Decades back, flat-screen TVs were kings. They dominated the home entertainment market, but the rise of the 3-dimensional film has transformed home movie projectors from how we used to know them.
Today’s technology allows for hyper-realistic images at high resolution from projectors. In fact, if you don’t have space for anything other than a compact little TV, a projector may be your best bet.
The best 3D projector will work best on a screen; any flat surface will also work perfectly. There are a number of 3D projectors on the market; we have reviewed the best 7 with excellent image quality and value. Sit back, relax and choose what suits you best.
Top Pick
BenQ Short Throw
- 2200 Lumens of Brightness
- Display Color: 1. 07 Billion Colors
- Ratio (FOFO): 15000: 1
- Native 1080p Full HD image quality
Best 3D Projector for 2022 Review: Key Features, Pros, and Cons
A crisp and huge picture, the best sofa in the house, and no external interference – your own personal cinema is something we all desire. The key to this beautiful experience is choosing a top-of-the-line 3d projector that provides excellent picture quality and at a very good price. The table below describes the best 7 projectors at a glance.
| IMAGE | NAME & Details | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| BenQ Short Throw Projector |
| Check The Price |
| ViewSonic 3200 Lumens Home Theater Projector |
| Check The Price |
| Optoma HD146X High Performance Projector |
| Check The Price |
| Acer H5382BD Home Theater Projector |
| Check The Price |
| WOWOTO Mini 3D Portable Projector |
| Check The Price |
| Optoma HD28HDR Home Theater Projector |
| Check The Price |
| Epson 2150 Home Cinema |
| Check The Price |
1. BenQ Short Throw Projector
Highlighted features
- 2200 Lumens of Brightness
- Display Color: 1. 07 Billion Colors
- Ratio (FOFO): 15000: 1
- Native 1080p Full HD image quality
Gamers are the highest users of 3D dedicated projections because of the unique combination of cinema-quality cutscenes and hyper-realistic graphics in gameplay design. It creates an immersive and engaging environment that is found nowhere else. The BenQ Short-throw Projector is perfect in this regard. It comes with an exceptional 16 ms lag time; users will never have to deal with stuttering or artifacts obscuring your image.
It lives up to its name, “short-throw projector,” because it can project a 100” image from only 5.5 feet away. The color representation is simply insane; even when you watch a 2D movie, you get a rich saturation that is only available on a high-end 4k projector.
Slot in a 3D movie on DVD, and grab a bowl of popcorn; this projector will suck you right on the action. It is designed to stream wireless from your preferred source through HDMI WiFi. You can watch what you want when you want on your own terms. Plus, it comes with a two-year warranty.
Pros
- This product is a true short-throw 3D projector.
- It comes with a three years manufacturer guarantee
- The projector is perfect for cinematic views and gaming.
- The design is slim and compact.
Cons
- Lens has a tendency to get dusty, particularly when ceiling mounted.
2. ViewSonic 3200 Lumens Home Theater Projector
Highlighted features
- Full HD (1920x1080p)
- 3,500 ANSI Lumens
- Screen Size Range: 30″-300″
- SuperColor
ViewSonic is a renowned high-quality 3D projector manufacturer. The ViewSonic 3200 Lumens is one of the best 3D projectors that have a rich blend of high-end features and pricing on the market today. It transmits excellent clarity and color with 1080P resolution and full 3-dimensional viewing integration. Setting up this unit is super-easy and can display images from set-top boxes, PCs, gaming consoles, and Blu-ray players.
Gamers will absolutely love this projector. It has a lag speed of just 16.4 ms, one of the lowest in the industry. As a result, what you get is astonishingly smooth graphics on a big screen. It can give high-quality graphics on small screens of 30” up to a monstrous 300” widescreen. This product performs best for screens of 100” placed at a distance of 8.9 feet.
The ViewSonic 3200 Lumens streams wirelessly using an MHL connector or an HDMI WiFi dongle. It is one of the most portables, weighing just 5.3 lbs.
Pros
- This unit projects high-quality images found only in high-end projectors and for a fraction of the price.
- It is portable and lightweight.
- The setup is easy and does not require special skills.
- It comes with dual HDMI ports making multiple hook-ups possible.
Cons
- Some users complain about the nosiness of the fan.
3. Optoma HD146X High-Performance Projector
Highlighted features
- 25,000:1 contrast ratio
- 1080p resolution
- Up to 15,000 hours Lamp Life
- HDTV color quality with REC.709
If you are on the market for an incredible projector at a budget price, you should check out Optoma HD146X High performer. This 3-dimensional projector is one of the cheapest on this list and on the market in 2022. But, do not take anything away from this projector; it is not short on high-quality features and boasts exceptional image quality that is sure to upgrade your in-home theater experience.
