Best Home Theater Projectors (2026)

Front-throw and short-throw home cinema and gaming projectors compared on official manufacturer specifications. Brightness is scored only when the maker labels it ISO 21118 or ANSI; unlabelled lumen figures, including those on several Sony and JVC pages, are quoted and left out of the score. Contrast is quoted, never scored. Pixel-shift 4K PRO-UHD and similar systems are classed separately from native 4K.

Updated 2026-11-1339 products compared6 scored criteriaHow this ranking works

Affiliate disclosure: We earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our rankings, which come from the published scoring formula. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more.

Top pick

XGIMI TITAN Noir Ultra Max

Score 6.9/10 · Check price

Why it wins: Brightest official TITAN: 8,000 ISO lumens in the spec table (marketing also says peak brightness). Top brightness (iso or ansi) in this comparison (8000 lm).

Also great: Sony BRAVIA Projector 9 (VPL-XW8100) (6.7) · Epson QB1000 (6.6)

6.9/10

Check price at Amazon See pros, cons & specs

Side-by-side comparison

Swipe sideways on mobile. Green marks the best figure in each column.

Product	Score	Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	Resolution class	HDR	Light-source life	Best for	Price	Buy
1 X XGIMI TITAN Noir Ultra Max	6.9/10	8000 lm	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)	Yes	Not listed	Brightest official TITAN: 8,000 ISO lumens in the spec table (marketing also says peak brightness)	Check price	View deal
2 S Sony BRAVIA Projector 9 (VPL-XW8100)	6.7/10	Not listed	Native 4K class (computed)	Yes	20000 h	Flagship native 4K SXRD laser with a motorized 2.1x lens; official page says up to 3,400 lumens without an ISO/ANSI label	Check price	View deal
3 E Epson QB1000	6.6/10	3300 lm	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)	Yes	20000 h	3,300 ISO-lumen 4K HDR laser in Epson's Q series	Check price	View deal
4 X XGIMI TITAN Noir Max	6.4/10	7000 lm	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)	Yes	Not listed	7,000 ISO-lumen 4K TITAN with a 0.98–2.0 throw	Check price	View deal
5 E Epson Pro Cinema LS12000	6.3/10	2700 lm	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)	Yes	20000 h	Installer 4K HDR laser with 2,700 ISO lumens and a 2.1x motorized lens	Check price	View deal
6 E Epson Home Cinema LS11000	6.2/10	2500 lm	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)	Yes	20000 h	Flagship Home Cinema 4K HDR laser with a motorized 2.1x lens and HDR10+	Check price	View deal
7 B BenQ W4100i	6.1/10	3200 lm	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)	Yes	30000 h	3,200 ANSI-lumen 4K LED cinema projector with four-way lens shift	Check price	View deal
8 B BenQ X3100i	6.1/10	3300 lm	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)	Yes	30000 h	Bright 4K LED gaming projector with lens shift and Dolby Atmos eARC	Check price	View deal
9 E Epson Home Cinema LS6000	6.1/10	3400 lm	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)	Yes	20000 h	Brighter 4K HDR laser sibling of the LS5000	Check price	View deal
10 E Epson Pro Cinema LS9000	6.1/10	2200 lm	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)	Yes	20000 h	2,200 ISO-lumen 4K HDR laser with a 2.1x lens	Check price	View deal
11 S Sony VPL-XW5000ES	6.1/10	Not listed	Native 4K class (computed)	Yes	20000 h	Native 4K SXRD laser projector with a 1.6x zoom; brightness standard not labelled on the official page	Check price	View deal
12 B BenQ W5800	5.9/10	2600 lm	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)	Yes	25000 h	4K laser cinema projector with a 1.6x motorized zoom and no built-in speaker	Check price	View deal
13 B BenQ W5850	5.9/10	2600 lm	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)	Yes	25000 h	Shorter-throw 4K laser sibling of the W5800 (1.0–1.6 throw)	Check price	View deal
14 X XGIMI TITAN Noir Pro	5.9/10	6000 lm	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)	Yes	Not listed	6,000 ISO-lumen 4K TITAN with a 0.98–2.0 throw	Check price	View deal
15 B BenQ W2720i	5.7/10	2500 lm	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)	Yes	30000 h	4K LED home cinema projector with a 1.0–1.3 throw and Google TV	Check price	View deal
16 E Epson Home Cinema LS5000	5.7/10	2500 lm	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)	Yes	20000 h	Entry 4K HDR laser Home Cinema model with manual lens shift	Check price	View deal
17 E Epson Home Cinema LS7500	5.7/10	3500 lm	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)	Yes	20000 h	4K HDR short-throw laser with a 1.0–1.31 throw range	Check price	View deal
18 E Epson Home Cinema 5050UB	5.6/10	2600 lm	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)	Yes	5000 h	4K PRO-UHD lamp projector with a 2.1x motorized lens	Check price	View deal
19 E Epson Pro Cinema 4050	5.5/10	2400 lm	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)	Yes	5000 h	Installer-oriented 4K PRO-UHD lamp projector with a 2.1x lens	Check price	View deal
20 J JVC DLA-NZ500	5.5/10	Not listed	Native 4K class (computed)	Yes	20000 h	Compact native 4K D-ILA laser; official page lists 2,000 lm without an ISO/ANSI label	Check price	View deal
21 J JVC DLA-NZ700	5.5/10	Not listed	Native 4K class (computed)	Yes	20000 h	Native 4K D-ILA laser listed at 2,300 lm; standard not labelled on the official page	Check price	View deal
22 J JVC DLA-NZ800	5.5/10	Not listed	Native 4K class (computed)	Yes	20000 h	Native 4K D-ILA laser with 8K e-shiftX; official page lists 2,700 lumens without an ISO/ANSI label	Check price	View deal
23 J JVC DLA-NZ900	5.5/10	Not listed	Native 4K class (computed)	Yes	20000 h	Flagship native 4K D-ILA laser; official page lists 3,300 lumens without an ISO/ANSI label	Check price	View deal
24 S Sony BRAVIA Projector 7 (VPL-XW5100ES)	5.5/10	Not listed	Native 4K class (computed)	Yes	20000 h	Native 4K SXRD laser; official page says up to 2,200 lumens without an ISO/ANSI label	Check price	View deal
25 S Sony BRAVIA Projector 8 (VPL-XW6100ES)	5.5/10	Not listed	Native 4K class (computed)	Yes	20000 h	Native 4K SXRD laser with motorized shift; official page says up to 2,700 lumens without an ISO/ANSI label	Check price	View deal
26 X XGIMI TITAN Noir	5.4/10	4800 lm	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)	Yes	Not listed	4K lifestyle/home theater laser with 4,800 ISO lumens and a 0.98–2.0 throw	Check price	View deal
27 V ViewSonic LX700-4K	5.3/10	3500 lm	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)	Yes	30000 h	3,500 ANSI-lumen 4K laser with a 1.36x optical zoom	Check price	View deal
28 E Epson Home Cinema 3800	5.2/10	3000 lm	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)	Yes	5000 h	4K PRO-UHD lamp projector with stereo speakers and lens shift	Check price	View deal
29 O Optoma GT3900UHD	5.2/10	4000 lm	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)	Yes	30000 h	4K UHD short-throw laser with 4,000 ISO lumens and a 0.49 throw	Check price	View deal
30 E Epson Home Cinema 2350	5.1/10	2800 lm	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)	Yes	4500 h	4K PRO-UHD smart streaming projector with lens shift	Check price	View deal
31 V ViewSonic LS901-4K	4.7/10	5500 lm	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)	Yes	Not listed	High-brightness 4K HDR laser with a 1.2–2.04 throw and dual 15 W speakers	Check price	View deal
32 B BenQ X500i	4.5/10	2200 lm	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)	Yes	30000 h	Short-throw 4K LED gaming projector	Check price	View deal
33 B BenQ X300G	4.4/10	2000 lm	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)	Yes	30000 h	Short-throw 4K LED gaming projector with dual 8 W speakers	Check price	View deal
34 V ViewSonic PX701-4K	4.4/10	3200 lm	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)	Yes	20000 h	3,200 ANSI-lumen 4K UHD lamp projector aimed at gaming and home theater	Check price	View deal
35 V ViewSonic PX749-4K	4.2/10	4000 lm	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)	Yes	Not listed	4,000 ANSI-lumen 4K projector with a 1.3x optical zoom	Check price	View deal
36 O Optoma HL31LV	2.6/10	3500 lm	1080p class (computed)	No	30000 h	3,500 ISO-lumen 1080p 4LED projector with dual 10 W speakers	Check price	View deal
37 V ViewSonic PX700HDH	2.3/10	3700 lm	1080p class (computed)	No	20000 h	Bright 1080p lamp projector with a 1.1x optical zoom	Check price	View deal
38 E Epson Home Cinema 980	1.9/10	4000 lm	1080p class (computed)	No	6000 h	High-brightness 1080p lamp projector	Check price	View deal
39 E Epson Home Cinema 1100	1.6/10	3400 lm	1080p class (computed)	No	6000 h	Bright 1080p living-room lamp projector with a short zoom	Check price	View deal

