Are you one of those who love to spend their time watching movies on a big screen? But none can afford a cinema theatre venture every Sunday and having a personal projector seems to be a costly thing as well. If your answer is yes!
Then, have a look at the top projectors under 500 dollars coz we know that you are looking for the best value projector but under a specific price range. If it is so then don’t you worry about it because we have got your back.
Top Rated Projectors Under 500
We have spent a lot of time searching and examining the best projectors under 500 that are featured with viable specifications and features. Though we have shortlisted 9 best projectors under 100 to 500 bucks only.
We have tested these projectors personally and found them excellent in terms of performance, make, and appearance, and above all their specifications and features have astonished us.
As we were not expecting to hunt a projector with 1080P resolution or 3000 ANSI along with 10000:1 disparity proportion.
So cutting it short, let’s get straight to our today’s champions that have proven their efficacy throughout our rough n tough experiments without any deviation even for a moment. These are the top-rated projectors under 500 dollars.
Skip To The Product Review:
- ViewSonic PA503S Projector (Editor’s Pick)
- ZCGIOBN US7-900DAB-1 Projector (Best Overall)
- Epson VS250 Projector (Value For Money)
- ViewSonic PJD5155 Projector (Best Home Theatre)
- BenQ MW526AE Projector (Best Meeting Room)
- GooDee BL98 Projector (Best Ultra Bright)
- BenQ HT1070 Projector (Best Gaming)
- XGIMI MoGo Pro Portable Projector (Best Battery Powered)
- WiMiUS Upgrade Q1 MiniProjector (Best Android)
1: ViewSonic PA503S (Editor’s Pick)
Key Features:
DLP
3600
22000:1
1080P
3-⅛-43 feet
30-300”
Why This?
The ViewSonic PA503S Projector has an advanced super Eco mode so that your projector can function efficiently with minimal consumption of electricity. Although this projector has an extremely detailed projector display of 1080P.
Review
As compared to top-tier projectors like Optoma, Epson, and Sony the ViewSonic PA503S Projector is just an immaculate fit for those having a budget of $500 because the DLP sort of projection functionality filled our watching experience with in-depth clarity and detailing.
While mounting it within a well-lit room the 3600 lumens of this projector have facilitated the projected display with an adequate amount of brightness so that the viewer can have a clear vision despite being in a vibrant room.
Moreover, if we talk about its clarity and in-depth detailing then you might be astonished to know that this projector was projecting almost a million colors that were crystal clear and heartwarming along with an actual 1080P visual resolution.
As the projectional dimensions are concerned then we would love to add that the viable sort and long throw projection feature of this projector has forced us to make it an editor choice because this projector can be placed at a variable distance of 3-⅛-43 feet.
Collectively speaking, this projector has an adaptable projection screen size of 30-300-inches which is quite huge while the 1080P resolution has made the display even much richer and distinct, and above the projector packages.
It comes along with a 3-year guarantee coverage that is indeed a plus point for every customer.
2: ZCGIOBN US7-900DAB-1 (Best Overall)
Key Features:
LCD, LED
7,000 lumen
10000:1
1920x1080P
6-¼”-20”
16:9, 4:3
Why This?
Despite being an under 500 projector this projector has astonished us with its high-end display and in-depth detailing. Whereas this is the best outdoor projector under 300 as it is deliberately crafted for outdoors as it has 7000 lumens.
Review
The ZCGIOBN US7-900DAB-1 Projector makes us even much more delighted because being a product of a newbie projector manufacturer this projector is featured with so many specifications and features that can be imagined in any flagship projector by Sony only.
Talking about the projection functionality, this projector is featured both LCD and LED sort of projection functionality that is quite a good value for your money because the display remains crystal clear with in-depth detailing regardless of ambient exposure of light.
Moreover, the reason behind the extensive clarity and detailing of the projected display is because of embedded 7000 lumens that make it a viable option for outdoor movie night or for those who are willing to put a projector within their hall room.
