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Home Theater Projectors

The home theater projectors page includes the latest projectors used for home theater and home entertainment. See below for a list of reviews of home theater projectors, and also information pages. They are listed in order, most recent first.

Projectors for the home come in two flavors: home theater and home entertainment.
Projectors for the home come in two flavors: home theater and home entertainment.

Scroll down for the list of all of our most recent home theater projector reviews!

Most of today’s home theater projectors offer Full HD, which is 1080p resolution, while 4K resolution is quickly becoming the new standard by which the picture is judged.   Note:  Please check out our Home Theater Projector Comparison Report which is our most comprehensive buying guide for home theater projectors.  We reviewed several 4K projectors this year, where you can read our more in depth reviews in the links below.  And these days a basic 1080p – Full HD – projector can still be had for less than $700!

In our pages, you’ll find links to our reviews as well as other projectors that we haven’t reviewed.  You will find  specs and usually product brochures for you to peruse .  Some of the links on this page go to other similar pages, with other lists of projectors.

Projectors for your home come in two flavors:  Home Theater and Home entertainment projectors.  That second group are projectors geared for home that tend to be very bright, to use in less than ideal rooms.  (continued below)

Typically those home entertainment projectors are also less “perfectionist”.  Some very bright projectors  have to be considered true “home theater” because they are still offering image performance to satisfy the enthusiast in many of us.  Most home entertainment projectors sell for well under $2000, and many are “entry – level”.  For those seeking high performance image quality, moving up a big step, look to spend around $2000 to $3500 or so.

We consider that range to be the market sweet spot, with the best projectors in that price range offering the most bang, for the least buck.  Spend more than that, and picture quality will continue to improve, but the best overall value for those looking for a first class picture will be the best of the $2000 – $3500 priced models.  

Find out which home theater projectors won our top awards and why, one of them is probably the right projector for you! Popular projectors for you own home theater or cave include those from brands like Sony, Epson, Viewsonic Panasonic, Optoma, JVC, BenQ…

