-
10.00/10
1.
Premium pick:
JVC DLA-NX9
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8.80/10
2.
Editors choice:
Xgimi Halo+
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8.80/10
3.
Best value:
Anker Nebula Capsule II
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8.20/10
4.
Optoma UHD35
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8.60/10
5.
BenQ X3000i
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8.80/10
6.
ViewSonic PX701-4K
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8.80/10
7.
BenQ TH685i
Gaming projectors are much like gaming monitors. You’ll want to find one that offers good image quality, high contrast ratio, and fast refresh rates to be able to enjoy an immersive gaming experience.
The sheer scale of a projected image can take a regular gaming session to another level. Many projectors also double up on what they can offer by featuring streaming and mirroring capabilities.
Here are the best gaming projectors available today.
The JVC DLA-NX9 is a beast of a gaming projector, designed for epic home theaters and 4K gaming. It can convert FHD and 4K images to 8K and leverages its Auto Tone Mapping technology to adjust settings automatically.
If you want the most giant image possible, the JVC DLA-NX9 sports a native 4096×2160 resolution, meaning you can make the picture as large as feasible. You won’t lose any crucial details and will be able to squeeze a high contrast ratio of 40,000:1.
The 1,800-lumen peak brightness of the JVC DLA-NX9 is slightly disappointing, given how powerful and expensive this gaming projector is. However, if you’re looking for the best setup on the market, you won’t be let down by this projector.
- HDMI/HDCP 2. 2
- 18Gbps bandwidth
- 8K/e-shift technology
- Brand: JVC
- Native Resolution: 8192 x 4320
- ANSI Lumens: 2200
- Projection Technology: 3 x 0.69-inch 4K D-ILA
- Connectivity: Not provided
- Throw Ratio: 1.35:1 – 2.70:1
- HDR: HDR10
- Audio: Not provided
- OS: Not provided
- Lamp Life: 3,500 hours (Normal), 4,500 hours (Eco)
- Noise Level : Not provided
- Wattage: 400W
- Image Size: 60″ – 300″
- Ports: 2x HDMI, 1x 3.5mm, 1x RS232C, 1x RJ-45, 1x USB-A
- Size: 500 x 234 x 518 mm
- Weight: 21.8kg
- 4K projection
- Very powerful
- Large image projection
- An expensive option
For its weight, the Xgimi Halo+’s 900 ANSI lumens is particularly high. When powered by battery, however, brightness drops slightly which is something to bear in mind. Accepting up to 4K content, this projector supports HDR10 and HLG HDR, like the Optoma UHD35. While it is only a 1080p projector, it can still receive 4K content; it just downconverts it to 1080p.
Setting up the Xgimi Halo+ is pretty simple. The automatic focus, and horizontal and vertical keystone correction is a real winner for gamers who might be using this projector in multiple locations. Without external speakers, the Xgimi Halo+ delivers incredible audio for a projector of its size thanks to the dual 5W Harman/Kardon speakers.
Game mode offers good color accuracy, decent contrast in light scenes, and shadow details. The only downside here is that Game mode doesn’t support HDR. Input lag is reasonably low, but not the lowest it could be. For casual gamers, it will barely be noticeable.
- Intelligent Screen Adaption
- 59.454Wh built-in battery
- Dolby Audio and DTS-HD
- AI Object Avoidance
- Autofocus
- Intelligent Screen Alignment
- Brand: Xgimi
- Native Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- ANSI Lumens: 900
- Projection Technology: DLP
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi
- Throw Ratio: 1.2:1
- HDR: HDR10
- Audio: 2x 5W Harman/Kardon
- OS: Android TV 10.0
- Lamp Life: 25,000 hours
- Noise Level : 30dB
- Image Size: 40” – 200”
- Display Chip: 0.33” DMD
- Ports: 1x 3.5mm, 1x DC, 1x HDMI, 1x USB
- Size: 113.5 × 145 × 171.5mm
- Weight: 1.6kg
- RAM: 2GB
- Storage: 16GB
- Lightweight and portable
- 4K content supported
- Feature-rich
- Fast boot times
- SDR content looks arguably better than HDR
The Anker Nebula Capsule II creates the reality that you can display your gaming on a projector, wherever you are. Close to the size of a soda can, this portable projector weighs just 1.5lbs.
