal-based chassis, along with autofocus and auto-keystone correction, makes setup fast and effortless.

 Integrated stereo speakers deliver solid sound for casual viewing. The combination of 4K resolution, laser brightness, smart features, and agile setup makes the M2 Pro an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor entertainment.

The Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-FH02 is a bright, affordable home entertainment and casual business projector designed for users who want a large, vibrant image with minimal setup complexity. Built around Epson’s proven 3-chip 3LCD imaging technology, the CO-FH02 delivers a native 1920×1080 Full HD resolution and an impressive 3,000 lumens of color and white brightness, allowing it to perform well in living rooms, classrooms, and multipurpose spaces with ambient light.

Unlike single-chip designs, Epson’s 3LCD system ensures consistent color brightness and eliminates rainbow artifacts, resulting in natural, balanced images for movies, sports, and presentations. The projector uses a traditional lamp-based light source, but it delivers high brightness at an accessible price point.

The projector runs Android TV, giving users direct access to popular streaming apps and voice control via Google Assistant. The Integrated speaker provides basic audio for casual use, while portability and simple manual adjustments make it easy to move between rooms or locations. The EpiqVision Flex CO-FH02 is a great option for buyers seeking a bright, colorful image and Full HD at a value price.

The JMGO N1S 4K delivers a compelling blend of 4K picture quality, smart streaming, and modern laser imaging in a sleek projector designed for home entertainment enthusiasts. The N1S uses a 4K 3840×2160 DLP engine paired with an RGB triple-laser light source that delivers 1,100 ISO lumens of brightness.  HDR10 support brings movies, shows, and games to life while the broad gamut RGB laser light source enhances color accuracy and saturation for a more cinematic look.

The projector runs Google TV, giving users intuitive access to popular streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube without the need for external dongles, and built-in autofocus and auto keystone correction simplify setup. Although it does not include a mechanical optical zoom or traditional lens shift, its fixed lens and throw geometry, combined with digital geometry corrections, allow flexible placement on tables or shelves. Integrated speakers round out the experience for casual viewing, making the N1S 4K a strong choice for modern living rooms and media spaces.