When it comes to gaming screens, 4K TVs and 8K TVs come to the mind of most people. But one thing that remains in cold is the projector for gaming. Many think the best projector for gaming is difficult to find but it is nothing more than a lazy excuse.
But why do you need to buy a projector for gaming if you can go with a high refresh rate and Brightness monitor? There are many reasons but the important one is that. Projectors are coming in high refresh rates and can compete with the high-quality TVs in brightness, image quality, and sharpness.
One thing more that makes these projectors shine among all other options is their ease of portability, latency, and little space they need to set up. You can easily shift them where you find it fun to play games. You can also carry them with you in a small box.
If you are a person who does not know much about protectors but loves to play games and now wants to buy a gaming projector then this article is just for you. In this guide, I am going to share my review of the 6 best projectors for gaming which we test in our studio and are now satisfied to add in this lost.
You can find both affordable and pricy options on this list. All of them are the best in their job and you will enjoy a complete bang for your bucks.
No More wait!!
Let’s Head to Reviews.
At a Glance:
Best Laser projector for Gaming
Epson EF-100
- Laser Light
- Bright Image
- Compact Size
- Android TV Streaming Stick
Best portable projector for Gaming
XGIMI Elfin Mini Projector
- Built in Bluetooth and WiFi
- Android TV
- Quiet
- Well-Built
- Attractive Design
Best budget projector for Gaming
BenQ TH671ST
- No Input lag
- Crisp FHD Resolution
- High-Quality Speaker
- Great Picture
- Strong Build
- Our Recommendations for Best projector for Gaming
- Epson EF-100
- Optoma GT1080HDR
- BenQ TH671ST
- BenQ TK850i
- Optoma UHD60
- XGIMI Elfin Mini Projector
- Buying Guide for Best projector for Gaming
- Input Lag
- Realistic Colour
- Light Source
- Projector Resolution
- Contrast Ratio
- Throw Distance
- Connectivity
- Audio Performance
- Gaming Modes
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Our Recommendations for Best projector for Gaming
| Award | Design | Projectors | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Laser projector for Gaming | Best Pick | Check Price | |
| Best Short Throw projector for Gaming |  | Check Price | |
| Best budget projector for Gaming | Budget Pick | Check Price | |
| Best 4K projector for Gaming |  | Check Price | |
| Best Quality projector for Gaming |  | Check Price | |
| Best portable projector for Gaming | Staff Pick | Check Price |
Epson EF-100
Best Pick| Brand: | Epson |
| Item Weight: | 8.48 pounds |
| Brightness: | 2,000 lumens |
| Mounting Type: | Wall Mount |
| Connectivity: | Bluetooth |
Laser projectors are making big noise in the gaming industry for many good reasons. These projectors are short throw, need less space, not get heated as compared to the lamp or LED options. Epson EF-100 is a laser projector and its gaming-friendly features make it the best laser projector for gaming. Here is my review of this projector.
Display and Resolution
The 3 chip laser projection technology of this machine makes it unique and compatible to produce high-quality images on the screen without many nuances. This projector can project a screen of 150 inches without breaking the pixels.
The display is nice and you get what you pay for, a nice screen with bright colors and a contrast ratio
. If you are thinking to increase the screen size from 150 then you may face blurry or a breakdown in the image pixels. So keep your screen within recommended size and you will enjoy your time with it.
Connectivity
This projector has both wired and wireless options to connect with other devices. In wireless, it has got Bluetooth and in the wired connection, you will get HDMI and VGA ports. The connectivity options are superb. It take me only a few minutes to connect this projector to my laptop.
Build Quality
The build quality of this projector is impressive. It is a mid-range projector affordable price tag. It comes in a solid plastic box making the whole experience very premium and authentic.
I also love the color of this projector because most projectors come in white color but it has black color with a brown border at the front side, it feels very pleasing to the eyes. Actually, this projector can add beauty to your room as an artifact due to its beautiful look and feel.
Usage
This projector is easy to use and beginner-friendly. You need no fancy settings to get your hands over it, get it out of the box, connect it with a power supply and a device like a laptop or a console and you are good to go. It’s that simple.