The built-in battery can last up to two and a half hours with HD projection. It also features built-in speakers, so you won’t need any additional equipment. The Anker Nebula Capsule II can shine up to 200 lumens meaning you can enjoy a 40-inch display outside or a 100-inch display in darker settings.
The Anker Nebula Capsule II projects a 720p picture which is decent enough for gaming. No matter the situation, from gaming to outdoor streaming, this projector is perfect for friendly gatherings or tournaments.
- Android TV included
- Voice activated
- Compatible with Chromecast
- Brand: Nebula
- Native Resolution: 1280 x 720
- ANSI Lumens: 200
- Projection Technology: DLP
- Connectivity: HDMI, USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Chromecast
- Throw Ratio: 1.3:1
- HDR: HDR10
- Audio: 1x 8W speaker
- OS: Android TV 9.0
- Lamp Life: 30,000 hours
- Image Size: 40″ – 100″
- Ports: 1x HDMI, 1x USB-C, 1x USB-A
- Size: 80 x 80 x 150 mm
- Weight: 1.6lbs
- Small and portable
- Large display for tiny device
- Includes games
- Not very powerful
4. Optoma UHD35
The Optoma UHD35 could quite easily be considered a portable gaming projector. It comes equipped with two HDMI ports and requires little setup to get it going. Out of the box, the contrast and color accuracy is good to go but can be adjusted if needs be.
Switching Enhanced Gaming mode on offers low input lag. The Optoma UHD35 can support up to 240Hz refresh rate at 1080p, which is perfect for PC gaming. Plus, if you don’t want to invest in external speakers, you can appreciate this projector’s 10W speaker system which is plenty to fill a large room. However, the 3.5mm and S/PDIF outputs allow you to hook up an external system if you decide to.
The Optoma UHD35 can be projected on screens as large as 300 inches. In ambient light, it does well, and in the dark, it’s plenty bright enough. It’s not perfect by any means, but it’s decent enough and Game mode delivers excellent shadow detail.
- 240Hz refresh rate
- 4.2ms response time at 1080p
- HDR & HLG compatible
- UltraDetail technology
- Dynamic Black technology
- Brand: Optoma
- Native Resolution: 3840 x 2160
- ANSI Lumens: 3,600
- Connectivity: VGA, USB, HDMI
- Throw Ratio: 1.5:1 ~ 1.66:1
- HDR: HDR10
- Audio: 1x 10W speaker
- Lamp Life: Up to 15,000 hours (Dynamic)
- Noise Level : 26dB (Typical)
- Wattage: 305W (Max)
- Image Size: 0.84m ~ 7.62m (33″ ~ 300″) diagonal
- Weight: 8.6lbs
- Decent settings out of the box
- HDR10 and HLG HDR support
- Easy to set up
- 1.1x optical zoom
5. BenQ X3000i
While the BenQ X3000i is not a portable gaming projector, its size means it can be placed in more convenient positions around the home. With mounting holes, it’s also possible to mount the projector on the ceiling or wall. On the rear, you’ll find two HDMI ports (UHD-capable) and one which supports HDMI ARC. The built-in speakers are more than enough for gaming, but for movie nights, you might want to invest in an external sound system.
Although a good option for movies, the BenQ X3000i really excels when it comes to gaming. There are various different game modes you can choose from, including an easy access button on the remote control. The game modes trigger something called Fast Mode which reduces processing to lower input lag. 4K@60Hz can expect 16.7ms input lag, while 1080p@240Hz brings it down to a mere 4ms.
RPG and SPG game modes boost colors, whereas FPS mode prioritizes lighting up shadows so it’s harder for opponents to remain hidden. Yes, this gaming projector is far more expensive than the BenQ TH685i, but it’s really worth it if you love movies and gaming.
- 16.7ms input lag (4K@60Hz), 8.3ms input lag (1080p@120Hz)
- 100% DCI-P3 CinematicColor
- Dual HDMI 2.0b
- 1.3x zoom
- FPS Mode
- Brand: BenQ
- Native Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (4K)
- ANSI Lumens: 3000
- Projection Technology: DLP
- Throw Ratio: 1.15 ~ 1.50
- HDR: HDR-Pro and HDR10
- Audio: 2x 5W speakers
- OS: Android 10.0
- Lamp Life: 30,000 (Eco)
- Noise Level : 32dB
- Wattage: 330W
- Image Size: 100″
- Ports: 3x HDMI, 1x USB-A, 1x RS232, 1x 3.5mm
- Size: 272 x 197 x 259mm
- Weight: 6.5kg
- Optimized for gamers
- Stylish design
- Great for big screens
- Included Android dongle outputs at 60Hz
6. ViewSonic PX701-4K
Using a 0.47-inch DMD chip, the ViewSonic PX701-4K is capable of offering 4K@60Hz or 1080p@240Hz. This is ideal for gaming, especially when coupled with low input lag. As with many gaming projectors, this model also includes built-in speakers; 10W which is plenty enough to game with, but competitive gamers might want to invest in external speakers or decent headphones.
