$200-600 Budget Home Theater Projectors Tested. Native 4K?

I tested 15 Budget Home Theater Projectors between $200 and $600 to see which, if any, are worth buying. The Paris Rhone 4K and Nexigo PJ40 are the best budget home theater projectors.
🎥 Best Score Overall: Nexigo PJ40 (Gen3) 🎥
AmazonUS (Gen3): amzn.to/3OKpgK2
AmazonCA (Gen 3): amzn.to/3UQ4hcu
AmazonUS (Gen2, main listing): amzn.to/3HYXF3V
AmazonCA (Gen 2): amzn.to/42UFGVQ
🎥 Best Viewing Experience: Paris Rhone 4K 🎥
AmazonUS: amzn.to/3UBXDXb
AmazonCA: amzn.to/3UTDmwp
🎥 Budget Stretcher ($799): JMGO N1 TriLaser DLP 🎥
AmazonUS: amzn.to/3HYru4u
Other Projectors Tested (ordered by viewing experience score):
2) Happrun YG491: amzn.to/49gFCC2
3) Casaris OmniStar L80: amzn.to/3us8BE6
4) Viewsonic PX701HD: amzn.to/3UCy34n
5) XGIMI Elfin: amzn.to/3uFqG1q
6) Groview C58: amzn.to/3OHURvy
7) Redeer P7: amzn.to/49AQ86X
8) Dangbei Neo: amzn.to/3I3Wv7f
9) Wanbo TT: amzn.to/3OJHdIl
10) Xming Page One: amzn.to/3P7U6fR
11) Emotn N1: amzn.to/48lBkYZ
12) Yaber K2S: amzn.to/4bwhj4G
13) Groview JQ818C: amzn.to/48fQ0c1
14) Wanbo T2 Max: amzn.to/3wh0WsP
15) Xiaomi Mi Smart Projector 2: amzn.to/49gFO4e
*As an Amazon Affiliate I earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you*
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Color Gamut and Accuracy Testing done with hardware and software from: www.portrait.com/
Music by www.BenSound.com
00:00 Introduction
00:47 Brightness, Contrast, Color Space Testing
10:44 Throw, Offset, and Keystone
13:05 Focus and Clarity Testing
14:10 Side by Side Testing
20:47 Speaker Quality
25:20 Fan Noise
26:47 Smart OS Testing
28:25 Gaming Input Lag Testing
28:56 Conclusions

[@TheHookUp]

Update: Nexigo has pushed an update to the Nexigo PJ40 Gen2 that enables the Gamma correction menu! Great news for anyone who already has one.

[@javybeaz3236]

I have a Viewsonic 701 4K it destroys my Yaber, DB power, Artli projectors. The brightnes, sharpness and color. Its not close. Especially with lights on or window light coming in. Viewsonic destroyed all if them even more at 100 to 120 inch screen

[@TheHookUp]

That's a $900 projector, why are you comparing it to $200 projectors?

[@korg47237]

A Tesla Model S Plaid is much faster than your 2002 Toyota Corolla practically demolished it why would I want that?

[@korysanchez36]

Just bought the Groview JQ818C last night based off your under $100 review, but figured I'd spend a bit more, ended up being $150. Didn't know you'd be dropping this video today lol. Is it worth the extra $50 to just get the Happrun YG491 over the Groview? Looks like the ANSI brightness is pretty similar, and Contrast might even be better on the Groview. what are your thoughts?

[@korysanchez36]

Or even the Redeer R7 , seems to outperform both on the combined scores, and for pretty much the same price

[@simispolter2325]

You're legit one of the best reviewers on YT

[@tyzyznotreal507]

Agree!

[@olorunrises1225]

He is so detailed and covers all of his bases it’s crazy

[@dylanphillips5657]

Agree 1000%, and with that said can u please do ALL the tech reviews on KZbin from now on

[@maskettaman1488]

I'm always blown away by how thorough and detailed these reviews are. Thanks for making them!

[@MrTjnielsen81]

I am constantly impressed by the sheer comprehensiveness of your testing, and all the factors your reviews consider.

[@lulul]

these videos are so detailed, i can only imagine the amount of work that goes into making these, even making the effort to talk to manufacturers about stock of the diferent versions just so consumers would know there's asignifficant diference. good job!

