Melissa Forrester Do you want to immerse yourself in the world of entertainment on a big screen With a budget of $500? Is this possible? The answer is quite possible.
You can find a variety in the projector market with a wide range of models and prices. You can discover cheap devices under $100, but you can also find high-end products that cost up to several thousand dollars.
If you are not a professional user but still want the best experience when entertaining, and working with a large screen, $500 is a sufficient budget.
With this budget, you can find a good enough product with brightness, resolution, and a series of impressive technologies to meet the above needs.
If you are interested in this topic, do not ignore the best projector under 500 and the detailed guides below.
Contents
In-depth Reviews Of The Best Projectors Under 500
The list below includes products that do both: they’re all under $500 and offer experiences that will satisfy even the pickiest of people.
1. XGIMI MoGo Pro Portable
- Got Android TV.
- Lightweight, compact design.
- Auto Keystone Correction.
- Built-in battery with a minimum capacity of 2 hours.
- The resolution is sharp, and the brightness is quite good.
- The sound is not impressive.
Why it’s great:
If you are looking for a projector model that can accompany you on every trip or a product set up and used anywhere, the XGIMI MoGo Pro Projector will be the choice you should not miss. Miss.
Because the representative from XGIMI weighs only 1.87 lbs, it has a reasonably neat design like a pocket item.
In addition, the manufacturer also integrates into the product a powerful battery capable of playing for at least two hours. It can be that, with XGIMI MoGo Pro, entertainment anywhere, anytime on the big screen has never been so easy.
Although compact is highly portable, the product’s performance is worse than any other name on the list.
The proof is that this mini projector still has Full HD resolution, good brightness, and supports a maximum size of 100” projection screen.
In addition, the manufacturer also did not forget to support Android TV, allowing you to download popular streaming applications such as YouTube, Disney +, Prime Video, and HBO Max. With this equipment, It’s no exaggeration when you have a whole world of entertainment at your fingertips.
Bottom Line
Although there are some points for improvement, such as the sound being muffled in some cases, there is no denying that the XGIMI MoGo Pro is a great choice when you need a product with high portability.
2. Anker NEBULA Capsule Max
- 8W speaker plays sound from all sides.
- Advanced DLP technology.
- Reduce the amount of light directly entering the user’s eyes.
- Compact, portable.
- Come with an innovative operating system.
- The user interface on the Max is quite tricky to get used to.
Why it’s great:
Manufacturers do not focus too much on improving the sound quality of projectors, especially for devices that cost less than $500. In this case, users who want the best audio experience will have to connect to external speakers or other supporting devices. Anker NEBULA Capsule Max is one of the exceptions.
The brand is one of the few manufacturers integrating 8W speakers into their products. Besides, with the unique design, the sound of this projector model can be from all sides.
Not only does immersive sound not inferior to traditional home theaters, but the picture quality of Anker NEBULA Capsule Max promises to give you an authentic cinema-like experience.
Nebula has integrated into this device advanced DLP technology, HD Viewing, and 200 ANSI Lumen brightness. This device also supports a projection screen with a maximum size of 100” – the ideal size for you to do a lot of activities, from entertainment to educational activities.
More specifically, Capsule Max also has a unique mechanism of action to reduce the amount of light directly entering your eyes. As a result, watching movies or shows for hours will also limit the familiar feeling of eye strain.
Bottom Line
Impressing with its novel design, powerful speakers, and many intelligent features, Anker NEBULA Capsule Max will be the choice you won’t regret.
3. Anker Nebula Solar Portable
- Edit images easily.
- HDR10 technology increases contrast.
- Easily connect to streaming platforms.
- The standard cinema bar.
- Integrated resistance.
- The remote does not work when controlling Netflix.
Why it’s great:
Because of copyright issues, most projectors cannot stream shows and movies directly on platforms such as Netflix, Amazon, or Youtube.
With NEBULA Anker Solar, you can fully enjoy your favorite shows on these platforms without using Chromecast or Fire Stick.
It is easy to connect to streaming platforms. Still, NEBULA Anker Solar also doesn’t require you to work much with sliders or settings menus because the product already has a series of automatic features.
