The 10 best projectors in 2025 include a variety of form factors, technologies, and brands, ranging from classic cinema models to the latest portable releases. The top projectors balance key needs like picture quality, portability, price, and features such as 4K resolution, wireless streaming, ultra-short throw capability, battery power, and smart TV integration.
These 10 projectors are listed based on expert reviews, user satisfaction ratings, technological innovation, and market popularity across different use cases and budgets.
The 10 Best Projectors in 2025 Are:
- Ultra-Short Throw Laser Projector: Ultra-Short Throw Laser Projectors project large images from just inches away using advanced laser technology. Ultra-Short Throw Laser Projectors are one of the best projectors as they eliminate shadows and provide brilliant picture quality.
- Premium 4K Home Theater Projector: Premium 4K Home Theater Projectors deliver ultra-high definition resolution with four times the detail of standard HD. Premium 4K Home Theater Projectors are a great choice as they provide cinema-quality visuals with rich colors.
- Portable Battery-Powered Projector: Portable Battery-Powered Projectors include built-in rechargeable batteries for wireless operation anywhere. Portable Battery-Powered Projectors are one of the best projector types as they offer convenience and flexibility.
- Gaming-Optimized DLP Projector: Gaming-Optimized DLP Projectors feature low input lag and high refresh rates for responsive gaming performance. Gaming-Optimized DLP Projectors are a great projector choice as they deliver smooth, lag-free gameplay.
- Business Presentation Projector: Business Presentation Projectors offer bright output and professional connectivity for conference rooms and meetings. Business Presentation Projectors are a good choice as they provide clear presentations in well-lit environments.
- Outdoor Cinema Projector: Outdoor Cinema Projectors feature high brightness and weather-resistant designs for backyard movie nights. Outdoor Cinema Projectors are a great projector choice as they bring theater experience to outdoor gatherings.
- Google TV Smart Streaming Projector: Google TV Smart Streaming Projectors include built-in Google TV platform with streaming apps and voice control. Google TV Smart Streaming Projectors are a good projector choice as they offer all-in-one entertainment solutions.
- Budget 1080p Projector: Budget 1080p Projectors offer full HD resolution at an affordable price point. Budget 1080p Projectors are a great projector choice as they provide quality viewing at accessible prices.
- Mini Pocket Projector: Mini Pocket Projectors are ultra-compact and lightweight enough to fit in your pocket. Mini Pocket Projectors are one of the best portable projectors as they offer maximum portability for presentations.
- Ceiling Mounted Projector: Ceiling Mounted Projectors are permanently installed on ceilings for optimal viewing angles and space-saving design. Ceiling Mounted Projectors are a great projector choice as they eliminate floor clutter in theater rooms.
1. Ultra-Short Throw Laser Projector
Ultra-short throw laser projector (UST laser TV) is a leap in home viewing convenience, harnessing powerful laser technology to deliver 4K UHD images from just a few centimetres away from your wall for a theatre-like experience at home. UST laser projectors have stylish profiles and impressive performance, they sidestep the complexities of ceiling mounting or cluttered spaces and are defined by their ability to provide big-screen entertainment without the hassle, especially when paired with an ALR or CLR projector screen for high-ambient-light rooms.
Ultra-short throw laser projectors are increasingly favoured by families and city dwellers seeking a cinematic projector for home cinema that integrates effortlessly into modern living rooms or apartments. Versatile and simple to use, UST laser projectors are suitable for casual movie nights, console gaming with friends, or daytime viewing thanks to high-lumen ANSI or ISO brightness output. Ultra-short throw laser projectors have quickly become a must-have in premium home theatre setups.
At The Projection Room, a fantastic ultra-short throw laser projector choice is the Formovie Theater. Combining 4K clarity, 2800 ANSI lumens brightness, HDR10 and Dolby Vision support, and a convenient Android TV platform, the Theater is a modern solution for style-conscious home enthusiasts.
Formovie Theater
Key features:
- 4K resolution with Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+ support
- 2,800 ANSI lumens brightness for daylight or high-ambient-light viewing
- 0.23 ultra-short throw ratio UST
- 20,000+ hour RGB laser light source
- Android TV 11.0 platform built in with major streaming apps including Netflix
Why it's great: Perfect for living rooms where traditional projectors cannot fit. No shadows, minimal installation, and world's first Dolby Vision support in an ultra-short throw projector make this the future of home entertainment. Bowers & Wilkins engineered audio provides premium sound quality.