The clarity within the projected display was quite good because of the higher disparity proportion featured in it along with an actual visual resolution of 1920x1080P that gives a true vibe of UHD visuals at a cheaper price.
As long as the projection dimensions are featured with a variable projection distance of 6-¼”-20″ along with a projected display of static proportions of 26:9 and 4:3.
Whereas the most customer-friendly aspect of this projector is its projection lamp that has a whooping high usage life of 50000 hours. But this projector stands a bit down due to its noisy cooling fan.
3: Epson VS250 (Best Value Projector)
Key Features:
3 LCD
3,200 lumen
15000:1
1080P
Launch Distance:
3-34 feet
Screen Dimmension:
30”-350”
Why This?
This under 400 projector by Epson is indeed a good to grab thing firstly because of its adaptable throw distance which is good for any size of the room. Although the display is vibrant enough to be crystal clear and bright in broad daylight.
Review
Being the best value projector, the Epson VS250 Projector has occupied third place in this article as it comes along with triple LCD sort of projection functionality that keeps the display frizz-free with high clarity and adequate display brightness.
Talking about its display brightness, this projector offers an adequate amount of display brightness with its 3200 lumens making it a semi-daylight projector. Whereas the display brightness lags under bright sunlight but within a vibrantly lit room, it’s amazing.
Regardless of display brightness, this projector stands out due to its fragile detailing and clarity because the projection facility comes along with a disparity proportion of 15000:1 that allows you to note minor details within the projected display.
Whereas the visual resolution incorporated in this projector is truly 1080P along with a UHD support enabled makes the whole watching experience filled with a true-to-life vibe along with its extended connectivity features that unleash its usage with several devices.
As the connectivity ports are a truly amazing addition to their efficacy. But the projectional dimensions are just excellent that making it a viable option for both domestic and commercial usage as well because the projection is empowered with a variable projection distance of 3-34 ft.
4: ViewSonic PJD5155 (Best Home Theatre Projector)
Key Features:
DLP
3,300 lumen
20000:1
800P, 600P, 1080P
3-⅓”-32-¼”
30″-300”
Why This?
The ViewSonic PJD5155 Projector makes a viable cut because of variable projection size and disparity proportion and adaptable contrast. Apart from this, the ViewSonic PJD5155 Projector has a projection lamp with a lesser life.
Review
Let us tell you one thing right here if you are searching for the best home theatre projector at a cheap price tag then ViewSonic PJD5155 Projector is the thing you must be looking for, as it can be full fill all of your desires.
As the projection functionality is concerned then don’t worry about any visual frizzing and lagging because this projector features a premier DLP projection facility that will make your watching experience astonishing.
Moreover, the display brightness for the ambient exposure of light is kept to an optimal level because of the embedded 3300 lumens for keeping the projected display brighter from a semi-vibrant ambient light.
The projected display comes along with in-depth detailing so that the projected display can have millions of distinguished colors because of the disparity proportion of 20000:1 that keeps the projected display smooth.
Although this projector features adaptable visual resolution gradings that are ranging from 800P, 600P, and 1080P along with a variable projection distance of 3-⅓”-32-¼” with which you can place it in your bedroom, or your hall room.
5: BenQ MW526AE (Best Projector For Meeting Room)
Key Features:
DLP
3,300 lumen
15000:1
Blu-ray, FHD, 3D, WXGA
Launch Distance:
6-½ ft
Screen Dimmension:
36”-300”
Why This?
The BenQ MW526AE is an easy-to-use conference room-friendly projector that has highly adaptable visual grading and a ginormous projected screen with a vivid display and clarity. But the projection of life with lesser life is a negative only.
Review
The BenQ MW526AE projector is the best viable projector for meeting rooms because the features packed within this projector are just amazing and unbelievable to be in such a budgeted projector.
As the projector comes along with a DLP sort of presentation facility with which the detailing and clarity won’t even back off for a second because of its efficiency while functioning within a closed ambiance of a minutely lit room.
