The majority of home theater projectors project images using LED or bulb-based lamp designs. However, due to a different internal design, laser projectors can deliver a wider array of colors and a sharper image.
The best projector combines brightness, excellent picture quality, and low maintenance costs. When it comes to bulb life and overall lifespan, the best options are also long-lasting.
To help you find the best laser projector to serve all of your home entertainment needs, we spent multiple hours researching different products. Keep reading!
Table of Contents
Top 12 Best Laser Projectors
- 1. Vava 4K Laser Projector: Top Pick
- 2. Optoma CinemaX P2 Laser Projector: Best Function
- 3. LG HU85LA Laser Projector: Best Quality
- 4. Optoma CinemaX P1 Laser Projector: Best Audio
- 5. LG HU80KA Laser Projector: Best Portable Design
- 6. Optoma GT1090HDR Laser Projector: Best For Gaming
- 7. Epson EF-100: Best On A Budget
- 8. Optoma UHZ65 Laser Projector: Best For Sports
- 9. Optoma HZ39HDR Laser Projector: Best 1080P Resolution
- 10. Epson LS-100 3LCD Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector: Best Contrast Ratio
- 11. ViewSonic X2000B-4K: Best For Home Theater
- 12. Samsung LSP7T: Best All-in-one Performance
Best Laser Projector Review
1. Vava 4K Laser Projector: Top Pick
Pros
- 3,000:1 native contrast ratio
- Built-in Harman Kardon speakers
- ALPD 3.0 technology works in any ambient lighting
Cons
- Higher input lag isn’t great for gaming
- Disappointing smart functionality
The Vava 4K laser projector is the best available, which is why it is ranked as our top pick. You’ll be regretting not switching sooner as soon as you plug this projector in and turn it on. First of all, it provides up to 120 inches of native 4K resolution with remarkably accurate colors, HDR10 support, and incredibly sharp details. The projector’s native contrast ratio is superior, though. This allows you to more precisely gauge how well a projector can display white and black simultaneously without lowering the image quality. The Vava projector offers a native contrast ratio of 3,000:1, which is higher than most movie theater projectors’ native contrast ratio of 2,000:1. This is what distinguishes this choice as the best 4K laser projector, though you can check out our review to compare it to the ViewSonic LS700 4K laser projector to see which one is superior.
A superbly designed product is the Vava 4K HDR laser projector. Your home theater experience won’t be hampered by its svelte, low-profile design. Additionally, because it is a short-throw projector, a large, clear image can be produced with just 7.2 inches of screen distance. You won’t even need an additional sound system to supplement the audio because the Vava includes impressively loud and rich Harman Kardon speakers. The projector’s clever features left us a little underwhelmed. We advise using a device like an Apple TV or Roku for streaming services because it didn’t work well. But the best projector screen, which is made of vinyl and makes your colors shine in ways you never imagined possible, will undoubtedly work well with it.
2. Optoma Cinemax P2 Laser Projector: Best Function
Pros
- Crisp picture quality with vivid colors
- 30,000-hour life
- Six-segment color wheel for more color accuracy
Cons
- SmartFIT app isn’t the most user friendly
- Higher input lag isn’t good for online gamers
The Optoma CinemaX P2, an update to the P1 from the same manufacturer, has worked hard to retain the best features from the prior generation and enhance its offering by including some new features. It’s important to discuss the projector’s functionality and image quality before we begin investigating new features. The projector’s 2,000,000:1 Dynamic Black contrast ratio, HDR10 support, and six-segment color wheel enable native 4K UHD resolution with astounding color accuracy. Additionally, you receive 3,000 impressive lumens of brightness, which strikes an ideal balance between light and darkroom performance. This is an ultra-short throw project that can create a 120″ screen from as little as 5.7 inches away.
The CinemaX P2 projector’s new features primarily emphasize usability and connectivity. To begin with, the projector has IFTTT support, so you can easily connect it to a variety of smart devices. The project is also compatible with Google Home and Alexa Echo smart home voice assistants. In order to provide complete connectivity, the Optoma comes equipped with three HDMI ports, three USB ports, an optical out connection, and an audio out connection. Even better, the projector has a built-in 40W soundbar that provides excellent audio. Be aware that although this projector is a great option for watching TV, watching movies, and playing casual video games, more intense gamers might be turned off by the input lag of 55ms. The best gaming projector, which boasts a stunning 500,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio for improved distinction between lights and darks, might also be of interest to gamers.