[@jagcheema3934]

This man is the most detailed and in depth product reviewer on KZbin. I had 2 subscribe because of the effort you put in your videos.

[@idkfpv6435]

Thank you man, this is the one video I've been waiting for

[@antonyhakini]

Damn these videos are thorough. Thank you for all the work you do on this channel. Every time someone asks me about projectors, I send them your channel's URL. I've been rocking my Happrun H1 since october 2023, and I'm loving it!

[@user-kw9qu2gz8v]

Wow thank you so much for this review. Great to see how the specs compare to the real output. I'm happy to see the two projectors I recommended in your recommendation thread, namely the Redeer and Paris Rhone do really well. Thank you for including them.

[@jordanparrott4357]

W O W !!! Amazing in depth and comprehensive comparisons in a very complex projector space. Well done sire, well done.

[@sree2z]

One of the top classes of projector reviews. Greatly appreciate your hard work and dedication to inform the important aspects when compared across the projectors.

[@rebeccamora3646]

Wow best comparison video I have seen in years. Thank you!

[@pspr33]

I love your reviews. Great comparisons and data to back up your claims 🎉🎉🎉

[@liamlvp3886]

This guy has so many projectors to review. Very professional. Nice

[@user-is1ux5kw1p]

Regardless of price, regardless of size, regardless of closed and open optical paths, regardless of durability, this kind of comparative evaluation really opened my eyes.

[@jungleent9714]

Thanks man I needed this unbiased reviews are hard to find these days

[@Endarial13]

Great video. I appreciate how thorough you are with your reviews.

[@user-kw9qu2gz8v]

The Paris Rhone projector is available on their website for 499 right now making it an even better deal.

[@grantbollig4016]

Top tier review/info channel. One of the best

[@owencalder5235]

Dude this video is legitimately so high quality I immediately subscribed just cause you honestly deserve it if you make this great of a video 😭

[@rocktman81]

Amazing review! Love these projector reviews. Please keep doing them!

[@dreamzsiva]

Thank you for doing such ridiculously detailed videos!! About to pull the trigger on the Nexigo.

[@trendyprojectors4743]

Thank you, it is a great way to turning your living room into a budget-conscious movie theater.

[@animal579]

thank you for including footage with black actors to give a varied sense of how numerous scenes and movies types might look, especially in terms of contrast and brightness

[@KisameSempai]

you make the best reviews and comparisons man! you deserve more views and subs

[@sigma_z]

The BEST reviewers on YT without the need for SPONSORS making everything biased. He tells it as it is with facts

[@aatishnigam2447]

I was waiting for so long for this video

[@JOSHOCEANS]

Found your channel a few years ago and subbed. Just found this video. Master class in reviews!

[@timechaser4313]

Thank you!! Been drooling for this video!! Haha

[@alessandrocolaiacovo4132]

Amazing detailed review! Thank you very much and keep it up.

[@pakmandan]

This is absolutely amazing and significantly important work. Putting these companies claims to the truth and exposing poor products and over priced hype. Great work!

[@janigerud]

Fantastic reviews, thank you for putting it together 👍

[@Rubyfire76]

appreciate your honest reviews

[@gavincrispin1436]

4 years on still love my little laser branded dvd projector and just bought the newer ankor one.great value and ease of use.

[@korg47237]

I bought the Happrun because of the deal you mentioned in the community update, this thing is awesome. Mounted on the wall above the sitting area and the sound quality is actually pretty great it was like having a little home theater.The auto keystoning wasn't great but maybe because of the sharp angle I had it aiming slightly down, but manually configuring it wasn't too bad. Thanks for the testing and recommendations as always!

[@TheHookUp]

Glad you like it! I agree, it's a pretty great little machine for $200.

[@petem9807]

You are far and away the best product reviewer on YT. I have been looking forward to this since last year's review. I bought two 818's for $89 based on your reviews. They have both been excellent and the one in the living room must have 1000's of hours on it I would love to upgrade. Any chance of putting the 818 next to the PJ40 Gen3 next to the JMGO N1? Thank You for your Great Work!

[@iandeleon8132]

Another great and informative comparison video! Was waiting for this to come out during my search for a projector, but as you know, I went ahead and took a chance at the Dangbei Atom that I got a good price on. Should be at my house sometime today! Hopefully you will review the Atom. Curious to see your thoughts on it. Can't wait to see that review on that BenQ GP100A as well.