Though this projector is primarily a viable option for meeting rooms only because of the disparity proportion and lumens incorporated within this projector are of 15000:1 and 3300, respectively.
Moreover, the visual grading of this projector is facilitated with adaptable grading from Blu-ray, FHD, 3D, and WXGA making it an adaptable and efficient option for movies, and gaming as well.
Moreover, as far as the projection dimensions are concerned then this projector is surely a short throw projector because of its static 6-½” projection distance along with an adaptable projection size of 36-300”.
6: GooDee BL98 (Best Ultra Bright Projector)
Key Features:
LCD
7,500 lumen
5000:1
1920P
Connectivity:
HDMI, USB, AV, TF, VGA
Screen Dimmension:
35”-300”
Why This?
The GooDee BL98 Projector makes a fine deal for those users that are entailing a projector for outdoor or for giant home cinema rooms. Whereas the projection and functionality are quite good but this projector possesses a heavyweight.
Review
The GooDee BL98 Projector is the best bright projector under 400 because the projection functionality incorporated within this projector is of an LCD variant that keeps that projection clear and sleek.
Therefore, the display brightness factor of this projector comes along with an adequate amount of brightness and clarity for making it a viable option for outdoor purposes because of the 7500 lumens incorporated in it.
Moreover, the connectivity features incorporated in this projector are the main focusing factor for our customers because there are 4 different types of connectivity ports HDMI, USB, AV, TF, and VGA variants.
Although the disparity ratio you can have with this projector is 5000:1 that seems to be a bit less but trust us you can’t believe your eyes because of its efficacy and efficiency as the visual grading is of actual 1920P.
Whereas the projectional dimensions of this projector are concerned then you could make it count that this projector is for outdoor places or giant rooms or meeting rooms because of a variable screen size of 35”-300”.
7: BenQ HT1070 (Best Gaming Projector)
Key Feature:
DLP
2,000 lumen
10000:1
1920P
Launch Distance:
4’-16-½’
Screen Dimmension:
35”-180”
Why This?
The BenQ HT1070 projector cuts a fine deal for those gamers that are concerned with video resolutions and giant projector screen and projectional dimensions along with a high disparity ratio. But the only drawback is its lesser disparity margin.
Review
The BenQ HT1070 projector is the most budgeted but amazingly functional and efficient projector that comes along with a DLP projectional functionality so that the display remains smooth and fine.
Whereas the number of lumens incorporated within the projection lamp is 2000 makes it a viable option for those users that are keenly willing to have a gaming projector for their bedroom.
Although the amount of lumens incorporated in it is the thing that has certainly made it a viable option for the bedroom. Whereas the disparity ratio featured in this projector is the most appealing feature.
Whereas the disparity proportion featured in this projector is 10000:1 which enables you to distinguish between a hundred thousand colors along with in-depth detailing and clarity for having maximum joy while gaming.
Collectively speaking, the disparity proportion, projection facility, lumens, along with adaptable projection distance of 4’-16-½’ and a variable projection size of 35”-180” makes it an outnumbered one among all, especially for gaming.
8: XGIMI MoGo Pro Portable (Best Battery Powered)
Key Features:
DLP
300 ANSI
Built-in sound system 2×3 Watts speakers
1920x1080P
Projection Type:
Short-throw projection
Screen Dimmension:
100-inches
Why This?
The BenQ HT1070 projector is indeed a budgeted option but the sound quality needs to be improved immediately. Whereas this projector is fully a masterpiece because the ultra-sharp image and video projection are just amazing while the miniature size is good for portability.
Review
We would like you to brace your heart because the XGIMI MoGo Pro Portable is certainly going to stun you because you can’t even believe to have a projector under such a discounted price with so many features.
Starting from the DLP sort of projection facility incorporated in this projector makes your whole watching experience intact with nothing but keen interest and zero deviation and along with 300 ANSI, this projector gives prime clarity projection within your bedroom.
