Projectors provide the luxury of a cinematic type of viewing ideal for sports or cozy movie nights with friends and family.

When shopping for a projector, some key features you should consider are durability, connectivity, portability, and sound quality. However, for the best possible experience, you also need to factor in image quality, and 4K is the highest accessible resolution for most of us.

Here are the best 4K projectors on the market.

The Best 4K Projectors We Recommend in 2023

An Optoma UHD55 4K projector
Optoma UHD55
Best Overall

A Bright 4K Projector with Outstanding Value

$1249 $1799 Save $550

Whether you’re a movie buff, gaming enthusiast, or sports fan, the Optoma UD55 offers superb value. Movies are sharp, detailed, and colorful in 4K, gaming is judder and blur-free, while fast sports action is smooth. With 3,600 ANSI lumens, you can enjoy any form of entertainment in any lighting condition.
 

Pros
  • 3D at 1080p compatible
  • 3,600 ANSI lumens
  • Built-in media player
  • HDR10 and HLG compatible
  • 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio
Cons
  • Needs calibration out of the box for optimum picture

The best value projector for movies, sports, and gaming is the Optoma UHD55. It’s a superior choice with a pleasing price and offers excellent 4K image quality, a high refresh rate, a superbly low input lag, and high brightness levels. It’s also relatively compact and has features such as 4-corner correction, a 1.3x zoom, a 10% vertical lens shift, and horizontal and vertical keystone correction for ease of setup.

With a 97% DCI-P3 color gamut alongside Optoma HDR tone mapping and Dynamic Black technology, the contrast is striking, and the colors are lively. The 3,600 ANSI lumens ensure you can watch or play in any lighting, and with PureMotion technology eliminating blur and judder, action movies and fast-paced sports are smooth and natural.

Gaming is a joy, thanks to a variety of refresh rates and input lags. You can get the latter down to as low as 4ms by turning on Enhanced Gaming Mode, although you need to settle for 1080p at 240Hz. If you want 4K detail, you’ll have to settle for a still impressive 15ms.

A plethora of ports are also available, including two HDMI 2.0a ports, three USB-A ports, a VGA port, and a headphone jack. You also get voice control using Alexa and Google Assistant and IFTTT connectivity with other smart-home devices.

A ViewSonic PX701 4K projector
ViewSonic PX701-4K
Most Affordable

Budget-Friendly 4K for Gaming and Movies

The ViewSonic PX701 offers fantastic value for a 4K projector. It's durable and long-lasting, and the setup process is a cinch. You can watch content in bright conditions, including outdoors on sunny days, and with its large projection and 240Hz refresh rate, it's a 4K projector that gamers will love, too.
 

Pros
  • 240Hz refresh rate with low lag
  • Long lamp life
  • Low power consumption
  • Easy to set up
  • 3,200 ANSI lumens
Cons
  • Slow in connecting to some Android TV apps

For a durable projector that is also easy to set up, consider the ViewSonic PX701. It has an impressively long lamp life of up to 20,000 hours, thanks to the projector's unique SuperEco Mode. This projector features a flexible setup capability due to its automatic vertical and horizontal key-stoning.

The anti-wrapping stabilization feature also comes in handy, enabling you to set up the projector in many ways and on a variety of surfaces, including curved ones. Running programs with the ViewSonic PX701 is smooth, making it suitable for watching movies or gaming.

With over 3,200 lumens and a considerably high contrast ratio, the projector offers an impressive viewing experience even in bright environments. A high native resolution of 3840x2160, a low 4.2ms input lag, and a 240Hz refresh rate make the projector a great choice for gaming. It can project up to 300 inches, upgrading your gaming and watching experience.

A BenQ TK800M 4K projector
BenQ TK800M
Best Midrange

A Quality Midrange 4K Choice for Movies, Sports, and Gaming

The BenQ TK800M is a high-performance 4K projector equipped with DLP technology. With a 120Hz refresh rate and low input lag, it delivers smooth and immersive sports viewing, while its dedicated picture modes and customizable sound options enhance the overall entertainment experience.

Pros
  • High contrast ratio
  • Quiet
  • Wide range of color adjustments
  • DLP Technology image resolution
  • 3000 lumens brightness
Cons
  • A little heavy

The BenQ TK800M is another excellent 4K projector for gaming and movies if your priority is stunning graphics. Its high contrast ratio helps deliver image clarity with awe-inspiring attention to detail. The DLP technology provides an enhanced image resolution with no pixelation as you enjoy your watching experience.

The projector includes a sharp 4K resolution that makes it easier for you to play your favorite games, coupled with its 3000 lumens of brightness. A minimal input lag on this device makes gaming a lot more fun on your Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.

