The best projector for gaming in 2024

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The best projectors are not only miles ahead of the old chunky boxes of yore in terms of picture quality, but they're also considerably cheaper than they once were. Don't get us wrong - this is still an investment if you want super crisp 4K picture and smooth refresh rates but they're within the realm of a high-end TV's cost these days. However, finding the right lens for your setup can be tricky. 

Not only do you need to find the best projector specs for your needs, but you’ll also need to think about the surface you’re projecting onto. You might need a screen for the perfect picture but with high-end units, you’d be hard-pressed to notice any issues if you’re projecting onto a white wall. 

The key things to keep an eye out are lumens (essentially brightness, the higher this is the better the picture will be when the lights are on) and throw distance (how far away from the surface you’re projecting on the unit needs to be to give a big enough picture). So whether you’re looking to get your first projector or are looking for a top-of-the-line upgrade, there’s something for everyone here in our take on the best projectors going.

The Quick List

The best projector for gaming overall

The best projector for gaming overall

Specifications

Resolution: 4K UHD (3840x2160)
Brightness: 3000 ANSI Lumen
Light source: 4LED
Throw ratio: 1.15 - 1.50
HDR: HDR Game, HDR10, HLG
Image size: 60 - 2000 inch
Audio: 2x 5W Chamber
Ports: 3x HDMI, 1x USB Type A
Dimensions: 10.7 x 7.8 x 10.2 inch

Reasons to buy

+
Astonishing colour reproduction
+
4K gaming with minimal input lag
+
Fantastic sound

Reasons to avoid

-
Bulky and tall design

The BenQ X3000i offers 4K gameplay with 16ms input lag at 60Hz (with the ability to go as low as 4ms input lag with some sacrifices to other image settings). They’ve also thought in depth about not just the needs of gamers all round but different types of gamers, making it not just the best projector for PS5, but the best for gamers overall.

Buy it if:

✅ You play immersive open world games: The picture quality here is best suited to those massive open world games you can really lose yourself in. With vivid colors and excellent detailing this is one for the solo adventurers.
✅ You also want to stream content: There are a number of streaming services supported natively (though with a few omissions), and movies run just as nicely across this lens as well.
✅ You have a large space: The bulkier design means you'll need to be working with a larger space to accommodate the X3000i in all its glory.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You have a smaller space: The form factor means this isn't a projector designed to squeeze into a tighter space.
You'd prefer speed over resolution: There are faster projectors out there, so if that 16ms response time still feels a little sluggish, we'd recommend moving to a 1080p machine. 

Design: The height of the unit makes it bulky, but really this is quite a minor complaint and there’s a lot of technology to cram in. As is typical of the brand's devices, you'll find a white box with a black front and an orange trim running throughout. It's a subtle but still impressive design that will sit nicely within a range of different decor aesthetics. However, the sheer size means it's not one for those working with a smaller space. 

Features: The X3000i is one of the best projectors in all categories, but particularly for gamers, and particularly for role-playing gamers – players who want to be truly immersed in the amazing worlds of triple-A titles. The key to this is BenQ’s CinematicColour system which offers incredible colour reproduction. The depth of colour is astonishing, with incredibly rich reds, blues and greens on the landscapes of next-gen games. There’s also built-in streaming through an integrated Android dongle, but as usual there are key apps missing.

Performance: The low input lag means that playing first-person shooters is a smooth experience even when running through a map or moving fast to take out a horde of foes. And bright party games like Fall Guys or Mario Kart look astonishing, even in ambient light which can so often wash the colour out of other projectors. While it’s designed for gamers, watching films or TV shows is also a joy, whether a bright Pixar film or a gritty drama – the detail in the dark colours works well for picking out an enemy lurking in the shadows in a shooter or keeping track of a fight scene in a DC movie.

Verdict: Whether you're gliding through the world of a PS5 exclusive or ducking through the streets of the Game Pass library, the BenQ X3000i offers up an incredible set of specs (and the performance to match) for console players. This is a gold tier projector for a variety of uses, but it sits most at home with next generation consoles. 

