$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

[@MrTjnielsen81]

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

[@maskettaman1488]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@idkfpv6435]

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

[@Sankovski95]

Probably the most comprehensive and concise reviews on portable projectors of various prices, thank you !

[@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.

[@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.

[@jordanparrott4357]

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

[@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.

[@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 😭

[@liamlvp3886]

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

[@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

[@user-kw9qu2gz8v]

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

[@jungleent9714]

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

[@pspr33]

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

[@rebeccamora3646]

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

[@KisameSempai]

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

[@dreamzsiva]

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

[@Endarial13]

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

[@grantbollig4016]

Top tier review/info channel. One of the best

[@trendyprojectors4743]

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

[@sigma_z]

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

[@rocktman81]

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

[@aatishnigam2447]

I was waiting for so long for this video

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@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

[@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?

[@Rubyfire76]

appreciate your honest reviews

[@user-zb2be9sn2e]

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

[@alessandrocolaiacovo4132]

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

[@janigerud]

Fantastic reviews, thank you for putting it together 👍

[@mangazo15]

Bro your content is amazing, subbed!

[@secretfornow8895]

Love your in-depth and unbiased reviews! I haven't seen the Wimius K9 in any of your reviews and was wondering where it stacks up considering it sits in the middle (at around $300) of this price range.

[@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.

[@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.

[@frankbierschneider8785]

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

[@navyguy00]

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

[@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.

[@Krzysiek93BE]

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

[@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.

[@morkmon]

amazing channel, instant subscribe! exactly what I needed

[@LindseyRoseRN]

What kind of gain should I look for in my projector screen if I bought the Nexigo pj40? Especially for a back porch at night?

[@TheHookUp]

1.1 gain matte white.

[@ahmadl3230]

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

[@telleadams4302]

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

[@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.

[@onitamaduels]

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

[@seanappleby3986]

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

[@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.

[@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?

[@user-kh1qe5bf6q]

Awesome work dude

[@brendendowd3767]

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

[@michaeldoordan1539]

Love your videos! your listing for the nexigo PJ40 (US) has an option to select Gen3 or netflix licensed. Is there a performance difference between these two?

[@ikevolley5137]

This question is not exactly related to this video but I would like to know which projector you would pick between the JMGO N1 Pro and the Nebula Mars 3? Both are around the same price on Amazon and according to your portable projector video, the mars beats out the N1 but does it beat out the N1 pro?

[@TheHookUp]

N1 Pro is an upgrade over the N1 because it gets the gimble and speakers of the N1 Ultra, but it's quite a bit bigger than the N1 and has more laser speckle. The big difference between the JMGO lineup and the Mars 3 is the built in battery though, if that's important to you then get the Mars 3, if not, get a JMGO.

[@ikevolley5137]

@@TheHookUp thank you for the concise answer, I chose the JMGO N1 Pro based off your recommendation and my use case. It was on sale for under $1000. Hopefully, I will not notice the speckle much

[@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!

[@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.

[@lamecasuelas2]

This guy is like one man RTings!

[@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?

[@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

[@xiao7539]

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

[@MichelLoyen]

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

[@TheHookUp]

No

[@trendyprojectors4743]

Thanks for caring for our budgets!

[@overnightdelivery]

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

[@jjtonik]

Amazing review, thanks

[@ahmetcimen1659]

My friend, you are great, thank you for your videos. What device would you recommend for playing games at home and watching movies outdoors in the garden? I am viewsonic m2e, samsung freestyle 1-2, xiaomi mijia 2 - 2 pro, I am looking at these, but I am thinking of doing whatever you say, can you please reply?

[@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?$

[@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.

[@JuanitoSu]

Another fantastic review.

[@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)

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.❤

[@-horapolice4309]

Thanks for your hard work

[@mhtaldmr]

I wanna ask Where do you put wimius K9 in this list? Is it less than pj40 or better than ks2? I couldnt compare.

[@MsSjaakvaak]

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

[@justinbeamon6624]

Out of his price range for comparison.

[@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

[@TheDorukdodo]

any thoughts on the Yaber Pro v9 for 199€ with 600 ANSI Lumens and auto focus? I'm currently considering happrun h1 for 80€ and not sure if i should go for the Yaber Pro v9 by paying 120€ more. do you think it is worth it?

[@kelownatechkid]

Incredible reviews. seriously

[@ggokccek]

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

[@anthonyzacher1021]

That was an amazing video thank you so much

[@SamirAbuLina]

Would have loved to see results for WiMiUS P62. I bought it end of last year (currently not available at least in Germany) and I really liked it, except for the keystone correction, which left one side visibly blurry if text is displayed.

[@StonedRambo01]

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

[@TheHookUp]

Not many of those exist.

[@Isidee]

Thank you for the informative video. What do you think about the BenQ TK700STi? I want to purchase this one.

[@DeepDishPizza]

The bulb doesn’t last long and constant shuts down with prolonged usage.

[@rocker02453]

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

[@edmonvillanueva4665]

I plan to wall mount a pj40 (I still dont have it) and the throw distance can only be around 3.4m, but I can only do a 100inch screen because of space requirements, can I digitally zoom in so that the screen size is smaller even if the throw distance is farther than my required screen size??

[@samuelecorsalini6555]

Great video. I'm interested in buying the NexiGo PJ40 but my only doubt is that i would like to project on the ceiling from time to time. Is there some sort of compatible base that allows to tilt that projector achieving the desired result or should i look elsewhere (like samsung freestyle or xgimi MoGo Pro 2 which seems designed for that)?

[@TheHookUp]

I would not recommend the freestyle or mogo pro 2, both are very expensive for the performance they provide. JMGO N1 is excellent at that price range and has a built in gimble: amzn.to/3OVYOwO Due to its weight the PJ40 isn't great for ceiling projection since you'd need to put it on a tripod. The Happrun YG491 (currently $199) is a better pick since it's smaller and has a centered tripod mount on the bottom: amzn.to/42UT5x5 you could pair it with this tripod: amzn.to/49CreUG

[@samuelecorsalini6555]

Wow. Thanks a lot for the fast and detailed response. Unfortunately, living in Italy none of those options is fesible for me. Here the JMGO N1 has a price of 800€ (867$) which is over my budget. The Happrun would have been a fantastic option but it is not available in my country; i could import it from US for a price 300€ (325$) but i don't think it will be worth at that point. Anyway, I really appreciate the time you took to answer me. I whish there was a european channel of such quality.

[@AA-nf2jl]

I want a projector that will pair with a Sonos speakers wirelessly. Which one does that? Thank you for your videos, they are next level!