Our Top Picks
● Epson 3200 - Best for Overall
● Sony VW325ES - Best For High-Quality Image
● BenQ TH585 - Best Budget
● XGIMI Horizon Pro - Best For Android TV
● Anker Nebula Cosmos - Best For True 3D Audio
● SAMSUNG SP-LSP7TFAXZA - Best For Alexa Built-In
Types Of Product
4K Ultra HD (link)
Before diving deeper into evaluating and choosing the right 4K projector, you need to understand its definition better. So, what exactly is a 4K projector?
A 4K projector is a projector with Ultra HD resolution. The resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels is Full HD, about 2.1 million pixels. Additionally, 1,280 x 720 pixels are HD, for a total of 0.92 million pixels.
Ultra HD resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels appears on terms like 4K, UHD or 2160p. You can find this term in Epson 3200 or XGIMI Aura.
The level of enhancement of 4K is the 720p resolution of 4K by rapidly flashing 2.1 million pixels in a larger area.
True 4K has a dense pixel density and can display 8.3 million pixels simultaneously. It includes two types: 3,840 x 2,160 pixels or 4,096 x 2,160 pixels.
With a compelling resolution four times bigger than the pixels of a 1080p projector, the output will always be sharp and true-to-life.
Buying Guides
Ultra short throw projectors (link)
Throw Range
Throw range refers to the zoom capabilities of the projection device. It allows you to place the projector anywhere within that range and use the zoom feature to achieve the desired image size.
Standard Throw
The most popular projectors are undoubtedly the standard throw projectors.
It has a typical throw ratio of between 1.5:1 and 2:1 (each foot of image width equates to a 1.5-2 foot projector distance).
This type of device comes with a lens fixed in the housing and cannot be changed.
If you like flexibility, go for devices that don't have a fixed lens. It allows you to choose the appropriate throw ratio.
Short Throw
Projectors with throw ratios ranging from 0.38:1 to 1.4:1 are short-throw devices. Some typical candidates are XGIMI Horizon Pro and Anker Nebula Cosmos.
They are excellent choices for presentations in meeting rooms or classrooms because of their close proximity to the screen. This way, you can prevent shadows from passing between the screen and the projector.
Ultra Short Throw (UST)
Despite their popularity in educational settings, UST projectors have only become mainstream for home cinema in the last few years.
The throw ratio of the UST is usually below 0.37:1. It allows the device to lie directly below the screen to shorten the maximum distance.
If you are interested in UST devices, look at SAMSUNG SP-LSP7TFAXZA. You can mount it directly on the wall and turn any room into a theater.
Brightness And Lumens
Light intensity is measured and displayed in ANSI lumens. It describes the amount of light that a projection device can project on a particular screen.
Environmental conditions are an essential factor for determining the right light level.
Can you adjust the light in the room? The brighter the light in the room, the higher the projector's brightness.
In that case, choose models with high brightness around 2.500 to 2.900 lumens like Epson 3200 and XGIMI Aura.
BenQ TH585 (link)
Lamp Life
Many people often overlook lamp life when choosing a 4K projector. However, I advise you to pay attention to this issue.
Average lamp life ranges from 3,000 to 5,000 hours, depending on projector quality and frequency of use. You can also install a replacement lamp to reset the hours.
For BenQ TH585, the lamp can last up to 15,000 hours if you use it four hours a day.
The more you use it, the dimmer the light becomes and continuously dims. The device's heat is also tremendous, so always find a way to cool it down.
Laser projectors typically have a longer lifespan of up to 20,000 hours. It doesn't require much maintenance, but it costs more.
Connectivity
There are two basic connection types of 4K projectors, digital and analog.
Analog interfaces are S-video, VGA, composite, and component video. In particular, VGA is the most common type today.
Today's digital connections include DVI and HDMI, which you can see in Sony VW325ES. HDMI can transmit both video and audio, while DVI can only transmit images.
Usually, you'll find a DVI port on large projectors. In contrast, HDMI is the expected standard for HD video playback.
High dynamic range (link)
HDR
An essential factor in distinguishing and evaluating the quality of the best 4K projectors is their ability to display HDR content accurately. It is related to the color gamut.
HDR, aka High-Dynamic-Range, is an imaging technique that reproduces images with a more fantastic luminance range than is standard.
As a result, you will see images as sharp and realistic as possible.
As more and more HDR content is released, the need to find a corresponding HDR transmitter is more urgent than ever.
The key is products with as high a coverage percentage of the BT.2020 color space as possible. The larger the number, the brighter the color.
Built-In Speakers
Depending on users' needs, the projector's noise level may be more or less affected. If you want to set up a home cinema or broadcast images in a small area, the noise generated should not exceed 30dB.
The larger the device, the quieter the fan runs. Therefore, you can choose devices with large frames like SAMSUNG SP-LSP7TFAXZA to minimize noise.
The noise level of trim and portable devices is usually slightly higher. It ranges from 32 to 38dB. The fact is the brighter the projector, the louder the noise. The reason is that considerable lamp power will require more effort to dissipate heat.
FAQs
If you have any questions regarding the best 4K projectors, the following section may have the answers for you.
Couple watching a movie on the sofa at night (link)
Is A 4K Projector Worth The Cost?
If you plan to build a home cinema, then a 4K projector is the most worthy investment.
4K is currently excelling in terms of images thanks to its incredible detail, sharpness, and quality in every respect. It will bring the most realistic visual experience to the user.
The good news is that you won't need an arm and a leg to buy yourself a 4K projector. Its cost is getting lower and more affordable with a variety of options.
What Is The Main Difference Between 1080p And 4K Projector?
A 1080p projector has a higher contrast ratio and produces the same image regardless of the viewer's distance. The cost per device is also relatively low.
In contrast, 4K projectors are more expensive and use more internet data. For that price, it comes with an outstandingly sharp and refined resolution.
Another advantage of 4K devices is increasing the user's visual experience within 10ft.
How Much Resolution Is 4K?
4K means a horizontal resolution equivalent to 4000 pixels. In it, the letter "K" stands for "kilo" (thousand).
The resolution of most 4K monitors falls around 3840 x 2160 pixels. This pixel level is four times higher than a full HD display (1920 x 1080 pixels).
Can Your Eyes Tell The Difference Between 4K And 8K?
The size and distance mainly influence the viewer's ability to view the maximum resolution to the viewing screen.
Professionals use Lechner distance to determine the optimal length for resolutions like 8K, 4K, and HD. The results are pretty obvious.
A person with 20/20 vision who wants to discern resolution when sitting 10ft away would need 75 inches diagonally for HD. The exact numbers are 120 inches and 280 inches for 4K and 8K.
Can A Projector Replace Your TV?
You can use the projector to watch TV every day. It will likely deliver a better overall TV viewing experience at a more affordable price point.
The only problem is that the bulb's life will decrease faster because of the heavy usage. However, the projector will not be affected much.
Check out the video below for a more comprehensive view of using a gaming projector to replace a TV.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this list of the best 4K projectors has given you some quality recommendations. After thoroughly testing and evaluating, I have compiled a list of the top 5 most notable products.
● Epson 3200 - Best Overall
● Sony VW325ES - Best For High-Quality Image
● BenQ TH585 - Best Budget
● SAMSUNG SP-LSP7TFAXZA - Best For Alexa Built-In
What do you think about this list? We are happy to receive your comments and suggestions. Thank you for reading!