Ideal for: Home theatre in small spaces, family rooms, apartments
2. Premium 4K Home Theater Projector
Premium 4K home theatre projectors is the benchmark for immersive, lifelike visuals in dedicated media rooms and a true home theatre setup. Premium 4K home theatre projectors are built with advanced imaging technology such as 3LCD, LCoS or SXRD and D-ILA, these models produce sharp, wide-colour-gamut imagery and high native or dynamic contrast, capturing the intensity of cinematic releases and sporting events with HDR10 tone mapping. The main draw of Premium 4K home theatre projectors is the ability to replicate a theatre-like experience at home.
Homeowners choose Premium 4K home theatre projectors for superior visual fidelity, low-noise fans measured in dB, and adaptability to both professional installations and DIY enthusiasts. They are an excellent match for movies and sports, with lens shift, optical zoom and professional calibration options. The growing demand for premium 4K home theatre projectors highlights a desire to enjoy immersive, large-screen entertainment in personal spaces.
At The Projection Room, a fantastic premium 4K home theatre projector pick is the JMGO N1S Infinity, which offers breathtaking true 4K UHD resolution with MALC™ 2.0 Triple Color Laser optics, 2,450 ISO lumens brightness, and HDR10 support. This expertly crafted projector with innovative gimbal design brings movies to life and is a preferred choice for our home cinema clients.
JMGO N1S Infinity
Key features:
- Native 4K UHD (3840 x 2160 resolution) with MALC™ 2.0 Triple Color Laser
- 2,450 ISO lumens brightness for excellent ambient light performance
- Advanced color processing with 110% BT.2020 color gamut coverage
- Gaming ready with dual HDMI 2.1 ports and low input lag
- 360° gimbal design with auto-keystone correction and obstacle avoidance
- Google TV with native Netflix, YouTube, and 10,000+ apps built-in
Why it's great: Delivers revolutionary 360° projection flexibility with innovative gimbal design allowing projection onto any surface - walls, ceilings, or screens. Auto-adjustment features ensure perfect image alignment instantly, while triple laser technology provides cinema-quality color accuracy and contrast.
3. Portable Battery-Powered Projector
Portable battery-powered projector is a compact projector with built-in rechargeable batteries that allow you to project images and videos anywhere without needing a power outlet. These compact mini projectors are defined by lightweight design, ease of access wireless connectivity. They can transform any space, outdoors or indoors, into a personal home cinema, ideal for spontaneous movie nights, camping trips or mobile business use with Chromecast built in, Apple AirPlay or Miracast screen mirroring.
Popularity for portable projectors are rising among outdoor enthusiasts, families and anyone with an on-the-go lifestyle. With no need for power outlets or elaborate setup, portable projectors ensure your favourite content travels with you, often with Android TV or Google TV, dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2.
At The Projection Room, a fantastic portable battery-powered projector choice is the Dangbei Freedo. Combining a practical compact size with crisp 1080p Full HD, a powerful 360° built-in speaker, real Google TV with Netflix, and up to 2.5 hours battery life, the Freedo is a lightweight, go-anywhere projector designed for dynamic users. Its unique 165° adjustable gimbal stand allows projection on walls or ceilings at any angle, with instant autofocus and auto-keystone correction for perfect setup in seconds.
Dangei Freedo
Key Features:
- 1080p Full HD (supports 4K playback via HDMI)
- 450 ISO lumens brightness
- Battery: Up to 2.5 hours of movie playtime per charge
- Dolby Audio 360° speaker and Bluetooth sound mode
- Google TV with official Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and more
- InstanPro AI auto-focus, auto-keystone, and obstacle avoidance
- Ultra-wide 165° gimbal tilt for flexible projection
- Over 90% DCI-P3 color for rich, vibrant images
- Weighs under 1.5kg with carry case included
Why it’s great: Perfect for camping, travel, backyard movie nights, or spontaneous big-screen fun anywhere. Fast USB-C charging and a tough, compact design make the Freedo your no-limits portable projector.
