So, you’ve decided to maximize your screen size and bring the cinema home. Big TVs are nice, especially for everyday viewing with lights on, but when you want a truly immersive experience, nothing beats a giant screen in a dark room.
Choosing a home theater projector can be daunting, to say the least. There are so many different types, models, and prices ranging from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars. To help you in your search, we are here to talk about some of my favorite home cinema projectors currently available. I’m not here to go over the basics, if you are just starting out, you’ll want to measure your space and do some research on what type of projector will suit your needs. And don’t forget, the projector is but one component of a home theater, you’ll need a screen, sound system, content sources, and some way to get everything connected.
For this article, we are focusing on dedicated home theater projectors that are designed to be ceiling mounted in dim to dark environments with controlled lighting. We are looking at projectors designed for rich contrast and accurate reproduction of content on screens from 100” to 200”. These are mid/high-end models between $2000 and $5000. This is the sweet spot where you start to experience movie theater quality at an accessible price that compares to high-end TVs.
The Best Overall: Epson Home Cinema LS11000
While no projector can be all things to all people, the Epson Home Cinema LS11000 checks a lot of boxes. Currently one of the best values for the dollar, this 4K capable laser projector gets high marks for image quality and color accuracy. It offers outstanding black levels compared to most LCD projectors and even comparable DLP models, and it does so without the rainbow effect that some people experience with DLP technology. It can reproduce high-framerate content with a native 120 Hz refresh rate, putting it in rare company amongst projectors in this range. HDMI 2.1 with eARC ensures compatibility with the latest 4K content and audio devices, and offers a low input lag of under 20ms, crucial for enjoying video games.
To simplify installation, it offers an incredibly generous motorized optical zoom and lens shift capability, allowing it to cover most home installation sizes and distances. Furthermore, it is RS-232 controllable for integration with popular home automation and control systems.
Not the most affordable, nor the most expensive, the LS11000 is packed with quality and features that rivals pricier options. One of the only thing this projector doesn’t do is 3D, which for most is hardly a deal breaker. If that is a deal breaker for you, you’ll want to check out my next favorite projector.
The Best Option for Cinephiles: BenQ W5800
If you are looking to recreate a truly exact cinematic picture at home, look no further than the BenQ W5800 4K Laser DLP Projector. It features ISFccc certified factory calibration for color performance that offers 100% DCI-P3 and 100% Rec.709 color space coverage, right out of the box. Filmmaker mode, with support for native frame rates and aspect ratios, ensures you are watching movies exactly as the director intended. HDMI 2.0b with eARC offers full 4K HDR10+ support and broad device compatibility.
This is a premium cinema projector in every sense, with luxurious build quality, super high-quality lens, advanced settings and features, flexible installation capability, whisper-quiet operation, and full 3D functionality. The only things that kept this from the top of my list are the higher price tag and lack of 120 Hz support compared to the LS11000.
If movies with dynamic colors are what you are looking for, and the laser options above are just out of reach price wise, check out this lamp-based option.
Best Non-Laser Projector: Epson Home Cinema PRO-UHD 5050UB
While laser projectors offer long life and amazing image consistency, they are typically pricier than comparable lamp-based models. Granted, lasers are typically rated for 20,000 plus hours of use, while lamps are generally good for around 3000, but those are plenty of hours for most people to get a few years of use before having to replace the bulb. The Epson Home Cinema PRO-UHD 5050UB offers many of the premium features found in the LS11000, with generous motorized optical zoom and lens shift, HDR support, and wide color gamut. This projector produces bright, vivid colors and deep blacks using LCD technology, which means no rainbow effect.
Compared to laser options, the 5050UB does run a little hotter, so there will be more fan noise. Color accuracy is lower than the LS11000, but excellent for the price range, even in dark areas, which I find impressive for a 3LCD model. Also, the HDMI does not support audio return channel, or high frame rate content, but that will not affect all users.
If high frame rates and low input lag are a top priority, then you’ll want to check out this next one, for sure.
Best Projector for Console Gaming: BenQ X3100i
For the console gamer who also loves a big screen, most projectors lack framerate speed and have too much input lag for a smooth gaming experience. Now, no projector will ever match the speed and precision of a gaming monitor, but when you’re looking to be immersed in life-sized images that only a projector can deliver, BenQ's X3100i multi-LED projector is as fast as they get.
Designed with an Auto Game Mode, the X3100i can identify which console you’ve connected and optimize the settings for the best possible gameplay, with input lag as low as 4.16ms, and support for 1080p 240 Hz content. It has three HDMI 2.0b inputs and supports eARC functionality. A relatively short 1.15-1.5:1 throw ratio allows it to work well in smaller spaces, like bedrooms. What it lacks in color contrast, compared to the options above, it makes up for in gaming power. Additionally, it includes the Google-licensed Android TV for all of your streaming needs.
Best Short-Throw Option: BenQ TK710STi
Although this list is primarily focused on standard throw lenses, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the BenQ TK710STi. Short-throw lenses are naturally less flexible and more fiddly to set up than standard throw lenses. However, if you are looking for a big screen experience and you can’t place the projector too far from the screen, this laser DLP projector can throw a 100” diagonal image from just 5’ to 6’ away. It has two HDMI 2.0b inputs and supports eARC function. Although it does not offer the same high contrast of the models above, it is no slouch in the imaging department, and it supports 1080p 240 Hz content with ultra-low 4.2 ms input lag, making it another solid choice for gamers.
Best Option Under $2000: Epson Home Cinema 3800
Dipping below the $2000 mark means losing premium features, like a motorized lens, advanced calibration, and intense color accuracy, especially in darker areas. But when it comes to vibrant color and smooth images, the Epson brand is a well-regarded choice at any price point. The Epson Home Cinema 3800 is a 3LCD lamp projector with generous 1.62x manual optical zoom and 10-bit HDR color support. While LCD technology cannot produce the same black levels as DLP, especially in this range, it can produce high color brightness without rainbow effect, making the Epson 3800 an excellent choice for anyone wanting to fill a screen bigger than 100” without breaking the bank.
I hope this helps you with your quest to build your ideal home theater. For more information on these and other models, including additional features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out the detailed product pages linked above.
