Rating of the best projectors for home and office in 2019

The projector is an excellent device for comfortable viewing of presentations, demonstration of documentation, enjoyment of photos or videos. Projectors are needed not only for office work, but also for an apartment or school.

The principle of the projector is quite simple. It copies an image from the screen of a computer device and transfers it in large size to any flat surface.

The weight of a projector is usually miniature and ranges from two to three kg, but there are exceptions when some models weigh less than a kilogram, while others reach 10. In addition, there are professional projectors used in cinemas that weigh up to 40 kg.

We've already covered the best home projectors for 2020 here, and the rating of office models in demand in 2020 was compiled in separate article.

Types of projectors

Projection technology has various types of matrix.

DLP

It is a digital matrix technology consisting of the smallest mirrors. The reflection of the lamp light comes from a miniature chip, which is made of microscopic mirrors. This type of matrix gives a good image, but black color is lame in it. Typically DLP projectors are single-array projectors. DLP projectors are purchased more often for an apartment in order to use it as a home theater.

LCD

The projectors have a liquid crystal matrix. Through it, the light of the lamp shows the picture. The weight of these projectors is low, the price is low and they are quite suitable for reproducing office presentations. But the picture quality will not be up to par, besides there will be problems with black.

CRT

The projector has three tubes in its functionality, which create three primary colors: blue, green and red. The image quality produced is amazing, the color reproduction is excellent, there are no problems with blacks, and it comes out rich as well as bright. It is this type of projector that is able to immerse you in the magical world of video. The picturesque picture in large format is perfect for watching movies. But the CRT projector is heavy, noisy, and not easy to set up.

3LCD

They are called so because their functionality has three LCD matrices. The result is excellent color reproduction, good image quality and low power consumption. But the contrast level remains low, and blacks are without saturation.

D-ILA

They have a liquid crystal matrix that reflects the luminous flux. D-ILA is the best technology, as it skillfully combines the advantages of other matrices and demonstrates the most flawless image at the output, without defects visible to the eye. But of the minuses, it is worth noting the rather high cost of such projectors.

Which company is better?

The most popular models in demand among consumers are, of course, Epson projectors. This brand is the absolute leader in the ranking of the best projectors for home and office.

BenQ follows, and Acer closes the top three.These firms enjoy the most attention. But there are worthy projectors from other companies, so when making a choice, you must first of all look at the characteristics of the model and determine what exactly will be relevant and what you can do without.

Selection criteria for projectors

When purchasing a projection device for home or office, the user must decide what requirements he must meet. For a household or office projection device, such criteria as:

terms of Use

An important role when buying a projector is played by the room where the device is purchased. A lot depends on light, so that approximately these optical devices can be divided into three types: projectors that work with light, projectors suitable for home theaters (work without light), and devices for large enclosed spaces, as well as for outdoor spaces.

Device brightness

Projectors are a technique where the brightness will depend on the size of the available screen. Or rather, not even brightness, but luminous flux. It is measured in lumens. If the room is pitch dark, then a little less than 1500 lumens will be enough for a 130-inch screen diagonal. If the diagonal is 80 inches, then 600 lumens is enough. If the room is well lit, then the brightness of the projector must be greater than the room lighting, which means that the selection here will be individual.

Contrast

In the provided image, contrast is manifested due to the ratio of two brightness: white and black. If there is strong lighting in the room, then contrast is not particularly important, as dark areas are blown out. Therefore, if a buyer buys a projector, for example, for a well-lit school office, then the contrast does not belong to the necessary parameters, here it is necessary to focus on brightness.

If the projector is selected for home theater, then contrast is very important here. The main thing is the minimum hit of light on the screen, then the contrast characteristics will be as close as possible to those announced by the manufacturer.

Contrast is a factor that often changes due to certain nuances. For example, the matrix is ​​capable of influencing the contrast parameters. Or a special device that, in projectors with auto iris, can reduce the brightness in dark tones, thereby obtaining a rich black color.

Resolution

Considering the criteria for choosing a projector, it is worth paying attention to one main condition. This is the number of pixels in the image, that is, the resolution of the picture. It is believed that the higher the resolution, the better the resulting picture will be, as it becomes more detailed. But, in fact, the resolution has a fixed screen shape.

When choosing the required resolution, you need to rely on the required tasks. If you need to watch movies in full hd format, then you should pay close attention to the full hd projector (1920 × 1080), as it allows you to preserve details. It is also suitable for watching games. A resolution of 800 x600 is sufficient for presentations, but a higher resolution can be used.

