5 Best Smart Projectors of 2025
Masrawisat has come up with its list of the top 5 smart projectors for 2025. Since most of the projectors on the list fall into the affordable category (less than $1000), we made sure that the price doesn't hurt the most important feature: image quality. With the 1080p standard in most DLPs, we had to look out of the box to see what separates these high-quality projectors from the competition. Whether it's three-dimensional compatibility, vertical lens conversion capabilities, HDMI connectivity, or just including cinematic color recording. With 709 image quality, all selected smart projectors have the latest technology that takes the home theater experience to a whole new level.
Whether it's the BenQ HT3050, Optoma HD142X, Viewsonic PRO7827, LG's ProBeam, or Sony's LSPX-P1, here are the best iReviews smart projectors for 2025.
Sony LSPX-P1
Sony's ultra-short portable projector, which premiered at IFA in 2015, breaks the traditional law that states: all projectors must be large in size. The LSPX-P1 projector is ideal for those who want a space-saving portable alternative to the traditional wall-mounted flat screen. If the area of the apartment/apartment is an issue, a small projector from Sony may be the answer.Small enough to hold with one hand, viewers have the option to view images ranging from 22 to 80 inches. Since it's a short distance, you can place Sony's LSPX-P1 next to the surface of the projector – whether it's a nearby wall or a piece of paper on your desk. With a dual thrust resolution of 1366 × 768p, you can avoid the obvious signal of poor image quality: visible pixels. Instead, the feedback was positive about the quality of the image, especially in places with low light.
Sony's LSPX integrates seamlessly with the home thanks to its compact design, high quality and excellent finishing materials. In other words, it is not ugly to the eye. If you've enjoyed watching a movie on a traditional projector, you've experienced long start times and high cooling fans. Fortunately, Sony's short projection feature is specifically designed to reduce fan noise and at the same time, the proximity sensor turns on the projector when it senses your smartphone nearby. It also turns it off when you're out of range.
From streaming shows on Netflix to watching new releases on Blue-ray, Sony's portable projector is a wireless module that connects to Wi-Fi in your home. If you're the type of Magellan who travels for business or leisure, the LSPX is small enough to fit in a suitcase. If your hotel or Airbnb has Wi-Fi and a wall, floor or ceiling - you will immediately have a small home entertainment system.
With built-in 0.98-inch speakers with Bass Reflex powered by xLoud technology, you can turn up the volume without compromising sound quality. Since Sony's built-in speakers are designed to pick up powerful low frequencies, connecting to a receiver for sound quality isn't really necessary.
Finally, the Sony LSPX-P1 comes with a companion app that allows users to preset hologram-like images, such as the current time, the latest weather and photo galleries on a nearby viewing surface. The app also allows the user to manage the smart console whether it adjusts the volume or switches between streaming devices.
Advantages and disadvantages
Display size: up to 80" (203 cm)
Resolution: 720 pixels
Assembled HDMI Module
Built-in Bass Reflex speakers
xLoud Technology
Short battery life: two hours
The blow to projectors is twofold: the quality of their images is much lower than that of their counterparts in a smart LCD TV; and two, expensive lamps need to be replaced every few thousand hours of use. By introducing the ProBeam HD Laser Projector (HF80JA) to the highly competitive DLP market, LG has eliminated all known concerns about image quality and costly lamp replacement. LG's latest projector allows you to enjoy the HD movie experience without worrying about image quality or the duration of your equipment.
performance
That's what makes the LG HF80JA 1080p projector so great. It uses a laser (instead of a light bulb) that can generate up to 20,000 hours of production at 2,000 lumens. Although 4K image resolution would have cemented its position as one of the best laser projectors on the market, 1080p resolution is an industry standard and the contrast ratio of 150.000:1 is impressive.
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As one would expect from the leader in LED projectors, the HF80JA is designed around connectivity. Equipped with a full arsenal of ports that include HDMI, USB, RGB, S/PDIF (OPTICAL), a 3.5mm headphone jack and Ethernet, LG's ProBeam can be used as a central hub for all your entertainment devices.
Compatibility
Featuring LG's intuitive webOS platform and powered by wireless video streaming via Miracast and Plus Mobile App, viewers can access a full range of apps – from Netflix to Hulu Plus. ProBeam comes with built-in wireless reflection – a feature that integrates with Miracast to display content from smart devices on the projector's large screen. For a full-film surround sound experience, the LG Home Theater Projector comes with a Bluetooth audio output that seamlessly connects to smart speakers.
Smart Design
With a large image up to 120 inches in diameter, the full cinematic viewing experience comes from an ultra-soft projector that weighs only 4.6 pounds. The "built-in based design" is truly unique and since it is a well-polished unit and has a modern look - it fits well into any living/entertainment room. Like most LG products, it strikes the perfect balance between high-tech devices and a sense of style with them, and it also makes it easy to integrate into any smart home.
Technology
Equipped with an advanced I-shaped laser engine powered by Keystone Alignment technology, you will never experience a bad image in the 20,000 hours of production. Alignment automatically detects and corrects any distortion in the screen image – making the viewing experience worry-free for everyone.