Read more: BenQ X3000i review

The best budget projector for gaming

(Image credit: Vamvo)

2. Vamvo L6200

The best budget gaming projector

Specifications

Resolution: 1920x1080
Brightness: 5,000 lumens
Light source: LED lamp
Throw ratio: Standard
HDR: None
Image size: 45 - 300 inch
Audio: None
Ports: 2x HDMI, 1x VGA, 1x USB-A, 1x 3.5mm audio
Dimensions: 14.7 x 11.3 x 5.8 inch

Reasons to buy

+
Horizontal and vertical keystoning
+
Budget price point
+
Solid picture

Reasons to avoid

-
Fiddly controls
-
Harder to find

The Vamvo L6200 is a more reasonably priced 1080p gaming projector with a range of connection options and all the features you'd need on a day to day basis. It's not going to compete with more established models, but if you're after a cheaper alternative it's a solid prospect.

Buy it if:

✅ You want to spend as little as possible: This is a budget option so it comes in significantly cheaper than other brand names on this list.
✅ You have an awkward space to use: The Vamvo can be set up horizontally or vertically which makes it far more flexible than other budget options - perfect for awkward spaces.
✅ You want a more streamlined aesthetic: The simple design works for a range of decor styles which is ideal if you plan on keeping your projector in pride of place.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want the best picture quality possible: Low contrast and a fuzzier image quality means this isn't going to compete with the top models. However, it's still passable for everyday use.
You value sound quality: The built in speakers are decent but aren't going to replace a separate system. 

Design: The Vamvo is particularly stylish for the price, with a smart-looking case to make carrying around the light unit even easier. The only drawback is that the capacitive controls on top of the unit can be a little fiddly, so don’t lose the remote. This is a simple aesthetic, though, with a silver chassis and black grills running across a compact device.

Features: The digital keystoning tool on the back is a nice touch, and the ability to alter this horizontally as well as vertically makes it easier to set up in locations others might struggle with, very useful as many gardens don’t have that perfect spot for a projector! The speaker is also more than passable if you don’t want to lug out a sound system every time you use it. Though if you're after a solid listening experience we'd recommend hooking up an external source - this is a weaker setup with very little bass to it. Menus are simple but don't take much thought in navigating, perfect for an easy setup. 

Performance: The visuals on screen are the most important thing to look at of course, but it delivers here too, at up to 200 inches of great picture in good conditions. The LEDs are suitably bright without too much heat, so this is a projector that can come out at dusk rather than once night has fully set in. This being a cheaper projector, you're going to run into a fairly low contrast picture with darker scenes leaving details to the imagination. For everyday play and streaming, though, it's still a reasonable picture considering the price point.

Verdict: The Vamvo LG200 isn't going to blow more expensive options out the water, but it offers a solid projection with all the controls you'd need to get that image shining as well as it can. 

The best 4K projector for gaming

3. Epson Pro Cinema LS12000

The best 4K projector

Specifications

Resolution: 3840x2160
Brightness: 2,700 lumens
Light source: True Laser Diode Array
Throw ratio: 1.35 - 2.84
HDR: HDR, HDR10+, HLG
Image size: 50 - 300 inch
Audio: None
Ports: 2x HDMI 2.1, 2x USB Type-A, 1x Mini USB, 1x RJ45 LAN
Dimensions: 20.5 x 17.6 x 7.6 inch

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent 4K picture
+
4K 120Hz via HDMI 2.1
+
Impressive brightness

Reasons to avoid

-
No speakers or streaming services

Epson is well known for producing some of the best projectors on the market, and 2022's Pro Cinema LS12000 is no different. A super crisp 4K picture quality, HDMI 2.1 compatibility, and slick HDR visuals make this a go-to for anyone upgrading their console setup this year.

Buy it if:

You're all about picture quality: If you're after the best picture possible, at the expense of other features, you've found it right here.  

You're running new generation consoles: With HDMI 2.1 allowing for 4K 120Hz picture, this is one for the PS5 and Xbox Series X owners among us. 

You've already got audio sorted: There's no audio in this model, so you'll need to already have a headset or sound system available. 

