Best 4k projector under 2000
If you are looking for a projector as a home theater setup or to play games on a bigger screen with a higher resolution, here are the best 4k projector under 2000.
When selecting a 4k projector, you should consider many factors before finalizing the purchase without regretting it later.
The factors include a higher resolution and better contrast ratio to get a clear and more realistic image when projecting any content on the screen.
We have listed some main points you should consider before finalizing the purchase in the last section of the guide.
Image | Product | Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|
LG HU70LA DLP 4K UHD Projector |
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BenQ TK800M Home Theater Projector |
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Optoma GT1090HDR Short Throw Laser Projector |
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Anker Nebula Cosmos Max 4K UHD TV |
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Epson EpiqVision Ultra Short Throw |
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Optoma HZ39HDR |
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Best 4K Projector Under 2000
1). LG HU70LA
Brightness | 1400 Lumens |
Contrast | 150,000:1 |
Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4k) |
Total Screen Size | 50″ – 140″ inches |
Throw Ratio | 12 ft from screen (Long throw) |
Dimension | 8.3 x 12.4 x 3.7 inches (L x W x H) |
Weight | 7.1 lbs |
The LG HU70LA is the best projector under $2000 due to its UHD projector resolution and provides a true 4k experience with a smart tv experience.
In terms of design, this projector comes with a compact and minimalistic design with a weight of less than 7.5 lbs.
This LG model can be placed on multiple locations, such as on a flat surface, table, or ceiling mount, to fix it permanently.
On the top of this unit are a zoom focus ring, power button, and menu buttons to control the projector.
The LG has also provided a magic remote control to manage the volume, channels, and settings, and even you can play any movie with the help of a voice assistant feature.
Regarding image quality, the HDR10 and 4kDLP chips produce more vivid and realistic image quality on the projection screen with the help of LED lamps.
Also, the picture quality was excellent in the cinema mode setting when projected in low light conditions.
In the sports mode setting, the images were bright enough, which is visible in the afternoon.
When we switched off the energy-saving mode while watching the movie conjuring 2, I couldn’t predict any rainbow effect on the screen despite this model having a DLP chip.
Also, the black levels were deeper, thanks to its contrast ratio of 150,000:1, making the movie experience even more enjoyable.
When switching the LG HU70LA from sports mode to cinema mode in ambient conditions, the images were not as bright as in sports mode.
The fan noise increase when running the projector for a few hours, and you can hear it if the internal speakers are used, which sounds below average.
At the back of the projector, there are two USB ports, two HDMI 2.0 ports, an antenna input, a USB-C port, optical output, a 3.5mm audio jack, and an ethernet port.
It comes with LG WebOS, loaded with multiple pre-installed applications like Amazon Prime, Netflix, Spotify, Youtube, and many more.
Pros
- Easy to setup
- It has a lamp life of 30,000 hours when running the projector in Eco mode.
- It comes with wifi and Bluetooth feature.
- Detailed 4k images give an excellent viewing experience.
Cons
- Small power cord.
- The speakers sound below average.
- Not made for gaming due to its high input lag time.
2). TK800M By BENQ (UHD Projector)
Lumens Power | 3000 |
Contrast Ratio | 10000:1 (dynamic) |
Resolution | True 4k (UHD) |
Total Screen Size | 40″ inches to 300 inches” |
Throw Ratio | 11 feet for 100″ inches ( long throw) |
Dimension | 10.7 x 13.9 x 5.3 inches (L x W x H) |
Weight | 9.7 lbs |
Total Lamp Hour | 15,000 (eco mode) 7,000 hours (normal) |
Next on our list is the BenQ TK800M, a brighter projector with the largest screen size of up to 300 inches on the screen or wall.
This unit gives a clear picture quality even though the room has ambient lighting conditions with the help of its powerful lamp of 3000 lumens.
First, let’s talk about the setup process, which will take less space while setting the object either on the ceiling or on a flat surface.
But you will need at least 10 feet long space to project 100″ inches of screen size on the wall.
The top of the BenQ TK800M has a menu button, zoom focus ring, power button, etc.
With the help of a DLP chip (display technology) and XPR technology, it possesses the true 8.3 million pixels and 4k image quality with a resolution of 3840×2160.
There are five picture modes: sports, bright, cinema, vivid, and football, which project images at different brightness and contrast levels.
While playing Forza horizon on TK800 in sports mode, we notice no input lag time, even in multiplayer mode.
I notice a lag time of less than 16ms while playing a game in the 1080p resolution in the default setting of gaming mode in a menu option.
Remember, a minimum distance of 11 feet from the screen is required to view a 100″ inch-screen ratio.
So it might be harder for you to place a projection system in limited space.
The lamp life of the TK800 will provide 15,000 hours of life when running the model in eco-mode, where brightness will be less.
But if you run it in sports or bright mode, the lamp only has a life of 7000-8000 hours, which is perfect for use in brighter conditions.
Pros
- Perfect for use in brighter conditions.
- Lower lag time of 16ms(1080p resolution).
- HDR10 technology increases the brightness and contrast ratio, providing excellent image quality.
- The auto keystone feature adjusts images vertically.
