The Best Budget Projectors Under $100

Projectors are a great way to enjoy films and video games. They are immersive, reduce eyestrain, and provide exceptional image quality. All you have to do is connect your movie projector to external speakers for the ultimate viewing experience. Depending on the projector type you choose, you may also be able to use your projector for company video chats and whiteboard presentations.

Unfortunately, not all projectors are made equal. Some are quieter, more durable, and more efficient than others are, while others are slow, provide fuzzy images, and easily heat up. 

Read on for our projector buying guide. We’ll cover what to consider when choosing the best low-price projectors and the five best budget projector picks.

The Five Best Budget Projector Picks

Now that you know what to look for, here are our five cheapest projector picks for 2022.

Auking M8-F 1080p LED Mini Projector

Google’s Rating 4.6

Auking M8-Features and Specifications

Product Dimensions	3.15″ x 6.69″ x 7.68″
Item Weight	2.87 lbs.
ASIN	B07MTCMHZX
Item model number	M8-F

Lightweight, quiet, and durable, the AuKing M8-F HD 1080P LED Projector supports 1080p resolution and a 2000:1 contrast ratio. It also offers 35% brighter images than comparable projectors do. 

This projector offers a premium home cinema experience thanks to its bigger screen and clearer images. You can also use it for gaming, sharing photos, watching TV series, and following sports. It can easily connect to:

• Smartphones
• Laptops
• USB drivers
• Tablets
• X-Box ONE
• TVs
• PCs
• TV sticks
• DVD players

Additional features include:

• A 32-70″ projection display size with one to five-meter projection distance
• Built-in speakers for excellent sound quality
• The ability to connect to external speakers as needed
• A powerful cooling system that allows you to use this device for over 15 years
• Lightbulb life of 55,000 hours

The Pros and Cons of the AuKing M8-F

What Customers Are Saying About This Affordable Projector

The vast majority of customers were impressed by the AuKing M8-F HD 1080P LED Projector. They loved how portable this baby was and how well it worked for movie nights. They also appreciated the following features:

• Budget-friendliness 
• Portability
• A user-friendly remote
• Quick start

However, some customers didn’t like the deceptive advertising. Specifically, they were bummed to discover that “1080p” actually refers to the ability to play 1080p content from a USB drive or microSD card rather than 1920x1080p resolution. Its real resolution is closer to 800x480p.

They also noted that:

• The device sometimes emitted a strong plastic smell
• The audio quality of the built-in speakers was terrible
• The machine didn’t work well outside
• The device required a power bank if you want to use it outside since it isn’t rechargeable or battery-operated
• The machine only worked well in a pitch-black room
• The image quality appeared fuzzy when users got up close
• Controls were lacking

PVO ‎YG300 Pro 1080p Mini Portable Projector

PVO YG300 Pro Features and Specifications

Product Dimensions	5.51″ x 3.78″ x 2.13″
Item Weight	‎11.2 oz.
ASIN	B08B8DKYPS
Item model number	‎YG300Pro

Another great projector is the PVO YG300 Pro 1080P LED Mini Projector. One of the lightest and most portable projectors on the market, this device is a must-have for teachers, campers, and other highly-mobile people. 

You can use this to watch movies, TV, play games, and share photos anytime and anywhere. It’s especially great for entertaining and teaching kids and students. However, this projector’s display isn’t as clear as those of more expensive models. It also has fewer features for adjusting image quality.

Stand-out features include:

• Supports 1080p full HD
• Natural resolution of 800x480p
• Multiple ports, including USB, HDMI, audio, and other interfaces
• Easily connects to multiple media devices, including:
  • Digital cameras
  • TV boxes
  • HDMI-enabled devices
  • Phones
  • Laptops
• The ability to be powered by multiple sources, including:
• Mobile phone chargers
• Power adapters
• Power packs via micro-USB interfaces

The Pros and Cons of the PVO YG300 Pro

Reviews of PVO’s Compact Projector

Most customers enjoyed using this projector. They especially enjoyed its good picture quality, audio quality, and portability. They also liked how well it worked with gaming consoles like PS3, PS4, and Switch.

However, some users were disappointed by its fragility and the small, distorted screen size. It also failed to connect with various devices, such as Chromebooks. Many customers also disliked how they had to buy an HDMI cable to connect mobile phones. 

TMY V08 1080P Mini Portable Generator

TMY V08 Features and Specifications

Product Dimensions	7.48″ x 3.78″ x 2.83″
Item Weight	3.87 lbs.
ASIN	B082F13J55
Item model number	V08

If you’re looking for a high-quality movie projector, look no further than the TMY V08 720P Lamp Projector. Unlike the other picks on this list, this baby emits 7,500 lumens, making it a great pick for outdoor movie nights. It also comes with a 100″ portable, anti-wrinkle, and foldable projection screen that is larger than those of comparable models, ensuring enhanced picture detail and wider viewing angles.

