Best Projectors in India - Reviews and Comparison 2021

Projectors are broadly classified into multimedia and pocket projectors. In this buyer’s guide, we have covered multimedia projectors which are further divided into home theatre and short throw.

A multimedia projector is the most widely sold category and is used for everything, be it for PowerPoint presentations, screening video clips, and slideshows at educational institutions. They are portable, ultra-slim, and can be as light as 1.5 kg. However, the features such as brightness, resolution, connectivity vary between different types of multimedia projectors.

• Home theatre

Quality image and lower brightness are two things that make home theatre projectors unique. This type of projector has the most zoom capability, so much so that it shows images up to 36 times larger as compared to 50" class HDTV. So, if you want to scrutinise your next match field, this is the projector for you. They are the dearest projectors when it comes to specifications- supreme image quality, high contrast ratio, deep blacks, rich colour saturation, full HD, or 4K resolution. If you wish to view movies, photos, sports matches, 3D movies, or play video games on 100 inches screen, this is the right type of projector for you.

• Short throw

Short throw and ultra-short throw are crucial categories of multimedia projectors. A projector with less than a 1:1 throw ratio is considered a short throw projector. The ratio can be as less as 0.5:1 and 0.3:1. Amongst this, the latter fulfils the distinction of being "ultra-short-throw." Short throw projectors hardly have zoom lenses, and ultra-short-throw projectors use a mirror for image projection.

Such projectors are wall mounting instead of ceiling and are designed to be installed 18 inches to 2 feet close to the screen. Speaking of brightness, they usually have 3000 lumens and if you need one brighter than this, look for a projector with interchangeable lenses. Considering these features, these projectors are most used in classrooms as they are ideal for pairing with digital whiteboards.

Projectors are based on different technologies, and three leading technologies have been outlined below.

• DLP

Digital Light Processing is a projection technology in which an image is generated by small mirrors that project the light onto the screen. The small mirror corresponds to a light point whose tilting movement results in colour graduations. This is the primary reason that there is no lattice effect in the case of DLP technology. The technology calls for less space which allows manufacturers to produce smaller projectors. Moreover, DLP projectors need negligible maintenance as the light source and optics are located in a closed system which leaves no room for dust particles to penetrate.

• LCD

Liquid Crystal Display is a projection technology in which the white light from the lamp is split into three colours, i.e. red, green and blue. These light colours further pass through three individual LCD panels to compose a colour image. In other words, an LCD projector works like a slide projector. The only difference is, instead of slide, small liquid crystal elements form the image. The LCD technology is known for producing images with strong and natural colours, fine pixelation and more brightness than DLP projectors. However, LCD projectors are high maintenance.

• D-ILA, LCoS and SXRD

Different manufacturers call this technology by different names. For example, JVC calls it D-ILA (Direct-Drive Image Light Amplification). It is LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) for Canon and SXRD (Silicon X-tal Reflective Display) for Sony. However, these three runs on the same principle, which is similar to LCD technology. The difference lies in the working of light, as these panels reflect the light and don’t let it through. Since D-ILA / LCoS / SXRD combine the advantages of both DLP and LCD technology, therefore, it is quite expensive.

The number of pixels that a projector is capable of displaying is known as the projector's native resolution. More pixels density is better because that lead to crisper and more detailed images. Higher resolutions are more crucial in the case of home theatre projectors or short throw as the audience will be sitting closer to the screen.

Generally, resolutions range from 480p on the low end to 1080p for HD viewing and up to 4K Ultra HD for extremely sharp movies and shows. So, the resolution need varies with the intended use and the quality of the input source. Come what may, we suggest, don’t settle for a projector with a resolution less than ‘HD ready’. An HD ready projector ( 720 pixels) lets you experience DVDs on the big screen. Whereas, the WXGA (1280 x 800) resolution is perfect for business presentations. For use with a Blu-ray player, and gaming, get a Full HD projector (1,920 x 1,080 pixels).

Full HD is not the ultimate choice though, thanks to 4K projectors with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels.

Refer to the table for a brief description.