[@diadormus]

Amazing video, thank you so much for your hard work! Does the projector screen matter at all when it comes to picture quality? Do you have any recommendations for those as well?

[@ahmadl3230]

brother thanks alot for this video, u just saved me days of research

[@Krzysiek93BE]

Thank you for this video. Thanks to you we bought a great projector :)

[@morkmon]

amazing channel, instant subscribe! exactly what I needed

[@frankbierschneider8785]

Wow, what an elaborate test!! I got to stick around! :)

[@user-zb2be9sn2e]

👏👏Can't wait for your review of the AURZEN BOOM 3.

[@mangazo15]

Bro your content is amazing, subbed!

[@wiltse0]

I still have my PJ40 from the last one of these videos. I love it, upgraded from the PJ30 I had before.

[@kingdavid0011]

Would you recommend the pj40 it’s at 240 right now and I want to buy it right now

[@yovtec1]

Is it worth getting the Netflix licensed one? Or how does it differ?

[@user-kh1qe5bf6q]

Awesome work dude

[@seanappleby3986]

superb review. very happy with my pj40.....

[@andykumar4103]

Wow , this is amazing and I am sure made decision to what to go for. It'll be Paris Rhode. Thank you for this amazing video. I subscribed.

[@jjtonik]

Amazing review, thanks

[@navyguy00]

Yes... Just picked up the yg491 since i saw the 200 dollar coupon. Lots of bang for buck there

[@ThatsPety]

To me it's crazy that Amazon companies can straight up lie about specs and get away with it, like projector brightness. This problem is also rampant with battery bank capacities

[@onitamaduels]

So incredibly helpful, needed some help waiting through all the marketing BS out there

[@-horapolice4309]

Thanks for your hard work

[@indie84]

Great video/testing. I am considering buying the Yaber K2S but after this video I am not so sure. At the same time, it seems good (not perfect though) for my living room because of the throw ratio. Does it make sense to buy it just for this? I wanted to avoid lamp based projectors since I am based in the EU.

[@JuanitoSu]

Another fantastic review.

[@anthonyzacher1021]

That was an amazing video thank you so much

[@andrewprashanth1067]

Much appreciated! Thank you for all your efforts! Would you be able to review the WiMiUS K9 and the Ultimea Poseidon E40 Projectors in one of your upcoming videos. Thank you and looking forward to your review.

[@telleadams4302]

Great review and appreciate showing movies with a range in skin tones!

[@kelownatechkid]

Incredible reviews. seriously

[@lamecasuelas2]

This guy is like one man RTings!

[@ibnelrichi]

Great job, great video, Thank you !!!!

[@trendyprojectors4743]

Thanks for caring for our budgets!

[@Kushvir-ko1gf]

Hey, great video! But I was wondering what the difference between pj40 gen 2 and 3 is now that they pushed the updates for gamma correction menu.

[@whatevermakesyouhappy]

THANK YOU. Oh my lord my optoma HD141x fell today and it's been insanely frustrating to find a replacement. I got it on FB marketplace a couple years ago for 150 and loved the quality. Currently debating on getting a new color wheel which shattered when it fell or getting a newer model for 300.

[@brendendowd3767]

This makes me feel really good about getting the nexigo pj40 gen 3

[@xiao7539]

What a professional review! Could you also review the projector Aurzen Boom 3? Considering to buy it

[@ggokccek]

Hey, love your videos! Have you ever reviewed the epson ef-12? Would love a video on that

[@Stargaze79]

Can't wait for your review of the Hisense Vidda c1 pro.

[@TheHookUp]

Vidda C1 Pro is likely never coming to the global market. Hisense was showing off the C2 line at CES.

[@camilonicolaslombosandoval7680]

​@@TheHookUpso what is the equivalent of Hisense vidda C1 pro in the global market, or what is the best C1 line projector that you have tested?

[@TheHookUp]

@@camilonicolaslombosandoval7680 There is no C1 Pro for global. The Global C1 is the Vidda C1S in China.