Don't buy it if:

You'd rather spend more on an all-in-one solution: You will find comparable 4K picture on a projector with audio and streaming options built in - but you'll be spending more to get there.

You want something more portable: The LS12000 is relatively large projector which means it's not going to be moved any time soon. 

Design: The best projectors are the ones that fade into the background, both in and out of use. The Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 can do just that - in the right setting. This is a chunkier device, but the all-black design and sleek soft curves mean it can slot onto a shelf or nearby surface and go undetected until it's time to power it up. This is a standard throw, so you've got a little more flexibility in its placement as well.

Features: The headlines here are those super fast HDMI 2.1 ports to keep all your consoles happy, as well as the HDR10, 10+ and HLG tech to help them shine as well. This is very much a picture focused device, though. It's a piece of high-end tech rather than an all-in-one home cinema solution. That means there's no smart TV operating system on board or via a streaming stick, and with no speakers to speak of you'll need to sort your own audio solution. 

Performance: The Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 puts its picture quality at the forefront - and it absolutely shines. It's a super bright result, sitting at 2,700 lumens, while also nailing detailing in both bright and dark scenes at the same time. That means it runs well in both daylight and night settings, offering an incredibly crisp 4K picture without artifacts. 

Verdict: Whether you're catching up on the latest movies or running a PS5 at 4K 120Hz, the Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 is an all-in-one home entertainment powerhouse. It's a relatively pricey option, but if you're looking for the best 4K projector for your money you've found it here.

The best 1080p projector for gaming

4. BenQ X1300i

The best 1080p projector for games

Specifications

Resolution: 1920 x 1080p
Brightness: 3000 Lumen
Light source: 4LED
Throw ratio: 1.3 - 1.56
HDR: HDR Game, HDR10, HLG
Image size: 60 - 150 inch
Audio: 2x 5W Chamber
Ports: 3x HDMI, 1x USB Type-A, 1x 3.5mm audio
Dimensions: 10.7 x 7.8 x 10.2 inch

Reasons to buy

+
8ms input lag, 120Hz refresh rate 
+
Three gaming modes for different genres 
+
Excellent image quality

Reasons to avoid

-
1080p picture at a 4K price 
-
Need to self install included Android dongle

A home projector for gaming if ever there was one, the BenQ X1300i impressed us straight with its offering of a mere 8ms of input lag and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz - this is in line with gaming monitors and far ahead of the vast majority of standard projectors.

Buy it if:

✅ You value speed over resolution: This is a 1080p projector at a rate we usually see on 4K devices. However, you are picking up a speedy picture as a compromise.
✅ You want to tinker with different picture settings: There's a variety of different game modes to help enhance your image, which we found to be particularly helpful when transferring across genres.  
✅ You're buying for an older console: If you're grabbing a projector for PS4 or Xbox One, this is going to be an absolute belter. You can't make the most of a 4K picture anyway, so you might as well opt for speed.  

Don't buy it if:

❌ You value 4K: If UHD resolution is your goal, you won't find it here - and you'll be paying similar prices to other 4K options.
You want a quick and easy setup: The need to install Android manually via a dongle is a strange one, and it does slow down the start up process. 

Design: The X1300i much taller than most projectors – although this means its footprint on a shelf is small. If, however, you plan on using a bracket to secure your projector to the ceiling this thing is going to hang low. White plastic covers the whole device, save for a front panel with the lens and a fun orange trim. It's a slick design that will fit with a range of setups nicely. 

Features: With a 120Hz refresh rate, the X1300i is speedy by projector standards, and offers 8ms input lag for a decently responsive experience. There’s an odd practical annoyance: rather than being integrated, the Android interface is included on a dongle that needs to be installed. You’ll only need to do it once but it is annoying. And there is the usual issue of Netflix and other apps not being approved for use on this and requiring another media source. 

Performance: Instead of the usual one-game mode, the X1300i has three – for RPG, FPS, and sports games. As a result, when we used this as our primary gaming screen, it didn't matter whether we were playing games in lush landscapes, dark corridors teeming with enemies, or on the football pitch (British or American version) as we found a picture mode perfect – and custom audio profiles to bring out the sounds you want to focus on for each. They’re also great for watching video – for instance, sport mode is great for the greens of a pitch and the contrasting kits. 