One of them is autofocus. Almost simultaneously, when activated, the device automatically eliminates blur and distortion, ensuring you the most straightforward and most impressive picture quality.
Making the success of Anker Solar’s picture quality is also HDR10 technology. This addition results in deeper blacks and better contrast for a more immersive visual experience.
Bottom Line
NEBULA never disappoints users by consistently providing high-quality products, fresh designs, and advanced technologies. The NEBULA Anker Solar is the best for streaming shows on Netflix and is no exception.
4. JIFAR HD 1080P Bluetooth
- The brightest 1080P projector on the market today.
- Supports the most advanced wireless connectivity.
- Supports Dolby Digital and 4K Video.
- HiFi Stereo Speaker.
- Provide many different connection ports.
- I need to improve my focusing ability.
Why it’s great:
Projecting in a daytime living room or outdoors is always a nightmare for some models because not many mid-range products are bright enough and have supporting features to ensure good image quality in strong light conditions.
However, JIFAR HD 1080P 5G WiFi Bluetooth Projector could do this seemingly impossible thing. To achieve the above effect, the manufacturer has equipped the product with a brightness of 10,000Lux, a contrast of 12000: 1.
Not to mention the positive impact of the rather impressive contrast above. The brightness of 10,000 lux is already a big plus point of the product because there is no projector model with the exact original resolution, same price range, and superior brightness JIFAR.
Besides confidently providing more impressive images, JIFAR also made many changes to enhance the overall experience.
For example, the manufacturer has supported Bluetooth 5.0 connection, 5G WiFi connection. The above advantages make it easy for you to share the screen and play games smoothly with lower latency.
Bottom Line
Although there are some points for improvement, such as the sound being muffled in some cases, there is
From picture quality to the sound, from connection methods to installation operations, JIFAR has succeeded.
Therefore, it is not difficult to understand when the product deserves to be on the list of the best projector under 500 that you should not miss.
5. WiMiUS Upgrade Q1 Mini Android Projector
- Low noise.
- Can display well in a dimly lit room.
- Support autofocus, Keystone correction.
- Support wireless connection.
- Sharp images support 4K input.
- Battery life is not great.
Why it’s great:
The WiMiUS Q1 Mini Android 9.0 Projector has an affordable price tag, but it completely meets your needs for a projector for entertainment needs: high brightness, impressive resolution, Bluetooth connectivity, and support.
First, when it comes to brightness, the product boasts a rating of 500 ANSI Lumens, equivalent to 7500 Lumen LEDs. The above impressive parameters guarantee that you can use this device even in bright environments but still get beautiful, quality images.
Second, this projector model supports 1080P native resolution, with support for 4K input. In addition, the manufacturer also equips it with the autofocus 4D Keystone Correction Function. It can be that, with WiMiUs, it’s time to say goodbye to the usual blurry edges and replace it with superbly detailed images.
More than just delivering high-quality images, this projector can replace your TV with a host of valuable features.
Android TV is one of them. This application opens a great entertainment store with thousands of movies, and games and you rarely cease to be surprised at the fun these applications bring.
WiMiUs also equips this product with Bluetooth wireless connectivity that supports screen mirroring and a variety of physical ports so you can be anywhere, anytime.
Bottom Line
Some customers complain that representatives from WiMiUS have a slightly shorter battery life than the competition.
However, if considered overall, it can be that no product in the same price range can rival the WiMiUS Q1 Mini Android 9.0 Projector.
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– How to make the projector brighter?
6. ONOAYO 5G WiFi Projector
- Sealed optical engine.
- Lamp life up to 100,000 hours.
- Supports the latest Bluetooth connection technology
- Impressive stereo speakers.
- Sharp images, and outstanding color reproduction.
- Fan noise is a bit loud in a quiet room.
Why it’s great:
ONOAYO 5G WiFi Projector is one of the longest-lasting products in its price range.
The above claim is thoroughly grounded because the manufacturer has made a series of changes to ensure this projector model can last as long as possible.
Specifically, ONOAYO uses a sealed optical engine to prevent dust from entering quite well. The appearance of a small glass panel is enough to make any significant changes, such as helping to maintain image clarity after a long time of use and better protecting the internal components.
