The best 4K projectors you can buy today

(Image credit: nytimes)

The greatest 4K projectors remain the best option for creating a fully immersive home theater experience. Every projector in this guide can beam a larger image than any conventional TV; a 4K projector combined with a projection screen typically produces an image that is 100 inches in size.

We’ve examined a lot of the top 4K projectors over the years, ranging from the most highly specified models available to the more reasonably priced and excellent versions. While purchasing a 4K projector, not every viewer will have the same demands, so we’ve based our suggestions here on a variety of factors, including sports viewing, portability, and no-compromise home theater—all of which we have tested.

One benefit of the top 4K projectors that we’ve chosen below is that they don’t require as much space as some of the greatest 85-inch TVs. See our guide to the best outdoor projectors if you’re determined to go with a portable model or a projector you’ll use sometimes. Also, have a look at our guide to the top ultra short throw projectors if you’re particularly interested in this type of projectors, which offers greater positioning convenience along with the added advantages of integrated speakers and streaming capabilities.

QUICK LIST

• BEST OVERALL : Epson Pro Cinema LS12000
• AFFORDABLE AND PORTABLE : LG CineBeam Q
• BEST PREMIUM : JVC DLA-NZ800
• BEST ULTRA SHORT THROW : Hisense L9G TriChroma Laser 4K TV
• BEST FOR SOUND : Samsung The Premiere LSP9T

The best 4K projectors in 2024

Why you can trust Trusty Picked 
We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best.

Complete reviews of each of the top 4K projectors on our list can be found below. We have thoroughly tested each one, so you can be certain that our suggestions are reliable.

(Image credit: hometheaterreview)

1. Epson Pro Cinema LS12000

The best 4K projector for most home theater fans

SPECIFICATIONS

Projection system: Laser 3LCD

Resolution: 3840 x 2160

Brightness: 2,500 lumens

Projection size: 50 to 130 inches

Video inputs: 2x HDMI 2.1 (1 with eARC)

Dimensions: 20.5 x 7.6 x 17.6 inches (W x H x D)

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

The Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 is a very good long-throw 4K projector if you want one but don’t want to pay the premium prices for one of the top models from Sony or JVC. It can produce an extremely bright HDR picture (both HDR10 and HDR10+ formats are supported) in a low-light home theater environment thanks to its laser light engine and 2,700 lumens of brightness.

With its impressive build quality, the LS12000 can project images up to 130 inches. With a projection screen, it’s simple and accurate to set up thanks to its vertical and horizontal lens shift features. It also includes two HDMI 2.1 connections that allow 4K 120Hz input.

In our assessment, we discovered that the LS12000’s picture was “still stunningly acceptable even without ideal conditions,” despite the fact that it performs best in a dark environment. Although it’s not exactly an inexpensive alternative, Epson also makes the virtually identical but less expensive Epson S11000 model, which has a poorer contrast ratio and less defined blacks.

(Image credit: hometheaterreview)

2. LG CineBeam Q

An affordable, ultra-compact 4K projector

SPECIFICATIONS

Projection system: DLP

Resolution: 3840 x 2160

Brightness: 500 ANSI lumens

Projection size: 50 to 120 inches

Video inputs: HDMI, USB-C (display, power)

Dimensions: 5.3 x 3.1 x 5.3 inches / 135 x 79 x 135 mm

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

LG’s CineBeam Q is a stylish 4K projector that is incredibly small. The CineBeam Q is as much of an artwork as a projector, and with its all-metal construction and 360-degree rotating carrying handle, you’ll probably want to keep it out and in plain sight even when it’s not in use.

The LG CineBeam Q is serious about picture quality, even with its glitzy design. It has a setting called Filmmaker Mode that produces an extremely realistic image right out of the box. LG’s projector is an excellent choice for watching movies because of its RGB laser DLP light engine, 4K resolution, and compatibility for HDR10, high dynamic range. However, because of its restricted brightness of 500 ANSI lumens, it is best seen in a dark room for greatest visual impact.

The projector can be easily set up while being moved from place to place thanks to an auto screen adjustment feature with autofocus, and there are many manual setup and adjustment options available for adjusting pictures. The webOS platform, which powers LG TVs, manages streaming and offers a variety of well-known apps, such as Netflix, Disney Plus, Apple TV Plus, YouTube, and others.