"Not listed" means the manufacturer page we used does not publish that figure. Prices show "Check price" until a retailer feed provides a current price.

Every home theater projector, ranked

#1 · Top pick

XGIMI TITAN Noir Ultra Max

Best for: Brightest official TITAN: 8,000 ISO lumens in the spec table (marketing also says peak brightness)

6.9/10

What we like

Top brightness (iso or ansi) in this comparison (8000 lm)

Watch out for

Light-source life not published by XGIMI
Optical zoom not published by XGIMI

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life * 12%

Optical zoom * 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	8000 lm
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light-source life	Not listed
Optical zoom	Not listed
Lens shift	Yes
HDR	Yes
Brightness (maker)	8,000 ISO lumens (Spec table lists 8,000 ISO lumens; marketing copy also calls this peak brightness)
Resolution (maker)	4K UHD, 3840 x 2160
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light source life (maker)	Not listed
Throw ratio (maker)	0.98–2.0:1
Optical zoom	Optical zoom yes; throw range 0.98–2.0:1
Lens shift	Lens shift listed
HDR (maker)	HDR10+, IMAX Enhanced, Dolby Vision
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

XGIMI: TITAN Noir Ultra Max

Sony BRAVIA Projector 9 (VPL-XW8100)

Best for: Flagship native 4K SXRD laser with a motorized 2.1x lens; official page says up to 3,400 lumens without an ISO/ANSI label

6.7/10

What we like

Watch out for

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) not published by Sony

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) * 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life 12%

Optical zoom 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	Not listed
Resolution class	Native 4K class (computed)
Light-source life	20000 h
Optical zoom	2.1 ×
Lens shift	Yes
HDR	Yes
Brightness (maker)	Sony says “up to 3,400 lumens”; standard not labelled, so brightness is not scored (not scored)
Resolution (maker)	Native 4K SXRD (Sony says “without pixel shifting”)
Resolution class	Native 4K class (computed)
Light source life (maker)	20,000 hours (Laser, approximately 20,000 hours)
Throw ratio (maker)	Not fully tabulated on the page we used
Optical zoom	2.1× optical
Lens shift	Generous motorized lens shift (maker)
HDR (maker)	HDR10 and HLG; IMAX Enhanced listed
Light source	Laser
Also known as	VPL-XW8100
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

