Introduction
Are you a serious gamer looking for the best experience?
We're gamers too, and we know how important immersion is for your gaming experience. There is no better way to play your favorite game than to experience it on the largest and brightest screen possible. With the right projector, you can. But like monitors, few projectors will meet the hard-core demands of today's games. So how do you choose?
Don't worry – we've got you covered. In this guide, we'll show you the best projectors for gaming and how they measure up in important features like brightness, refresh rate, image quality, and more. We show you our top recommendations so you can spend more time playing games than shopping.
Keep reading to see our top picks below!
How We Choose The Best Projector for Gaming
When you want to buy a projector, there are so many things to consider. It can be hard to know which one is the best for you.
It doesn't help that there are more options on the market today than ever. Do you need a 4K projector or will a 1080p projector work? What about lumens and throw distance?
We’ve done all of the research for you and have found the best gaming projectors so you don't have to. Our findings are based on top industry reviews, personal experience, and feedback from real gamers like you. We chose the best based on what we know gamers care about the most and give you easy-to-pick choices from the top categories.
Best All-Around
Why We Love It
Gamers often have to choose between image quality and gaming performance when selecting a projector. Many projectors sacrifice image quality to provide better gaming performance, but the BenQ X3000i 4K seriously closes the gap between compromise.
This 4K native resolution projector features new 4LED technology that improves brightness and color saturation for a more immersive experience, and combines this with strong high dynamic range (HDR) support and super fast input lag that will satisfy even the most competitive gamers.
The BenQ X3000i is our all-around favorite and one of the best gaming projectors you can get.
It is perfect for console and PC gamers alike, and great for the home cinema. This projector provides an incredible 20,000 hours of bulb life, auto-color calibration to maintain consistent color levels, HDR support for HDR10 and gaming, and three gaming modes for hassle-free adjustment. Plus, it boasts an impressively low input lag that will please even the most demanding gamer.
At A Glance
| Resolution: | Up to 4K UHD |
| Brightness: | 3000 Lumens |
| Contrast Ratio: | 500,000:1 |
| Input Lag / Refresh Rate: | 4.16ms @ 1080p/240Hz 8.33ms @ 1080p/120Hz 16.67ms @ 4K/60Hz |
| Lamp Life: | Max 20,000 hrs |
| Projector Screen Size: | 30 - 300" / 76.2 - 762.0 cm |
What You Should Know
Tailor-made for gaming, the BenQ X3000i is nearly perfect for all your gaming needs. If you can find a good deal we think it's hard to go wrong here.
With all of the options available, you're certain to find an enhanced gaming mode right for you down to even extremely low lag time for the most demanding first-person shooter. The image quality is excellent and super bright. The black levels are slightly elevated in a cinema-type setting, but we think that's a minor issue. We also reviewed reports of a possible discrepancy between the manufacturer's stated brightness versus real-world brightness when measured independently, but we still give it high marks.
The adjustability of the BenQ X3000i is not perfect, but with a manual 1.3x zoom, auto keystone correction, and a standard throw, most users will not have a problem finding the right place to set it up.
If you want to use this projector for media streaming, you should also know that you will have to install a separate device. BenQ does offer an Android TV-based adapter that is designed to work with this projector, but that is sold separately. It's also worth noting that this is essentially the 4K version of the highly-rated 1080p BenQ 1300i. If you like the specs but don't care for 4K, you can't go wrong with the 1080p model as well.
Best For Bright Rooms
Why We Love It
If you want a projector that has great picture quality and is bright enough for any situation, but you don't want to break the bank, look no further. Most people think that they have to spend a fortune on a projector to get good quality. This just isn't the case.
The Optoma UHD38 offers amazing performance including a 12-bit color depth, enough brightness to handle any situation, excellent upscaling capabilities, and extremely low lag time with an enhanced gaming mode. With stunning picture quality and brightness, this gaming projector is easily capable of easily giving you a massive 300-inch image that is easy to watch.
It will be hard to beat this project for most situations, and it easily rivals our top pick for the best all-around projector pick.