This projector provides hyper-realistic color using a proprietary single-chip DLP design. The manufacturers rate the Optoma HD146X High performer to produce 3,600 lumens of brightness enough for a standard room or for use in a classroom or office. Its 1080P resolution property allows it to transmit razor-sharp images, bright colors, and deep black shades to enhance your cinematic experience.
In addition, this product supports frame rates of 144 Hz; gamers will love this. There will be no stutter or lag of any kind. Combine these advanced features with its dedicated advanced Gaming Mode; what you get is exceptional graphics and a pleasurable viewing experience at all times.
Pros
- This projector is reasonably priced.
- It is perfect for use in classrooms and offices with lighting higher than what obtains in a standard room.
- It comes with an enhanced gaming mode perfect for gameplay.
Cons
- It is difficult to get replacement lamps.
4. Acer H5382BD Home Theater Projector
Highlighted features
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (Native), supports 4:3
- Projection System: DLP
- Contrast Ratio: 20000:1
- Standard lamp hours: 5000 Hours, Eco: 6000 Hours, Extreme Eco: 10,000 Hours
A whopping 3300 lumen will display crystal clear images in your living room with blinds open or during a presentation at the office. If this is too bright for you, opt for the BenQ Short-throw Projector we mentioned above with 2200 lumen of brightness.
This projector comes with a Digital Light Processing, instead of the conventional three-filter LCD. This saves you the stress of cleaning the fibers. It weighs above 5 pounds and operates at 235W power.
For excellent projection, you can connect to any HDMI/MHL source. If you intend to use it for a presentation in the office or a classroom, place it approx. 3.3 feet away from the screen. In a large room setting, set it 33.8 ft from the projected image.
The image quality will blow your mind even though this projector is reasonably priced. It displays a native 720p resolution that can step up to 1920×1200. Displaying images or HD video from cameras, phones, TVs wirelessly on the screen is a piece of cake.
Pros
- It displays an excellent image and video quality in bright light.
- The projector weighs only 5 pounds.
- It comes with a Digital Light Processing not found among its peers.
Cons
- This projector does not come with a mount.
5. WOWOTO Mini 3D Portable Projector
Highlighted features
- WiFI Double-band wifi 2.4G/5G
- 4000 Lumens of brightness
- Native Resolution of 854x480P
- Compatible Resolution with 1080P and 4K
By popular demand, WOWOTO produced a mini short-throw projector for use in presentations and boardroom settings. WOWOTO is a big brand, and you will be wowed by the quality of features it packs into this small-sized 3D projector.
Do not take anything away from this projector because it is less than one pound of weight. It connects seamlessly to any VGA or HDMI source. You can also project videos or images via a memory card, USB, and even Bluetooth. This is an effective way to avoid dealing with wires.
The WOWOTO Mini 3D Portable Projector comes with a display resolution of 854 × 480p, but it supports all types including but not limited to 1080p, HD, and the coveted 4k. You will also find 4000 ANSI lumens that display crisp images with ease. The whites are white, and the blacks are black with a 3000:1 contrast.
The best part of this 3D projector is the rechargeable battery, and the LED has a shelf life of more than 5 years.
Pros
- This projector can sit on a tripod.
- It is the cheapest 3D projector on this list.
- It comes with user-friendly controls.
- It is portable, lightweight, and can be moved at a short notice
- This 3D projector comes with a rechargeable battery.
Cons
- It comes with only one HDMI port.
- The projector does not have an external speaker.
6. Optoma HD28HDR Home Theater Projector
Highlighted features
- HDMI-CEC for Simple On/Off
- Native 1080p (1920×1080) resolution
- 50,000:1 contrast ratio
- 6-segment color wheel (RYGCWB)
The Optoma HD28HDR is a full HD 3-dimensional projector that comes with a 1080p resolution. Anytime, any day, insert a 4K HDR content, it will display it fantastically without an inch compromise in quality. It is an exceptional product with 3600 ANSI lumens of brightness. It also features an RYGCWB color wheel that ensures zero rainbow effect.
This unit is easy to mount on a ceiling, tabletop, or tripod. It can cater to the viewing needs of a huge gathering with up to 302″ with zero compromises in resolution. This projector can zoom up to 1.3 times and also feature a vertical lens shift. This ensures the lens setup project smooth and crisp images with minimum fiddling.
The Optoma HD28HDR also comes with a fast-processing speed ideal for gaming. You will enjoy 16 ms of input lag with a rapid refresh rate that provides a flicker-free motion. This projector features a Game Mode that allows you to enjoy hyper-realistic graphics with its proprietary Dynamic black technology.
Pros
- The brightness of this projector is excellent even at eco mode.
- It can be mounted on a tripod, ceiling, or tabletop.
- The product connects seamlessly to Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV to play games.