Adding to the durability is a lamp with a lifespan of 100,000 hours – more than any home theater projector under $500.
But ONOAYO is more than simply an option that endures through years of use. You also want to stick with this product for a long time because of its impressive array of advantages, such as two-way Bluetooth technology, stereo speakers, high contrast ratio, and outstanding color reproduction.
Bottom Line
With a lamp life of up to 100,000 hours, you can stick with this fantastic feature-packed projector for years to come.
7. AILESSOM Native WiFi Bluetooth
- 85% higher brightness when compared to current competition in the market.
- Supports projection screen up to 450”.
- Fast speed 2.4G/5G dual-band WiFi
- Easy adjustment.
- Diffuse reflection technology.
- The remote control does not include batteries.
Why it’s great:
There are many reasons why a representative from the Ailessom brand is an excellent choice.
First, the excellent brightness and contrast ratio: 9800 L and 12000: 1. As the manufacturer claims, the product is 85% brighter than today’s competitors.
With its superiority in light and resolution, AILESSOM can serve the task of presenting business presentations in well-lit offices.
That’s not to say you can’t use this projector model for home entertainment. On the contrary, the product can bring you unforgettable moments of enjoyment like never before.
Specifically, the projector supports screens up to a maximum size of 450”. As long as you have enough installation space, you will get an excellent movie-watching experience, playing games on the big screen.
Not only that, but the manufacturer also equips the product with dual stereo speakers with SRS with impressive sound quality enough to satisfy the most fastidious people.
Bottom Line
With the series of advantages mentioned above, there is no doubt that AILESSOM is one of the Best projectors under 500 that deserves your investment today.
Related: Are Projectors Better For Your Eyes Than TVs?
8. YABER V10 5G WiFi Bluetooth Projector
- High-performance cooling system.
- High-contrast images.
- Wide color gamut.
- Use the latest wireless connection technology.
- 4-point keystone correction.
- There is no protective cover for the glasses.
Why it’s great:
If you want a tremendous big-screen gaming experience, don’t miss the name from the Yaber brand: YABER V10 5G WiFi Bluetooth Projector.
The gaming advantage of this model compared to competitors in the same price range is the latest technology Bluetooth 5.1 two-way & 5G/2.4G WIFI.
With this technology, the device can easily mirror images, videos, and especially games with fast speed and low latency.
Your entertainment experience with Yaber V10 is further enhanced when it provides images with high contrast, a wide color gamut, and excellent sharpness.
Last but not least, YABER V10 also has a highly efficient cooling system. After hours of enjoying your favorite movies or games, the machine does not heat up too much because of the large ventilation area, increasing heat dissipation efficiency by more than 40%.
Bottom Line
With a series of advantages in terms of connectivity and image quality, YABER V10 will surely bring you incredible experiences, especially when a big-screen gaming enthusiast.
9. FANGOR 1080P HD Projector – Best for Home Theater
- Eye-friendly diffuse reflection technology.
- 16.78 million pixels.
- The sound quality is good for the price range.
- Supports playback of 4K quality content.
- Compatible with many devices.
- The fan is a bit noisy.
Why it’s great:
Complete your home entertainment room with the FANGOR 1080P HD Projector, which is a product with excellent display quality and many advantages worth considering.
In terms of display quality, the representative from Fangor was impressed with the light-refractive 6-layer glass lens, the original resolution of 1920×1080, and the contrast ratio of 10,000:1 with 16.78 million pixels.
Along with that, this device can also play 4K quality content without compression or transformation. Therefore, you can fully expect a great home theater with the FANGOR 1080P HD Projector.
Your home entertainment experience won’t be complete if the sound quality doesn’t match. Understanding this, FANGOR has integrated into its product stereo surround speakers so that you can have a pretty good listening experience in the price range.
In addition, you can also take advantage of the product’s wireless connectivity to connect the projector to third-party headsets easily.
Bottom Line
Overall, FANGOR is a pretty perfect product for your home entertainment because this model has all the advantages you need, from picture quality to audio experience and connectivity.
10. AuKing Mini Projector 2024 Upgraded
- Outstanding stereo sound.
- The brightness is quite a bit higher than the competition.
- Impressive lamp life.
- Quiet operation, low noise.
