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). Right now, the best projector for gaming is the BenQ X3100i, a 4K thrower with enough juice for 240Hz 1080p console gameplay and a fantastic picture quality. However, there are plenty other with slightly different specs that might suit you better just below.
You're browsing at the right time, with Black Friday projector deals just around the corner, prices are looking particularly strong right now.
The Quick List
Best overall
The latest BenQ flagship boosts brightness and contrast while still offering the low-latency experience we all know and love.
Best budget
The Vamvo still looks great despite its budget price point, and carries a 1080p picture with multiple connection options as well. If you don't want to invest too heavily this is a great place to start.
Best 4K
The Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 offers incredible 4K visuals as well as a 120Hz refresh rate via HDMI 2.1 to offer up a fantastic UHD experience.
Best short throw
Not only is the BenQ X300G a fantastic 4K projector in its own right, it's the best in the business for more versatile short throws.
Best long throw
If you need to fill a larger space with color and sound, the XGIMI Horizon Ultra is a fantastic option with excellent HDR and a super bright picture.
Best for VRR
The Acer Predator GD711 has been built for gaming from the ground up, offering variable refresh rates and low latency inputs.
One of my first jobs was in the projection room of a movie theatre as a teenager, and since then I've loved big-screen entertainment. Pair that with a lifelong obsession with gaming and you've got yourself an expensive hobby. I went through loads of cheap projectors before starting my quest to find the best model on the market. In my three years at 12DOVE I've been testing projectors with a laser focus on speed, brightness, clarity, and - most importantly - value for money.
Recent updates
October 16 - This page has been updated to include a record of our most recent previously reviewed projectors, and how they compare to the top products featured.
The best projector for gaming overall
There's a new kid in town, and the BenQ X3100i has taken over from the previous generation BenQ X3000i as our favorite projector for gaming overall. This is an iterative update in terms of core specs, but a boost to brightness and contrast, and a few fancy new features set it apart from the crowd. While PC players might lament the lack of Dolby Vision HDR, there's still plenty for all platforms to enjoy here.
✅ You want 4K without the price tag: A native 4K projector costs twice this MSRP, and considering the BenQ uses pixel shifting tech so well you're still getting fantastic image quality.
✅ You want easy picture adjustment: While not automatic, the vertical lens shift dial is brand new here and means you can move your whole picture up or down to fit your space. Plus, handy focus and zoom scrolls on the side keep things snappy as well.
✅ You play more competitive games: With super-fast 1080p latencies, the BenQ X3100i moves pretty slick on the battlefield.
❌ You have a smaller space: The form factor means this isn't a projector designed to squeeze into a tighter space.
❌ You need Dolby Vision for PC: If your handheld or PC runs using Dolby Vision HDR you might want to consider a model that supports it.
Design: The latest model slots right in with the rest of BenQ's lineup. Its boxy white aesthetic is softened by rounded corners and a fun orange trim around the black front, while the entire unit remains relatively compact for a projector. This isn't a tuck-and-forget device, it's still got a considerable footprint (if you need a cozier setup, check out the X300G below), but it's still far from the chunkier models on the market. You'll have an easier time keeping this model on a shelf than you will some wider but shorter alternatives. All controls are housed on either the top or left-hand side, with each button and dial feeling solid and satisfying during our testing.
Features: This is a projector built for gaming from the ground up, which means you've got access to a number of genre-specific game modes as well as your standard HDR / SDR picture options for streaming. At its fastest, the BenQ X3100i can reach speeds of 4.2ms (1080p / 240Hz), while 4K picture will fly at you at 16.7ms (60Hz). That's impressive considering the vast majority of projectors could only dream of these latencies, and makes for a particularly smooth experience if you tend to play competitive games. On top of that the X3100i has improved upon the X3000i's brightness and contrast, added a vertical lens shift option, and brings a unique picture settings software to market as well.
Performance: Testing across Astro's Playroom reveals just how far that boost in contrast can take you. These are particularly vivid scenes anyway, but colors leap off the wall while still retaining a crisp sharpness and dynamic punch. Things are a little more restrained in Assassin's Creed: Mirage with its golden brown hues bringing out a warmth in the projector's visual profile - at times to the detriment of muddying a little. Still, details and darker scenes still thrive in HDR. That means you'll be enjoying crisp colors without having to ensure total darkness in the room - a real win if you tend to play in the early evening.
Verdict: The BenQ X3100i is the best projector for gaming on the market right now thanks to its low latencies, impressive 4K pixel shifting, wide compatibility range, and impressive color contrast (particularly in the right scenarios).
Read more: BenQ X3100i review
| Versatility | ★★★★☆ |
| Ease of use | ★★★★☆ |
| Compatibility | ★★★★★ |
| Build quality | ★★★★★ |
| Picture quality | ★★★★☆ |
| Brightness | ★★★★☆ |
The best budget projector for gaming
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.
✅ 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.
❌ 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.
| Versatility | ★★★☆☆ |
| Ease of use | ★★★☆☆ |
| Compatibility | ★★★★☆ |
| Build quality | ★★★★☆ |
| Picture quality | ★★★☆☆ |
| Brightness | ★★★★☆ |
The best 4K projector for gaming
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.
✅ 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.
