Whenever it comes to choosing the best projector under 400 most people prefer the projectors having an attractive price tag. However, they forget to check out some damn important attributes that would make it… an ideal purchase!
Well, it’s understandable that it becomes very difficult for anyone to select the best projector under 400 among such a variety of projectors. Especially if you don’t know the requirements to match your needs.
As you can see if you need a projector for image tracing then you better look for the best projector for image tracing. On the contrary, there are also some best cheap projectors under 50; ideal for users looking for cheap projectors having all the basic features.
Lucky for you Projectors Rating is here to get you through. At the end of this article, you’ll be able to select the projector that suits you most under this budget.
Buying guide for the best projector under 400$
As we mentioned earlier it’ll be nearly impossible for you to get the best projector under 400 from the market. Especially if you don’t know the requirements to match your needs.
In short, the features would be the primary consideration in conjunction with how you intend to use the projector. Although you could make a more comprehensive selection by going through the requirements given below:
Display technology
Generally, the display technology you will encounter in any projector could be any two forms. Either it’ll be digital light processing (DLP) or a liquid crystal display (LCD). Here you better know that all DLP projectors use micromirrors and a spinning color wheel to project images.
At the same time, the DLP projectors are also more lighter and compact than the LCD projectors. Plus you could also expect a higher contrast in the DLP projectors as well. Finally, you could also benefit from the 3D capabilities while using it.
However, it also has some downsides as well. Sometimes you may experience rainbow effects during the display – especially if you move away from the projected screen
Moreover, the brightness of the DLP projectors is also uneven and the light colors are almost always stronger than their dark counterparts. Therefore color transition might be a big problem while using the DLP projectors
On the other hand, the LCD projectors could offer a quite sharp image projection with richer colors. At the same time, the color transition is also quite uniform throughout the operation — with no composed moving parts. Though the users still don’t prefer it due to its bulkiness and poorer contrast.
Brightness
The brightness of the projector will depend upon the purpose you need it for. As you can see for a location a projector with 1000 ANSI lumens would be far more than enough. However, for lit spaces or outdoors you’re going to need a projector with 2500-3000 lumens.
Contrast
The contrast ratio is very important for the sake of image detailing; projection with effective image detailing could take the viewing experience to the next level. Therefore higher the contrast ratio higher will be the image detailing you’ll get throughout the projection.
However, just for the sake of reference the projector selected by you must have a contrast ratio of 2000:1 or higher.
Resolution
Again the resolution depends upon for what purpose the projector is needed. In case you need a projector just for office presentations then you could have a suitable display @ 800 x 600 pixels.
On the contrary, for any other purpose such as movies or gaming, you’re going to need projectors with higher resolution.
Throw distance
While selecting a projector you must also know the location where the projector would be placed. And how far the project should be from the screen. For instance, if you’re placing the projector in a small room then even a shorter throw distance would be enough.
On the other hand, if you’re planning to use it in a hall, stadium, or any large place then you need the maximum throw distance.
Top 5 best projectors under 400$
Today projectors are the best way to do a lot of stuff. Such as explaining you’re ideas in the form of a presentation, enjoying movies with friends and families, or playing games. So if you need the projector for any of this stuff then select your projector from the list given below:
# | Product | Rating | Price |
1 | ViewSonic PA503W Editor's choice | ||
2 | YARBER Y21 | ||
3 | Epson EX3260 | ||
4 | Optoma S334e | ||
5 | Epson Home Cinema 660 |
1. ViewSonic PA503W (Best projector under 400$ With Bright Images)
While designing the projector the manufacturers have paid special attention to the concept and design including DLP technology – one of its core features. At the same time, this movie projector also includes a 3D Blu-ray Ready HDMI Input where again the DLP display plays an important role.
Features
| Rated Brightness | 3800 lumens |
| Inputs & Interfaces | Input: Computer in (share with component): 2 Composite: 1 Audio-in (3.5mm): 1 HDMI: 1 (Back)
Output: |
| Engine Type | DC3 |
| Supported Resolution | VGA(640 x 480) to FullHD(1920 x 1080) |
| Contrast ratio | 22000:1 |
| Throw Ratio | 1.55~1.70 |
| Lamp life | 5,000 hours / 15,000 hours (Nor/SuperEco) |
Superior Contrast Ratio With Long Lasting Lamp Life
Well, the party is just begun as you can see it’ll be impossible for you to get such a superior contrast ratio at such a reasonable price.
