Home Ustad Review 5 Of The Best Projectors Under 500 $ in 2022 – Reviewed

5 Of The Best Projectors Under 500 $ in 2022 – Reviewed

Are you curious to know about the best projectors under 500 $ To Buy in 2022? 🤔 Don’t worry. This definitive guide will help you to find the best one for you.

Let’s explore this awesome detailed guide. 🐱‍🐉

Within the past few decades, we have seen the invention of new and exciting technologies. The cutting-edge inventions have largely affected how home and office appliances are purchased and used.

More consumers are ditching regular appliances for new inventions. One such invention that we’ve seen take center stage among home and office appliances is the projector.

Many consumers have ditched regular television sets for a larger and more Elegant projector. Projectors are the new trends and serve their purpose well by beautifying pictures and making them more detail-revealing.

They are gradually growing to become an important part of the essentials of every home and office. If you’re going to join the trend and pick a projector for yourself, then you should remember that you need one that’s durable, functional, and, most importantly, convenient.

This leads to a very important aspect – cost. How can you purchase a budget projector that offers durability, functionality, and convenience?

Many homeowners and workers want to jump into the trend, but most are just plain scared of its potential cost and the damage it will do to their pockets.

Note that apart from playing the role of television, projectors are used for other functions at home and around business areas. Imagine holding a conference or seminar with some or all of your staff – you need to project slides of your new business ideas and company goals using a screen that’s worth the view.

Do you want to defend a business proposal to potential investors or make an academic presentation? A projector is your easily available option to reveal even the tiniest details through a magnified screen.

By implication, you can simplify many things at the home, office, business, and academic environments if you have a working projector available. Projectors are the real deal but can also sink a deep hole in your pocket.

Take a stroll to the market, and you’ll find that many projectors cost up to a few thousand dollars. The question is, “do they have to?” Of course, they don’t.

Homeowners and business operators can grab these amazing appliances without spending as much as expected. Like costly projectors, cheaper projectors also abound, although it takes a lot of research and careful studies to arrive at the ones that efficiently combine price with quality.

Since there are different prices for different projectors, and you may find it difficult trying to sort through all the products out there for grabs, we have made a compilation of the best projectors you can get for as low as below $500 with excellent functionality.

Best Projectors Under 500 $ – Our Top Pick👌

1. BenQ DLP Video Projector

best projectors under 500
View on Amazon

With a brightness of 3,200 ANSI Lumens, you will surely get more than your money is worth. Although designed for classroom settings and small office presentations, this projector still possesses some outstanding features that bigger and more expensive projectors do not.

That means that in some cases, the projector will also deliver according to your needs when used even in bigger settings, although its ideal location is in small gatherings and at home.

It is a game-changing item in the industry, and many users are already rushing to purchase the projector – no doubt for its very affordable price.

Apart from its relatively low price, there are many other reasons why this projector stands out. An endearing feature is its design to work in a power-saving mode, which certainly means electricity bill reduction.

With five input ports, connecting to almost all video sources shouldn’t be a problem for its users. The projector also uses a 3.5mm stereo mini-jack to transmit an audio signal, so you are sure of an improved video experience. Its remote operation feature brings a different level of convenience and ease of usage.

The features of the BENQ MS524 SVGA projector make it a major hit among homeowners and in academic environments. In contrast, its relatively low price makes it a perfect option for buyers operating under a tight budget.

If you have a projector like this one, then there’s no need to bother about getting the tiniest details while seeing a video or pictures indoors.

Note that the low price of this projector, coupled with its great functionality, makes it a standout; hence most stores have their stocks rushed right before a new one arrives.

Assembling is easy, so you can operate this projector right out of the box with a little knowledge about how projectors work and the manual booklet.

Below are some of the Pros and Cons of The BenQ DLP Video Projector that earned it a spot in our list of Best Projectors Under 500 $.

Pros:-

  • The BENQ MS524 SVGA projector’s amazing build guarantees it lasts longer than most other projectors in its class.
  • The projector is energy-saving, so its use will not cause unnecessary hype in the price you’ll pay for the electricity bill, which makes it fit in our best projectors under 500 $ 2022 list.
  • The manufacturers have built and equipped it to be ecologically friendly, so its usage will not cause further ecological degradation.
  • It is easy to assemble – as long as you can read the operator’s manual, you’ll be able to install and use it.
  • It is perfect for indoor use.
  • Relatively affordable.

Cons:-

  • Not an ideal appliance for use in a large space or a very big project.
Check Price on Amazon

2. Optoma ML750 WXGA 700

best projectors under 500
View on Amazon

With bright 3,200 ANSI Lumens bulbs, this projector is certainly a hit in modern times. One of this projector’s most promising features is the bulb’s incredible life.