While the ViewSonic PX701-4K might not be the cheapest gaming projector around, it does offer the best value for money. Getting your hands on a 4K projector with these specs at this price is going to be hard to beat.
Out of the box, settings will need to be tinkered with to get the most out of the ViewSonic PX701-4K. Keystone correction is available, but if you’re using this projector for gaming, it’s ill-advised since it can add latency which you’ll want to avoid. Also, the lack of HDMI 2.1 ports is a real disappointment since it won’t be able to achieve anything over 4K@60Hz.
- Vertical and horizontal keystoning
- SuperEco mode
- Anti-warping stabilization
- 240Hz refresh rate
- HDR/HGL Support
- 1.1x optical zoom
- Brand: ViewSonic
- Native Resolution: 3840 x 2160
- ANSI Lumens: 3,200
- Projection Technology: DLP
- Connectivity: USB, HDMI, RS-232C
- Throw Ratio: 1.5-1.65
- HDR: Yes
- Audio: 10W speaker
- Lamp Life: 20,000 hours (SuperEco)
- Noise Level : 32dB (Normal)
- Wattage: 265W (Normal)
- Image Size: 30″ – 300″
- Ports: 2x HDMI, 1x 3.5mm, 1x USB-A
- Size: 312 x 222 x 108mm
- Impressive value for money
- Long lamp life
- Ultra-fast refresh rate
- 4.2ms input lag
- Contrast and shadows are average
- Settings will need to be altered (not out of the box ready)
- No HDMI 2.1 ports
7. BenQ TH685i
While it is possible to pair the BenQ TH685i with the latest Xbox Series X|S or PS5 to enjoy 4K@120Hz, you’re going to notice a higher input lag. Knock it down to 1080p@120Hz, and you’ll get a much lower 8ms result which is preferable for gamers.
Using Fast Mode on the BenQ TH685i, you’ll be able to further optimize input lag by disabling features like image correction and keystone correction which can hike up input lag. This 1080p projector can accept 4K content, but it will downconvert it to 1080p which is commonly seen in projectors at this price.
Aside from gaming, the BenQ TH685i does a good job at offering decent color accuracy out of the box, can pick up a 3D signal, and boasts Android TV so you can use it for your movie nights, too.
- 8ms@120Hz Game Mode
- Game Sound Mode accentuates audio
- Powered by Android
- 1.3x zoom
- Brand: BenQ
- Native Resolution: 1920×1080
- ANSI Lumens: 3,500
- Projection Technology: DLP
- Throw Ratio: 1.127~1.46
- HDR: Yes
- Audio: 1x 5W speaker
- OS: Android TV
- Lamp Life: 10,000 hours (Eco)
- Noise Level : 35dB (Typical)
- Wattage: 297W
- Ports: 1x PC in-, 2x HDMI, 1x USB-A, 1x RS232
- Size: 312 x 110 x 225mm
- Weight: 2.79kg
- Decent color accuracy
- HDR and HLG support
- Low input lag for gaming
- 4K@60Hz increases input lag to 33.4ms
FAQ
Q: Are Projectors Any Good for Gaming?
While projectors are often used for business meetings, there are plenty of great projectors suitable for gaming. Offering large, bright, sharp images, gaming projectors with low input lag can transform your gaming experience into a new immersive world.
Q: Can I Play PS5 on a Projector?
So long as your gaming projector has an HDMI input, you can play next-gen consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X comfortably through a projector. However, to appreciate the full capacity of the PS5, you’ll want to choose a gaming projector that supports 4K.
Q: Are Gaming Projectors Repairable?
Gaming projectors, like other devices, can run into issues or even break down. A common problem with projectors is that you’ll need to replace the lamp after some time, which is relatively affordable and straightforward to achieve. However, if you can’t get your gaming projector to work, it’s best to speak to the manufacturer.