11 Best DLP Projectors Reviews and Buying Guide
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need a DLP Projector?
It is always good to have choices before buying a DLP projector; however, this is not always the case. However, in this article, we aim to give you choices, so we have given a list of the 11 best DLP projectors in the market. In addition to that, we have thoroughly reviewed each product and gone through every aspect of the projectors, such as their quality, build, features, etc.
Quick Summary
- BEST OVERALL: WXGA Business Projector (MW560) by BenQ
- BEST BUDGET: Luma 150 Mini Projector by KODAK
- BEST SOUND QUALITY: 1080p Ultra Mini Projector by KODAK
- BEST PORTABILITY: 1080P WT50 Mini Projector by AKASO
- BEST FOR LARGE ROOMS: Pocket Size DLP Projector by AKASO
- BEST FOR SMALL ROOMS: HD146X Projector by Optoma
- BEST FOR OFFICES: Dice 700 ANSI Lumens 1080P Projector by Weman
- BEST FOR HOME: Ultra Mini 1080P Projector by Vamvo
- BEST FOR CLASSROOMS: Smart Mini Projector by Nebula
- BEST FOR VIDEO: Bonsaii Portable Smart Projector
- BEST FOR MOVIES: IN116xv Projector DLP WXGA 3800 Lumens by InFocus
DLP Projectors Detailed Detailed Reviews
1. WXGA Business Projector (MW560) by BenQ
The BenQ WXGA Business projector is one of the best in the market. This projector is equipped with SmartECO technology and auto keystone and is extremely easy to set up. You can mount the projector on a table or a stool, and its minimum through distance is about 1 foot. However, while this white-colored projector is compact, it weighs around 7.7 pounds.
Good Image Quality
The BENQ WXGA Business projector has superb image quality, as it has a 2000:1 contrast and 4000 ANSI Lumens high brightness. The combination of these two specifications will significantly enhance your viewing experience.
Dual Connectivity and Fast Transmission
This projector is HDMI-enabled, offering faster transmission than other projectors. The dual HDMI capabilities in the projector offer expanded connectivity and multiform.
Detail Digits and Letter
The projector comes with an exclusive data review mode, which will enable you to see every digit and letter.
Easy Alignment and Setup
The projector has an ergonomic retractable roof, and the auto vertical keystone will help you align images easily and enable you to set the projector up.
Going Economical and Green
The SmartECO mode in the projector saves up to 70 % of lamp power.
Warranty
The projector comes with a 24-month warranty. The lamp has a 1000 hours/365-day warranty.
Features
Here are some features of this projector:
- RGB Mode
- Video Mode
- Infographic Mode
- Bright Mode
- Presentation Mode
- High Brightness
- Spreadsheet Mode
- Security Bar
- 1D Auto Keystone
- Kensington Lock
Pros
- smart eco-technology
- Easy alignment and setup
- It comes with a 24-month warranty
Cons
- Not as lightweight as other projectors
2. 1080p Ultra Mini Projector by KODAK
The Kodak Ultra Mini portable projector is one of the smallest projectors on the market. However, size doesn’t matter in this case, as this projector has USB, HDMI, and SD Card ports compatible with Android and IOS devices and has a built-in speaker. In addition to that, the projector supports a 1080P display and is rechargeable.
Standard
The updated DLP Optical boasts the superior LED brightness of the Kodak Ultra Mini portable projector. The projector’s engine offers crystal clear quality and exceptional color accuracy.
Quality
The lightest and smallest DLP projector, the Kodak Ultra Mini portable projector, can easily fit inside your handbag, purse, back pocket, or briefcase.
Compatibility
The media player is equipped with speakers, integrated 3.5 mm HDMI input, and MicroSD and USB hookup. This projector can easily connect to Android and IOS tablets and smartphones.
Plug and Play
There are no complicated menu screens or buttons; just connect this projector to a TV, PC, laptop, or gaming console, and it will start working immediately.
Gaming Color
This mini projector can display 16.7 million colors, which will help you see lifelike details in your favorite games, photo slideshows, movies, etc.
Pros
- Small Size
- Easy to Install
- Decent video and Audio quality
Cons
- Too small can easily get lost
3. Bonsaii Portable Smart Projector
This high-quality projector is manufactured by Bonsaii; it supports 1080P and is compatible with HDMI, TV, TV Box, PS4, USB, etc. This portable projector is best for an outdoor setup and comes with a wattage of 48 watts. You can easily mount this projector in a tripod position. This projector offers a resolution of 1280 by 720p.
