Last week my television screen started flickering all of the sudden and my hunt for projector under 300 started. Because, upon inspection by a mechanic, I got to know about its hefty repairing fees for my TV. I didn’t want to splurge on such an old television, so I decided to buy a new one. While I was looking for a good Television reference, a friend suggested me to go for a projector. He had a basic projector under $100 and was considering to upgrade it for projector under $200
Hesitant at first, I decided to explore, if a projector could be a good substitute for my television. When I researched, I was surprised to know that while most of the feature-enriched televisions were not available in a decent budget of $300, there were a plethora of video projector under $300 and even as low as projectors under $150
However, choosing a good projector was challenging for me as a novice buyer. Hence, I made a diligent research to find out the best home projector under 300 that have promising features to deliver an impeccable home theatre experience.
Have a quick look, if you are planning to buy a decent projector for yourself:
Table of Contents
Editor’s Pick
For office presentations, it is the best projector to show detailed images for your power-point presentations.
For strict budgets, this projector offers value for money
With its powerful in-built speakers, you don’t need to invest for external speakers.
Best Projector under $300: Review & Buying Guide
I have carefully chosen the top 10 projectors under $300 based on crucial factors such as lumen, lamp life, speakers, Bluetooth, contrast ratio and other essential features to present the top projector under 300 on
our list.
1.WiMiUS S1 Native 1080P Projector – Highest Contrast Ratio
Specification
- Hardware Interface: VGA, DVD-R, AV Port, USB, HDMI
- Mounting Type: Ceiling Mount
- Controller Type: Remote Control, 8000L
- Display resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Item Weight: 6.5 Pounds
- Image Contrast Ratio: 10000:1
When compared to native 720p projectors, WiMiUS S1 Native 1080P Projector outperforms with 80% more brightness and a commendable 10000:1 contrast ratio. You can expect the most immersive picture technology with higher definition. As it can provide 300 inches wide projection, it successfully delivers an exceptional cinematic experience as well as best conference room projector.
With its LED light source, it is a top-rated HD projector that runs exceptionally smooth with PS4, Roku, PS3, Fire TV Stick etc. As it has the widest angle at ±50°, it facilitates clearest pictures with maximum adjustments. Built-in cooling fans, rear and side vents along sufficient paths aid easy heat dissipation. The projector houses 100000 hours life-span lamp
A 3-month money-back guarantee is awesome along with technical and repair support. Ceiling rear, rear, front and ceiling are the four projection modes available with this projector to flip the image as per requirements. Enjoy a crystal clear sound with its vocal enhancement technology. Its impressive zoom feature allows to reduce or increase the screen size using the remote control.
2.Jaspiaa Native 1080P Home Theater – 6 months money-back guarantee
Specification
- Hardware Interface: VGA, HDMI
- Controller Type : Remote Control
- Display resolution: 1920×1800
- Minimum Image Size: 45 Inches
- Aspect Ratio: 16: 9
- Lightness: 6500 Lumens
- Item Weight: 24 pounds
With its contrast ratio of 9000:1, this promising projector delivers colourful HD quality pictures. It is a versatile projector ideal for beginners with its easy picture adjustment. Equipped with 6500 lumens, it presents exceptional picture lightness. Built-in HiFi speakers relieve the hassle of additional external speakers.
A High-efficiency cooling system not only extends the battery life but also facilitate running easily up to 6 hours in one go. With simple keystone adjustments, you can always adjust your minimum and maximum projection distance easily. This multifunctional projector is compatible with laptop, PS4, Fire TV, smartphone, HDMI, AV, VGA and tablet with specified prompts.
3.Epson EX3260 SVGA 3 – Budgeted Projector
Specification
- Brightness: 3300 Lumen
- Display resolution: 800 x 600
- Item Weight: 8.1 Pounds
- Throw Distance:30 Feet
- Display Resolution Maximum: 800 x 600
Weighing at 5.5 pounds, this sturdy projector comes in a soft case to make it highly portable. This simple projector is capable to meet regular and advanced projection needs. Highly compact, it takes few minutes to set it up. It is one of the smallest LCD projectors. Due to its lightweight, it is highly portable. It comes with an attractive carrying case.
