Looking for a dependable projector but don’t know where to start?
Buying a projector from the plethora of options could be bothersome for novice users. Unless you are well aware of the technical aspects of a projector, choosing the best deal is challenging. Internet is flooded with numerous buying guides and economical projectors under $150 and budgeted projector under $200 which are basic
But you have to start somewhere for your first Projector. So, instead of choosing the fanciest and expensive of all, the focus should be on reliability, affordability and intuitive interface that can fetched for projectors under $300 as well
If you are looking for some upgraded versions, Projector under $400 is a good choice. This simplified buying guide will help you choose an ideal projector that suits your requirements and preferences.
Before we explore the detailed review of best projectors under $400, let’s quickly check out the top projectors under $400:
Table of Contents
Editor’s Pick
Looking for a Pico projector under $400, this is the right deal
Make your classroom presentations effective with this projector from ViewSonic.
Make the best use of your outdoors with this projector from FAGOR
Best Projectors Under $400 in 2023
Let’s quickly dive into the detailed review of best projectors under $400:
1.ELEPHAS Mini Projector – Highly Portable
Key Specification
- Hardware Interface: VGA, USB
- Item Weight: 2.75 Pounds
- Display Resolution Maximum: 1920 x 1080
- Maximum Image Size: 100 Inches
Offering 70% more brightness than any other projector at par, this Projector from ELEPHAS comes with 720p native resolution to provide an excellent viewing experience. With the projection size varying between 44″ to 200″, this Projector can present minute details to enhance your movie watching and game playing experience.
It comes with multiple connections like AV / VGA / USB / Micro SD / HDMI / Audio to make it highly compatible with multimedia devices. The overwhelming sound produced by tis in-built speakers makes it a good choice for indoor and outdoor areas.
It comes with double heat dissipation technology to keep it effectively cool after prolonged hours of use. Being compact and lightweight, this is a highly portable projector for business presentations, classroom works and outdoor fun.
2.ViewSonic 3800 Lumens Projector – Best Office & Classroom
Key Specification
- Hardware Interface: VGA, Serial Interface, HDMI
- Wattage: 260 watts
- Brightness: 3800 Lumen
- Image Contrast Ratio: 22000:1
- Item Dimensions: 33 x 11.57 x 8.58 inches
- Item Weight: 14 lbs
This versatile throw distance projector is suitable for small or large spaces with its flexible throw distance ability ranging from 3.5 feet upto 43 feet. With minimal calibration, it is an excellent plug-and-play device that is quick to set up. Equipped with SuperColor technology, this projector can produce high-quality images with its exclusive colour wheel design.
It comes with multiple connectivity options and an eight-button remote control. The commendable power-saving options make it an eco-friendly deal. It comes with 15000 hours of lamp life by using in Eco mode. With 3600 lumens, this bright Projector is an affordable deal on our list.
3.FAGOR Mini Projector – Best Outdoor Projector
Key Specification
- Hardware Interface: USB
- Controller Type: Remote Control
- Display resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Control Method: Remote
- Image Contrast Ratio: 10000:1
- Item Dimensions: 12.09 x 8.9 x 4.53 inches
- Item Weight: 8.98 pounds
The incredible screen size supported by this mini-Projector makes it the best choice as an outdoor projector. Connecting it anywhere and anytime via wifi is super easy. All you need is a reliable motorized projector screen to make the most out of this projector. With its advanced sealed optical components, it ensures no black images on its screen. Compared to regular projectors, it comes with advanced copper radiators for enhanced cooling.
Supporting a giant screen up to 300″ comes with a contrast ratio of 10000:1 and 8500 lumens for impressive image projection. Features like ±45° keystone correction, 50% zoom, and 1920*1080P resolution make it a worthy deal under $400. To take it along quickly, it comes with a customized carrying case.
4.Epson 3LCD XGA Projector
Key Specification
- Hardware Interface: USB, HDMI
- Brightness: 3300 Lumen
- Controller Type: Remote Control
- Image Contrast Ratio: 15000:1
- Item Dimensions: 14.9 x 13 x 6 inches
With its maximum brightness and high contrast ratio, this projector can deliver crisp business presentations, detailed spreadsheets and impressive videos even under ambient lighting conditions to make it one of the best projector for bright rooms under $400. It comes with XGA resolution and 3Chip 3 LCD technology to present dynamic images. With the ability to connect multiple streaming devices, it can accept 4K content.
