📺Home Projector - Best TV Alternative in 2020

Television is increasingly losing its importance and giving way to new technologies. One of the popular options for replacing a TV has become a projector. Of course, this is now more of a home theater than a full-fledged TV, but this has many advantages. Consider the best home projectors.

TOP 7 Best Budget Home Projectors 2020

First, let's start with the cheap models. You shouldn't expect a huge number of functions, but it can be considered a "breakdown" in order to understand how comfortable it will be to use the projector at home. Consider the 7 best models for up to 15,000 rubles.

Unic UC 46 Mini

The simplest and most affordable option is Unic UC 46 Mini. The perfect device to understand how projectors work and if you need them. The device belongs to the ultraportable class, as it is very small in size. Weighs only 1 kg.

Suitable for small rooms with poor lighting, because if it is too bright around, the picture is not visible. The real resolution is 800 × 480. The projection distance is 1-3.8 meters, and the diagonal dimensions are indicated from 0.86 to 3.3 meters. The maximum image format supported is 1080p. Light source type - LED.

There are VGA, HDMI, RCA and mini jack for audio. Supports work with SD cards and can connect to Wi-Fi. It can work without additional speakers, but the sound is very quiet. It makes a little noise during operation, but this is not critical.

Overall, the Unic UC 46 Mini fulfills its price fairly. As we already said, it is suitable for those who are not familiar with this technology.

Average customer rating: 4.0 / 5.

Average price: 4990 ₽

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Unic P1

Pocket DLP projector of the same company. It has an interesting cubic design and low cost. Weighs only 90 grams. It shines very brightly - the picture is visible even in daylight. Recommended for use in small spaces.

The real resolution is 640 × 360, the projection distance is 0.3-4 meters, and the diagonal dimensions are from 0.18 to 1.78 meters. The technical specifications do not indicate the maximum supported format, but we can say for sure that the picture quality is average. Light source type - LED.

Has audio mini jack and micro-SD card slot. Works via Wi-FI, you can control the device in the same way. The built-in speakers are not very loud, but will do.

Powered by a 1500 mAh battery. It lasts for 30-45 minutes of use, after which the Unic P1 needs to be charged.

Average customer rating: 4.5 / 5.

Average cost: 5790 ₽

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TouYinGer X20 Multimedia

TouYinGer X20 Multimedia was released in 2018. An affordable gadget with more or less decent image quality. Has good contrast and color reproduction for its price. Suitable for small to medium sized rooms.

The real resolution is 800x600, the projection distance is 1.12-4.35 meters, and the image sizes are from 33 to 150 inches. Has good image quality for its price. Lamp type: LED.

Has HDMI, VGA, AV, RCA composite connectors, as well as a USB interface. You can use an SD card to play media files. There are built-in speakers with a more or less good sound level. There are several buttons on the top of the TouYinGer X20 that allow you to configure the device without using the remote control.

A cable is required - there are no Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules. The model is easy to focus, you do not need to spend a lot of time when setting up.

Average cost:6490 rubles.

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Everycom X7

Everycom X7 is an ultra-portable LCD device with LED lamp, which is suitable for low-cost home theater. Weighs only 1.4 kg. It features low noise, good brightness and image quality. Viewing video is quite comfortable, but Everycom X7 is not suitable for reading text.

The real resolution of the projector is 800 × 600, the projection distance is 1.2-3.8 meters, and the image size is from 0.94 to 3.3 meters. The maximum supported format is 1080p. Works on the Android operating system, can be used both as a TV and as a media player.

Has VGA, HDMI, RCA audio connectors. Additionally supports USB interface and Audio Mini Jack. If necessary, you can use an SD memory card to read media files. On the top of Everycom X7 there are several buttons that allow you to operate the device without a remote control.

Additionally, there is a built-in TV tuner, wireless connectivity and more.

Average customer rating: 4.5 / 5.

Average price: 6 390 ₽.

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Everycom S6 plus

Another model from the same manufacturer as the previous product. The S6 Plus is a pocket-sized large format DLP projector suitable for home, office and study. Weighs only 0.25 kg, so you can easily carry the device with you. Good image brightness, even suitable for presentations, but better options can be found.

The real resolution of the projector is 854 × 480, the projection distance is from 0.35 to 5 meters, and the image size is from 0.51 to 3.81 meters. Light source type - Laser-LED. Due to the compactness, the image is small, therefore it can be a little stressful. It runs on the Android operating system and has 1 GB of RAM, as well as 8, 16 or 32 GB of internal memory, depending on the configuration.

Tripod included. Some buyers say that it is very difficult to adjust the image without it. There is one HDMI output, a Mini Jack audio output and two USB interfaces. The S6 Plus can connect to Wi-Fi and has a memory card slot. If necessary, you can configure the access point to work online.

Additionally, S6 Plus supports Bluetooth, Miracast. You can broadcast an image from your smartphone, which is sometimes much more convenient than looking at a picture on your phone. The built-in battery can work for about an hour without recharging.