Game projector

If you need a projector for games, then you need to decide what exactly you plan to get in the end. There are several options: you need a big picture, you need a large screen, or you need to travel.

A wide variety of projectors are suitable for games, ranging from simple to cutting-edge devices. Even if you take a pocket projector, then it will cope with the task.

Which screen to choose for a projector?

You will need to select a screen for your purchased projector. The task of the screen is to accurately reproduce the image and distribute the projection light in the direction where the audience is located. Screens are stationary (mounted in one place) and mobile (can be used in different rooms).

Stationary are subdivided into two types: roll and tension. From the name it is already clear that roll-up screens unfold and are attached to the wall. The tension screen is a bit cumbersome as it is pre-attached to the frame.This type of screens is chosen for large rooms.

Screens can be white, gray, matte, projection film, high gain and other alternatives.

If you wish, you can create your own black screen, a kind of hand-mave. There are videos online with detailed instructions on how to create a personal screen. For the price it is very affordable, but for the manufacture it is quite difficult.

The best projectors for home and office

Below is the TOP of very worthwhile and common projectors for various purposes in the segment of affordable, medium and premium models, which in 2019 earned positive ratings from users and specialists.

There cannot be absolutely multifunctional options, and therefore the choice of the best projection device for the office or personal cinema should be based on the range of tasks and the expected operating conditions.

10th place: LG PF1500G

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Resolution	1920x1080 px (FHD)
Network stream	1 400 lm
Contrast	150000:1
Overall dimensions	132x84x221 mm
Weight	1.5KG

This is the oldest projector in the Minibeam line of compact devices. Its main distinguishing feature from other projectors in this line is its good sharpness, equal to 1,400 lumens, which is almost three times brighter than other compact LED-type projectors.

LG almost never applies the classic look to its products, and the PF1500G is no exception. In it, the manufacturer used an extraordinary form, due to which the model not only visually appears miniature, but in reality is so.

The creators considered different ways of mounting the device, providing at its basis not only a holder for a tripod or a specialized bracket for the ceiling, but also a retractable leg, which makes it possible to raise the device by 6 degrees. This makes it possible to place the image at the most comfortable level in front of the audience when the device is on the coffee table.

The average price is 54,300 rubles.

• Realistic image quality and volume;
• 3D support;
• Can be used in daylight;
• Quiet;
• Wireless connection with smartphones and acoustic system.

• Limited functionality of the integrated media player.

9th place: DIGMA DIMAGIC CUBE

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Resolution	854x480 px
Light flow	50 lm
Contrast	06.01.1900
Overall dimensions	61x64x62 mm
Weight	0.34 kg

The projector is a cube with a side width of 64 mm and a weight of 338 g. This miniaturization is made possible by the use of Digital Light Processing (DLP) technology.

DIGMA DIMAGIC CUBE has support for broadcasting picture and sound wirelessly using MiraCast technology (addition via Wi-Fi). The projector can be used in conjunction with iPhone, iPad, phones and tablets with Android OS, and in addition with laptops running on Windows operating system.

DIGMA DIMAGIC CUBE is based on Android 7.1 Nougat OS, so users can connect to the projector, for example, a keyboard and mouse (both via Bluetooth and cable). As a result, you can play games and, for example, edit a presentation.

The average price is 14,100 rubles.

• Small size;
• Screen image up to 120 inches;
• Air Mouse remote control;
• 2 in 1: projection device and SmartTV running Android OS;
• Supports Android, iOS, macOS and Windows operating systems.

• There is little noise;
• To some extent slows down during interaction with the remote control;
• While using Airplay, it throws an error when displaying a video in full screen mode.

8th place: BENQ W1090

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Resolution	1920х1080 px (FHD)
Light flow	2,000 lm
Contrast	10000:1
Overall dimensions	346x102x215 mm
Weight	2.75 kg

The manufacturer focused on an innovative trendy appearance, reduced size, ease of control, support for a Wi-Fi module, a dedicated Sport mode, HDMI that supports MHL, as well as a USB slot and advanced integrated acoustics.

In addition, users can be interested in the previously tested system based on a DLP type matrix with a single chip from the developers of Texas Instriments, the diagonal of which is 0.55 inches, and also with an incandescent lamp as a lighting source.Its power was reduced to 210 watts, but the approved extreme sharpness remained at the current level for this category of devices, and is 2,000 lumens.