Good Watching Experience
This Bonsaii movie projector supports 1080P, has a contrast ratio of 2000:1, and comes with built-in speakers, a keystone correction function, and manually adjustable focus. The correction function enables the projector to display clean and crisp images, enhancing the movie-watching experience. The projector can easily display pictures on a screen of 176 inches.
Higher Brightness Images
This video projector is about 70 % brighter than other projectors. It offers lifelike images outdoors, and the diffuse reflection technology enables the projector can protect your eyes and make the image softer.
Connectivity
This projector can easily connect to USB flash drives, RCA, USB, HDMI, and AV ports. You can also hook the external speakers with a standard audio jack. The projector comes with an HDMI cable, AV to 3 RCA cable, and a remote controller. This projector works with multimedia devices such as TV Stick, PS4, XBOX, PS5, Macbooks, Laptop, PC, etc.
Features
This Bonsaii projector comes with an updated fan noise suppression and cooling system, which suppresses the projector’s noise. Compared to other mini projectors, the noise in this projector is 50 % lower than usual. The projector also has 50,000 hours of extended lamp life, which means you can use the projector for more than a decade.
Pros
- 12-Month Satisfaction Protection
- High brightness images
- Good Features
Cons
- Poor Sound Quality
4. Luma 150 Mini Projector by KODAK
This cute and portable KODAK Luma 150 Ultra Mini projector is a rectangular-shaped device that can easily fit in your pocket or handbag. The device has gold trim and white and can project more than 150 videos and photos from a tablet, thumb drive, SD Card, USB, or a wireless connection. The image quality is good, but the low brightness of the projector limits the useful image size.
Palmtop and Pocket Projector
This is the middle model of the three KODAK mini projector models. However, this projector is not as portable as the other two models. Nonetheless, this is still a DLP projector; it has a native resolution of 854 by 450 pixels and has a rated brightness of 150 lumens.
When you observe the projector from the front, you will see the lens is offset to the right side. The area surrounding the lens is angled upwards. This projector rests on four small feet, each foot around an inch tall, and there is a threaded hole in the middle for a tripod.
Mirroring
By default, this projector will show four icons when you turn it on Wireless, HDMI, Images, and Movies. Through a wireless connection, you can mirror the screen of your compatible IOS, Android, or Windows device.
The projector also acts as a WIFI hotspot and appears on the list of available WIFI networks. Once a connection is established, you can access the screen mirroring software, which should identify the projector as a compatible device. Selecting the projector will mirror the device’s screen as long as there is an established connection.
The images and movie menu items will enable you to display images or play different video files from a USB thumb drive or a memory card. The HDMI connection will enable you to mirror the screen through an HDMI connection.
Realistic Colors
This KODAK projector has been tested under different conditions, such as in a dark theater room or a room with ambient light. A wide array of content was also viewed on the projector, such as webpages, images, and videos from a mirrored computer or USB stick. The ideal size is 36 inches for a darkened room; however, anything more than that, and the colors will begin to fade.
Overall, the image quality of this projector is good and has fairly realistic colors. Both videos and images are usually free of rainbow artifacts that frequently plague images and videos.
Pros
- The internal battery is rechargeable
- Can Project through several sources
- Good design
- Affordable
Cons
- No tripod
- Low, modest resolution and brightness.
5. Smart Mini Projector by Nebula
If you are looking for a portable projector, then the Smart Mini Projector by Nebula is the one you should buy. These capsule projectors from Nebula have become extremely popular thanks to their compact design and support for Android applications.
While this capsule projector will not be a replacement for a full-sized DLP projector, it is the best portable mini projector on the market. The projector can easily beam videos and images on a screen as large as 100 inches and is powered by the Android TV platform by Google.
While the projector does make some concessions in terms of resolution, brightness, and battery life, if portability is all you are after, then this projector is for you.
Design
It will be tough for you to find a portable DLP projector that is more compact than the Anker Nebula Capsule II. This device weighs approximately 680 grams, which is less than a kilogram. This projector is no bigger than a Coca-Cola can and has all the tools to beam a video or movies on a wall easily.
