10 Best Projectors under 500 Dollars (In Depth Review & Buying Guide)

We’ve put together a list of the best projectors under 500 dollars, along with a buying guide; so we can answer some important questions about what kind of projector you need and what features are most important to you.

So you want to watch “The Spiderman No Way Home” in your living room but you don’t have a TV? Or maybe you want to host a movie night with your friends but you don’t have a big enough screen for everyone to see?

Or maybe you’re just into the idea of watching movies in the park. Whatever your reasons; projectors are an excellent option if you want to display and share videos, pictures, or presentations with other people.

Projectors are devices that display images on a screen. They’re commonly used in classrooms and offices, but they can also be useful for home entertainment. These devices are connected to a computer or media player, which streams the image from a projector onto a large screen.

Projectors allow you to show movies at home, give a presentation in class or at work; or even play video games on the big screen. There are three types of projectors: digital light processing (DLP), liquid crystal display (LCD), and liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS).

Each type offers its own advantages and disadvantages. DLP projectors typically offer the best image quality, while LCD and LCOS projectors are more affordable.

Top 10 Projectors Under 500 in 2022

Projectors can be expensive, but there are plenty of affordable options that still offer high-quality images. Here we have compiled a list of the best projectors under 500 dollars that won’t break your bank; yet will still be able to immerse you in a world of crystal clear imagery with beautifully rendered color and image sharpness.

1). YABER Y31 1080P – Editor’s Pick

If you’re looking for a high-quality projector at an affordable price, I highly recommend the YABER Y31. For under $500, this projector packs all of the 1080p resolution goodness and crystal-clear color you could want at home or in your office. With 7,500 lumens and 300″ display options, it’s perfect for all of your movies, TV shows, and presentations. This projector boasts HIFI stereo sound, three fans to cool things down while it heats up your viewing experience, keystone correction, all three HDMI ports to keep you connected, and compatibility with all devices.

2). Optoma HD146X Projector – Runner Up

The Optoma HD146X is a great projector for those of you who want to set up a home theater; but don’t have an unlimited budget. For under $500, you get 1080p resolution and a clear, vibrant image quality. Unlike some projectors in this price range, the Optoma HD146X utilizes DLP technology, which is usually found in more expensive models. It offers 3600 lumens and has a gaming display mode that adds an extra level of sharpness and crispness. Although it can be used as a portable projector, it’s meant to stay in one place—and its best feature might just be its remote control; which lets you easily adjust settings even without getting up out of your chair. This projector is great for families who want to enjoy movies together; or for gamers looking for an affordable way to up their game.

3). ViewSonic PA503S – Best Overall

The ViewSonic PA503S is the best projector you can find for less than $500. It’s great for movie nights, and it’s also a solid option for business meetings or presentations. (It would also be good for playing video games!) It has a 120-inch screen, and the lamp life lasts 15,000 hours. The projection is very crisp, and the colors are vivid. It supports VGA, RCA, and HDMI cables to connect to other devices; which is nice because it means that you probably won’t need to buy a cable in order to use this projector right away.

4). ZCGIOBN US7-900DAB-1 – Most Versatile

The ZCGIOBN US7-900DAB-1 is a great projector for those on a budget. It has all the functionality you would expect of a top-tier projector in this range; with Wi-Fi capability, full HD resolution, and superb clarity. It also features Bluetooth, HDMI, USB, VGA, and AV ports; so you can connect it to any device without worrying about compatibility issues or lag time.

The real kicker is its inbuilt media player and 16 GB Android processor. The media player means you can play movies and music right from the projector (without your phone or laptop); so there’s no waiting for buffering or interruptions. And since it doubles as an Android device; you can use this projector as a smart TV box to stream online Youtube or Facebook Watch videos on a bigger screen.

5). ViewSonic PX701HD Projector – Best for Gamers

If you’re looking for a projector that can give you a big screen for your gaming, theatre, or movie viewing needs; the ViewSonic PX701HD is among the best projectors under $500. With a 300-inch screen, 3500-lumen brightness, and 1080p Full HD resolution, the PX701HD allows you to enjoy your content in the highest quality possible. It also comes with SuperColor technology that gives you more accurate colors; and more vivid images to make your home entertainment experience just as close to movie-theater quality as possible.

The PX701HD is great for gamers because it has low input lag and a 16 ms response time that allows for faster data transfer between your computer and projector. This makes it so that whatever’s happening on your computer appears on the screen almost immediately. For those who want to use it in a theatre or at home for movies; this projector even comes with screen alignment settings to ensure that you get the best angles possible no matter where you’re sitting. The PX701HD is definitely worth considering if you’re looking for an affordable but high-quality projector.