Verdict: The BenQ X1300i is a seriously powerful 1080p projector. The trade-off is that this is pricy for a FHD resolution and the cost is in line with many 4K units. If your focus is a projector that is optimised for speedy low latency gaming then this will meet your needs more than practically any other unit currently available. 

Read more: BenQ X1300i review

The best short throw projector for gaming

The best short throw projector for gaming

Specifications

Resolution: 3840×2160
Brightness: 2,000 lumens
Light source: LED
Throw ratio: 0.69 - 0.83
HDR: HDR10
Image size: 29.8 - 149.65 inch
Audio: 2x 8W speakers
Ports: 2x HDMI, 2x USB Type-A, 1x DisplayPort
Dimensions: 8.3 x 7.1 x 7.7 inch

Reasons to buy

+
Flexible features and design
+
Easy plug-and-play setup
+
Bold colors with excellent contrast
+
Low latency
+
Workable internal speakers

Reasons to avoid

-
Loses more quality in ambient light than competitors
-
Not strictly portable

As you can probably tell this far down the list, BenQ reigns supreme in the world of gaming projectors. The 2024 BenQ X300G does something a little different, though. This is a short throw projector designed to be easily transferrable between rooms. That means a smaller form factor, easy setup, and plenty of auto-adjust options, as well as a few handy extras baked in.

Buy it if:

You don't have a lot of space: The X300G can squeeze into even the smallest of spaces and still provide a massive, even picture. 

You generally play at night: The X300G does lose a little of its vividity with ambient light creeping in, so this is best used by night owls. 

You want to connect a handheld: A USB-C port capable of both powering and displaying a Nintendo Switch (or a handheld PC if you find the right cable) makes for a particularly easy life. 

Don't buy it if:

You want a truly portable projector: Yes, BenQ markets this as a portable projector, but there's no internal battery, and the whole device is still too large to be truly portable out of the house. 

You want fast 4K refresh rates: 1080p gaming runs just fine at higher refresh rates, but it's worth noting that the full 4K whack will knock you down to 60Hz. 

Design: BenQ is keeping its design rulebook with the X300G - they've just shrunk it this time around. The 8.3 x 7.1 x 7.7 inch projector is compact enough to squeeze into smaller corners but still features the same black and white boxy aesthetic as larger options. That's a clean design, and it's one that stands particularly nicely next to a PS5 console - especially with the dash of red around the lens itself. During testing, it was sat on the edge of a desk pointing at a wall around three meters ahead and everything ran nice and smooth. 

While it's certainly smaller than other projectors, it's by no means as portable as BenQ's marketing suggests. This is more portability in terms of moving from one room to another - it's still far too chunky to throw in a backpack and doesn't offer its own battery power. 

Features: This is an incredibly easy projector to set up and use, making it perfect for those with different PC or console setups dotted around the house. Auto-keystoning and the motorized zoom make for a speedy initial setup, though if you want the best picture quality and lowest input lag you'll want to set things up yourself. Still, for quick sessions wherever you want them this is excellent. 

While there's only one accessible HDMI port (the second is located within the projector itself and designed to only be used by the complimentary Google streaming stick), there is a trick up this sleeve. A USB-C port can be found along the side, offering both power and display through a single cable. This is ideal for Nintendo Switch, though you'll need to invest in a high-end Thunderbolt 3 cable. The Asus ROG Ally displayed in our testing, but the device was too power hungry to charge and its power settings had to be dropped as well. 

Performance: Games like Skyrim leapt off the wall when run through the BenQ X300G. In low lighting conditions, colors are vibrant and detailing is astonishing. A little ambient light does detract from this performance, though, especially in darker scenes. Just a little bleed from a closed curtain was enough to wash out these gloomier Skyrim caves, though brighter games like Princess Peach Showtime and New Super Lucky's Tale fared better. 

Verdict: Whether you're working with a smaller space or you want a versatile projector to fill multiple different setup needs, the BenQ X300G is a fantastic piece of kit. Not only does it pack a serious punch in features and functionality, but it's also one of the cheaper 4K options out there at the moment as well. 

