The days of boxy 19-inch CRT color TVs are long gone, as are the days of driving to a video store to browse the shelves for a VHS movie. Today’s home viewers expect each movie or binge-watch series to be a fully immersive viewing experience. This sometimes means that even large screen televisions are no longer enough. For a cinematic movie experience in your own home, the best 4K projectors bring everything but the popcorn out of the crowded theaters and into your living room. If you are a 4K fledgling, choosing a home theater projector may seem intimidating. Features are being advanced yearly, and today’s projectors offer many of the most technologically advanced options to enhance your cinematic viewing pleasure. You also have to understand the differences in viewing your chosen content on a television, which emits it own light, vs a projector which reflects light off of a screen and what that means for your movie experience.
Today’s advanced features include higher resolution, brighter lumens for daytime viewing, HDR (High Dynamic Range) for brighter whites and darker blacks—resulting in sharper contrast and a crisp, realistic image, as well as a full color gamut range for vibrant visuals. Whether you are a tech-savvy, media mogul, a big-time movie buff, or a new home theater novice, we’ve done the research for you and put together a rated list of the best 4K projectors of today. A quick scan through the listed features shows you what options and advanced features are offered by each, and will help you to decide what features come together to make the best 4K projector for you.
The Epson Home Cinema 5050UB 4K PRO-UHD 3 Chip Projector with HDR may be the best 4K Projector available today.
Epson Home Cinema 5050UB 4K PRO-UHD 3 Chip Projector with HDR
$2500 at AmazonViewSonic 4K Projector with 3500 Lumens
$850 at AmazonSony Home Theater Projector VPL-VW295ES
$4492 at AmazonLG HU80KA 4K UHD Laser Smart TV Home Theater CineBeam Projector
See at AmazonOptoma UHL55 4K LED Smart Projector
Best Value$1699 at Amazon
Epson Home Cinema 504UB 3LCD
Pin Choice$1655 at AmazonBenQ HT3550 4K Home Theater Projector
Editor’s Choice$1199 at AmazonOptoma UHD51ALV True 4K UHD Smart Projector
Pin ChoiceSee at AmazonVAVA 4K UHD Laser TV Home Theatre Projector
Premium PickSee at Amazon
Epson Home Cinema 5050UB 4K PRO-UHD 3 Chip Projector with HDR
One of the best 4K projectors for offering advanced features for full viewing or gaming pleasure is the Epson Home Cinema 5050UB 4K PRO-UHD 3 Chip Projector with HDR. The advanced 3LCD technology displays 100 percent RGB color on every frame for full color gamut with extreme color performance at 50 percent wider than what is displayed by single chip technology. There will never be rainbow issues with this projected image to distract from full movie immersion. The 4K resolution has an advanced pixel shifting feature to control three LCD chips for parallel processing of millions of pixels. This results in enhanced resolution for a stunning 4K visual experience in any lighting with 2600 lumen brightness. The precision HDR curve adjustment allows 16 steps of control for fine-tuning performance levels to result in the absolute best quality visuals from any content.
The Epson Home Cinema 5050UB 4K PRO-UHD 3 Chip Projector has full 10-bit HDR with 3 color processing for more realistic visual reproduction and an unbeatable visual performance. Enjoy total immersion in the movie experience or full 4K HDR content in next generation gaming.
The digital image processing feature delivers smooth tonal transitions and eliminates compression artifacts such as blocking and banding from the final image performance.
The Epson Home Cinema features bright color light output of 2600 lumens, allowing the projector to be used in any lighting to always deliver a sharp, clear image. The ultra black technology produces a superior contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, with a special image filter to control light polarization.
The Epson Home Cinema 5050UB 4K PRO-UHD Projector allows viewers to set the zoom and focus, and easily store all settings in lens memory preset features for convenience. The lens shifts easily left and right, as well as up and down on a vertical axis. This lens is engineered to allow no light leakage to deliver stunning image clarity with edge to edge uniformity in focus.