3. LG HU85LA Laser Projector: Best Quality
Pros
- Integrates well with virtual assistants
- 7.2-inch ultra short throw distance
- HDR10 compatible
Cons
- Integrated speakers could be better
- Heavier than other projectors
The LG HU85LA laser projector’s overall design will capture your attention the moment you unbox it. Numerous projectors have odd shapes, awkward angles, and difficult-to-reach controls. With the top LG projectors, this isn’t the case. This projector is made to look good without sacrificing performance and has simple lines and a contemporary white case. In case your sound system isn’t yet set up, it also has a built-in soundbar, which could be improved in many situations but still serves its purpose. The LG, which weighs in at 26 pounds, is a little heavier than other projectors like the LG HF65LA, but since you won’t be hanging it from the ceiling like some of the other top ceiling-mounted projectors can, this isn’t much of an issue.
The performance of the LG projector is just as superior to its high-quality construction. This industry-leading short-throw projector only requires 7.2 inches between the object and the wall to produce a 120-inch image. No matter what movie you’re watching, you’ll get a fantastic picture thanks to native 4K resolution, Dynamic Tone Mapping, HDR10 support, and LG’s exclusive TruMotion technology. The LG HU85LA creates crazily accurate and vibrant colors by using a three-channel laser rather than a conventional color wheel. The general user-friendliness of this laser projector also really impressed us. It comes with an easy-to-use remote control and LG’s award-winning webOS lite operating system. Additionally, you get a built-in Alexa voice assistant and Bluetooth connectivity for additional smart features. iPhone users will also love the best iPhone projector that also includes a sturdy tripod, which you can use to easily set up the projector anywhere.
4. Optoma Cinemax P1 Laser Projector: Best Audio
Pros
- User-friendly setup and installation
- Extensive smart home compatibility
- Stunning 4K picture quality with wide color gamut
Cons
- 15-inch throw distance is longer than other models
- Lower dynamic contrast ratio at 1,500,000:1
One of the most immersive audiovisual experiences is offered by the Optoma CinemaX P1 laser projector. This is primarily attributable to the P1’s built-in NuForce soundbar. Due to its two full-range speakers, two woofers, ported chambers, and 40 watts of power, this soundbar produces astonishingly rich audio with clear dialogue. This makes for an immersive cinematic experience when combined with true 4K resolution and HDR10 support. The CinemaX P1 also has a 1,500,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and a powerful 3,000 lumen laser light that can be used for 30,000 hours in total. Despite not being as high as some other laser projectors, it still offers breathtaking detail in the picture’s contrasting colors.
Setting up and using the Optoma P1 laser projector is incredibly simple. You won’t need to mount it to your ceiling because it is a short-throw projector. Rather, just turn it on and set it down in front of your projector screen on a table or TV console. 15 inches is a little more throw distance, but in the grand scheme of things, this is still not much. With your purchase from Optoma, you receive access to the SmartFIT app, which lets you use your smartphone to calibrate and align your home theater projector. For even more hands-free control, the P1 even supports voice control with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Additionally, if you enjoy playing video games, you may be interested in the best 3D projector, which features Sports and Game modes that produce judder-free, smooth images for a more immersive experience. You should read our best long-throw projector guide if you’re interested in other long-throw projectors.
5. LG HU80KA Laser Projector: Best Portable Design
Pros
- Integrates well with streaming platforms
- Eight segment color wheel eliminates rainbow segments
- Solid onboard audio
Cons
- User interface is a little confusing
- Only good for dark rooms
When it comes to portability and versatility, the LG HU80KA excels above other portable models. Its dimensions are only 18 inches tall, 6.5 inches wide, and 14 pounds in weight. The smallest choice available for purchase right now is this one. For simpler transportation, this laser projector even has a handy carrying handle. The projector’s LG Smart TV functionality, which enables you to stream media from all of your preferred streaming services, also impressed us. Always consider the battery life when using wireless portable projectors.