At A Glance
| Resolution: | Up to 4K UHD |
| Brightness: | 4000 Lumens |
| Contrast Ratio: | 1,000,000:1 |
| Input Lag / Refresh Rate: | 4.2ms @ 1080p/240Hz 8.9ms @ 1080p/120Hz 16ms @ 4K/60Hz |
| Lamp Life: | Max 4,000 hrs |
| Projector Screen Size: | 33 - 300" / 83.8 - 762.0 cm |
What You Should Know
The Optoma UHD38 has a long throw ratio, meaning you will need a lot of space to put it far enough away from your screen to get a decent size picture. Also, high dynamic range (HDR) support is reportedly not as strong as other projectors that we've reviewed, and there are reports that overall adjustability is somewhat limited.
However, if you want an occasional home cinema projector that truly delivers gaming performance and have no plans to move it frequently, the Optoma UHD38 is a great option. Just be aware that you'll need plenty of space to set it up.
Best Short-Throw
Why We Love It
So you've decided to take the plunge into gaming with a projector, but are stuck with a small room. You're not alone. Many people are in the same boat as you, which is why there are specialized options on the market such as a short-throw projector or an ultra-short-throw projector.
The BenQ TK700STi is your best bet for gaming in a small room. This short-throw projector with manual optical zoom allows you to get a nice 100" screen as close as 6.5' away. It has fantastic color and brightness coupled with super-fast input lag and refresh rate, and is comparable in features to the BenQ X3000i.
The BenQ TK700STi is also no slouch for TV or home cinema use. Six user-selectable modes mean that you're sure to find an enhanced game mode that suits your needs, and outstanding brightness makes it a very capable all-around projector.
At A Glance
| Resolution: | Up to 4K UHD |
| Brightness: | 3000 Lumens |
| Contrast Ratio: | 10,000:1 |
| Input Lag / Refresh Rate: | 4.16ms @ 1080p/240Hz 8.3ms @ 1080p/120Hz 16.67ms @ 4K/60Hz |
| Lamp Life: | Max 4,000 hrs |
| Projector Screen Size: | 30 - 300" / 76.2 - 762.0 cm |
What You Should Know
The BenQ TK700STi isn't a home cinema projector, but it can certainly compete with the best if you watch the occasional movie. Like the X3000i, BenQ also offers an Android TV adapter that is included, which is a bonus if you don't already have a separate streaming device.
The BenQ TK700Sti is a great option for those who want a high-quality short throw projector without spending a fortune. It is capable of displaying high dynamic range (HDR) content, just not as good as some of the others on the market. Its black levels are good enough for most, but if you do a lot of movie watching they could be better.
The projector's image quality is very impressive, and it's a great choice for anyone looking for a high-end gaming option with a short throw. Just keep in mind that if you need something that is closer than 6.5' away from the screen, you may be getting into ultra-short-throw territory.
It's also worth noting that the BenQ TK700Sti weighs only 6.8 lbs! Such a compact and lightweight design makes this a great portable projector if this is important to you, and would easily fit in a category of the best portable projector as well.
Best For Home Cinema
Why We Love It
A lot of people think that they need to buy two separate projectors to get the best of both worlds - one for movies and one for games. This isn't true! The Epson Home Cinema 5050UB is a great projector for gaming and movie watching alike.
If you've ever seen an Epson projector in action, you know this is big-screen home cinema at its finest. Not only does the Epson Home Cinema 5050UB have an amazing picture that will blow your mind with dark scenes, but it also input lag of 25ms that will let you play all but the most competitive games without any issues. If you're an average gamer like most, this is better than adequate.
At A Glance
| Resolution: | Up to 4K UHD (1080p native resolution) |
| Brightness: | 2600 Lumens |
| Contrast Ratio: | 1,000,000:1 |
| Input Lag / Refresh Rate: | 25ms @ 1080p/60Hz |
| Lamp Life: | Max 3500 hrs |
| Projector Screen Size: | 50 - 300" / 127.00 - 762.00 cm |
What You Should Know
Our pick in this category is skewed towards the home cinema so the lower brightness level of this projector is going to struggle a bit in a lit room. It's worth noting that the Epson Home Cinema 5050UB has been out for several years now, and while it does handle 4K content it is not technically a native 4K projector.