Cons
- No 3d auto-detection.
- With a color wheel, some people may see the effects of a rainbow on the screen.
3). Optoma GT1090HDR
Lumens Power | 4200 lumens |
Contrast Ratio | 300,000:1 |
Resolution | 4k (3840 x 2160) |
Total Screen Size | 150″ inches |
Throw Ratio | Short throw (3.5″ inch away for 100″ inch screen size) |
Dimension | 10.5 x 13.26 x 4.25 inches (L x W x H) |
Weight | 11.02 |
Total Lamp Hour | 30,000 (Last for more than 15 years) |
If you are looking for a projector that can project an image 100″ inches from just 4 feet away, you can check the Optoma GT1090 projection system.
This model has a native resolution of 1920 x 1080p, but with the help of HDR technology, it can also play 4k content on the screen.
Laser lamps do not require replacement too often as they last more than 20,000 hours in default mode and 29,000 in eco mode.
Also, it is certified with IP6X dust protection, which keeps the projector dust-free and helps to run it for a more extended period.
If your room has windows and you don’t have control over them, then with a 4,000 lumens power lamp, the images will be brighter when watching movies in daylight.
While testing the Optoma GT1090HDR, there is no lens shift or optical zoom feature to adjust the image on the wall or screen.
Only a digital zoom feature will change the pictures automatically according to the projector’s placement on the screen.
The GT1090 comes with multiple connectivity options, which are 2x HDMI( HDMI 1.4 & HDMI 2.0 for MHL), USB-A port, VGA IN, VGA out, RCA audio ports, RS-232, RJ-45 Lan port, and 3.5mm jack, and power port, etc.
This model also has internal speakers that sound above average, and according to our testing, the speakers will be decent for those viewers who don’t want to invest in external soundbars.
In this price range, the manufacturer should have added an android tv o/s to make the Optoma GT1090HDR an intelligent projector that helps eliminate streaming devices.
Pros
- 3d ready
- It comes with multiple ports.
- Dustproof.
- A short-throw distance displays anything 120″ inches from 5 feet away.
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HDR10-Compatible.
- Perfect for ambient conditions.
Cons
- Not a true 4k projector.
- No Android operating system.
- There is no lens shift feature.
4). Anker Nebula Cosmos Max: Top Projector Under 2000
Brightness Level | 1500 ANSI |
Contrast Ratio | 100000:1 Dynamic |
Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (Native 4k) |
Total Screen Size | 150 inches |
Throw Ratio | 100″ inches from 10 feet |
Dimension | 13.78 x 9.84 x 3.94 inches |
Weight | 6.61 lbs |
Total Lamp Hour | 30,000 hours |
If you are looking for the best projectors under 2000 with an in-built operating system installed with thousands of applications, you may check Anker nebula cosmos.
This model eliminates other streaming devices due to its built-in Android operating system, which works smoothly due to its faster 2 GB ram.
In terms of design, I have tested hundreds of projectors in my life, and all have the same boring design.
But not with Anker nebula cosmos max, which has an oval shape design and a weight of less than 8 lbs.
It has display technology of a DLP chip that supports 1080p resolution, but with a pixel shifting feature, it produces a video of 3840 x 2160 resolution.
A hole at the projector’s bottom helps mount the model with a tripod or a ceiling pole to fix the unit.
This unit comes with auto keystone vertical correction (±40°) and manual horizontal keystone correction with a digital zoom function that adjusts the images according to screen size.
According to our testing, the in-built 4×10 watt speakers provide Dolby digital surround sound audio experience.
Also, four members were present in the room while testing the cosmos 4k projector, and in our opinion, the sound quality was much better than other projection models.
With the support of HDR content, the viewing experience gets more enjoyable on the screen.
You can control every feature with the help of the remote control that comes with the Anker nebula projector.
Due to the DLP chip used by the Anker, you might see a little rainbow effect on the wall, mainly in darker scenes.
Pros
- The lamp life of LED is 30,000 hours which will last till the projector’s life.
- More than 5,000+ apps and games will entertain you.
- You can control everything with the help of remote control also.
- Good surround sound speakers.
- 4K resolution via XPR fast-switch pixel lens shift.
Cons
- No 3.5mm audio jack.
- Minimum connectivity options.
5). Epson EpiqVision Ultra Short Throw
The next is Epson EpiqVision which is perfect for viewers looking for an affordable 4k home theater projector system that replaces their current viewing device.
So, place the Epson Epiq at a distance of just 10 inches away or 26.6cm to get the image size of 100″ inches from the wall.
On the other hand, if you want to produce 120″ inches, place it 15 feet away or 38.6cm to get a bigger picture size.
This projector can also be used for everyday viewing due to its lamp power of 3600 ANSI lumens, which works in daylight.
While testing this projector, first of all, this projector has a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 with support of UHD 4k input with the help of HDR picture technology.
The picture quality on the Epson home cinema is clear, sharp, and more accurate compared to other Epson models in this price range.
Also, the blacks were much deeper and more detailed thanks to its 1.5 million-to-1 contrast ratio.
But still, there is no zoom function, so you have to adjust the projector before calibrating the images on the screen.