Sony: BRAVIA Projector 9

Epson QB1000

Best for: 3,300 ISO-lumen 4K HDR laser in Epson's Q series

6.6/10

What we like

Watch out for

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life 12%

Optical zoom 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	3300 lm
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light-source life	20000 h
Optical zoom	2.1 ×
Lens shift	Yes
HDR	Yes
Brightness (maker)	3,300 ISO lumens
Resolution (maker)	4K HDR (pixel-shift / 4K Display Technology)
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light source life (maker)	20,000 hours (Laser (spec sheet))
Throw ratio (maker)	1.35–2.84
Optical zoom	2.1× optical
Lens shift	Lens shift listed
HDR (maker)	HDR listed
Light source	Laser
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

Epson: QB1000

XGIMI TITAN Noir Max

Best for: 7,000 ISO-lumen 4K TITAN with a 0.98–2.0 throw

6.4/10

What we like

Watch out for

Light-source life not published by XGIMI
Optical zoom not published by XGIMI

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life * 12%

Optical zoom * 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	7000 lm
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light-source life	Not listed
Optical zoom	Not listed
Lens shift	Yes
HDR	Yes
Brightness (maker)	7,000 ISO lumens
Resolution (maker)	4K UHD, 3840 x 2160
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light source life (maker)	Not listed
Throw ratio (maker)	0.98–2.0:1
Optical zoom	Optical zoom yes; throw range 0.98–2.0:1
Lens shift	Lens shift listed
HDR (maker)	HDR10+, IMAX Enhanced, Dolby Vision
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

XGIMI: TITAN Noir Max

Epson Pro Cinema LS12000

Best for: Installer 4K HDR laser with 2,700 ISO lumens and a 2.1x motorized lens

6.3/10

What we like

Watch out for

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life 12%

Optical zoom 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	2700 lm
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light-source life	20000 h
Optical zoom	2.1 ×
Lens shift	Yes
HDR	Yes
Brightness (maker)	2,700 ISO lumens
Resolution (maker)	4K Display Technology (pixel-shift)
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light source life (maker)	20,000 hours (Laser (spec sheet))
Throw ratio (maker)	1.35–2.84
Optical zoom	2.1× optical
Lens shift	Motorized lens shift (spec sheet)
HDR (maker)	HDR10+
Light source	Laser
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

Epson: Pro Cinema LS12000

Epson Home Cinema LS11000

Best for: Flagship Home Cinema 4K HDR laser with a motorized 2.1x lens and HDR10+

6.2/10

What we like

Watch out for

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life 12%

Optical zoom 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	2500 lm
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light-source life	20000 h
Optical zoom	2.1 ×
Lens shift	Yes
HDR	Yes
Brightness (maker)	2,500 ISO lumens
Resolution (maker)	4K Display Technology (3,840 x 2,160 on-screen, pixel-shift)
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light source life (maker)	20,000 hours (Laser (spec sheet))
Throw ratio (maker)	1.35–2.84
Optical zoom	2.1× optical
Lens shift	±47% horizontal, ±96% vertical (motorized)
HDR (maker)	HDR, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
Light source	Laser array
Input lag (maker)	Below 20 ms
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

Epson: Home Cinema LS11000

BenQ W4100i

Best for: 3,200 ANSI-lumen 4K LED cinema projector with four-way lens shift

6.1/10

What we like

Watch out for

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life 12%

Optical zoom 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	3200 lm
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light-source life	30000 h
Optical zoom	1.3 ×
Lens shift	Yes
HDR	Yes
Brightness (maker)	3,200 ANSI lumens
Resolution (maker)	4K UHD (3840×2160)
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light source life (maker)	30,000 hours (ECO, 4LED)
Throw ratio (maker)	1.15–1.50
Optical zoom	1.3× optical
Lens shift	Vertical 0–60%, horizontal ±15%
HDR (maker)	HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Filmmaker Mode
Light source	4LED
Input lag (maker)	6.5 ms at 1080p 240 Hz; 17.9 ms at 4K 60 Hz
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

BenQ: W4100i specifications

BenQ X3100i

Best for: Bright 4K LED gaming projector with lens shift and Dolby Atmos eARC

6.1/10

What we like

Watch out for

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life 12%

Optical zoom 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	3300 lm
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light-source life	30000 h
Optical zoom	1.3 ×
Lens shift	Yes
HDR	Yes
Brightness (maker)	3,300 ANSI lumens
Resolution (maker)	4K UHD (3840×2160)
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light source life (maker)	30,000 hours (ECO / SmartEco, 4LED)
Throw ratio (maker)	1.15–1.50
Optical zoom	1.3× optical
Lens shift	Vertical 40–60%
HDR (maker)	HDR listed
Light source	4LED
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

BenQ: X3100i specifications

Epson Home Cinema LS6000

Best for: Brighter 4K HDR laser sibling of the LS5000

6.1/10

What we like

Watch out for

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life 12%

Optical zoom 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	3400 lm
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light-source life	20000 h
Optical zoom	1.62 ×
Lens shift	Yes
HDR	Yes
Brightness (maker)	3,400 ISO lumens
Resolution (maker)	4K Display Technology (3,840 x 2,160 on-screen, pixel-shift)
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light source life (maker)	20,000 hours (Normal mode, laser)
Throw ratio (maker)	1.32–2.15
Optical zoom	1.62× optical
Lens shift	±21% horizontal, ±59% vertical (manual)
HDR (maker)	HDR, HDR10, HLG
Light source	Laser array
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

Epson: Home Cinema LS6000

#10

Epson Pro Cinema LS9000

Best for: 2,200 ISO-lumen 4K HDR laser with a 2.1x lens

6.1/10

What we like

Watch out for

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life 12%

Optical zoom 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	2200 lm
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light-source life	20000 h
Optical zoom	2.1 ×
Lens shift	Yes
HDR	Yes
Brightness (maker)	2,200 ISO lumens
Resolution (maker)	4K Display Technology (pixel-shift)
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light source life (maker)	20,000 hours (Laser (spec sheet))
Throw ratio (maker)	1.35–2.84
Optical zoom	2.1× optical
Lens shift	Lens shift listed
HDR (maker)	HDR listed
Light source	Laser
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