Read more: BenQ X300G review

The best long throw projector for gaming

The best long throw projector for gaming

Specifications

Resolution: 3840×2160
Brightness: 2,300 lumens
Light source: Dual light (LED and laser)
Throw ratio: 1.2 - 1.5:1
HDR: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
Image size: 40 - 200 inch
Audio: 2x 12W Harman / Kardon speakers + Dolby Audio
Ports: 1x HDMI (EARC), 1x HDMI, 2x USB-A, 1x LAN, 1x 3.5mm audio
Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.7 x 10.4 inch

Reasons to buy

+
Subtle design
+
Bright picture
+
Versatile setup options
+
Excellent HDR support
+
Powerful speakers

Reasons to avoid

-
Less detail in darker scenes
-
Too slow for fast-paced gaming

The XGIMI Horizon Ultra is just on the cusp of the long throw category, and its 60Hz refresh rate means it's not one for more competitive pursuits. However, if you're after single player adventures mixed with home cinema, this is the best in the business in 2024. 

Buy it if:

You have a larger space to fill: It's just on the edge of long throw territory, but the XGIMI Horizon Ultra is still comfortable in a larger room.
You want to watch movies as well: This is a real win for cinephiles, with excellent coloring and Dolby Vision HDR working in tandem to produce a fantastic visual image when streaming.
You play solo games: The 60Hz refresh rate is a bit of a let down, but it will still see you through slower open world adventures. 

Don't buy it if:

You play competitively: Anyone chasing framerates for a competitive arena will need to look at a projector with at least a 120Hz refresh rate.
You don't have much space: Both the physical body of the Horizon Ultra and its image throw are better suited to rooms with more space to cast and shelf the projector.

Design: There's no cold white plastic or aluminum panels to scratch here, the XGIMI Horizon Ultra looks and feels like a luxury design to slot straight into any living room. The off-white color, leather clad sides, and handy automatic lens cover make this a particularly premium aesthetic, and a far softer one than you'll find in many gaming projectors on the market. 

It's not exactly hide-able, with a footprint that's going to take up the width of a shelf and then some. If you've got a spot for it, though, that extra room allows for a fantastic speaker system that we wouldn't trade out. Thankfully, all your controls are on the included remote so you can pretty much set and forget once you've found a spot for it. 

Features: A powerful engine means you're getting incredibly crisp UHD content straight out of the Horizon Ultra, with - for the first time in a long throw projector - Dolby Vision HDR thrown in. That makes for excellent streaming and some particularly special PS5 play as well. A dual light source made up of both LEDs and a laser makes for an accuracy in those colors as well. 

The 12W Harman and Kardon speaker system is capable of filling a room with sound, all taken from a healthy selection of HDMI and USB ports running along the back. A particular highlight, though, is the ease of setup. There's a massive range of auto-settings to take advantage of, as well as automatic obstacle avoidance and color detection. 

Performance: The brightness and color tones were particularly impressive here. Even when set up with automatic adjustments, we didn't notice too many distortions. The entire image has a much warmer tone than we've seen in other projectors while still allowing more contrasting colors to pop with a colder vividity. However, that 60Hz cap did put a halt to any particularly fast-paced titles. The Ultra just doesn't have the motion handling skills to see you comfortably through games like Apex Legends, but for solo adventures like Skyrim everything came together in perfect harmony. 

Verdict: The XGIMI Horizon Ultra is an impressive piece of kit and, while its slower specs won't be enough to rank you up the leaderboard, single player games absolutely shine. An easy setup, luxurious form factor, and excellent color make this a must-see for those after a long throw projector. 

Read more: XGIMI Horizon Ultra review

The best projector for VRR

The best projector for VRR

Specifications

Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Brightness: 4,000 lumen
Light source: LED
Throw ratio: 1.2:1
HDR: HDR10, HLG
Image size: up to 300 inch
Audio: 1x 10W
Ports: 2x HDMI, 3x USB-A, 1x 3.5mm audio
Dimensions: 4.3 x 12.5 x 9 inches

Reasons to buy

+
Variable refresh rate and minimal input lag
+
Plenty of features aimed at gamers
+
Auto keystoning

Reasons to avoid

-
Lack of zoom features
-
Difficult to switch inputs
-
Poor speakers

The Acer Predator GD711 combines variable refresh rates with 4K picture and low input lag, making it the best projector for those after silky smooth picture. It's certainly not as pricey as other 4K options out there to boot. 