The noise level of a projector does matter. After all, you want to listen to songs or dialogues and not projectors’ fan sound. Therefore, for home cinema or presentation in a small room, a projector not producing more than 30 dB is recommended. Usually, large projectors make less sound. Hence, home cinema projectors with a large chassis have lower fan noise, generally below 30 dB. A portable and small projector will be a bit louder and produce sound between 32dB and 38dB. The brightness also plays a significant role here as brighter projectors have a powerful lamp that requires additional cooling and therefore, produce more noise.

Light intensity, also called projector brightness, is measured in lumens. Higher the lumens, the brighter the projector. Under brightness, there are two brightness measurements to consider:

• White brightness (white light output) indicates the emission of white light by the projector, without measuring colour.

• Colour brightness (colour light output) measures how bright the projected colours of red, blue and yellow will be. Their higher number means a more detailed and vibrant image.

You must ensure that the colour brightness of a projector is not lower than the white brightness as that will give you dark or dull images. Environment conditions like lighting in the room is another factor to consider while determining how high the light intensity should be. For example, if you are giving a business presentation in a well-lit or little dimmed room, you need a projector with more lumen rating in both white and colour brightness. A high lumen rating will let the light from the projector compete with light from other sources and display a good image. In short, a larger room getting more light needs more lumens.

Things are different if you are buying a projector for home theatre purpose. Brighter is not necessary; all you want is enough brightness for rich colour contrast but not so much that it removes dark-scene details or creates eye fatigue. Typically, home theatre projectors are designed in a manner that there is complete control over the lighting; however, a room with ambient lighting need a projector with more brightness.

A general rule is, if you choose DLP projectors over LCD, add 1000 lumens, as they are somewhat dimmer than their LCD counterparts.

The contrast ratio is the difference between the brightness of black and white. A 1000:1 contrast ratio means that the brightest point is one thousand times brighter than the darkest moment. A higher contrast ratio gives a sharper and more natural projected image.
Same as brightness, the contrast ratio also depends on the application and the environmental condition. Contrary to brightness, which matters more if you are using a projector in a lit room, the contrast ratio is all the more critical if you are using a projector in the dark. Therefore, a contrast ratio is necessary for home cinema projectors to create deep blacks. And if you are going to use the projector mainly in daylight or artificial lighting, the contrast is not much of an important.

A projector has two connections, i.e. analogue and digital. Analogue consists of VGA, S-video, composite video and component video, and VGA is the most common amongst them.

HDMI and DVI are the most famous in digital connections. Between these two, HDMI is the de-facto standard nowadays for transmitting HD content. That’s because DVI is suitable for image transmission and HDMI transmits both image and audio. Home theatre projectors targeting the latest consumer gadgets come with HDMI connectivity. In large venue projectors, SDI is common as it offers simpler cabling, routing, and supports longer cable runs than HDMI.

A quick tip for HDMI connection- it never goes farther than 25 feet. A longer cable acts as an antenna, picking up RF signals. Instead, use special converter boxes that modify the signal so it can travel without any interference.

USB, Networking, and IoT

Besides analogue and digital connections, projectors can be linked to computers as well and that too in various ways. RS-232 is the oldest amongst them. Lately, Ethernet was also added to enable remote operation. These days, USB and Wi-Fi enabled projectors can not only be controlled remotely but also support images directly from devices within range. In fact, you can even plug a USB storage drive directly into the projector and give presentations without a computer. 

Throw ratio tells you how wide the projection be when the projector is placed at a certain distance from the screen. For example, a 1.5:1 ratio will produce a 15-foot wide image when the projector is placed at 10 feet from the screen (10 feet x 1.5).

Throw ratio is essential when you pin down the width of the screen and how far the projector will be placed from the wall/screen, your choices narrow down considerably. Moreover, the ratio is crucial, especially when you intend to mount the projector permanently. If space is a limitation, then pick a short throw projector. You can mount it much closer to the screen to get a wide image or fill the entire screen.

The lens zoom feature comes in handy when you are going to put the projector in different places with no control over the screen size or placement of the projector. A lens zoom will let you adjust the image size without moving the projector closer to or farther from the screen.

A greater zoom ratio will give you a larger image. For example, a 1.2x zoom produces an image up to 20% larger. Similarly, a 2.0x zoom creates an image twice the minimum size. Lens zoom makes a projector bigger; therefore, you will not find this feature in small or pico projectors.

