10 Best Budget Projectors 2026 in the United States

The NEBULA Mars 3 Outdoor Portable Projector is a solid choice for those looking for a budget-friendly projector for outdoor and on-the-go use. Its 1080p resolution ensures clear and sharp images, making movie nights enjoyable. With 1000 ANSI lumens of brightness, it performs well in low-light outdoor settings, although it may struggle in bright daylight. The projector's AI-powered image adjustment helps optimize picture quality automatically, which is a handy feature for casual users. The throw distance and 200-inch max screen size allow for a flexible setup, whether it’s in a backyard or a camping site.

The built-in battery offers up to 5 hours of playtime, which is ample for most movies and presentations, and it can double as a power bank for other devices. Its IPX3 water resistance and drop and dust resistance make it durable enough for outdoor use. Connectivity options include USB and Chromecast, ensuring you can stream content easily from various sources. Additionally, the built-in 40W speaker with Dolby Digital Plus provides decent audio quality, eliminating the need for external speakers in most cases. However, at 9.9 pounds, it’s relatively heavy for a portable projector, which might be a consideration for those who prioritize ultra-portability.

The projector's Android TV 11.0 integration offers a wide array of apps and streaming options, adding to its versatility. The NEBULA Mars 3 is well-suited for those who enjoy outdoor activities, camping, or simply need a reliable projector for occasional use in different settings.

The Epson Home Cinema 980 is a strong choice among budget projectors, especially if you want bright, clear images for gaming, sports, or home theater use. Its 4,000 lumens brightness (both color and white) means it can handle rooms with some light without the picture looking washed out, which is better than many budget options. The 1080p resolution delivers sharp, detailed images that suit movies and games well. It also includes a handy built-in speaker, so you won’t immediately need external speakers, though for the best sound experience, you might want to add those.

The projector offers two HDMI ports and a USB power port, making it easy to connect devices like streaming sticks or laptops, which adds to its versatility. Setup is user-friendly with an automatic keystone correction feature that keeps the image squared up without fuss. In terms of size and portability, it’s relatively lightweight at around 7 pounds, so moving it between rooms or taking it to a friend’s place isn’t a big hassle. Its contrast ratio of 16,000:1 helps with better detail in darker scenes, though it may not match higher-end models in deep blacks.

Fans of budget projectors looking for bright, vibrant colors and easy setup will find this model a solid buy, especially for casual gaming and home cinema in moderately lit environments.

The BenQ GV50 is a portable projector designed for cozy home movie nights and versatile entertainment. Its native 1080p resolution ensures clear and sharp images, while the support for 4K content adds a layer of future-proofing. With 500 ANSI Lumens, it provides decent brightness for dimly lit rooms, although it might struggle in very bright environments. The vibrant color performance with 98% Rec.709 wide color gamut should offer satisfying visuals for most users.

The projector’s flexible base design with 135° vertical and 360° horizontal adjustments, alongside auto focus and auto 2D keystone correction, makes it easy to set up and get squared images from various angles, even on the ceiling. This is a plus for users looking for hassle-free operation. Connectivity is robust with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, and HDMI, supporting various devices and streaming options through built-in Google TV, Netflix, and Chromecast capabilities.

The built-in 270-degree 18W Bluetooth speaker with dual 5W tweeters and an 8W woofer provides impressive audio for its size, eliminating the need for external speakers for casual viewing. Weighing 4.4 pounds and with dimensions of 7.52 x 5.12 x 8.31 inches, it’s reasonably portable, making it easy to move between rooms or take on trips. For those prioritizing portability, ease of use, and built-in smart features, the BenQ GV50 is a compelling option despite the brightness limitations in brightly lit spaces and potentially higher price point compared to budget projectors.