Best Projectors Under $500

FOR WELL-LIT ROOMS

EX3240 SVGA 3LCD Projector

EPSON

Bright color performance
Works great in well-lit rooms
No audio jack output
No 1080p resolution

Key Specs

Resolution: SVGA (800 x 600)
Max Screen Size: 350 inches
Connectivity: HDMI

The Epson EX3240 is another full-size projector suited for home theater setups. It boasts 3200 lumens of color brightness, HDMI compatibility, easy-to-use controls, and a 10,000-hour lamp life. It also uses 3LCD display technology, which makes for a brighter, more vivid image than projectors with comparable brightness ratings. Consider this model if you plan to install your projector in a bright, sunny, or well-lit room.

The EX3240 is a bit more affordable but lacks the native 1080p resolution of some competing projectors. Also bear in mind, there is no audio jack output, so you’ll need to use an HDMI audio extractor to hook up any external speakers. Everything about this projector is basic, but it offers entry-level capabilities, a promising lifespan, and solid performance in bright rooms.

1080P AND WI-FI

Native 1080P Wi-Fi Projector

DBPOWER

1080p native resolution
USB drive access
Middling screen size

Key Specs

Resolution: 1080p
Max Screen Size: 300 inches
Connectivity: HDMI, USB, VGA, AV, Screen Mirroring

An all-around versatile projector with everything you need to watch movies, stream content from a mobile device, or deliver a presentation, this DBPOWER Projector is fully capable. It includes built-in stereo speakers, a 100,000-hour lamp life, and a three-year warranty.

For presentations or hard-disk media, you can insert a USB thumb drive directly into the projector and play content off of it. With a maximum screen size of 300 inches, the projector is best suited for a distance of 3.3 meters, which results in a 100-inch screen.

That’s not exactly home theater quality, but for the price point—not to mention the 1080p native resolution—it’s probably more than enough.

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