As long as the visual clarity and grading are concerned then you might love to know that this projector supports wholesome 3D visual support &an immaculate visual resolution of 1920x1080P that is going to give you a real-life experience.
Although the projection dimensions are empowered with short-throw distance along with a static display size of 100″. Whereas the built-in sound system keeps your watching experience filled with more joy.
Additionally, this projector has a built-in speaker facility that is indeed a bit tacky but works quite well. Although the projection display is static 100″ with a short-throw projection distance. Above all, this projector has a remote-controlled interface that works well.
Cons: 1) No official Netflix app. But you can watch using XTV manager, 2) No official Amazon prime app. But you can cast using Chromecast.Balaji
9: WiMiUS Upgrade Q1 Mini (Best Android Projector)
Key Features:
DLP
500 ANSI
15000:1
1920x1080P
Audio:
Built-in Speakers
Screen Dimmension:
100″
Why This?
The main reason for having this projector is its highly affordable pierce tag that has none of any other competitor that can even be compared with the WiMiUS. Although the battery featured in it can be much more efficient.
Review
This projector has a special place in our heart as the WiMiUS Upgrade Q1 Mini is an android projector that comes along with a premier operating system that is empowered with wireless connectivity and above all this projector has a built-in facility to download desired apps.
Whereas the built-in memory features make you free from any sort of hassle for free connecting output devices. This projector allows you to have a ready-to-stream facility with OTT platforms like Amazon Prime and Netflix.
Whereas the functionality and performance of this projector stand out despite being a budgeted option because this projector has a DLP sort of projection facility along with 500 ANSI so that you can have a great watching experience even during the daytime.
But the projection display looks to be a bit dull and dim under brighter lights but for those who are willing to have a smart projector for their bedroom. This projector is just the best for them as the dim light ambiance enhances its projected display.
Whereas the projection facility comes along with extreme detailing and in-depth clarity because the embedded disparity proportion is 15000:1 along with an actual visual resolution of 1080P and standby support of 3D visuals that is just crazy to have.
your Phone.Had hoped to use this as a portable big screen TV (Live Over the Air) but current hook up won’t allow.Still a good unit.Overall I am quite pleased so far.
Cruiser24
FAQs
1: What features one must consider before buying a cheap projector?
As we all know watching movies over projectors is all about clarity, detailing, and detailing. Therefore, in the case of buying a budgeted projector, one must entail a projector that has a DLP projection facility with 1080P visual, high disparity proportion along with viable connectivity ports so that you don’t have to bother about its connectivity. Whereas the priorities might change while searching for a meeting or gaming projector.
2: Which projectors have a premium projection lamp under-budgeted price?
In the case of premium projection lamps but within the budgeted price one must go for BenQ, Epson, and XGIMI because their projector makers have certain articles that have immaculate projection lamps despite being quite cheaper.
3: Can we have a Blu-ray or 3D-enabled projector under 500?
Yes, many projector variants come along with premium-grade video resolution from 1080P to 1920. Whereas the specification of 3D enabled visual is not too hard to find but you need to sweat a bit for finding a finely working projector with 3D visual support.
Final Words
After you have completely gone through the best projectors under 500 have given you a lot of options that are also including the best projectors under 400 and 300 bucks as well. But make it count few of them are refurbished articles but they are finely functioning.
Moreover, choosing any of the projectors is a matter of your concern but if you are looking for an expert opinion then these are our personal favorites based on their specifications.
If you are looking to have the best of your money along with a premium visual experience and high-end connectivity options then consider buying ViewSonic PA503S Projector or ZCGIOBN US7-900DAB-1 Projector.
Whereas if you’re looking to have a projector that has immaculate visuals with optimal display brightness so that you can have it in your bedroom then Epson VS250 Projector or BenQ HT1070 Projector can be the most viable options for you.
Although the XGIMI MoGo Pro Portable Projector or WiMiUS Upgrade Q1 MiniProjector can be your cup of tea if you’re looking for smart android projectors along with portable facilities with battery packs.