It lasts for way over 10,000 hours before the need for a replacement. This means more usage time and less service consistency.

It is equipped with everything a homeowner or office operator will fancy in a system. Some of its most interesting body features include HDMI connectivity, full 3D output, and the ability to be wired into a sound speaker system.

When you need a good quality projector for a relatively low price, you know that only a few products can beat this one.

It is built specially to improve home entertainment, so with its high-resolution output, you will bring a special 3D to your home inexpensively.

With all its features and how we built it, you know you’re buying a powerful, portable projector for a great video, film, and gaming experience. And at such a cool price, it is the real deal.

On the viewing experience it brings, the Optoma S316 SVGA DLP Projector brings a solid image to its viewers. Its standard default mode is very bright, so we can easily say that it is a great choice for use in any living room, irrespective of how it is structured.

On the other hand, when set on movie mode, where the light output requirement is not too severe, you’ll have a better way to use it with a home theater.

The projector is built with full HDMI 1.4 3D compatibility so that you can use it with your choice of 3D sources, no matter how modern.

This projector has a quality 3D image and gives users an amazing way to bring 3D into the home without creating a big hole in the pocket of costumes.

Below are some of the Pros and Cons of The Optoma ML750 WXGA 700 that earned it a spot in our list of Best Projectors Under 500 $.

Pros:-

  • The Optoma S316 SVGA DLP Projector is specially built to last very long and to need servicing less often.
  • The projector is energy-saving, so its use will not cause unnecessary hype in the price you’ll pay for the electricity bill.
  • The projector is compatible with almost all modern 3D sources, so you can have input from all your appliances, no matter how modern they are or how sophisticated their look is. It is good to fit in our best projectors under 500 dollars.
  • It is easy to assemble – as long as you can read the operator’s manual, you’ll be able to install and use it.
  • Excellent experience for indoor usage.
  • It offers a great quality projection for a relatively low and affordable price.

Cons:-

  • Very sophisticated appliance for home usage, yet not fit for usage in public spaces.
Note:- I have written a post for people looking for the Best Gaming Projector to buy?, do read it If you are interested.

3. Celluon PicoAir PicoAir

best projectors under 500
View on Amazon

This projector is popular not only for the quality of images it brings but also for its portable loom and ability to stream pictures and videos effortlessly from a smartphone, tablet, and computer device.

The portable projector serves well both as a home and an office appliance. Whether for usage in the home, for office presentations, or around the office environment, you know that Celluon Picoair is your best go-to projector for quality imagery and tailored user experience.

The only downside of this projector is that it is not completely compatible with all devices. Hence it is only connectible with devices that are equipped with open-source Miracast standards, making it impossible to be used with iPhones and Mac computers.

But the absolute quality projected by the Celluon Picoair covers for this deficiency. Once connected, the PicoAir has a special laser display, eliminating the need to focus the picture.

Another great feature of this projector is that it produces very little heat and can be operated without a fan, improving its energy efficiency and viewing experience.

There’s no more need to imagine a personal cinema in your pocket because you already have it within your reach. With the device, creating a bigger and better screen becomes easier and more seamless. Apart from its relatively low price, there are many other reasons why this projector stands out.

One such reason is its ability to bring the content of your mobile phone to a larger and clearer screen. When you need a good quality projector for a relatively low price, you know that only a few products can beat this one.

The Celluon Picoair is worth every hype it’s gotten since its first release, and it’s certainly worth a purchase.

Below are some of the Pros and Cons of The Celluon PicoAir PicoAir that earned it a spot in our list of Best Projectors Under 500 $.

Pros:-

  • It can be connected to smartphone devices, thus an opportunity to carry your cinema in your pocket without feeling too weighed down.
  • It allows connection to multiple devices, providing clear pictures for each connection.
  • It offers great and very interesting features for a relatively low price
  • They are great for use in the living room and small office environments.
  • They have Powerful picture and video quality.
  • Produces very little heat compared to most other projectors of its class and price.

Cons:-

  • The Celluon Picoair projector is only connectible with devices that are equipped with open-source.
  • The projector is only fit for indoor and small space usage.
Celluon PicoAir | Laser HD Pico Projector | For Miracast-enabled Android Devices
Note:- I have written a post for people looking for the best projectors under 200 USD to buy?, do read it If you are interested.

4. Epson 730HD PowerLite Home Cinema

best projectors under 500
View on Amazon

Do you fancy an outdoor gathering that’s unique and memorable? Then there’s just enough time to host an outdoor movie with an Epson 730HD home theater projector.