Epson: Pro Cinema LS9000

#11

Sony VPL-XW5000ES

Best for: Native 4K SXRD laser projector with a 1.6x zoom; brightness standard not labelled on the official page

6.1/10

What we like

Watch out for

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) not published by Sony

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) * 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life 12%

Optical zoom 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	Not listed
Resolution class	Native 4K class (computed)
Light-source life	20000 h
Optical zoom	1.6 ×
Lens shift	Yes
HDR	Yes
Brightness (maker)	Sony says “up to 2,000 lumens”; the official page does not label ISO or ANSI, so brightness is not scored (not scored)
Resolution (maker)	Native 4K SXRD, 3,840 x 2,160
Resolution class	Native 4K class (computed)
Light source life (maker)	20,000 hours (Laser, “up to 20,000 hours”)
Throw ratio (maker)	1.38:1 to 2.21:1
Optical zoom	1.6× optical
Lens shift	±71% vertical, ±25% horizontal (manual)
HDR (maker)	HDR10 and HLG
Light source	Laser
Panel	Native 4K SXRD
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

Sony: VPL-XW5000ES

#12

BenQ W5800

Best for: 4K laser cinema projector with a 1.6x motorized zoom and no built-in speaker

5.9/10

What we like

Watch out for

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life 12%

Optical zoom 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	2600 lm
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light-source life	25000 h
Optical zoom	1.6 ×
Lens shift	Yes
HDR	Yes
Brightness (maker)	2,600 ANSI lumens
Resolution (maker)	4K UHD (3840×2160)
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light source life (maker)	25,000 hours (ECO, laser)
Throw ratio (maker)	1.52–2.45
Optical zoom	1.6× optical
Lens shift	Vertical ±50%, horizontal ±21% (motorized)
HDR (maker)	HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Filmmaker Mode
Light source	Laser
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

BenQ: W5800 specifications

#13

BenQ W5850

Best for: Shorter-throw 4K laser sibling of the W5800 (1.0–1.6 throw)

5.9/10

What we like

Watch out for

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life 12%

Optical zoom 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	2600 lm
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light-source life	25000 h
Optical zoom	1.6 ×
Lens shift	Yes
HDR	Yes
Brightness (maker)	2,600 ANSI lumens
Resolution (maker)	4K UHD (3840×2160)
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light source life (maker)	25,000 hours (ECO, laser)
Throw ratio (maker)	1.0–1.6 (recommended 1.0–1.5)
Optical zoom	1.6× optical
Lens shift	Vertical ±50%, horizontal ±15% (motorized)
HDR (maker)	HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Filmmaker Mode
Light source	Laser
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

BenQ: W5850 specifications

#14

XGIMI TITAN Noir Pro

Best for: 6,000 ISO-lumen 4K TITAN with a 0.98–2.0 throw

5.9/10

What we like

Watch out for

Light-source life not published by XGIMI
Optical zoom not published by XGIMI

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life * 12%

Optical zoom * 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	6000 lm
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light-source life	Not listed
Optical zoom	Not listed
Lens shift	Yes
HDR	Yes
Brightness (maker)	6,000 ISO lumens
Resolution (maker)	4K UHD, 3840 x 2160
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light source life (maker)	Not listed
Throw ratio (maker)	0.98–2.0:1
Optical zoom	Optical zoom yes; throw range 0.98–2.0:1
Lens shift	Lens shift listed
HDR (maker)	HDR10+, IMAX Enhanced, Dolby Vision
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

XGIMI: TITAN Noir Pro

#15

BenQ W2720i

Best for: 4K LED home cinema projector with a 1.0–1.3 throw and Google TV

5.7/10

What we like

Watch out for

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life 12%

Optical zoom 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	2500 lm
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light-source life	30000 h
Optical zoom	1.3 ×
Lens shift	Yes
HDR	Yes
Brightness (maker)	2,500 ANSI lumens
Resolution (maker)	4K UHD (3840×2160)
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light source life (maker)	30,000 hours (ECO, 4LED)
Throw ratio (maker)	1.0–1.3
Optical zoom	1.3× optical
Lens shift	Vertical ±5%
HDR (maker)	HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Filmmaker Mode
Light source	4LED
Input lag (maker)	12.8 ms (1080p 120 Hz) on the product spec page
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

BenQ: W2720i specifications

#16

Epson Home Cinema LS5000

Best for: Entry 4K HDR laser Home Cinema model with manual lens shift

5.7/10

What we like

Watch out for

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life 12%

Optical zoom 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	2500 lm
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light-source life	20000 h
Optical zoom	1.62 ×
Lens shift	Yes
HDR	Yes
Brightness (maker)	2,500 ISO lumens
Resolution (maker)	4K Display Technology (3,840 x 2,160 on-screen, pixel-shift)
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light source life (maker)	20,000 hours (Normal mode, laser)
Throw ratio (maker)	1.32–2.15
Optical zoom	1.62× optical
Lens shift	±21% horizontal, ±59% vertical (manual)
HDR (maker)	HDR, HDR10, HLG
Light source	Laser array
Input lag (maker)	Less than 20 ms at 4K 60 Hz
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

Epson: Home Cinema LS5000

#17

Epson Home Cinema LS7500

Best for: 4K HDR short-throw laser with a 1.0–1.31 throw range

5.7/10

What we like

Watch out for

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life 12%

Optical zoom 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	3500 lm
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light-source life	20000 h
Optical zoom	1.3 ×
Lens shift	Yes
HDR	Yes
Brightness (maker)	3,500 ISO lumens
Resolution (maker)	4K Display Technology (3,840 x 2,160 on-screen, pixel-shift)
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light source life (maker)	20,000 hours (Normal mode, laser)
Throw ratio (maker)	1.0–1.31 (short throw, not ultra-short)
Optical zoom	1.3× optical
Lens shift	±21% horizontal, ±59% vertical
HDR (maker)	HDR, HDR10, HLG
Light source	Laser array
Note	Short throw, not ultra-short throw
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