The BenQ TK800M is convenient and easy to use, with its auto keystone feature that helps you adjust and align the image size and angle on the screen with ease. The projector also comes packed with a 5W speaker that uses an aluminum driver located in the resonant chamber. The feature provides precision to actualize the home theater experience.

An LG HU85LA Ultra Short Throw CineBeam projector
LG HU85LA Ultra Short Throw CineBeam
Best Short-Throw Projector

An Ultra-Short-Throw Projector with Astonishing Picture Quality

$2890 $5000 Save $2110

Although pricey, the LG HU85LA Ultra-Short Throw CineBeam projector delivers incredible image quality. The 4K images are incredibly detailed, with superb color saturation and striking contrast. It also runs on the intuitive webOS interface and has all the apps and streaming services you can think of. 
 

Pros
  • 2,700 ANSI lumens
  • HDR10 compatible
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Excellent webOS platform
  • Superior image quality
Cons
  • Average audio

Make no mistake, the LG HU85LA Ultra Short-Throw CineBeam Projector is a premium piece of machinery. It also comes at a premium price. That said, the price is now lower than it has ever been, and if you are prepared to splash the cash, it’s a fantastic 4K investment.

Image quality is jaw-dropping thanks to the projector’s state-of-the-art technology. It uses lasers instead of lamps that less expensive projectors usually use. This offers considerable advantages, including a longer lifespan, superior color accuracy, better energy efficiency, and much less maintenance. They also offer more convenience because they don’t require any warm-up or cool-down periods.

Yet, you wouldn’t consider it a portable option, and there are far more compact choices available than the 26.8 x 13.7 x 5 inches that this projector offers. However, most of them aren't short-throw projectors. It can produce stunning 4K images with a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio and a 97% DCI-P3 color range on a 120-inch display from just 7.2 inches away. Colors pop out in HDR, and details are simply astonishing.

You also get LG’s excellent webOS smart TV operating system with all the streaming apps you could ever need, integrated Alexa, Miracast for wireless mirroring, and plenty of ports, including a USB-C. However, the speakers are middle-of-the-road, and you’ll likely need an external audio system for the perfect home theater setup.

An Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 projector
Epson Pro Cinema LS12000
Best Premium

The Ultimate Premium Powerhouse

For the ultimate 4K projector technology, choose the Epson Pro Cinema LS12000. It may be costly, but it’s still a small price to pay for perfection. It features 3LCD laser technology that delivers energetic color and bold contrast and a number of features to help you get the best possible performance.
 

Pros
  • Excellent HDR performance with HDR10+ support
  • Good input lag and 120Hz refresh rate
  • Long lifespan
  • Deep blacks for a laser projector
  • No rainbow artifacts
Cons
  • No 3D support
  • Expensive

If you want the best possible image quality and have bottomless pockets, the Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 will change your home theater life forever. This projector has a 3LCD laser design that also boasts an exceptional lifespan and a wide range of features.

Images are incredibly sharp and detailed, and the colors are intense and saturated with deeper blacks than laser projectors usually achieve, thanks to a 2,500,000:1 contrast ratio. The result is realistic and immersive images that you won’t be able to turn your eyes away from.

It’s also bright at up to 2,700 ANSI lumens and doesn’t struggle in bright environments. And, with support for HDR, including HDR10+, everything is enhanced further with popping highlights and an even more comprehensive range of colors.

It’s a breeze to set up with features such as automatic keystone correction and a 3-axis motorized lens shift, offering more versatility when it comes to positioning. It also has a variety of different picture modes and advanced calibration options.

A Wemax Nova 4K projector
Wemax Nova
Best Audio

An Easy-to-Operate Short-Throw Pick with 30W Audio

For a user-friendly 4K projector, consider the Wemax Nova. While it may not be the cheapest option, it delivers superior 4K imagery with up to 1,300 ANSI lumens. It’s a quality short-throw projector and is lightweight and portable. With powerful 30W Dolby Audio DTS HD Speakers, your 4K visual experience becomes audio/visual, and it's an excellent choice for a home theater setup.

Pros
  • Light and portable
  • Vivid and bright picture quality
  • Easy to set up
  • Clear sound quality
  • Voice Command remote
Cons
  • Limited ways of mounting

The Wemax Nova is convenient and user-friendly, making it a great choice for home and workplace environments as it is packed with advanced features. Its 2,100 ANSI lumens deliver vibrant graphics.

The projector integrates an industry-leading patented Texas Instruments digital light processing (DLP) and Advanced Laser Phosphor Display (ALPD) 3.0 technology, allowing for short-throw projection. This technology reduces straining of the eye by diffusing light without lowering the picture quality. The projector is light and compact, taking up less space and making it portable.

For its size, it boasts a powerful 30W DTS HD speaker by Dolby Audio, which is impressive for a living room setting. It can project up to 150 inches, making it suitable for conferences. The Wemax Nova projector can also connect to external speakers via HDMI if you need that full home theater experience. The projector features an interactive voice command remote button that allows you to issue commands from the comfort of your couch.

