BenQ-HT2050A
- Title - BenQ HT2050A
- Resolution - 1920 x 1080
- Maximum Resolution - 1920 x 1200
- Screen Size (inches) - 60 - 180
- Projection Distance - 1.5 - 6/3.2 - 19.6
BenQ-HT2150ST
- Title - BenQ HT2150ST
- Resolution - 1920 x 1080
- Maximum Resolution - 1920 x 1200
- Screen Size (inches) - 60 - 180
- Projection Distance - 0.9 - 3.3/1.8 - 9.8
Epson-Home Cinema 1060
- Title - Epson Home Cinema 1060
- Resolution - 1920 x 1080
- Maximum Resolution - 1920 x 1200
- Screen Size (inches) - 50 - 150
- Projection Distance - 1.1 - 4.1/3.2 - 13.1
Best Home Theater Projectors under $1000
I've found many affordable home theatre projectors to figure out which one can become your best home projector under 1000 dollars. The list includes the most popular DLP and LCD devices for those sensitive to the rainbow effect.
I've tested the top-rated digital projectors, comparing their characteristics to present a wide choice of devices. Look through my post to find a good option with high performance and an appropriate set of features for your home or office.
Reviews of Home Projectors under $1000
BenQ HT2050A — Best short throw projector under $1000
Many users rate this model as the best short-throw projector under 1000 dollars. Indeed, its brightness and color accuracy are impressive, providing an immersive watching experience (close to the one given by a TV). The color palette is rather natural than vibrant. The unit supports 3D content, which you can enjoy if wearing a pair of DLP glasses. Although the onboard 10-watt speaker emits a loud and clear sound, you can still enhance it by connecting a soundbar or external speakers.
The power and menu buttons are on top. The vertical lens shift aligns the lens with the screen well without affecting the image quality.
The rear panel features many ports, including 2 HDMIs, the USB Type-A, and mini USB Type-B ports. The latter makes it possible to power small devices like Roku. The unit also features a 12-volt trigger, VGA, component and RCA input connections, audio input and output to connect smartphones and tablets directly.
Having unpacked one of the best 1080p projector under 1000 dollars, I've understood that this model can be set up and used effortlessly. The horizontal keystone correction reduces the distortion. The rear feet and a quick-release foot allow changing the projector’s height and angle when putting it on the table. Three mounting holes are for ceiling device installation. A backlit remote is a nice touch.
Pros
- Featuring excellent connectivity, the HT2050A is compatible with numerous devices (PCs, media players, consoles, etc.).
- The unit doesn’t produce much noise during the operation.
Cons
- The image's clarity fades away in a well-lit room despite the claimed 2,200 lumens.
- The device doesn't feature a sleep mode.
BenQ HT2150ST
This device is among the top 1080p home theater projectors under $1000 for both gamers and movie fans. The low input lag of 16.4ms, absolute color accuracy, and high contrast make the projector an excellent option for entertainment. The quality of the black levels is worth highlighting: the HT2150ST is perfect for projecting in low-light and dark spaces. Besides, the unit incorporates the ISF Day and Night modes that aren't common for budget-friendly models.
One of the best home theater projectors under 1000 dollars fits even the smallest rooms, projecting a 100-inch image from a 4.9 feet distance from the screen. The sound loudness and quality are also acceptable thanks to a couple of internal 10-watt speakers. At the same time, the audio out is on board to connect a projector to an AVR to get an impressive surround sound.
I would recommend trying the Cinema mode while watching movies, as it ensures the optimal balance of contrast, color accuracy, and black levels. I've loved this mode for its ability to save the picture clarity and reveal the slightest nuances in close-up shots of characters’ faces. The same applies to the Vivid mode that should be used in daylight.
Pros
- It can be the best projector under 1000 dollars thanks to the RGBRGB color wheel that produces really impressive colors.
- The comprehensive manual comes in the pack.
Cons
- The device doesn't offer enough setup flexibility featuring any horizontal lens shift.
- It heats up considerably during the operation.
Optoma HD28HDR
I'm sure this product will get into your rating of the best projectors under 1000 dollars. Together with 3D and 4K support, it features HDR, unlike other projectors in this price segment. It also provides an excellent brightness that helps keep the SDR picture quality in light and dark rooms. Unfortunately, I can't say the same thing about the 4K HDR, as the dark scenes leave something to be desired.
The Optoma's number of connections is limited: the device has only 1 USB port and 2 HDMIs for the HD and 4K sources. Consider connecting the item to an AVR, soundbar, or speakers, as its in-built ones have only 3W of power.
The lamp’s life in bright mode is average (4,000 hours). Still, it’s possible to prolong it up to 10,000 hours if the user enables the Eco mode. In this case, be ready to lose 30% of the projector’s brightness. The Dynamic Black mode allows the lamp to last for 15,000 hours, but it requires sacrificing the dark scenes’ quality.
Pros
- Having a fast response rate of 8.4 ms, this model can become the best 4k projector under 1000 dollars for gaming.
- The ISF modes save all your settings for a specific viewing experience.
Cons
- This model doesn't incorporate the lens shift.
- The zoom is 1.1x only, which means the projector lacks placement flexibility.