Buy it if:

✅ You play competitively: The low input lag and smart variable refresh rates make this a must-see for anyone who plays competitively.
✅ You have plenty of space: This is a larger device, so be sure to double check those dimensions if you've got a smaller spot for it on the shelf.
✅ You don't mind the gamer aesthetic: The angular lines and chunky footprint give off a distinct gaming vibe, so it's worth keeping your living room or setup aesthetic in mind while purchasing. 

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want a more subtle design: If your gaming projector needs to fit into an everyday space, it might be worth investing in something with a more relaxed aesthetic.
❌ You need high quality speakers: We did find the speakers already installed to be a little tinny so if you don't have a separate solution but audio quality is a priority you might want to look elsewhere.
❌ Zoom functionality is a must: There's no inbuilt zoom features in here, so manual placement of the projector is going to be paramount to getting a screen-filling picture. 

Design: Acer putting their Predator branding (and the classic spiky black textured look) on this unit tells us a story: this is a projector aimed squarely at gamers. It's not a subtle device, and its size means it refuses to be tucked neatly away, but if you've got a bracket sturdy enough or you're giving it pride of place on the shelf it'll still look great in a gaming setup.  

Features: There's an ultra-fast refresh rate of up to 240Hz in 1080p for PC (120Hz at 1080p for consoles) and minimal input lag which we found makes this ideal for huge screen gaming. Finally, a competitor to the BenQ X1300i for dedicated gaming projectors!

We did find the 10W speakers to be tinny and weak, but if you’re dropping this kind of money on a projector you’re likely to be someone who already has a good audio setup. What was more annoying to us, however, was the lack of zoom control, which feels utterly baffling, meaning you have to set projector size by placement. Unless your room fits the throw ratio you may need a ceiling mount to get it in the right distance. Also having to switch source on the unit itself rather than through the remote is odd and something we found irksome - although turning on an HDMI device on will make the projector switch across.

Performance: In our testing, games were silky smooth, without noticeable lag and even the quickest FPS stays sharp as you wildly move the camera around (if you play shooters as chaotically as I do…). While there’s a wide range of colour pallets to chose from to enhance your viewing, some manual tweaks were needed to stop the picture looking a bit washed out. Still, landscapes look lush, the bright game mode makes colours pop and the dark game mode keeps detail up in the shadows by using the DynamicBlack technology. Video looks amazing too and makes the most of the 4K resolution the GD711 can pump out, with a wide range of modes giving you ideal setups quickly for the perfect colour pallet. Once this is properly set up, it’s an outstanding gaming projector.

Once it’s set up, the GD711 makes games look superb and super smooth, even for the quickest FPS games.

Acer Predator GD711 review

Verdict: The Acer Predator GD711 is an excellent all-rounder for those looking to hook their consoles up to an even bigger screen. It's laser focused on those gaming features, potentially at the expense of other quality of life assets, but it's still the best model out there for thumb twitchers. 

Read more: Acer Predator GD711 review

The best portable projector for gaming

XGIMI Halo+ projector

(Image credit: XGIMI)
The best portable projector for games

Specifications

Resolution: 1920x1080
Brightness: 900 Lumens
Light source: Lamp
Throw ratio: 1.2:1
HDR: HDR10, HLG
Image size: 40 - 200 inch
Audio: 10W Harman Kardon
Ports: 1 x HDMI, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x 3.5mm aux, dual band wifi, bluetooth.
Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.5 x 5.7 inch

Reasons to buy

+
Long battery life
+
Quick set up
+
Bright picture
+
Integrated stand

Reasons to avoid

-
Not Netflix compatible
-
No carry case

Yes, the BenQ model above is an excellent portable option, but the XGIMI Halo+ takes things to a whole new level. It's off the beaten track manufacturer-wise, but it punches well above its weight and price tag to offer great performance at home and on the go.

