If you’re building or upgrading your home theater, adding a 4K projector can take your viewing experience to the next level.
Bringing the theater to your living room requires a projector that combines clarity, scale and quality, ensuring that your movie marathons are top-notch.
Even smaller rooms can feel larger when using today’s short throw models. All you need are surround sound speakers and you’re good to go.
With one of today’s top 4K projectors, you’ll be hooked the second you settle in to watch your favorite movie.
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Grab some popcorn and transform your living space into your own personal theater with one of our picks for the best 4K projectors.
Top 4K Projectors
Whether you’re looking for affordability, a mind-blowing image or portability, we’ve got you covered. Here are the seven best 4K projectors.
1. Epson Home Cinema 5050 UBe
- Resolution: 4K Pro UHD (pixel shift)
- HDR: Full 10-bit HDR
- Contrast Ratio: 1,000,000:1
- Lamp: 2,600 Lumens
Specs
Resolution | 4K Pro UHD (pixel shift) |
HDR | Full 10-bit HDR |
Contrast Ratio | 1,000,000:1 |
Lamp | 2,600 Lumens |
With a 3-chip design including advanced 3LCD technology, the Epson Home Cinema 5050 UBe displays 100% of the RGB color signal in every frame. This gives all the colors life while maintaining brightness.
The 5050 UBe uses pixel-shifting to control three individual high-definition LCD chips that parallel process millions of pixels, which means you get a super sharp 4K visual experience.
This projector stays sharp, so you can effortlessly go from an 80 inch to 120-inch screen or larger. It comes with a 3-axis motorized precision lens, which can shift 47% left to right and 96% up and down after installation.
Once you set the zoom and focus, you can store all the settings into one of the ten lens memory presets for easy setup every time.
This device comes with the Epson WirelessHD transmitter, which includes a wireless HDMI hub with four inputs. It gives you freedom from needing to run HDMI cables everywhere.
You’ll be able to connect just about anything and watch with incredible clarity on a huge projector screen. This is the Cadillac of 4K projectors and offers everything you could possibly need.
Pros
- Sharp picture with precision color
- Lens memory presets
- Wireless HDMI hub, with USB and PC connectivity
- 3D capable
Cons
- Pixel-shifting, not native 4K
- Heavy
2. Sony VPL-VW715ES
- 4K PRO-UHD (1) Projection technology — a new type of 4K home theater experience, utilizing advanced...
- True 3-chip projector design — Advanced 3LCD technology displays 100 percent of the RGB color signal...
- 4K resolution processing — pixel-shifting technology precisely controls three individual,...
Specs
Resolution | Full 4K |
HDR | Yes (dynamic HDR enhancer and HDR reference mode) |
Contrast Ratio | 350,000:1 |
Lamp | 1,800 Lumens |
Sony’s X1 image processing uses algorithms to cut noise and boost detail by analyzing every frame, while their HDR enhancer creates a wider contrast scene by scene.
The overall picture quality has brighter colors and deeper blacks, and Sony really shines a light on contrast with the VPL-VW715ES. Motionflow allows for smooth motion for 4K and HD.
What makes this 4K projector really great for gamers is the input lag reduction. It allows for faster response times for real-time gaming, whereas some projectors have up to an 11 second lag time.
We highly recommend either of the Sony models on this list for a quality gaming experience.
This projector offers excellent corner-to-corner sharpness. However, it does require a fiber optic HDMI cable for the best picture quality.
The picture position memory stores your lens focus, zoom and shift settings for up to five different screen formats. It’s easy to simply set it and adjust it automatically.
Pros
- Sony X1 image processing
- Motionflow
- Input lag reduction
Cons
- Expensive compared to similar projectors
3. JVC DLA-NP5 D-ILA
- Item Package Dimension - 26.0L x 25.0W x 16.0H inches
- Item Package Weight - 52.55 Pounds
- Item Package Quantity - 1
Specs
Resolution | Native 4K |
HDR | Yes |
Contrast Ratio | 40,000:1 |
Lamp | 1,900 Lumens |
JVC has some of the best projectors on the market. You really can’t go wrong with any of their D-ILA devices.