- Brand
- Epson
- Remote offers functions to adjust contrast and more
- 3D features included
- Best possible picture quality is undisputed
- Great technology for gaming
- Projector is large and heavy
- Wireless connection needs upgrading
The ViewSonic 4K projector offers multiple options for connectivity, including dual HDMI inputs for a variety of HD devices including Blu-ray players, laptops, PCs, digital cameras and many other options to enjoy your high-definition theater experience. These versatile options and high-quality features at a lower price means this is one of the best 4K projectors for budget friendly 4K home cinema.
ViewSonic 4K Projector with 3500 Lumens
One of the best 4K Projectors for superior brightness and daylight viewing is the ViewSonic 4K Projector With 3500 Lumens. This is a reasonably priced projector with many of the desirable features of more expensive 4K projectors. At a high resolution of 3840 x 2160 distinct pixels for 8.3 million pixels in 4K UHD resolution, this projector offers viewers four times the clarity of full high definition technology and projects on a screen of up to 300 inches. These features offer movie-theater quality cinematic viewing in the comfort of your own home.
The ViewSonic 4K Projector has decoding features for HDR video signal to deliver vividly detailed video playback that’s crisp and clear even in ambient light. The exclusive SuperColor technology and ultra HD projection supports a stunning home theater visual experience. More vivid and bold color with rich, detailed contrast offers fantastic image reproduction for a more realistic viewing experience.
You’ll also enjoy movie theater quality sound with powerful 10W speakers for sound that fills the whole room for a fully immersive video and audio movie-watching experience.
With the ViewSonic 4K Projector a wide optical zoom allows flexibility in mounting for easier installation. The included remote features backlighting with illuminated buttons for easier operation in low lighting.
- Brand
- ViewSonic
- High lumens allows a vivid picture even in daylight viewing
- Many connectivity options
- 3 year limited warranty
- No 3D capability
- Visible light border
- Color spectrum is not as full and vivid as pricier models
- Not a short-throw projector. Requires about a 12 foot distance
If you are looking for a reliable projector with enhanced technology, the Sony Home Theater Projector VPL VW295ES Full 4K HDR Video Projector may be the best 4K projector for you.
Sony Home Theater Projector VPL-VW295ES
One of the best 4K projectors for superior high resolution picture is the Sony Home Theater VPL VW295ES Full 4K HDR Video Projector. At a whopping 4096 x 2160 pixels each, the high definition viewing is unmatchable, with crisp, vivid colors and exceptional realism. HDR compatibility means this projector delivers higher contrast for a sharper image. Triluminos display means the entire spectrum of true-to-life colors and shades are represented to allow the entire color gamut to enhance your viewing experience. Skin tones look more realistic with this color-spectrum technology.
The Sony Home Theater VPL VW295ES Full 4K HDR Video Projector includes motionflow technology at 60 frames per second, for ultra-smooth motion that’s more realistic and lifelike. You can enjoy total movie immersion, sports viewing, or video game pleasure. The 4K upscaler feature maps each individual pixel to display an enhanced image.
You can have beautiful IMAX-quality visuals into your own home, making this projector one of the finest on the market for serious movie enjoyment. This projector has separate imagers to represent red, green, and blue color channels for 8.8 million pixels delivering rich, bold color throughout your viewing.
The lamp is built to last through years of viewing and gaming, at an expected life of 6,000 hours. 1500 lumen brightness makes this projector deliver a clear, vivid image even in ambient light. The included remote includes focus adjustment, zoom, and horizontal and vertical frame shift for convenience in viewing. With IR inputs on front and back, your remote will work from any angle.
- Brand
- Sony
- Quiet fan operation
- Stunning image clarity
- 3D capable with incredible image immersion
- 1500 Lumens means that this projector works best in dim lighting or darkened room.
The LG HU85LA Ultra Short Throw 4K UHD Laser Smart Home Theater CineBeam Projector has super-realistic 4K quality picture with 8.3 million pixels and 3840 x 2160 resolution, or 4 times the resolution of full HD. This offers beyond movie-theater quality viewing from your own home. All you need to add is the popcorn!
An LG Magic Remote is included with LG Smart TV, and Google Assistant is built-in so you can operate your system with simple voice commands, making this one of the best 4K projectors for ease of use.
