Gaming on a monitor can sure be fun, but more often than not, you'll find yourself craving for a larger-than-life experience. Something that can truly bring the gameplay to real life. This is where gaming projectors come in. Projectors are no longer confined to boring boardrooms or detention.

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These babies offer expansive screen sizes that tend to dwarf even the largest of monitors and TVs. Whether it's a game of Valorant with the gang or just a simple movie night, we have come up with a list of some of the coolest projectors in the market that are bound to make your experience memorable. Check them out below.

Updated on February 4, 2023 by Sai Vsr: In this latest update, we bring you one of the best 4K projectors on the market, the Nomvdic P1000, designed for the niche audience that loves to game and stream content on the same unit. Sound interesting? You can find more info on it below!

  • Nomvdic P1000 4K UHD Home Projector

    Best 4K See at Amazon

  • Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS500 Laser Ultra Short Throw Projector

    Best High-End $3500 at Best Buy

  • Optoma UHD38x Projector

    Best Mid-Range $899 at Amazon

  • ViewSonic PX701 Projector

    Best Budget $600 at Walmart

  • BenQ TH671ST 1080p Short Throw Gaming Projector

    Best Short-Throw $802 at Walmart
  • See More

  • Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Mini Projector

    Best Portable $800 at Official Site

  • BenQ X3000i

    Best Overall $1799 at Walmart

Best Gaming Projectors

Best 4K

Nomvdic P1000 4K UHD Home Projector

Why compromise?

Brand Nomvdic Color White Brightness Rating 2300 ANSI Built-in Speaker Harman Kardon 6W Cube x2 Native Resolution 3840 x 2160 4K UHD

The P1000 projects a massive 4K image from just 1.5m away with 2300 lumens brightness and 125% color accuracy. With 4.2ms low lag and auto focus, it's ideal for big-screen gaming and home theater in tight spaces.

Pros & Cons
  • Gives you a massive 100-inch 4K image from just 1.5 meters away.
  • Intuitive auto focus and keystone for easy setup.
  • Low 4.2ms input lag is actually great for gaming.
  • User interface could be a bit less stock-ey.
See at Amazon Expand Collapse

For gamers (and anyone who has a penchant for massive visuals in compact spaces), the P1000 4K projector delivers on its promises big time. With native 4K clarity, a searing 2300 lumens brightness, and heightened color reproduction, the larger-than-life 180-inch image is definitely gonna make your jaw drop to the floor. What sets the P1000 apart is its incredible flexibility. Thanks to the 1.2x optical zoom and a 0.68 short throw ratio, you can actually enjoy a cinematic experience in limited spaces, and that too, without the hassle of moving the projector around.

Setting up the P1000 is a breeze, thanks to its advanced features like autofocus, auto H/V keystone correction, and 4 corner adjustment. This thing adjusts to your preferences effortlessly. But wait, there's more! With built-in Harman Kardon speakers and a decent choice of connectivity options including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI, and USB ports, your AV needs are more than taken care of. However, we would have loved to see more than a single HDMI input given the price.

Best High-End

Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS500 Laser Ultra Short Throw Projector

For the elite.

Brand Epson Native Resolution 3840 x 2160 ANSI Lumens 4000 Projection Technology Laser Phosphor Connectivity 3x HDMI, 2x USB-A, 1x USB-Mini, 1x 3.5mm audio output, 1x RS232 DB-9pin, 1x Ethernet RJ45

Epson's EpiqVision Ultra LS800 4K PRO-UHD projector is a superb choice to go for in case you don’t mind spending a little extra. With features like short-throw technology, 3-Chip 3LCD, and a 16.7ms input lag, it’s a great addition to your gaming setup.

Pros & Cons
  • Low input lag (16.7ms) ideal for gaming.
  • 2.1 Audio System by Yamaha gives great sound.
  • Built-in Android TV for diverse streaming options.
  • Only suitable for short-throws.
  • Audio quality could be better considering the price point.
$3500 at Best Buy $3906 at Walmart Expand Collapse

Epson is another industry-standard name when it comes to innovation and quality. The LS800 is a great option to consider if you don’t mind spending a little extra. It boasts 4K PRO-UHD resolution, giving you an immersive and crisp viewing experience. The three-chip LCD technology ensures accurate color reproduction and eliminates the rainbow effect that you come across in a lot of projectors.

Coming to the brightness, the unit comes with 4000 lumens for both white and color, shining well even in well-lit rooms. The 16.7 ms input lag is a definite advantage for gamers, as it helps with real-time reactions during gaming sessions. The LS800 is also equipped with a built-in Android TV, which offers plenty of streaming options, ranging from YouTube to HBO. While it does come with a 2.1 audio system by Yamaha, we would recommend that you go for a dedicated external speaker system.