The projector measures approximately 3.15 by 3.15 by 5.9 inches; it has black speaker grilles, a small red-colored Anker logo on the front, and several buttons. The projector lens sits in a small and round porthole that is in the front.
This projector has a built-in battery, and you can charge it with a USB-C cable. You can easily get up to three hours of video playback on this projector, which is less than some other DLP projectors, but you need to consider the 200 ANSI lumens brightness rating.
Android TV
Previously, Anker DLP projectors have used a forked Android TV software, which enabled the user to load applications like Amazon Prime and Netflix on the devices. However, these apps weren’t perfect; most of them had a clunky interface.
All that has changed, though, as this projector comes with a built-in Android TV 9.0 software, which gives you access to 3600 applications. Now, you can easily navigate the Android TV in the projector with the help of a remote controller.
Performance
If you are not expecting a cinema-level performance from the projector, this little projector should do the trick for you. However, the projector can struggle in sunlight, but once the light fades, it projects watchable images and videos.
Pros
- Good Design
- Built-in Android TV
- HDMI Port
Cons
- Expensive
- Netflix should be side loaded
6. Ultra Mini 1080P Projector by Vamvo
This is another portable DLP projector with a rechargeable battery and supports HD DLP LED. The projector is compatible with Micro SD, TF, USB, and HDMI and supports laptops, PC, IOS, and Android devices. The display resolution of this device is 800 by 480, and it runs on 20 watts of power. The hardware interface of this projector is HDMI, USB, and VGA.
Portable, Versatile, and Compact
This Vamvo projector is lightweight and compact; it is designed with a small frame of 5.7 by 3.2 by 0.9 inches and only weighs approximately 0.6 pounds. This will enable you to take the projector anywhere you want to. Due to its small size, you can also put the projector in your briefcase, handbag, or purse.
Multi-Screen Sharing
This projector comes with the latest Multi-screening technology, and it enables the user to project screens of IOS and Android devices on a large screen of up to 130 inches. The projector comes with an original USB cable, and you can also use an HDMI adapter to synchronize the screen.
Vibrant Display
You can make this project or your own personal gaming and sports projector. Enjoy the crystal clear images and vibrant colors with a maximum resolution of 1080P. The ideal screen size for this device is approximately 80 inches, and the project distance should be 5 feet. The 5200MAH battery will enable you to watch a movie for up to 2 hours without charge.
Pros
- Easy to Setup
- Compatible
- Good Video Output
Cons
- Can get lost due to small size
7. Pocket Size DLP Projector by AKASO
This small-sized DLP projector is developed by AKASO; it comes with 50 ANSI lumens brightness, has a built-in rechargeable battery, and supports 1080P. The projector is also equipped with speakers and has a remote controller, which will enable you to control the pocket-sized DLP portable projector easily.
Versatile, Compact, and Lightweight
This portable projector is lightweight and compact, it weighs only 0.46 pounds, and its dimensions are 5.51 by 2.71 by 0.62 inches. The project is portable and convenient, and you can even put it in your pocket or purse. This projector is ideal for gaming or outdoor gatherings.
Multi-Screen Share
This high-quality portable projector is compatible with different devices since it has a MicroSD, HDMI, USB, and AV port, perfect for playing video. You watch your favorite movies, TV series, or sports on this projector. The projector is also compatible with X-Box One, PS4, PS3, Android, and IOS devices.
Display Your Personal Home Theater
Make this projector your home theater; it can play a movie for up to 2 hours and won’t require charging. The RGB super service-life LED lights have a lifespan of over 30,000 hours and are perfect for outdoor use.
Pros
- Good Resolution
- Lightweight
- The interface is approachable and friendly
Cons
- Low Brightness
- Simple interface
- The remote controller is not user-friendly
8. Dice 700 ANSI Lumens 1080P Projector by Weman
The size of the projector doesn’t matter unless it can give a home theater-like feel and is easy to install. However, it is tough to carry large DLS projectors for business meetings, backyard movies, road trips, or large gatherings, so a portable projector is more convenient. The WEMAX Dice 700 portable projector ticks all the boxes and will be a great movie companion for you.