A projector is powered by one of three light sources, i.e. standard lamp, laser or LED.

Standard lamp:

• Usually, the bulb lasts for 3,000 to 4,000 hours.

• In eco mode, the bulb can last for up to 5,000 hours.

• Bright light output.

• An affordable option.

Laser:

• No bulb replacement required.

• Brighter than other light sources.

• Better contrast and more comprehensive colour range.

• Energy-efficient.

LED:

• Bulb lasts for up to 20,000 hours.

• Most used in pico or pocket-size projectors.

• Better colour control than standard lamps.

• Don’t need a fan for cooling. So, quiet operation and a smaller footprint.

If placing the projector precisely perpendicular to the screen is not possible, keystone correction lets you correct distortion by digitally adjusting the image due to which you get a perfect square on the screen.

Lens shift is required to mechanically adjust the angle of the lens by shifting it up, down or sideways. Moreover, since lens shift retains 100% resolution of the image; therefore, it's better to use lens shift for correct distortion than keystone correction.

Keystone correction feature is offered by every projector manufacturer these days. It is a quick way to adjust the image on the multi-media projectors and pico projectors, which are moved around most often. Whereas, the lens shift feature is provided by high-end home theatre projector manufacturers, where the projector is mounted semi-permanently on the wall or ceiling.

• 3D technology

A home theatre projector with 3D technology puts you right in the picture. A 3D equipped projector hooks up to other 3D-compatible devices and gives a genuine 3D experience on a large screen. Some projectors have a built-in 3D function, whereas others need to separately buy a 3D emitter in order to display 3D content.

• Wireless projectors and adapters

If you want to project images wirelessly from your smart device, a projector with wireless capabilities is exactly what you need. There are projectors that allow you to send even HDMI signal wirelessly from the device to the projector using a wireless HD transmitter. Or you can download a wireless projector app that works with your specific projector brand.

Uncommon smart-enabled technology permits the streaming of movies, music and entertainment by connecting directly to the Internet. Moreover, you can stream content by connecting a streaming media player to your projector.

The ratio between the projector's width and height is called the aspect ratio. For example, the aspect ratio of 4:3 will display a square image, while a 16:9 ratio will create a more rectangular image. The three most common aspect ratios includes 4:3 (XGA & SXGA), 16:9 (standard HDTV, 1080p), and 16:10 (WXGA & WUXGA).

For presentations, people usually resort to the 4:3 aspect ratio. However, if your laptop has a widescreen display, the projector with 16:9 or 16:10 resolution will do the trick. Also, 16:9 is the standard aspect ratio of Blu-ray discs and HDTV signals. It is better to buy a projector with a 16:10 or 16:9 native aspect ratio as such a projector  can display even 4:3 aspect ratios without any difficulty.

With a projector and screen, you can have an image as large as HDTVs can produce. The screen size must match the aspect ratio of the projector, such as 4:3 or 16:9.

Screen sizes are measured diagonally and range from 50" to 300" or even larger. Also, measure the ceiling height, ensuring the screen is high enough off the floor to see over a piece of furniture. Moreover, while deciding how big you want to go, decide where you'll mount the centre speaker.

The projector is a product which is available in the various range- ₹8,000 to lakhs. As the features increases in number and advancement, the price also increases.

Considering such a higher range, don’t warranty matters. You can’t buy such an expensive device now and then. Therefore the warranty protects against any manufacturing defects. Usually, projectors between ₹15,000 and ₹65,000 come with one or two years warranty.

Any room where lights can be turned off completely, a projector with 1500 to 2000 lumens is right for it.

XGA resolution (1024 x 768pixels ) and 4:3 aspect ratio is the staple for giving PowerPoint presentation in a small room. However, resolution and aspect ration higher than this never hurts. Besides, you need to consider the light in the room and accordingly decide on the brightness feature.

If you know the screen size, determine the throw ratio. If that is not possible, opt for a projector with more zoom or one with a shorter throw. That’s because getting closer is easier than getting farther. Similarly, if you are unaware of the brightness you need, consider the brightest projector you can get.

WXGA is the minimum requirement for multimedia, and going up to 1080p and beyond is perfectly fine. For home theatre, always choose 1080p or 4K.