Epson: Home Cinema LS7500

#18

Epson Home Cinema 5050UB

Best for: 4K PRO-UHD lamp projector with a 2.1x motorized lens

5.6/10

What we like

Watch out for

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life 12%

Optical zoom 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	2600 lm
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light-source life	5000 h
Optical zoom	2.1 ×
Lens shift	Yes
HDR	Yes
Brightness (maker)	2,600 ISO lumens
Resolution (maker)	4K PRO-UHD (pixel-shift)
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light source life (maker)	5,000 hours (ECO mode, lamp)
Throw ratio (maker)	1.35–2.84
Optical zoom	2.1× optical
Lens shift	Vertical ±96.3%, horizontal ±47.1% (powered)
HDR (maker)	HDR listed
Light source	250 W UHE lamp
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

Epson: Home Cinema 5050UB

#19

Epson Pro Cinema 4050

Best for: Installer-oriented 4K PRO-UHD lamp projector with a 2.1x lens

5.5/10

What we like

Watch out for

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life 12%

Optical zoom 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	2400 lm
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light-source life	5000 h
Optical zoom	2.1 ×
Lens shift	Yes
HDR	Yes
Brightness (maker)	2,400 ISO lumens
Resolution (maker)	4K PRO-UHD (pixel-shift)
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light source life (maker)	5,000 hours (ECO mode, lamp)
Throw ratio (maker)	1.35–2.84
Optical zoom	2.1× optical
Lens shift	Vertical ±96.3%, horizontal ±47.1%
HDR (maker)	HDR listed
Light source	Lamp
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

Epson: Pro Cinema 4050

#20

JVC DLA-NZ500

Best for: Compact native 4K D-ILA laser; official page lists 2,000 lm without an ISO/ANSI label

5.5/10

What we like

Watch out for

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) not published by JVC
Optical zoom not published by JVC

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) * 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life 12%

Optical zoom * 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	Not listed
Resolution class	Native 4K class (computed)
Light-source life	20000 h
Optical zoom	Not listed
Lens shift	Yes
HDR	Yes
Brightness (maker)	JVC lists 2,000 lm; the official page does not label ISO or ANSI, so brightness is not scored (not scored)
Resolution (maker)	Native 4K D-ILA, 4,096 x 2,160 pixels
Resolution class	Native 4K class (computed)
Light source life (maker)	20,000 hours (BLU-Escent laser, approximately 20,000 hours)
Throw ratio (maker)	Not fully tabulated on the page we used
Optical zoom	Fully electric zoom listed; ratio not tabulated on the page we used
Lens shift	Fully electric shift, 70% vertical and 28% horizontal
HDR (maker)	HDR10, HLG and HDR10+
Light source	BLU-Escent laser
Native contrast (maker)	40,000:1 (JVC, for NZ500/RS1200)
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

JVC: DLA-NZ500

#21

JVC DLA-NZ700

Best for: Native 4K D-ILA laser listed at 2,300 lm; standard not labelled on the official page

5.5/10

What we like

Watch out for

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) not published by JVC
Optical zoom not published by JVC

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) * 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life 12%

Optical zoom * 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	Not listed
Resolution class	Native 4K class (computed)
Light-source life	20000 h
Optical zoom	Not listed
Lens shift	Yes
HDR	Yes
Brightness (maker)	JVC lists 2,300 lm; standard not labelled, so brightness is not scored (not scored)
Resolution (maker)	Native 4K D-ILA, 4,096 x 2,160 pixels
Resolution class	Native 4K class (computed)
Light source life (maker)	20,000 hours (BLU-Escent laser, approximately 20,000 hours)
Throw ratio (maker)	Not fully tabulated on the page we used
Optical zoom	Fully electric zoom listed; ratio not tabulated on the page we used
Lens shift	Fully electric shift, 70% vertical and 28% horizontal
HDR (maker)	HDR10, HLG and HDR10+
Light source	BLU-Escent laser
Native contrast (maker)	80,000:1 (JVC, for NZ700/RS2200)
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

JVC: DLA-NZ700

#22

JVC DLA-NZ800

Best for: Native 4K D-ILA laser with 8K e-shiftX; official page lists 2,700 lumens without an ISO/ANSI label

5.5/10

What we like

Watch out for

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) not published by JVC
Optical zoom not published by JVC

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) * 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life 12%

Optical zoom * 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	Not listed
Resolution class	Native 4K class (computed)
Light-source life	20000 h
Optical zoom	Not listed
Lens shift	Yes
HDR	Yes
Brightness (maker)	JVC lists 2,700 lumens; standard not labelled, so brightness is not scored (not scored)
Resolution (maker)	Native 4K D-ILA with Gen2 8K e-shiftX
Resolution class	Native 4K class (computed)
Light source life (maker)	20,000 hours (BLU-Escent laser, 20,000 hours)
Throw ratio (maker)	Not fully tabulated on the page we used
Optical zoom	Not fully tabulated on the official page we used
Lens shift	Lens shift listed on JVC's Procision pages
HDR (maker)	Frame Adapt HDR; HDR formats listed on the Procision line
Light source	BLU-Escent laser
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

JVC: DLA-NZ800

#23

JVC DLA-NZ900

Best for: Flagship native 4K D-ILA laser; official page lists 3,300 lumens without an ISO/ANSI label

5.5/10

What we like

Watch out for

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) not published by JVC
Optical zoom not published by JVC

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) * 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life 12%

Optical zoom * 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	Not listed
Resolution class	Native 4K class (computed)
Light-source life	20000 h
Optical zoom	Not listed
Lens shift	Yes
HDR	Yes
Brightness (maker)	JVC lists 3,300 lumens; standard not labelled, so brightness is not scored (not scored)
Resolution (maker)	Native 4K D-ILA with Gen2 8K e-shiftX
Resolution class	Native 4K class (computed)
Light source life (maker)	20,000 hours (BLU-Escent laser, 20,000 hours)
Throw ratio (maker)	Not fully tabulated on the page we used
Optical zoom	Not fully tabulated on the official page we used
Lens shift	Lens shift listed on JVC's Procision pages
HDR (maker)	Frame Adapt HDR; HDR formats listed on the Procision line
Light source	BLU-Escent laser
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

