Looking to treat yourself with a new entertainment projector, but in a dilemma with the price range? Buying a projector at your budget might seem a little tricky, but it is not an impossible task. If you fly under $300 or $200 or $100 radar, then you will find many projectors that will deliver impressive visual performance and longevity. But you will have to do a little bit of research to find them. Well, to help you to find the best projector under 300, we did the research and found the top ten models which will surely fulfill your requirements.
Our Top Pick & Budget Pick
ViewSonic PA503S Projector:
The model that topped our list of the best projector under 300 is none other than the ViewSonic PA503S Projector! It rightly deserves the position for its incredible performance. It is a feature-rich device that will mesmerize you with a theater-like movie experience.
For the budget pick, BenQ MS524AE won the spot! It is easy to carry on the pocket and still offers a reliable visual quality. It is a great projector that has numerous happy users under its belt who are entirely satisfied with the performance.
Apart from highlighting our top pick and budget pick, we have also created a buying guide, FAQs, and list of benefits.
Top 5 Projector Under $300: Our Utmost Choice
| Quick Look | Name | Brightness | Lamp Life | Check Out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ViewSonic PA503S Projector | 3600 lumens | 15,000 hours | |
 | BenQ SVGA MS524AE | 3300 lumens | 10,000 hours | |
 | Epson VS250 Projector | 3200 lumens | 10,000 hours | |
 | InFocus IN112XA Projector | 3300 lumens | 10,000 hours | |
 | ViewSonic M1 Projector | 250 lumens | 30,000 hours |
Best Projector Under $300 for 2020
1. ViewSonic PA503S: Right Choice for Educational Institution
Main Features:
- 800 X 600 native resolution.
- 3600 lumens.
- 3D Blu-Ray ready.
- 6lbs weight.
- Three years warranty coverage.
Features Overview:
ViewSonic PA503S is one of a kind 3D entertainment projector that is designed to treat your eye with a lifelike visual experience, and the price too within $300. It is geared with some exclusive hardware configurations, which helped it to gain massive popularity.
Lumens: It bags a whopping 3600 lumens that assist the projector in performing amazingly in any light condition.
Resolution: 800 X 600 serves as the native resolution of this DLP chip projector, but you can play up to 1080p resolution.
Contrast Ratio: The clarity, black depth, and color accuracy in the images is much better than any decent projector, thanks to its 22000:1 contrast ratio along with Super Color technology.
3D: Geared with Blu-Ray and PC 3D compatibility facility, this multimedia projector allows you to play multiple 3D formats through HDMI port.
Image Size: It is a large cinema projector that allows you to rave up the screen size from 30-inches to 300-inches with just 1.96-2.15:1 throw ratio.
Lamp: It’s LED lamp doesn’t rob you from ecstatic lamp longevity, and its 15000-hour max lamp lifespan serves as the proof.
Ports: Loaded with an extensive set of connectivity ports, its rear section includes HDMI, VGA, USB, composite, 3.5mm audio, and RS232.
- Balanced brightness with deep color depth.
- 3D visuals without any rainbow artifacts.
- Totally value for money.
- Extensive screen size range.
- The fans are loud.
- Poor throw distance.
2. BenQ SVGA MS524AE: Take Your Presentation Next Level with It
Main Features:
- 800 X 600 SVGA resolution.
- 15000:1 contrast ratio.
- 10000-hour lamp lifespan.
- 94:1 throw distance.
- 2-watt inbuilt speaker.
Features Overview:
A well-engineered product’ is a justifiable phrase to describe BenQ MS524AE, which has made an impact on the market since its entry. This model has numerous happy customers under the belt. Its performance with a budget price tag serves as the main reason.
Lumens: Despite being one of the most inexpensive projectors, BenQ MS524AE doesn’t rob you from an optimum level brightness in the visuals, and that is why it offers 3300 ANSI lumens.
Resolution: It bags the standard 800 X 600 SVGA native resolution and that too with the renowned DLP projection system.
Contrast Ratio: The collaboration of 15000:1 contrast ratio and 30bits displayable color ensures every image is color-rich, crisp, and clear.
Image Size: It has a large 30-300inch image size range. It even offers you a throw ratio of 1.94:1, so you can portray a 60-inch image from 2.37 m.