With a USB cable, you can connect it directly to your computer. It supports VGA and composite video inputs. With 3300 lumens, this projector produces heavy brightness even in a lit room. With an aspect ratio of 4:3, it boasts an SVGA resolution of 800X600.
The lamp comes with a life span of 10000 hours. Vertical keystones facilitate automatic adjustments. Overall, it is a powerful projector that delivers good video quality and images.
4.VANKYO Leisure 510PW – Highest Keystone Correction
Specification
- Hardware Interface: VGA, USB
- Mounting Type: Ceiling
- Controller Type: Remote Control
- Display resolution: Native 1920*1080P
- Control Method: Remote
- Item Weight: 6 Pounds
- Minimum Throw Distance: 24.93 Feet
- Image Contrast Ratio: 8000:1
This ultra-compact projector from VANKO is all set to make your movie-watching experience larger than life. Along with the space to carry this projector, the spacious case can accommodate your slim laptop or tablet easily. VGA, 2 x HDMI ports, an SV out port, a USB slot, AV and headset audio jacks and a TF card slot are available with this projector.
On the top of the device at the rear, there is a power button. The company claims that the LED bulb will last up to 50,000 and does not heat even after long usage. There are two cooling fans to ensure even heat dissipation. The projection varies between 44 inches to 200 inches. ±64°horizontally & ±36°vertically ensure advanced keystone correction to ensure the final image in rectangular mode. Weighing at 5.6 lbs, it can easily support front and rear mounting.
It is a true delight for movie buffs who wish to spend their well-lit days and beautiful nights watching their favourite movies.
5.TOPTRO Bluetooth Projector – In-built Bluetooth
Specification
- Hardware Interface: VGA, AV Port, HDMI, SDHC, USB 2.0
- Mounting Type: Table Mount
- Wattage: 140 watts
- Brightness: 7200 Lumen
- Controller Type: Remote Control
- Display resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Minimum Throw Distance: 1.7 Meters
This incredible projector stands fifth on our comprehensive list of best projector for home theater under $300. It comes with incredible features like Bluetooth 5.0, 6-layers lens design, giant screen and high contrast ratio. With its 7200 lumens, it ensures a crisp picture when projected on the best motorized projector screens. You can expect clear and bright images with its ultra-high contrast ratio of 8000:1. You can connect with Bluetooth headphones and speakers with its Bluetooth 5.0 chip.
Zoom function adjusts its screen size from 100% to 75% and always project the standard rectangular image. HDMI, AV, VGA, USB, audio output mini Jack, and SD card slot are available to configure various devices like PS4, PS5, Nintendo, Xbox One, DVD or Blu-ray, PC, laptop, MacBook, TV Box, Apple TV Box, external hard drive and many more.
Considering its brightness, it is the one of the best outdoor projector under 300.
6.GooDee HD Video Projector – Stylish and portable
Specification
- Hardware Interface: VGA, USB
- Brightness: 7500
- Controller Type: Button Control
- Display resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Item Weight: 5.7 Pounds
- Light Source Wattage: 220 Watts
- Minimum Throw Distance: 4 Feet
- Image Contrast Ratio: 5000:1
This multi-directional projector is highly adjustable with its text directions. Equipped with advanced cooling techniques, you should not worry about its overheating after long usage. As it is equipped with LCD technology, it easily supports the lamp life up to 30,000 hours. It can be easily connected with iPhone/ iPad, Android, gaming consoles, TV stick, or even external speakers. Portability makes it good as on-the-go projector for gaming. Just connect it with your ninetendo switch and you are ready to go.
2*HDMI, 2*USB, VGA, AV ports enhance its compatibility with various devices. With its vivid resolution of 1280x 768 pixels, the size of the screen can easily vary between 44 inches to 230 inches. It also supports an updated HI-FI stereo with an SRS sound system via 2 built-in 3W speakers.