JVC: DLA-NZ900

#24

Sony BRAVIA Projector 7 (VPL-XW5100ES)

Best for: Native 4K SXRD laser; official page says up to 2,200 lumens without an ISO/ANSI label

5.5/10

What we like

Watch out for

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) not published by Sony
Optical zoom not published by Sony

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) * 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life 12%

Optical zoom * 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	Not listed
Resolution class	Native 4K class (computed)
Light-source life	20000 h
Optical zoom	Not listed
Lens shift	Yes
HDR	Yes
Brightness (maker)	Sony says “up to 2,200 lumens”; standard not labelled, so brightness is not scored (not scored)
Resolution (maker)	Native 4K SXRD, 3,840 x 2,160
Resolution class	Native 4K class (computed)
Light source life (maker)	20,000 hours (Laser, long-lasting (maker))
Throw ratio (maker)	Not fully tabulated on the page we used
Optical zoom	Not fully tabulated on the official page we used
Lens shift	Lens shift listed
HDR (maker)	HDR listed
Light source	Laser
Also known as	VPL-XW5100ES
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

Sony: BRAVIA Projector 7

#25

Sony BRAVIA Projector 8 (VPL-XW6100ES)

Best for: Native 4K SXRD laser with motorized shift; official page says up to 2,700 lumens without an ISO/ANSI label

5.5/10

What we like

Watch out for

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) not published by Sony
Optical zoom not published by Sony

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) * 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life 12%

Optical zoom * 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	Not listed
Resolution class	Native 4K class (computed)
Light-source life	20000 h
Optical zoom	Not listed
Lens shift	Yes
HDR	Yes
Brightness (maker)	Sony says “up to 2,700 lumens”; standard not labelled, so brightness is not scored (not scored)
Resolution (maker)	Native 4K SXRD, 3,840 x 2,160
Resolution class	Native 4K class (computed)
Light source life (maker)	20,000 hours (Laser, approximately 20,000 hours)
Throw ratio (maker)	Not fully tabulated on the page we used
Optical zoom	Motorized zoom listed; ratio not fully tabulated on the page we used
Lens shift	Vertical ±85%, horizontal ±36% (motorized)
HDR (maker)	HDR10 and HLG
Light source	Laser
Also known as	VPL-XW6100ES
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

Sony: BRAVIA Projector 8

#26

XGIMI TITAN Noir

Best for: 4K lifestyle/home theater laser with 4,800 ISO lumens and a 0.98–2.0 throw

5.4/10

What we like

Watch out for

Light-source life not published by XGIMI
Optical zoom not published by XGIMI

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life * 12%

Optical zoom * 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	4800 lm
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light-source life	Not listed
Optical zoom	Not listed
Lens shift	Yes
HDR	Yes
Brightness (maker)	4,800 ISO lumens
Resolution (maker)	4K UHD, 3840 x 2160
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light source life (maker)	Not listed
Throw ratio (maker)	0.98–2.0:1
Optical zoom	Optical zoom yes; throw range 0.98–2.0:1 (ratio not separately listed)
Lens shift	Lens shift listed on the official page
HDR (maker)	HDR10+, IMAX Enhanced, Dolby Vision
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

XGIMI: TITAN Noir

#27

ViewSonic LX700-4K

Best for: 3,500 ANSI-lumen 4K laser with a 1.36x optical zoom

5.3/10

What we like

Watch out for

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life 12%

Optical zoom 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	3500 lm
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light-source life	30000 h
Optical zoom	1.36 ×
Lens shift	No
HDR	Yes
Brightness (maker)	3,500 ANSI lumens
Resolution (maker)	4K UHD
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light source life (maker)	30,000 hours (Laser (maker))
Throw ratio (maker)	1.06–1.45
Optical zoom	1.36× optical
Lens shift	Not listed
HDR (maker)	HDR listed
Light source	Laser
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

ViewSonic: LX700-4K

#28

Epson Home Cinema 3800

Best for: 4K PRO-UHD lamp projector with stereo speakers and lens shift

5.2/10

What we like

Watch out for

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life 12%

Optical zoom 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	3000 lm
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light-source life	5000 h
Optical zoom	1.62 ×
Lens shift	Yes
HDR	Yes
Brightness (maker)	3,000 ISO lumens
Resolution (maker)	4K PRO-UHD (pixel-shift)
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light source life (maker)	5,000 hours (ECO mode, lamp)
Throw ratio (maker)	1.32–2.15
Optical zoom	1.62× optical
Lens shift	Vertical −60% to +60%, horizontal −24% to +24% (manual)
HDR (maker)	HDR (10-bit) and HLG
Light source	250 W UHE lamp
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

Epson: Home Cinema 3800

#29

Optoma GT3900UHD

Best for: 4K UHD short-throw laser with 4,000 ISO lumens and a 0.49 throw

5.2/10

What we like

Watch out for

Optical zoom not published by Optoma

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life 12%

Optical zoom * 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	4000 lm
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light-source life	30000 h
Optical zoom	Not listed
Lens shift	No
HDR	Yes
Brightness (maker)	4,000 ISO lumens (Optoma footnotes that brightness is measured to ISO 21118)
Resolution (maker)	True 4K UHD (3840 × 2160)
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light source life (maker)	30,000 hours (Laser, up to 30,000 hours)
Throw ratio (maker)	0.496 (short throw, not ultra-short)
Optical zoom	Fixed short-throw lens (no optical zoom listed)
Lens shift	Not listed
HDR (maker)	HDR10 and HLG
Light source	Laser
Input lag (maker)	As low as 4.3 ms at 1080p/240 Hz
Note	Short throw, not ultra-short throw
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