Fortunately, the LG portable laser projector doesn’t make many output compromises, such as with picture quality and performance, to achieve better portability. You’ll need a little bit more space to get a big screen size because it’s not a short-throw projector. You’ll get an impressive 4K resolution with incredibly accurate and vibrant colors, though, once you’ve got it adjusted properly. Due to LG’s distinctive eight-segment color wheel, which offers a wider variety of colors without the associated rainbow segmentation, this good picture is possible. Additionally, this laser projector supports HDR10, which only enhances overall picture quality and displays colorful image quality. Consider the best business projector if you’re looking for a good model to use at work because it provides dependable performance in all business settings.
6. Optoma GT1090HDR Laser Projector: Best For Gaming
Pros
- Minimal 16ms input lag
- Lens is dust resistant for less maintenance
- 4,200 lumens brightness can be viewed in the day
Cons
- Only 1080p resolution
- Cannot be zoomed manually
The Optoma GT1090HDR is one of the more reasonably priced laser projectors on the market right now, and despite a few minor trade-offs, it still offers the same high quality as other, more expensive, high-end Optoma projectors. The native resolution compromise made by the GT1090HDR may be the biggest one. You are not getting 4K ultra HD with this 1080p full HD laser projector. The projector can, however, accept 4K inputs, so it will upscale all of your 1080p content to a 4K resolution. The fact that this lower resolution has such little input lag, however, is one of its best features. The Optoma GT1090HDR is the best laser projector for gaming with a mere 16ms of input lag.
The overall robustness and construction of this Optoma projector also caught our attention. To begin with, the projector has an IP6X dustproof lens that keeps dirt from clogging the larger projector’s body and slowing down operation. The projector also offers a 4,200 lumen light source that is impressively bright and can be used in daylight. Additionally, this product should last you 30,000 hours in total, which is a longer lifespan than many of its rivals. The best outdoor projector with 10 distinct components that improve color, brightness, and sharpness is also something to take into account for an outdoor viewing experience.
Read More: Best Projectors For Gaming
7. Epson EF-100: Best On A Budget
Pros
- Multi-array laser light creates darker blacks
- Three chip design eliminates rainbow effects
- Surprisingly good onboard audio
Cons
- Not ultra HD definition
- Lower performance with larger screen sizes
The Epson EF-100 is the best entry-level laser projector currently on the market, and it is the ideal option for people who have smaller spaces or who want to take their projector with them when they travel. While it lacks some of the high-end laser projectors’ features, such as 4K resolution and premium onboard audio, it still performs admirably as a standalone item without the need for additional accessories.
Full HD resolution and a 2,000 lumen laser light are features of the EF-100. The brightness is slightly increased by the multi-array laser light, but the projector still works best in dimly lit environments. More importantly, the multi-array setup produces deeper blacks for better-looking images. Additionally, the EF-100 has a three-chip design with better overall color creation and no rainbowing effects. We were surprised by how well the sound quality performed overall, especially in smaller spaces, despite the fact that the onboard audio isn’t from a premium sound company. You might want to contrast this model with one of the top projectors available right now in terms of audio.
8. Optoma UHZ65 Laser Projector: Best For Sports
Pros
- PureMotion creates a smooth, fluid picture
- Bright, 3,000 lumens laser light
- High-quality 4K upscaling
Cons
- Shorter, 20,000-hour life
- No horizontal lens shift
One of the first premium laser projectors for common consumers, the Optoma UHZ65 holds up year after year. With only 20,000 total life hours, it doesn’t provide quite as much life as more recent projectors, but it’s still built just as well. The projector has stunning laser light with a brightness of 3,000 lumens. Both dark and light environments are ideal for using this brightness.
The UHZ65 really stands out when it comes to picture quality. The projector doesn’t offer true native 4K resolution, but it does digital 4K resolution with its TI DLP chip, which stands for Digital Light Processing and produces the exclusive UltraDetail technology. The finished image has a resolution of 2716 x 1528 pixels. While many would object to this, the Optoma actually does a remarkable job of producing a picture that is sharp, detailed, and has vivid colors. A superfluid and smooth image is produced by UHZ65’s PureMotion technology during scenes with a lot of action. Optoma is therefore the ideal option for sports enthusiasts. Because it’s useful if you’re on the go and don’t have a portable external audio system, if you’re a sports fan, you’ll also enjoy the best projector for sports.