Portability
This is one of the smallest projectors on the market and weighs about 5 pounds. It can easily fit in suitcases, briefcases, and backpacks. The handle on top of the projector is a nice touch and is useful for carrying the device. While most DLS projectors need a power supply to work, this WEMAX projector has an option of battery power or a wall outlet.
Picture Quality
While this projector has pros and cons, it offers a decent picture quality. It has a sharp full HD display and maintains the detail and clarity in the screen size. The color is accurate and bright, and the projector is equipped with a 4-channel LED spectrum that comes with a wide gamut of hues.
Wireless Streaming and Connectivity
The Android 9.0 TV is the interface of this projector, which will give you full access to the Google Play Store and up to 5000 applications. The storage space of the projector is about 16 GB, and it also supports mobile devices and Chromecast.
Pros
- Full HD sharp resolution
- Lightweight and portable
- 2+ hour run time
- Built-in battery
Cons
- Poor quality speaker
- Lamp is dim
9. HD146X Projector by Optoma
This is the least expensive 1080P DLP projector home projector on the market. Compared with other projectors, it may lack a few features; it does offer 3500 ANSI lumber brightness. The projector offers great color balance, black level, and contrast and is perfect for 3D movies and videos.
Setup and Design
This projector uses a 1920 by 1080 DLP chip and has a six-color panel wheel. These are the colors on the wheel: Blue, White, Cyran, Yellow, Red, and Green. The setup for this projector is standard, and it only weighs 6.2 pounds. The dimensions of this product are 4.3 by 12.4 by 9.5 inches.
Plug and Press Play
The quality of image this projector offers is excellent, and it also has a cinema mode for watching movies. Game and Vivid modes are also bright. Once the setup is complete, all you have today is to select your favorite movie and press the play button.
Pros
- Can play 3D videos
- Full HD 3D support
- Fast input lag
Cons
- Poor quality audio
- Only has one HDMI port
10. IN116xv Projector DLP WXGA 3800 Lumens by InFocus
This is a 3D-ready projector that runs on 195 watts and has a tabletop mounting position. The device is HDMI-enabled and has a brightness of 3800 lumens. You can set up this high-quality projector in minutes, and it is compatible with IOS and Android devices.
Long-Lasting Lamp
You can get more than 15,000 hours from the projector’s lamp, which will provide several hours of crystal clear viewing. You can use this projector to watch a movie or conduct a business presentation.
Flexible Viewing Experience
Enjoy your next business presentation or home theater on the perfect screen. This projector offers a 28 to 300-inch viewing size, and the projector distance should be 2 to 12 meters.
Pros
- Compatible with IOS and Android devices
- 2-year warranty
- Easy Setup
Cons
- Large size
- Difficult to carry around
11. 1080P WT50 Mini Projector by AKASO
This portable mini projector by AKASO comes with a 1080P video display; it has a trackpad design, runs on Android 9.0, and is compatible with Android and IOS devices. The projector is also WIFI and touch-enabled. The total weight of this product is just 0.64 pounds.
Multi-Screen Sharing
This smart projector supports DLNA, Airplay, Eshare, and Miracast. The product comes with a 360 degrees rotatable bracket and can project a video on a screen of 120 inches.
Portability
The advanced technology of this projector (Optically processed chip) delivers crystal clear and vibrant colors. The RGB LED bulbs emit a soft light, which will protect your eyes from harm.
Touch Control
This projector comes with touch control, which will allow you to choose your favorite applications and media.
Pros
- Touch Control
- Portable
- It runs on Android TV 9.0
Cons
- Poor audio quality
- Too small
What is a DLP Projector?
DLP stands for digital light processing technology, and a DLP projector is one that reflects light off a microscopic set of mirrored panels referred to as digital micro mirror devices, otherwise called DMD. DMD comprises millions of tiny mirrors acting as reflective pixels in the resolution of a projected image. The normal HD resolution common with projectors today is 1080P, with each horizontal line containing up to 1920 pixels. A DLP projector with a full-fledged HD resolution will either use one or three DMD chips with higher grade DLPs using up to three chips, one each for Green, Blue and Red signals. Conversely, each one is made up of 1080 set or rowed mirrors and 1920 mirrors for each row.
DLP projectors come with a set of optical chipsets that have electromagnetic technology and digital micro mirrors. Originally developed in 1987 by Larry Hornbeck of the Texas Instruments, the very first DLP Projector was made in 1997 by Digital Projection LTD.
