TV & Video
May 3, 2023

The Best Projector Under $500

The top 3 projectors are the Epson VS250, the Optoma HD146X, and the BenQ MS535A, all with high brightness, long lamp life, and different price points.

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The Best Projector Under $500

What to Consider when Buying:

- Brightness: measured in lumens, the higher the number, the brighter the projector will be
- Resolution: higher resolution provides sharper images
- Connectivity: check for compatibility with devices you plan to use with the projector
- Lamp life: longer lamp life equals less maintenance and replacement costs
- Keystone correction: adjust the image to keep it square when projecting at an angle

Winner: Epson VS250 3-Chip Full HD 1080p 3,200 Lumens Projector

Epson VS250 SVGA 3,200 Lumens Color Projector

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Review ratings: 4.7/5 stars (2,828 ratings) on Amazon, 4.7/5 stars (44 ratings) on Walmart, 4.6/5 stars (38 ratings) on BH Photo
Suggested retail price: $429.99

Important specs:
- Resolution: 1920x1080
- Brightness: 3,200 lumens
- Lamp life: up to 10,000 hours
- Connectivity: HDMI, VGA, USB
- Keystone correction: ±30 degrees vertical and horizontal

This projector is recommended for home theater use with its full HD 1080p resolution and high brightness. Its long lamp life and easy-to-use setup make it perfect for those who want minimal maintenance.

Runner-up: Optoma HD146X High Performance Projector

Optoma HD146X 1080P DLP Projector

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Review ratings: 4.5/5 stars (1,918 ratings) on Amazon, 4.5/5 stars (7 ratings) on BH Photo, 4.5/5 stars (2 ratings) on BestBuy
Suggested retail price: $549.00

Important specs:
- Resolution: 1920x1080
- Brightness: 3,600 lumens
- Lamp life: up to 15,000 hours
- Connectivity: HDMI, USB, VGA
- Keystone correction: ±40 degrees vertical

This projector boasts a long lamp life and high brightness for an immersive home theater experience. With its affordable price tag, it's perfect for those on a budget who want quality video projection.

Also great: BenQ MS535A 1080p Supported Projector

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Buy Now on Amazon

Review ratings: 4.6/5 stars (180 ratings) on Amazon, 4.7/5 stars (10 ratings) on BH Photo, 4.7/5 stars (6 ratings) on Walmart
Suggested retail price: $429.00

Important specs:
- Resolution: 800x600 (supports 1080p)
- Brightness: 3,600 lumens
- Lamp life: up to 15,000 hours
- Connectivity: HDMI, VGA, USB
- Keystone correction: ±40 degrees vertical

This budget-friendly projector offers high brightness and long lamp life. It's perfect for those who want a reliable projector for occasional use, such as movie nights or presentations. It supports 1080p for clear images and has easy connectivity options.