Best Projectors Under $500

Key Specs

• Resolution: 720p HD
• Max Screen Size: 100 inches
• Connectivity: HDMI, USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, screen mirroring

Similar to the Anker Nebula Capsule, the Nebula Mars II Pro is highly portable and battery-rechargeable. It’s also a bit cheaper. It packs many of the same impressive features in a similarly sleek design. Connect or load content via USB, HDMI, audio jacks, or Wi-Fi, and use the included remote to watch movies anywhere you travel—backyards, dorms, businesses, Airbnbs. This thing is built for travel.

But, because it’s built for portability, the Nebula Capsule lacks some of the features—like Full HD—that you should expect from a fixed projector. And, also like the Capsule, it’s not 4K- or HDR-compatible, and has a fixed lens (no lens shift).

Key Specs

• Resolution: XGA+ Wide
• Max Screen Size: 300 inches
• Connectivity: HDMI, VGA

If you’re looking for a projector for an office, classroom, or any environment meant for presentations, we recommend the ViewSonic PA503X. It’s very bright with decent image quality and adequate connectivity options (HDMI, VGA). With its WXGA resolution and 16:10 aspect ratio, the PA503X may even punch above its weight class.

It also includes automatic keystone correction, solid audio quality, and a three-year warranty. We noticed a steady trickle of user complaints about fan noise, which is something to consider before buying. For the price, though, the PA503X is a highly capable projector suited for most any presentation or work environment. Just don’t expect it to wow audiences in a cinema setting.