The LG CineBeam Q is portable, however it doesn’t have an internal rechargeable battery or an external battery accessory. This design decision limits the CineBeam Q’s utility for outdoor viewing. Additionally, audio quality is subpar, with the LG’s integrated speaker producing tinny, weak sound. Thankfully, you can connect up to two Bluetooth devices—such as a speaker, headphones, or soundbar—at once using the CineBeam’s Dual Audio Output feature. This is the recommended audio option.

(Image credit: trustedreviews)

3. JVC DLA-NZ800

The best 4K projector for no-compromise home theaters

SPECIFICATIONS

Projection system: Laser D-ILA

Resolution: 4096 x 2160 (native)

Brightness: 2,700 lumens

Projection size: 60 to 200 inches

Video inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.1

Dimensions: 20 x 9.2 x 19.8 inches (W x H x D)

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

For a long time, JVC’s DLA-NZ8 was the best premium model in this review; nevertheless, the company’s new DLA-NZ800 builds on all the wonderful features of the NZ8.

Similar to its predecessor, the NZ800 is a native 4K projector that makes use of a BLU-Escent laser light source in addition to a three-chip D-ILA image system. However, the D-ILA chipset in the new model has been redesigned to produce even deeper blacks, brighter highlights, and better picture consistency.

8K/e-shiftX upscaling on the NZ800 converts 4K images to 8K resolution and supports native 8K signals. The most remarkable aspect of this projector, though, is how well it handles high dynamic range codecs (supporting HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG). When it comes to HDR handling, the JVC NZ800 is “streets ahead of the competition,” as we noted in our review. It does this by utilizing a sophisticated Auto Tone Mapping feature in addition to a dynamic, real-time Frame Adapt HDR feature. Perfect focus and geometry are ensured by a 65mm all-glass lens, which also enables 3D (with extra shutter glasses).

With its ability to handle up to 120p frame rates via its HDMI 2.1 inputs and a low input lag of 36ms for a projector not made for gaming, the NZ800 is also a standout choice for gaming applications.

Undoubtedly, the DLA-NZ800 is an expensive, high-end choice; but, there are other projectors that will adequately illuminate the large screen for a significantly lower cost. However, the NZ800 is the best option available for home theater perfection, and with its laser light source and capability for 8K content, it’s a long-lasting, future-proof projector.

(Image credit: worldwidestereo)

4. Hisense L9G TriChroma Laser 4K TV

The best ultra short throw 4K projector for most people

SPECIFICATIONS

Projection system: 3-laser DLP

Resolution: 4K

Brightness: 3000 lumens

Projection size: 100 to 120 inches

Video inputs: 3 x HDMI (1 with eARC)

Dimensions (W x H x D): 24 x 6.1 x 13.6 inches (W x H x D)

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

A 4K Laser TV system with a 100-inch ambient light-rejecting screen (a 120-inch screen option is also available) is what the Hisense L9G is not just any projector. Like other top ultra short throw projectors, it is fixed at a distance of around 11 inches from the wall-mounted screen when using a 100-inch screen.

We found that the bright 3,000 brightness image of the Hisense L9G projector made it “comfortable watching just about anything in our living room in the middle of the day” in our review. When the lights were off, the image was even more stunning, with the tri-laser light engine producing rich shadow details and vibrant color (covering 107% of the BT.2020 color gamut).

Features include an Android smart TV interface, HDMI 2.1 connections with eARC, and an integrated 40-watt speaker system that can function without the need for a soundbar. Additionally, the company is now offering the L9G projector alone for a lower price than the complete projector-plus-screen package, even though it normally comes with a screen.

(Image credit: gadgetpilipinas)

5. Samsung The Premiere

A premium ultra short throw projection experience

SPECIFICATIONS

Projection system: Three-Laser DLP

Resolution: 3840 x 2160

Brightness: 2,800 lumens

Projection size: 100 or 130 inches

Video inputs: 3x HDMI, 1x RF, optical, 1x AUX Out

Dimensions: 21.7 x 5 x 14.4 inches (W x H x D)

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

Although Samsung’s The Premiere is an expensive ultra short throw projector option, it has two advantages over other models of a similar kind. The first is the company’s Tizen smart TV interface, which is easy to use for gaming, streaming, and content discovery. It is also present on the company’s TV lineup. The other is a robust built-in sound system that will eliminate the need for an external speaker system and is sufficient for watching movies.