An Anker Nebula Cosmos Max 4K projector
Anker Nebula Cosmos Max
Most Versatile

A Portable and Lightweight 4K Projector

A 4K projector that's portable and offers various mounting options, the Anker Nebula Cosmos Max is one of the more versatile options around. It also provides exceptional image quality and impressively upscales lower-resolution content. The user-friendly projector is an ideal addition to a home theater setup. 
 

Pros
  • High-quality sound
  • Power-efficient
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to use
  • 1,500 ANSI lumens
Cons
  • Fan noise is noticeable

The Anker Nebula Cosmos Max is one of the most versatile smart projectors. It’s lightweight and portable, and you have a variety of ways to mount the projector. It accommodates mounting on tripods, tabletops, and ceilings. The advantage is that you get different angles of adjustments and viewing, making the Anker Nebula Cosmos Max usable at home and in the office to make presentations.

The projector can automatically detect non-HDR image quality and videos and immediately upscale it in real-time, thanks to its Hybrid Log Gamma technology, to provide an immersive viewing experience.

This 4K projector also lets you control and adjust image sizes without the need to shift the projector's position, all with the simple press of a remote button. It projects a maximum screen size of 150 inches, making it suitable for watching movies in large rooms.

A XGIMI Horizon Pro 4K projector
XGIMI Horizon Pro 4K
Best Design

A Stylish and Durable 4K Projector

$1100 $1699 Save $599

If looks and durability are your thing, the XGIMI Horizon Pro is both rugged and handsome. It’s also lightweight and portable, making it a stylish, versatile 4K projector. Image quality is excellent, and it’s rounded off with a pair of crystal-clear Harmon Kardon speakers for impeccable audio.
 

Pros
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Clear sound quality with surround sound
  • Obstacle avoidance capability
  • 2,200 ANSI lumens brightness
  • Google Assistant voice control
Cons
  • It doesn't stream with the native Netflix app

Durable and with an eye-catching design, the XGIMI Horizon Pro is the go-to product to give your home that luxurious look while still providing quality entertainment. It's lightweight, making it easy to adjust and carry around. The projector is also easily mountable in different ways, like tabletops, tripods, walls, ceilings, and floors.

Thanks to its intelligent screen adaptation technology, it is easy to operate. This technology enhances autofocus, auto screen alignment, and obstacle avoidance, all while providing a sharp and crisp image resolution to the pictures while maintaining that 4K resolution even in daylight. It works with smart speaker systems like Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit for seamless voice interactions.

The Dual 8W Harman Kardon speakers deliver superb sound. The Projector is compatible with DTS Studio and Dolby Audio files, enhancing sound quality. You can also connect external speakers via Bluetooth, AUX cord, and HDMI.

Choosing the Right 4K Projector for You

Where you will primarily use your projector is a top consideration. If you plan to use it outdoors or in bright rooms, you need it to have a high ANSI-lumen output. Bright sunlight means you will need at least 3,000 ANSI lumens. But it also depends on the display size you wish to project. The bigger it is, the more lumens you need. 1,500 to 2,000 ANSI lumens should be enough in a moderately to well-lit room with a screen of around 100 inches.

As you’re considering a 4K projector, image quality is, of course, paramount, too. 4K projectors will give you excellent clarity and detail, but you should also consider contrast ratio and color gamut. If you’re an avid gamer looking to play on the big screen, you’ll need to consider other factors, such as refresh rate and input lag. The ViewSonic PX701 checks most boxes for gamers and movie buffs and is also available at a rather wallet-friendly price.

The BenQ TK800M is another excellent option with specs and performance for gamers, sports fans, and movie lovers. It costs a little more than the ViewSonic PX701 but still doesn’t come anywhere near the cost of some premium 4K projectors.

However, the Optoma UHD55 4K projector is our top pick. It’s affordable, offers fantastic image quality, and has all the necessary specifications to keep gamers satisfied. It’s also bright enough for outdoor use, and you can even watch 3D content with it.

An Optoma UHD55 4K projector
Optoma UHD55
Best Overall

A Bright 4K Projector with Outstanding Value

$1249 $1799 Save $550

Whether you’re a movie buff, gaming enthusiast, or sports fan, the Optoma UD55 offers superb value. Movies are sharp, detailed, and colorful in 4K, gaming is judder and blur-free, while fast sports action is smooth. With 3,600 ANSI lumens, you can enjoy any form of entertainment in any lighting condition.
 

Pros
  • 3D at 1080p compatible
  • 3,600 ANSI lumens
  • Built-in media player
  • HDR10 and HLG compatible
  • 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio
Cons
  • Needs calibration out of the box for optimum picture