4. Gaming-Optimised DLP Projector
A Gaming-Optimised DLP Projector is a digital projector designed for gamers, featuring fast response times, low input lag, and smooth visuals for a superior gaming experience. Gaming-optimised DLP projector is a sought-after option for competitive and casual gamers looking for a low-input-lag projector. These gaming projectors are characterised by minimal input lag in milliseconds, vivid colour reproduction and support for high-frame-rate visuals with ALLM and, where available, VRR.
Gaming projectors are popular with gamers seeking immersive, large-format play without sacrificing performance, these models render action smoothly and accurately. They suit living rooms, dedicated gaming areas or social events, and pair well with PS5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch and gaming PCs through HDMI 2.1.
At The Projection Room, a fantastic Gaming-Optimised DLP Projector we recommend is the JMGO N1S Ultimate. Specifically designed for immersive gaming, the N1S Ultimate boasts a blazing-fast input lag, full 4K UHD resolution, and triple-laser technology delivering up to 3,500 ANSI lumens of brightness and 110% BT.2020 cinematic color.
JMGO N1S Ultimate
Key features:
- 4 ms to 16 ms input lag
- 120 Hz refresh-rate support
- 4K gaming compatibility at 4K 60, 1080p 120
- DLP technology for sharp motion and reduced judder
- Game Mode presets with ALLM
Why it's great: Transforms gaming into an immersive large-screen experience without lag that ruins competitive play. Perfect for console and PC gaming.
Ideal for: Gaming enthusiasts, esports, console gaming
Price (from): $1,200
Example Model: BenQ TK700STi, Optoma UHD35
5. Business Presentation Projector
Business presentation projector is a projector specifically designed to display clear, bright images and slides in meeting rooms or offices, making them ideal for professional presentations and conferences even in well-lit boardrooms. Defined by high-lumen output, simple connectivity and robust design, these Business presentation projectors keep meetings productive and professional, often with WUXGA 1920 × 1200 resolution and 3LCD engines.
Business presentation projector’s practicality makes them a staple in offices, schools and conference centres. Reliable and easy to operate, these projectors cater to presenters and educators who need impact using wireless presentation, 4-point keystone correction and IT-friendly network management.
At The Projection Room, we currently do not sell business presentation projectors.
6. Outdoor Cinema Projector
An Outdoor Cinema Projector is a projector built to deliver bright, large images suitable for outdoor movie viewing, often featuring weather-resistant design and high brightness for use in open-air environments. Outdoor cinema projectors transform your backyard, patio or campsite into a premium outdoor theatre with high-lumen projection, wireless connectivity and portable designs that deliver cinema-quality viewing outside. These projectors stand out for, high ANSI lumens and portability, pairing well with inflatable or pull-up projector screens and Bluetooth speaker mode.
Outdoor Cinema Projectors are appreciated by families, event hosts and community groups, providing a fresh way to enjoy movies, sports or live events outside, especially when matched with an ALR screen to combat ambient light.
At The Projection Room we
The Spotlight Projector GO
Shop The Spotlight Projector GO
7. Smart Streaming Projector
Smart streaming projector is a projector that integrate modern platforms directly into the device, offering access to Netflix, YouTube and Disney+ without external gear. These models are defined by intuitive controls, Android TV or Google TV, voice remote and seamless app integration with Chromecast built in and Apple AirPlay for a projector-as-smart-TV experience.
They are a favourite for tech-savvy users and anyone wanting a clutter-free setup. With all-in-one functionality and voice control, these projectors bring smart TV convenience to the big screen.
At The Projection Room, the best streaming option we recommend is the Formovie Episode One. This ultra-compact projector offers native 1080p Full HD, reliable Google TV with official Netflix and YouTube apps, and simple, seamless wireless streaming. Enjoy easy setup with auto-focus and omni-directional auto-keystone correction, all in a sleek design that’s perfect for bedrooms, travel, or casual movie nights.
Formovie Episode One
Key Features:
- Google TV smart platform built in
- Official Netflix, YouTube, Disney+ and more pre-installed
- Voice control with Google Assistant remote
- Dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for easy pairing
- Google Play app store access and automatic OTA firmware updates
Why it’s great: Eliminates cable clutter and the need for external streaming devices, providing direct access to the world’s leading streaming services in a compact, plug-and-play projector.
Ideal for: Cord-cutters, streaming enthusiasts, minimalist setups, bedrooms, or travel
8. Budget 1080p Projector
Budget 1080p Full HD projector is a practical entry point into large-screen entertainment, providing high-definition quality at a fraction of premium prices. Defined by affordability, plug-and-play setup and dependable performance, these lamp-based models using UHP or NSH lamps open up projection to a wider audience.