Cons
- The projector can get hot during use
7. Epson 2150 Home Cinema
Highlighted features
- Full HD 1080p
- Contrast ratio of 60,000:1
- HDMI Version 1.4
When it comes to 3d projectors Rockstar, Epson is the company you are referring to. They combine exceptional quality and fair pricing to create products that offer features mirroring high-end projectors on the market. The Epson 2150 Home Cinema is no different; it is one of the best 3d home theater projector in the market.
This projector features a manufacturer’s rated 2,500 lumens brightness that will transmit quality imagery in less-than-ideal conditions.
The full 3-dimensional capabilities make connecting your movies a snap. You can stream from an MHL-enabled device or hook up a Blu-ray player for your viewing pleasure. If you need a projector that can connect seamlessly and project from a PC, this is what you need. With an average low lag time of 29.2 ms, your games will run smoothly.
Pros
- This is a high-quality projector that is moderately priced.
- The unit is very portable and versatile.
- You can stream games or movies from wired or wireless HDMI devices
Cons
- The black color can be better.
How to Buy a 3D Projector
Budget
There is a wide-range of products on the market that suit different budgets. As you know, the higher the price, the better the quality of the product you will bring home. This does influence not only the brands you can buy but also the warranties you will receive.
Buying a great 3d projector will ensure that you will enjoy high-quality images, photographs, and videos for many years. Thanks to the improvement in technology, you can get a high-quality projector for $600 or less.
Location
Where do you intend to use this 3D projector? The location will determine the important features and specifications you need for excellent performance. A 3D projector for use in a small to a medium room will require brightness of around 1000 and 1500 lumens for optimal viewing experience.
In addition, you also need to consider natural light and the projection conditions. When it comes to projectors, the darker the space, the lesser the lumens. If the lighting in your room is normal, consider going for a projector with 2000 lumens. Please note, check the contrast ratio; any ratio from 5000:1 is excellent for a 3D projector.
Screen Resolution
This is an easy parameter to determine. Since you want to project HD quality images, look out for Full HD (16:9) with 1920 x 1080 pixels or HD (16:9) with 1280 x 720 pixels. Higher quality projector will come in 4K (16:9) with 3480 x 2160 pixels, you guessed right, they are more expensive!
3D Glasses
Some projectors come with the right glasses to see 3D images, while others do not. As a result, check if you can afford your preferred projector’s glasses or if it works fine with generic 3D glasses. Remember, you may need to see a movie with a family or two who might require additional glasses to enjoy the images.
Maintenance
Is there a piece of tech that does not require maintenance? No! When it comes to 3D projectors, pay rapt attention to the light source. There are LEDs, lasers, conventional lamps, and hybrids. The lamp is the most commonly used lighting system and requires a very high level of maintenance.
The lamp lighting system requires a high level of maintenance because it has a useful life measured in hours. All manufacturers provide information about the average lamp life that accompanies their projector. The cost implication of replacing a 3D projector lamp is not fixed. Thus, check if it is something you can easily afford. Also, ensure your projector filters are cleaned regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What type of lighting does a 3D projector use?
With the advancement in technology used in 3D projectors, there are three types of light sources and a hybrid of any two. The most affordable and common projectors transmit light through a lamp to a viewing surface. Projectors with lamp light sources are the most common. Lamps were the original tech designed to work with projectors. You will also find projectors that use lasers, LEDs, or a hybrid that project 3D images. The laser and LED-powered light sources are more expensive than projectors with lamp technology.
Q: What is the best position to install a projector?
Today’s projectors are easy to move from one place to another. However, you still need to consider the weight and dimensions of your device. Moving compact projectors is super-easy. They are also easy to install; just move them around various distances to the wall to get the right balance.
If you are setting up a projector in your living room, consider placing it on a solid support, somewhere far away from traffic. This will prevent it from damages that might result from being knocked over. It also means someone will not hinder the projection by walking in front of it at a movie’s critical point. Aim to install your projector in the middle of uninterrupted wall space for a better viewing experience.
Q: Are lumens necessary in a 3D projector?
Lumens directly influence the brightness and quality of the image your projector can emit. To get an optimal viewing experience, consider the distance and the natural lighting conditions. This directly influences the number of lumens you should aim for.
For home use, 1000 and 1500 lumens are good enough to project good quality images in a dark room. If your room is not dark, go for 2000 lumens to ensure you can still enjoy good quality images. If you want to use the device in an office or classroom, go for projectors with 3000 lumens and above.
Conclusion
The best 3d projector will change how you watch sports, movies, and video games. The ultra-clear images that these devices projects bring a different level of excitement for home entertainment. The projectors on this list will provide excellent image quality, dynamic colors, and full 3-dimensional film viewing.
Your choice will depend on how you want to use it and where. For dark rooms, all the projectors on this list will give you fantastic images. Pay attention to the throw distance of your space. Some users found a short throw distance perfect for their space. In contrast, others love it hanging from their ceiling for a more cinematic experience.
We hope you will find a projector on this list that will provide the ultimate 3D viewing pleasure for your home or space.
