Did you know that a 1080p and full HD projector are the same thing? A 1080p projector will give you a high resolution that allows you to sit closer to the screen and enjoy a beautiful picture similar to those of a flagship TV. In this article, we will take a look at the best 1080p projectors on the market today, and provide a buyer’s guide to help you make an informed choice.
The projectors we chose offer the best picture quality and they all are compatible with plenty of devices, so you can use them with your laptop, computer, smartphone, or tablet. If you are looking for a high-quality projector that will not break the bank, then any of the options on our list will do.
Other features: digital zoom, 10-watt speaker, 10-bit color processing
The Optoma EH412 is our editor’s choice for best 1080p projector because it offers a great picture quality it’s great for use in well-lit meeting rooms, classrooms or conference rooms. It boasts 4500 lumens of brightness and 4K HDR input which allows you to enjoy vibrant colors, deeper blacks and brighter whites. Further, the 4K HDR input guarantees sharper images when you pair the projector with the latest 4K HDR video sources or 1080p HDR gaming contents. Also, thanks to its 50,000:1 contrast and sRGB color profile, you get to enjoy a rich accurate color. Its 1.3x zoom capability will allow you to set up in any environment.
Best of all, the Optoma EH412 supports full 3D. You can display true 3D content from any 3D source 3D blue ray disc players, nearly all the latest generation game consoles, and 3D broadcasting. What’s more, you will love the extensive connectivity options the projector offers and the 10-watt built-in speaker. It is loud enough for small to medium conference rooms and classrooms.
The Optoma EH412 has a lot of similarities with the popular Optoma HD39HDR. The only difference between them is that the Optoma HD39HDR has a lower lumens rating of 4000 lumens. It is a cheaper alternative if you don’t mind the brightness difference.
Other features: HDR – HDR10, 4-channel LED technology, True-to-life Colors, intelligent screen adjustment, 4-point keystone correction, Bluetooth, WiFi
Nothing can bring a movie theater to your home more than the WEMAX Vogue pro. It comes equipped with everything you would ever need for the ultimate big screen movie thrill including a built-in smart OS that allows you to access your favorite streaming programs and 8K support. The projector is built to stand the test of time. Its lighting components offer a whopping 25,000 hours of lamp life. With DLP technology and full HD 1080p resolution, the WEMAX Vogue pro guarantees crisp clear images with high definition sharpness and fine details on a screen as large as 200 inches. The 4-channel LED technology boosts the projector’s brightness by 20% and delivers an impressive 1600 ANSI lumens. Moreover, unlike most projectors, it does not reduce ambient lighting to compensate.
Thanks to features like advanced auto-calibration, 4-point keystone correction, screen alignment, intelligent obstacle avoidance, and TOF focus, you will have perfectly sized images in a matter of seconds. The home theater experience wouldn’t be complete without the best sound quality. The WEMAX Vogue pro features 2x10W full-range high fidelity speakers that produce an impressive rousing and expressive sound. The speaker’s low frequencies can extend up to 60Hz hence its powerful and dynamic sound.
If you don’t have the budget for the Optoma EH412, the WEMAX Vogue pro is the way to go. Its features don’t much up to the Optoma EH412 but you can get an almost similar viewing experience at a slightly lower price point.
Other features: HDR-enabled, Low input lag, Game Mode/Game, Sound Mode ,fine-tune audio and images, 30-bit color processing
As a gamer, the BenQ TH685P is hands down the best projector you can get your hands on. Investing in the projector means you will have fast gaming on a giant screen within your grasp all the time. Its decent throw ratio of 1:46:1 and a 1.3x zoom capability add to its easy portability as you can adjust it to suit any space. With 3500 lumens brightness, the BenQ TH685P gives nothing short of stunning displays even in daylight conditions. Better yet, you can activate the game mode on the projector and the images will be adjusted. The dark and shadowy areas will be adjusted for more clarity automatically. In addition, you can use digital vertical lens to get a dynamic range of projection heights.
The BenQ TH685P is popularly known to be the ultimate gaming projector because of its ability to supply 1080p HDR images at a low-lag 8.3ms/ 120Hz. The speed is pretty impressive and perfect for FPS, sports and all the fast-paced gaming titles. Its clear, dynamic and balanced sound also sets it apart as a top gaming choice thanks to the built-in 5W speaker and an integrated resonance chamber that gives a deep bass. Compared to other high-end 1080p projectors like the Optoma EH12 on this list, the BenQ TH685P is a better option for gaming. Very few projectors have a dedicated gaming mode and game sound mode.
