Best Projector Under 300 Dollars in 2022
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Want to bring the cinema experience into your living room? Buying a projector is an excellent place to start. Gone are the days when projectors were expensive technology confined to lecture theaters and multinational corporation boardrooms.
Today, you can easily get your hands on a projector for under 300 bucks and set up a cinematic experience in the comfort of your home.
This article reveals the best projector under 300 dollars in 2022, so break out your favorite movie, gather the family together, and let movie night begin!
- Aesthetically-pleasing design
- 5-layer lens protection
- Lengthy throw distance
- Extremely user-friendly
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
- Compatible with various devices
Best Projector Under 300 Dollars: Our Top 8 Picks for 2022
- Brightness: 9000L
- Contrast Ratio: 10000:1
- Native Resolution: 1080p
- Mounting Type: Ceiling
- Brightness: 340 ANSI
- Contrast Ratio: 10000:1
- Native Resolution: 1080p
- Mounting Type: Tabletop
- Brightness: 450 ANSI
- Contrast Ratio: 12000:1
- Native Resolution: 1080p
- Mounting Type: Ceiling, wall, tripod
- Brightness: 15000L
- Contrast Ratio: 20000:1
- Native Resolution: 1080p
- Mounting Type: Ceiling
- Brightness: 3200L
- Contrast Ratio: 15000:1
- Native Resolution: SVGA
- Mounting Type: Tabletop
- Brightness: 7000L
- Contrast Ratio: 10000:1
- Native Resolution: 1080p
- Mounting Type: Wall
- Brightness: 120 LED
- Contrast Ratio: 12000:1
- Native Resolution: WVGA
- Mounting Type: Wall
- Brightness: 460 ANSI
- Contrast Ratio: 15000:1
- Native Resolution: 1080p
- Mounting Type: Tabletop, ceiling
Top 8 Best Projectors Under $300 in 2022
The projectors listed below are among the best you can get for under $300. Let’s check them out to learn what makes them essential for home theaters.
- Brightness: 9000L
- Contrast Ratio: 10000:1
- Native Resolution: 1080p
- Mounting Type: Ceiling
The YABER Y31 tops our best projectors under $300 list for being a feature-packed product that’s friendly to modest budgets, all without skimping on quality.
If you expect excellent image quality from your projector, you won’t want to miss out on the Y31. This projector features a high 10000:1 contrast ratio, providing crisp images on your projector screen. Also, it can display video at full HD resolution without compression. And its 9000-lumen lamp is incredibly bright.
Among the Y31’s most impressive features are its SmartEco technology and silent cooling system. The former helps minimize the lamp’s power consumption, extending its lifespan by 100,000 hours. Meanwhile, the silent cooling system keeps it from rapidly heating.
Additionally, the Y31 has built-in 3W dual audio speakers that produce high-quality audio. The speaker’s SRS sound system negates the need for external speakers, providing an unforgettably immersive experience. And with many ports (HDMI, USB, etc.), the Y31 has high compatibility with many devices, including your DVD player, mobile devices, Xbox console, and more.
Of course, no product is perfect, so as fantastic as the Y31 is, it’s still flawed. For example, it lacks an optical zoom feature, which is standard on other projectors. And the picture quality nosedives in a room with light. However, its many pros outweigh these cons.
- High-quality speakers
- Full HD resolution
- High contrast ratio
- Silent cooling system
- Digital keystone correction feature (vertical and horizontal)
- Audio in and out port mini jacks included
- No optical zoom feature
- Picture quality dips when the room isn’t dark
Bottom Line
The YABER Y31 is our favorite projector under $300. It serves all the functions most people need in a projector despite its few shortcomings.
- Brightness: 340 ANSI
- Contrast Ratio: 10000:1
- Native Resolution: 1080p
- Mounting Type: Tabletop
Coming in at second place on this best projector under $300 list is the Artlii Energon 2, a projector with a sleek, modern design and a host of high-tech features.
The most prominent of this projector’s features is its luminosity. Its lamp provides 340 ANSI lumens brightness and features an 80% color gamut with a 17 million color range. In other words, it’s bright and offers rich and colorful images. Moreover, the lamp’s lens has five layers of protection, making it durable.
At under 6 pounds, the Energon 2 is exceptionally lightweight. Also, it has a native HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and is capable of displaying in 4K UHD quality. Meanwhile, its impressive throw distance ranges between 5 and 27 feet, while its wireless technology works with 5G and is highly compatible with most Bluetooth and Wi-Fi-enabled devices.