Port: It bags an extensive amount of port facilities, and it comprises HDMI, D-Sub, S-Video, USB, RS232, and 3.5mm, which offers support for numerous devices.
Lamp: It scores outstanding when it comes to LED lamp longevity. Its 10000hr in SmartEco mode longevity serves as the proof.
- Great projector for a great price.
- Heavy-duty LED lamp.
- Lucid images with high color reproduction.
- It is compact and easy to carry.
- A lot of port facilities.
- Weak audio output.
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3. Epson VS250: Finest Projector for Presenting
Main Features:
- 3-chip 3LCD projection system.
- 3200 ANSI lumens.
- 2-watt mono speaker.
- Projection size: 30 to 350inch.
- 3lbs weight.
Features Overview:
Epson VS250 serves as one of the highly-rated portable projectors that have shown enough caliber to deserve the limelight. It doesn’t come with many exclusive features of high-end projectors, but it offers excellent visual performance that even some high-end projects are unable to provide.
Lumens: Whether there is ambient light or not, Epson VS250 won’t disappoint you in vividness as it gets 3200 ANSI lumens of brightness.
Resolution: Epson VS250 gets the 800 X 600 native resolution, which is coupled with powerful 3LCD 3-chip technology, and together they create a mindboggling output.
Contrast Ratio: It even utilizes a 15000:1 contrast ratio and 1.07billion color reproduction, which ultimately adds to overall clarity and color accuracy of every frame.
Image Size: It is quite a versatile device that not only allows you to adjust the screen size from 30-inch to 350-inch but also shuffles the screen distance between 1.45:1 and 1.96:1 throw ratio.
Port: Epson hasn’t compromised on connectivity facilities in this projector, and that is why it gets HDMI, D-Sub, composite, USB, 3.5mm, and USB.
Lamp: You will be pleased with 10000-hour of lamp lifespan with this projector, which refers to five years of longevity with daily usage.
Image Correction: If you face any image error during projection, then you can utilize its manual focus, digital zoom, and easy-slide keystone correction for any adjustment.
- Bright images with lifelike clarity.
- A vast array of screen size choices.
- Availability of easy slide keystone correction.
- Fast and easy setup.
- Not suitable for presentation.
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4. InFocus IN112XA: Experience 3D Cinema at Home
Main Features:
- 800 X 600 native resolution.
- 3800 Lumens.
- 16:10 and 16:9 aspect ratio.
- DLP projection technology.
- Two years warranty.
Features Overview:
Buyers who seek for one of the best low-cost projectors, often end up buying InFocus IN112XA and it is mainly due to its jaw-dropping viewing experience. Many experts also hail this projector for its build quality and availability of features at this price point.
Lumens: Despite being a budget movie screening device, it offers a whopping 3800 lumens, which not only delivers a stunning image quality but also keeps the vividness intact in daylight.
Resolution: InFocus IN112XA is an 800 X 600 SVGA resolution device that also delivers an impressive 3D visual quality when coupled with PC or Blu-Ray.
Contrast Ratio: Clarity and rich-color reproduction have always been a highlighted feature of this model as it utilizes BrilliantColor technology along with 26000:1 contrast ratio.
Image Size: This DLP technology-based device offers a large size movie experience as it gets 28-inch to 300-inch viewing size. However, you won’t require an ample space of setup due to its 1-12m projection distance.
Lamp: Regarding longevity, it comes with a decent LED lamp life, which is around 15000 hours (4 years of lifespan with daily usage).
Ports: You will get HDMI, composite, VGA, S-video, RS232, 3.5mm audio, and AV in the rear section of this projector.
- High color accuracy and brightness level.
- The 3D visuals are lucid.
- The fan doesn’t make much noise.
- Extensive screen size array.
- It is quite easy to operate.
- The built-in speaker is not that good.
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5. ViewSonic M1: Exceptional Ultra-portable Projector
Main Features:
- 854 X 480 WVGA resolution.
- 120000:1 contrast ratio.
- 360-degree projection with Smart Stand.
- 16GB internal storage.
- Three years warranty.
Features Overview:
ViewSonic is a legendary brand that has produced many well-liked products such as M1. It has impressed everyone with price, performance, and an extensive list of features. It serves as a blend of quality and beauty, which also excels well in durability.
Lumens: ViewSonic M1 comes with a beautiful compact structure, but it doesn’t fail to offer a vivid good quality picture, which is due to its 250 ANSI lumens.