Home Theater Projectors

Home Theater Projectors REVIEWS

ImageReview
ViewSonic PX747-4K First Look Review – Now for $999! ViewSonic PX747-4K First Look Review – Now for $999!
  • Review Date: November 13, 2018
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP (1)
Meet Sony’s VPL-VW295ES: The Only True Native 4K Resolution Projector Under $5000! Meet Sony’s VPL-VW295ES: The Only True Native 4K Resolution Projector Under $5000!
  • Review Date: November 1, 2018
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: SXRD (3)
Epson Pro Cinema 4050 First Look Review – 4K UHD with HDR Epson Pro Cinema 4050 First Look Review – 4K UHD with HDR
  • Review Date: October 23, 2018
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 3LCD
ViewSonic PX706HD Gaming Projector Review ViewSonic PX706HD Gaming Projector Review
  • Review Date: October 22, 2018
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Epson Combines 4K Capabilities, Performance, Features with a Focus on Value Epson Combines 4K Capabilities, Performance, Features with a Focus on Value
  • Review Date: October 21, 2018
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 0
LG HU80KA Review – A Laser Powered, Smart, Home Entertainment Projector LG HU80KA Review – A Laser Powered, Smart, Home Entertainment Projector
  • Review Date: September 29, 2018
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Optoma UHL55 First Look Review – Compact, 4K and Full of Smarts Optoma UHL55 First Look Review – Compact, 4K and Full of Smarts
  • Review Date: September 27, 2018
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP with LED light source
JVC DLA-RS440U Review – A Serious, 4K Capable Home Theater Projector JVC DLA-RS440U Review – A Serious, 4K Capable Home Theater Projector
  • Review Date: August 20, 2018
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: LCOS 3 Panel
Optoma UHD51A A Smart 4K UHD Home Theater Projector Review – With Alexa Optoma UHD51A A Smart 4K UHD Home Theater Projector Review – With Alexa
  • Review Date: July 29, 2018
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
BenQ TK800 4K UHD Home Entertainment Projector Review BenQ TK800 4K UHD Home Entertainment Projector Review
  • Review Date: July 9, 2018
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
The LG CineBeam HU80K – A 4K Laser Projector That Gets It The LG CineBeam HU80K – A 4K Laser Projector That Gets It
  • Review Date: June 29, 2018
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Acer VL7860 4K UHD Laser Projector Review Acer VL7860 4K UHD Laser Projector Review
  • Review Date: June 22, 2018
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Viewsonic PX727-4K Review: An Affordable 4K UHD Home Theater Projector Viewsonic PX727-4K Review: An Affordable 4K UHD Home Theater Projector
  • Review Date: June 11, 2018
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Sony VPL-VW385ES – True 4K Home Theater Projector Review Sony VPL-VW385ES – True 4K Home Theater Projector Review
  • Review Date: May 7, 2018
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: SXRD (3)
First Look Review of BenQ TK800 4K UHD Projector – Is Better For You Than The BenQ HT2550? First Look Review of BenQ TK800 4K UHD Projector – Is Better For You Than The BenQ HT2550?
  • Review Date: April 27, 2018
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
BenQ HT2550 Projector Review – The Best 4K UHD Value Yet? BenQ HT2550 Projector Review – The Best 4K UHD Value Yet?
  • Review Date: March 28, 2018
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Vivitek HK2288 4K UHD Home Theater Projector Review Vivitek HK2288 4K UHD Home Theater Projector Review
  • Review Date: February 9, 2018
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
BenQ HT2550 – At $1499, The Most Affordable 4K UHD Projector Yet – First Look BenQ HT2550 – At $1499, The Most Affordable 4K UHD Projector Yet – First Look
  • Review Date: January 10, 2018
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology:
ViewSonic PJD7828HDL Home Theater Projector Review ViewSonic PJD7828HDL Home Theater Projector Review
  • Review Date: January 7, 2018
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP (1)
Optoma UHZ65 4K Laser Projector Review Optoma UHZ65 4K Laser Projector Review
  • Review Date: December 20, 2017
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Optoma UHD60 Projector Review and Comparison to UHD65 Optoma UHD60 Projector Review and Comparison to UHD65
  • Review Date: December 12, 2017
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Two Holiday Guides, Ten Great Home Projectors Two Holiday Guides, Ten Great Home Projectors
  • Review Date: November 28, 2017
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 0
Epson Home Cinema 2100 and 2150 Home Entertainment Projector Review Epson Home Cinema 2100 and 2150 Home Entertainment Projector Review
  • Review Date: November 16, 2017
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 3LCD
Epson Home Cinema LS100 Laser Projector Review Epson Home Cinema LS100 Laser Projector Review
  • Review Date: November 9, 2017
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 3LCD
Sony VPL-VW285ES 4K Home Theater Projector Review Sony VPL-VW285ES 4K Home Theater Projector Review
  • Review Date: October 26, 2017
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: SXRD (3)
BenQ HT9050 Home Theater Projector Review BenQ HT9050 Home Theater Projector Review
  • Review Date: October 23, 2017
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP with LED light source
Sony VPL-VW885ES 4K Home Theater Laser Projector Review Sony VPL-VW885ES 4K Home Theater Laser Projector Review
  • Review Date: September 6, 2017
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 3 LCoS panels (SXRD)
Epson Home Cinema 660 First Look Review Epson Home Cinema 660 First Look Review
  • Review Date: August 29, 2017
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 0
Epson Home Cinema 2150 First Look Review Epson Home Cinema 2150 First Look Review
  • Review Date: August 28, 2017
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 0
Epson Home Cinema 2100 First Look Review Epson Home Cinema 2100 First Look Review
  • Review Date: August 13, 2017
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 0
Epson Home Cinema 4000 Home Theater Projector Review Epson Home Cinema 4000 Home Theater Projector Review
  • Review Date: July 30, 2017
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 3LCD
Sony VPL-VZ1000ES Laser, True 4K, Home Theater Projector Review Sony VPL-VZ1000ES Laser, True 4K, Home Theater Projector Review
  • Review Date: June 27, 2017
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: SXRD-3
Epson Pro Cinema LS10500 Laser Home Theater Projector – Review Epson Pro Cinema LS10500 Laser Home Theater Projector – Review
  • Review Date: May 11, 2017
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 3LCD on Quartz (LCoQ)
The Astonishing Epson Pro Cinema 4040 Home Theater Projector – Review The Astonishing Epson Pro Cinema 4040 Home Theater Projector – Review
  • Review Date: March 16, 2017
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 3LCD
Epson Home Cinema 3700 Projector Review Epson Home Cinema 3700 Projector Review
  • Review Date: February 14, 2017
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 3LCD
Sony VPL-VW5000ES Home Theater/Commercial Projector Review Sony VPL-VW5000ES Home Theater/Commercial Projector Review
  • Review Date: January 29, 2017
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: SXRD (3)
Sony VPL-VW365ES 4K Home Theater Projector Review Sony VPL-VW365ES 4K Home Theater Projector Review
  • Review Date: November 26, 2016
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: SXRD (3)
Check out our 2016 Holiday Projector Shopping Guides Check out our 2016 Holiday Projector Shopping Guides
  • Review Date: November 21, 2016