Other features: 4-channel LED technology, low throw ratio, 3W+3W Stereo speakers, wireless, 4-corner keystone, remote control
The LG PF610P is one of the few projectors in the market that offer the perfect balance of convenience and great picture quality in epic proportions. The projector stands out for delivering mesmerizing cinematic immersion with full HD images that have striking clarity and authentic detail. Owing to the projector’s 1000 ANSI lumens, the images are not only clear but also bright with vivid shades. The 4-channel LED also enhances brightness, color, and contrast giving you the most vibrant entertainment.
You can enjoy cinematic content with the LG PF610P on a screen as large as 120 inches. With LG’s exclusive webOS 5.0, you get to experience unmatched convenience as you can organize your content by putting all of your favorite platforms in one location. With the LG PF610P, you can transform any room in your house into a home theater. The projector has a low throw ratio that allows you to watch from a large screen at a close range. Whether you are in your spacious living room or bedroom, you will enjoy a perfect viewing experience from any position. The 4-corner keystone guarantees zero distortion regardless of the angle you are projecting from.
The 3W+3W Stereo speakers also contribute to the wholesome cinematic experience that the LG PF610P offers. The LG PF610P stacks up well against other popular 1080p projectors within its range like the WEMAX Vogue Pro. However, it is a better option if you love movies as it comes with a SmartTV platform. Its contrast ratio also sets it apart from all the projectors on this list.
Other features: Android TV OS, autofocus, 40° auto keystone correction, wireless, Google assistant
The XGIMI MoGo Pro is one of the few projectors in the market that offer exceptional image quality and top convenience at less than 500 bucks. The projector features an advanced DLP lamp that delivers FHD resolution and 300 ANSI lumens for bright, vivid images. You can project any content with the XGIMI MoGo Pro on a screen as large as 100 inches and at only 8 ft away, you will be able to enjoy the vivid colors. The XGIMI MoGo Pro also has an incredible sound quality that adds to its phenomenal performance as a low budget projector. It features two 3W built-in Harman Kardon speakers but you can connect more soundbars or Bluetooth speakers wirelessly for a more dramatic experience.
The best thing about XGIMI MoGo Pro is that you get to enjoy all the goodies that Android TV offers. You can download apps directly to the projector from Google play. Some of the apps the projector supports include; Hulu, HBO max, Disney +, Prime video and YouTube. If you are a Netflix fan, you may have to look elsewhere because the projector does not support streaming from the app. On the bright side, Google assistant will make your life easier.
Setting up the projector is pretty easy especially with the auto keystone correction feature.
The XGIMI MoGo Pro is more affordable than all the projectors on this list. However, comparatively, its features are not as advanced as any of the models on this list. It is a solid beginner option though.
Other features: WiFi connectivity, 75%-100% zoom function, Bluetooth, HI-FI Stereo speaker, 3-year warranty
The DBPower L23 is the ultimate home theater Bluetooth projector with excellent value for money. The projector packs a punch with multiple amazing features that most of its higher-end peers have at a much higher price point. For starters, it has 9000 lumens and a high contrast ratio of 10000:1 that give you bright, sharp and vivid images whether you are watching indoors or outdoors. The best things about the DBPower L23 are its giant projection size and versatile connectivity. You can project any content on a screen as small as 35 inches or as large as 300 inches. The 4 to 25 ft throw distance will allow you to watch any content on a large screen in any room size. With the two HDMI ports, two USB ports, AV, and VGA ports you can use the projector with various devices including PCs, laptops, TV box, smartphones and tablets among others. Further, the Wi-Fi connection and zoom function allows you to mirror content from your smartphone to the projector in a matter of seconds.
The speakers on the DBPower L23 also set it apart. The built-in stereo surround speakers provide authentic audio fidelity that will fill your home theater or room with overwhelming impressive sounds. What’s more, you can connect more speakers for an enhanced sound, or wireless airpods with the Bluetooth function. Unfortunately, the Bluetooth can only transmit audio, but not videos. This means the projector does not support casting but you can always use the mirror function to transmit videos. The DBPower L23 comes close to the Optoma EH12 I terms of features and performance. It is more affordable than the Optoma EH12 but its build quality is relatively subpar. Also it is a bit louder.
Now that we have taken a look at the best 1080p projectors, let’s dive into the buyer’s guide. This will help you choose the right projector for your needs.
A projector is an electro-optical device used to project an image onto a surface. Most projectors work by shining a light through a small transparent lens to create an image. The latest projector models project the image directly with lasers.