Resolution: In terms of resolution, this ultra-small projector treats you with 854 X 480 native resolution. However, this DLP model offers support up to 1920 X 1080 resolution and that too without lag.
Image Size: You can easily fit this mini projector anywhere you want because it offers a display size of 24-100-inch with just 1.2:1 short-throw ratio.
Audio: Surprisingly, it comes with two 3-watt Harmon Kardon speakers, which delivers an admirable sound quality to immerse in a mesmerizing movie experience.
Lamp: It will not only impress you with solid build quality but also a long LED lamp life, which boils down to 30000 hours. Not only that, it even gets an inbuilt battery which can offer you 3-hours of continuous entertainment.
Dimension: It is an extremely compact palm-sized model that easily fits in your pocket without weighing you down as it only weighs 1.52lbs.
- It easily fits in your pocket or backpack.
- Decent inbuilt battery life.
- The speaker delivers excellent sound quality.
- The pictures are clear and vibrant.
- Availability of 16GB internal storage.
- It often gets out of focus.
- Battery draining issue.
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6. AEHR Mini: Portable wireless projector
Main Features:
- Maximum 1080p support.
- 100 ANSI lumens.
- Android 7.1 OS.
- Dual Band Wi-Fi.
- One year warranty.
Features Overview:
AEHR Pico projector is a well-curated smart projector that has become a rage in the budget market. It offers a theater-like experience and top-notch portability at the same time. It may not provide the quality of a high-end 4K projector, but it makes a solid impression within the budget range.
Lumens: 100 ANSI lumens serves as the primary source of vividness level in the visuals. Along with the assistance of the DLP and 2000:1 contrast ratio, it creates a beautiful output.
Resolution: It is a 1280 X 720 native resolution projector that doesn’t rob you from getting Full HD experience while you are traveling.
Image Size: You can utilize it for multiple places as it comes with a screen size range of starting at 30-inch and ending at 120-inch.
Lamp: The LED lamp comes with a 30000 hours lamp lifespan.
Smart Addition: It is geared with Android 7.1, 1.2GHz ARM Cortex processor, 1GB RAM, and 8GB ROM, thus making it a complete smart entertainment device.
Connectivity: Connecting other devices won’t be an issue because it furnishes HDMI, VGA, TF card, dual-band Wi-Fi, USB, and audio 3.5mm.
Portability: It is as small as an iPhone, so the compact body design easily fits in your hand. You won’t even feel any weight as it is just 0.58 pounds.
- The images are lucid and vivid even in daylight.
- The Android OS and processor is highly effective.
- It is easy to install and use.
- You can comfortably carry it in your hand.
- The volume control works only when using HDMI.
- Doesn’t support subtitles.
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7. Optoma S341: Long Lasting Business & Education Projector
Main Features:
- 800 X 600 native resolution.
- 3500 lumens.
- 22000:1 contrast ratio.
- Full 3D compatibility.
- 8lbs weight.
Features Overview:
Optoma is a legendary brand that has a large fleet of excellent projectors under its belt, and it includes S341, which gained a lot of appreciation from users. It may not be a prolific model, but with some robust features, it manages to create a spark on the projector scene.
Lumens: You can stay assured that Optoma S341 with its 3500 lumens, would deliver stunning HD images with proper vividness.
Resolution: Although this low-cost projector gets an 800 X 600 SVGA resolution, it also provides Full 3D compatibility along with multiple 3D format support.
Contrast Ratio: It comes with a 22000:1 contrast ratio along with REC.709B color accuracy, which delivers an optimum amount of clarity and richness in every frame.
Image Size: With this cheap video projector, image size won’t be an issue as it lets you expand its range from 28-inch to 30-4inch. It also gets a decent throw range, which lies between 1.2 m and 12 m.
Ports: It offers support to multiple new external devices, and all the credit goes to its HDMI, VGA, composite, RS232, USB, and 3.5mm audio ports.
Lamp: Optoma has geared this model with a 195-watt lamp, which offers a maximum of 10000 hours of lifespan. Which ensures it will last more than 4-years even with daily usage.
Special Addition:
To make this device versatile in every situation, it comes with an edge mask for shading jagged edges and wall color adjustment for brightness adaptation.
- Incredible picture quality at this price.
- The 3D visuals are quite good.