Speakers are good but not excellent. They may not serve your professional gaming purpose.
Gaming Performance
This projector is a solid choice for gaming use. It is short-throw features make it easy to setups. It comes with different modes to set up the screen resolution and brightness. Its input lag is also slower due to its laser technology.
But one thing you need to notice before buying it is that this projector does not comes with gaming quality speakers so you may need external speakers to connect with it and enjoy your gaming time with this machine. Other than that I think this projector is worth the try due to its cool features.
PROS
- Laser Light
- Bright Image
- Compact Size
- Android TV Streaming Stick
CONS
- Poor Contrast
- Black Level
- No Zoom Option
Optoma GT1080HDR
| Brand: | Optoma |
| Item Weight: | 7.7 lbs |
| Brightness: | 3800 lumens |
| Mounting Type: | Ceiling mount, table top |
| Connectivity: | HDMI, USB |
Okay, you have little space for a projector and you want one for your gaming needs. The answer to your search is a short-throw projector with excellent gaming features. Here you go, Optoma GT1080HDR is the best short throw gaming projector, and here is why:
Display and Resolution
This projector is an excellent projector from a display and resolution point of view. It can provide a 4K display at a 60 refresh rate which is difficult to find at this price point. You can also enjoy a 120 Hz screen at 1080p screen resolution.
I think this projector is the best choice for those gamers who want a reliable machine to play games. In the professional gaming world where every second counts this projector can play an important role due to its high refresh rate and excellent screen resolution.
Connectivity
This projector has all the necessary connectivity options. You will get HDMI, VGA, and USB port options to connect it with other devices. It is easy to connect with other devices which makes it easy to set up for beginners.
Build Quality
This projector has solid build quality. Excellent plastic material is strong and the projector body is tightly held with its components. It has large open vents at its sides and front to cool it down during the heavy load and this cooling system works fine.
Usage
This projector is easy to use and has all the connectivity and display options to entice a gamer and attract him to buy it. But one thing I want to tell you about this projector is that this projector lacks a clear manual for beginners. For a professional, it is not difficult to set up any projector but for a beginner, it can be cumbersome and time-consuming.
Gaming Performance
If you are a gamer like me who loves to play games on a projector then you are going to love this machine.
This projector provides a 120 Hz refresh rate that is difficult to find in projectors at this price point. This projector has minimal input lag and you can control any of its features like refresh rate, brightness, and color control ratio.
The control options give the gamer full command over his play and he can tailor the project options according to the game and his comfort.
As this is a short-throw projector so you can enjoy the projected screen by placing the projector 4 feet before the screen and you can sit behind the projector, play games, and watch movies. This short-throw feature makes this projector an excellent choice for those who have less space to set up a projector.
PROS
- Short Throw Lens
- Supports HDR
- Supports 3D
- Good Contrast Ratio
- Best for Gaming
CONS
- No Support for HLG
- No Case
- Low Quality Remote
BenQ TH671ST
Budget Pick| Brand: | BenQ |
| Item Weight: | 5.90 lbs |
| Brightness: | 3000 Lumen |
| Mounting Type: | Ceiling Mount |
| Connectivity: | USB, HDMI |
Good things come at a high price but sometimes if you are lucky enough then you can get one at a low price. This projector is one of those lucky products which are not only performance kings but also budget-friendly. For a gamer, this projector is the best budget projector for gaming. Here is my review of this projector:
Display and Resolution
This laptop provides an amazing display and resolution. It has a 1080p display that is not as best as 4K but at this price point, I think it is the best bet. The image quality is sharp and crisp, you do not face any dead edges and blurry images on the screen.
I am also impressed with the brightness and smart control of the projector. This projector controls the brightness level of the screen according to the light situation in the room. The refresh rate is enough for gaming along with relatively low input lag this projector is a budget option for every gamer.
Connectivity
This projector comes with many connectivity options; HDMI, VGA, and USB options are present on the rear side and make it easy for the user to connect this device with others.