Average customer rating: 4.0 / 5.

Average price: 12 590 ₽.

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Everycom X9

We are gradually moving on to more expensive and high quality models.Everycom X9 is a portable DLP device that is best used in medium-sized rooms. Weighs 2.3 kg, while the dimensions are not too large. Differs in good brightness and picture clarity.

The real X9 resolution is 1280 × 800, the projection distance is 2-3.87 meters, and the available image sizes are from 1.52 to 3.81 meters. Optical zoom (1.2x) is also available. Light source type - LED. Works on the Android operating system. Supports work with HDTV. The maximum supported format is 1080i. There is a nice built-in speaker for sound.

There are such inputs: VGA, HDMI x2, composite and component, RCA for audio. There are also two USB A connectors. X9 can be connected to Wi-FI, controlled via the remote control or buttons on the projector itself. You can install a browser to watch your favorite movies online. Convenient to use for reading text, watching videos, taking photos, playing games.

Additionally, it should be noted the average noise level, which does not interfere with the work. There are problems with the translation of the menu - the Chinese manufacturer did not design the Russian interface, which is why not all words fit into the corresponding windows. The English translation was done very crookedly, apparently, they used Google Translate. For maximum quality, you will need to correctly configure the device before use, otherwise the corners will be slightly blurry, and the contrast will be too low. Achieving perfect white will not work - a blue lens is used, so the white will be slightly blue.

Average customer rating: 4.0 / 5.

Average cost: 12 900 ₽.

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Excelvan CL720D

The last LCD model on the budget list is the Excelvan CL720D. Has a powerful LED lamp, excellent life expectancy and very good image quality. The CL720D is considered portable and weighs 3.3 kg.

The real resolution of the projector is 1280 × 800, the dimensions of the projection diagonally are from 1.27 to 3.56 meters. Supports three types of broadcast systems: PAL, SECAM, NTSC. The maximum supported video format is 720p. Excelvan CL720D is a widescreen HDTV capable device.

The following inputs are present: VGA, HDMI x2, S-Video, composite and component, RCA for audio. There are also two USB A ports. The projector has built-in stereo speakers, which is a huge advantage in the absence of additional speakers. There is no headphone jack.

Due to the non-parallel optical axis of the housing, the image is directed upward. This allows for easier placement of the Excelvan CL720D. The LED turns on and off instantly. The picture is displayed in the stated HD-resolution.

Average customer rating: 4.0 / 5.

Average price: 13 900 ₽.

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Top 3 Best Home Projectors 2020

Now let's take a look at the 3 best models for home theater and TV replacement. These projectors will be much more expensive than the previous ones, but they will offer more options.

Epson EB-X41

EB-X41 is a portable LCD X3 projector. Weighs only 2.5 kg. It has a UHE lamp, which in normal mode should work for about 6000 hours. Very good picture quality, suitable for any environment.

The EB-X41 has a real resolution of 1024 × 768, a focal length of 16.9 - 20.28 mm, and an image size of 0.76 to 7.62 meters. There is an optical zoom 1.2x. Supports three broadcast systems: PAL, SECAM, NTSC. The maximum acceptable video resolution is 1080P. A convenient function is to instantly turn the device on and off.

The following inputs are present: VGA, HDMI, composite, and RCA for audio.There are two USB ports, one is type A, the other is type B. The built-in cooling system blows hot air forward and has a noise level of about 37 dB. For understanding - muffled conversation has about the same level in dB.

Setting up the EB-X41 requires little effort or skill. The device is easy to set up, focuses, and also displays a clear picture. The brightness is sufficient for viewing both during the day and at night. It is controlled via the remote control or buttons on the body.

Average customer rating: 5/5.

Average cost: 28 980 ₽.

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XGIMI Z3

XGIMI Z3 is an ultraportable widescreen DLP projector. Weighs only 0.86 kg. Designed for home theater use. Has a special 3D mode. It works with an LED lamp that can last about 30,000 hours in economy mode.

The real resolution of XGIMI Z3 is 1280 × 800, the projection distance is 1-7 meters, and the diagonal image sizes are from 1.02 to 5.08 meters. The maximum supported video quality is 1080p. The device has excellent color rendering. By default, the brightness is set to "50", so to get a good picture, you need to correctly adjust it.

There are the following inputs: VGA, HDMI, composite, RCA for audio. Outputs - mini jack for audio and optical audio output. There are two USB (A) connectors and an SD card slot. Works with Wi-Fi, Ethernet. The built-in speakers produce very good sound. You can connect a computer mouse and keyboard, install a PC remote control application and use the projector as a full computer.

The menu has Russian and English translations. Everything is done with high quality - no problems like with Everycom X9. Thanks to the built-in Android operating system, you can install additional software, but the OS itself is slightly outdated - version 4.4.

Average customer rating: 4.5 / 5.

Average cost: 25,290 ₽.