Moreover, the manufacturers have solved one of the biggest downsides of the DLP technology by achieving a 15,000 hours lamp life for the device. Therefore it’ll be a complete package for movies having a superior contrast ratio with long-lasting lamp life. So it is the best for wedding functions.
No Chance of Distorted Images
Furthermore, there would be no chance of distorted images as well. All thanks to its vertical keystone correction.
Brightness Isn’t Shabby Either
At the same time the brightness isn’t shabby either and only one other projector listed could boast of more. So you’ll be appreciating the clear images you’ll get in outdoors while using it.
Sorted Colors With Compatibility & Resolution
On the other hand, the colors seem to be sorted with the 6 segment color wheel doing all the heavy lifting for you. While the device is also way compatible with PCs, mobiles, and Macs.
Plus the resolution also seems to be worth enough as compared to the other projectors under 400. So overall it’ll offer you sorted colors with compatibility and resolution hard to find in other projectors.
Long Term Warranty
The projector also gives you an edge over the customer service you’ll get after purchasing it. All thanks to the three years long-term warranty for most of the parts. While one year warranty for its lamp.
Final Thoughts!
Unlike other projectors, it comes with a complete package of entertaining features that you usually have on any premium projector. However, you could also use this best projector under 400 for multiple tasks such as watching movies, presentations, and vice versa.
2. YARBER Y21 (Multi-Use Projector)
The features you’ll get here make it the most impressive device you’ve ever had. As far as the resolution is concerned then you’ll be glad to know that it offers a full HD view. At the same time, it also performs optimally for the sake of brightness.
Features
| Rated Brightness | 7800 lumens |
| Inputs & Interfaces | 2 x HDMI / 2 x USB / AV / VGA / audio out 3,5mm mini-jack |
| Engine Type | LCD |
| Native Resolution | 1920 x 1080 px (Full HD) |
| Contrast ratio | 10,000:1 |
| Throw Ratio | 16:9/4:3 |
| Lamp life | 78000 hours |
| Max Resolution | 4K Ultra HD |
Therefore it won’t be fair to use it only for classroom or office setting especially when it has such impressive statistics.
Dominating Auto Vertical Correction
On the other hand, the projector also offers a dominating auto vertical correction to its users — Thanks to its 4D keystone correction.
HiFi Speakers with Stunning Compatibility
While the HiFi Speakers with stunning compatibility is more than enough to make it every user’s choice. Therefore you could connect to tons of streaming devices such as Amazon firestick, Google Chromecast, and several other devices using dual HDMI or dual USB ports.
Moreover, you could even connect to gaming consoles and smartphones by using the same dual HDMI or dual USB port.
Long-lasting lamp with Inbuilt Heat-Dissipating Fan
On the other hand, the long-lasting lamp with the inbuilt heat-dissipating fan could be extended up to 100,000 hours.
Final Thoughts!
If you’re looking for the best projector under 400 especially for home theater and several other tasks as well then it’ll prove to be a perfect companion for you. However, using such an efficient device just for the sake of presentations – won’t be fair at all.
3. Epson EX3260 (Especially Made For Presentations)
Under the budget of 400, you could also benefit from the Epson EX3260’s impressive options which makes it an impressive purchase option as well.
Features
| Rated Brightness | 3300 lumens |
| Inputs & Interfaces | HDMI |
| Engine Type | 3-chip, 3LCD Technology |
| Native Resolution | SVGA |
| Wireless | Optional |
| Vertical Keystone | Auto |
| Horizontal Keystone | Manual – Easy Slide Correction |
Relatively Easy Setup For Presentation
Unlike other projectors, it has a relatively easy setup for presentations. You can easily present your presentation by connecting it to the PC using a USB or HDMI port. Either with any of these two options, you can control the display very easily.
No Distorted Images Throughout The Presentation
On the other hand, by using the auto vertical and manual horizontal keystone correction you’ll have no distorted images throughout the presentation without even compromising the quality.
Suitable For Classrooms & Offices
Based on these factors you’ll find it extremely suitable for classrooms and offices. However, by making this purchase you could also have a free bag to take it anywhere you want.