To reduce the cost of the projector, manufacturers have abandoned the direct offset of the lens, which is necessary only during the initial installation and configuration of the device, for example, during its installation on the ceiling.

Most likely, this function is not very popular, as well as the correction of trapezoidal deformations in a horizontal position so that the device can be placed aside from the working area of ​​the display, since it is also absent in the W1090, compared to the W1070 +. However, electronic vertical correction is kept at approximately 40 degrees.

The average price is 50,500 rubles.

• Small size;
• Innovative appearance;
• Build reliability;
• Excellent optics supporting 1.3x zoom;
• Single chip DLP system with vivid color concept.

• There is a so-called. Rainbow effect;
• Faint sound;
• Some of the configurations are available only from the remote control.

7th place: XGIMI H2

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Resolution	1920x1080 px (FHD)
Light flow	1 350 lm
Contrast	10000:1
Overall dimensions	201x135x201 mm
Weight	2.5KG

The design of the device is classic. The top, bottom and rear panels are made of black plastic materials with a matte finish. The grill cover that surrounds the body of the device is made of aluminum alloy with a durable silver coating. On the front side there is a video camera window and a small recess for the lens.

Apart from the headset jack, all other interfaces are digital. All ports are generic and loosely placed. Slot captions are readable. Bluetooth connects with the projector's remote control and other input devices such as a mouse, keyboard, gamepad (for example, from a PS4).

The focal length is fixed and does not change. If the user really needs to reduce the projection area, then he can use the option to reduce the digital image. The lens is equipped with an electromechanical focusing drive. There is an autofocus option, it is called if the "engine" on the remote control is moved to the "Focus" state or through the menu. The device displays a specialized notch and the front camera controls its sharpness.

The average price is 58,900 rubles.

• Relatively eternal light source of LED type;
• Designer construction of the device and remote control;
• High quality integrated acoustics;
• Silence;
• An excellent set of wired and wireless interfaces.

• There is no frame rate adjustment;
• Poor quality headset slot;
• The color gamut is wider than sRGB.

6th place: EPSON EB-U05

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Resolution	1920x1200 px
Light flow	3 400 lm
Contrast	15000:1
Overall dimensions	302x92x252 mm
Weight	2.8 kg

Expressive, compact high quality projection device for office or home use, based on Epson 3LCD technology, with WUXGA resolution and a set of auxiliary options for better flexibility and ease of use. The model allows the user to view videos in FHD format on a display with a diagonal of no more than 300 ″. You can quickly launch a business presentation without wasting time on preparatory configuration, since the device was made with the expectation of the fastest possible installation.

Due to the sharpness of 3400 lumens and 3LCD technology, the colors on the display will be saturated and clear, and the picture will be exactly as the director intended. The owner will only have to enjoy the show. It should be noted that the resource of one light bulb makes it possible to view one full-length film a day for 15 years.

With this model, which can reproduce images up to 300 ″ in excellent quality, the user will be able to feel the absolute immersion in their favorite games and videos.It is worth highlighting that, while producing only bright and natural colors, 3LCD technology at the same time achieves superiority in sharpness several times when compared with competitors.

The average price is 42,700 rubles.

• Good color intensity with excellent sharpness in Eco mode;
• No discomfort with daytime viewing;
• High image quality;
• Comfortable auto-adjustment along the axes;
• Various functional configurations.

• If the user hangs it on a support and activates the "ceiling fixing" mode, the noise will increase several times;
• Often there is an induction sound from the PSU;
• Low quality contrast.

5th place: ACER X118

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Resolution	800x600 px
Light flow	3 600 lm
Contrast	20000:1
Overall dimensions	300x105x220 mm
Weight	2.7 kg

The multifunctional projection device of the ACER company will be a good purchase and an excellent solution for everyday use at home or office. The projector allows you to make presentations prettier and games really great due to the high degree of sharpness and contrast, and in addition thanks to DLP 3D Ready support.

The average price is 20,100 rubles.

• High quality DLP type screen;
• There is an HDMI slot;
• Excellent picture quality;
• Supports DLP 3D Ready;
• High contrast.

• There are no integrated speakers.