The Premiere will look great in your living room with its white glossy shell and gray fabric mesh covering the speakers. With a brightness specification of 2,700 lumens and a three-laser light engine that covers 106% of the BT.2020 color space, this projector is an excellent choice for home entertainment.

In addition to being impressed by the device’s picture quality, we were astounded by the Samsung The Premiere’s sound system, which we described as being almost “like a wall of sound, complete with significant height and width, that seems to elevate everything to match the position of the onscreen pictures.” The Premiere offers a lot for the price when it comes to an all-in-one projection system with excellent picture, sound, and smart TV features.

How to choose the best 4K projector for you

What to look for in a projector

You’ve decided that the ideal AV option for you is a projector. How then do you select one?

Cost is, of course, significant. However, it’s preferable to ask, “What do you want the projector to do?” at the other end of the conversation. Is it a projector for a cozy home theater system or something you wish to use outdoors in the garden on warm summer evenings? Will you wish to use it in well-lit spaces or will it survive in the dark? With what do you wish to associate it?

In general, higher-end projectors with 4K resolution, HDR, great contrast, and strong light output from LED or laser are what you should be looking at if you decide to go the home theater way. In order to be more practical and portable, more portable devices typically make some compromises.

The projector’s distance should be taken into account first. Short throw projectors are excellent for tiny areas since they can be positioned rather close to a wall or screen and yet produce nice images. But they’re not the best for very large forecasts. You’ll need a long-throw projector for that. They can project considerably larger videos, but they sit much further back, so you’ll need to consider where to put yours and how to connect it.

The creation of light and its output are the next features. Lumens are a common unit of measurement for brightness; the higher the value, the brighter the output. For darker rooms or night watching, anything under 3,000 is good, but you’ll want a high output for brighter settings.

Three different types of light sources exist. LEDs, lasers, and bulbs. The earliest and least expensive technology is lightbulbs, but because of their high heat output, they must be changed somewhat frequently.

Since LEDs produce less heat and are often more brighter and more precise, they have a much longer lifespan—20,000 hours or more—than other types of lights. More compactness is possible with LED projectors than with lamp-powered ones.

Even better are lasers, which have far greater brightness and a lifespan comparable to LEDs. But they also usually cost more.

The decision of whether or not to use a special projection screen comes last. Regardless of whether your projector is a portable or normal model, a screen is essential to getting the best performance out of it. However, you’ll find that there’s an almost overwhelming variety of alternatives when shopping for a screen. To learn more about screen types and how to choose the ideal one for your setup, check out our post on the five things to consider when buying for a projector screen.

Do I need a 4K projector?

If none of the 4K projectors on this list appeal to you, you might want to consider the advantages and disadvantages of alternative technologies.

The best TVs are usually easier to use: you just place them in your house on a wall or stand, and they stay there. It has a fixed screen size and costs less than a projector while still providing features like 4K resolution or HDR.

In terms of comparison resolutions or HDR compatibility—particularly dynamic HDR—projectors are usually more expensive; the only beamers that currently offer HDR10+ are the Samsung Premiere and the JVC DLA-NZ8.

But in many situations, a projector’s small size and versatility make it a preferable option, and for ardent moviegoers, the ultra-large, theatrical image it produces makes it well worth the price.

How important is ultra short throw?

Ultra short throw technology, which greatly minimizes the distance required between the projector and the wall or screen surface it is projecting onto, is now a feature of many contemporary 4K projectors.

The laser light module that is used for this produces clear images, but it costs more than a standard “short throw” model that falls in between the two or a non-laser long-throw model.

The ‘UST’, or ultra short throw, is a terrific way to save space because it keeps your projector where you might put a TV and eliminates the need to install a projector in your ceiling. People moving across a room are also less likely to obstruct visuals while using UST. In addition to having built-in streaming support for well-known apps, these models provide superior integrated audio than other projector types.

How big should my 4K projector picture be?

An old query. Basically, it all depends on how large of a picture you can fit in your house. The typical size of a projection screen is 100 inches, although there are both larger and smaller screens available in certain situations. Measuring your home’s wall and making sure the projector you want to purchase can beam an image at the exact size you want from the distance where you plan to mount it are both highly recommended.