LG HU80KA 4K UHD Laser Smart TV Home Theater CineBeam Projector
One of the best 4K projectors for brilliant picture quality and breathtaking cinematic experience is the LG HU85LA Ultra Short Throw 4K UHD Laser Smart Home Theater CineBeam Projector. With this projector you can quickly and easily set up your own home theater in any room in the house. It offers short throw capability and works from as little as 7.2 inches away from the wall or screen with a 120 inch screen. Placing the projector 2.2 inches from the screen results in a 90 inch cinematic screen.
The 4K UHD resolution offers sharp, clear pictures that remain vibrant even in ambient light with no need for blackout curtains or basement darkness, thanks to the 2700 ANSI Lumens brightness quality, and HDR10 compatibility. HDR10 has dynamic tone mapping to deliver frame by frame optimizing for the highest quality image, allowing complete movie immersion to maximize your home theater experience. The original LG TruMotion technology makes picture movement more fluid and realistic.
This projector achieves the ultimate in accuracy of color thanks to a red laser light source as well as the typical blue laser to support wider color gamut coverage and intense color reproduction and realism.
- Brand
- LG
- Bold, sharp picture even in ambient light
- Optimal picture quality in each frame
- Simple 12 point adjustment to correct screen distortion
- No lens shift feature
The setup process for the LG HU80 4K Laser Smart TV Home Theater CineBeam Projector is fast and easy right out of the box and can be moved from room to room. Simply plug it in, place it on the floor or table and lift the mirror flap to shine the image at your screen or wall. Versatile placement and easy transportability make the LG HU80KA 4K UHD Laser Smart TV Home Theater CineBeam Projector one of the best 4K projector choices today.
LG HU80KA 4K UHD Laser Smart TV Home Theater CineBeam Projector
One of the best 4K projectors for brilliant picture quality and breathtaking cinematic experience is the LG HU85LA Ultra Short Throw 4K UHD Laser Smart Home Theater CineBeam Projector. With this projector you can quickly and easily set up your own home theater in any room in the house. It offers short throw capability and works from as little as 7.2 inches away from the wall or screen with a 120 inch screen. Placing the projector 2.2 inches from the screen results in a 90 inch cinematic screen.
The 4K UHD resolution offers sharp, clear pictures that remain vibrant even in ambient light with no need for blackout curtains or basement darkness, thanks to the 2700 ANSI Lumens brightness quality, and HDR10 compatibility. HDR10 has dynamic tone mapping to deliver frame by frame optimizing for the highest quality image, allowing complete movie immersion to maximize your home theater experience. The original LG TruMotion technology makes picture movement more fluid and realistic.
This projector achieves the ultimate in accuracy of color thanks to a red laser light source as well as the typical blue laser to support wider color gamut coverage and intense color reproduction and realism.
- Brand
- LG
- Works in ambient lighting
- Retractable cord
- Versatile options with easy-to-transport design
- Quiet operation
- Turn on dynamic contrast option for superior picture
- Keystone adjustment feature can be difficult
- Not a short throw projector- requires set up at 11.4 feet away
- Contrast feature needs upgrading
The Optoma UHL55 4K LED Smart Projector with HDR is also one of the best 4K projectors for sound quality with premium omni-directional audio and two precision 8 watt speakers for 360 degree sound and built-in Bluetooth technology.
Optoma UHL55 4K LED Smart Projector
For the ultimate in transportable home theater projection, the Optoma UHL55 4K LED Smart Projector with HDR is easily portable from room to room, or elsewhere, with a detachable handle and included backpack. With true 4K Ultra HD, you can experience movie-theater quality cinema from the comfort of your own home. 8.3 million on-screen pixels are enabled by a Texas Instruments 4K UHD DLP chipset.
The Optoma UHL55 has voice assistance compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant enabling intuitive voice control features for powering on and off, volume changes, input source change, and controlling the USB media player. It has HDR10 technology with dci-p3 wide color gamut to provide rich depth of color, deeper blacks, and brighter whites to enhance your viewing pleasure as you immerse yourself in the movie experience.