Best Mid-Range

Optoma UHD38x Projector

Sensible budget, sensational experience.

Brand Optoma Native Resolution 3840x2160 (4K) ANSI Lumens 4,000 Projection Technology DLP Connectivity 2 x HDMI 2.0 input / 1 x Audio 3.5mm, 1 x S/PDIF, 1 x USB-A power 1.5A outputs

This projector offers you a level of unmatched brightness, fluid motion, and precise colors that you only get in the higher-end models, giving you the perfect balance of performance and value.

Pros & Cons
  • Exceptional brightness levels.
  • Zero motion blur.
  • Accurate color representation.
  • Average contrast ratio.
  • Limited zoom and no lens shift.
$899 at Amazon $899 at Walmart $899 at Best Buy Expand Collapse

Looking for a gaming projector without having to spend too much money? Consider going for the UHD38X, which comes with a 4K resolution and impeccable levels of brightness. Motion blur is a matter of the past, thanks to the DLP technology, which makes sure that all the fast-paced scenes remain crisp. Another commendable feature is the color reproduction of this unit. Coming to the projection, you can get up to 300 inches with this unit.

Connectivity-wise, you also get dual HDMI 2.0 ports which make it perfect for various entertainment sources. Audio quality is also more than decent, considering the price point. The UHD38X also boasts High Dynamic Range and HLG compatibility, which ensures that visuals are vibrant and true to life. However, that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have any shortcomings. Contrast ratio on this unit, while decent, doesn’t quite match up to the rivals in this price point.

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Best Budget

ViewSonic PX701 Projector

Clarity on a budget.

Brand ViewSonic Native Resolution 1920x1080 ANSI Lumens 3500 Connectivity 2x HDMI, 3.5mm audio-in, 3.5mm audio-out, USB-A (power) Throw Ratio 1.5-1.65

The ViewSonic PX701HDH projector has some really great features like 3500 lumens brightness, l16ms input latency, and integrated SuperColor technology for brilliant visuals. Throw in the dual HDMI and USB A port, and this is the perfect budget choice, whether you’re gaming or streaming. You can customize visuals with vColorTuner and enjoy immersive audio with its 10W speaker.

Pros & Cons
  • Low 16ms input latency for smooth gaming.
  • Versatile connectivity options including dual HDMI.
  • SuperColor technology for a wide color range.
  • Limited optical zoom at 1.1x.
  • External streaming dongle required for wireless streaming.
$600 at Walmart $600 at Amazon $600 at Best Buy Expand Collapse

When it comes to projectors, a good rule of thumb is the more you spend, the better the quality. While this is true 99 percent of the time, there tend to be certain exceptions, like the ViewSonic PX701HDH, which comes with 3500 lumens of brightness and a 1.1x optical zoom and vertical keystone, giving you a fairly straightforward and flexible setup.

A noteworthy feature is the low 16ms input latency, ensuring smooth frame-by-frame action with minimal delay. The cloud-based vColorTuner software can also be utilized to customize and share color profiles, tailoring the viewing experience as per your preference.

Additionally, the powered USB A port and dual HDMI ports also offer you a wide range of connectivity options ranging from gaming consoles to PCs and Macs. The exclusive SuperColor technology also gives you a broad color gamut and produces great visuals in any setting.

Best Short-Throw

BenQ TH671ST 1080p Short Throw Gaming Projector

Small space, large projection.

Brand BenQ Native Resolution 1920x1080 ANSI Lumens 3,000 Projection Technology DLP Connectivity D-sub 15pin in/out, 3x HDMI, 1x USB-A, 1x USB Mini B-1, RS232 in (DB-9pin)

Experience ultra-smooth gameplay, adaptive LumiExpert brightness, and powerful audio in a sleek design with the all new TH671ST from BenQ. Tailored for tight spaces, it's the gamer's choice for larger-than-life visuals.

Pros & Cons
  • Low input lag is ideal for gaming.
  • Dual HDMI ports for multiple device connections.
  • Bright 3000 lumens output.
  • Audio quality could be better.
  • No USB-C port.
$802 at Walmart Expand Collapse

If space is a constraint when it comes to your gaming setup, the BenQ TH671ST can be a great addition. With an impressive short-throw capability, it can project onto even massive screens from a mere few feet away. The 1080p resolution ensures top-tier visuals, while the 3000 lumen support helps tackle ambient light in most rooms.