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 0
BenQ HT6050 Home Theater Projector Review BenQ HT6050 Home Theater Projector Review
  • Review Date: November 15, 2016
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Sony VPL-HW45ES Home Theater Projector Review Sony VPL-HW45ES Home Theater Projector Review
  • Review Date: August 27, 2016
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: SXRD (3)
LG MiniBeam PF1000U Projector Review LG MiniBeam PF1000U Projector Review
  • Review Date: August 16, 2016
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Epson Home Cinema 5040UB, Pro Cinema 6040UB Home Theater Projector Review Epson Home Cinema 5040UB, Pro Cinema 6040UB Home Theater Projector Review
  • Review Date: August 11, 2016
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 3LCD
ViewSonic PJD7835HD Projector Review ViewSonic PJD7835HD Projector Review
  • Review Date: May 12, 2016
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
JVC DLA-RS400U Home Theater Projector Review JVC DLA-RS400U Home Theater Projector Review
  • Review Date: April 30, 2016
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: D-ILA-3
Epson Pro Cinema 1985 W Projector Review Epson Pro Cinema 1985 W Projector Review
  • Review Date: April 11, 2016
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 3LCD
Sony VPL-HW65ES Home Theater Projector Review Sony VPL-HW65ES Home Theater Projector Review
  • Review Date: March 6, 2016
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: SXRD (3)
Epson Home Cinema 1040 Home Theater Projector Review Epson Home Cinema 1040 Home Theater Projector Review
  • Review Date: February 4, 2016
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 3LCD
BenQ HT3050 Home Theater Projector Review BenQ HT3050 Home Theater Projector Review
  • Review Date: February 3, 2016
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
JVC DLA-RS600U, X950R Home Theater Projector Review JVC DLA-RS600U, X950R Home Theater Projector Review
  • Review Date: January 25, 2016
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: D-ILA-3
Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 1440 Projector Review Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 1440 Projector Review
  • Review Date: December 28, 2015
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 3LCD
Sony VPL-VW665ES 4K Home Theater Projector Review Sony VPL-VW665ES 4K Home Theater Projector Review
  • Review Date: December 18, 2015
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: SXRD (3)
Check out our 2015 Holiday Projector Shopping Guides Check out our 2015 Holiday Projector Shopping Guides
  • Review Date: November 27, 2015
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 0
BenQ HT4050 Home Theater Projector Review BenQ HT4050 Home Theater Projector Review
  • Review Date: November 6, 2015
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Vivitek H9090 Home Theater Projector Review Vivitek H9090 Home Theater Projector Review
  • Review Date: October 15, 2015
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Epson Home Cinema 2040 and 2045 Projectors – A Review Epson Home Cinema 2040 and 2045 Projectors – A Review
  • Review Date: September 16, 2015
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 3LCD
Epson LS10000 vs JVC DLA-RS6710 – Two Awesome HT Projectors Epson LS10000 vs JVC DLA-RS6710 – Two Awesome HT Projectors
  • Review Date: September 9, 2015
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 0
Optoma HD37 Home Projector Review Optoma HD37 Home Projector Review
  • Review Date: July 2, 2015
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Epson Powerlite Pro Cinema G6550WU Commercial and Home Entertainment Projector – Review Epson Powerlite Pro Cinema G6550WU Commercial and Home Entertainment Projector – Review
  • Review Date: June 12, 2015
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 3LCD
BenQ HC1200 Projector Review BenQ HC1200 Projector Review
  • Review Date: April 27, 2015
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
JVC DLA-RS6710U, RS67U, X900R, 4K Home Theater Projector Review JVC DLA-RS6710U, RS67U, X900R, 4K Home Theater Projector Review
  • Review Date: April 22, 2015
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: D-ILA
ViewSonic PJD7822HDL Home Entertainment Projector Review ViewSonic PJD7822HDL Home Entertainment Projector Review
  • Review Date: March 19, 2015
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Epson Pro-Cinema LS9600e Projector Review Epson Pro-Cinema LS9600e Projector Review
  • Review Date: March 13, 2015
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 3LCD on Quartz (LCoQ)
Sony VPL-VW350ES Home Theater Projector Review Sony VPL-VW350ES Home Theater Projector Review
  • Review Date: February 17, 2015
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: SXRD (3)
Epson Pro Cinema LS10000 Projector Review: Update Epson Pro Cinema LS10000 Projector Review: Update
  • Review Date: February 2, 2015
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 0
Optoma HD161X Home Theater Projector Review Optoma HD161X Home Theater Projector Review
  • Review Date: January 21, 2015
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Sony VPL-VW1100ES 4K Projector – A Review Sony VPL-VW1100ES 4K Projector – A Review
  • Review Date: November 22, 2014
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: SXRD (3)
Epson Home Cinema 3500 Home Theater Projector Review Epson Home Cinema 3500 Home Theater Projector Review
  • Review Date: October 30, 2014
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 3LCD
BenQ HT1075 Projector Review BenQ HT1075 Projector Review
  • Review Date: October 4, 2014
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Epson Pro Cinema LS10000 Laser Home Theater Projector – Review Epson Pro Cinema LS10000 Laser Home Theater Projector – Review
  • Review Date: September 9, 2014
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 3LCD on Quartz (LCoQ)
LG PF85U LED Projector – Review LG PF85U LED Projector – Review
  • Review Date: August 28, 2014
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Four Great Home Theater Projectors Compared Four Great Home Theater Projectors Compared
  • Review Date: July 15, 2014
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology:
Optoma HD91 Home Theater Projector Review Optoma HD91 Home Theater Projector Review
  • Review Date: June 11, 2014
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
JVC DLA-RS4910, DLA-RS49, DLA-X500R Projector Review JVC DLA-RS4910, DLA-RS49, DLA-X500R Projector Review
  • Review Date: April 14, 2014
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: D-ILA
Sony VPL-HW55ES Projector vs. Epson HC5030UB Projector Sony VPL-HW55ES Projector vs. Epson HC5030UB Projector
  • Review Date: March 29, 2014
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology:
BenQ W7500 Home Theater Projector Review BenQ W7500 Home Theater Projector Review
  • Review Date: March 18, 2014
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: DLP
Sony VPL-VW600ES 4K Home Theater Projector Sony VPL-VW600ES 4K Home Theater Projector
  • Review Date: March 4, 2014
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: LCOS 3 Panel
Epson Pro Cinema G6900 WU Home Theater Projector Epson Pro Cinema G6900 WU Home Theater Projector
  • Review Date: February 24, 2014
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 3LCD
Epson Powerlite Pro G6900WU Business Projector Review Epson Powerlite Pro G6900WU Business Projector Review
  • Review Date: January 20, 2014
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 3LCD
Panasonic PT-AE8000 vs. Sharp XV-Z30000 Panasonic PT-AE8000 vs. Sharp XV-Z30000
  • Review Date: December 31, 2013
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology:
Acer H9500BD vs. Panasonic AR100U Acer H9500BD vs. Panasonic AR100U
  • Review Date: December 31, 2013
  • MSRP: N/A
  • Technology: 0