Buy it if:

✅ You want a reliable outdoors projector: Comfortable shining bright in the day or night, the Halo+ is a flexible all-rounder for a range of different outdoor conditions.
✅ You want a sturdy portable projector: This thing feels solid and the smaller rectangular shape means it slots neatly into a backpack without weighing it down.
✅ You don't want to fiddle with settings: Automatic focus and keystoning come in particularly handy when setting up in a new environment, and the Halo+ makes this process incredibly quick and easy.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want the best picture quality possible: The Halo+ struggles slightly with darker scenes and, at 1080p, it's not the highest resolution on the market.
You want a faster gaming speed: 26.5ms response times and 60Hz refresh rates aren't to be sniffed at, but if you're playing competitively you'll want to aim for better specs.

Design: At just 1.6kg, the Halo+ will easily slip into a bag, and the hard black plastic feels like it will stand up well to transportation, although it is a surprise that there isn’t a carry case included. The device itself is a tall, narrow box with curved edges to give it the air of an Echo device from years ago. It's small enough to be held in a single hand comfortably, though it will still take up a fair chunk of your backpack. With a sleek silver chassis and stand built in, it looks and feels far more expensive than it is. 

Features: Boasting a bright 1080p picture, quick auto-keystone, and focus, and a very decent battery life of almost three hours, its spec list starts off strong - especially for a portable projector. However, we also found that it is also bright enough to watch in daylight at home or even outside, and by dusk we got huge images that belay the small size of the unit. Supporting this is a quick setup with really fast auto-keystoning and focus giving perfect picture from a range of angles, and the built-in stand further helped us position the image. 

We found that the built-in Android OS makes it ideal for streaming films or shows while out and about, although it suffers from the usual lack of Netflix compatibility. And it is a solid option, for us, for casual gaming, with a Game Mode offering 26.5ms input lag and 60Hz refresh rate - although those chasing the best and fastest will want even quicker. Twin 5W Harmon Kardon speakers give excellent crisp sound which fills a room well without needing any external help.

Performance: With a super bright picture and crisp details, the Halo+ is incredibly impressive to see at work both as a living room gadget and outdoor projector. We found excellent performance in both high and low light conditions, even if darker scenes did introduce some additional noise to the picture. 

Read more: XGIMI Halo+ projector review


What to consider when buying a projector

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If you're looking for some quick, top-of-the-pile advice when buying the best home projector for gaming then here are a couple of key projector-specific things to think about.

The absolute key for a projector that you have gaming in mind for is input lag. Broadly speaking you need to aim for 50ms as a minimum acceptable level, while under 40ms is better, and around 20ms is the holy grail. How much you really need and must have the lowest possible lag will be down to personal preference: some people will barely notice the difference whereas others will curse anything less than the snappiest of times. 

You'll also very much want to be aware of what you're projecting onto. Sometimes you can get away with a wall painted white, but for the best pictures, you will need a dedicated screen. It's a bit more of a nuisance, perhaps, but you won't regret it.

The majority of projector models will still be bulb-based, but the laser variety is well worth a look if you fancy the best of the best. This technology, as you can see, can come with a premium though, so bear that in mind. The flip side is that this is likely to have your back for years and years.

Projector glossary

Buying a projector for the first time can be overwhelming - there's plenty of jargon in this world making working out the right projector for you all the more difficult. We're breaking down some of the more commonly used terms below.

3LCD

This is a brand name of a massively used projector technique, which splits white light into RGB strands through a series of mirrors to be directed through an LCD panel. 

Blooming

Blooming is a visual effect that reduces the clarity of your image due to excessive light in one spot bleeding into other areas of the picture. 

Color gamut

Color gamut is used to refer to the range of colors on offer from a particular projector. This is the number of independent colors a device can produce and is generally represented as a code. 

Contrast Ratio

The contrast ratio dictates how far apart your whites and blacks will be, displayed as white-to-black. A high contrast ratio (3000:1) will offer particularly bright high colors compared to darks. 

