Epson Dwelling Cinema LS11000
Greatest 4K laser projector (Replace: low inventory)
Sony VPL-VW325ES
Greatest 4K projector, cash no object (Replace: out there used)
BenQ HT3550i (Up to date: At the moment out of inventory)
Nice 4K shade on a funds
It is simple to get sucked in by fancy new options and beautiful OLED shows showcased earlier within the 12 months at CES, however you should not simply purchase the primary lovely image you see. They don’t seem to be the one technique to take pleasure in your favourite exhibits and films, both. In the event you’re a film fanatic who wants a house theater expertise, it is value taking a look at 4K projectors. They can provide you a much bigger picture than you’d get with a TV, and whereas they cannot fairly match the picture brightness and HDR assist, projectors have come a great distance. An important half is a number of the finest 4K projectors are surprisingly inexpensive lately.
Bear in mind, although, the decision is only one facet of image high quality. A projector with an ideal distinction ratio, shade gamut, keystone correction and brightness can simply maintain its personal over a 4K UHD projector that solely provides greater decision on the expense of every thing else. One of the best 4K projectors mix nice efficiency in all features of image high quality together with 4K decision for actually unbelievable photographs.
In the event you’re able to take your own home theater to the subsequent stage, listed here are the most effective projectors you will get for 4K content material. Take a look at our listing of the finest house theater projectors for 2023 for extra, usually cheaper, choices if 4K HDR is not your high precedence. Or, if portability is your fundamental concern, we even have an inventory that may enable you to discover a transportable projector to tackle the go.
The Epson Dwelling Cinema 5050UB is the most effective all-around 4K projector as a result of it has the right stability between picture high quality and value. A superb distinction ratio, paired with spectacular brightness and correct shade, all with higher element than what’s doable with a 1080p projector, and you have all of the items for a incredible picture. This UHD projector shouldn’t be low cost, however provides a big step up in picture high quality over different 4K projectors. In depth lens shift and a motorized zoom are the icing on the cake.
Learn our Epson Dwelling Cinema 5050UB assessment.
The Epson LS11000 makes use of a wholly totally different expertise to create mild: lasers! Most different projectors use UHP lamps as an alternative, that are glorified mild bulbs. The LS11000’s laser mild supply permits it to create a shiny, colourful picture with quicker startup and shutdown occasions, no lamp alternative, and a greater dynamic distinction ratio. Whereas it’s dearer, at first, than the HC5050, over the lifetime of the projector they’re going to value about the identical. The 5050 performs higher in just a few areas, however total the LS11000 creates a deeply colourful, extremely detailed picture.
Learn our Epson Dwelling Cinema LS11000 assessment.
The Sony VPL-VW325ES is a thoroughbred amongst ponies, a Porsche amongst Volkswagens, an absolute stunner with a price ticket to match. The distinction ratio, simply crucial facet of total image high quality, is healthier than the Epson 5050 and considerably higher than any projector that does not value considerably extra. And that is saying one thing, for the reason that Sony itself prices considerably greater than some other projector on this listing. If value isn’t any object, the 4K decision image high quality is unbelievable.
Learn our Sony VPL-VE325ES assessment.
The Optoma UHZ50, just like the Epson LS11000, makes use of a laser to create mild. The UHZ50’s blue laser is paired with a yellow phosphor, and the result’s a shiny, vibrant picture. Element is incredible, and it activates and off rapidly, making it straightforward to stay with. It is also comparatively quiet. The distinction ratio is superb for a DLP projector, however not so good as the LCD and LCOS projectors on this listing. The small, inexpensive-looking case additionally has minimal zoom and lens shift, making it tougher to slot in some rooms than the Sony and Epson choices on this roundup. General, although, an ideal projector.
Learn our Optoma UHZ50 assessment.