They offer smooth color blending and the best black levels. Their focus on contrast control and HDR support make the picture brilliant, and the native 4K really can’t be beaten.
The fully motorized all-glass zoom lens focuses an image between 60 inches and 200 inches away. Focus and zoom can be done from the remote control.
We love this capability because you can shift from wherever you’re sitting rather than having to get up, adjust, sit down, check, and repeat.
The motorized lens, to-the-point menu system, and usable present picture modes allow for a super easy setup. Keep in mind that it does require proper installation, so check your theater room and plan accordingly.
We would suggest professional installation since this is an investment piece and you want it tightly secured.
This projector will knock your socks off if you have a light-treated, super-dark room. You won’t find picture clarity like this one, but it underperforms in a regular living room and other brightly lit places.
If you are looking for gorgeous pictures in dark rooms, this is the perfect home theater projector.
Pros
- Beautiful color control and deep blacks
- Remote-controlled focus and zoom
Cons
- Add-on is required to use 3D
- Fan is a little noisy on high lamp mode
4. Epson Home Cinema 3200
- 4K PRO-UHD (1) Projection technology — a new type of 4K home theater experience, utilizing advanced...
- True 3-chip projector design — Advanced 3LCD technology displays 100 percent of the RGB color signal...
- 4K resolution processing — pixel-shifting technology precisely controls three individual,...
Specs
Resolution | 4K Pro UHD (pixel shift) |
HDR | Yes (full 10-bit) |
Contrast Ratio | 40,000:1 |
Lamp | 3,000 Lumens |
While this is an entry-level 4K projector from Epson, it still packs an incredible punch. The HDR handling and deeper blacks are quite good, especially at this price point.
It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the more expensive models, but It’s a fabulous projector, especially in a darkened room.
This option boasts Epson’s 3LCD 4K PRO-UHD projector system. There is one 0.61 LCD panel for each of the primary colors, and these use pixel-shifting technology to create the 4K image.
Of course, it’s not quite as good as native 4K. Fortunately, the HDR contrast more than makes up for the difference. You’ll hardly be able to tell that it’s using pixel shifting.
There is no motorized lens, so the focus, zoom and shift are all done manually. Once you have the unit where you want it, the lens shift can move the image by 60% up and down and 24% left to right.
This can be a downside, but it can be overlooked for an entry-level projector.
Zoom allows you to produce an image between 40 inches and 500 inches, and this projector doesn’t require heavy-duty housing units to install. It does well from any shelf or rack.
It even has two HDMI sockets, two USB ports and the ability to send audio through Bluetooth or a 3.5mm cable.
Pros
- Strong 4K and HD detail
- Flexible for positioningl
Cons
- No 4K motion processing
- No motorized lens
5. Sony VW325ES
- X1 processor for projector brings you the best of Sony’s image processing
- Dynamic HDR Enhancer brings a wider contrast range scene by scene for striking and realistic picture...
- Full Native 4K resolution on 3 SXRD imagers: 4096 x 2160 pixels each
Specs
Resolution | Native 4K |
HDR | Yes |
Contrast Ratio | N/A |
Lamp | 1,500 Lumen |
Like the Sony VPL-VW715ES, the VW325ES has Sony’s best X1 Processor. This produces dynamic HDR and Motionflow for smooth motion processing in 4K and HD.
The advanced reality creation for upscaling is a feature required at this price point, and it reminds you why you dropped the money you did on this model.
Catering to gamers, the input lag reduction ensures faster refresh rates, while the TRILUMINOS display creates rich colors and dynamic blacks.
The VW325ES creates screen sizes up to 200 inches with a motorized lens. You can set it right from your couch or theater seating arrangement.
This projector’s native 4K is incredible, and the contrast makes the brightness pop even though the lamp has a lower output than most.