Budget projectors provide value and versatility, making them a frequent choice for students, first-time buyers or those outfitting casual spaces. Budget projector nowadays have built in smart operating systems, allowing a deviceless connection. Budget projector’s reliability for daily viewing ensures consistent satisfaction with basic HDMI connectivity and manual 4-point keystone.
At The Projection Room, the Epson Home Cinema 1080 stands out as our most recommended Budget 1080p Projector, delivering quality and affordability for $320 and up.
The Cloud Projector HD
Key features:
- Full HD 1080p resolution
- 2,000 to 3,000 ANSI lumens brightness
- Basic HDMI and USB connectivity
- Standard lamp technology with replaceable bulbs
- Manual focus and keystone correction
Why it's great: Proves you do not need to spend thousands for a great big-screen experience. A perfect entry point into projection.
Ideal for: First-time buyers, budget-conscious users, casual viewing
Price (from): $300
Example Model: Epson Home Cinema 1080, BenQ MH535FHD
9. Mini Pocket Projector
Mini projectors are small, lightweight projectors designed for portable use, allowing you to easily project images and videos on the go from smartphones, laptops, or other media sources. Mini pocket projector is a compact projectors offer big-screen possibilities in the palm of your hand. These pico projectors are characterised by compactness, rechargeable batteries and fast screen-mirroring functions, making mini projectors highly portable for both personal and professional use with USB-C and smartphone support.
Mini projectors are popular with travellers, students or anyone needing entertainment on demand in virtually any setting. As portable tech becomes more refined, these pint-sized projectors keep you ready for impromptu presentations or movie nights.
At The Projection Room, our go-to mini projector is the JMGO N1S Nano, a truly portable cinema in your hand. The N1S Nano pairs crisp 1080p Full HD with a flexible 127° gimbal stand for precise angle adjustments anywhere. With built-in Google TV and native Netflix, Dolby Audio speakers, and instant autofocus and auto-keystone, you get big-screen entertainment in a compact projector size.
JMGO N1S Nano
Key features:
- Ultra-compact form factor (under 2kg, easy to carry)
- Built-in battery for true on-the-go portability (up to 2 hours video playback)
- Native 1080p Full HD resolution
- 460 ISO lumens brightness
- Google TV with official Netflix, YouTube, Disney+ apps
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity (supports screen mirroring via Chromecast/AirPlay)
- Flexible 127° gimbal stand for rapid angle adjustment
- Auto-focus and auto-keystone for perfect setup in seconds
Why it’s great: Ultimate portability with fully integrated smart features lets you have a sharp big screen anywhere. Ideal for impromptu presentations, hotel rooms, backyard entertainment, or travel.
Ideal for: Travel, mobile presentations, emergency entertainment, small spaces
10. Professional Installation Projector
Professional installation projectors are the pinnacle of projection technology, designed for permanent setups in dedicated cinemas and large venues. Recognised by advanced optics, massive high-lumen brightness and precision calibration, these models deliver unparalleled image quality with interchangeable lenses, motorised lens shift, zoom and focus, plus HDR10 and BT.2020 modes.
Ideal for luxury homes, auditoriums and commercial installations, these projectors ensure every detail is precise and every image stunning, with HDBaseT, 12 V trigger, RS-232 and LAN control for integrators.
At The Projection Room we do not currently sell professional installation projector.
What is a Projector?