Optoma: GT3900UHD

#30

Epson Home Cinema 2350

Best for: 4K PRO-UHD smart streaming projector with lens shift

5.1/10

What we like

Watch out for

Lowest light-source life in this comparison (4500 h)

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life 12%

Optical zoom 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	2800 lm
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light-source life	4500 h
Optical zoom	1.62 ×
Lens shift	Yes
HDR	Yes
Brightness (maker)	2,800 ISO lumens
Resolution (maker)	4K PRO-UHD (pixel-shift)
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light source life (maker)	4,500 hours (Normal mode, lamp)
Throw ratio (maker)	1.32–2.15
Optical zoom	1.62× optical
Lens shift	Vertical ±60% (manual)
HDR (maker)	HDR10 and HLG
Light source	Lamp
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

Epson: Home Cinema 2350

#31

ViewSonic LS901-4K

Best for: High-brightness 4K HDR laser with a 1.2–2.04 throw and dual 15 W speakers

4.7/10

What we like

Watch out for

Light-source life not published by ViewSonic
Optical zoom not published by ViewSonic

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life * 12%

Optical zoom * 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	5500 lm
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light-source life	Not listed
Optical zoom	Not listed
Lens shift	No
HDR	Yes
Brightness (maker)	5,500 ANSI lumens
Resolution (maker)	4K UHD (listed as 4K / 2160p class)
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light source life (maker)	Not listed
Throw ratio (maker)	1.2–2.04
Optical zoom	Throw range 1.2–2.04 listed; a separate zoom ratio is not clearly tabulated
Lens shift	Not listed
HDR (maker)	HDR listed
Light source	Laser
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

ViewSonic: LS901-4K

#32

BenQ X500i

Best for: Short-throw 4K LED gaming projector

4.5/10

What we like

Watch out for

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life 12%

Optical zoom 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	2200 lm
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light-source life	30000 h
Optical zoom	1.2 ×
Lens shift	No
HDR	Yes
Brightness (maker)	2,200 ANSI lumens
Resolution (maker)	4K UHD (3840×2160)
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light source life (maker)	30,000 hours (ECO, 4LED)
Throw ratio (maker)	0.69–0.83 (short throw)
Optical zoom	1.2× optical
Lens shift	Not listed
HDR (maker)	HDR listed
Light source	4LED
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

BenQ: X500i specifications

#33

BenQ X300G

Best for: Short-throw 4K LED gaming projector with dual 8 W speakers

4.4/10

What we like

Watch out for

Lowest brightness (iso or ansi) in this comparison (2000 lm)

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life 12%

Optical zoom 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	2000 lm
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light-source life	30000 h
Optical zoom	1.2 ×
Lens shift	No
HDR	Yes
Brightness (maker)	2,000 ANSI lumens
Resolution (maker)	4K UHD (3840×2160)
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light source life (maker)	30,000 hours (ECO, LED)
Throw ratio (maker)	0.69–0.83 (short throw)
Optical zoom	1.2× optical
Lens shift	Not listed
HDR (maker)	HDR listed
Light source	LED
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

BenQ: X300G specifications

#34

ViewSonic PX701-4K

Best for: 3,200 ANSI-lumen 4K UHD lamp projector aimed at gaming and home theater

4.4/10

What we like

Watch out for

Lowest optical zoom in this comparison (1.1 ×)

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life 12%

Optical zoom 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	3200 lm
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light-source life	20000 h
Optical zoom	1.1 ×
Lens shift	No
HDR	Yes
Brightness (maker)	3,200 ANSI lumens
Resolution (maker)	4K UHD (3840×2160)
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light source life (maker)	20,000 hours (Lamp life, up to 20,000 hours (maker))
Throw ratio (maker)	1.5–1.65
Optical zoom	1.1× optical
Lens shift	Not listed
HDR (maker)	HDR listed
Light source	Lamp
Refresh (maker)	240 Hz listed on the official page
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

ViewSonic: PX701-4K

#35

ViewSonic PX749-4K

Best for: 4,000 ANSI-lumen 4K projector with a 1.3x optical zoom

4.2/10

What we like

Watch out for

Light-source life not published by ViewSonic

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life * 12%

Optical zoom 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	4000 lm
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light-source life	Not listed
Optical zoom	1.3 ×
Lens shift	No
HDR	Yes
Brightness (maker)	4,000 ANSI lumens
Resolution (maker)	4K UHD
Resolution class	4K UHD class, including pixel-shift (computed)
Light source life (maker)	Not listed
Throw ratio (maker)	1.13–1.47
Optical zoom	1.3× optical
Lens shift	Not listed
HDR (maker)	HDR listed
Light source	Not clearly labelled as lamp or laser on the text we captured
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

ViewSonic: PX749-4K

#36

Optoma HL31LV

Best for: 3,500 ISO-lumen 1080p 4LED projector with dual 10 W speakers

2.6/10

What we like

Watch out for

Optical zoom not published by Optoma

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life 12%

Optical zoom * 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

* Not published by the manufacturer; scored at the lowest published value in this category, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one.