It also creates beautiful blacks, so you’ll love this option if dark, moody movies are your thing.
Pros
- Amazing black levels
- Great upscaling
- Smooth motion processing so no jarring
Cons
- Need total light control in your room to experience sharp colors
- Slightly higher price
6. Epson Home Cinema 4010
- TRUE 3 CHIP PROJECTOR DESIGN – Advanced 3LCD technology displays 100% of the RGB color signal for every...
- 4K RESOLUTION PROCESSING – Advanced pixel shifting technology precisely controls three individual high...
- HDR PROCESSING – Full 10 bit HDR (3) color processing accepting 100% of the HDR source information to...
Specs
Resolution | Full HD with “4K Enhancement” |
HDR | Yes (full 10-bit) |
Contrast Ratio | 200,000:1 |
Lamp | 2,400 Lumen |
While this is not technically a native 4K projector since it only sports a Full HD chip, the Epson Home Cinema 4010 still supports 4K and HDR content with its brilliant 4K enhancement technology.
If you compare it to a native 4K model, it will likely lack some finesse. However, it has an incredible picture for the price.
Like the other Epson models, it uses 3LCD technology for pixel shifting.
This projector comes with a motorized lens and remote control, allowing for easy setup to experience crisp colors and nice rich blacks.
It’s easy to focus a screen from 80 inches to 120 inches and larger without sacrificing quality.
Ultimately, this is a solid middle ground choice between quality and price.
Pros
- Dynamic picture with rich colors
- Electronic lens shift
Cons
- Not full 4K
- Need to purchase 3D equipment separately
7. LG HU85LA
- 4K UHD (3840x2160) Display.HDCP 2.2.HDCP 2.2
- Up to 2700 ANSI Lumens brightness - laser projector (Class 1 laser)
- Display a 120” Screen from just 7. 2 inch away from projector surface
Specs
Resolution | 4K Ultra HD |
HDR | HDR10 Compatible |
Contrast Ratio | 2,000,000:1 |
Lamp | 2,700 Lumen |
The LG HU85LA is your take-anywhere 4K projector. Set it up on a table, the floor, outside, or in any room. Take it and go from your basement to your bedroom, cast on a ceiling, or set it up outside.
Even when you cast the image at just 7.2 inches away, the picture is crisp and rich. It does really well in most lighting conditions.
In fact, of all the projectors on this list, this LG model did the best with brightly lit rooms, outdoors, and ambient lighting.
TruMotion helps increase the refresh rate to reduce motion blur in fast action images, like sports, movies, and gaming. We did notice some jarring, but not as much as was expected for a portable projector.
LG also has an exclusive Smart TV streaming platform, and the included Magic Remote makes navigation easy. Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime, and other apps are available.
You can even wirelessly screen-share videos over WiFi. With several connections available, there’s really nothing you can’t watch on this device.
Pros
- TruMotion gives a great refresh rate for a portable
- Works really well in all kinds of lighting
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Alexa Built-In
Cons
- No lens shift
- No option for bulb replacement
8. Optoma UHD35x True 4K
- TRUE 4K ULTRA HD: Experience high-quality home cinema feel with 4K Ultra HD with 8.3 million distinct...
- LAG-FREE GAMING: Ultra-fast 240Hz gaming for blur-free visuals and unparalleled smoothness––combined...
- HDR & HLG COMPATIBLE: Enjoy brighter whites and deeper black levels for an enhanced viewing experience of...
Specs:
Resolution | True 4K UHD |
HDR | HDR10 |
Contrast Ratio | 1,000,000:1 |
Lamp | 3,600 Lumens |
Optoma’s UHD35x True 4K is an ultrafast 4K projector that’s optimized for gaming, thanks to the reduction in lag down to 4.2ms at 1080p. Enjoy blur-free visuals and smooth image transitions on a huge screen with 3,600 lumens.
HDR10 and HLG compatibility means you’ll see vivid 4K UHD content. HDR tone mapping and Dynamic Black technology lends to brighter whites and deeper blacks, as well as true-to-life color. No more undetailed dark scenes. It’s a truly immersive experience.