The ProBeam laser projector is accompanied by a modern remote control that powers the LG Smart TV interface webOS.
The bare minimum
Due to the limitations of the projector's poor resolution, the award-winning and readily available webOS platform has been accessed, you have pretty much everything you need for a user-friendly and highly intuitive home theater experience. Sure, the 4K image resolution could have been great, but is it a deal breakdown? I do not think so. There are too many bells and whistles that come with this compact and lightweight laser projector that seems to like to merge with other smart devices.
There's something really special about pulling the screen, turning on an HD projector, and watching a new release. The experience cannot be repeated by a flat-screen TV.
Advantages and disadvantages
Full HD (1920 × 1080)
Wireless connection (Android devices, laptops)
Bluetooth audio output
Up to 2000 lm
20,000 lamp lifetime hours
HDMI, RGB, USB, S/PDIF (OPTICAL) ports
4K image could have been better
With an ever-increasing range of great projectors entering the market over the past few years, only devices with amazing image quality stand out from the competition. Equipped with the latest DLP technology and Rec cinematic color sound. 709 image quality, the BenQ HT3050 is one of the best projectors of 2017 at a price just under $1000.
Smart design from BenQ
Why is it considered one of the best projectors? The HT3050 has a 1920×1080p HD resolution and a 15,000:1 contrast ratio. With a display size anywhere between 60 – 180 to maintain crystal clarity "Cinematic Color Rec. in 709-inch quality, the BenQ projector "looks as good as real life." If you're interested in having a late-night live show on Friday the thirteenth of Halloween, you can scale the image all the way up to 300 degrees – although the resolution of the image is compromised.
performance
Built around a single DLP chip instead of the standard 3 LCD displays, the HT3050 offers viewers a 1.3x zoom function and a color standard second to none in the price range. With a vertical lens shift that allows you to move the image up and down without moving the projector, the HT3050 displays 2000 lumens that literally pop up from the screen. This affordable projector is a premium projector when the lights are off, and it's the perfect companion for a home entertainment center – especially if you have stereo surround sound.
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Armed with a full arsenal of ports that include RGB component slots with L/R audio, two HDMI 1.4 MHL ports, one LAN, a computer connection, a USB 2.0 port, and 3.5mm audio, the BenQ HT3050 is a highly compatible projector whether it's gaming or connected to Sonos headphones. Since we are talking about this topic, the HT3050 has an impressive response time of up to 10ms for gaming with little or no blur during the connection. As projectors advance, gaming performance is top-notch.
If there is any downside to the BenQ HT3050 home theater projector, it should be its user interface. It wasn't a deal breaker per se, but choosing to use an on-board display versus a contemporary "dashboard style" interface was a bit misleading. From the initial Keystone setup to repositioning images to fit the screen, there seems to be a disconnect between the remote control and menu options in the settings. Some functions are stored only in the settings and others only on the remote control. So you really need to know your remote control to get the most out of the HT3050.
User Interface
With that being said, what the HT3050 lacks in UI mastery, it more than compensates for it with amazing image quality. As the post-production industry standard for how the colors of shows and movies are balanced, the Rec. 709 stands for a consistent viewing experience across any device. Whether it's an all-glass cinema lens or a contrast of 15,000:1, the HT3050 meets the basic standard standards for cinematic image quality. The inclusion of the Cinematic Color Rec takes the BenQ project to a whole new level – setting itself apart from the competition when it comes to image quality.
Advantages and disadvantages
Full HD (1920 × 1080)
Up to 2000 lm
HDMI, RGB, USB, LAN and PC ports
15000:1 Contrast Quota
Cinematic color Rec. 709 Modulation
Full glass, cinematic lens
The onboard display is not easy to use
If the projector is equipped with Movie Rec. 709 and less than $ 1000, it is worth considering. That's why Viewsonic PRO7827HD received iReviews approval for one of the best projectors currently on the market in 2017. With starry black color levels, an incredible contrast ratio, and best-in-class connectivity, the Viewsonic DLP is a projector that you can actually do just under $800. With that being said, if you are a serious gamer or an avid movie lover, you may have trouble with substandard video processing time.
Smart design features
First, let's talk about the good stuff and there's a lot to go through. Viewsonic compatible with 3D displays an impressive resolution of 1080p and since it's a short distance, you can view larger images in smaller areas – making this device easy to carry. Capable of 2200 lumens and 1.3x manual zoom, this projector is not limited to dark rooms - it actually has a very clear image in daylight.
Owners have the advantages of vertical lens shift feature – allowing you to position the projector higher or lower relative to the screen. Armed with a lamp (in normal mode) that can last 3500 hours of use, you can get some good viewing miles from the lamp before replacing it, which as we all know can be an expensive endeavor. Lamp life can be extended through dimming modes – making this a more affordable projector.
