So what are the best gaming projectors of 2019?
BenQ HT2150ST: Best Overall ValueOptoma GT1080Darbee: Best Short Throw OptionEUG Wireless Projector: Best Budget OptionBenQ TK800M: Best 4K Gaming OptionRAGU Z498 Mini Projector: Best Mini OptionSony VPL-HW45ES: Best 3D Gaming Option
Do you want to know more about why each of these gaming projectors made my list? Keep reading to learn what landed on this list of the six best gaming projectors for 2019.
The 2019 Best
Gaming Projector List
A gaming projector is not necessarily synonymous with a home theater model. In fact, finding one that meets the requirements of both these types of projectors is a science in and of itself. However, I have done the groundwork for you. Below, I provide the detail specifications you need, as well as a list of the pros and cons of each. (While I highly recommend each of these projectors, I also suggest that you do your own research as well. When buying electronics in stores or online, it is important to read the feedback provided by other users.)
1. BenQ HT2150ST: Best Overall Value Option
Lag is a moot point with this model. The 16.67-millisecond input lag and included microsecond DMD response time are included with the built-in Ultra-Fast Gaming Response mode. Perhaps best yet, the BenQ HT2150ST comes highly recommended not just for gaming, but also for your home theater and sports projection needs. That means this projector can be used for more than just gaming.
Details:
Dimensions (L x W x H): 4.79in x 14.98in x 10.91inWeight: 7.93 poundsDisplay Technology: DLPPorts: HDMI (2), USB, 3.5mm Audio outputBrightness: 2200 ANSI LumensContrast Ratio: 15,000:1Resolution: 1080pCost: Under $800
Pros:
The 10W built-in speakers offer decent sound for small spaces. The BenQ HT2150ST offers excellent color performance and a sharp corner-to-corner image that ensures you can lose yourself in your game of choice. Set up is extremely easy with this plug and play projector. The short-throw distance and high-quality image make this a great projector for small to medium spaces. Multipurpose capabilities make this investment diverse.
Cons:
Brightness uniformity is occasionally a problem.
The Bottom Line: The BenQ HT2150ST offers a quality picture, brilliant colors, and much more – making it the best overall option for any gamer.
2. Optoma GT1080Darbee: Best Short Throw Option
When it comes to small spaces, it can be hard to find a gaming projector that provides a clear, large-scale image. That is where the GT1080Darbee comes in. At less than 4 feet, this project displays beautifully crisp images up to 120 inches. At 6 feet away, the quality remains crystal clear up to 166 inches. Optoma includes their Keystone Correction technology with this projector, allowing it to autocorrect potential color distortions instantly. Additionally, concerns of lag are ill-placed with this projector. Lag, which is often the bane of a multiplayer game, is virtually non-existent with the GT1080Darbee. The ample inputs and compact size make this projector great for gaming on the go or in your home theater too. If you enjoy 3D movies or games, the Optoma GT1080Darbee is able to project these formats as well. Fully capable of producing 1080p images, this projector offers big quality for small spaces.
Details:
Dimensions (L x W x H): 8.8in x 12.4in x 4.0inWeight: 5.8 poundsDisplay Technology: DLPPorts: HDMI (2), MHL, 3.5mm Audio output, USB, WirelessBrightness: 3000 ANSI LumensContrast Ratio: 28,000:1Resolution: 1080pCost: Under $1000
Pros:
The Optoma GT1080Darbee offers clear images from mere feet away, making it perfect for small apartments, dorm rooms, and more.Lightweight, this project is quite portable when compared to larger models.Virtually lag free, even multiplayer games are rendered beautifully and instantly with the GT1080Darbee.Easy to hook up and use, this projector works with almost all game systems right out of the box.
Cons:
The Optoma GT1080Darbee does not include a lens shift.
The Bottom Line: If you are in need of a great gaming projector (our comprehensive guide) for a small space, the Optoma GT1080Darbee is the best option for you.
3. EUG Wireless Projector: Best Budget Option
The EUG Wireless Projector offers users crisp images via a soft, non-flickering bulb. With a native resolution of 1200 x 800, this projector has a throw distance that works best between 3.9 and 18 feet. With 4600 lumens, this projector is bright enough to work in almost all levels of ambient light.
Details:
Dimensions (L x W x H): 23.3in x 10.4in x 4.7inWeight: 7.3 poundsDisplay Technology: LED LCDPorts: HDMI, USH (2), AV, VGA, 3.5mm Audio output, WiFiBrightness: 4600 LumensContrast Ratio: 5,000:1Resolution: 1080pCost: Under $400
Pros:
The EUG Wireless Projector comes with a ±15 degree vertical keystone and lens focus mechanism to ensure the perfect fit every time.Budget-friendly without becoming laughably unusable, this projector has decent displays.Plenty of connectivity options mean you can hook almost any console up and stream wireless media through the EUG Wireless Projector.
