Best 4k projector Under 1500 (2022) Guide
Due to the current pandemic, movie theatres are still closed, and everyone wants to feel the cinematic experience at their home with family members.
Many people believe that 4k projectors are bulkier in size and consume lots of electricity. But as technology advances, the size and weight of these units are also getting compact with less in size.
To help make your decision a little easier, we’ve put together a list of the best 4k projector under 1500 that comes with excellent image quality and multiple features.
The latest innovation in “ultra-short-throw” models has become brighter and takes less installation time.
Contents
Best 4k Projector Under 1500
When we were testing the multiple devices, we kept numerous points in mind and which are
- True 4k image quality
- Excellent gaming experience with the lowest lag time
- Ease to set up the unit
- A higher contrast ratio with almost zero rainbow effect.
Also, many units are available in the market that claims to be “4k projector, but they are actually the enhanced version of 108p”.
1). Anker Nebula
This unit is compact in size and offers an excellent gaming experience with the lowest lag time.
Additionally, you can set up this projector in less than 20 minutes times even though you are using it for the first time.
In terms of best image quality, it gives you the most impressive picture quality with a UHD resolution of (3840×2160) which is four times better than full HD which is 1080p.
If you don’t want to attach any other external speakers with your unit then don’t worry Nebula Cosmos comes with four x 10w speakers that are optimized to deliver 360° of true 3D audio.
But if you want a theatre-like experience, attaching the external speaker with this unit will do the job.
With HDR10 & HLG technology, you can watch your content on a bigger screen with a higher contrast ratio in a bright room.
Also, the HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) automatically detects the non-HDR content and upscales it to near HDR quality for better viewing.
The projector lamp has a 30,000 hours life and is loaded with Android 9.0 software that lets you browse 5000+ applications and games.
It also comes with the google assistant feature, which makes it easier for you to play anything right from your voice.
At the back of the unit, there are optical audio, 2 USB A ports, two HDMI ports, and power ports.
While testing this unit we found out this traditional projector was struggling to project the images in brighter rooms due to its fewer lumens power of (1500).
Pros
- 4k cinematic experience.
- The auto keystone and autofocus adjust the image even if the projector is placed in the corner of the room.
- It gives 30,000 hours of lamp life.
- In-built sound quality is an outstanding giving experience of Dolby digital experience.
Cons
- If you want to use the Nebula Cosmos in some lighter condition, it might lack in giving brighter images.
- Also, you will need a nebula app manager in order to install Amazon Prime or Netflix on the projector to view the content.
2). BenQ TK700STi:
Next, we have the best projectors under 1500, which is from BENQ that is ideal for gamers and has a refresh rate of 60hz with an input lag of 16 milliseconds.
With the feature of a short-throw ratio, you can project the image of 100 inches from only 6.4 feet(2m) away, so it will be perfect for small rooms or apartments.
Also, this unit has a laser projector lamp power of 3000 lumens that will give brighter images in gameplay mode.
But it has a contrast ratio of 10000:1, which we feel is at the lower end.
Now really cool feature that we like about this model is it has HDMI and CEC options which let the projector automatically power on/off when connected with any streaming device.
Remember this device does not support 4k at 120 Hz, but it will support 120 Hz on 1080p, so the input lag you will get is around 8-9 milliseconds depending on which game you play.
You can connect this model with various playing sources like PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Google Stadia, Nintendo Switch, etc.
Terms of what we didn’t like about this unit is noise. The projector does get heated up, and the fan noise might distract you if the sound level is too low for the movie or games.
To cool the projector temperature, you should place the model where the room is not hot or humid.
It comes with a 3-year warranty, and the unit will automatically shut down when there is no signal for a few minutes.
Also, your home theatre and other projectors will power on automatically when connected with BENQ TK700STi.
Pros
- Comes with an Android 9 operating system with thousands of apps loaded on the device.
- The wireless voice remote comes with Google Assistant.
- 3d ready with full HD.
- 4K UHD with pixel shifting (3840 x 2160).
Cons
- No lens shift feature.
- Colors are not as vivid in cinema mode.
3). Optoma UHD 38
If you are looking for a device that can serve both the purpose of gaming and is also perfect for viewing movies in lighter conditions then Optoma UHD38 is perfect for you.
The Optoma UHD38 provides a home theater experience with the help of 8.3 million distinct pixels.
You can also use this projector in lighter conditions due to the contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1 and the lumens power of 4000 it will project brighter images in a brighter room.
This model gives a more vivid color and deeper black level with the HDR10 & HLG technology.
Now in terms of gaming experience, you will get a 240 HZ in 1080p with a lag time of 4.2 ms and there will be less motion blur or freezing while you play your favorite game.