But don't let that fool you! If your priority is the home cinema, you should care more about color and contrast than sharpness anyway. Plus, the colors are so good on this projector it will be hard to notice any lack of native 4K support in most situations. This has been a long-standing home cinema king for a good reason.
The adjustability of this projector is also great. With a throw ratio of 1.35 to 2.84:1, the Epson Home Cinema 5050UB takes the top spot for long-throw in our lineup. It also sports a powered 2.1x zoom, fantastic lens shift capabilities, and strong keystone correction meaning you should not have a problem putting this projector anywhere in your home theater.
Getting native 4K in a home cinema projector means a huge step up in price, so we're also trying to bring you the best value with this pick. However, if you don't mind paying a bit more or prefer to stay at the bleeding edge of technology, you may also want to check out the brand new Epson LS11000 laser projector which promises to be the much anticipated 4K update to this venerable Epson Home Cinema 5050UB. It has the same performance but at a premium price tag.
Best On A Budget
Why We Love It
Many people think that to get a great gaming projector, they have to spend a lot of money, but affordable projectors do exist!
Enter, the Optoma HD39HDR! This is a great budget projector for gamers on a budget. It has some impressive features that will make your gaming experience even better but not break the bank.
With fantastic brightness and contrast, this projector will be able to serve double duty for both gaming and the occasional movie. Performance is just where you need it to be for even the most demanding game. With an input lag well below most monitors, it will be able to handle any fast action game with ease.
At A Glance
| Resolution: | Up to 4K UHD (1080p native resolution) |
| Brightness: | 4000 Lumens |
| Contrast Ratio: | 50,000:1 |
| Input Lag / Refresh Rate: | 8.4ms @ 1080p/120Hz 16.4ms @ 1080p/60Hz |
| Lamp Life: | Max 4000 hrs |
| Projector Screen Size: | 30.8 - 301.4" / 78.23 - 765.56 cm |
What You Should Know
The price is right for this projector and it has a lot of features that make it fantastic for gaming. The black levels are not the best when dealing with cinema settings, but unless you are focused more on cinema than gaming, this may not be noticeable to you anyway.
The high dynamic range (HDR) performance is noticeably poor for some HDR content, but if you're not focused on that, then this product is still a great buy. Overall, this projector is a great choice for gaming and will suit the needs of most buyers.
Buyer's Guide
Buyer's Guide - The Important Features
Input Lag and Refresh Rate
Competitive gamers know that every millisecond counts. That's why input lag and refresh rate are such important factors to consider when choosing a projector for gaming. Input lag is the delay between when you make a move on your controller and when it appears on the screen. A low input lag means that your moves will be displayed almost instantly, giving you a significant advantage over your opponents, whereas a high input lag is a sure-fire way to ruin your gameplay.
Refresh rate, on the other hand, is the number of times per second that the image on the screen is refreshed. A high refresh rate means that the image will be smooth and artifact-free, providing hardcore gamers a great experience overall. So if you're looking for a projector that can give you an edge in your next match, be sure to keep input lag and refresh rate in mind. We would recommend an absolute minimum of 50ms / 60Hz for standard gaming, but for our reviews, we prefer to focus only on 25ms and below.
Resolution
While 4K native resolution projectors are becoming more affordable, 1080p is still the standard for gaming due to the improved input lag and refresh rates you can get. Also, contrary to the marketing material from game manufacturers, most modern gaming consoles and games are still not capable of fully pushing 4K. For this reason, we feel that a strong 1080p gaming projector is more than adequate for years to come.
If big-screen home cinema is more your angle, then you certainly can't go wrong with 4K if you can afford the perfect picture. While 1080p is also still the high standard in broadcast TV, there is plenty of ultra high definition (UHD) content available today for movie watching and it only stands to get better.
With all home electronics, we believe that you should buy the best that you can afford to get the most longevity out of your purchase. While 1080p is all you are likely to use for most gaming today, 4K is gaining popularity so you can expect to see more 4K content available in the near future. Being prepared with a 4K ready projector is only a good thing.