The unit also features a 1.2x zoom while having a throw ratio of 0.69 ~ 0.83. Thanks to the short-throw capability, you can get a 100" display from just 1.5 meters away. The LumiExpert technology is a thoughtful addition, as it helps adjust the projector's brightness based on ambient light in your room. The projector also comes with four dedicated modes, each suitable for gaming, music, sports, and cinema. At the same time, the automatic vertical keystone correction lets you adjust your images very easily from different angles.

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Best Portable

Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Mini Projector

For the gamer on the move.

Brand Nebula (Anker) Native Resolution 1920 x 1080 ANSI Lumens 300 Projection Technology DLP 0.23 DMD Connectivity HDMI 2.1 / USB-C / AUX-OUT

Experience gaming on-the-go with Nebula Anker Capsule 3 Laser. This mini projector boasts 1080p clarity, Android TV 11.0, and a powerful 8W speaker. Compact yet feature-rich, it's the ultimate portable entertainment device.

Pros & Cons
  • Built-in battery with 2.5 hours playtime.
  • Dolby Digital for enhanced audio.
  • Smart streaming capabilities.
  • Potential lag with high-end games.
  • Requires a dark environment for best visuals.
$800 at Official Site See at Amazon Expand Collapse

If you’re someone who is constantly on the move and needs to switch to a portable projector to keep up, the Anker Capsule 3 is an absolute game-changer. This projector boasts a 1080p resolution, and the laser technology gives you vibrant colors and deep contrasts, making sure that every frame of your game is displayed in clear detail. Built-in battery backup lasts for about 2.5 hours, helping you play your games without having to constantly plug into an outlet.

You can also project your images over irregular surfaces, thanks to the autofocus feature. Projection-wise, you get up to 120 inches, combined with included smart streaming capabilities via YouTube and other prominent platforms. Android 11.0 also gives you access to integrated Google Assistant and allows for screen mirroring via Chromecast. Audio-wise, the inclusion of Dolby Digital is a great step taken by Nebula to take your audio experience to another level.

Best Overall

BenQ X3000i

Small space, large projection.

Brand BenQ Native Resolution 3840×2160 ANSI Lumens 3000 Projection Technology DLP Connectivity 3x HDMI, 1x USB-A, 1x RS232 DB-9pin, 1x DC 12V trigger (3.5mm jack)

Experience the fusion of cinema and gaming with the BenQ X3000i 4K HDR projector. With ultra-low input lag, DCI-P3 CinematicColor, and virtual 3D surround sound, it's the ultimate choice for gamers and movie enthusiasts.

Pros & Cons
  • True 4K UHD resolution for detailed visuals.
  • DCI-P3 CinematicColor for authentic colors
  • Ultra-low input lag for responsive gaming.
  • WCG setting decreases HDR light output.
  • Black levels could be better.
$1799 at Walmart Expand Collapse

BenQ is one of the most prominent brands when it comes to projectors. The X3000i 4K HDR projector effortlessly merges cinematic visuals with gaming dynamism. It comes with a brilliant 4K UHD display where every single pixel comes through rendered with a level of precision that brings out even the subtlest details in your game.

The projector is optimized for gaming, with an impressive input lag that is as low as 4.2 ms at 1080@240Hz, bringing forth real-time reactions in fast-paced titles. Virtual 3D surround sounds with dedicated audio modes help you customize your audio for different genres. Additionally, you also get a 2D keystone correction and 1.3x zoom, which offer a great level of flexibility in your setup, making it a great choice for any room or configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does contrast ratio impact the gaming experience on a projector?

Contrast ratio basically determines the difference between the darkest and brightest parts of the image. A projector that has a higher contrast ratio tends to give you more vibrant colors and deeper blacks, giving you a more realistic and immersive gaming experience. A good contrast ratio is also beneficial for games that utilize a lot of dynamic lighting or have nighttime scenes, as it significantly enhances visual depth and detail.

What makes a projector suitable for gaming?

A projector ideal for gaming typically offers low input lag, ensuring real-time response between controller actions and on-screen movements. This is possible if it has certain aspects, like high resolution (4K or 1080p), short throw capabilities, compatibility to connect with gaming consoles or even a great color accuracy response.

What's the significance of a projector's refresh rate for gaming?

The refresh rate indicates how many times per second the projector updates the image. A higher refresh rate, like 120Hz or 240Hz, results in smoother motion and reduced motion blur, crucial for fast-paced games. When going for gaming projectors, always keep in mind to go for one with a high refresh rate to ensure fluid and lag-free gameplay, especially in action or sports games.

How does input lag affect the gaming experience on a projector?

Input lag measures the delay between pressing a button on your controller and seeing the corresponding action on screen. For gaming, especially fast-paced genres like first-person shooters or fighting games, a lower input lag is crucial. A projector with high input lag can make games feel unresponsive, potentially affecting gameplay outcomes.

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