As a seasoned movie enthusiast who has spent countless hours huddled under blankets for indoor screenings and braved the elements for outdoor ones, I can confidently say that each projector caters to a unique need.
There’s hardly anyone who doesn’t cherish movie nights! Whether you’re cozying up outdoors during chilly winter evenings (bundled up nicely), or snuggled safely inside under a quilt, there’s no mistake about it – watching The Lord of the Rings, or the newest Marvel flick, makes for an excellent way to spend your evening.
But, you know what would make it extra special? A projector.
These compact gadgets can transform a simple home movie experience into an authentic cinema setting. During warm seasons, they’re ideal for outdoor movie nights or watching sports events with friends.
Previously, we’ve published articles on selecting top-notch outdoor projectors and outdoor projector screens. However, for our latest content, we are focusing on options that cater to budget constraints.
Here’s a list of affordable projectors for individuals looking to create a budget-friendly home cinema experience without breaking the bank.
For each projector, you’ll find a breakdown of its advantages and disadvantages, along with its optimal use, enabling you to determine what matters most when making a purchase. Whether you have a small or large space, or specific lighting needs, we can help you find the perfect projector for your unique situation.
To save money on your purchases, check out our top picks for affordable printers and affordable smartphones – perfect for budget-conscious shoppers.
Jump to:
- How much should I spend on a projector?
- Best budget projectors at a glance
- Best budget projectors to buy in 2024
How much should I spend on a projector?
Top-tier projectors might set you back several hundred pounds, often more if they’re capable of displaying Ultra High Definition (UHD) or 4K images. For individuals working with a limited budget, we suggest considering projectors priced between 200 and 500 pounds. However, keep in mind that some options within this range may be pricier or more affordable than this general estimate.
Best budget projectors at a glance:
- Best wireless projector: Philips NeoPix Prime One NPX535 Home Cinema Projector, £160.99
- Best portable projector: Android 11.0 WiMiUS Q3 550ANSI U Mini Projector, £269.99
- Best all-rounder: Epson CO-FH02 Smart Full HD Home Cinema Projector, £
629£549 - Best for easy setup: Auto Keystone Correction Mini Portable Projector, £
99.99£70.99 - Best affordable projector: XuanPad 2024 Upgraded Mini Projector, £
89.99£59.99 - Best for picture and sound quality: Samsung the Freestyle, £
699£599 - Best for outdoor screenings: Acer X1328WH HD Ready Office Projector,
£339£318 - Best for indoor screenings: Nebula Capsule 3 Projector, £499
Best budget projectors to buy in 2024
Philips NeoPix Prime One NPX535 Home Cinema Projector
Best wireless projector
Pros:
- HD Ready up to 720p
- Screen size up to 80-inches
- Easy wireless screen mirroring
Cons:
- Quiet speakers
As a movie enthusiast, I must say that the Philips NeoPix Prime One is an absolute gem of a portable projector, measuring only 17 x 22 cm in size. This diminutive device has the power to expand visuals onto a screen as large as 80 inches! It boasts a brightness of up to 180 lumens, making it perfect for those cozy, dimly-lit viewing sessions. Furthermore, its long throw capability allows you to place it at a comfortable distance from your chosen wall or screen, enhancing the overall viewing experience without compromising on image quality.
The projector is configured for wireless sharing, making it ideal for displaying content from your phone. Additionally, it comes equipped with necessary connections for connecting laptops and TVs. However, please note that it’s equipped with just two 5-watt speakers, so you might consider connecting external speakers for better sound quality.
ViewSonic M1 mini Pocket LED Projector
Best portable projector
Pros:
- Foldable and pocket-sized
- Small tripod perfect for camping
- Good sound quality
Cons:
- Short battery life
As a movie buff on the go, I’d highly recommend this compact projector. It’s perfect for outdoor escapades like camping or impromptu get-togethers at a friend’s place. What makes it a winner is its pocket-friendly size that ensures it can slide seamlessly into any pocket. Setting it up is a breeze too, just unfold and go!
One potential issue we’d highlight is the limited battery duration, stretching up to approximately three hours after a single charge – not quite enough for a full Scorsese movie marathon!
Epson CO-FH02 Smart Full HD Home Cinema Projector
Best all-rounder
Pros:
- Full HD 1080p
- Screen size up to 391-inches
- Good for natural light and dark rooms
Cons:
- Lack of extra features
As a cinephile myself, I wholeheartedly recommend this Epson projector for any cinematic soirees you might have in mind. Boasting an expansive screen, high-definition 1080p resolution, and an impressive 3,000 lumens of illumination, the image quality remains stellar whether you’re indoors or out. What’s more, its user-friendly interface is a breeze to navigate, and it even comes equipped with an Android TV stick right out of the box.
Despite not offering the extensive app variety found in higher-priced projectors, it’s an excellent budget option nonetheless.
Auto Keystone Correction Mini Portable Projector
Best for easy setup
Pros:
- Automatic keystone and four-point correction
- 180-degree rotatable stand
Cons:
- Poor sound
As a movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled about this projector. Its automatic keystone and corner correction feature ensures a flawless viewing experience, regardless of the projector’s placement angle. This magic adjusts the corners and edges of the image to create a perfect square. Moreover, its 180-degree rotatability adds to its flexibility, allowing me to place it anywhere without compromising on picture quality.
Keep in mind that while it delivers sound, it may not be top-notch compared to pricier models, and its visual clarity might also be inferior to certain high-end speakers.
XuanPad 2024 Upgraded Mini Projector
Best affordable projector
Pros:
- Easily portable
- Connects to iPhones
- Up to 1080pHD
Cons:
- Weaker sound and picture quality
For those consciously watching their expenses, the XuanPad projector makes an excellent pick. While it may not offer the top-tier image and audio quality of pricier models, it’s compatible with a wide range of devices, even iPhones.
Samsung the Freestyle
Best for picture and sound quality
Pros:
- Full HD up to 100-inches
- 360-degree sound
- Additional apps and smart features
Cons:
- Higher price range
As someone who appreciates quality, I would still recommend considering the Samsung Freestyle, despite its higher price point. It’s a great choice if you’re seeking exceptional image and sound quality. This projector is versatile, offering screen sizes ranging from 30 to an impressive 100 inches in full HD. Plus, it boasts features like auto keystone, auto levelling, and auto focus, which allow it to adapt perfectly no matter where you place it.
This model, though compact, boasts a potent 360-degree sound system. What’s more appealing is that it offers a full smart TV experience, featuring apps such as Netflix, Disney Plus, Apple TV, NOW TV, and TNT Sport. Interestingly, it can link up with the Samsung Gaming Hub without needing a separate TV or console.
Acer X1328WH HD Ready Office Projector
Best for outdoor screenings:
Pros:
- Good for natural light
- 4500 lumens
- Screen size up to 300-inches
Cons:
- Boxy design
Despite the “office” label in its title, this projector is versatile for various environments. Its 4500 lumens allow clear viewing even in low light conditions like complete darkness or bright daylight. Moreover, it can create a screen as large as 300 inches, making it ideal for larger gatherings.
Nebula Capsule 3 Portable Projector
Best for indoor screenings
Pros:
- Smart apps
- Good battery life
- Great for dark rooms
Cons:
- Lower battery life
For the cosy nights in, you might want to take a look at this Nebula Smart projector. It’s kitted out with apps such as YouTube, Netflix and Hulu which you can control from the device’s touch panel.
The built-in battery will give you only up to 2.5 hours of movie playtime, but it can also be plugged in and it has a 200 ANSI lumen DLP lamp, great for darkened rooms.
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2024-12-06 16:07