Ranking of the best projectors for home and office in 2019

A projector is a great device for comfortably viewing presentations, showing documentation, enjoying photos or videos. Projectors are needed not only for work in the office, but also for an apartment or school.

The principle of operation 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 the 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 talked about the best home projectors for 2022 here, and the ranking of office models in demand in 2022 is compiled in separate article.

Types of projectors

Projection technology has different types of matrix.

DLP

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

LCD

Projectors have a matrix on liquid crystals. Through it, the light of the lamp shows the picture. These projectors are light in weight, low in price and are quite suitable for office presentations. But the picture quality will not be up to par, besides, there will be problems with black.

CRT

The projector in its functionality has three tubes that create three primary colors: blue, green and red. The resulting image quality is amazing, the color reproduction is excellent, there are no problems with blacks, and it comes out saturated as well as bright. It is this type of projector that can immerse you in the magical world of video.The picturesque image on a large format is excellent for watching movies. But, the CRT projector is heavy, noisy and very difficult 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 the black color without saturation.

D-ILA

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

Which firm is better?

The most popular models that are 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 projectors. These firms receive 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.

Projector Selection Criteria

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, criteria such as:

Operating conditions

An important role when buying a projector is played by the room where the device is purchased.Much depends on the light, so roughly these optical devices can be divided into three varieties: projectors that work in the light, projectors suitable for home theater (working without light), and devices for large indoor spaces, as well as for open-air 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 for a screen diagonal of 130 inches, a little less than 1500 lumens will be enough. 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 room lighting, which means that the selection here will be individual.

Contrast

In the provided image, contrast is manifested by the ratio of two brightnesses: white and black. If there is strong lighting in the room, then the contrast is not particularly important, since the dark areas are highlighted. Therefore, if the buyer purchases a projector, for example, for a well-lit school office, then the contrast does not apply to the required parameters, here the emphasis should be on brightness.

If the projector is selected for a home theater, then contrast is very important here. The main thing is the minimum light hitting 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 ​​able to influence the contrast parameters.Or a special device that, in projectors that have an automatic iris, can reduce the brightness in dark colors, thereby producing rich blacks.

Permission

Considering the criteria for choosing a projector, you should pay attention to one main condition. This is the number of pixels in the image, that is, the resolution of the image. 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.

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

Projector for games

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.

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

Which screen to choose for the projector?

For the projector you purchased, you will need to select a screen. The task of the screen is to reproduce the image with high quality and to 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 divided into two types: roll and tension.From the name it is already clear that roll-up screens are deployed and attached to the wall. The tension screen is a bit bulky as it is pre-attached to the frame. This type of screens is chosen for large rooms.

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

If you wish, you can create your own black screen, a kind of hand-make. The network has videos with detailed instructions for creating a personal screen. At a price it is very affordable, but in manufacturing 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 can be no absolutely multifunctional options, and therefore the choice of the best projection device for an office or personal cinema should be based on the range of tasks and the expected conditions for its operation.

10th place: LG PF1500G

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Permission	1920x1080 px (FHD)
network stream	1 400 lm
Contrast	150000:1
Dimensions	132x84x221 mm
The weight	1.5 kg

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

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

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

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Permission	854х480 px
Light flow	50 lm
Contrast	06.01.1900
Dimensions	61x64x62 mm
The weight	0.34 kg

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

DIGMA DIMAGIC CUBE has support for broadcasting pictures and sound over a wireless connection using MiraCast technology (add-on via Wi-Fi). The projector can be used with iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets, as well as Windows laptops.

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

The average price is 14,100 rubles.

• Small dimensions;
• 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, it slows down during interaction with the remote control;
• While using Airplay, it throws an error when displaying the video in full screen mode.

8th place: BENQ W1090

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Permission	1920x1080 px (FHD)
Light flow	2000 lm
Contrast	10000:1
Dimensions	346x102x215mm
The weight	2.75 kg

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

In addition, users may be interested in a previously proven system based on a DLP-type matrix with a single chip from developers Texas Instruments, whose diagonal is 0.55 inches, and also with an incandescent lamp as a lighting source. Its power has been reduced to 210 watts, but the approved maximum sharpness has remained at a standing level for this category of devices, at 2,000 lumens.

To reduce the price of the projector, manufacturers have eliminated the direct lens shift, which is only necessary during the initial installation and configuration of the device, for example, during installation on the ceiling.

Most likely, this feature is not very popular, as is the correction of trapezoidal deformations in the horizontal position, so that the device can be placed away from the active display area, since it is also absent in the W1090 compared to the W1070+. However, the electronic vertical correction is kept at about 40 degrees.

The average price is 50,500 rubles.

• Small dimensions;
• Innovative appearance;
• Assembly reliability;
• Excellent optics supporting 1.3x zoom;
• Single chip DLP system with bright color concept.