The Epson home cinema uses Yamaha 2.1 channel 20w speakers in this model, which sounds much better than a UHD tv.
Pros
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- Ultra-throw projector ideal for rooms with limited space.
- This unit turns it on in less than 6 seconds.
- In eco mode, the lamp life is 20,000 hours of life.
- 3LCD chip eliminates the rainbow effect.
Cons
- You cannot mount it on the ceiling.
- Native resolution is not 4k; it’s 1080p.
6). Optoma HZ39HDR: Gaming Projector
Next, we have a laser-based 4k home theater projector from Optoma, which offer lower lag time and higher brightness, perfect for watching movies in ambient light conditions.
It is a long throw projector, so you need to place it at a distance of 10 feet from the screen to get a 100″ inch image size.
You will see a clear picture in ambient light due to its 4000 ANSI lumens brightness power.
The Optoma HZ39 provides a lag time of 8.4 milliseconds (ms) at 1080p/120Hz, which is optimal for playing casual and professional gaming on a bigger screen.
Due to its compact design, you can easily carry the projector to your friend’s house for a movie night or even a gaming match.
It has a single DLP chip paired with a six-segment RYGCWB color wheel, eliminating any rainbow effect while watching a movie.
In terms of picture quality, this 4k projector supports both HDR & SDR with a contrast ratio of higher black levels in dark scenes.
Also, if you plan to mount this unit on the ceiling, you may require an extra helping hand due to its weight of 9 pounds.
To get an authentic home theater experience, you will need external speakers connected through a 3.5mm audio jack.
Pros
- Brighter in lighting conditions.
- Higher contrast ratio.
- You can watch 3d content from any source.
- HDR 10 & supports 4k content.
Cons
- Below average internal speakers.
- It is an enhanced version of 1080p.
7). Optoma UHD50X
Again we listed an Optoma UHD50x, which is the best option for those gaming players who like to play their favorite games on a bigger screen with the lowest lag time.
This Optoma UHD50x uses a four-way pixel shifting of 1080p micromirror to produce UHD or 4k picture quality.
Regarding image quality, it comes with a lumens power of 3400 ANSI with a powerful contrast ratio of 500,000:1.
This powerful combination is ideal for both environments, daylight and darker conditions, while watching anything on a wall or screen.
In terms of lamp life, the Optoma UHD50x comes with 10,000 hours in full brightness, and in eco-mode, it gives 15,000 hours with lesser brightness.
This is a long-throw projection system, so with a screen size of 120″ inches, you need to place the Optoma UHD50x 13 feet away from the screen.
Now let’s talk about gaming it comes with a refresh rate of 240hz with a response time of 16ms in 1080p resolution.
But remember, in 4k resolution, when switched to an enhanced gaming mode, the lag time will increase from 16ms to 25ms.
For the setup process, it comes with a vertical lens shift and keystone correction of ±40° with a 1.3x zoom option.
Pros
- The screen size can be projected up to 302″.
- Ideal for gamers who want less lag time in a video game with a 240hz refresh rate.
- Excellent image quality with color space accuracy.
- True UHD projector with HDR and HLG support.
Cons
- No Alexa and Google Assistant.
- It takes more time in the booting process.
How To Pick The Best Projector Under 2000 (Buying Guide)
Brightness
You don’t want to invest your hard-earned money in a projector that produces dimmer image quality even in darker conditions.
So, there are different parameters that you should remember before finalizing your decision when buying the 4k projection system.
- If you use the projector most of the time at night or in darker conditions, I suggest you go with lumens power below 2500 ANSI.
- For a room with a window and blinds on it, then 2500-3000 ANSI lumen is perfect in these environments.
- Lastly, going with 3000Lumens is ideal for a well-lit room if you have plans to use it regularly.
In our selection process, the projectors listed below have a video processing feature, higher contrast ratio, HD or UHD resolution, and a user-friendly setup process.
Resolution
If you are investing in the price range of more than $1500 on a projector, I highly suggest you use a resolution of 1080p or UHD 4k projectors.
Connectivity
More, the better. That’s what the saying goes with projectors also. Because technology is advancing, you might require more connectivity ports to run various devices in the future.
Sound
Some models listed above come with excellent surround sound speakers, which will be enough for those who don’t want to invest in external speakers to get more sound.
But if you are going to set up a home cinema in your room, then going with an external speaker will be the right decision.
FAQ
Which 4k projector works well in a brighter room?
If you plan to use the projector in daylight conditions, a lumens power above 3500 will be ideal.
What is the difference between 1080p vs 4k projectors?
The difference between 1080p vs. 4k models is only resolution and a higher contrast ratio.
As in 4k, you will get a more precise and higher light output without compromising pixel quality.
Are 4k projectors worth it?
I will keep it in simple words. No one wants to stick to older viewing technology pictures used to be in black & white colors.
In the same way, if you can afford the 4k projector, it is always advised to get it because we will see 8k projectors soon with premium price tags.
Conclusion
I hope the above article will help you to decide on the best projector under 2000 for your home or business.
It does not mean getting a quality projector should always have premium pricing. You can get an excellent projector at a low price if you know for what purpose you will use it with time.
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