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BenQ W1090

BenQ W1090 is a portable widescreen DLP projector. Weighs 2.75 kg. Designed for home theater use. There is a 6-segment color wheel, HDTV and 3D support. In the daytime, you can use it, but for convenience you need to darken the room.

The real resolution of BenQ W1090 is 1920 × 1080 (Full HD), the focal length is 16.88 - 21.88 mm, and the image size is from 0.76 to 7.62 meters. There is optical zoom 1.3x. The maximum supported video quality is 1080p.

There are the following inputs: VGA, HDMI x2, composite, RCA audio. There is also a mini jack audio output, one RS-232 connector and two for USB type A and type B, respectively. Can completely replace TV and computer monitor.

There are three levels of lamp operation - normal at 100%, economical at 70% and Smart Eco at 30%. The noise level is 34 dB on average, mostly it makes noise only in normal mode. When watching movies, the built-in lamp can independently adjust the brightness.

Average customer rating: 5/5.

Average cost: 49 290 ₽.

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How to choose a projector Features to look out for

Quality projectors are generally quite expensive.Therefore, when buying, it is important not to miscalculate and take the model that will last the longest and give you maximum pleasure. Consider the main characteristics and points that will help you decide on the purchase of a projector.

Application area

Basically, such devices are divided into two types - multimedia and home theater. The former are suitable for office work, presentations, graphics, and are often portable and oversized.

The second ones are intended for watching movies, games and other things. When using such projectors, you need to darken the room for maximum results. The main task is to display high-quality dynamic content.

Resolution

The parameter affects the detail of the displayed image, the number of pixels in width and height. If you use a resolution that the projector is not designed for, the picture quality will be lost.

To show presentations and office work, the required minimum to be able to display simple presentations and videos is 800x600. "Golden mean" - 1280x800.

For home theater, you should pay attention to models that support at least Full HD. This is, first of all, the guarantee of comfortable use of the device.

Technology used

At the moment, the three most popular types of technologies are used: LCD, DLP, LCOS. Each has its own pros and cons.

LCD is the most popular on the list. Uses liquid crystals. High-quality projector models with this technology are capable of displaying a colorful image with a wide color gamut. At the same time, the weak contrast and the presence of the "lattice" effect are a huge disadvantage.

DLP - used to be considered the highest quality technology. Powered by an integrated circuit DMD, on the surface of which there are millions of small mirrors. They bounce off the light and thus the image appears. The picture here seems smoother and more contrasting. Of the minuses - the "rainbow effect", to get rid of which you can buy the most expensive models, costing from a million rubles.

LCOS is a "fresh" technology based on an LCD matrix glued to a mirror. The liquid crystals used receive electrical signals and open or close the reflective surface. This helps remove excess light by increasing the contrast of the picture. Among the disadvantages is the high price.

Brightness

Image brightness is measured in lumens. For a completely darkened room, 800 lumens is sufficient. The higher this indicator is, the clearer the picture is displayed in light rooms.

For a home theater, 2000 ANSI lumens is enough, but in business models the measurement ranges from 2000 to 5000. You should not save on this factor, since the convenience of use depends on it.

Lamp life

Lamps in projectors do not instantly burn out. They gradually lose brightness until they completely fade out. In theory, this process is endless. In practice, the results are different.

Life is determined by how the projector controls the lamp. There is a special part - the cathode. Heating it greatly affects the life of the device. Most often used when shutting down - smooth or instant.

Most often, the operating time is indicated when used in normal and economy modes. On average, this is about 20,000 hours. Each device has individual indicators.

Contrast

Despite the doubtfulness of the indicator when indicated in the technical characteristics, it also plays an important role. Basically, the range starts from 1,000: 1 to 100,000: 1. It is better to check the device before purchasing.

Projection size and distance to screen

Almost all modern projectors use the zoom and focus option. A device with a 2.1: 1 or 2.1x magnification ratio can double the actual image size. However, the brightness of the source is lost.

The projection ratio plays an important role. It allows you to select the correct location for the projector and screen in order to achieve the most correct and high-quality picture display.The ratio indicator is found in the ranges from 0.8 to 2 and above.

Projection Correction

In case of incorrect position of the projector, correction helps to avoid incorrect geometric display of the picture. The keystone correction function will allow you to correctly straighten the image. Recommended for all environments.

Noise level

The quieter the better. It is unlikely that anyone will like that the projector makes a louder noise than the sound from the speakers. This is very important for home theater applications. When working in an office, the indicator can be neglected.

Connection types

For many devices, the presence of VGA, HDMI, RCA, DVI connectors is the norm. It also uses USB and various types of wireless connections. For working with presentations, it will be a plus if the device supports work without a computer or has a built-in operating system.

For a home theater, HDMI input is optimal. It is best to have two of these - for connecting a set-top box and a video player, which will allow you to quickly switch between devices. But you should always pay attention to what kind of wires you have in stock!

If you still have any questions - ask them in the comments!