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

7th place: XGIMI H2

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Permission	1920x1080 px (FHD)
Light flow	1 350 lm
Contrast	10000:1
Dimensions	201x135x201mm
The weight	2.5 kg

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 and has a durable silver finish. 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 typical and they are placed quite freely. Slot captions are readable. Bluetooth connects to the projector's remote control and other input devices, such as a mouse, keyboard, gamepad (for example, from 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 focus drive. There is an autofocus option, it is called if the "engine" on the remote control is rearranged to the "Focus" state or through the menu. The device displays a specialized mark, and the front camera controls its sharpness.

The average price is 58,900 rubles.

• Relatively perpetual LED type light source;
• Design design of the device and remote control;
• Integrated high quality acoustics;
• Noiselessness;
• Excellent set of wired and wireless interfaces.

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

6th place: EPSON EB-U05

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Permission	1920x1200px
Light flow	3 400 lm
Contrast	15000:1
Dimensions	302x92x252mm
The weight	2.8 kg

An expressive, compact, high quality projection device for office or home use, based on Epson 3LCD technology, with WUXGA resolution and a range of auxiliary options for greater 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 the pre-configuration, because the device was made with the expectation of the fastest possible installation.

Due to the sharpness of 3,400 lm and 3LCD technology, the colors on the display will be rich and clear, and the picture will be exactly as the director intended. The owner will only have to enjoy the show.It is worth noting that the resource of one light bulb makes it possible to view one full-length film per day for 15 years.

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

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 fixation” mode, then the noise will increase several times;
• Often there is an induction sound from the PSU;
• Low quality contrast.

5th place: ACER X118

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Permission	800x600px
Light flow	3 600 lm
Contrast	20000:1
Dimensions	300x105x220 mm
The weight	2.7 kg

ACER's multifunctional projection device is a good buy and an excellent solution for everyday use in home or office environments. The projector allows you to make presentations more attractive, and games really great due to the large degree of sharpness and contrast, and in addition thanks to the support of DLP 3D Ready.

The average price is 20,100 rubles.

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

• No integrated speakers.

4th place: ACER X138WH

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Permission	1280x800px
Light flow	3 700 lm
Contrast	20000:1
Dimensions	313x114x240 mm
The weight	2.7 kg

The model features WXGA resolution, excellent sharpness and contrast, and in addition proprietary Color Technology, which will make user presentations more attractive due to a clear and deep display of text content and images even at an impressive distance. DLP 3D Ready technology guarantees excellent cinematic quality in 3D videos.

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

It should be noted that the multifunctional projection devices of this line are equipped with options that facilitate operation, for example, a remote control with 9 buttons on the projector cover, thanks to which you can easily configure the image projection. And 4 options for mounting to the ceiling 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;
• Warranty 2 years;
• Easy to control.

• Not detected.

3rd place: BENQ TH534

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Permission	1920x1080 px (FHD)
Light flow	3 300 lm
Contrast	15000:1
Dimensions	332x99x214 mm
The weight	2.42 kg

Designed for easy-to-understand quality home use, the BENQ TH534 combines deep big picture features, intuitive operation, comfortable digital communication, and energy savings to protect the environment.

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

Powerful natural contrast of 15,000:1 through innovative DLP technology and 5G glass type optical lens systems ensures the highest sharpness, smooth color tones and superb text clarity for captivating corporate visual communication.

The average price is 33,900 rubles.

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

• Not detected

2nd place: EPSON EH-TW5400

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Permission	1920x1080 px (FHD)
Light flow	2 500 lm
Contrast	30000:1
Dimensions	309x122x285mm
The weight	3.2 kg

This model allows you to enjoy watching videos in 2D-3D format in FHD resolution. The projector will be an excellent purchase as a home theater, as the sharpness of the model is 2,500 lumens.

With proprietary 3LCD technology and a contrast ratio of 30,000:1, the projector delivers excellent sharpness, saturation and color intensity for 2D/3D images on a large display, all packed into a practical and attractive body.

An integrated 10-watt speaker, intuitive control and trapezoid correction, both vertically and horizontally, make the operation of the projection device even more comfortable and easier.

The average price is 44,000 rubles.

• High quality picture;
• deep color;
• Good contrast;
• modern resolution.

• Turbine noise at extreme sharpness is clearly audible.

1st place: EPSON EB-X41

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Permission	1024x768px
Light flow	3 600 lm
Contrast	15000:1
Dimensions	302x82x237mm
The weight	2.5 kg

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

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

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

The emphasis on purely office use of the projection device is also emphasized by the limited number of identifiable formats in the display process from memory cards. The only strange thing is that the Wi-Fi support here is in the form of a plug-in unit, and you have to buy it 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 able to play the role of a pointer;
• Instant shutdown.

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

In conclusion, it is worth noting that, having bought a suitable projector, you can forget what a public cinema is, as it will settle in your own home. In addition, projectors have long become indispensable assistants in work and study. These devices open the door to a world of knowledge, discovery and high-quality images. With a wide range of choices on the market, you can easily choose the projector of your dreams.