Every projector has a lamp inside its build that acts as a source of luminous flux. The light from the lamp passes through the optical system and flows according to the principles of light projection. It is divided into three colors; red, blue, and green before it enters the modulator, which can be liquid crystal or micro-mirror matrix to create a pixel structure. The control unit adjusts the modulating matrix’s direction upon receiving signals from the image source. Finally, the lens collects all the different color steams and forms an image on the screen.
The “1080” in a 1080p projector refers to the number of horizontal lines of resolution that the projector is capable of displaying. A 1080p projector can display a 1920 x 1080 pixel image, which is the standard resolution for high-definition (HD) video.
Most projectors these days are 1080p compatible, which means they can accept a 1080p input signal and display it at its native resolution. However, not all 1080p projectors are created equal. Some have higher-quality lenses and light sources that allow them to display a more detailed and accurate image than others.
Here are some of the key parameters to consider when choosing a 1080p projector:
The two most common display technologies in projectors are LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and DLP (Digital Light Processing). LCD projectors are less expensive, but they need more maintenance as you have to change the filters frequently to avoid dust build up. DLP projectors are pricier, but they project images and videos in higher definition because they have more mirrors that translate to more pixels.
Brightness is a crucial aspect to consider as without ample lighting, a projector cannot display a bright image.
The ANSI lumens rating should guide you on choosing a projector that outputs enough lighting to project bright images. 1000 ANSI lumens or more will give you the desired bright and vivid images.
The contrast ratio is the difference between the lightest and darkest areas of the image. A higher contrast ratio means a more detailed image with better black levels. A contrast ratio of 1500:1 or 2000:1 is excellent for a darkened room.
Make sure the projector you choose has the right input/output ports for your needs. HDMI is the most common, but you may also need VGA, USB, or audio inputs.
The throw distance is the distance between the projector and the screen. You have to choose a projector with a throw distance that will give you maximum placement flexibility. A projector with a short throw ratio can be placed closer to the screen, while a projector with a long throw ratio needs to be placed further away. Read our article on the best short throw projectors for more information.
The size of the screen is important to consider if you’ll be using the projector for movies or gaming. Screen sizes range from 50 inches to 300 inches. Before buying a 1080p projector, ensure the screen fits in your space. To pick the right size, measure the ceiling’s height to be sure that the screen will be at a sufficient height from the floor. Also, ensure the screen size matches your projector’s aspect ratio. Keep in mind that the larger the screen, the more light output your projector needs to project well-saturated images.
The aspect ratio is the width of the image divided by the height. The most common aspect ratios are 16:9 and 4:3. Most movies and TV shows are filmed in 16:9, while older content is usually in 4:3.
If you’ll be using the projector for business presentations or traveling, you’ll want a model that’s easy to transport. Some projectors are small enough to fit in a backpack, while others come with carrying cases.
Look for a projector with a good warranty. Most manufacturers offer at least a one-year warranty, but some extend up to three years.
1080p projectors can range in price from $150 to $2,000. The most expensive models tend to offer the best image quality and features. Check out our reviews of the best projectors under $2000 and best projectors under $500 to see the difference.
These are some other features that can be found on 1080p projectors:
– 3D support: If you want to watch 3D movies or play 3D games, you’ll need a projector with 3D support.
– Built-in speakers: Some projectors come with built-in speakers. This is convenient if you don’t have external speakers, but the sound quality is usually not as good as a dedicated speaker system.
– Ceiling mount: Some projectors can be mounted to the ceiling. This is a good option if you don’t have a lot of space.
– Ethernet: This lets you connect the projector to the internet.
– Wireless connectivity: Wireless projectors can be connected to your devices without using cables.
With all the pro tips on this guide, choosing the best 1080p Projector should be a tad easier. Our product list has something for everyone, from the avid gamer to the movie lover looking to dodge the theaters but still get a cinematic experience in the comfort of their home. Our top pick, the Optoma EH412 is the best Projector you can get for all your needs including outdoor movie nights, or a meeting at a large conference hall. It supports 3D and has wide connectivity.
Our runners up pick, the WEMAX Vogue Pro is the best Projector worth adding to your home movie theater. It has a decent throw distance and over 85% color gamut that gives lifelike images with brilliant colors.
Our third pick, the BenQ TH685P, is the best investment any avid gamer can make. It is incredibly portable, has a stunning color, and is geared for gaming with game mode, game sound mode, fine tune audio and images.