Cons:
The image quality is not as great as the higher-end models. The contrast ratio is under the typical average, meaning color may not be as vivid as some of the more expensive models.
The Bottom Line: The EUG Wireless Projector has a wealth of features and functionality for budget shoppers looking to invest in a gaming projector.
4. BenQ TK800M: Best 4K Gaming Option
The BenQ TK800M utilizes automatic HDR color rendition and image optimization technologies to help you fully enmesh yourself in the latest games. While this is not a short-throw projector, it does provide a 1:1 image, allowing you to display beautiful pictures between 92- and 150-inches from 10- to 18-feet away. Unlike several of the other projectors on this list, that means this projector can be used in home theaters of almost any size.
Details:
Dimensions (L x W x H): 10.71in x 13.9in x 5.31inWeight: 9.2 poundsDisplay Technology: DLPPorts: HDMI (2), USB, PC, 3.5mm Audio outputBrightness: 3000 ANSI LumensContrast Ratio: 10,000:1Resolution: True 4K UHDCost: Under $1500
Pros:
The colors produced by the BenQ TK800M are vivid, bright and crisp. This projector comes with Game, Football and Sports modes, which enhances both image and sound quality (more on what affects projector image quality in our guide). The two built-in speakers perform well enough in a small to medium-sized room. The BenQ TK800M offers true 4K technology for less than a television of the same size and quality would.This is a multipurpose projector, which means you can use it for gaming, sports viewing or for almost any home theater need.
Cons:
This projector does not have a lens shift feature.The BenQ TK800M has some minor lag issues.Color saturation may be great, however, the black levels are not as deep as you may hope they would be. This means that watching images in the dark may be harder.
The Bottom Line: If keeping up with the latest technologies is important and you want a true 4K gaming projector, the BenQ TK800M is a great investment option.
5. RAGU Z498 Mini Projector: Best Mini Option
Details:
Dimensions (L x W x H): 8.07in x 5.71in x 2.95inWeight: 2.2 poundsDisplay Technology: LED LCDPorts: HDMI, USB, VGA, SD, 3.5mm Audio outputBrightness: 100 ANSI LumensContrast Ratio: 3,000:1Resolution: 1080pCost: Under $100
Pros:
This lightweight, compact mini projector is easy to use and ready to go anywhere you are. For the price, the RAGU Z498 is an exceptional projector that beats out similarly priced models. You can connect almost any game console the RAGU Z498, making it versatile for gamers of all platforms.
Cons:
While RAGU claims this is a 1080p projector, the image quality is actually more on par with 800 x 480. The included speakers are terrible; you will need to connect additional speakers to the RAGU Z498 if you want clear sound.
The Bottom Line: If you need a low cost, portable projector, the RAGU Z498 Mini Projector is a great choice for gamers on the go.
6. Sony VPL-HW45ES: Best 3D Gaming Option
The VPL-HW45ES includes Sony’s Motionflow system; this helps boost details and keep them clear while rapid action occurs on the screen. That is great news for many of us gamers making instant decisions while playing! Whether utilizing the 3D capabilities or simply looking for a true 1080p resolution, the images projected by the VPL-HW45ES are beautiful. The color palette is both natural and vivid. Most users have not noted any lag when streaming or playing games. With the 1.6x zoom feature, you can scale your picture up to 120 inches without overtaxing the included lamp. (Larger than that, though, and you will end up reducing the life expectancy of your lamp and cause your fan to run louder.)
Details:
Dimensions (L x W x H): 18-3/8in x 16-1/8in x 7-1/8inWeight: 20 poundsDisplay Technology: LCDPorts: HDMI (2), USB, VGA, 3.5mm Audio outputBrightness: 1800 LumensContrast Ratio: 60,000:1Resolution: 1080pCost: Under $2,500
Pros:
Images projected by the Sony VPL-HW45ES are crisp, detailed and stunning. The color pallet is brilliant, with little to no noted rainbow effects. Calibration and use is extremely easy, which should be expected for the cost of this projector. The Sony VPL-HW45ES is a multipurpose projector, allowing you to use it in combination with your gaming and home theater purposes.
Cons:
When compared to other options on this list, the manual lens adjustment feature on the Sony VPL-HW45ES Is not as well designed.
The Bottom Line: If 3D games and movies are your cups of tea, the Sony VPL-HW45ES is an investment worth making!
