On a massive screen, there’s no better way to play video games or watch movies. With 4K projectors becoming more readily available, you’ll need one to achieve the largest screen possible.
Ultra HD 4K projectors are still more expensive than their 1080p equivalents, despite falling prices in recent years to more accessible levels. However, because the low end of the 4K projector range is now only slightly more expensive than the high end of the 1080p range, 4K content is now readily available.
The resolution of a photograph is only one factor of its overall quality. A projector with a strong contrast ratio, colour gamut, keystone correction, and brightness, on the other hand, can easily compete with a 4K UHD projector that merely offers better resolution at the expense of everything else.
The greatest 4K projectors, on the other hand, combine excellent picture quality in all aspects with 4K resolution for simply amazing visuals. We looked at things like how well the project works in natural light, how easy it was to change the brightness and obtain color fidelity, and how large your “screen size” can genuinely be. Here are the best projectors for 4K content if you’re ready to take your home theatre to the next level.
If 4K HDR isn’t your top priority, check out our best home theatre projectors for 2021 features for more, generally less expensive, options — after all, even the cheapest 4K projector isn’t cheap. If portability is more important to you, we also offer a list that can help you locate a portable projector.
Contents
Overall, the best 4K projector
Epson Home Cinema 5050UB
Because it strikes the ideal mix between image quality and pricing, the Epson Home Cinema 5050UB is the greatest all-around 4K projector. You’ve got everything you need for a stunning image: an excellent contrast ratio, amazing brightness, and accurate color, all with more detail than a 1080p projector can provide. This UHD projector isn’t inexpensive, but it provides a big improvement over comparable 4K projectors in terms of image quality. The frosting on the cake is extensive lens shift and motorized zoom.
Money is no object when it comes to finding the best 4K projector.
VPL-VE325ES (Sony VPL-VE325ES)
The Sony VPL-VW325ES is a thoroughbred among horses, a Porsche among Volkswagens, and an outstanding beauty with a price to match. The contrast ratio is better than the Epson 5050 and much better than any projector that doesn’t cost significantly more. That’s saying a lot, considering the Sony is much more expensive than any other projector on this list. If money isn’t an issue, the image quality of the 4K resolution is excellent.
The best 4K projector on a budget
Optoma UHD35
The UHD35 crams a lot of features into a small package at a low price. It can throw a lot of light, has outstanding detail, and generates true colors. The contrast ratio isn’t very high, but it’s on par with other 4K projectors in this price range. And the pricing is the UHD35’s most compelling feature. It provides excellent picture quality for a fraction of the cost of the top 1080p projectors. It doesn’t have lens shift or much zoom, but it’s a terrific way to obtain 4K on a cheap assuming it fits in your room.
The best color 4K projector (with lasers!)
HU810PW HU810PW HU810PW HU810PW HU8
The LG CineBeam HU810PW creates light using completely new and innovative technology: lasers! Most other projectors, including those on this list, rely on UHP lights, which are essentially glorified lightbulbs. The 810’s two lasers, in combination with a phosphor, enable it to produce significantly deeper, richer colors, which appear downright amazing when used with HDR material. The visuals on the 810 are bright and detailed as well. However, the contrast ratio isn’t fantastic, therefore this laser projector falls short of being at the top of this list.
On a budget, great 4K color
HT3550i by BenQ
The BenQ HT3550i makes a trade-off between brightness and color depth. They’re not quite as deep as the LG UH810PW’s, but they’re richer and more appealing than most projectors, and the 3550i costs about half as much as the LG. However, its contrast ratio is just average for a 4K projector, and its light output is well below average, resulting in an image that doesn’t jump as much as images from other projectors on our list.