ViewSonic Technology
From the feature of a vertical lens to a distance of 120 degrees to three-dimensional capability, the Viewsonic 7827 comes with a full arsenal of bells and whistles. Without having to use the Keystone control – known for its ability to compromise image quality – you can set up a high-quality image in minutes with a black level second to none in this price range.
As mentioned earlier, Move Rec is the default app for Viewsonic. 709 puts the projector in an elite class that ensures improved color quality. Although the BenQ 3050 has a more consistent color balance, Viewsonic compensates for it with darker depths and impressive contrast. Most reviewers put Viewsonic dark scales on top of both the Epson 2045 and Optoma HD142X – making Star Wars' next Blu-ray show even more appealing.
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Equipped with three HDMI, USB, two AV inputs, MHL, and an analog PC RGB port, Viewsonic is ready to connect to any entertainment device. One of the coolest features: Viewsonic comes with a port hidden behind a hole at the top – specifically designed to "stream multimedia content separately from a perfect wireless dongle." This is perfect for TV streaming enthusiasts who need an HDMI connection and a USB port. Whether you have the Roku Streaming Stick, Amazon Fire Stick, AppleTV, or ChromeCast, you can neatly place the device in a hidden slot for easy access from mounted Viewsonic Viewsonics.
Performance issues
The knockout on Viewsonic PRO7827 is sub-par video processing speeds. From a little flipping during onscreen pans in movies that are shown in 1080p/24 resolution to a 50ms play lag, this may not be the projector for a serious player or an extreme movie movie. With average input lag for projectors that hover around 33/34ms, Viewsonic performance is a bit disappointing.
Final Thoughts
For a projector that uses DLP instead of LCD technology, Viewsonic outperforms the competition, especially in the category of less than $1,000. With best-in-class connectivity and its virtual movie recording. 709, you have a great home theater projector with a short projection that works well with Blu-ray, streaming devices, and surround speakers.
Advantages and disadvantages
Full HD 1080p resolution
Up to 2200 lumens
HDMI, RGB, USB, LAN and PC ports
Vertical lens conversion technology
Cinematic color Rec. 709 Modulation
Lamp life 3500 hours
Compatible with three-dimensional
Unequal video processing latency
For the budget-friendly consumer who wants to have all the bells and whistles that come with DLP projector technology without compromising the 1080p image quality, look no further than the Optoma HD142X . Priced at around $550, this high-resolution projector competes with its more expensive competitors BenQ HT3050 and Viewsonic PRO7827HD with only some subtle differences when it comes to image brightness, color balance, and contrast.
Smart Design
Being "the best value among 1080 projectors," the Optoma HD142X isn't short-range but instead fills a 120-inch diagonal screen with its oversized image. The large 1080p image corresponds to Rec. 709 color quality and with it 3000 lumens, it is bright enough both in the daytime and in the dark room.
Designed to be super portable, the 11.7×9×3.8" (WHD) projector is the smallest 1080p projector that weighs just 5.5 pounds – making this stunning versatile unit easy to transport to neighbors for a big game or movie night. However, if space is a concern, the HD142X displays a large-sized image that may not be suitable for small rooms. It would be like sitting in the front row of a movie theater or actually watching a football match on the 50-yard line.
Optoma Technology and Connectivity
With a three-dimensional viewing option, the Optoma projector uses a DLP link to turn your world on screen into an immersive experience. All you need is just a set of three-dimensional glasses and a copy of Jaws on Blu-Ray. Equipped with two HDMI and MHL inputs and a USB port for the mouse only, the HD142X relies heavily on HDMI connectivity. Perfect for live sports, TV shows, and movies on the big screen, Optoma allows easy connectivity to laptops, computers, Blu-ray players, media streaming devices, and game consoles.
With an input lag of 33/34 ms, the HD142X is on par with the video processing performance of projectors in the low to mid-thousand-dollar range. The combination of Rec. 709 colors, built-in speakers, and impressive lag time makes the HD142X one of the best deals for gamers on a budget.
performance
As for the longevity of the lamp, Optoma claims that it can get 8,000 hours from its lamp using different modes (5,000 hours if it is the brightest mode). Compared to other projectors, BenQ and Viewsonic have a more expensive lamp and neither have the same lasting power – so you get a pretty great deal when it's time to finally replace the Optoma lamp at $170.
When it comes to image quality, which is arguably the most important feature when it comes to DLPs, the Optoma looks amazing on large screens. From sharp edges to no concerns about visible pixels (screen door effect), the HD142X has a lot of upside, especially compared to other 1080 DLPs. Since Viewsonic has a slight advantage over color brightness and BenQ 3050 drops a deeper shade of black, the difference in image quality is barely noticeable and in no way spoils the deal.
The bare minimum
The Optoma HD142X DLP is an ideal projector for the budget-conscious consumer looking for 1080p HD image quality.
Advantages and disadvantages
Full HD 1080p resolution
Up to 3000 lumens
HDMI, mouse only USB, MHL
Cinematic color Rec. 709 Modulation
5000 hours of lamp life
Compatible with three-dimensional
Portable (lightweight)
No vertical lens conversion technology