[@Rostol]

what do you mean with native 4k ? the nexigo PJ40 gen 3 amazon listing clearly states native 1080p no wonder it was cheap for a 4k projector

[@TheHookUp]

The Paris Rhone is native 4k.

[@chrisy4011]

​@@TheHookUp for only 549 bucks on sale now 😳 seems too good to be true. Why are all the other native 4k ones like 3-8000?$

[@nado1567]

I buy the Xming paige one and i am very happy. Good vor gaming and not to loude perfect for bedroom. And whit good settings and good projection sreen also good in dark sense.❤

[@MsSjaakvaak]

Great, love the shootout! Have you considered the LG PF610P?

[@justinbeamon6624]

Out of his price range for comparison.

[@reaperb100]

Thanks!

[@Lion-Fish]

Been loving your videos on projectors and I’ve settled on a dream projector for myself from your recommendations in the past, the epson ls11000. Now I am trying to find an answer on the internet to no avail, but I’m not using a traditional AVR setup. I have the HT-A9 from Sony and it’s plenty sufficient for my needs. But the issue I seem to run into is that the projector has 2 HDMI out. If I run the HDMI out through the arc port on projector to my Sony ht-a9 then I can plug devices directly into the Sony connect box and bam I’m up and running. But now my issue is I don’t necessarily want to manually swap the connection for my devices (Apple TV, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox series S) So what I imagine I need is an HDMI Switch device of some kind. I purchased a low cost option temporarily but the device seems to have introduced issues passing a consistent audio signal through to the Sony ht-a9 sound system. The video appears to have no negative effects but the audio is now cutting in and out. The hdmi switch has all the “specs” that should work for my application, but now I’m concerned that other switches will give me a similar issue. Wondering if anyone has any advice or alternative solutions to this?

[@overnightdelivery]

You're the best. I'd love to see you review and compare BenQ's x500i and x300g.

[@cxy7722]

Appreciate the videos! Curious on why you don't include brands like Epson or BenQ to your comparisons? For example, the BenQ TH575's current MSRP is $599 and I think would be a great one to compare these with.

[@TheHookUp]

I specifically reached out to BENQ about having the TH575 in this video, they said it was "low stock and end of life". Epson's only 1080p projectors under $600 are the CO series, which do not have replicable bulbs, which I think is absurd.

[@andrejsubic5111]

Hi. First of all, thanks for your effort, I look at each of your posts. So I have a question. I own an Xgimi elfin which I love, I use it mostly outside on a 100 inch screen. I'm thinking about the Ymgo N1. Would this be a good replacement? Thanks for the reply.

[@VeryAverageGaming]

Bro you seriously bodied this video. Its way too good

[@user-yd1tu6ip9e]

I bought Paris Rhône Ultra 4K in mid-2023. At that time, the brightness was 1w lumens. The difference in brightness was huge. The 4k effect was good

[@TheHookUp]

What does 1w lumens mean?

[@antlion4]

Cant wait for a video of the Gen 3 pj40 (thats if its worth a full video), my new favourtie budget projector is the Wolfang wp01 got for less that £60 (looks like a mini wanbo style)

[@BakerOnYT]

Great video, very helpful. Had been considering a Samsung Freestyle 2 as a small projector for the bedroom but now wondering if one of these would suit better. Hmm decisions, decisions!?!

[@TheHookUp]

Freestyle 2 is absolutely not worth the money.

[@BakerOnYT]

@@TheHookUpyeah it's seeming to be the case, the size, all in one device with easy setup appealed but seems the picture quality and brightness is just not there.

[@francescoaurilio9154]

Hi, thanks for the video. I have owned a Yaber Y30 for two years now and am thinking of changing it. I am undecided between Nexigo PJ40 and ULTIMEA Apollo P60 (I don't know if you know this projector). I wanted to ask you if you think it's worth switching from the Yaber Y30 to one of these two and which of the two you would recommend. If you have other projectors to recommend other than these two (max 300 euros) your advice is welcome, bearing in mind that since I am in Italy some of the models you listed are not available here. Thank you in advance.

[@rocker02453]

You do great work! Could you please review the Dangbei Atom. It looks promising to me.

[@camilonicolaslombosandoval7680]

Superb video as always,plz could you review the top tier of Wanbo, New T6 max, mozart 1 and mozart 1 pro, Thank you.