Brightness
When choosing a gaming or home cinema projector, one of the most important factors to consider is brightness. A projector's brightness is measured in lumens, and the higher the lumens, the brighter the image will be. For gaming, a brighter projector is often preferable because it can be easier to see on-screen action, especially with ambient light.
For home cinema, a higher lumen rating is usually less important in dark rooms, but can also be beneficial as it can help to improve contrast and produce a more immersive experience. For gaming, we typically recommend staying above 2000 lumens.
Another important consideration is that brighter projectors can potentially generate more heat, and depending on your room size too much heat might be a concern.
Lamp Life
As anyone who has ever owned a projector knows, the bulbs don't last forever. Most projector bulbs only have a lifespan of around 2000 hours. That might seem like a lot, but it can go by quite quickly if the projector is used frequently.
A bulb's lifespan is important for two main reasons. First, it determines how often the bulb will need to be replaced. And these bulbs are usually very expensive! Second, the bulb's lifespan determines the quality of the projection. A bulb that is nearing the end of its lifespan will often produce a dimmer and less consistent projection than one that is brand new.
As a result, it is important to factor this into your purchase. But be careful. Most manufacturers will only highlight the estimated bulb lifespan when running on minimum power. When reviewing projectors, we like to look at the bulb rating on maximum power to be closer to real-world use.
Contrast Ratio
When you are looking for a gaming or cinema projector, one of the most important factors to check is the contrast ratio. This is the difference between the brightest white and the darkest black that the projector can produce. A high contrast ratio is important because it means that the image will have more depth and detail. Whites will be brighter and blacks will be darker, making for a more immersive experience.
In general, a contrast ratio of 1000:1 is considered good, but you will want something much higher for gaming or cinema. Unfortunately, most manufacturers drastically mislead buyers with their stated contrast ratios. This is because many of them are measuring dynamic contrast ratio instead of native contrast ratio.
Dynamic contrast is a technology that changes the contrast ratio dynamically based on what you are watching. This is not a bad thing, but it does make it difficult to determine what a projector is capable of from the specs alone. For this reason, we prefer to only use stated contrast ratios as a guide when combined with expert and buyer reviews.
Adjustability
Rooms come in all shapes and sizes, as will the location that works best for your projector. For this reason, projectors come with a variety of features to compensate, such as keystone correction, vertical tilt, vertical lens shift, optical zoom, focus controls, and throw.
Throw ratio, while technically not an adjustment to the projector, is one of the most critical to get right before you buy because it dictates what sort of room you can use it in. Throw determines how close or far you can place the projector from the screen. Manufacturers will typically list a high and low number which indicates the ideal placement range for an optimal image. While the ratio varies across every projector, most can be lumped into two categories, short and standard.
As a general rule, a short-throw ratio means that you can put the projector much closer to the screen and get the same size image as an equivalent larger throw projector. Because there is so much variability here among projectors, we opt to keep our reviews simple and focus on these two categories.
Connectivity
With modern projectors, the type of inputs available are almost irrelevant with the widespread adoption of HDMI as virtually all projectors support this. HDMI allows for high-definition video and audio to use the same wire, which has simplified home video and audio connectivity. For the average console or PC gamer, all you need to care about is whether it has enough HDMI ports for your needs. That said, if you are running older devices you may want to cross-check if it supports your connectivity type.
Many projectors also come with dedicated built-in audio or external audio pass-through. However, HDMI can also be used to pass audio to external speakers via a receiver in your home theater.
FAQs
Gaming Projector FAQs
You want to buy a gaming projector, but you're not sure which one is right for you. With all of the options on the market today, it can be tough to figure out which gaming projector is best for your needs.
If you read our review and still have questions, continue reading to see our list of the most frequently asked questions about gaming projectors to help make your decision easier.
1. Which is the best projector for gaming?
That largely depends on what you are looking for in a projector for gaming. There are more projectors on the market today than ever, and we reviewed over 30 of the best to make your choice easier. Read our full review to find the right gaming projector for you. If you are just looking for the best all-around projector for gaming, we highly recommend the BenQ X3000i.