A projector is an optical device that takes images from sources such as laptops, gaming consoles, streaming devices, or smartphones and displays them on large screens or wall surfaces. Modern 2025 projectors use several key technologies that have significantly evolved:
Light Source Technologies
- Laser - Now dominates the premium market with TriChroma laser engines delivering up to 5,000 lumens and covering 110% of the BT.2020 color space. Advanced features include:
- Lifespans up to 30,000 hours vs traditional lamps' 2,500-5,000 hours
- ALPD 5.0 technology with dynamic dimming for 30,000:1 contrast ratios
- Triple-laser technology for wide color gamuts
- Consistency advantage - only lose 10% brightness over time vs 50% for traditional lamps
- RGB laser light engines providing superior color accuracy
- LED - Energy-efficient with long life, commonly used in portable projectors. Modern LED projectors can achieve 3,300+ ANSI lumens
- Hybrid Laser/LED - Combines benefits of both technologies for balanced performance
- Traditional Lamp - Still available but less common, using high-pressure mercury or UHP lamps with shorter lifespans
Imaging Technologies
- DLP (Digital Light Processing) - Uses tiny mirrors for sharp, high-contrast images with fast pixel switching for 4K enhancement
- LCD/3LCD - Offers excellent color accuracy, high brightness, and eliminates rainbow artifacts
- LCoS (including SXRD and D-ILA) - Premium panels with very high native contrast ratios
Advanced Motion Processing
- MEMC+ (Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation) - Breakthrough 2025 technology that creates smoother motion by algorithmically predicting frames. Key benefits include:
- Enhanced smoothness for fast-moving scenes in movies and gaming
- Particularly important for larger screens where motion artifacts are more noticeable
- Low input lag for gaming while maintaining smooth visuals
- Works seamlessly at 4K resolution
Modern Smart Features
Smart projectors with built-in operating systems like Android TV 11 and Google TV are now standard, featuring voice control, AI-powered optimization, and seamless multi-device connectivity including WiFi-free screen mirroring.
Which is the Best Projector for Each Use Case?
Home theatre: Ultra-Short Throw Laser Projector UST laser TV, eliminates installation complexity while delivering cinema-quality images on 100 to 120 inch ALR screens for a theatre-like experience at home.
Portable use: Portable Battery-Powered Projector, built-in battery means true portability anywhere.
Bright rooms: Business Presentation Projector, high-lumen output cuts through ambient light.
Gaming: Gaming-Optimised DLP Projector, minimal input lag preserves competitive performance with ALLM or VRR.
Business presentations: Business Presentation Projector, reliable, bright and easy to connect to any device via HDMI and wireless casting.
How to Choose the Best Projector?
Consider these key factors when selecting a projector:
- Resolution – 4K for premium experience, 1080p for good value, 720p for basic needs
- Brightness – 3,000+ ANSI lumens for bright rooms, 1,500+ for dark rooms
- Throw distance – measure your space, ultra-short throw for tight spaces, short or long throw for flexibility
- Connectivity – ensure compatibility with your devices, HDMI 2.1 with eARC, USB-C, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- Room size – larger rooms need brighter projectors and longer throw distances
- Screen – consider ALR or CLR screens, screen size, aspect ratio 16:9 or 21:9 and gain
- Gaming – check input-lag specs and 120 Hz support if needed
- Setup – lens shift, optical zoom, auto focus and keystone for easier installation
- Lamp life – LED or laser last 20,000+ hours, traditional lamps need replacement every 2,000 to 5,000 hours
Are Last Year’s Best Projectors Still Good in 2025?
Projector technology evolves more slowly than smartphones, so many 2024 models remain excellent choices. However, 2025 has brought advances:
- Laser light sources are becoming standard in premium models
- 4K is now available at lower price points with refined pixel shifting
- Battery-powered models have improved runtime
- Smart TV integration removes the need for external devices, with wider HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi 6 and eARC adoption
Quality 2024 projectors often offer better value as prices drop, especially if you do not need the latest smart features.
Can These Projectors Be Used for Special Use Cases?
Can I use these projectors outdoors? Yes. Look for models with high lumens and consider portable battery-powered options. The Outdoor Cinema Projector category is specifically designed for this, ideally with an ALR screen.
Are they good for watching sports? Absolutely. DLP projectors handle fast motion particularly well. Gaming-optimised models also excel at sports viewing with 120 Hz modes.
Can I use them in bright conference rooms? Yes. Business Presentation Projectors are designed for bright office environments with 3,500+ ANSI lumens output and WUXGA clarity.
Do they work with smartphones? Most modern projectors support wireless screen mirroring, Chromecast, AirPlay or Miracast, or USB-C for direct projection. HDCP 2.3 compliance helps with protected content.
Conclusion
The best projector for you depends on your specific needs. Ultra-short throw laser projectors suit most living rooms, portable battery models enable anywhere entertainment, gaming-optimised projectors satisfy competitive players and budget 1080p models provide excellent entry-level performance.
Consider room size, ambient light, primary use case and budget when making your selection. Each category here represents current best-in-class choices for different user needs in 2025, with clear options for ALR screens, HDR, 4K and smart streaming.