Optoma HD39HDR — Best 4k projector under $1000
This 4K projector under 1000 dollars is noteworthy for its 4,000 lumens of brightness that allows enjoying the top-notch picture quality in ambient light. The projector can be hooked up to TVs, PCs, Macs, media players, and gaming consoles. The unit’s response rate of 8.4ms makes the device suitable for gaming. Meanwhile, the support of 3D and 4K, color accuracy, and multi-purpose connectivity make this device a nice addition to your home theater system. I’d like to mention that the model's HDR support ensures a wider color palette and an extensive brightness range. Many other models in this category cannot produce a noticeable difference between the 1080p resolution and HDR content.
Concerning the sound, this model deserves to become the best projector for under 1000 dollars featuring a built-in 10-watt speaker. Using them, you shouldn't bother with external acoustics. Still, audiophiles can connect a sound system through a 3.5mm audio out.
Like most of the non-expensive DLP projectors, this one is also made with a 6-segment RYGCWB wheel. The highest sharpness, color accuracy, and brightness are achieved on a 90-inch screen at a distance of 9.4 feet.
Pros
- The 1.3x zoom leaves much flexibility for the projector’s placement.
- High contrast and deep blacks are achieved in both HDR and SDR content.
Cons
- The overall picture quality is dimmer in the darkness.
- Gaming Mode works only for 1080p video.
Epson HC1060 — Best HD projector under $1000
The Epson Home Cinema 1060 is another projector under $1000 with top specs.
The projector is able to deliver pictures of real-life size on a large screen with the diagonal reaching up to 300’’. The brightness of 3,100 Lumens allows the projector to be used in different lighting conditions without fear of changing color accuracy. The user can control light output depending on the ambient environment. A variety of cables enables an easy connection to various devices, including a gaming console and a Blu-ray player. The projector uses innovative 3LCD technology which fully eliminates the rainbow effect. The contrast ratio is not largely extended (15,000:1) but yet produces a detailed picture, even in a dark room.
The only shortcoming is that the user is not given any warranty or tech support in case of any malfunctions.
Thus, the projector is a smart choice within the given price range. It delivers a superb colorful image and works perfectly on both a wall and a screen. If you have complementary equipment to reinforce sound, the Epson Home Cinema 1060 is clearly a reasonable decision.
Pros
- The project supports the true-to-life color balance even in lots of ambient light.
- The fan is noise-free and runs in eco mode.
Cons
- Charging may not be available with some mobile phones.
- There are no audio outputs, so you can connect your stereo system only via Bluetooth.
Epson HC2040
Thinking about the best 3D projector under 1000 dollars, I’ve decided to try the HC2040. It's compatible with a wide range of sources (i.e. mobile devices and streaming sticks). The audio-out port allows connecting the unit to an AVR. The device has a 2.1:1 manual zoom, typical for many budget projectors. Sports fans will really appreciate the CFI (creative frame interpolation) feature, as it ensures smooth motion.
The item's description claims the HC2040 is designed to reproduce HD and 3D content. Besides, this model doesn’t support 4K and HDR. A 5-watt onboard speaker is enough for a small room, but a receiver or external acoustics will be a good addition to achieve a loud and crisp surround sound. The Noise Reduction tech makes the product work quieter without compromising the picture’s sharpness and overall quality.
This unit offers all the benefits of the best HD projector under $1000: it delivers well-balanced, saturated, and natural colors. The device has 4 modes to adjust the settings depending on the content.
Pros
- Impressive color saturation.
- The Detail Enhancement tech is responsible for producing crisp images.
Cons
- The fan noise is loud.
- The 25-ms input lag could be faster.
Optoma HD26
This model has an incredibly low price in comparison with other similar projectors. Yet, I’ve included the Optoma HD26 on the list for its relatively attractive specs.
The first feature striking the user is the brightness of 3,200 Lumens, which greatly exceeds that of the projectors above. The projector is capable of generating a Full HD detailed picture without distorting original colors. The built-in 10W speakers deliver loud sound, which may get slightly messy at a larger volume. The user can hear any sound effects, but they lack some clarity and accuracy. So it is best to integrate outside speakers to ensure high-quality audio. The lamp is set to serve 6500 hours, which is another key advantage of the Optoma HD26. At last, the user is provided with a warranty for limited parts and free 60-day technical support.
With regard to downsides, I see the absence of shifting lenses quite discomforting when setting up the projector. Likewise, the maximum diagonal screen makes up 107’’ and does not work well with large rooms with a length of over 12 feet.
In summary, the Optoma HD26 could be the best projector under $1000 but for these two major weaknesses. Once Optoma fixes them, this projector can claim this title.
Pros
- The remote control has lighting for buttons, which makes it easier to find the required button in night mode.
Cons
- The projector does not respond to the remote control.
- The fan produces too much noise.
Epson HC2100
The Epson HC2100 is a nice option for those searching for the best video projector under 1000 dollars. The projector features the standard connection ports a user needs, including 2 HDMIs, a component, VGA inputs, and a 3.5mm audio out.
Consider the room size before buying this unit since no less than the 6-feet distance from the screen is desired. Besides, a wide zoom range (6:1) allows placing the projector even farther from the screen without compromising the picture quality
The 2,500 lumens of brightness ensure great sharpness and rich colors in various lighting conditions. I believe that this unit can become the best LCD projector under 1000 dollars featuring no rainbow effects and displaying vibrant colors. The frame interpolation settings are excellent for gaming and watching fast-moving scenes. However, some gamers might be annoyed with its 29ms input lag.
Pros
- The manufacturer provides convenient recycling options on the official website.
- The device operates quietly in the eco mode.
- The item features both vertical and horizontal keystone correction adding more flexibility when placing a projector.
Cons
- The blacks look gray in the dark scenes.
- The remote is not backlit.
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