2. Is a projector any good for gaming?
The answer is yes! Projectors offer several advantages when it comes to gaming, including large screen size, high resolution, and immersive sound. Additionally, projectors are typically very easy to set up, so you can start gaming right away. So if you're looking for an immersive and exciting gaming experience, a projector is worth considering.
3. Which is better for gaming: TV or projector?
It really depends on what you’re looking for in a gaming setup. Projection technology has come a long way in the last decade, and the picture quality of some projectors can easily outperform an LCD TV. If you want the biggest and brightest image possible, then a projector is likely your best bet. However, if you’re looking for simplicity and easier installation, then a TV is probably the way to go.
4. Can projectors do 4K 120Hz?
Some projectors can do 4K 120Hz, but they are not very common. Most projectors are limited to a maximum of 4K 60Hz. There are a few factors that determine how many frames per second a projector can support. The resolution (4K or not), the refresh rate of the projector, and the type of input signal all play a role.
5. Is there an 8K projector?
Yes, there are 8K projectors on the market. However, the resolution is so high that it's only useful for certain applications, such as large indoor venues or outdoor digital signage.
8K resolution provides 16 times the resolution of a standard HD projector or four times the resolution of 4K. This means that an 8K projector can reproduce incredibly sharp images with incredible detail. However, because 8K content is still relatively rare, most consumers will not see a significant difference in image quality when compared to a 4K projector.
6. Do projectors have lag?
Yes, projectors do have lag. But this is not a big deal.
The amount of lag varies depending on the projector and its settings. Modern gaming projectors generally have input lag on par with the best gaming monitors. For example, some of the projectors we've reviewed have input lag as low as 4ms running 240Hz over 1080p.
7. Can I play Xbox or PS4 on a projector?
Yes, you can! Playing Xbox series or PS4 video games on a projector is becoming increasingly popular, as it provides a large and immersive gaming experience. There are a few things to keep in mind when setting up your Xbox or PS4 on a projector, however.
First, you'll need to make sure that the projector is compatible with your console, which almost every gaming projector on the market today is. Second, you'll need to adjust the settings on your console and projector to get the best picture quality. And finally, you may want to invest in some gaming accessories specifically designed for use with projectors. But once you have everything set up, you're ready for some serious gaming fun!
8. Do projectors have game mode?
Yes, specialized gaming projectors often do have a game mode. Game mode is a special setting that optimizes the projector for playing video games. It adjusts the image quality and brightness to create the best possible experience.
Some projectors also have built-in speakers that provide surround sound, which can enhance your gaming experience. Plus, with a projector, you can play games on a much bigger screen than you could with a TV. So if you're a gamer, definitely consider purchasing a projector!
9. Are short-throw projectors good for gaming?
Short throw projectors are great for gaming because they allow you to place the projector very close to the screen or wall, which eliminates the need for a lot of space between the projector and screen. This is important for gaming in a small room because it gives you a larger viewing area and creates less distortion on the image. So if you're looking for a projector that's perfect for gaming in a small room, then a short-throw model is worth considering.
10. What’s better: DLP or LCD projector?
There is no single answer to this question because it depends on your specific needs and preferences. Some people prefer DLP projectors because they create a deeper contrast ratio and produce brighter images. However, LCD projectors are often more affordable and use less energy.
The good news is that modern projector technology has largely leveled that playing field, and both are great options. Ultimately, the right projector for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
What’s The Best Gaming Projector For You?
If you're a serious gamer, you know that having a great setup is essential for winning. In addition to a powerful gaming PC or console, and the latest games, many gamers also invest in projectors.
Projectors create a large, immersive image that is perfect for gaming. They also allow you to adjust the image size and position to suit your needs. Best of all, projectors can be relatively inexpensive, making them a great option for budget-conscious gamers.
Whether you're playing the latest first-person shooter or exploring a virtual world, a projector can help you get the most out of your game. So if you're looking to take your gaming to the next level, consider investing in a projector.
So, what are the best projectors for gaming? After analyzing published specs and consumer feedback, these five models rose to the top. Verified buyers recommend them highly and independent reviewers have given them top marks.
Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, one of these projectors will take your gameplay to the next level.
Thanks for reading our guide on the best projectors for gaming! We hope it helped you make an informed purchase decision.
Adam