Yes, you can. However, besides the image, you will also see black bars on the top and bottom or along the sides of the picture because the viewing material does not match the native resolution of the projector.

Two lamp technologies are used in a projector- LED, and metal halide amongst which LED is still uncommon. Metal halide is a form of tungsten lamp with a lifespan of 2,000 to 5,000 hours if used with the default brightness setting. However, most of the projectors use hybrid technologies augmenting LED with a laser light source.

You can choose either of them. The only deciding factor between the two should be if you are using the projector in a remote setting and in such case go for LCD. The reason being, the LCD panel can fail due to dead pixels, but it will not be a catastrophic failure as a DLP whose colour wheel stops working.

Native resolution is the projector's imaging system by default, and it should not be conflated with the maximum supported resolution, which is always higher. Resolutions can either be SD or HD "video" formats like 720p, 1080i, UltraHD 4K (3840 x 2160), or computer VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) formats including VGA (640 x 480), SVGA (800 x 600), XGA (1024 x 768), WXGA (1280 x 800), UXGA (1600 x 1200), and WUXGA (1920 x 1200).

Consider the projector's native resolution; otherwise, the projector will scale the image and degrade it.

The optimal viewing distance depends on the resolution. Therefore, for a projector with a 1280 x 720 resolution, the minimum distance between the viewer and the screen should be 1.8 times of the width of the screen. In the case of full HD (1920 x 1080 px), a throw ratio of 1.5 is right. For a 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 px) projector, the minimum distance is one screen width.

LCD projector

• Parallel to the screen’s bottom edge.

• If ceiling mounted, position it to parallel to the top of the screen.

DLP projectors

• Positioned a bit below the bottom edge of the screen.

• If ceiling mounted, position it slightly higher than the top edge of the screen.

Make minor corrections using keystone correction.

Lamp replacement cost is the most common maintenance cost incurred by users of projectors.

Generally, the lamp life is between 2000 and 5000 hours. The lamp in pico projectors has a shorter life due to the different design – 1000 to 1500 hours. If you use the projector frequently, get a projector with LED or Laser-LED Hybrid lamp as that has a life of up to 20,000 hours.

You can always use a white wall as a screen; however, a projection screen makes an image look better and brighter. A screen reflects a backlight, which works with a projector to create colours and photos pop off the screen. Not all screen is the same; it gets a rating based on how efficiently it reflects light.

A bright white screen is a must for the conference room as presentations are given in a well-lit room. Grey screen is right for home theatre as it boosts colour contrast and makes 3D images stand out more.

1. Motorised screens, or electric screen, lower and raise at the touch of a button. Such a screen gives you easy control when mounted out of reach.

2. Fixed screens are mounted on the wall. They do not require a dedicated space for lowering or raising.

3. Pull-down screens, also known as manual screens, save space as it allows you to retract the screen when not in use. You can use the same area for other purposes, such as mounting a whiteboard in a classroom or displaying artwork.

4. A portable or tripod-mounted screen scrolls open and closed and comes with tripod legs or a built-in stand for support.

A projector with both HDMI and VGA ports facilitates connection with video sources, including set-top boxes; DVD, Blu-ray Disc players; video game consoles; and AV receivers. HDMI input supports any uncompressed TV or PC video format on a single cable, from standard to high-definition video.

Weight hardly matters if you are going to mount the projector on the wall or ceiling permanently. However, if your need is for a portable projector, weight plays a crucial role. You can also buy a hard-sized case with wheels for easy transport.

Projectors don’t deliver great sound, often limited to 1-watt or 3-watt speakers. Therefore, while buying projectors, investment in a separate sound system is recommended. If you need a full projector, opt for one which has at least a 10-watt speaker.

Home theatre  typically includes surround sound; therefore, projector sound is not essential. Data presenters hardly need any audio. However, if you are streaming videos or enjoying gaming and don’t have a separate sound for your home theatre, the projector’s quality speakers become essential.

1. Let it cool. Don’t shut down your projector instantly and let the fan run for 2-5 minutes. Electronic devices like projectors operate under high temperature and shutting them down too quickly can ruin not only its lamp but other components as well. In fact, you should give the machine breaks when marathoning different films or series. Moreover, never operate the projector in direct sunlight or near heat sources. 

