The best 4K projector matches the march of progress in visual fidelity: 4K is no longer a luxury for the discerning home cinephile. It has truly replaced HD as the standard for image quality and these lights will get you there instantly - wherever you find yourself watching or playing.
The advent of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X in late 2020 was, as console launches tend to be, somewhat of a turning point in resolution, framerates, and visual clarity. Just as Playstation 3 helped BluRay become the standard, 4K devices have now reached even more homes and we really are in the era of 4K. And the best projectors for gaming are no exception.
So if you’re looking to take your home cinema system to the next level, or looking to replace your TV with a glorious and enormous picture from one of the best projectors, then these are a handful of your best bets, covering a range of options from all the established names and to suit a range of budgets. But remember, if you can’t stretch to 4K prices, there are still quality projectors among the best portable projectors, and the best projectors for PS5 and Xbox Series X to browse which might dial it down to HD to reduce the cost, for example.
The quick list
The best 4K projector overall
The Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 offers stunning 4K visuals, a 120Hz refresh rate, and excellent detailing to pack a fantastic UHD experience overall.
The best budget 4K projector
Optoma is less known brand but the UHD51 has been packing budget 4K picture into a more affordable price point for a few years now. This is a terrific runner, and won't break the bank.
The best luxury 4K projector
It's a pricey one, but Sony's high end projectors rule the roost in the world of luxury 4K. The VPL-VW590ES brings super fast processing to the party for incredible upscaling.
The best mid-range 4K projector
With a slick design and nicely bright, vivid picture, the XGIMI Horizon Ultra is a 4K projector designed to fit the home cinema enthusiast's living room well.
The best 4K projector for gaming
The BenQ X3100i is the best projector we've tested with consoles and PC so far, with low latencies and a super sharp picture.
The best 4K projector overall
Epson has plenty of the best 4K projectors in its roster, but the Pro Cinema LS12000 changed the game in 2022. This is a fantastic UHD device, prioritizing image quality over additional extras to provide a true home cinema experience.
✅ You're all about picture quality: The Pro Cinema LS12000 puts all its chips on picture quality, so if you do too you're going to be at home here.
✅ You're running new generation consoles: PS5 and Xbox Series X owners will be pleased to find HDMI 2.1 in here, with full 4K 120Hz compatibility.
✅ You've already got audio sorted: If you've already sorted your sound system (or you've got a headset handy), the lack of audio won't be too much of a problem.
❌ You'd rather spend more on an all-in-one solution: If you don't want to spend on an extra sound system or streaming device, it's worth moving further up the price scale for a 4K projector with all the extra features.
❌ 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 Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 is a chunkier device than some 4K projectors on the market, but its smooth curves and simple black aesthetic means it can still blend into just about any setting. The standard throw means you've got plenty of flexibility in where your projector is located, and with all ports directed to the rear you can keep things tidy as well.
Features: The LS12000 prioritizes its video quality, which means you won't be paying for any additional extras here. That's a massive benefit for anyone looking for the last word in 4K picture quality, but it's well worth noting that there's no built in sound system or streaming apps in here. However, you are picking up a super snappy 4K 120Hz HDMI 2.1 connection, as well as HDR10, 10+, and HLG tech to keep all your games and movies singing.
Performance: There's a stunning picture quality to this lens. Not only are you getting super crisp UHD resolution with particularly impressive detailing across both light and dark scenes, but there's also a 2,700 lumens brightness which can handle a range of viewing environments. With plenty of customization options this is one for the true cinephiles or anyone looking to upgrade their gaming setup with a luxury investment.
Verdict: The Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 can keep up with pretty much any 4K movie or game you throw at it. It's not the cheapest model on the shelves, but if you're going all in on picture quality it's the best of the bunch.
The best budget 4K projector
You can sometimes end up paying for a brand when it comes to the best 4K projectors. However, if you stray from the traditional household names in home entertainment then you can find a real bargain, and Optoma is one of the brands that consistently deliver great value projectors which can go toe-to-toe with the big boys.
✅ You want to mount your projector
✅ You don't need extra apps and services onboard
✅ You want smart home functionality
❌ You want the best picture quality possible
❌ Keystone correction is a must
❌ You want a more subtle design
Design: Unlike the Samsung above, this cheaper Optoma model opts for a more traditional projector design. That means the black box carries a chunkier aesthetic, with grills running around the edges and a single silver strip cutting everything in half horizontally. There is a white model floating around for those after something a little more subtle, but it's more difficult to find at the moment. It makes up for this harsher design with a lightweight 5.2kg footprint, though, which makes it easy to mount.
Features: You would need to keep this hooked up to a video source to run video as it doesn’t have an onboard operating system that would allow you to stream direct, but that’s a small quibble when you’re getting such a great picture for the price. The 51 model also boasts Amazon Alexa compatibility and 3D picture, though we don't expect too many to be using the latter feature.