Are 4K projectors as good as 4K TVs?

Yes, but there are a few key disclaimers. The main one is that most projectors actually suffer in highly lit environments because they are typically not as bright as TVs; the more light present, the less vivid your projected images will be. Sun-filled living rooms are not the ideal place for projectors; however, there are some extremely short throw projectors that defy this rule, such as the Epson EpiQVision Ultra LS800 that is listed here.

Cost is the second factor to consider. Due to the slower rate of price decline for 4K projectors compared to TV panels, a high-quality 4K projector will typically cost more than a high-quality 4K TV.

That being said, the price differences start to dissipate if you’re looking at the big picture. At their greatest proportions, 4K TVs get quite pricey, and projectors may easily produce images larger than those on even the largest mainstream TVs.

One last thing to think about is refresh rate, which TVs typically excel at. If you’re buying for gaming, you’ll receive a smoother experience with one of the top 120Hz TVs with a quick response time than from a projector of a comparable price. Additionally, a TV is more likely than a projector to have HDMI 2.1 connectors with capabilities that make gaming easier.

Will a projector play Netflix, Disney Plus and the rest?

Yes, in a nutshell, although the details differ from gadget to gadget.

Higher-end long throw projectors typically lack a built-in smart TV interface and the ability to stream video directly, making them “dumb” displays. This is due to the fact that they are typically the primary video component of an AV system that sends audio to separate speakers and video directly to the projector through a receiver.

However, a number of today’s projectors, especially UST ones, are just as intelligent and connected as any smart TV; many of them come pre-installed with streaming apps from well-known providers like Disney+ and Anroid TV, as well as running another TV operating system. You may use the app exactly like you would on a TV by logging in with your account details.

When that’s not the case, you typically have three options: either use a streaming stick, like the Amazon Fire TV Stick, plugged into the HDMI port to use as your video source, or stream wirelessly from a laptop, Chromebook, phone, or tablet. Alternatively, you can connect a device, like an Apple TV or laptop, via the HDMI connector, run the streaming app on that, and send its video to the projector. The two primary standards for simple streaming are Apple’s AirPlay 2, found in iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers, and Google’s Chromecast, found in Android devices and the Chrome browser.

Typically, when you stream, you’re streaming both audio and video at the same time. This is acceptable if your projector has speakers that you would like to use. If not, you might be able to transfer music to wireless Bluetooth speakers or a soundbar while watching the film using your projector or streaming device.

Other 4K projectors to consider

A number of recently tested models that are likewise deserving of your consideration are absent from our list of the top 4K projectors. Although there haven’t been many new long throw 4K projectors introduced in recent years, the Epson LS11000 is a good alternative. This is the more affordable variant of the top-ranked Epson LS12000, which also makes use of a 3LCD laser light engine. A lower specified brightness and contrast ratio are two of the main distinctions between the LS11000 and the LS12000, and both are responsible for the latter’s better picture performance.

With numerous new models having entered the market in the last year and more to come, the ultra short throw projector market has been experiencing a boom recently. The Hisense PX2-Pro, a device with a lower specified brightness than our top choice for an ultra short throw, the Hisense L9G, is one formidable competitor. For those who choose to set up a system with a projection screen, the L9G also comes packed with a 100- or 120-inch ambient light rejecting screen, which streamlines the purchasing procedure.

BenQ v5000i and Epson LS650 are two more ultra short throw models we’ve tested that might be good substitutes. The BenQ has a design that fits well in a living room, lots of picture adjusting options, and little input lag for gaming. Additionally, the Epson LS650 is a less expensive, lower-brightness variant of our best sports projector choice, the Epson LS800, which shares many of the same features.

How we tested the best 4K projectors

To get a feel of how well the projector performs under various settings, we examine the finest 4K projectors in real-world scenarios, seeing both with and without room illumination. We use a projection screen for all of our viewing—either a matt white material or, in the case of ultra short throw projectors, an ambient light-rejecting screen.

Xbox One X and PlayStation 5 game consoles, 4K Blu-ray discs, and streaming services are some of the sources we used during our testing. To measure performance aspects like peak brightness, we also use standalone pattern generators and test patterns from the Spears & Munsil Ultra HD Benchmark disc.