Build Quality
The building material of this projector is high-quality plastic. The build quality is excellent at this price range and gives a pro-level feel. It also has screws to set up the position of the projector if needed.
Usage
This projector is user-friendly and comes with a manual in which the user can read all the initial instructions to set up this projector for the first time, The set-up is easy, all you have to do is connect it with a power supply and another device to project screen.
You can also adjust the position of the projector by adjusting the screws at the bottom of the projector. The mounting process is a bit difficult same as for others. But as this is a short-throw projector so you can also place it before you on a little table and after connecting it with a device you can enjoy the big screen.
Gaming Performance
As I already mentioned this projector is an excellent option for those gamers who look for a budget option. It has different modes for gaming to experience the best out of it.
In its dedicated gaming mode, it gives powerful bass and crisp audio to enjoy the intense gameplay and feel like you are part of it.
It can also adjust the screen resolution and brightness according to the need of the game. If the game has black background then it will give a more sharp and bright image and if it has a bright background then it will decrease the brightness to project the best output on the screen.
PROS
- No Input lag
- Crisp FHD Resolution
- High-Quality Speaker
- Great Picture
- Strong Build
CONS
- No USB-C Option
BenQ TK850i
| Brand: | BenQ |
| Item Weight: | 12.50 lbs |
| Brightness: | 3000 Lumens |
| Mounting Type: | Ceiling Mount |
| Connectivity: | HDMI |
It’s time for big guns and it can’t be anyone else than the TK850i by BenQ. This projector is best for both gaming and watching movies due to its immersive, high-quality display and brightness features. Its 4K display makes it the best 4K projector for gaming.
Display and Resolution
This projector provides a 4K immersive display that works very well in both dark and bright rooms. It means you can use this projector at day tie without worrying about the bad image quality. The sharp edges on the screen make it very realistic and you enjoy your time.
This projector has 3000 lumens brightness and when mixed with its excellent display it provides an out-of-the-world viewing experience.
This projector is expensive and that is understandable due to its 4K display but its other features are also worth highlighting.
Connectivity
This projector has universal connectivity options and you can connect it to all devices without facing any difficulty. It also has the media reading capability to connect it without wire.
Build Quality
The built material used for this projector is high-quality plastic that feels very premium and provides a nice aesthetic. All connectivity ports are present on the rear side of the projector.
Side windows also enhance the beauty of this machine by doing their work to cool down the projector while used to display high-quality images.
Usage
This projector is user-friendly due to its easy-to-use menu buttons and lens shift and control buttons. I use this projector for the first time and it takes me only a few minutes to set up this machine and display the image on the screen.
Another user advantage I want to share with you is that this projector comes with Android TV. Due to this build setting, you can enjoy entertainment from a lot of sources. From Amazon prime to Disney there are lots of options to go with.
And then there is gaming usage in which this projector is the leader of the pack in true words.
Gaming Performance
This projector comes with many gaming control options. If you are not using this projector to play games then it will restore the settings to normal and you can use it to watch movies both at night and daytime.
But if you want to use it for gaming then all you have to do is either choose sports mode or gaming mode. It depends on what type of game you are going to play. I mostly use sports mode in which I am not the first person to control the game.
Game mode mostly suits those games in which you need a completely immersive experience like in first-person shooting games.
PROS
- 4K UHD Resolution
- Dynamic Iris
- Supports both HDR10 and HLG
- Remote Control
- Built in Media Player
- Adjustable Feet
CONS
- No Wireless or Wired Networking
- Limited Lens Shift Capability
- Only 1.3X Zoom
Optoma UHD60
| Brand: | Optoma |
| Item Weight: | 16 pounds |
| Brightness: | 3000 Lumens |
| Mounting Type: | Table Mount, Ceiling Mount |
| Connectivity: | VGA, USB |
Do you want to enjoy a life-like display on which you can play games and watch movies with your buddies? All of that at a reasonable price. If so then this projector is for you. It is the best quality projector for gaming.
Display and Resolution
This projector provides a 4K display along with a UHD screen projection. This projector is not only affordable it is also much improved than its former versions and it can compete with any other high-priced 4K projectors in the market.