2. Chill out. When packing the projector, let it cool down. Otherwise, it may cause lamp filaments and other wires to break. The wise thing to do is let the lamp cool down along with the projector. The fans only do half of the cooling job, and even an LED lamp isn’t sufficient to reduce the heat completely. 

3. Keep it clean. Do we really need to say this? The projector's filters need the most cleaning. They allow airflow throughout the projector to prevent overheating. Their clogging can disturb ventilation, which means increased temperatures and as a result, lamp meltdown or explosion. Not to mention, dust and dirt can affect the image quality as well.

4. Keep it flowing. For permanently mounted projectors, keep a check on mounting plates as they should not block the fan vent. There must be sufficient airflow around the projector to prevent it from overheating.

5. Watch the on/off switch. Yes, keeping a projector constantly on and off creates a power surge, but that doesn’t mean you can keep it on always. Keeping it on all the time will wear it out faster. You can keep the projector running if it gets a two-hour rest every 24 hours.

6. Hands off. Never touch the projector’s lamp. If it is too hot, it can give you a nasty burn, and if it is cool, the oil from your skin may leave a residue on it. Once the lamp heats up that residue will create a black spot on the lamp showing up on the screen. In fact, a large enough oil spot can cause the lamp to break.

7. Watch the lamp life. Keep a check on the lamp life, if you do not want to be caught off guard with a projector suddenly shutting down between a movie.

8. Projection window- Clean the projection window periodically, or whenever there is the presence of dust or smudges on the surface. You can gently wipe the projection window with lens-cleaning paper in normal situations. If smudges are stubborn, moisten a soft, lint-free cloth with lens cleaner and gently clean the window. Never use a lens cleaner containing flammable gas as that can cause fire when the lamp is heated.

9. Go green. If you want to save the environment, use a power saver or eco mode on your projector. Only in the case of outdoors, you need full brightness. Indoor settings, mainly if the room is darker, you can easily watch anything in eco mode. This act will reduce the usage of heat, prolong the life of your lamp, reduce wear and tear on the projector besides saving the environment.

10. Read the manual. There are different types of projector available in the market; we have only covered generic points. If they don’t come in handy, then nothing helps like an instruction manual.

ViewSonic M1 is a physically bright and cheery projector. The portable palmtop projector comes with a cleverly designed stand, matte white on the sides and bottom, and interchangeable top plates in grey, yellow, and teal.

This is the best entry-level projector and best suited for a family room. It is an LED-based projector with Texas Instruments' DLP technology. Its native resolution is WVGA (854x480p) which can be expanded up to 1080p. With the 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio, it meets the international standard format of digital television HDTV Full HD and SD TV. The light source of the projector is LED, and it has a whopping 30,000-hour lifetime, which may last more than the life of the projector.

We really like the innovative stand idea. Usually, mini projector stands are tiny tripods that screw into a projector's base; however, here the stand is built into the device itself. Moreover, the projector has some great connectivity options, namely HDMI, USB Type-A port and a micro USB port, plus a micro-USB-to-USB-A cord for powering or recharging.

Epson EB-U05 V11H841040 Full HD Projector is hassle-free and easy to install the projector. Featuring 3LCD technology and brightness of 3,400 lumens, you watch tv-series and movies as the director intended i.e. with a bright and clear display. The projector has a long lamp life-15 years, and the device is capable of producing an impressive image of 300 inches.

The WUXGA resolution projector comes along with a 15000:1 contrast ratio to display content with sufficient detail, including crisp and clear blacks, shadow. The projector has made accessing entertainment options super easy with various connectivity options such as two HDMI inputs (including one MHL) for DVD players, games consoles, etc. By using the optional ELPAP10 adapter, you can even enjoy Wi-Fi connectivity, and share content from a smart device using the iProjection app.

Asus S1 LED Projector is our best value portable projector. It is powered by a 6,000mAh battery which can work for three continuous hours and doubles as a power bank to recharge smartphones.

This ultra-portable, short-throw projector is housed in Zen-inspired aluminium and is fully capable of displaying 100 inches image. Its native resolution is 854x480 pixels which can be expanded to 1920 x 1080 pixels. It uses advanced DLP Technology, and lamp life is 30,000-hour. The light source not just have a fantastic lifespan but also a superb quality that it helps in saving costly maintenance fee. The 200 lumens brightness make the projector capable mostly for the dark or dim light rooms. This is a palm-sized projector with best in class throw ratio- 1:1.