9. Optoma HZ39HDR Laser Projector: Best 1080p Resolution
Pros
- IP6X dustproof construction
- Incredibly bright with 4,000 lumens
- Compatible with Crestron A/V systems
Cons
- Disappointing contrast ratio
- Remote control backlight is too bright
For a variety of factors, the Optoma HZ39HDR is the best 1080p projector currently on the market. 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution is ideal for the majority of entertainment uses, including gaming, to begin with. However, you still have a 4K input port, so you are not restricted to only 1080p sources. Fortunately, the HZ39HDR delivers an overall good picture with accurate and vibrant colors. Additionally, the 4,000-lumen laser light is so brilliant that you can easily use it in broad daylight.
The HZ39HDR is built incredibly well, just like many other Optoma laser projectors. It has a durable DuraCore light with a usage lifespan of more than 30,000 hours. To prevent the internal workings from being harmed over time by dust, it even has an IP6X dustproof construction. In addition to being simple to install and set up, the Optoma has a 1.3x zoom and vertical keystone correction to ensure you get the ideal angle. Consider getting the best mini projector if you want a portable option.
10. Epson LS-100 3LCD Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector: Best Contrast Ratio
Pros
- Three-chip design for a fantastic visual spectrum
- Super-bright 4,000 lumens
- 14 connection ports for ultimate versatility
Cons
- Larger than other laser projectors
- No 4K resolution
Despite not having ultra HD resolution, the Epson LS-100 laser projector still produces stunning overall picture quality thanks to a number of different features. First off, the LS-100 has a remarkable dynamic contrast ratio of 2,500,000:1 which is simply outstanding. You will see some of the deepest blacks and the brightest colors at the same time thanks to the incredible contrast ratio. You still get a fantastic image when you combine this high contrast ratio with Epson’s cutting-edge three-chip design, which removes rainbow effects and white segments.
Although it is larger than other laser projectors and requires upwards of 15 inches to create a larger screen size, the Epson is also generally very well-designed. As you lay out your home theater room, keep this in mind. The LS-100’s total of 14 connection ports, including HDMI, USB, audio, and other ports, particularly impressed us. Because of this, you can connect a wide range of devices to create a complete home entertainment system. Comparing this model to the best 4K projector will show you how impressive its 1000,000:1 contrast ratio is at maintaining the clarity of bright screens and the detail of dark screens.
11. Viewsonic X2000B-4K: Best For Home Theater
Pros
- Sharp true 4K images with bright, accurate colors
- Ultra-short throw
- Flexible, fast installation
- Room-filling sound from built-in speakers
- Good range of wired and wireless connectivity
Cons
- No voice control or smart features
- Not a great choice for bright spaces
The ViewSonic X2000B-4K produces a massive screen without taking up a lot of room thanks to its ultra-short throw lens. It is already simpler to set up than projectors with standard throw, and the 4-corner adjustment gives it even more flexibility. It can be used in almost any environment because you can even project images on curved or angled surfaces without the image being distorted. The 2,000 lumens from the lamp appear brighter than they would from a projector with a standard throw thanks to the short throw’s reduced light diffusion. Although you can use it with the lights on and not lose any image quality, it’s still not the best option for bright spaces with lots of ambient light.
A DLP display with a laser phosphor light source and support for HDR and HLG are used by the ViewSonic X2000B-4K. It covers 125% of the Rec.709 color space thanks to its SuperColor+ technology, producing realistic and accurate colors for all content. Its frame interpolation technology, which lessens motion blur to keep the image sharp and detailed even during fast-paced action, will also make action sequences fluid.
12. Samsung LSP7T: Best All-in-one Performance
Pros
- Ture 4K resolution with a powerful UHD processor
- Cinema-quality movie-watching experience in Filmmaker Mode
- Ultra-short throw distance
- Supports multiple voice control services
- Wireless connectivity and smart TV system for streaming
- Powerful, clear sound with a built-in sound system
Cons
- No keystone correction or other adjustment options
- No dynamic contrast
The LSP7T also includes a TIZEN smart TV system and built-in wireless connectivity. You can watch your preferred content on a streaming stick or with another content source because it supports well-known streaming apps like Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube.