The 8.3 million pixels help to project a big screen without difficulty and the pixel alignment technology is another feature of this machine that keeps the pixel in the right formation and makes the edges of the screen sharp and gives crisp output.
You can project a screen up to 150 inches through this projector without facing blurriness and lagging in the formation.
Connectivity
This projector has all the standard connectivity options you can expect from a good projector. It has an HDMI port to connect with a PC and have VGA port to connect with gaming consoles. It also has USB options to connect an android TV dongle or any other type of device in it.
Build Quality
This projector is made up of storing plastic. Its color is white and has side windows to let air come inside for cooling. The material used in it is well packed and you do not face any disturbing sounds while mounting it on the wall or ceiling. It can last for many years if used carefully.
Usage
This projector is easy to install and has all the menu buttons on its upper side. You can control the resolution, shift the lens, and can connect it with other devices easily.
A beginner with no prior knowledge about the projector can set up this machine in minutes by using the guidebook that comes with the whole package.
It is a 4K projector that is compatible with both games and movies. You can install it in your room or hall both in day and night time to get the best out of it. It can smartly control its brightness and resolution to give the best experience to the user.
The Audio system in this projector is comparatively much improved than the previous models in this range but not of excellent or gaming quality. If you want a serious gaming and cinematic experience then you have to connect it with an external audio system but to watch movies the built speaker should be enough.
Gaming Performance
This projector is best for those gamers who are looking for a 4K option within budget. This projector has a resolution that cab set the tone for the best gaming experience.
The UHD screen along with the 4K screen gives a real-life gaming experience and you feel like you are part of the game. I use this projector to play a first-person shooting game and the response I got was better than the many expensive projectors I used in the past. The audio quality is not that great and you need either headphones or an external audio setup for gaming but still, this projector is worth the money keeping in mind its features that make it handy for gaming and other purposes.
PROS
- budget Option for 4K
- Great Contrast Ratio
- Quiet and Work Smoothly
CONS
- Average Image Quality
XGIMI Elfin Mini Projector
Staff Pick| Brand: | XGIMI |
| Item Weight: | 2.18 pounds |
| Brightness: | 800 ANSI Lumens |
| Mounting Type: | Ceiling/Tripod/Floor |
| Connectivity: | HDMI, USB |
There are many reasons to add this mini projector to this list but one of the most highlighting ones is the ease of portability of this projector. If you are a person who wants a project which is compact and easy to transfer from one place to other then GIMI Elfin Mini Projector is the answer to your query. This is the best portable projector for gaming.
Display and Resolution
The display of this projector can be expanded to 150 inches at night time and 60-70 inches in the daytime. The pixels remain tight due to its built-in technology of pixel alignment and you do not face any blurriness and interruption on the screen.
This projector has a resolution of 1080p which is obviously less than 4k but still keeping in the mind the size of this projector, I think this is the best option you can find at this rate and in this size.
You can use this projector booth at night and day without worrying about the brightness because the built-in smart brightness control feature of this projector can set it according to the light from the outside and give a very pleasant experience to the viewer.
Connectivity
This projector is compact without compromising on all the major connectivity options. You can connect this projector with other devices through HDMI and VGA ports.
Build Quality
The build quality of this machine is superb. The sweet feeling of rubbing on this projector gives it a very uplifting look and feel. Usually, I do not expect this type of build quality from a projector at this price point, but this projector has broken all the odds. The build material is high-quality plastic. This projector comes in white color and you can use it as a decorative piece along with using it as a projector.
Usage
According to my experience, I can say that this projector is user-friendly. Above all, I love this projector because it is small and I can clear that this is the best MINI projector for gaming you can get your hands on at this time in the market.
Projectors usually come in bulky and outdated shapes with little to no change in new models but this projector is compact, sleek, and nice.
A beginner can easily set it up by following the manual that comes along with it. It also has obstacle avoidance technology that helps in an easy and fast setup.
Gaming Performance
I think this budget projector can compete with all the mini gaming projectors present in the market right now. Yes, you can point out the lack of 4k in this projector but still, I think this projector does better than some of the 4K premium projectors thanks to its smart technology and different up-to-date features.