If you’re looking for an outdoor home theater that offers a great viewing experience, there’s no way you’ll go wrong with this projector.

What’s interesting about the projector is that it is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. It comes built-in with its speakers, reducing the need for more add-ons before enjoying a movie.

This projector would work perfectly in an indoor media room, but you’ll also want to test the tailored experience it brings in an outdoor setting.

At $439, the Epson 730HD is good enough to buy, considering all its amazing features and great functionality.

The projector brings many features available in bigger and more expensive projectors to you at a way lesser price.

Being built-in with its speakers signifies that the 730HD is not exactly designed to be a high-end home theater, but to be fair, its specs are great for its price. Its added USB connectivity and remote functionality increase the level of convenience a user will feel.

Once out of the box, the projector is smaller and less complicated than most other popular projectors you’ll see around. Its compact size, combined with its lightweight, makes it very easy to be carried around.

Below are some of the Pros and Cons of The Epson 730HD that earned it a spot in our list of Best Projectors Under 500 $ to get in 2022.

Pros:-

  • They are designed with USB and HDMI ports, making them connectable to multiple devices. So, you’re sure to be able to have videos played from your computers, game consoles, and DVDs.
  • The lightweight and compact size of the projector makes it easy for users to carry the projector anywhere, which is perfect to fit in our best projectors under 500 $.
  • Great for usage in the living room and other compact spaces
  • It is equipped with remote control, which makes it more convenient for home usage

Cons:-

  • Limited features
  • The projector is only fit for indoor and small space usage.
Check Price on Amazon
Note:- I have written a post for people looking for the best 3d printer under 400$ to buy?, do read it If you are interested.

At the time of our research on “Best Projectors Under 500 $”, we found a video about “How To Make Easiest SMARTPHONE PROJECTOR At Home,” which is worth watching. 🏆🎭

How To Make Easiest SMARTPHONE PROJECTOR At Home

5. Acer H5380BD

best projectors under 500
View on Amazon

When looking for inexpensive projectors with very good quality, only a few companies can offer products as good as what Acer offers.

For a while, the PC giants have had several excellently performing home entertainment projectors, and this projector is no different. The Acer H5380BD has been receiving a great level of attention from consumers that are budget conscious.

The projector is specifically built for home entertainment. It comes with a native 720p resolution, making it a readily available option for people who want to bring 3D into their homes in a not-too-expensive way.

The contrast ratio of the projector favors it when compared to other types of projectors. Overall, the quality of the projector, when compared to its price, makes it a nice buy for users that want to have bigger screens.

Below are some of the Pros and Cons of The Acer H5380BD that earned it a spot in our list of Best Projectors Under 500 $ to get in 2022.

Pros:-

  • They have an amazing build that guarantees it lasts longer than most other projectors in their class.
  • Great for usage in the living room and other compact spaces
  • They are built with Powerful picture and video quality.
  • It offers more for a very little price.

Cons:-

  • The projector is only fit for indoor and small space usage.
Check Price on Amazon
Note:- I have written a post for people looking for the best 3d printer under 300$ to buy?, do read it If you are interested.

Best Projectors Under 500 $: Categories of Projectors

Having discussed a lot about projectors, their functionalities, and the best products you can get on a budget, it is important to know how they are classified.

Projectors come in different types and classifications, and knowing the different classifications will help you during your purchase to get the right fit for your specific need.

Their difference in types and classification determines the availability of certain functions, image quality, usage, and how they can be assembled.

Being equipped with the knowledge of the classifications will not only help you buy the best fit for your needs but will also help you easily maintain them.

Here, we will be looking at five different classifications of projectors, although there are quite a few other alternatives. The five categories we will be looking at are:

  • Portable Projector (LB Series)
  • Installation Projectors (VX Series)
  • Short Throw/Ultra Short Throw Projectors
  • Large Venue Projectors
  • Home Cinema Projectors.
Portable Projectors (LB Series):-

This is one of the most popular categories of projectors you will get at this price. The projector category is great for small and medium-sized living rooms, offices, and meeting rooms.

They normally come in very lightweight, with compact looks, and offer easy-to-use functionalities. Depending on products and manufacturers, their brightness will normally range between 2800 and 3700 ANSI Lumens, and their resolution ranges between XGA to WXGA.

Most projectors under this category are laced with useful features like PDF file projection, Memory viewer function for text files, and JPEG images. They also have USB display functions where you can display a presentation or anything by connecting the USB cable to the USB port.

Installation Projectors (VX Series):-

This projector category is medium-sized and mostly used in seminar/lecture rooms, boardrooms, exhibition centers, and museums. The most interesting thing about this category of projectors is the brightness most of them have, which can sometimes get up to 5500 ANSI Lumens.