Another feature worth appreciating is its image zoom, which ranges between 60% and 100%. You can switch between the two zoom distances with the Energon 2’s remote or by hand. Also, this table-mounted projector has a wattage of 150 watts.
Unfortunately, the Energon 2 isn’t very useful during the daytime unless you dim the lights. Also, this projector is prone to glitches in the picture quality, which is a shame since it does an incredible job when it’s working.
- Aesthetically-pleasing design
- 5-layer lens protection
- 3-in-1 AV and HDMI cables included
- 4K display and LCD
- Lightweight (6 pounds)
- 1920 x 1080 pixels HD resolution
- Lengthy throw distance
- Not suitable for use in daylight
- Prone to picture glitches
Bottom Line
The Energon 2’s durable design, lightweight, and versatility make it our second favorite pick on this list.
- Brightness: 450 ANSI
- Contrast Ratio: 12000:1
- Native Resolution: 1080p
- Mounting Type: Ceiling, wall, tripod
If you want a projector that can be mounted in multiple ways, it doesn’t get more versatile than the ONOAYO ONO1. You can set up this 5G-compatible projector in three ways: on a tripod, as a wall mount, or as a ceiling mount.
This projector features a powerful 9800 lumens lamp with a crisp 12000:1 contrast ratio, producing highly detailed images. Moreover, it comes with a 4-point Keystone Correction feature for adjusting the vertical and horizontal angle and a zoom function that can reduce the image’s size by 50%.
The ONO1’s 360-degree flip function is also impressive, letting you easily flip the image. And its built-in speaker, coupled with the projector’s Bluetooth connectivity, pulls double duty as a music box. Speaking of connection, the ONO1 is compatible with multiple devices, including computers and TV sticks.
Moreover, the ONO1 comes with some handy accessories, such as a remote control, instruction manual, and a stylish black backpack. In particular, the backpack is an excellent addition since it makes transporting this projector much easier.
Unfortunately, the ONO1 isn’t without issues. Mainly, the projector’s lens cap isn’t very secure, which can be annoying since it’s meant to protect the lens. Also, the projector’s built-in speakers tend to lag when connected to a device via Bluetooth.
- Backpack included
- Extremely user-friendly
- 9800 lumens LED bulb
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
- Compatible with various devices
- 360-degree image flip feature
- Remote control and instruction manual included
- Built-in speakers lag in audio
- Lens cap not secure
Bottom Line
The ONOAYO ONO1 is your printer of choice if you expect to move it around and onto different mounting systems, as it supports wall, ceiling, and tripod mounting.
- Brightness: 15000L
- Contrast Ratio: 20000:1
- Native Resolution: 1080p
- Mounting Type: Ceiling
The WiMiUS K1 earns its spot on our list for being the best projector under $300 most suited to large screens up to 100”. So when you think of the K1, think of large living rooms and lecture halls.
But how does it hold up display-wise? This full HD projector comes with the latest LED technology and a bright 15000 lumens lamp. And the native 1920 x 1080 resolution translates to some crisp and beautiful images on the screen. It also helps that this projector has a 10000:1 contrast ratio.
Additionally, the K1 is one device-friendly projector. Whether you want to project content from your PC, iPhone, PlayStation, or other devices, you can connect via the projector’s 5G Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities. Moreover, you can use it with Firesticks, Roku, Chromecast, and more (though we would’ve appreciated it if WiMiUS threw in an Android MHL cable).
WiMiUS offers a generous 4-year warranty with the K1. You can get a replacement projector if you encounter problems in the first year, while you get free repairs in the subsequent three. However, it’s doubtful that you’d face any projection issues early on, given that this projector’s lamp has a 10-year lifespan.
If we could make one minor complaint about this projector, it’s that we didn’t fancy the projector’s loud fans. After a while, the noise tends to detract from the viewing experience.
- 20000:1 contrast ratio
- 15000 lumens LED bulb
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Excellent for large screens (up to 100 inches)
- Compatible with Firesticks, Roku, Chromecast, and more
- 4-year warranty
- Noisy fans
- Android MHL cable not included
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for the beefiest printer under $300, then the WiMiUS K1 won’t disappoint you with its powerful 15000L bulb.
- Brightness: 3200L
- Contrast Ratio: 15000:1
- Native Resolution: SVGA
- Mounting Type: Tabletop
Epson has a reputation for making excellent products, and the Epson VS250 upholds that tradition. This projector makes our list for being the best for everyday use, thanks to its tabletop mount design and internal technologies.