You can stream Netflix, Youtube, Spotify, or browse with Firefox and more with smart TV apps and further downloadable apps available through the Optoma marketplace. Inputs include most media player types, gaming consoles, Macs, PCs and any mobile device with HDM2, HDCP 2.2 support, HDMI 4K USB, VGA, and more.
The Optoma UHL55 4K LED Smart Projector with HDR has LED lighting with a long expected lifespan of over 10 years even with four hours of daily viewing time. It has easy image set-up with auto focus and keystone sensors for a sharper, more detailed image with little hassle for setup and calibration. The image will automatically refocus if the projector is bumped or jostled.
- Brand
- Optoma
- High-quality premium omni-directional audio
- Easily transportable for place and play advantage
- Quiet running
- Throw requires over 10 ft
- Remote is not back lit
- Limited apps
- Requires a darkened room
This high-quality home theater projector also has a bright 3D drive for ideal 3D projection so you can enjoy being completely immersed in your favorite 3D movie experience. In fact, the superior 3D experience with zero ghosting effect is one of the best features of this projector and has been given the highest possible ratings and reviews.
Epson Home Cinema 504UB 3LCD
One of the best 4K projectors for high contrast and ultra wide color gamut and white brightness is the Epson Home Cinema 5040UB 3 LCD Home Theater Projector. It has superior 4K enhancement technology and upscales sub-4K content to result in a sharp, clear image that offers a lifelike picture for optimal home theater enjoyment.
The resolution is 3840 x 2160, or 4K UHD, exceeding Full HD. The advanced technology includes 3 chip, 3LCD design to ensure that you never see the distracting rainbow effect which occurs with other projectors. The HDR10 and ultra-black contrast technology along with ultra white gives the view a 10 bit color output and superior contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1. This offers a superior full color range with clear detail in light or dark scenes.
The Epson Home Cinema 5040UB 3 LCD Home Theater Projector offers ultra wide color gamut for the ultimate in image realism, as well as a perfectly balanced color brightness with 2,500 lumens of color and white brightness. This delivers bold, vibrant color and contrast realism to maximize your home theater experience.
The outstanding zoom feature on the Epson Home Cinema makes it easy to get the best image from any position and allows the throw distance to be more versatile.
- Brand
- Epson
- Bright 3D drive for optimal 3D projection
- Quiet fan operation
- Turning super-white allows stunning image
- Occasional power source issues exist. Company will replace unit if this happens to yours
- Projector is large in size
- 2500 lumens means this works best in a dark room
- Remote is not back lit and needs upgrading
When shopping for one of the best 4K projectors for a new or upgraded home theater, it’s important to be up-to-date on the latest and greatest movie projector features. A 4K projector can project a movie onto a wall or screen, similar to those in movie theaters. Most of the best 4K projectors of today will deliver a whopping 120 inches or more for a fully immersive movie or gaming experience.
BenQ HT3550 4K Home Theater Projector
- Brand
- BenQ
- 3 year parts and labor warranty coverage
- Slim design projector
- Uses DLP technology like IMAX theaters
- Factory calibrated for easier setup
- Slight input lag
- User interface needs upgrading
- Slight fan noise distraction
With the Optoma UHD51ALV True 4K UHD Smart Projector keystone correction is not needed when installed at the optimal level. It has a short throw and easy manual focus.
Just set up and calibrate this projector, grab your popcorn and enjoy cinematic viewing at any time of the day regardless of light.
Optoma UHD51ALV True 4K UHD Smart Projector
One of the best 4k Projectors for smart technology and voice command is the Optoma UHD51 ALV True 4K UHD Smart Projector. This projector allows viewers to experience movie theater quality cinematic viewing in their own homes at a simple voice command. It is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant with Echo devices or Google Home. With voice command alone, you can power the device on and off, adjust the volume, change inputs, and control playback.
The Optoma UHD51ALV True 4K Projector gives you 4K ultra HD with 8.3 million distinct on-screen pixel quality. The ultra detail technology provides enhanced sharpness in imaging with a high frame rate to ensure a sharp, clear picture. The superior image depth is assured by black technology for sharper contrast at a high ratio so bright scenes are sharp and clear and dark scenes maintain rich detail. The wide color gamut assures vibrant, realistic color with bright whites, deep black levels and rich tones with HDR10 support.