DCI-P3

See 'Color Gamut' above. DCI-P3 is common color gamut level in entertainment devices. It specializes in green and red tones with a particularly wide band in these areas. 

DLP / DMD

DLP is a brand name for DMD technology, which is a projecting process using micro-mirrors. This process is longer lasting than LCD and offers a higher quality image. 

Ghosting

Ghosting is a visual effect of duplicate images appearing on the screen. It is usually caused by a syncing issue between the projector and its source. 

Input Lag

Input lag is used to refer to a drag in time between the image being generated by the projector and being displayed on the screen. It's measured in milliseconds, with a lower number being better for gaming. 

Keystone

Keystoning is used to refer to the process of correcting a projected image's shape. If the device is not properly inline with its screen, the resulting picture can lose its square shape. Keystone Correction fixes this. 

Lens Shift

Projectors with lens shift are far easier to place. The feature allows you to move the picture up, down, and side to side to get the right placement. 

Lumen

A lumen is a measurement of brightness in projectors, describing the power output. 

Native Resolution

Whether it upscales or not, every projector has a native resolution. This is the highest resolution available from a hardware standpoint; usually either 1080p or 720p. Many 4K projectors run at a 1080p native resolution and then use software to improve the image quality up to UHD. 

Throw Distance

This is the optimal distance between your projector and the wall you're displaying on. It determines brightness and image size when connected correctly. 

Best projector for gaming: FAQ

Projector in a dark room

(Image credit: Sami Sarkis/Getty Images)

What is the best projector for gaming?

The best projector for gaming right now is the BenQ X3000i. However, if you don't need the full force of a 4K projector, we'd recommend checking out the BenQ X1300i for a 1080p experience. 

Are projectors too slow for gaming?

This is a genuine concern, and probably the most persistent one still, as speed has never traditionally been a strong point. Literally having to throw a picture out from the unit means that latency has always been a concern. The good news is that modern gaming projectors have never been better in that respect and you can safely get a machine that's below the 50ms mark - the minimum you should aim for. The bad news is that the lowest ms times are reserved for those most expensive projectors.

Is a projector good for PC gaming?

In short, yes! It can work, and it can be a wholesome, massive experience. Hooking up a super-powerful rig to one of the best gaming projectors can be quite the experience, and the power of the PC will get great results out of a projector.

Given the living room size of the screen, however, we often think that console players might be a more natural fit (perhaps from a 'traditional' perspective more than anything), but if you game on PC in the living room anyway then a projector could be the display upgrade you've been looking for!

Is gaming on a projector good?

Well, naturally this is quite subjective, but there is something engrossing and captivating about gaming on a projector. The size of the picture, and thus the ability to enjoy a great picture like an enormous painting is something that projectors totally own and other screens can't offer. 

It's an experience that's still probably at its best for 'slower' games like single-player story games, adventure games, and RPGs. Think Uncharted, Tomb Raider, Witcher 3, Assassin's Creed et al - just because the latency isn't great for those really competitive shooters and online games. However, having said that, we're positive you could have a jolly old time in the likes of Doom, or Wolfenstein on projectors too.

How we test projectors

We live, watch and play with every projector that crosses our path. We don't conduct our research in sterile testing rooms - instead we bring these projectors into our homes and living rooms for a true quality of life assessment. That means we can assess the quality and functionality of everything from quick everyday use to longer late-night sessions. On top of that, we continue to test each projector alongside new releases where possible, to ensure we're always comparing value and performance across the entire market. 

For information on our testing process, you can read how we test gaming projectors at 12DOVE, and for details on our more holistic approach to gaming tech, check out our Hardware Policy.



If you prefer your screens TV-shaped then check out our guides to the best TV for PS5 and Xbox Series X, best 120Hz 4K TV, best QLED TV, and best OLED TV.

Freelance Writer

Will is a freelance writer for a number of publications including GamesRadar, where he covers hardware reviews - with projectors being a particular point of interest. Along with his work for GamesRadar, his words can be found in the Orlando Sentinel. He's also a professional wrestler, enjoys running, and playing guitar.

With contributions from