With 8.3 million distinct, addressable on-screen pixels, you’ll get double the resolution when compared to the 4K Pro UHD. Project on screens up to 300 inches with sharp detail and vibrant color. The 8-segment color wheel increases the ratio for richer color.
HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2 support covers connections to just about anything 4K. It has a super simple setup, whether you mount it on the ceiling or a table the 1.1x zoom and 40 degree keystone correction gets the picture just right.
A lamp life up to 15,000 hours means you’ll get to enjoy this projector worry free for years to come.
Pros
- Virtually lag-free gaming
- HDR tone mapping and Dynamic Black technology
- 120” image from approximately 13.1 feet, up to 300”
Cons
- No lens shift
- Fan is loud at highest settings
9. BenQ V7050i 4K Laser
- UPGRADE TO TRUE 4K: 2500 ANSI Lumens powered by DMD ECD for comfortable viewing in brightly lit rooms....
- ULTRA SHORT THROW: 100” projection size at 8.7" projection distance; up to 123“ projection size. The...
- MOVIE NIGHT: Unique 98% DCI-P3 super wide color gamut and HDR-PRO technology delivers vibrant color...
Specs
Resolution | True 4K UHD |
HDR | HDR-PRO |
Contrast Ratio | 2,000,000:1 |
Lamp | 2,500 ANSI Lumens |
The BenQ V7050i 4K Laser projector makes viewing in lit rooms a pleasure, thanks to the 2500 ANSI lumens. 8.3 million pixels project beautiful images in sharp detail. This is one of the best ultra short throw projectors out there, with 100” projection size at 8.7” projection distance.
HDR-PRO technology ensures quality color and clarity, and access to Android TV makes streaming content easy. Netflix is not native on this one, but is available through Google Chrome browser or via HDMI.
DLP technology inside is the same tech used in 90% of the world’s theaters, and 100% of digital IMAX theaters. That means incredible images, sharp and crisp, without losing anything for a long time to come.
Pros
- 8.3 million pixels and DLP technology for stunning pictures
- Excellent quality short throw
Cons
- Netflix is not available natively
10. BenQ TK800M 4K UHD
- 4K PROJECTION TECHNOLOGY - 8.3 million distinct pixels deliver awe-inspiring 4K UHD image quality with...
- DLP BETTER BY DESIGN - DLP Technology provides a better image resolution and quality without the...
- PLAY GAMES IN 4K.: Play your favorite console games in sharp 4K and picture quality. Lower input lag on...
Specs
Resolution | True 4K UHD |
HDR | HDR 10 |
Contrast Ratio | 10,000:1 |
Lamp | 3000 Lumens |
Finally, the BenQ TK800M 4K UHD projector is great for high action sports and gaming. With 8.3 million pixels and 3840×2160 resolution, the details are crisp and clear.
New 0.47” DMD technology, an all-glass, 4K-optimized lens array, and low-dispersion lens coating all collate into an image experience that has to be seen to be believed.
HDR10 and HLG support with an exclusive projector-optimized HDR changes the game in contrast range and image optimization. 10,000:1 image contrast ratio and 3,000 lumens deliver the best you can get in high action imagery.
The powerful 5-watt speaker provides greater sound than most projectors, and the combination of a solid sound and incredible visual makes this a great projector for your home.
Pros
- 8.3 million pixels and HDR 10 for detailed picture
- Powerful speaker
Cons
- None at this price
Summary
When deciding which 4K projector to buy, consider what kind of space you have, your lighting, the amount of room you have and how light-controlled your room is.
Do you need something portable? Are you a gamer? Do you want the absolute best image? Or will a great picture at an affordable price suffice?
Once you know what your needs are, you can choose any one of the 4K projectors on this list and be confident you’re making an excellent choice.
Get your favorite snacks, pick some movies you love and get ready to have a home theater you’ll never want to leave.