We wouldn't put this in the "cheap projector" bucket, but the BenQ HT2050A is definitely the best video projector you can get for the money. It’s got passable built-in Harman-Kardon speakers, which deliver crisp trebles and deep bass, and enough connectivity options that you’ll find it easy to hook up external speakers, headphones or content on a Micro SD card. Fortunately, the Hisense L9G has a ton of available settings to adjust these features and many more, effectively letting users dial in the display however they like. It offers access to all of your favorite streaming services, a powerful built-in speaker with smart assistant support, and even mobile mirroring functionality – all you need to provide is a power source (either via a nearby wall socket or a compatible power bank) and a Wi-Fi connection (or, failing that, a mobile hotspot). Granted, our 4K discs were already crystal clear, but the projector seems to squeeze the contrast out and enhance the image just that extra bit more.

What Are Projector Headlights? - Lifewire What Are Projector Headlights? - Lifewire

You can put the projector extremely close to the wall or screen you want to show your video on, without any issues. Many have built-in speakers but it’s also easy to connect them to your home audio setup or a portable Bluetooth speaker. DLP models use a digital micromirror device (DMD) allied to a spinning colour wheel to create images.

HDR and 4K are well supported across the provided apps, too – and as noted earlier, there’s excellent support for using the projector as a wireless display or speaker for files on your smartphones. However, because you don't need to replace the lamps, the cost of ownership over the projector's lifetime is far lower compared with the HT2050A. The upgraded M1+ offers a slightly brighter projection (300 lumens) over the M1 (250 lumens), though it's still far short of higher-spec beamers – one for dark environments where possible. The optical requirements of an ultra short-throw projector limit what the LSP9T can do in design terms. A screen is crucial for getting optimal performance from your projector, whether it's a regular or portable model.

LG HU85LA CineBeam Projector review | TechRadar LG HU85LA CineBeam Projector review | TechRadar

The setup is super simple too with how it guides you through the familiar Samsung system, but we do wish it had a proper HDMI port rather than a Micro one. Our guide features the best for a cinema-like experience, the best low-cost models, the best for portability, ultra-short throw variants and those for sports and gaming. There’s still enough of it, though, to ensure that even action movie soundtracks don’t end up sounding thin or flat. Whatever its cause, the rainbow effect is undoubtedly there – so if you know yourself to be particularly susceptible to seeing it (sensitivity varies from person to person) it’s definitely something to think about.

I guess it would have been nice if the LSP9T’s HDMIs supported next-gen gaming features such as 4K/120Hz, variable refresh rates, and automatic game mode switching. All of the ones on our list connect to mains power for movie night, but if you’re taking the show on the road you’ll want to know about projectors with built-in batteries. We like how this has a functioning Netflix app, unlike some rivals, and how it has an eye guard feature to dim it if anybody moves in front of the lens. For smaller spaces short throw projectors are great: you can place them fairly close to a screen or a wall and get good results.