Performance: It offers fantastic colour, with good black depths, and smooths out fast motion to keep up with the quickest of action scenes. It also upscales non-4K images beautifully and even has 3D capability (which requires the purchase of DLP link active shutter glasses) should you want to re-watch Avatar ahead of the sequels. However, despite its good light rating, this unit may need the curtains drawn to get the most out of it as it struggles slightly with a lot of ambient light.
Verdict: The UHD51 has been out for a couple of years now, which means you can find some great deals on it, although 'budget' 4K still means four figures. Still, if you're not looking to go too crazy it's an excellent investment.
The best luxury 4K projector
The Sony VPL-VW590ES is a step up from its much-loved predecessor the VW570, mostly thanks to the incredible X1 chip which has been based on Sony’s Bravia TV technology.
✅ You want super high end image quality
✅ You have plenty of space or a sturdy bracket
✅ You've already got an audio solution
❌ You need built in speakers
❌ You won't make the most of its image quality
Design: The VPL-VW590ES is large and heavy, but so are most 4K native projectors. However, this thing weighs in at 14kg, which can be a concern if you plan on mounting it above your head. However, its smooth corners and longer rectangular shape is a staple among high end 4K projectors, and it keeps things manageable as long as you have a sturdy bracket above.
Features: That Bravia tech is the biggest feature here, optimised for super high-end picture and upscaling. Aside from that, though, you're also getting dynamic HDR for frame by frame rendering. A slight quibble is the lack of connectivity beyond HDMI and USB, but if you’re shelling out this much for a projector you’re likely to have an amp ready to go for this already, so not having inbuilt speakers may not be such a problem.
Performance: The X1 is an incredibly fast processor which is constantly working to give you incredible picture quality – analysing frame by frame to ensure everything looks sharp and smooth. Bright enough to be great quality picture even with significant levels of ambient light, and with astonishing depth of colour and contrast.
It’s great for gaming with no notable input lag, and the expansive landscapes of open-world games look astonishing in a 4K image of over 100 inches – but so do the bright colours of a platformer. It gives incredible detail even in the darkest shadow, a feat few projectors manage.
Verdict: Yes, it’s pricy, but the Sony VPL-VW590ES is a cutting-edge projector which truly brings the cinema home and worth the money if you have it.
Read more: Sony VPL-VW590ES projector review
The best mid-range 4K projector
The XGIMI Horizon Ultra doesn't want to be the centrepiece of your living room, but when it's got its time to shine, you'll certainly be impressed with the image on offer. This isn't a native 4K projector, but it still outputs at a crisp, clean 3840 x 2160 and manages to do so while still packing powerful speakers and a versatile design.
✅ You want to mount to the ceiling
✅ You want Bluetooth audio options
✅ You want easy setup
❌ You need low latency picture
❌ You want native 4K
Design: The flat rectangular box doesn't look too much like a projector from the outset. For a start, there's no lens visible. However, once the kit is fully powered up, a small panel automatically slides down to reveal the main event for a particularly impressive boot sequence. The device itself is designed to slot into your living room easily, no matter your chosen aesthetic. Cream colored leather panels on each side, with their bronzy gold accents, make for a particularly luxurious look and feel.
Features: With the power of two dedicated light sources, the XGIMI Horizon Ultra offers up a nice wide color range and accurate picture. While a pixel shifter is doing most of the work to bring that image up to 4K standard, it's doing a fantastic job, especially with Dolby Vision HDR on the table as well. All that comes with a powerful set of 12-watt Harman / Kardon speakers and a healthy supply of connection options around the back as well. The whole device can run off a pre-installed Android TV operating system if you don't want to have anything hooked up as well.
Performance: While there are some caveats in darker scenes, the Horizon XGIMI Ultra performs particularly well on the whole. Using auto-settings for a speedy setup didn't yield too much distortion on the picture, but things were looking particularly rosy with some manual tweaks. Colors appeared a little warmer than they generally do from a projector, offering a rich tone to everything from skin tones to bright pops of color. Unfortunately, detail was lost in darker scenes.
Verdict: With its easy setup features, subtle design, and bright, powerful picture, the XGIMI Horizon Ultra is a fantastic 4K projector for home cinema fans looking to make their first UHD upgrade. It's a solid mid-range model with enough extra features to keep its price competitive, though you're not spending enough for the true top of the line quality here.
Read more: XGIMI Horizon Ultra review
The best 4K projector for gaming
The BenQ X3100i isn't just the best 4K projector for gaming, it's our go-to for play overall. Yes, it's got a fairly speedy 4K 60Hz mode which runs beautifully in single player or less competitive titles - but you've also got a 240Hz 1080p mode that clocks in at a super-fast 4.2ms delay. With plenty of extra features up its sleeve, this is a must-see for console players.