The UHD35 packs so much into its tiny case and low value. It might throw a ton of sunshine, produces correct colours and has nice element. The distinction ratio is not nice, however is fairly common amongst 4K projectors on this value vary. And that value actually is the UHD35’s largest promoting level. It provides nice image high quality for just a few hundred {dollars} over the most effective 1080p projectors. It would not supply lens shift or a lot in the best way of a zoom, but when it matches in your room it is a good way to get 4K on a funds.
Learn our Optoma UHD35 assessment.
The BenQ HT3550i trades mild output for deep colours. They don’t seem to be fairly as deep as these discovered on the LG UH810PW, however they’re richer and extra compelling than most projectors produce and the 3550i solely prices roughly half of what the LG does. Nonetheless, its distinction ratio is barely common for a 4K projector, and the sunshine output is much decrease than common, that means its picture would not pop the best way photographs from different projectors on this listing do.
Learn our BenQ HT3550i assessment.
Different merchandise we have examined
Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K: Because it has a deal with and a compact dimension, the Cosmos Laser 4K is technically transportable, however there isn’t any battery so you may must plug it in. It is also good and shiny, however the different downsides — lack of zoom, common total picture high quality and a steep value for what you get — preserve it off the listing. Learn our Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K Projector assessment.
LG HU810PW: The HU810PW prices about the identical because the Optoma UHZ50, and can also be a laser-powered DLP projector with 4K decision. It has higher lens shift, zoom, and is quieter in operation. Nonetheless, the distinction ratio is sort of poor, so it would not look practically pretty much as good total as different 4K projectors we have examined. Learn our LG HU810PW assessment.
Epson Dwelling Cinema 2250: The HC 2250 is a wonderful 1080p LCD projector. It will not look practically as detailed as any of the projectors on this listing, but it surely’s shiny and appears nice in any other case. It is also so much cheaper. Learn our Epson Dwelling Cinema 2250 assessment.
BenQ HT2050A: The HT2050 has been certainly one of our favourite house theater projectors for a number of years. Which is to say, it isn’t new. So it isn’t as shiny as another choices, neither is it 4K. Nonetheless, it appears incredible and comparatively cheap. Learn our BenQ HT2050A assessment.
How we take a look at 4K projectors
Each projector we assessment goes by way of elaborate goal and subjective testing. CNET editors choose the services we write about based mostly on editorial advantage. Whenever you purchase by way of our hyperlinks, we could get a fee.
For more information, take a look at how CNET exams projectors.
4K projector FAQs
Do I would like a 4K projector?
All mid- and high-end projectors are both 1080p or 4K. On the massive screens typical of even a modest house theater, usually 100 inches or extra, the 4x distinction between these resolutions is sort of noticeable.
Decision is just one facet of image high quality, nonetheless. An important 1080p projector will all the time create a greater picture than a mediocre 4K projector. That stated, the added decision definitely would not harm, and provides a brand new layer of realism and tremendous element to issues like textures, hair, wrinkles, and extra.
Do you have to break the financial institution to get a 4K projector? Completely not, however if you happen to can simply afford it, an excellent 4K projector can look epic.
What sort of projector must you get?
LCD and Digital Mild Processing projectors are the most typical applied sciences. Greater-end projectors usually use LCOS, or liquid crystal on silicon, designs. These are marketed as SXRD and DILA. LCOS is superior to LCD and DLP in nearly each manner, however is considerably dearer.
LCD (used nearly completely by Epson) and DLP each have their strengths and weaknesses. DLP is often sharper, LCD usually brighter. Nonetheless, each applied sciences supply shiny, sharp photographs. It is extra right down to the particular mannequin of projector than particular applied sciences.
Do you want a display for a greater projector expertise?
It is technically doable to make use of any flat floor to venture your picture. That’s removed from perfect, particularly with 4K projectors. Any and all tiny bumps in a wall, for instance, will likely be seen as further “noise” within the picture. This may be distracting and reduces the picture high quality of your costly projector.
If you would like the most effective picture high quality, even an affordable display is a much better possibility. It is because projector screens are likely to brighten the picture noticeably and create a easy floor that simply exhibits your TV, film or recreation.