The VS250 has a 3200-lumen brightness. While modest when compared to other projectors on this list, it’s more than adequate for projecting presentations and graphics in dark or well-lit rooms. Additionally, it features an 800 x 600 SVGA resolution and HDMI connectivity, making it compatible with modern laptops and other media players.
Another quality that makes this projector such an excellent choice for everyday use is how quick it is to set up. It’s very easy to make image adjustments, putting total control in your hands within minutes of unboxing the projector.
Moreover, the VS250’s projected distance is pretty decent (30-350 inches), capable of projecting clear images across most moderately-sized rooms.
With that said, the VS250 lags behind competitor products in two areas: first, it doesn’t come with remote control, which is a shame considering Epson markets it as an everyday projector. Also, we don’t like that an everyday projector is strictly limited to tabletop mounting. Besides these two criticisms, it’s a solid projector you should consider for workplace use.
- Lamps have a 6000-10000-hour lifespan
- Compatible with iOS, Android, and laptops
- Lightweight projector
- Excellent for PowerPoint presentations
- 3200 lumens LED bulb
- 15000:1 contrast ratio
- 3-year warranty
- Doesn’t come with remote control
- Tripod and ceiling mount options are not possible
Bottom Line
Epson VS250 is a lightweight projector that fits all types of every day, non-formal activities, though get ready to move around because it doesn’t come with a remote.
- Brightness: 7000L
- Contrast Ratio: 10000:1
- Native Resolution: 1080p
- Mounting Type: Wall
Do you want a projector that’s built with high-quality parts? Then, the YABER Y30 is an excellent choice. This projector has the best build quality of the bunch, thanks to a German-made LED light source that helps it produce fantastic brightness.
Germany’s engineering and manufacturing prowess need no introduction, so you can expect this projector’s 9500 lumens lamp to offer incredible image clarity and color accuracy. Moreover, the Y30 features a 10000:1 contrast ratio, easily projecting deep shadows and vivid highlights.
Handily, YABER bundles a remote control with the Y30, and you’ll be using it for optical zooming when you want to reduce the image by 50% of its original dimensions. Meanwhile, the projector’s mirroring function is excellent when you want to connect your laptop or smartphone and view its content on the big screen.
Also, this portable projector features a silent 3-fan cooling system to prevent it from overheating while in use. That’s awesome, especially since you can use it to project images onto huge screens.
Ironically, while the Y30’s imported parts earn it a spot on our list for their performance, its build quality leaves much to be desired. This projector isn’t very durable, so you can expect to take full advantage of YABER’s admittedly-generous 3-year warranty.
Also, the Y30 isn’t the most user-friendly projector on this list, having a bit of a learning curve to get it running at its full potential.
- Extremely portable
- Giant screen projection
- 3-fan silent cooling system
- Excellent zoom function
- 3-year warranty, lifetime professional support, and 6-month money-back guarantee
- Not very durable
- High learning curve
Bottom Line
The YABER Y30 pays homage to the best of German engineering at an affordable price. It’s also extremely portable, which is a plus.
- Brightness: 120 LED
- Contrast Ratio: 12000:1
- Native Resolution: WVGA
- Mounting Type: Wall
The ViewSonic M1 is hands down the most portable projector on this list. It’s a wall-mount projector, and its portability means you can use it anywhere.
All credit for the M1’s multi-room use goes to the projector’s smart stand, which lets you position it at different angles and heights. Moreover, when the projector isn’t in use, the smart stand handily pulls double duty as a lens cover, keeping dust and damage at bay.
Despite its diminutive size, the M1 comes packed with some cool features. For one, it has dual Harman Kardon speakers that produce high-quality audio that surrounds the room. For another, it has a built-in battery that provides up to six hours of use. And you can use the battery to charge your USB-C devices while the power adapter is plugged in.
When you pair this projector with a dongle, you can use it to stream your favorite shows on Netflix or watch your favorite game. Moreover, the M1’s short throw lens provides image projection for up to 100 inches—a respectable distance given its home entertainment use case.
Unfortunately, the M1 puzzlingly lacks brightness and contrast controls, so you’re stuck with the default settings. Also, its focus wheel is too sensitive and will take some significant tweaking to get right.
- Short throw lens
- Harman Kardon speakers produce high-quality audio
- Smart stand for easy wall mounting
- Built-in battery lasts 6 hours
- USB-C cable included
- Rapid, user-friendly setup
- Doesn’t come with brightness and contrast controls
- Focus wheel may be too sensitive for some
Bottom Line
At a staggering 1.54 pounds, the ViewSonic M1 is an incredibly portable projector. And with its 6-hour battery, you can take it in places without a nearby socket.