4th place: ACER X138WH

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Resolution	1280x800 px
Light flow	3,700 lm
Contrast	20000:1
Overall dimensions	313x114x240 mm
Weight	2.7 kg

The model is distinguished by WXGA resolution, excellent sharpness and contrast, and in addition to the proprietary technology Color Technology, which will make user presentations more attractive due to clear and deep display of text content and pictures even at an impressive distance. DLP 3D Ready technology guarantees excellent cinematic 3D footage.

It should be noted that the accumulation of dust in the projection device after a while can lead to improper functioning of the projector, which promises a loss of sharpness of the projected picture. The proprietary Dust Shield technology, which is used in the models of the ACER company, qualitatively protects them from the influence of dust, ensuring optimal and long-term operation without the need for maintenance.

It should be noted that multifunctional projection devices of this line are equipped with options that facilitate operation, for example, a PU with 9 buttons on the projector cover, thanks to which you can easily configure the projection of the picture. And 4 ceiling mounting options make it possible to position the projection device as comfortably as possible.

The average price is 27,200 rubles.

• Good sharpness;
• Display size no more than 300 inches;
• 2 year warranty;
• Easy to control.

• Not detected.

3rd place: BENQ TH534

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Resolution	1920x1080 px (FHD)
Light flow	3 300 lm
Contrast	15000:1
Overall dimensions	332x99x214 mm
Weight	2.42 kg

Made for clear and quality use in the home, the BENQ TH534 combines the features of deep big picture, instinctive control, comfortable digital communication, and energy saving to protect the environment.

The model allows you to display files in 1080p (FHD) format and enjoy Blu-ray, games and broadcasts in HD resolution with excellent contrast without upscaling or constraint. The native resolution of TH534 is 1920x1080 px.

Powerful natural contrast of 15,000: 1 thanks to innovative DLP technology and 5G glass optical lens systems guarantee the sharpest, smoothest grayscale transitions and superb text clarity for captivating corporate visual communication.

The average price is 33,900 rubles.

• Excellent picture quality;
• Good sharpness;
• Diagonal and trapezoidal adjustment.

• Not detected

2nd place: EPSON EH-TW5400

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Resolution	1920x1080 px (FHD)
Light flow	2,500 lm
Contrast	30000:1
Overall dimensions	309x122x285 mm
Weight	3.2 kg

This model allows you to enjoy watching videos in 2D-3D format in FHD resolution. The projector is a great buy for a home theater projector, as the sharpness of the model is 2,500 lumens.

Due to the proprietary 3LCD technology and contrast, which is equal to 30,000: 1, the projection device guarantees excellent sharpness, saturation and color intensity of 2D / 3D images on a large display - all packed in a practical and attractive case.

An integrated 10-watt speaker, intuitive operation and trapezoidal deformation, both vertically and horizontally, make the projection device even more comfortable and easier to operate.

The average price is 44,000 rubles.

• High image quality;
• Deep color;
• Good contrast;
• Modern resolution.

• The turbine noise is clearly audible at extreme sharpness.

1st Place: EPSON EB-X41

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Resolution	1024x768 px
Light flow	3 600 lm
Contrast	15000:1
Overall dimensions	302x82x237 mm
Weight	2.5KG

A necessary property of a high-quality projection device for an office is the ability to mount it almost anywhere and quickly bring it into readiness.

From this side, the EB-X41 is close to superiority, as it allows one movement of the slider to correct trapezoidal deformations in the horizontal position, and in more difficult situations, freely correct the location of each of the corners of the displayed image.

This should include the auto-correction option in the vertical relation, the instantaneous shutdown of the projector, and in addition the ability to scale it using 2 modes: increasing the volume of the entire picture and increasing the central part within the current display frame.

The emphasis on pure office use of the projection device is also underlined by the limited number of identifiable formats in the display from memory cards. The only odd thing is that the Wi-Fi support here is in the form of a plug-in unit and should be purchased separately.

The average price is 28,300 rubles.

• Operational correction of deformities in a very wide range;
• 2 digital zoom modes;
• Excellent level of sharpness and decent lamp life;
• The remote control is capable of acting as a pointer;
• Instant shutdown.

• From a memory card, it launches exclusively pictures;
• There are no wireless interfaces;
• Expensive Wi-Fi module from EPSON.

In conclusion, it should be noted that having bought a suitable projector, you can forget what a public cinema is, as it will settle in its own house. In addition, projectors have long become indispensable helpers in work and study. These devices open the door to the world of knowledge, discovery and quality images. The wide range of choices on the market allows you to choose the projector of your dreams without the hassle.