The Samsung LSP7T produces a clear, colorful image on any white surface, be it a white wall in your home or a bedsheet hung up in the backyard, thanks to its potent processor and vivid picture. One of the few projectors that can be used right out of the box, without the need for additional accessories, is the LSP7T because it doesn’t require a screen.
The Samsung LSP7T can be set up fairly easily as well. Even by the standards of laser projectors, its throw distance is small. It only needs about 1 foot of distance for a 100″ screen, giving it a lot of versatility for different spaces and set-ups. Although it doesn’t have the lens shift or keystone correction options you’ll find on other projectors, its ultra-short throw eliminates the need for them in most homes, so for the most part, that won’t complicate the installation in any way.
Buying Guide For The Best Laser Projector
Without a doubt, laser projectors are brighter than lamp-based projectors. Still, there are differences between models that give you a wide range of options from which to choose.
But keep in mind that brightness isn’t always better; a number of additional factors also contribute to the extraordinary qualities of projectors. Such as:
Brightness
As was already mentioned, brightness isn’t the only factor to consider, but it does play a significant part in determining how well a laser projector performs.
Brightness ranges from 1500 to 2000 lumens on a dedicated home theater projector.
A projector with a brightness range of 2500–5000 lumens is needed in a room with a lot of ambient light.
Resolution
A projector’s resolution determines its clarity and ability to display full HD content. 1080p or 4K UHD resolution should be the minimum requirement for a home theater projector.
Sony projectors now offer enhanced Ultra HD resolution with 8.8 million on-screen pixels thanks to the introduction of the 3 SXRD technology.
Check out our article on projector resolution if you want to learn more about this topic.
Sound
Although it was a common misconception that projectors were intended for presentations and offices rather than being used as home theaters, they typically lacked any built-in speakers.
Fortunately, high-quality speakers are built into laser projectors. Consequently, a projector ought to have speakers or soundbars that are 10 to 20 watts in power and have better volume and audio quality.
The 40-watt speakers on the Optoma CinemaX P2 are an exception because they support Dolby Digital audio.
Throw Ratio & Distance
There is a high demand for laser projectors with short throw ratios. Only a few inches separate your projector from the screen and you can position it easily.
You can arrange your belongings with more freedom even when there is plenty of space available.
Our Verdict
With these features in mind, we chose the Vava 4K Laser Projector as the best laser projector for this year. With high resolution, absurdly accurate colors, and excellent color accuracy, this amazing projector produces a stunning image.
Laser Projector FAQs
Which Lumens Are The Best For Projectors?
The option that best meets your needs will be the best lumens for your project. You’ll need to invest in a model with a higher lumen brightness if you plan to use your projector in a bright environment, and vice versa. It’s typically best to stay between 3,000 and 7,000 lumens for home use.
How Do Laser Projectors Work?
Each model has different specifics. The majority of laser projectors employ an RGB system, which comprises three lasers for each of the three primary colors. These lasers bounce off a chip that is covered in teeny mirrors, which can be adjusted to change the image into what is displayed on the screen. The lens then enlarges and concentrates the light that has been reflected before it shines on your screen or wall.
Less light is wasted, which is the main advantage. Using a traditional bulb-based projector, white light is filtered into different colors by passing through a color wheel. As a result, more than half of the generated light is lost, and some viewers may notice flickering in the picture. This is the reason RGB laser projectors are more effective than lamp-based models and have a more stable image.
Is Laser Projector Good?
Compared to traditional projectors, laser projectors typically provide images with higher picture quality, brightness, and performance. However, because they are such new products, they also cost more.
LED Or Laser Projector: Which Is Better?
With regard to features like longer lifespans, less heat, and greater adaptability, LED and laser projectors are very similar. In contrast, laser projectors are quickly overtaking other options as the standard for A/V needs in both the workplace and the home. This is a result of the fact that laser projectors are generally brighter and more precise.