6). Epson VS250 – Value for Money

Epson is one of the leading companies in projectors, so you know you can expect a display that’s bright and vivid; the 3LCD technology they use makes crystal clear images possible. This projector has 3200 lumens brightness and 800×600 resolution, with a 15000:1 contrast ratio; this means you can use it in dark or light rooms, and it produces deep blacks for rich colors. The throw distance is nice as well; it’s small enough to work well in most living rooms or storefronts, and even some classrooms. If you’re just starting out with projectors and don’t have tons to spend on your first one; the Epson VS250 is ideal for beginners.

7). BenQ MW526AE – Best For Office Presentations

The MW526AE projector is made for small office settings, and it clocks in under $500. That’s hard to beat, but what really makes this projector great is how easy it is to set up, how many resolutions are supported (it can handle up to WXGA, which is 1280*800p), and that it comes with a remote control. All of these things make it perfect for smaller offices that want to bring together larger groups of people; but don’t have the time or space to mess around with complicated set-ups. This might not be the best projector if you’re looking for something that will throw huge images on your wall—it’s got a smaller throw size than some other projectors; but if you’re looking for something easy to use and compatible with most office space needs, this one definitely gets our vote.

8). GooDee BL98 – Most Durable

Looking for a projector that knocks it out of the park for under $500? You’re in luck. The GooDee BL98 is a high-quality projector with 1080p resolution and HD video that only costs about half as much as most projectors on the market; but doesn’t skimp on the features. You’ll get an exceptional viewing experience, with immersive media and all-angle visibility.

Built-in speakers let you enjoy movies in full audio, but you can also connect headphones or external speakers to get the best possible sound. If you need to pause a movie or turn off the projector, no problem—the BL98 comes with a remote control. It also has an SD card slot and USB port so you can bring your media with you; and play it right off the projector without connecting to another device. The high-grade case protects internal parts from overheating through fans and vents; so you can use your projector for hours without worrying about damage.

9). BenQ HT1070 – Best Portable

This projector is a lower-cost option that shoots clear, crisp images while still being compact enough to travel with. This projector is a great choice for anyone looking to get the most bang for their buck when it comes to watching movies or streaming TV shows. The main perk of this projector is its price point; it’s one of the best DLP projectors under USD 500.

This one is also great for fast-moving media. It’s not going to look as smooth as a more expensive model; but it does a good job of getting rid of jittery images or ghosting. The main drawback of this projector is that it can’t show image resolutions above 1080p, which means you can’t watch 4K videos on it. Also, since it doesn’t project very bright images; you’ll probably want to use this projector in a darkened home theater or backyard cinema rather than using it in daylight or in rooms with lots of ambient light.

experience, with immersive media and all-angle visibility. Built-in speakers let you enjoy movies in full audio, but you can also connect headphones or external speakers to get the best possible sound. If you need to pause a movie or turn off the projector, no problem—the BL98 comes with a remote control.

It also has an SD card slot and USB port so you can bring your media with you; and play it right off the projector without connecting to another device. The high-grade case protects internal parts from overheating through fans and vents; so you can use your projector for hours without worrying about damage.

10). ViewSonic PJD5155 – Best Budget Pick

This DLP-format projector is perfect for indoor and outdoor usage, allowing you to project up to 207-inch screen size; so whether you’re watching movies with friends or presenting a slideshow of your latest adventure at work, this projector will be a great addition to your setup. And despite its low price tag, it’s also pretty bright; With an impressive 3300 lumens of brightness, you’ll be able to enjoy clear presentations and vivid games even in challenging settings like rooms with windows. We love this projector’s mix of features and price point; and we think it’ll quickly become your new favorite way to show off your content.

Check Also: Best Projectors Under 100 Dollars

Final Words

So there you have it. Hopefully, our reviews and buying guide will help clarify the differences between projectors and improve your purchasing decision. If you’re a business owner looking to buy best projectors under 500; we recommend checking out the YABER Y31 which boasts excellent audio capabilities and 9000 lumens in color brightness. If you’re an avid movie watcher looking to invest in a basic home entertainment projector, we suggest the Optoma HD146X Projector which offers great image quality at 120 inches with 1080p resolution. Whatever your needs are, there are plenty of options on the market worth considering.

10 Best Projectors Under 500