But if you are looking to play your favorite games on true 4k mode then chances are you will get a lag time of 16ms and refresh rate of 60 Hz which is a little bit low for hardcore gamers.
You will get the life of a lamp is 15,000 hours which will last for 10+ hours if you use your Optoma daily for 3 hours.
Also, you can project the images @ 300″ inches, only 13.1 feet away, which is ideal for those who are shorter in space.
While testing this unit, I would say the internal speakers’ sound quality is average, and you might have to purchase the external speakers to experience true gaming or cinematic experience.
Also, the fan’s noise is so loud when you are playing the game on 4k mode. And when this device is running in quality dedicated sports modes, then the experience of running your games is at a different level.
Pros
- The images can be zoomed at 1.1x and keystone correction of ±40°.
- A contrast ratio of (1,000,000:1) will surely let you see the images even if your curtains are lifted in daylight conditions.
- HDR 10 & HLG technology gives you a more enhanced viewing experience.
- A lag time of 4.2 ms in 1080p with a refresh rate of 240 Hz will give you an awesome gaming experience.
Cons
- No Wifi connectivity at this price.
- You might need an external speaker system for a cinematic feel.
4). XGIMI Horizon
This projector comes with an inbuilt 8-watt Harmon Kardon sound system which will give a brilliant sound system.
Now when you boot up the projector for the first time it will go into autofocus mode which will automatically adjust the picture according to your best viewing angle.
The digital zoom feature allows you to zoom in or out as you want.
The best feature that we like about the XGIMI projector is it comes with an obstacle avoidance feature.
So, what it will do is when something is on its way like in front of its projection lens it will automatically project on a projector screen.
This unit will run on Android 10 os and also you will need a third-party app to download to watch Netflix with your family and friends.
You will get a crystal clear image from only 3 feet away.
Also, you will get 24 GB of space and built-in Wifi and Bluetooth audio support enables you to connect a wireless audio device or your best projector devices.
So, this projector is not perfect for hardcore gamers who are looking to play their favorite games with low lag time.
But still for movie lovers or using for a business meeting this unit will be an excellent choice for you.
Pros
- You can project the screen with the size of 30″-300″ inches.
- It comes with inbuilt wifi, Bluetooth, and 3.5mm headphone input.
- 2200 ANSI lumens give you warmer colors in dim and dark rooms.
- The autofocus adjusts the image size according to the wall or the projector screens.
Cons
- Remember this is not a home theater projector. It will enhance the 4k images when you are projecting on the screen.
- Not ideal for gamers.
5). BenQ TK800M
The BenQ TK800m is made to give its viewers more brightness in ambient lighting conditions while playing games or watching their favorite movie on a bigger screen.
First, let’s talk about the design, this projector comes with blue aqua color on the front which gives a more premium look when sitting on the table.
On the front, there is a BenQ logo and on the top, there is six menu button that helps you to control all the setting of TK800m.
Now in terms of image quality, it comes with a DLP chip that produces a 4k resolution of 8.3 million distinct pixels giving a more detailed picture quality on the screen.
Also with 3000 lumens power, you can use this 4k projector as a daily viewing unit with ambient light present in the room which will not wash the videos on the screen.
But you will need to put the projector 12 feet away from the wall or screen to project the image of 120″ inches.
6). ViewSonic (X10-4KE)
Next, we have a Viewsonic projector with a new design of rectangle shape and a high-quality projector made up of metal finish.
This unit is capable of producing a 3840×2160 4k resolution with a screen size of up to 200 inches.
Now, this unit can also be known as a portable 4k projector that is perfect for those who want their unit not to fix in one place.
You can either take this unit with you in your RV while camping while powering the projector with help of a generator or you can also use it in the backyard of your house.
Now, why is this called a smart home theater projector, it works with google home, Amazon Alexa, and other smart devices.
So, when you don’t need to access the back of Viewsonic ports there is a leather cover that covers all your connecting ports when you are traveling with your unit.
The input delay you will get for around 60 ms and the LED technology provides 8.3 million pixels giving 4x more clarity when projecting UHD content on the surface.
Remember for true 4k projection you will need a 4k screen for a 4k projector.
When we got out hands on this model we didn’t like the third-party App Aptoide which is provided to download all the apps and games to watch on the screen.
Also, due to the lumens power of 2400 LED this model is made specially to project in darker conditions not in daylight or in a brighter room.
Pros
- Premium audio system.
- Ultra High Definition projector.
- You can mount this unit either on the ceiling or on a solid surface.
- The back cover hides all the connection ports which makes it easy to carry on the go.
Cons
- Instead of giving the cover backside, the manufacturer should have given cover to the projector lens opening and closing.
- The third-party app is not user-friendly.
Best Projectors Under $1500 (Buying Guide)
There are some things which you should consider before going to purchase the projection system.