How Do DLP Projectors Work?
A DLP projector relies on a set of chips or digital micro mirror devices that comprise millions of tiny mirrors. Each mirror is so tiny it is one-fifth of the width of human hair, and they move independently away or toward the light source. This action creates a light or dark pixel. The color is transmitted to thr DMD via a light beam from the light source, which in turn passes through a color wheel before it reaches the chipset. The image is then passed onto the lens and the projection screen for the viewer to see.
DLP projectors with a three-chip set can transmit as much as 35 million, and they use a prism to divide the light coming from the lamp, with each primary light routed to its own DLP chip. This is then combined and routed through the lens. DLPs with three chips are more expensive and commonly used for higher-end home theater systems and mass broadcasts at larger venues. They are also the projectors of choice at movie theaters and Cinemas because of their higher resolution.
The small DMD chip plays a vital role in the functionality of the projector. This chip was created by Texas instruments, and they can have tens of thousands to millions of tiny mirrors. Each mirror has a surface made of reflective aluminium and is wide by a few microns, about the size of a human red blood cell.
Each mirror is one pixel of the image, and these pixels combine horizontally and vertically to make up a whole image. This is why DLP projectors with more mirrors on their DMD chips tend to have a much higher image resolution.
By electrostatically switching from one mirror position to the next, the mirror can be designated as off or on positions. Furthermore, to send data signals to the memory cells, each mirror activates an electrode that controls the mirror on top regardless of whether it is switched on or off.
What Are the Benefits of a DLP Projector?
DLP projectors are quite popular due to the major benefits they offer. Here are some of them
Less Chicken Wire Effect
One of the biggest criticism of some projector technology is poor pixel quality which experts call the Chicken Wire Effect. With DLP projectors, you don’t experience such a thing because the mirrors are very close to each other. What you get is robust imagery across the entire inch of the display screen. Chicken Wire occurs when the grid-like shape of the panels is visible in the image that is projected. This is common with LCD projectors, and these shapes ruin image quality.
The good thing about DLPs is that these shapes are hidden, making for a smoother image. Even if they are noticed, they are not so pronounced.
Higher Contrast Ratio
You get to enjoy a high contrast ratio with DLP projectors than many other models. This will come in handy when you are viewing the display in poor light conditions. The high contrast makes it easy to see images clearly. No detail or color element will be hidden from you. That’s how good the contrast ratio can be. Higher contrast makes for better images.
Low Noise
Nothing can ruin the fun like a buzzing or humming sound coming from the projector engine. With DLP projectors, you don’t have to worry about such. This technology is much quieter than LCD projectors, for instance. You can enjoy shows and movies in peace.
Compact
Not only are DLP projectors known to be compact, but they are also lightweight. This means you don’t need too much space to install or store it. Secondly, you can transport it comfortably by keeping it safely in your bag. They are the projectors of choice for outdoor events. The reason why DLPs are lightweight is not far-fetched; they use only one panel instead of three.
Sealed Optics
The reason why users are advised to always clean their projectors to rid them of dust is that dust and debris can ruin the engine. With a DLP projector, you have to worry less about this. This projector is ideal for smoky and dusty environments because of its structure. They have sealed optics protected by the compartment.
Easy Maintenance
DLP projectors are easy to maintain because they have sealed chip designs and a filter-free structure. The last thing you want is a projector that you need to clean whether it is in use or not. However, with this model, you have less maintenance responsibility on your hands. Moreover, the final image is often sharper, and light loss is reduced with a much higher output.
3D Potential
You may not have known before now, but DLP projectors have 3D potential due to their sharp projections. They have more mirrors that generate more pixels. With a few tweaks and accessories, you can enjoy 3D images with a DLP projector.
How to Choose a DLP Projector?
Choosing a DLP projector for your home is not something you should do based on appearance alone. DLP projectors and projectors, in general, are technical devices that require a certain level of awareness when making a choice. If you want to choose a DLP projector, here are the things to consider.
Light Source & Quality
The first thing to look out for is the light source and quality. Projectors mainly work with one of three sources; LED, Lasers and Bulbs. While each one has its strength and weakness, the onus lies with you to decide which one you want. Before making a choice, do some research to find out which one will suit your needs.