❌ 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 - you won't need a giant room to get a good sized screen.
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. That doesn't mean much if you're plugging in a console and headset, but those looking for a streamer might want to splash out on an extra stick.
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.
| Versatility | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Ease of use | ★★★☆☆ |
| Compatibility | ★★★☆☆ |
| Build quality | ★★★★★ |
| Picture quality | ★★★★★ |
| Brightness | ★★★☆☆ |
The best short throw projector for gaming
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.
✅ 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.
❌ 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
| Versatility | ★★★★★ |
| Ease of use | ★★★★★ |
| Compatibility | ★★★★★ |
| Build quality | ★★★★★ |
| Picture quality | ★★★☆☆ |
| Brightness | ★★☆☆☆ |
The best long throw projector for 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.
✅ 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.
❌ 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
| Versatility | ★★★★☆ |
| Ease of use | ★★★★★ |
| Compatibility | ★★★★☆ |
| Build quality | ★★★★★ |
| Picture quality | ★★★★☆ |
| Brightness | ★★★☆☆ |
The best projector for VRR
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.
✅ 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.
❌ 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
| Versatility | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Ease of use | ★★★☆☆ |
| Compatibility | ★★★☆☆ |
| Build quality | ★★★★★ |
| Picture quality | ★★★★☆ |
| Brightness | ★★★★★ |
Also tested
How we test projectors
Every projector we test goes through a series of identical procedures to make sure we're getting a fair result for each device. We test projectors across their designs, features, and performance with a specific focus on cross-market comparison to ensure value for money. Crucially, though, we live, play, and stream through each projector for a minimum of two weeks, consuming all manner of content on the big-screen for a full real-world experience. We don't leave these devices in a lab after the working day is done, they come home and are integrated directly into our everyday lives.
That means the first thing we usually take note of is the design. Pulling the projector out the box, we're examining the device's size, shape, and weight to see what kind of influence that will have across portability, shelf space, and any mounting restrictions that might come up. From there we're looking to make sure the aesthetic can slot into a range of different decors and that the build quality (across materials, construction, and overall durability) is solid.
We test for a certain baseline of features in every gaming projector, across resolution, refresh rates, brightness, contrast, and color ranges. We also make sure the throw range is within reasonable limit for each setup, and that setup is eased through any auto-adjustments. Ports are assessed for their compatibility, ease of access, and breadth, as well as the appearance of a dedicated streaming stick. Beyond these basics, we're also looking for any extra speakers, lens shift, zoom, and wireless connection features.
We test the performance of each gaming projector across a series of defined games (Astro's Playroom / Astro Bot, Assassin's Creed: Mirage, Apex Legends, and The Last of Us Part 2) but also 4K and FHD HDR and SDR streaming content. We test brightness across light and dark scenes in natural daylight, medium ambient lighting, and complete darkness with a particular focus on clarity in those more shadowy moments. We're checking the vividity, warmth, tone, and contrast of colors. We also make special effort to test the latencies coming from consoles, as well as the fluidity of both high and low refresh rate models. Of course, we're always looking out for visual distortions like ghosting, blooming and rainbows.
At the end of this we score each projector across a series of six categories; versatility, ease of use, compatibility, build quality, picture quality, and brightness. You can find out more about how we test projectors as well as check in with the full 12DOVE Hardware Policy.
How to choose the right projector for gaming
Why you can trust 12DOVE Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about our reviews policy.
Projectors come in all shapes and sizes, and many aren't geared towards gaming at all. That means there are a few key specs to keep in mind when choosing the right model.
Input lag is the biggest differentiator between an everyday streaming device and a gaming-focused projector. Broadly speaking you need to aim for 50ms as a minimum acceptable level, while 40ms is better, and under 20ms is the holy grail. If you play a lot of highly competitive twitch-shooter games, you'll want to invest in a faster machine, but if you stick to single-player adventures or more methodical strategy games you can easily stretch to 40-50ms. 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.
The next part is about setup. You'll want to make sure you're buying the right projector for your space. If you have a smaller gap between your display wall (or screen) and a shelf to set up on, then you'll want to opt for a short-throw projector. The best way to work out the throw ratio you need from your projector is to check the measurements of your room. A 120-inch screen size will need between 13 and 15 feet between the projector and your surface, but this will change between short-throw and long-throw devices.
A lot of high-end gaming projectors also tout additional refresh rate features. It's important to remember, though, that before the last couple of years the vast majority of displays (be they projected or simple TVs) ran at 60Hz. This is where you'll still find most projectors, though more specialist devices are moving up to 120Hz or a variable refresh rate since the PS5 and Xbox Series X hit the market. Things will look smoother on a higher refresh rate screen, but 60Hz is still pretty solid at this scale.
Brightness is going to be your next key consideration - you'll need to work out when you're most likely to play. A high-brightness projector can reach up to 5,000 lumens (for a price) these days, but the generally accepted minimum is 1,500 lumens. 3,000 - 4,000 lumens will comfortably display your picture in a room with casual ambient light, but the higher the brightness the better your darker scenes will be in this situation. If you only play at night or in an unlit room you can afford to drop your brightness a little, but if you want to play outside it's worth investing here.
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
What is the best projector for gaming?
The best projector for gaming right now is the BenQ X3100i 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.
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.
