Best Projectors Under $500 In 2024

BenQ's GV30 is highlighted as the only portable 720p projector that supports a 2.1 channel sound system, Android TV dongle, and 135-degree projection. It utilizes a Digital Light Processing (DLP) technology and its LED source can last up to 20,000 hours in normal mode and 30,000 in ECO mode. Furthermore, its built-in battery supports up to 2.5 hours of continuous playback, though some real-world testing suggests the battery life may be longer.

The GV30 is one of the best projectors under $500, and is ideal for cord-free entertainment, requiring only a flat surface or screen for projection. It's lighter and more compact than the GS50, making it suitable for traveling. Both projectors come with BenQ’s QS01 ATV dongle for HDMI streaming and are housed in a stylish Heather Grey padded carrying case. The GV30's design also allows for tripod mounting. For best projection results, BenQ suggests a screen size between 80” and 100” at a distance of 6.9ft to 8.9ft.

For the review, the device was paired with various gadgets like the PlayStation 5 and Apple TV 4K and projected onto a 100-inch Elite Screens Aeon frame. It runs on Android TV OS version 11, granting direct access to numerous streaming platforms including Netflix and Hulu. Unlike its predecessors, the MoGo 2 Pro uses its proprietary speaker system instead of Harman Kardon, offering dual 8-watt speakers and a rear-facing bass diaphragm.

Moreover, it can also double as a Bluetooth speaker. This projector provides superb sound quality, suitable for various environments, from homes to campsites. It features built-in Chromecast but doesn't directly support iOS AirPlay. However, this can be circumvented using third-party apps. The MoGo 2 series also allows power sourcing from 65-watt or higher power banks, enhancing its portability.

The M7, weighing just under 3 lbs and measuring 7.3 x 6.4 x 1.85 inches, stands out for its portability and versatility. Suitable for both personal and professional use, it can project images up to 200 inches diagonally, making it ideal for college students, home entertainment enthusiasts, or frequent travelers.

Its key features include challenging light condition handling capabilities, a 0.33-inch Texas Instruments DLP imager, and a built-in lithium-ion battery that can last up to three hours in ECO mode. Even with its compact size, the M7 can display 1080p resolution, accept 4K signals, and features a built-in 4-watt stereo sound system.

Furthermore, it's equipped with a built-in media player, allowing for playback from multiple sources including USB and Micro-SD cards. Additionally, it has a variety of input options such as HDMI and Audio-Out ports.

When tested, the projector rendered vibrant Full-HD images up to 200-inches, proving its utility in diverse settings.

Kenny Tang of Epson America emphasizes that in today's evolving hybrid lifestyles, there is a growing need for adaptable solutions. With the EpiqVision Flex projectors, users get an engaging big-screen viewing experience, whether for business meetings or movies. The projector promises to "own any room" by catering to the diverse needs of hybrid workers.

While it can showcase detailed visuals for professional presentations, it also provides quality viewing for movies and TV shows. The EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 can project images up to 300 inches, and its keystone correction, zoom, and focus features make it versatile for various settings.

Notably, the CO-W01 stands out for its color performance, with equal numbers of color lumens and white lumens, allowing colors to pop even in ambient light. In terms of brightness measurements, Epson uses ISO Lumens over ANSI Lumens, emphasizing the importance of color brightness in evaluating a projector's quality.

Projectors from the Capsule series are intended to be portable due to their small size, low weight, and ease of portability. The projectors in the Capsule series are well appreciated for their price and image quality. They are a well-liked option for customers searching for a portable and easy method to watch TV episodes, movies, video games, and even work-related apps while on the road.

Operating on the most recent version of Google TV, this projector offers customers a completely redesigned curated streaming experience with native access to services like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video right from the projector. The newest and most powerful operating system that Google offers is Google TV.

In addition, the Nebula Capsule 3 supports Bluetooth 5.1 and includes built-in Wi-Fi. The Capsule 3 also features a new integrated 45 Wh battery, which is lighter and smaller than earlier models but still provides up to 2.5 hours of video playback and up to 10 hours of Bluetooth speaker time, in order to optimize portability.

Even though the LS500 is an excellent device, many consumers choose a smaller portable option that nonetheless has excellent picture and sound quality and smart features. Those are the users that the Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 is intended for.

With a brightness of 1000 ANSI lumens, the Epson EF12 is a smart Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) home media projector driven by laser technology. It has all the advantages of a smart TV plus Wi-Fi thanks to the built-in Android TV. Despite its small size, the EF12 boasts a specially crafted speaker system by Yamaha that can rival many small soundbars and sounds better than most flat-panel TVs.

With its compact form and easy-to-use plug-and-play functionality, the EF12 is a versatile device that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as organizing an outdoor movie night or binge-watching your favorite show in any area of the house.

The EF12 is a 1080P portable projector, but many DLP-based models are capable of 4K resolution. Nonetheless, compared to the majority of compact smart DLP projectors we have examined, the Epson EF12 produced superior black levels and more accurate colors. Although more resolution is desirable, improved color and contrast have a far greater influence on the quality of the image.