- It is quite comfortable to carry.
- It doesn’t get any soft edges.
- The built-in speaker is terrible.
8. TENKER S6: Smart Projector for Indoor & Outdoor Movies
Main Features:
- DLP projection technology.
- 100 ANSI lumens.
- 2600mAh inbuilt battery.
- 1 X 2.1 X 2.1inch body dimension.
- 08ounche weight.
Features Overview:
Tenker T6 is a handsomely designed Wi-Fi interface projector whose main motto is to offers cradle you with mesmerizing viewing experience while you are on the go. It is an incredible piece of device that is often considered as a gem.
Lumens: It is all about bright and sharp visuals, and all the credit goes to its 100 ANSI Lumens along with a 1000:1 static contrast ratio.
Resolution: With the help of 854 X 480 native resolution, this DLP technology-based model creates an implausible visual output with high contrast.
Image Size: You can comfortably use it for the indoor and outdoor purpose, and its 7-100inch screen size range along with 0.18-2.5m projection distance is solely responsible.
Lamp: The lamp longevity of this lightweight device is top-notch, ensures the workability upto 30000 hours. Not only that, but it also packs a 2600 mAh rechargeable battery that offers a power backup of 1.5 hrs.
Body: It comes with a 2.1inch engineering marvel, which is designed with weightless aluminum. So, it only weighs 6.08 ounce.
Connectivity: It packs all the necessary connectivity options, which comprise of HDMI, VGA, 3.5mm, SD card, and 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. All these ports make it a versatile device. It also supports AirPlay, Miracast, PC, and PS4, etc.
- It is tiny and has minimal bodyweight.
- The picture quality is outstanding.
- A wide range of connectivity options.
- Three years of warranty coverage.
- It comes with all the necessary accessories.
- Low battery backup.
- Sound quality is poor.
Buying Guide of Projectors Under 300
Here are some list of considerations:
Display technology:
This factor serves as the high priority, especially when you are getting something under $300. You should either consider DLP or 3LCD projection as they will offer the best quality under this price.
Resolution:
Never opt for something below 480p native resolution as going below 480p won’t yield good output. However, the resolution output also depends upon the lumens and contrast ratio of the device.
Lumens:
Lumens decides the brightness level, and without sufficient lumens, you won’t get decent output quality. So we would recommend you to get a projector around 200 ANSI lumens or 3000 lumens rating.
Contrast Ratio and Color:
The contrast ratio and color determine the richness and depth of a frame. So always try to stay around 1000:1 contrast ratio along with color accuracy of about 45%.
Image size and throw ratio: The image size and throw ratio entirely depend upon the usage type of the users. But it is always safe to get a widescreen size with short throw distance.
Lamp:
Another crucial consideration is lamp longevity and always hunt for a projector with a high lamp lifespan. Getting a device with 30000 to 50000 hours LED lifespan is always a smart move.
Ports:
You will need a decent set of ports for connecting different types of external devices. So check whether the projector has HDMI, VGA, USB, 3.5mm audio, SD card, AV, D-sub, etc. as a standard facility.
Benefits:
- When you buy the best projector under 300 dollars, you won’t have to think about lamp replacement, as most of the LED lamp can last more than five years on average.
- Most of the budget models are quite easy to install, and even they can be installed anywhere. They are mostly light in weight and compact in structure so that you can carry them everywhere.
- You can get theater-like experience in your backyard without spending a considerable amount of money as it can offer a full-screen size. A lot of cheap projectors also come with a short-throw ratio, so you won’t have to arrange an ample space for setup.
- There is no maintenance cost, as almost every projector comes with a zero maintenance setup.
- The picture quality they offer is quite ecstatic, and it is comparable to the picture quality of a projector above 300 dollars.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is projector under 300 good enough to buy?
ANSWER:
The answer is yes. Projectors under 300 offer decent performance and they deliver a good image quality which is far better than a TV under 300.
Q: Is $300 projector has all features like the expensive ones?
ANSWER:
A $300 projector might not come with all the features as an expensive one, but they get some of the top features which make them worthy of purchase.
Q: Is the projector under $300 last long?
ANSWER:
According to many surveys and customer reviews, projectors under 300 has lasted longer than many customer’s expectations. They come with a heavy-duty LED lamp, which assists the projectors in enhancing longevity.
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