A good number of the projectors that fall under this category are designed to offer “Miracast Wireless Projection”, and with this feature, it is possible to project from cellphones and laptops.

So if you want a projector that supports wireless presentations, you know this is the right category to be looking at. They are also mostly compact, but their functionalities are very great.

Short Throw/Ultra Short Throw Projectors:-

If you are looking for a projector that’s great for meeting rooms, classrooms, and any space with a few gatherings of people, then this category of projectors could be the right fit.

You don’t need to set most projectors under this category from afar, so the size of space will really not cause any limitation for its usage. However, despite their ability to utilize limited space, they can still project very clear pictures.

Most of them are also designed to have USD display function, memory viewer function, curved screen correction feature, and corner keystone correction.

Large Venue Projectors:-

Projectors under this category are mostly expensive and available for larger venues, although you can still get some products below $500.

The projectors are best fit for rentals, auditoriums, churches, staging, large venue digital signage, and venues for large events. For the size of these venues, you can easily tell that the projectors project very high lumens.

Many manufacturers offer to produce different projectors in this category, so you’re sure to have numerous options when you want a product in this category. In some models, you’ll even get a wide selection of lens options for the projector to adapt easily to the site where it is being used.

In most products under this category, you’ll likely see useful features like color matching to support special applications, a dual lamp system with a duty to prevent image installation, a high readability level, and color edging.

Home Cinemas Projectors:-

I want a projector that can be used for home cinema purposes. You should be looking at models that fall under this category since most offer a full HD resolution.

They are often manufactured with good picture quality and can run on seven modes. This is the best projector you should have if you want to enjoy an incredible cinema experience.

Projectors in this category are mostly highly-priced, but with a careful search, you can still get products priced below $500.

🎏 FAQs on Best Projectors Under 500 $

Below are a few queries on Best Projectors Under 500 $ that everyone is expecting to answer and I did include the same for my readers.

How much is a decent projector?

$1000 or less: Even under $1000, there are some truly amazing home theater projectors available.

Can a projector replace a TV?

A projector can produce a much larger image for less money.

Are projectors as good as TV?

TV projectors are much more cost-effective, at least in terms of screen size for your dollar.

What's better DLP or LCD projector?

While LCD projectors have a sharper image and superior picture quality, DLP projectors are lighter, portable, and considered to be more reliable.

How to Properly Maintain Projectors

A projector is a sensitive appliance, and for every appliance as sensitive as this, maintenance is key to long-term usage.

If you are buying an appliance at such a cost, you will want to use it for a very long time, and to achieve this feat, regular maintenance is a must.

There is a list of ideal projector maintenance tips and tricks that every projector owner should know. Irrespective of category or product. A highlight of some of them include:

Always Read the Manual

Like in most other appliances, you’ll get a manual for every new projector you purchase. The manual is not meant to be dumped. It is the best resource at your fingertip for properly using and maintaining your projector.

Take your time to read every detail in the manual before operation. You will get specific instructions on using and maintaining the particular projector brand.

It doesn’t even matter how much experience you already have in handling projectors; there’s still a need to read and understand the manual because each device is built with its unique features and settings, which may sometimes be different from what you are already used to in other devices.

Apply Wisdom in Choosing Projector Location

Proper positioning of a projector is not just about finding where the image looks best. It also contributes to making or marring the functionality of the projector.

Best practices suggest that between 6 and 12 inches be left around the units to allow proper cross-ventilation.

Lack of proper ventilation may cause heat to build up, and for sure, this can cause a lot of damage to the internal parts of the laptop. It can also be dangerous to expose the projector to direct sunlight or to place it close to a source of intense heat.

It is also not advisable to use a projector in an enclosed space filled with smoke, as this can cause damage on the projector’s optics.

It is also important to place your projector in a dust-free location because dust and other forms of dirt can cause possible damage on the filters of the projector.

Clean your Projector Filters

Most projectors produce an intense amount of heat when they are in use, and there is a need for the heat to be vented to prevent overheating. These vents are opening that slightly expose the sensitive parts of the projector; possibly, dust and other dirt particles can make their way into the projector, potentially insulating that projector if left unchecked.

To ensure that this doesn’t cause major damage and that your filters keep performing optimally, the filters must undergo regular maintenance.

Clean the filters at least once in every 3-4 months. Whenever you notice too much of dust on the exhaust vent of the projector’s fan, then the best maintenance tip is to clean or replace the filters.

You can either clean the filters with a small vacuum cleaner that will pull out the dust, or blow the dust away with a can of compressed air.