Connectivity really matters while buying a projector and the Asus manufacturer knows it well. Therefore, S1 is equipped with HDMI/ MHL port that is compatible with several IT, multimedia and mobile devices. HDMI has been provided for laptops, media players and game consoles; while the Mobile High-Definition Link projection from an MHL-compatible mobile device is possible while simultaneously charging it.

S1 has a premium and durable design and an exceptional sound system.

Epson EB-X05 XGA V11H839040 3LCD is a multifunctional projector best suited for meeting and huddle rooms. It is a feature-rich projector and ideal for presenting true-to-life images.

Epson is a brand in the projector market, and with EB-X05, you get premium quality and durable projector with a lamp life span of 10,000 hours. Due to this, you are sure of low ownership cost, and you will not have to look for a new, affordable entertainment option at least anytime soon.

The projector has both vertical and horizontal keystone corrections which correct the screens easily, accurately, and quickly without any human intervention. Speaking of the image quality, it delivers brightness of 3,300 lumens, 15,000:1 contrast ratio, 16:9 aspect ratio, 1080P display resolutions, 1024P horizontal resolutions, and 768 vertical resolutions. These are the features that enable a clear, detailed and bright projection both in the meeting and entertainment room.

BOSS S8 is a projector suitable for all, be it school, office or watching movies at home. Manufacturers have used LCD technology, and Full Hd resolution- 1920 x 1080 pixels- to make it ideal for home theatre. Whereas, brightness as strong as 5700 lumens, makes this projector ideal for giving a presentation in a well-lit room as well.

We are in very much favour of the large display screen which is 200 inches and amazed by the 50,000 lamp hours. The projector is no less in offering connectivity as you get various media ports including HDMI, VGA, USB, audio-video, audio output. With 38 x 38 x 17 cm dimensions and just 2.6 kg weight, the projector is super portable.

S8 has a 6000:1 contrast ratio due to which you get a sharper and more natural projected image. And with the aspect ratio of 4:3 & 16:9, you get a widescreen display.

Fewer words are more for BenQ MS535P SVGA. 3600 ANSI lumen high brightness, 15,000:1 contrast ratio, 1920 x 1200 pixels resolution, DLP technology gives a wide and clear image on 300 inches screen.

The projector has several other features to boast about. It has a vertical keystone for fast, easy image alignment and the exclusive infographic mode presents the text and graphics in detail. All glass lenses showcase image quality in brilliant clarity, and the Kensington Lock ensures the physical security of the device. The 15000 hours life lamp has SmartEco Mode, which saves power up to 70%. Moreover, it comes with the top lamp door, which allows for fast lamp changes.

Besides keystone corrections, the projector also has wall colour correction. It corrects the projected picture’s colour when the surface of the projection is not white. It prevents the possible colour difference between the source and projected pictures.

Last but not least, the anti-dust accumulation sensors make it a less-maintenance device. It helps in rejecting the dust accumulation, enhancing the projector’s durability and hence decreasing maintenance costs.

Egate P531 is an all-in-one Android projector that has eliminated the use of separate PCs. It is a top-of-the-line projector displaying true colour high-definition and clear images with a 4000:1 contrast ratio and brightness of 4500 lumens.

It is a smart projector with some intelligent and advanced features like an inbuilt Android system. It helps you connect directly to Netflix, Browsing, Gmail, YouTube and alike platforms via inbuilt Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. This is not it, the YouTube and Amazon prime is pre-installed, giving you access to unlimited content on huge 210-inch screens.

The projector comes with some unmatched configurations and specifications. Some of them are, in-built stereo speakers, 800p resolutions supporting 1080p content, dual HDMI connection, high-speed USB ports ensuring HDD buffer-less data flow. Well, the list doesn’t end here as P531 also has an audio-video in ports through 3.5 mm Jacks and USB ports which lets you play content directly via HDD or Pendrives. Checkout reviews and comparison of best fire TV sticks, best 55-inches LED TV, best OLED TV, best music systems, best set top box in India.