With an epic clarity of upto 150”, it comes with 2 5 Watt in-built speakers. Weighing at 5.3 lbs, it is an excellent and stylish machine with an intuitive interface. It is an ideal choice for small rooms with its built-in picture skew sensor. The lamp life of 6000 hours is extendable to 12000 hours in Eco-mode. For detailed pack presentations, you can use it at a 3.2′ throw distance.
5.WiMiUS S6 Native Projector
Key Specification
- Hardware Interface: VGA, USB, HDMI, Bluetooth 5
- Contrast Ratio: 10000: 1
- Native Resolution: 1920×1080 pixels(Support playing 4k videos)
- Lamp Life: 100,000 hours
- Wattage: 10 watts
- Brightness: 9000 Candela
- Controller Type: Native 1080P, wifi Wireless Mirroring
If you are looking for a projector with vibrant colours, exceptional contrast and impeccable clarity, WiMiUS S6 is a good deal. Supporting the full display of up to 300″, you can enjoy a portable cinematic experience with this projector. It supports a wire connection of a 3.5mm external speaker and wireless Bluetooth connection. The 2.4G wifi chip allows quick synchronization screen mirroring wirelessly.
The three-year warranty and three-month money-back guarantee make it an impressive projector on our list. Simple and easy to use remote elevates your overall experience. Features like 50 per cent X/Y zoom and multimedia connectivity makes it a desirable projector on our list.
6.Optoma Professional Projector
Key Specification
- Hardware Interface: VGA, USB
- Mounting Type: Ceiling Mount
- Display resolution: 1024 x 768
- Lamp Life: Up to 15,000 hours
- Brightness: 4000 lumen
- Contrast Ratio: 25,000:1
With a high contrast ratio of 25,000:1 and XGA resolution, this Projector from Optoma presents explicit texts and vibrant images of high quality. Boasting 4000 lumens, it is ideal for working in daylight and well-lit meeting rooms, classrooms and conference rooms. Long lamp life at 15000 hours ensures the viewing upto ten years with an average of 4 hours each day.
Weighing less than 7 pounds, it is a portable projector which is used for several purposes. It comes with 10’W integrated speakers to produce good sound for small rooms. Keystone correction +/- 40 degrees produces flexible image set up without elevation and flexible placement within any environment.
It comes with versatile connectivity options as Audio-in/out, RS232 ports, HDMI, VGA, Composite and USB-Power.
7.PROVIEW 8500L 1080P Projector
Key Specification
- Hardware Interface: VGA, USB
- Controller Type: Remote Control
- Display resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Aspect Ratio: 4:3/16:9
- Double speaker: integrated 15W
- The service life of the LED: 100,000 hours
- Image Contrast Ratio: 10000:1
- Item Weight: 5.70 lbs
This iconic Projector from GROWVIEW is designed to deliver an immersive gaming experience with a projection size of up to 300 inches to make it one of the competitive projector for gaming and movies on our list. It comes with a 5G Bluetooth connection and a 2.4 dual-band wireless connection. With an ultra-low latency rate, this Projector provides an outstanding live sports experience. IT comes with built-in Hi-Fi speakers for excellent audio delivery.
It has a high contrast ratio of 100000:1 and brightness up to 7500 lumens. Interfaces such as 1 3.5mm AV / VGA / Audio port, 2 HDMI ports, 2 USB ports, USB Flash Drive, and compatibility with TV box, PCs, Laptops, Tablets, DVD/VCD players. Features like -50% zoom function and One-Click Restore makes it an excellent deal for the best Projector under $400. Compared to other mini projectors, this Projector boasts a 70% increase in brightness.
8.YABER Y31 Native Projector
Key Specification
- Hardware Interface: VGA, AV Port, USB, HDMI, Headphone
- Mounting Type: Ceiling Mount
- Wattage: 5 watts
- Brightness: 8500 Lux
- Image Contrast Ratio: 10000:1
- Item Dimensions: 12 x 9 x 4.1 inches
- Item Weight: 5.70 lbs
- Resolution: 4K
Claimed to be the first One-Click to brighten an Auto Vertical correction function projector, this Projector comes with native 1920*1080 resolution to ensure sharp and detailed images. This Projector comes with 300 lumens brightness appropriate for a moderately dim room. Dynamic contrast ratio of 10000:1 ensure clear images without any compression or downscaling.
Three fans are running simultaneously in its silent cooling system to avoid heating. The SRS sound system with a built-in 3W dual speaker offers a commendable auditory experience. It is equipped with SmartEco technology to minimise the lamp power consumption for the maximum lamp life of 100000 hours. It comes with multiple ports as 2*HDMI ports, 2*USB ports, AV port, and VGA port for more comprehensive connectivity with multimedia devices like external speakers, Chromecast, Amazon Fire Stick TV, Android smartphone, iPhone, iPad, USB stick etc.