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	3500 lm
Resolution class	1080p class (computed)
Light-source life	30000 h
Optical zoom	Not listed
Lens shift	No
HDR	No
Brightness (maker)	3,500 ISO lumens
Resolution (maker)	Full HD (1920×1080)
Resolution class	1080p class (computed)
Light source life (maker)	30,000 hours (4LED, 30,000 hours (Eco mode))
Throw ratio (maker)	1.49–1.64
Optical zoom	Throw range listed; a separate zoom ratio is not clearly tabulated
Lens shift	Not listed
HDR (maker)	Not listed
Light source	4LED
Input lag (maker)	8.4 ms at 1080p/120 Hz; 16.7 ms at 1080p/60 Hz
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

Optoma: HL31LV

#37

ViewSonic PX700HDH

Best for: Bright 1080p lamp projector with a 1.1x optical zoom

2.3/10

What we like

Watch out for

Lowest optical zoom in this comparison (1.1 ×)

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life 12%

Optical zoom 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	3700 lm
Resolution class	1080p class (computed)
Light-source life	20000 h
Optical zoom	1.1 ×
Lens shift	No
HDR	No
Brightness (maker)	3,700 ANSI lumens
Resolution (maker)	1080p
Resolution class	1080p class (computed)
Light source life (maker)	20,000 hours (Lamp life, up to 20,000 hours (maker))
Throw ratio (maker)	1.49–1.64
Optical zoom	1.1× optical
Lens shift	Not listed
HDR (maker)	Not listed
Light source	Lamp
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

ViewSonic: PX700HDH

#38

Epson Home Cinema 980

Best for: High-brightness 1080p lamp projector

1.9/10

What we like

Watch out for

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life 12%

Optical zoom 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	4000 lm
Resolution class	1080p class (computed)
Light-source life	6000 h
Optical zoom	1.2 ×
Lens shift	No
HDR	No
Brightness (maker)	4,000 ISO lumens
Resolution (maker)	Native 1080p (1920 x 1080)
Resolution class	1080p class (computed)
Light source life (maker)	6,000 hours (Normal mode, lamp)
Throw ratio (maker)	1.21–1.45
Optical zoom	1.2× optical
Lens shift	Not listed
HDR (maker)	Not listed
Light source	Lamp
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

Epson: Home Cinema 980

#39

Epson Home Cinema 1100

Best for: Bright 1080p living-room lamp projector with a short zoom

1.6/10

What we like

Watch out for

Score breakdown

Brightness (ISO or ANSI) 28%

Resolution class 22%

Light-source life 12%

Optical zoom 12%

Lens shift 10%

HDR 16%

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)	3400 lm
Resolution class	1080p class (computed)
Light-source life	6000 h
Optical zoom	1.2 ×
Lens shift	No
HDR	No
Brightness (maker)	3,400 ISO lumens
Resolution (maker)	Native 1080p (1920 x 1080)
Resolution class	1080p class (computed)
Light source life (maker)	6,000 hours (Normal mode, lamp)
Throw ratio (maker)	1.00–1.21
Optical zoom	1.2× optical
Lens shift	Not listed
HDR (maker)	Not listed
Light source	Lamp
Price	Check price

Check price at Amazon Full specs

Specs source:

Epson: Home Cinema 1100

Buying guide: how to choose the right home theater projector

ISO and ANSI brightness, not marketing lumens

A living-room projector needs enough official brightness for your screen size and how much ambient light you keep on. We score only ISO 21118 or ANSI figures from the maker. A larger number is not automatically better if it is an unlabelled or “LED lumens” claim — those stay in the spec table and out of the rank.

Native 4K versus pixel-shift 4K

Sony SXRD and JVC D-ILA pages describe a native 4K imaging device. Epson 4K PRO-UHD / 4K Display and most 4K UHD DLP models use pixel-shift to put a 4K-like image on the screen from a lower-resolution chip. We class those separately so a pixel-shift model is not treated as native 4K.

Throw, zoom and lens shift

Throw ratio tells you how far the projector sits from the screen. Optical zoom and lens shift make it easier to fill a screen from a shelf or ceiling mount without moving furniture. Digital zoom and keystone are useful for setup, but we only score optical zoom. Short-throw models such as the Epson LS7500 and Optoma GT3900UHD still belong in this category; they are not ultra-short-throw living-room TVs.

Lamp, laser and mounting safety

A projector beam is bright enough to be uncomfortable or harmful if you look into the lens, and laser models in particular should be treated with the same caution you would give any intense light source. Follow the maker's installation manual for clearance, ventilation and, on ultra-short-throw sets, any proximity or child-safety sensors. Ceiling mounts and shelves need to be rated for the published weight of the projector plus a margin; have a qualified installer do the work if you are hanging a heavy home-theater or UST cabinet. Replace lamps only with the type the maker specifies, and let the unit cool before you move or service it.

How this ranking is calculated

Score = weighted average of normalised specs, out of 10. Full method

Brightness (ISO or ANSI)White brightness the maker labels ISO 21118 or ANSI. Unlabelled or peak figures are quoted, not scored. Missing values take the category minimum. Scale: 2000 → 8000 lm.

28%

Resolution classFour classes (computed) from the maker's resolution label: native 4K (including SXRD and D-ILA), 4K UHD including pixel-shift / 4K PRO-UHD, 1080p, and HD / WXGA. Scale: 1 → 4.

22%

Light-source lifeThe longest light-source life the maker lists, usually an Eco or laser rating. Missing values take the category minimum.

12%

Optical zoomOptical zoom ratio from the official sheet. Digital-only zoom is shown as Not listed and is not scored. Missing values take the category minimum.

12%

Lens shiftYes only when the maker lists lens shift. Unstated counts as no.

10%

HDRYes when the maker lists HDR10, HLG, HDR10+ and/or Dolby Vision. Unstated counts as no.

16%

Frequently asked questions

Why are some Sony and JVC brightness figures not scored?

The official Sony and JVC product pages we fetched list lumen numbers without an ISO 21118 or ANSI label. We quote those figures on each product page and leave them out of the brightness score, which then uses the category minimum for that criterion.

Why aren't JVC Procision / RS models listed separately from the NZ series?

JVC's RS and NZ lines are regional names for the same hardware in the official materials we used. We count each chassis once under the NZ model name and do not duplicate it as an RS product.

Which home-theater models did you leave out, and why?

We did not include projectors whose official pages we could not turn into a usable specification table. That includes the ViewSonic LS740-4K page, which loaded as a generic or mismatched ViewSonic UK shell when we fetched it, and several pages that never exposed a readable brightness standard. Epson colorways of the same model are counted once.

Top pick · 6.9/10XGIMI TITAN Noir Ultra Max

Check price