Brightness
The brightness of a project is characterized by the Lumens. Some experts call brightness light intensity, and the more Lumens it has, the brighter the display will be. When choosing one based on brightness, you have white brightness and color brightness.
White Brightness
White brightness is the total volume of light emitted without measuring color.
Color Brightness
Color brightness is the volume of color intensity that will appear. The colors may be red, yellow or blue, but the detailed appearance matters.
So which should you go for?
If the color brightness is lower than the white brightness, the images will look dull and dark. This is why most 4K projectors have equal color and white brightness. Others have a perfect blend of the two and don’t distinguish between both. So when choosing a DLP projector, compare the units by the whiteness and color output.
ANSI Lumens
Making a judgment call based on color and white brightness is not easy, which is why the ANSI lumens are the best way to rate a projector’s brightness. According to the Americans National Standards Institute, an ANSI Lumen is simply a measurement of light intensity. Some projectors use Lux or Nits ratings to confuse buyers, but they mean the same thing. We will even argue that if a brand is marketing its projector brightness using a different terminology besides ANSI, that should be a red flag.
Don’t choose a projector solely based on the ANSI Lumens capacity; rather, consider how much brightness you need. Do you go for a 3000 or 5000 Lumens? That will depend on what you wish to use it for, the type of image and the level of room brightness. To determine your needs, you must calculate the Foot Lamberts per unit. Once you have the results, you can use them to determine the quality of brightness you want.
Resolution
Another important feature to consider when picking a DLP projector is to consider the quality of the Resolution. Resolution describes the level of image clarity on the screen. Also referred to as native resolution, this is defined as the number of pixels the projected image will need to be clear. This date is shown on the horizontal axis. Note that a higher resolution means there are more pixels in the image, and a higher pixel results in a clearer and more detailed image.
Common resolution ls used in most DLP projectors are the Full HD of FHD 1080p, which has a maximum resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. Then we have the 4K version, which is also called the UHD or Ultra High Definition model, with a standard resolution of 3480×2160 pixels.
There are also some models that use 720p, and they also provide users with an immersive experience.
So which should you go for?
4K projectors
If you go for a 4K projector, know that the pixels will be smaller than 1080 projectors. This gets you improved resolution with better images. 4K images are stunning and provide access to the HDR spectrum in a wider color gamut with the ability to produce dark blacks. And most content creators these days use 4K o see images in clear detail.
1080 projectors
1080 may be less stunning than 4K, but it has one advantage, which is the cheaper price. But when compared based on quality, a 4K DLP projector is far more advanced than a 1080 DLP projector.
Contrast/Aspect Ratio
You should also consider the contrast and aspect ratio in terms of the height and width of the projected image. When evaluating aspect ratio, you should consider the different types before making a choice. As for the contrast ratio, you want to look at the light reflected from all black and all white images.
Cinema projectors have a contrast ratio of 3000:1 and an image ratio of 3000 times lighter than a black image. So a higher contrast ratio gives you a detailed video.
Color Accuracy & Gamut
The color gamut is defined as the range of display colors the projector can show. So the wider the gamut, the more colors it can produce. Very good DLP projectors can deliver about 95% or more of advanced DCI-P3 color, but we recommend you don’t go below a 64% color gamut. The color gamut and accuracy are very important for video clarity. If the colors are inaccurate, it means they something is off. So always do your due diligence before you make a choice.
HDR
Second to the last is the HDR. This feature is similar to the color gamut but with a difference. If you plan to stream HDR content, you should go for one with HDR capacity. HDR stands for High Dynamic Range which is an imaging technique used to reproduce a high range of luminous standard imagery. An HDR DLP projector will give you real-life colors or something very close to that.
Since most content released these days are HDR, you get to watch them with very few image alterations.
Lamp Life
The last thing you want to look at is the Lamp life. You want a DLP projector that will serve you for years. On average, we recommend one with a lamp life of between 3000-5000 hours, depending on the model and picture quality. If it doesn’t overheat and it has a high lamp life, it may serve you for 10 years or more, depending on the way you use it and how often you use it.
Conclusion
This article discusses some of the best DLP projectors available in the market. We went through different aspects of all the projectors and weighed their pros and cons. While all the projectors are good, we wholeheartedly endorse the WXGA Business Projector (MW560) by BenQ because of its features and overall quality.
Rate This Article