With the Optoma UHD51ALV True 4K UHD Smart Projector you will enjoy PureMotion technology to prevent motion blurring or judder even during the most action-filled scenes in your favorite movies.
This advanced projector works with all 4K UHD video playback devices as well as game consoles that support HDR at 60Hz refresh rates for superior smoothness of playback. It is also Blu-ray 3D ready so with 3D glasses, viewers can fully immerse themselves into the movie.
- Brand
- Optoma
- Enhanced image quality
- Superior image depth with black technology to add depth and high contrast
- Super bright and high contrast makes a dark room unnecessary
- 3D capable
- Noisy fan
- WiFi interface needs upgrading
- Requires serious calibration before use
- The unit emits heat
The VAVA 4K UHD Laser TV Home Theatre Projector offers complete connectivity, with 9 ports for peripherals, including computer, TV set-top box, speakers, USB drive, gaming console, and HDD player. The cinematic technology is used in more than 17, 000 movie theaters around the world.
This projector comes with a Bluetooth remote, cleaning cloth, and product manual, making this a complete system and one of the best 4K projectors available today.
VAVA 4K UHD Laser TV Home Theatre Projector
For the ultimate in-home theatre entertainment, the VAVA 4K UHD Laser TV Home Theatre Projector is one of the best 4K projectors available today. With an ultra short throw, this projector eliminates the need for complicated mounting hardware and long cables or wires. In fact, the VAVA 4K Projector can cast a 100-inch image from only 7.2 inches away from the wall, making this one of the shortest throw capabilities available in home projectors today.
The VAVA 4K UHD Laser TV Home Theatre Projector offers a complete cinematic experience from the comfort of your own home. With 4K resolution and HDR10—or high dynamic range—for superior brightness, contrast, clarity, color accuracy, and sharpness of image, the device can exceed even the fidelity found in movie theaters.
The VAVA 4K UHD Laser TV Home Theatre Projector has an industrial-grade laser lamp with 25,000 hours of life, effectively eliminating the need to change bulbs. This projector can be enjoyed for up to 4 hours per day for 17 years without requiring a lamp change. This is over 15 times the lifespan of typical projector bulbs.
This projector comes with a built-in Harman Kardon soundbar with high-fidelity sound and Dolby audio. It has a diffused lighting system to protect the human eye, and is bright enough to be used in daylight without closing the blinds. You no longer have to watch in complete darkness in order to enjoy a vibrant picture with cinematic clarity.
- Brand
- VAVA
- Free of wires and obstruction with narrow proximity from just 16.7 ” away from wall
- Eye-protecting diffused light
- Works even with ambient lighting- no need for darkened room
- Easy to install with no need for extra mounting hardware
- Some fan noise and heat emission
- Focus cannot be adjusted while watching a movie. You must exit and go to settings tab.
Common Movie Buff Buzz Words
Lumens: Look for lumens to describe the brightness of the projected image. Higher lumen levels will allow a stunningly clear, sharp image, even in ambient light, making daytime viewing possible without pulling shades.
HDR10: This technology allows more precise color accuracy of High Dynamic Range in 10 bit color, or one billion color shades. This delivers high-impact realism so you are assured you seeing what the movie’s creators intended you to see. Visuals will be vibrant and beautiful with a full range of true-to-life colors, including more realistic skin tones and stunning scenery.
Contrast: This is the ratio of white to black in your projected images. Higher contrast levels offer true black and whitest whites, and every range in between. This will deliver a sharper, clearer image that’s more true-to-life.
While browsing through the best 4K projectors of today you may also encounter information about focus features, lens shift to allow for versatility in projector placement, and short-throw technology. A projector featuring short throw, means you can place it very close to the screen and it will still project a full sized image, rather than having it mounted or placed up to 12 feet away, which is required by many models.
It’s also essential to look at the connectivity features so you know what media sources can be used for your projector.
Quiet running fans and motors are also important, as is longer lamp life in your projector bulb. These are things to consider before making a choice in the best 4K projector for you.
What Can A 4K Projector Do For My Viewing Experience?