If you are not satisfied with its quality, you can claim 2 months money-back guarantee. What more you could expect from an economical projector?
7.JIMTAB M18 Native 1080P LED Video Projector – Most Economical
Specification
- Hardware Interface: VGA, MicroSDHC, HDMI, 3.5mm Audio, USB 2.0
- Mounting Type: Ceiling Mount
- Wattage: 145 watts
- Brightness: 6000 Lumen
- Controller Type: Remote Control
- Display resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Item Weight: 5.7 lbs
Equipped with a multi-speed dual fan with speeds of 2600RPM and 2300RPM, the appropriate air inlet and outlet makes it durable by expelling heat quickly. Immersive sound experience at 5-watt stereo speaker delivers 3D listening feast. It is a perfect home theatre projector with a 300-inch background. With Dolby sounds, it deliver an auditory feast to your family.
It is highly compatible with Amazon Fire TV Stick，Amazon Fire TV Cube, Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, Google Chromecast and Apple TV. Its 6000 lumen makes it appropriate during the day. With its 180 lamp beads, you can expect a much beautiful and brighter picture at the minimal energy consumption of 145 watts. Enjoy impeccable true colours 16777K at the contrast ratio of 5000:1 with a maximum resolution of 1920*1080.
8.VIVIMAGE Explore 3 Native – High-End Audio experience
Specification
- Hardware Interface: VGA, Memory Stick, HDMI, USB 2.0
- Mounting Type: Ceiling Mount
- Controller Type: Remote Control, Button Control
- Display resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Item Weight: 5.3 Pounds
- Image Contrast Ratio: 8000:1
- Maximum Throw Distance: 33.4 Feet
- Display Resolution Maximum: 1920 x 1080
With its practical bulb lifespan of up to 6000 hours, this compact projector gives the best projection at a distance of 120 inches. It comes with 6000 lumens and a high contrast ratio of 8000:1 for bright and beautiful image quality. 10-Watt built-in powerful speakers give an immersive audio experience without much reliance on the external speakers.
Turn your home into a private cinema with its huge 300-inch screen projection. An astounding cinematic experience is awaited with this 4 D Keystone correction projector. Lastly, a 90-day money-back guarantee is compelling enough to vouch for its supreme quality and unparalleled features. It comes with a concise user manual, HDMI cable, Audio adapter, Power cable, a card reader and remote control to derive the true value of every penny you spend.
9.BOSNAS B7 HD Home Projector – Support 4K
Specification
- Hardware Interface: VGA, USB
- Mounting Type: Table Mount, Ceiling Mount
- Controller Type: Remote Control, Button Control
- Image Contrast Ratio: 10000:1
- Maximum Throw Distance: 22.9 Feet
- Minimum Image Size: 40 Inches
- Display Resolution Maximum: 1920 x 1080
- Maximum Image Size: 300 Inches
This compact projector is equipped with the latest LCD projection technology to reduce the blurring pixel effects and offer high brightness with 7500 lumens to make it one of the best projector for bright rooms. The supreme LED technology reduces eye fatigue and makes it safe for human eyes. 4D keystone correction display rectangular images to elevate your movie-watching experience with every adjustment up to ± 45 ° range.
You can easily access the zoom and keystone correction functions via its remote when mounted on your ceiling. Increasing the image brightness by 20% is just one button click away. There is a one-button automatic vertical keystone correction available that set you free from any angle limitation while using the remote. It is compatible with the multimedia devices like laptops, Fire TV, PS4, TV Box etc.
100000 hours lamp life, built-in hi-fi stereo and advanced cooling system to prevent overheating are some of the overwhelming features which make this projector a good choice under $300.