This projector can automatically focus on the screen while you are playing the game; it means that the projected screen will not faint while you are busy in your game. Your projector will do it automatically and it can also avoid obstacles easily.
It has low input lag making it best for the gamer who look for a fast projector that can immediately project a screen with very little input lag. It has also different modes for gaming. You can change the setting according to the need and type of your game.
PROS
- Built in Bluetooth and WiFi
- Android TV
- Quiet
- Well-Built
- Attractive Design
CONS
- AC Adapter is of Low Quality
- No Battery Backup
Buying Guide for Best projector for Gaming
For a gamer who is new in the world of gaming, projectors can be overwhelming to choose one according to his need, budget, and space. Because projector world is full of devices and each one is competing with other at many features. All of this makes it chaotic and difficult to choose a projector.
So in this buying guide, I am going to share with you the main features of a gaming projector. After reading this guide you should be able to judge a projector according to different standard features.
Input Lag
Input lag is the difference between the time when the projector takes an image from the device on which you play the game and showing it on the projector screen. Let’s understand it with an example. You and your friend playing Call of Duty on a projector and suddenly you go take a position to shoot your enemy but due to the input lag of your projector, your position choke, and you get noticed by the enemy.
In the gaming industry, a little choke can cause the whole match. For professional gamers, it matters a lot and that is why they always go with the device which has near to zero input lag.
In projectors, input lag is a big concern for the serious gamers because a projector is not directly playing the game it is just transforming the image from one device to the screen so this transformation of the image take time and increase the input lag.
If you are a gamer who just plays games for fun and does not get serious about it then you can go with a projector having little input lag but if gaming is your profession then you need to find a projector with little to low input lag because your game depends on this feature and you can’t go wrong with it.
Realistic Colour
I love games that can provide me with realistic colors and make the whole experience very real and alive. Realistic color is the priority of every gamer for whom gaming is more than just a fun and time-passing activity. A realistic color makes everything very real and you feel a part of the process.
Many gamers complain about the fake colors of the game that made the whole experience very boring and artificial. The colors of a game are also dependent on the type of screen you are using. Like if the screen has a glass cover then the colors will be sharp and bulging but if the screen has an OLED cover then the colors will be faint and you may face a decrease in the sharpness.
So if you are a serious gamer who loves to play games with realistic colors then you need to find a projector which not change the color of the game after projecting it on the screen. This can destroy your whole experience and you may face a very bad screen outcome.
Light Source
There are two common light sources used in the projectors to project the image on the screen, one is LEDs, and the second one’s output lamps. For gaming projectors, it is recommended to go for lamp-based projectors because with an LED-based light source you may have to compromise on image sharpness and brightness of the screen.
The LED-based light source in a projector decreases the quality of image production on the screen and it can affect your gameplay. But with an output lamp-based, light source image quality remains the same and it also produces a bright picture on the screen. One thing you need to keep in mind while buying a lamp-based projector is that these projectors produce a lot of heat due to the lamp installed in them, and needed an extra-strong cooling system.
Projector Resolution
The Resolution of a projector is the number of pixels used to produce an image on the screen. A higher resolution ratio means a clear image with sharp edges and more detail. In common business-level projectors mostly resolution profiles of VGA, XGA, and WXGA are used but these profiles are not enough for fast games where image quality needed to be high.
So for gaming projectors, it is recommended to go for a 1080P or a 4K projector. 4K projectors are expensive if you can afford a 4K projector then perfect, go with them but if you can’t afford then never buy a projector with a resolution below 1080p.
Contrast Ratio
The contrast ratio of a projector is its ability to reproduce black and white spots on an image for a better quality High the contrast ratio of a projector better the picture quality on the screen will be and the user can enjoy a more immersive experience.
For a better gaming experience, it is recommended to go with a projector with high contrast ratio because it can increase the picture quality and the total output of the projector. The contrast ratio ensures that the picture is not affected by the overall light in the space. A projector with a low contrast ratio not only produces low-quality pictures it is also affected by any light source.