Awesome Brightness with Longer Lamp Life
Well, we aren’t done yet. The real part of this product is just begun; as it has an awesome brightness with longer lamp life. So you could enjoy your presentations @ 3300 lumens up to the 10,000 hours of lamp life.
Reasonable Price + A Bonus Warranty
Moreover, it won’t prove to be bad for a projector at such a reasonable price + a bonus warranty of one year is welcomed by the buyers as well.
Final Thoughts!
In case if you’re looking for a projector just for the sake of classroom or office use then this luxurious projector has everything for you that you’ve ever wanted.
4. Optoma S334e (DLP Projector With Sweet Sound)
In this list, Optoma S334e is the first DLP option you would wanna go for. All because of its stunning features that are hard to find in other projectors.
Features
| Rated Brightness | 3800 lumens |
| Inputs & Interfaces | Audio In: Mini Jack
Audio Out: Mini Jack Composite: RCA HDMI 1.4a USB VGA In: Dsub-15pin |
| Engine Type | 1 cm DLP x 1 |
| Resolution | 800×600 pixels |
| Contrast ratio | 22000:1 |
| Aspect Ratio | 4:3 (SVGA) |
| Lamp life | 6,000 hours / 15,000 hours (Eco) |
Impressive Brightness
While using the projector you’ll also witness the impressive brightness you’ve ever had. However, the resolution of the projector would be short as compared to the ViewSonic PA503W. Due to this, it’ll be more useful in classrooms and offices rather than somewhere else.
Stunning lifespan with an inbuilt Speaker
At the same time, it also offers a stunning lifespan with an inbuilt speaker of 10W. So you could use the lamp for up to 15000 hours while the overall device could last for ten years; depending on how it has been used.
Easy to Carry & Install
Unlike the Anker Nebula Capsule, it’s relatively more lightweight weighing 7 pounds only. So it’ll turn out to be easy to carry and install anywhere especially in classrooms or offices… under just 3 minutes!
Wide Range of Connectivity Options
Furthermore, it also offers a wide range of connectivity options such as HDMI, audio in, VGA composite video, and USB are all options you could use.
Final Thoughts!
As compared to our top listed projectors it especially lacks in resolution. However, it could still turn out to be great for the users looking for projectors just for classrooms or offices.
5. Epson Home Cinema 660 (Projector With Quality Customer Service)
Unlike other projectors, it has almost similar features as you’ll usually find in the Epson EX3260. At the same time, there isn’t even any difference in the lamp life, brightness, contrast, and resolution as well.
Features
| Projection System | 3LCD |
| Projection Method | Front, rear, ceiling |
| Brightness | White: 3300 lumens Color: 3300 lumens |
| Dynamic Contrast Ratio | Up to 15,000:1 |
| Native Resolution | SVGA (800 x 600) |
Having an Edge over Epson EX3260’s
However, it has an edge over EX3260s in terms of warranty; as it offers a two-year warranty in contrast to the EX3260’s one-year coverage. Moreover, the HDMI support included in it allows you to link up with gaming consoles, blu-ray disk players, streaming devices, and several other options as well.
See also: Connect External hard drive to a projector
Home Cinema Experience
Furthermore while using it you could also have an improved home cinema experience — Thanks to the noise-free fans.
Final Thoughts!
In case if you want a projector for weekend movies night with your friends and family then it could prove to be a remarkable choice for you.
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)
What can I get from a projector under 400$?
While using projectors under this price range you can’t expect high-resolution options and mostly end up on 1920 x 1080 pixels WUXGA. Similarly, the functionality of the projectors under this budget might also be very limited. So don’t keep your expectations very high.
Although you could expect full performance for tasks such as lecture, presentation, and even watching movies.
Do I’ll also have to buy additional speakers for my projector?
Some of the projectors have their own inbuilt speakers while others don’t. Even if you have a projector with speakers it isn’t necessary that it has enough reach. Therefore if you use scenarios that need you to have speakers don’t hesitate to purchase them. However, the speakers may be unnecessary with the examples of a slide presentation.
Conclusion
At the end of the topic if you’re looking for the best projector under 400$ for all-around use then there is no better choice than ViewSonic PA503W.
On the other hand, the YARBER Y21 could prove to be a stunning device for gaming. However, if you’re looking for a presentation projector then you could give it a try on the Epson EX3260.