[@homayounF]

I Can’t wait for the LG CINEBEAM Q test !!!

[@Shadowskulptor]

Fantastic! Was hoping to see the Vizony RD830 and the Ultimea Apollo P40, underdog budget picks, but maybe in the next one! Very happy we now have definitive confirmation on the Paris Rhone picture quality. Very impressed with the Nexigo PJ40 Gen 3 as well. Now I'm reconsidering. I have a question - Do you think the Happrun YG491 is a bit clearer/sharper than the Nexigo PJ40? It seems form the video samples you provide, that it seems to be. Looking at the small details in Black Panther costume design is the ultimate test! They seem very competitive for the budget 1080 space.

[@TheHookUp]

The picture quality on the happrun was fantastic. I think the PJ40 could probably be better with perfect settings, but the Happrun looks great right out of the box.

[@petem9807]

When you did your PJ40 Gen3 comparisons next to the Paris Rhone what Fan speed/Brightness did you have the PJ40 set to?

[@TheHookUp]

8

[@detodotv6405]

excelente video amigo muchas gracias

[@MichelLoyen]

Great review! Do you recommend the Wimius K9 over the Nexigo or Happrun? Many thanks!

[@TheHookUp]

No

[@kevinaviles1555]

Please do a video comparing the cheapest projectors with auto focus and keystone adjustment 🙏

[@ryancodrai487]

Sadly I couldn't find the Paris Rhone in the UK but I did pick up a NexiGo PJ40 (Gen 3) from the used but still good section from Amazon warehouse for £177.15. Pretty happy with that consdiering the gen 2 is still selling for £289.99

[@azzip3246]

I just got the PJ40. I’m pretty happy with it. The fan is acceptable at level 8. Colors are decent. The only down side is the focus. It’s pretty hard to have the whole screen sharp.

[@TheHookUp]

Are you using keystone? Good focus is all about proper placement.

[@azzip3246]

@@TheHookUp straight on the wall. I have found the depth of fields of the LCD lenses to be less flexible.than DLP and the 3LCD. I wonder what makes the Paris projector have good focus compare to the other single LCD projectors.

[@TheHookUp]

Absolutely, proper placement is more important with single LCD projectors than DLP.

[@FelipeCozachevicii]

Best review 👌

[@StonedRambo01]

Fantastic comparison! Would love to see "budget" 120hz or higher projectors for gaming if possible

[@TheHookUp]

Not many of those exist.

[@Soarbywire]

@TheHookUp I found the perfect Golf Projector on a budget - AAXA SLC450 ; 0.7 throw ratio, vertical and horizontal keystone, corner fit, 1080p :)

[@TheHookUp]

A 100 ANSI lumen golf sim projector? Definitely would not recommend.

[@Soarbywire]

@@TheHookUp Its around 200 ANSI, works fine for me with the lights off; I'm not too much of a serious golfer so it will do for now; I can't find another projector with this throw ratio with keystone and corner fit for $200

[@aatishnigam2447]

World best project reviewer

[@Why_Usernames]

I’ve been looking for a new projector for game nights so the PJ40 sounds right for me. Do you have a recommendation between gen 2 and 3 now that 2 has been updated? They’re the same price (after coupon) Also, in game mode does it allow keystoning? My current one does not so it’s usually in an awkward spot so it looks right on the portable screen. Thank you in advance and for all your videos!

[@TheHookUp]

Game modes do not allow keystone. Digital keystone is the main contributing factor to input lag. I don't see any reason to get the Gen2 when the Gen3 is the same price.

[@MonsefHAFIDI]

Since the NexiGo PJ40 (Gen 3) is no longer available on Amazon, would you recommend purchasing the NexiGo PJ40 (Gen 2) with the update, or should I wait? I also learned that the NexiGo PJ40 (Gen 3) has Calibration D65, which makes it better than the (Gen 2). Is that true ?

[@claudioarf]

I'm facing the same question. Would appreciate any input. Thanks for the great review!

[@staffykclips]

Man I wish you could do TVs as there is no one that compares to your comparisons

[@user-hf6bf9dt5l]

Thank you for your video! Can you please review AURZEN BOOM 3?

[@elsuperpollo2273]

I'm just looking to get one to hook up to a mini PC in my bedroom as a alternative to a roku box and smart tv.