✅ You want low latency gaming
✅ You have plenty of space
✅ You want a few dedicated streaming apps
❌ You're working with a smaller space
❌ You need Dolby Vision support
Design: The X3100i isn't too different in looks from the BenQ X3000i we previously had in this position. You're still getting that classic white box design with a black front panel and the classic BenQ orange trim. The sides remain softened nicely with generous curves, and while it's larger than the BenQ X300G it's still fairly easy to position in a decently sized room. Its dimensions make it far more versatile than chunkier models like the XGIMI Horizon Ultra above.
Features: Gaming is the BenQ X3100i's bread and butter, its very reason for being. That means its feature list is laser-focused on reducing latency, making your games pop, and running as efficiently as possible. At 4K, you'll be running a 60Hz refresh rate at 16.7ms - fast enough for single player campaigns, but more competitive players will also benefit from an incredibly fast 240Hz 1080p mode as well.
The X3100i makes some internal improvements over the previous model, most notably in the brightness (now 3,300 lumens vs. 3,000 lumens) and contrast (now 600,000:1 vs. 500,000:1). In real life, that means your games will look sharper, colorful scenes will pack more of a punch, and you'll get better results in an environment with ambient light. In our testing, though, one of the more useful new features was SettingsXchange - an additional piece of software that allows you to use preset image profiles created by specialists for specific games.
Performance: Astro's Playroom was a delight running through the BenQ X3100i. Its incredibly vibrant landscapes are plastered across a wall with impressive clarity and punch across the color-range. This is where the X3100i works best; pairing excellent vibrancy with crisp sharpness to handle blocky colors particularly well. Our testing across Assassin's Creed: Mirage revealed a nice warmth to more realistic scenes, but also highlighted a slight tendence for similar colors to blend into each other - a slight degradation in contrast compared to other projectors designed for streaming.
Verdict: The BenQ X3100i is the best in the gaming business right now, pairing low latency gameplay with incredibly immersive visuals and throwing in a host of extra features to sweeten the deal as well.
Read more: BenQ X3100i review
Full 4K projector comparison
| Header Cell - Column 0 | Brightness | Image size | Ports | Audio | Ease of setup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epson Pro Cinema LS12000 | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Optoma UHD51 | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| XGIMI Horizon Ultra | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Sony VPL-VW590ES | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| BenQ X3100i | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
The best 4K projectors: by budget
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Of course the best 4K projector on the market is going to cost a pretty penny, which means the best on paper isn't always necessarily the right pick for you. So how much is a 4K projector? It depends on the features you want. Full Native 4K is going to cost you thousands, and yet you'll find certain upscaling models on Amazon for far less. An all-singing, all-dancing 120Hz refresh rate beast could call for a remortgage, but you can still build a home cinema around a cheaper piece of kit.
There are some sharks at the very cheap end of these waters, though. Watch out for projectors sticking '4K support' in their product names at between $200 and $500 - these simply accept a 4K signal, rather than actually projecting in full UHD. Typically, actual 4K projectors (be they native or upscaling) start at around $600. We're breaking down the features you can expect to see in a 4K projector by price just below.
4K projectors: FAQ
Is it worth buying a 4K projector?
If you're looking for a high-end home cinema experience, a 4K projector is almost definitely going to be a worthwhile investment. You're getting a higher quality resolution to match the boosted picture quality of today's biggest streaming services. However, if you're just after a more casual device for the odd movie night then the higher cost might not make sense. In this situation, a cheaper 1080p model might be easier to reconcile with your wallet.
How bright should a 4K projector be?
The majority of 4K projectors aiming to offer a fairly luxurious experience will be offering 3,000 lumens of brightness. This is the sweet spot for a 120-inch display with a little daylight peeking through. If you're only going to be watching in the dead of night, or on a smaller screen, then you can get away with 2,000 lumens. However, high-light situations will call for 4,000 lumens - and you'll even find some 4K projectors offering 5,000 or 6,000 lumens.
Are 4K projectors really 4K?
A lot of projectors labelled as 4K are actually using a technology called pixel shifting, rather than offering 'native' 4K processing straight from the device. The resulting image outputs at 4K resolution but, crucially, costs far less than a full UHD chip. Native 4K projectors are still incredibly expensive, so if you're spending under $3,000 on a device it's likely using pixel shifting.
Are 4K projectors as good as 4K TV?
There are some 4K projectors that are as good, if not better, than 4K TVs - but you're paying a lot more for them. The picture quality from some of the best models on the market is pretty similar to that of a traditional television these days, even if prices soar once you're in this category. However, projectors have their own benefits that TVs can't match - their relative portability (especially if you pick up an outdoor model), adjustability, and increased maximum screen size make them a compelling home cinema option.
4K projectors glossary
Remember to peruse the best projector screen and best outdoor projector screen markets to ensure you have the right gear for your projected images.
And also remember that it's always worth trying to get hold of a new console for your new 4K projector so you'll need to know how to find buy a PS5 and how to buy Xbox Series X. And if you do prefer your screens TV-shaped then check out our guides to the best TV for PS5 and Xbox Series X, best 120Hz 4K TV, and best OLED TV too.