- Brightness: 460 ANSI
- Contrast Ratio: 15000:1
- Native Resolution: 1080p
- Mounting Type: Tabletop, ceiling
The TOPTRO X5 rounds out our list as the most high-tech projector under $300 in 2022. It earns this distinction thanks to its 5G Wi-Fi chip, which prevents signal interference for smooth HD video transmission. Moreover, using this functionality is as simple as connecting to your Wi-Fi, eliminating the need to download third-party software.
Additionally, the X5 has high compatibility with different devices like laptops, video game consoles, etc. Yet, you might not need to connect your laptop if the file you want to display is a Word document, Excel sheet, or Adobe PDF. Instead, you can directly access the files by plugging in a USB stick into the projector, saving time and effort.
When it comes to brightness, the X5 doesn’t slouch, as it has a high-quality 460 ANSI lumen ability. Moreover, its 85% color gamut and 4K support mean you can expect vivid colors and crystal-clear images. Also, you can adjust the image zoom between 50% and 100% of its original size.
Another impressive feature is the X5’s wireless screen mirroring, which lets you display content from your smart devices without issue. And TOPTRO offers a 3-year warranty for the X5, meaning you won’t be left in the lurch should you experience any problems with it during that period.
Two things to note about the X5: first, the Bluetooth connectivity isn’t error-free, so you might experience the odd sound delay. Second, you may sometimes see blotches on the screen, detracting from the viewing experience.
- High 460 ANSI lumen bulb
- Fast Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- High-quality and long-lasting German light source
- 85% NTSC color gamut
- 4K support
- 50% to 100% zoom feature
- Wireless screen mirroring connectivity
- Sound delay experienced with Bluetooth
- Screen blotches occasionally over time
Bottom Line
A 5G Wi-Fi chip, 460 ANSI lumen brightness, 85% color gamut—it takes a true projector nerd to realize what a steal this is!
Best Projector Under $300 Buying Guide
Factors to Consider when Choosing a Projector Under $300
Contrast
The projector’s contrast settings will determine its image quality. A higher contrast ratio will produce a crisper image, while a lower one will result in images with a muddier quality. Please remember that the latter kind of image quality might impact your eyesight, so it’s best to pick a projector with better contrast.
Brightness and Lumens
Lamp lumens and bulb brightness are two peas of the same pod, and both can significantly enhance your viewing experience. The amount of brightness you need will depend on the space where you’ll set up the projector.
Bulb Lifespan
Lamp life is an essential factor to consider when choosing a projector, as it affects the projector’s image quality. Also, projectors with longer-lasting bulbs will give you an excellent viewing experience long into the future.
Display and Resolution
Projectors use different kinds of display technologies when displaying images. Commonly, you’ll find projectors using LCD technology, though LED and DLP ones are also available. Meanwhile, the projector’s resolution is just as important, as it refers to the number of pixels used when rendering the images. While 1080p is standard, you can do just fine with a 720p projector.
Connectivity
If you intend to project images from devices like your laptop, smartphone, or video game console, you’ll want a projector with connectivity ports like HDMI and USB. While these projectors require additional accessories like an HDMI cable to make the connection work, others require a USB cable you might have lying around the house.
Mounting
Depending on how you’d like to use the projector, you might want to keep mounting in mind when making your choice. Projectors can be mounted on a tabletop, wall, ceiling, or all of the above, with the latter type being the most versatile in terms of the number of rooms you can use them in.
FAQs
How Many Lumens Should a Projector Have?
It depends on the room size you’ll be using the projector in. If you’re using the projector in a home theater where you need as little ambient light as possible, you should get one with at least 1500 lumens. For bigger rooms, aim for a projector with at least 2500 lumens.
What’s Better, LCD or LED Projectors?
Both projectors have their pros and cons. LCD projectors are very bright and produce excellent color saturation, and are the ones to get if you’ll be using the projector in a room with ambient light. Meanwhile, choose an LED projector if you want a longer-lasting lamp bulb, as these projectors have lamps that can last for 20,000 hours.
Final Thoughts
And just like that, we come to the end of this rundown of the best projectors under $300 in 2022.
There are many fantastic options available, each serving a particular projection need, so you shouldn’t have any problems choosing one from our list.
For us, the YABER Y31 distinguishes itself with features like its incredible brightness and image quality, high-quality built-in speakers, SmartEco technology, and silent cooling fans.
It’s a projector you wouldn’t want to pass on if you want the best technology projectors have to offer.