- It easily connects to multiple devices.
- Not show well in bright rooms
Why it’s great:
AuKing’s Mini projector model soon succeeded thanks to its reasonable price and many great features. However, the manufacturer has not stopped improving and continues to launch the 2024 version on the market.
In this version, the improvement in brightness is the most noticeable. Because compared to competitors on the market, AuKing Mini Projector 2024 Upgraded boasts 35% higher intelligence.
In addition to making some changes, the manufacturer still inherits and promotes the advantages received in the previous version.
Specifically, the built-in speaker with high volume still appears on this affordable mini projector model. Along with that, the noise level of the device is also significantly reduced, both helping it work better and not affecting your experience.
Last but not least, the AuKing Mini Projector 2024 Upgraded has an impressive lifespan. With a light bulb that can last for 55,000 hours, you can expect to be with the product for the next 15+ years.
Bottom Line
Currently, there is no shortage of projector brands and products. But AuKing and the latest upgraded mini projector version still hold a particular place in the challenging market. The above location alone is enough to demonstrate the advantages of this low-cost device.
Projector performance comparison
| Model | Resolution | Contrast ratio | Screen Size | Brightness | Speakers | 3D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XGIMI MoGo Pro Portable | 1920×1080 | No data | 100″ | 300 ANSI Lumens | 2x3W | ✔ |
| Anker NEBULA Capsule Max | 1280×720 | No data | No data | 200 ANSI Lumens | 8W | ❌ |
| Anker Nebula Solar | 1920×1080 | 1000:1 | No data | 400 ANSI Lumens | 2×3W | ❌ |
| JIFAR HD 1080P | 1920×1080 | 12000:1 | 60″-400″ | 10,000 Lumens | 2×5W | ❌ |
| WiMiUS Upgrade Q1 | 1920×1080 | 15000:1 | 100″ | 500 ANSI Lumens | Yes | ✔ |
| ONOAYO 5G WiFi | 1920×1080 | 12000:1 | 200″-300″ | 400 ANSI Lumens | 10W | ❌ |
| AILESSOM Native WiFi Bluetooth | 1920×1080 | 12000:1 | 40″-450″ | 9800lm | 2×5W | ❌ |
| YABER V10 | 1920×1080 | 12000:1 | 40″-350″ | 9500L | 10W | ❌ |
| FANGOR 1080P HD | 1920×1080 | 10000:1 | Max 230″ | 200 ANSI Lumens | 5W | ❌ |
| AuKing Mini | No data | 2000:1 | 32″-170″ | No data | Yes | ❌ |
Buying Guide
If your goal is the best projector under 500, you need to not simply choose by the price but also depend on quite a few different factors. You can find some of the essential elements in the guide below.
Resolution
The higher the resolution, the better the image quality. The explanation tells you the number of displayed pixels, and the more pixels, the better the accuracy.
For less than $500, you can find products with Full HD native resolution. You can also find some names that support 4K input, such as Artlii Play3 Outdoor, YABER Y31, or AAXA M7.
Unfortunately, you can hardly find a product that supports 4K native resolution at this price. However, the image quality also depends on many factors such as screen technology, pixel size, or screen size.
Brightness
You need to determine the purpose of using it to choose the correct brightness.
If you only need to use the projector in a home entertainment room, where the luminaires are to ensure that the sidelight isn’t too harsh, a product with brightness in the range of 1000 lumens should be enough to meet the needs.
However, if you use the projector for business purposes, you will want a device with more than 3000 lumens of brightness to ensure display quality.
Contrast
Contrast is the difference between light and dark areas. The higher this parameter, the more likely the monitor produces a more natural, true-to-life image with more depth.
Final Words
Choosing a device with as many complex features as a projector is never an easy challenge, mainly when you are limited by budget.
However, with the list of the best projector under 500, you certainly have the most excellent suggestions. Depending on your individual needs, you can find the product that works best for you.
You will be impressed with the JIFAR HD 1080P 5G Projector because of its outstanding brightness, love ONOAYO for its decades-long lifespan, or be satisfied with all the advantages that WiMiUS Q1 brings.
Therefore, consider all the information one more time and make the final choice.
Thank you for reading!