Grab a bowl of popcorn, head for your recliner, and plan on being deeply drawn into the movie or binge-worthy Netflix series you are watching. A 4K projector brings better-than-movie-theater visuals and superior sound quality right into your living room or dedicated home movie theater. Many of the best 4K projectors offer backlit remote controls with the built-in ability to adjust the screen image from your chair. Many are also voice command capable so you can ask Alexa or Google Assistant to adjust your volume level and more. Sports will come alive as though you are watching from the stands, and video games will be more fully immersive than you ever dreamed.
Some of the best 4K projectors are also portable, with built-in-handles and lighter weight, making them the ideal choice if you are using your projector at work, at a friend’s house, or simply enjoy the versatility of being able to transport your 4K projector from the living room to the bedroom.
If you didn’t consider yourself the biggest movie buff before watching a movie on one of the best 4K projectors of today, chances are you will soon become one. The ability to bring the cinema into your own home is one of the best technological advances in home entertainment today.
Resources— BenQ, engadget, cNet
FAQ
Q: Are 4k projectors worth the investment?
Depending on your needs, 1080 pixels offer plenty of visual stimulation for even the most eager spectators. But 4k is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. If you’re someone who values visual content, a 4k projector can add performance capabilities. 4k projectors are often competing with 1080 pixel projectors, but they offer a more competitive experience. Most 4k projectors will have more features and a greater amount of adaptability than their 1080 pixel competitors. Investing in a 4k projector will likely offer better brightness and a crisp portrayal of your content. 1080 pixel projectors offer a great environment for those who are less attuned to image quality.
Q: Can you watch Netflix on a 4k projector?
Yes. It is possible to watch Netflix on a 4k projector, but there are a few things you should keep in mind before investing in a projector of that caliber. 4k streaming is only available on certain projector models. But it is also only possible to stream 4k from certain streaming plans. You must invest in a plan that supports Ultra HD streaming. This will allow you to pair your projector with high-quality Netflix content for a superior experience. If you are uncertain about the Netflix plan that you have, double check to see if you have access to HD channels before investing in a 4k projector.
Q: Are projectors better than TVs?
Projectors generally offer a much larger screen size than standard televisions. Depending on your needs, this can be the most effective option for entertaining large crowds. Television screens of the same size are generally much more difficult to find and higher in cost. Projectors also tend to have better contrast ratios than their television competitors. This leads to better image quality, overall. However, under high-light conditions, projectors are much more likely to appear washed out and hazy than televisions. Short-throw projectors allow you to fit most projectors nearly anywhere. Projectors are also much more mobile than the average television setup.
Q: What should I look for in a projector?
Finding the right projector can give you the ability to entertain large groups with relative ease. But looking for certain projector characteristics will assist you during your search. The best projectors have a high-quality image delivery. But it’s also helpful to look for a product that has a quiet fan in order to prevent background noise during your viewing. Additionally, finding a projector with an HDMI port will allow you to connect your projector with your home theater. Double check the brightness of your projector before making your selection. And, finally, an upgraded resolution on your projector will keep your product current for many years.
Q: Are projectors bad for your eyes?
They can be. However, they’re most destructive when you’re looking straight into the projector light. To avoid causing eye damage, exercise care against straining your eyes. If a projector is used in a conventional way, you might experience eye strain. But it is unlikely that you’ll experience long-term eye damage. Additionally, projectors tend to put less strain on your eyes than televisions. This is because of their ability to project larger images onto a screen. Projectors function by using light reflection on a screen while televisions emit light. Due to this key difference, projectors cause less strain on the retina, allowing you to stay relaxed for the entirety of your show.
Q: Can you watch Amazon Prime on a projector?
Depending on your projector type, you should be able to watch Amazon Prime on it. Some projectors come with HDMI outlets, which allow you to connect to laptops with relative ease. It is important to note, however, that if your show is not available in high resolutions, it will look blurry and hazy on the screen. Most streaming services have some high-resolution options that would be compatible with a 4k projector. But not every option will work. The easiest way to connect Amazon Prime to a projector is to attach the Fire Stick to your projector’s HDMI port while also attaching it to a power source.