The factors below will help you select the right projector to experience what true UHD (ultra-high definition) is on a bigger screen that ranges above 100″ inches.
Size For [Best living room projector]
The size of the projector is a must to consider factor. To get rid of the “screen-door” effect, you should go for a high pixel density.
Smaller projectors have lower pixels and thus it will be hard to experience what true 4k is on screen.
You can choose between short-throw or ultra-short-throw projectors. A short-throw projector can throw an image from around 3ft away which displays an image size of 100″ inches minimum size.
While the ultra-short-throw projector, you can project the images from as low as 2 feet away from the screen gives a size of 120″ inches from the unit.
So, in short, before deciding to go with your favorite 4k model make sure you have the right calculation of the wall or either the screen size where you are going to project the images.
Lumen Value
The lumen value of the projector is an important factor to consider. Lumen is nothing but a light output that needs for projecting your image onto a screen.
The higher the lumens, the brighter the image will be on the screen or wall.
To get a clear and brighter image experience even in ambient light conditions go with a higher or more powerful lumens lamp.
If you are going to project the unit in darker condition most probably then you can go with a 2000-3000 lumens power depending on darker your room is.
But, if you are using it in a sunny room where you need to lift the curtains then with at least 4000 lumens power you will need to project in daylight conditions.
Pixel Resolution
The next factor that you must consider is pixel resolution. This will help you to understand whether your 4k projector is real or just an up-scaling one.
The minimum pixel count for full 4k great picture quality should be around 8 million pixels.
Lag Time of Projector
Last but not least is the lag time of the projector. This is very important because this will help you in experiencing high frame rates and fast-action videos.
The lower the latency, the better it is to see full 60fps on your screen without any input lagging issue.
The units of latency timing are measured in milliseconds or ms and this will tell you how fast your projector is rendering enhanced image sharpness without lagging.
Most probably the lag time is mainly used when you are using your 4k projector for gaming.
So, if you are a hardcore gamer and you want lag-free audio quality in your gaming then select the unit in the range of 6ms up to 18ms depending on what type of game you are playing.
Types Of HD Projectors.
There are different types of projectors available in the market. The most common display technologies include DLP, LCD, and LCoS types of units.
The main difference between these three types is the way they handle the light reflected on the screen.
DLP projectors tend to use a single color wheel, LCD use three (RGB), and LCoS uses three independent light modulators.
In DLP projectors colors are produced by a color wheel that is rotated in front of the light source.
These are very fast projectors with almost no input lag time but have the lowest contrast ratios among all three display technologies.
In LCD and DLP projectors colors are produced by a combination of a color wheel and a series of dichroic mirrors.
These have slightly higher lag times than DLP projectors but have higher contrast ratios.
LCoS projectors have three independent light modulators, one for each primary color. These produce the highest contrast ratios and have a relatively low lag time.
Price
Before selecting the projector, the price also plays an important role when selecting the right projector for your living or master bedroom.
You will get less choice for true UHD experience in a cheap projector of below 1500.
But if you go for a price range of under 3000 dollars then you will have multiple true UHD 4k projectors to choose from for your outdoor, business meetings, or for home theater projectors, etc.
FAQ
Can I project a 4k image from my laptop or computer?
No, it’s not possible to display a 4k picture from your laptop on the full-sized projector. In order to do so, you will need an upscaling video card that takes the lower resolution picture and scales it to match the higher resolution of the projector.
Are 4k projectors dim?
No, the number of lumens output tells you how bright your projector is. The higher the lumen value, the brighter projector will be.
So if you are using it in a dark room then go for high lumens value whereas if you are planning to use it in a lit room then go for a higher lumens power bulb.
What is the difference between 4k and 1080p projectors?
The main difference between these two is that a 4k projector can produce much higher resolutions than 1080p.
A 4k projector has a pixel resolution of 8 million pixels whereas a 1080p projector has a pixel resolution of up to 2 million pixels.
The high number of pixels produced by the 4k projector results in sharper, clearer, and more life-like picture quality.
Conclusion
We hope the above information has helped you select the best 4k projectors under $1500 according to your need and viewing experience.
We will keep on updating the article and surely add new products that will be available in the market.
At that moment, I thought, why should I restrict myself to a smaller screen when an alternate option like a projector is available on the market.
So, I began searching the internet for the best projectors in 2014. And to be honest, I didn't find the information I was looking for.
But then, on my friend's suggestion, I purchased a BenQ 1080p projector in 2015. After that, my love and interest in Projector started, and I kept reviewing the latest available projectors available in the market.
I wrote down each advantage and disadvantage of the current Projector model. I gave only an honest reviews to my readers on projectorsplace.com and my social media pages like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, etc.
If you feel I have left any projector model uncovered, let me know on my official email id: [email protected]
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Carry
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