9.WiMiUS S1 Native Projector
Key Specification
- Hardware Interface: VGA, DVD-R, AV Port, USB, HDMI
- Mounting Type: Ceiling Mount
- Wattage: 10 watts
- Brightness: 9000 Candela
- Image Contrast Ratio: 10000:1
- Item Weight: 6.50 lbs
- Item Dimensions: 11.54 x 8.03 x 4.53 inches
Claimed to be an improved 1080p projector, it is a versatile projector for home, offices and outdoor purposes. When attached to desktop, iPhone, Macbook or iPad, it enables 4K video projector with ease. To produce solid and consistent sound quality, it comes with built-in 10-watt speakers. The zoom function allows reduction from 100% to 75% quickly.
You can enjoy high-definition image quality and an immersive experience without lags or any delays. The 300″ giant display makes it ideal as a home theatre or large room office presentation. Changing the lens to create a rectangular projection frame is easy with keystone correction. Dual-cooling fans extend their lamp life cycle up to 100000 hours which is impressive at this price point. It comes with four projection modes – Rear mounting, front, ceiling and ceiling rear to choose from.
10.FUJITSU 1080P Projector
Key Specifications
- Hardware Interface: VGA, USB
- Mounting Type: Ceiling Mount
- Controller Type: Remote Control
- Display resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Item Weight: 50 lbs
- Speaker Type: Stereo, Built-In
Equipped with LED light sources and LCD TFT technology, this HD video projector comes with a 1080p resolution. It comes with an easily adjustable focus ring and ±15°Keystone Correction; it is an excellent backyard movie projector. The dual built-in speakers produce Hi-Fi stereo sound to suffice medium room sound requirements. This Projector from FUJSU is compatible with multimedia devices due to its higher connectivity with Audio Jack, VGA port, HDMI port, and AV port.
With certifications from FCC, FDA and UL, it is a high-quality projector with 60-days free return/exchange. The advanced noise reduction design ensures minimal noise disruption for immersive video watching experiences. It is equipped with diffusing imaging technology to save your eyes from damaging intense light and reduces eye fatigue.
Buying Guide: Things to be Considered Before Buying Projector under $400
While buying a projector under $400, there are certain aspects which you need to look such as:
Portability
If you want to take your Projector along to different places, only a portable projector will suffice your requirements. Choose a projector that is compact and lightweight. Bulky and oversized projectors are difficult to carry and defeat your purpose of buying.
Connectivity
Projectors come with the connectivity options like wifi, HDMI and USB. As most homes have wifi, getting a projector under $400 with wifi connectivity is a not-to-be-missed deal. Projectors with HDMI and USB connectivity are widely available under this budget.
Contrast Ratio
A projector with high contrast ratio delivers crisp and detailed pictures. Especially if you are going to use it outdoors, you need a projector with a higher contrast ratio. Projectors with a low contrast ratio are not able to withstand ambient light conditions and produce blurred images.
Compatibility
The devices you are going to use for your Projector must be compatible with it. Say, if you bought a projector compatible with Android only, but you own an iPhone, you will not bale able to connect your mobile with Projector. Make sure that the Projector you are going to buy is compatible with multiple devices.
Throw Distance
For indoor use, Projector with a short throw distance is recommended for compact rooms. For outdoor purposes, large throw distance projectors work fine.
Resolution
If you want to enjoy HD movies or an immersive gaming experience, projectors with high resolutions are recommended. The latest projectors are equipped with HD technology to provide clear and crisp images.
Keystone Correction
A projector with plus-minus five keystone correction is worthy as the best projector under $150. Irrespective of its placement, you will enjoy an immersive screen view with the required adjustment of the picture on the screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cheap LED projectors any good?
Yes, cheap LED projectors are suitable when chosen wisely. You can find many projectors with good brightness, impressive contrast ratio, and other sustainable features that will derive excellent value for your money.
Do projectors use a lot of electricity?
Depending on the voltage of the Projector, the electricity consumption varies. IF electricity consumption is your concern, choose a projection with lower voltage consumption.
Is it worth investing in projectors under $400?
For beginners, investing in projectors under $400 makes sense. These projectors deliver commendable movie-watching experiences under dark environments.
Conclusion
If you exactly know what kind of Projector would perfectly fit into your requirements, buying a worthy projector under $400 is not a big deal. With ample options to choose from, each Projector comes with certain advantages and limitations. The Projector offering maximum benefits as per your preference will rule your choice-list. All the projectors under $400 included in this article are competitive to offer actual value for your money.
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.