10.Lenovo M1 Smart Mini Projector – Pocket projector
Specification
- Hardware Interface: USB 3.0 Type A, Bluetooth 4.0, HDMI
- Mounting Type: Tripod Mount
- Wattage:34 watts
- Brightness:8000 Lumen
- Controller Type:App Control
- Display resolution:854 x 480
- Control Method: Touch
- Item Weight: 0.8 lbs
- Image Contrast Ratio: 300:1
This pocket-sized projector is highly portable and thus convinced us to include it in our comprehensive list of best projector under 300. This palm-size projector is highly portable to take it along to your presentations. An exclusive touch panel is dedicated to seamless touch control to alter settings with a smart touch. It is flexible to be connected with most of your multi-media devices. Via cable or even wireless.
It can work continuously for 3 hours with its powerful 7000mAh battery depending on the brightness you choose. The powerful omni-directional speaker delivers a powerful voice all around to ensure an immersive sound experience. Overall, it is a highly flexible projector that can easily sit on your desk and keeps you away from confusing cables.
With the capacity to produce images up to 110 inches corner to corner, it pumps out satisfactory 200 lumens of brightness. Amusing a 300:1 contrast ratio with an image resolution of 854×480 pixels is a good proposition for any movie lovers.
Things to consider while buying a projector: Buying Guide
Before buying an ideal projector for your home, here are the few things that your need to consider:
Lumens
Lumens refer to the capacity of any projector to generate light. It largely affects the brightness of the image. There is no standard measurement for lumens. One company’s 3000 lumens may be equivalent to another company’s 3500 lumens, Contrast ratio and colour accuracy play a vital role in determining the brightness. For a 10-inch screen, 2000 lumens in a dark room can create justified image quality.
Placement
The position of your projector is very important. Most of the affordable projectors are small-sized and required to be moved to shift the lens. Most of these projectors come with an upward throw. Such projectors are required to be mounted on the ceiling to get the desired image.
Cables
In the absence of a USB connection, you will not be able to plug your projector into a streaming stick. You need a better cable if you are sending 1080p. Wireless ones are more expensive than HDMI projectors. However, there is always a considerable issue of signal dropping if there is a certain obstruction between the transmitter and receiver.
Portability
If you wish to take your projector along for partying and business purposes, portability is a significant consideration. A projector weighing at, say, 13 lb is difficult to move around. Hence, look for the projectors under 10 lb to make it best portable projector under $300.
Throw Ratio
The distance between projector and the image size are described by the throw ratio. Shorter the throw ratio, lesser the distance required by screen and projector to project large images. It is recommended to go for a short throw if you are looking for best projector for Dorm room.
Contrast
To derive a clearer image, you need to ensure a high contrast ratio. Especially, if you are going to buy your projector for textual presentations, targeting the projectors with high contract ratio is noteworthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cheap projectors worth it?
Not all cheap projectors are the same. If you are a beginner, considering a budgeted projector makes sense. Pen down your requirements first to choose the ideal projector even in your budget.
How do I choose a projector?
The first step is to conclude your room size and the placement location of your projector. After deciding on the installation position and the environmental conditions like room lighting, room size etc, you should decide on the relevant projector.
Is a 200-lumen projector good?
The projector ranging from 200 to 1500 lumen is good for entry-level users and darkroom. If you want to buy a projector for a well-lit room, you need to reconsider your decision of buying a device with less than 1500 lumen. A projector with 1080 p and 200 lumens can only work well as a home theatre when the windows are closed, curtains are down and lights are off.
Conclusion
Buying an appropriate projector depends on various factors such as the size of the room, the lighting conditions, projector placement and most importantly your budget. Look for a projector with good lumens and high contrast ratio to make it compatible with well-lit rooms. We recommended going for Epson EX3260 SVGA 3 Sor JIMTAB M18 LED Video projector if you have tight budgets.
However, for high portability, Lenovo M1 is a smart choice.
Hi! I am Allan Turner, writer for projectorpick.com. My love for Home theatre inspired me to pen down this blog to share my years of experience in projectors. I am a movie buff and always fascinated with the projectors in cinema halls. This inclined me to explore more about the world of projectors and pen down my observations through this blog.