This powerful device offers:

• Vibrant HD images: With a 1280x720p native resolution and 7,500 lumens, this product delivers a viewing experience that is three times clearer than other mini projectors on the market.
• Easy installation: The projection screen had been easily installed using nails, hooks, double-sided tape, ropes, or mounts. Every purchase comes with double-sided tape-mounted hooks. 
• An aspect ratio of 16:9 or 4:3: This is the default aspect ratio for most movies. 
• Newly-improved 2021 uniform illumination method: This lighting technology eliminates dark areas along screen edges.
• Enhanced contrast ratio: This device also comes with the latest NTSC color technology, which improves colors to a 5000:1 contrast ratio.
• Portability: The projector weighs under 4 pounds, and the projection screen has a compact, lightweight, foldable, single-piece design. 
• Built-in speakers: Like many other projectors, this beast has built-in dual stereo speakers that reproduce the original sound of your games, movies, and music. You can also connect it to an external speaker via a 3.5mm headphone jack.
• A long lamp lifetime: This projector’s lamp can last up to 60,000 hours. 

The Pros and Cons of the TMY V08

What Makes the TMY V08 an Excellent Projector According to Users

The TMY V08 720P Lamp Projector is well-loved for many reasons. For one, it comes with a large projector screen. It also provides sharp images, even during outdoor use. 

Unfortunately, this product doesn’t work as well as it should. Several users were unable to connect it to their devices. Moreover, TMY’s customer service attempted to bribe users for positive reviews. One user, for instance, was sent another projector for free. Two weeks later, customer service said that they sent the user the new product because they wanted the user to take down their negative review for the TMY V08 720P Lamp Projector.

Topvision T6 1080p LED Portable Mini Projector

Google’s Rating 3

TOPVISION T6 Features and Specifications

Product Dimensions	8.6″ x 6.2″ x 3.7″
Item Weight	‎4.84 lbs.
ASIN	B083QJDRT4
Item model number	‎T6

Another excellent budget projector is the TOPVISION T6 1080P LED Portable Mini Projector. Like the TMY V08 720P Lamp Projector, this baby is ideal for watching movies in the backyard. It boasts 1920x1080p resolution, a 72″ to 240″ screen size, and upgraded LED lighting that’s 85% brighter than ordinary projectors’ lights.

Like other top projectors, this device is compatible with various devices, including tablets, TV boxes, PCs, Chromebooks, laptops, Blu-ray DVD players, video game consoles, USB flash drives, SD cards, media players, and smartphones. It also has built-in stereo speakers for memorable sound experiences. 

Use this device for hosting parties, playing videos in the backyard, and hosting movie nights. We don’t recommend it for office presentations and PowerPoint.

Every purchase of this product comes with a 100″ projector screen. The best projection distance and size are 9.5 feet and 90″, respectively.

The Pros and Cons of the TOPVISION T6

Consumer Reviews of This Portable Projector

Consumers were generally satisfied with the TOPVISION T6 1080P LED Portable Mini Projector. They loved the variety of screen sizes, the 100″ screen projection screen, and the vivid colors. Many users also praised the product for being easy to set up and quiet.

However, some users were unable to connect their Blu-Ray and DVD players to the projector. Additionally, TOPVISION’s customer service was lacking. Several users were asked to change their negative reviews to five stars in exchange for gift cards, full refunds, and new products. 

Xinteprid 1080p LED WiFi Movie Mini Projector

Xinteprid WiFi Projector Features and Specifications

Dimensions	‎13.5″ x 13.4″ x 8.74″
Item Weight	‎4.18 lbs.
ASIN	B099WCZ9PP

Finally, there’s the Xintrepid 1080P LED WiFi Movie Projector. Unlike most projectors, this device is a mini projector for smartphones. Don’t underestimate it, though — it supports full HD 1080p, 24-bit true color, and a 200″ screen. It’s also quiet, portable, and extremely easy to set up. Unlike other picks on this list, you don’t need to buy extra cables. 

Key features include:

• 30″ to 200″ projection screen
• A projection distance of 2.6 to 13.5 feet.
• An aspect ratio of 16:9 or 4:3
• Maximum support resolution of 1920 x 1080p
• LCD display technology
• LED lights
• Native resolution of 1280 x 720p
• Compatibility with a wide range of interfaces, including Chromecast, Roku Stick, external speakers, laptops, smartphones, iPad, DVD players, PS4, XBOX, and Fire-TV
• Two months for full refund or replacement
• Five-year warranty
• Lifetime professional customer service and 24/7 comprehensive service

Every purchase of this product comes with:

• A Xintrepid 1080P LED WiFi Movie Projector
• A lens cover
• An HDMI cable
• An AV cable
• A remote control
• An instruction manual
• A screw

The Pros and Cons of the Xinteprid Wifi Projector

What Customers Think of This Compact Home Theater Projector

Many consumers loved this compact home theater for its simple and lightweight design. They also appreciated how well it worked with iOS phones. Many users were able to use this baby to watch movies, play Xbox games, and more. 