Theater vs Entertainment

Remember the differences between home theater and home entertainment.

A bright home theater projector can handle a 128" screen even with lighting present.
A bright home theater projector can handle a 128″ screen even with lighting present.

A good projector to drop into a home theater, not only has color optimized for movie viewing, but also should be able to produce very dark “blacks.” Those dark blacks are the key to dark scenes looking great. However, it is important to remember that most people expect to be watching more things than just movies at home, including HDTV, sports and there are a lot of folks using projectors for gaming. What you watch, as well as your room conditions, will be a key factor in selecting your projector.

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Price Range

Today’s projectors targeting a home theater or “cave” start at under $500 dollars for 720p resolution, and  as low as $700 for 1080p projectors.  Just four years ago one could not buy 1080p resolution home theater projectors for much under $2000. Note please that the least expensive home projectors are “crossover” projectors, their design based as a business portable.  Despite their “upbringing,” some of those can do an admirable job for the amount spent, but they are home entertainment.

Almost all dark room projectors are relatively modest in brightness.  It’s a trade-off for better picture quality and especially, contrast and black levels.  Most “home” projectors you will consider today offer 3000 lumens or less, with the brighter ones being capable of tackling brighter rooms, such as family rooms, living rooms or media centers.  In fact some are really geared for that, while other bright projectors may be even more at home in a dedicated theater.

Brightness has increased in the past few years to support 3D.  3D home theater projectors now include almost every new projector geared for home use.  Virtually all that have hit the market since 2012 has offered 3D.  Not all come with 3D glasses, but they are otherwise ready to go.   Active 3D for projectors is mostly a firmware thing, so not expensive to implement.

An image from the Epson Home Cinema 5030UB, a popular, low-cost LCD projector.

Click Image to Enlarge

Our Annual Report for Home Theater Enthusiasts

Each year we have had a chance to review the large majority of new home theater projectors announced at the annual CEDIA show, which is held in September or October. Most of the projectors announced at this event begin shipping between September and February.  Since the bulk of each year’s newly announced projectors are 1080p, the report focuses on these higher resolution projectors, but now also includes those new 4K projectors.

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