Throw Distance
Based on throw distance projectors come in two types, Short throw, and long throw projectors. Short throw projectors have shorter reach and that is why need to be placed near the surface on which they are projecting an image.
Long-throw projectors have a longer reach and they can be placed far from the surface on which they are going to project the image.
It depends on the area of the surface where you are going to set up your projector. If it is a bedroom or a basement then the short-range is best for you but if it is a hall and you have a lot of space then a long throw projector is best for you. Both short and long-throw projector do their job excellently and you can choose any one of them according to your space and budget.
Connectivity
Connectivity is an important feature of every projector and you can’t go without noticing them. As a gamer, you should select a projector with diverse port options. Most of the projectors come with VGA and HDMI ports that are enough to connect the gaming projector with gaming consoles or your PC.
HDMI port is mostly used to connect the projector with the computers and other HDMI-compatible devices.
VGS ports are used to connect the projector with the gaming consoles.
Audio Performance
Audio is an important part of every gaming device and gaming projectors have no exception. But unfortunately, most gaming projectors come with average audio performance. You should not expect great audio from a projector.
That is why many gamers connect external audio setups like Bluetooth or wired speakers with the projector for immersive audio quality. Another reason to use external audio sources is that projectors are mostly placed on the higher surface far from the gamer so that is why the built-in audio setup is not enough for the audio generation and an external set-up is needed for the best experience.
Gaming Modes
There is nothing better for a gaming projector lover than a projector with different gaming modes. These gaming modes help the gamer tailor and set up a projector according to the needs of the game. The projector will provide all those features which are needed in this game by changing its different settings accordingly. Like in Role Play mode the projector will provide deep bass and enhance its audio to provide strong audio according to the role.
In First-person shooter mode the voice quality is enhanced so you can find the enemy and shot them without difficulty.
In Real-time sports mode, you can enjoy the realistic sound effects and control options. The input lag of the projector is also changed according to the demands of a game and what kind of role you are playing.
And here we are at the end of our buying guide for the best gaming projector. A gaming projector is a collection o many features and every feature matters for a serious gamer so he can’t compromise on anyone. So I hope this buyer guide will help you to find the best machine for your gaming needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of projector should I buy for gaming?
For gaming you should buy a projector with low input lag, high contrast ratio, color accuracy and portable. This type of projector are easily available in the market. If you want to use projector as primary gaming display then go for high definition screen projector like 1080p or 4k projector.
Are BenQ and Optoma projectors good for gaming?
Yes, BenQ and Optoma are two reliable projectors for gaming. The projectors from these two companies are well built, well priced and comes with all the handy features needed to play games on a projector.
Is a projector any good for gaming?
Yes, projectors are good for gaming if choose the right machine Because the gaming quality is dependent on the response of projector. A gaming projector should responsive, have high brightness, contrast ratio, color accuracy and comes in 1290Hz and 1080p or 4K screen resolution.
Can you play PS5 on a projector?
yes, here is the good news you can play PS5 on a projector. The condition to meet is that the projector should be 4K HDR with high response rate and low input lag. A projector can provide you with a screen size that is otherwise not possible without burning a small fortune on a expensive monitor.
What projector has the lowest input lag?
Optoma Projectors like Optoma UHD60 have the lowest input lag. These projectors are best to play games not only because they are responsive and have low input lag, plus these projectors are also budget friendly.
Conclusion
Every gamer wants to become a part of the game which he is playing to enjoy it and get the most out of it. It is kind of possible with the arrival of dedicated gaming projectors which are made for this purpose and their whole features revolve around gaming.
The best projector for gaming is one that has low input lag, high color resolution, excellent Contrast ratio, is easy to carry, and is compact. These all features make a projector a good gaming projector.
Some games demand a large screen because their wide-angle is larger than a 60-inch monitor and you may feel a lack of fun during your game due to the size of your screen so at this point gaming projectors come into play.
If you are a person who is looking for a good projector for gaming then I hope this guide has helped you to choose one according to your budget and need. Still, if you have some questions then you can contact us and we will be more than happy to come up with an answer to your query.
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