On the flip side, some customers disliked how this mini-projector wasn’t compatible with streaming apps. They were also disappointed by the pixelated picture quality, inaccurate colors, confusing owner’s manual, and relative lack of brightness. Several users needed thick blackout curtains to use this projector during the day.

What To Consider When Choosing a Projector Under $100

To get the best projectors under $100, you must consider various factors, including high-quality display resolution, capable lumen rating and throw ratio, color saturation, image quality, and more. 

Better Than Expected Display Resolution

First, you must consider whether your chosen projector has better than expected display resolution. 

To do this, ask yourself what you want the projector for. If you want a projector for gaming and watching outdoor movies, you should get at least a full HD resolution (1920x1080p) projector. If you have a 4K source such as a 4K Blu-ray player, you must get a projector with high dynamic range video and 4K resolution.

However, if you just need a projector for business use, you don’t need full HD. Instead, you can opt for lower image quality, such as 720p resolution. Just ensure the projector can display a wide range of colors, otherwise your colleagues may find it difficult to view your presentation, especially during the day.

Capable Lumen Rating and Throw Ratio

Next, you need to consider your model’s lumen rating and throw ratio. 

Lumen Rating

Denoted by lm, lumens measure the total amount of light visible to the human eye from a light source. The higher the lumen rating, the brighter the object will appear. For reference, a standard 60-watt light bulb gives out 750 to 750 lumens. 

Ideally, a projector for watching movies should have 2,000 to 3,000 lumens. If you’re watching a movie without ambient lighting, 2,000 lumens is enough, but if there’s ambient lighting, you should get a projector with 3,000 lumens. For gaming, you should get a 4K or full HD projector with 2,500 lumens or more. 

Throw Ratio

The throw ratio is the ratio between throw distance — the distance between a projector lens and the screen on which it shines — and the width of the projected image. It tells us what image size we can project from a specific distance. 

The smaller the throw ratio, the larger the image your projector will create at a shorter throw distance. For example, a throw ratio of 1.2:1 means that for every foot of image width, the throw distance must be 1.2 feet. On the flip side, a throw ratio of 7.5:1 means that the throw distance must be 7.5 feet for every foot of image width.

If you live in a small apartment, get a projector with a smaller throw ratio of one or lower. Many brands now offer ultra short throw projectors. The Samsung Premier LSP9T 4K UST Laser Projector, for instance, only has a throw ratio of 0.19:1. As such, the distance between the projector lens and the screen on which it shines only needs to be 0.19 feet for every foot of image width.

Color Accuracy

Color accuracy is also important for video games and films. When watching a movie or playing a game, the slightest color inaccuracy can ruin your experience. Color inaccuracies may also change the message of films and games. For example, films and games usually employ cold colors in winter scenes. If the projector shows warm colors instead, the atmosphere will feel off. 

Look for a projector that can reproduce most or all of the Rec 709 color gamut for home video releases and HDTV. Rec. 709 and DCI-P3 are industry standards for theater-quality colors. 

Image Quality With Limited Image Distortions

Unfortunately, many projectors have poor image quality with image distortions. 

The best way to prevent this is to get a projector with digital keystone correction features. Keystone correction prevents distorted images by digitally converting and scaling images before they reach the projection lens. The result is a squared image, even if the screen is angled or the projector is aligned non-perpendicularly to a screen.

Weight and Size

You also need to consider your projector’s weight and size. If you often need to move your projector around, get a lighter and smaller projector. Portable projectors often weigh under three pounds. 

Compact Design, Portability, and Built-In Speakers

Finally, you must consider your projector’s compact design, portability, and built-in stereo speakers. 

If you want a projector for trips, get a compact one with handles. Conversely, compactness and portability matter much less if you only use your projector at home.

If you don’t have speakers or prefer an all-in-one setup, get a projector with built-in speakers. Many leading projectors have powerful speakers that can cover your entire living room. 

Experience a Home Movie Theater Experience Without the High Costs

Finding the right home movie theater projector under $100 isn’t always easy, especially if you’re new to buying projectors. Unlike business projectors, home theater projectors have higher resolutions and are less bright. They’re also optimized for games, films, and TV.

That’s why you should use our reviews of the top five projectors under $100 as a starting point. Think about your specific needs and locate the projector that stands out to you the most. Then, ask yourself the following:

• What’s my budget?
• What features are must-have vs. nice-to-have?
• Am I using the projector outside, inside, or both?
• Will I be using the projector on the go?
• What kind of devices will I be connecting to my projector?

Then, pick a projector that fits your budget and needs. If you have a small budget, just get a projector with most or all of your must-have features. On the other hand, if you have a larger budget, you can get a projector with some or all of your nice-to-have features.