Spending time watching a movie with loved ones, friends or family is an invaluable entertainment that many have loved for many years. Moreover, nowadays people are quite tired of a “regular” watching process, that is why the popularity of home and portable cinema projectors have greatly increased. There are different products, some of them can be incredibly and unjustifiably expensive, which is why in this review we have chosen the most optimal and, accordingly, the best projector under 200.
When choosing this product type, you need some knowledge and experience to be able to recognize specific and the most needed qualities of the product, its capabilities, and functions. For example, different contrast ratios, different resolution options, and what lumens still mean, and why they are few in some projectors and extremely high in some. Thus, this material will be incredibly useful to you, as every best home projector under 200 presented will be described in detail.
What to expect from a projector for under $200
This is a very logical question that is asked by every potential user looking for the best projectors under $200. In fact, the main difference between a cheaper and more expensive projector will be that the cheaper option will be smaller in size. This will limit the playback picture and shorten the projection distance. These are not entirely bad things, they can just be considered features. Another point is the light bulb and its lifetime. It tends to have less life in comparison with more expensive projectors.
Which type of projector to choose: portable or powered
In fact, it is important to understand that a cheap projector is often portable, but there are also powered models. Here you can use elementary logic and understand that when choosing an inexpensive projector, you should avoid “pocket” projectors and make a bias towards those that are connected to the network through an outlet. Рortable projectors, although extremely convenient and compact, but their battery often lasts about 2-3 hours. It is difficult to come up with a lesson for which such a battery life is suitable. However, it all depends on your needs and capabilities. This way, you will get a stable picture with reliable color reproduction and without interruption. Moreover, the running time will not depend on any battery, which was previously mentioned.
Projectors Under $200 Comparison Table
| Name | Resolution | Throw distance, ft | Screen size, inch. | Built-in speaker | Wi-Fi | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crenova XPE600 best overall | 800 x 480 LCD | 3.2 – 19.6 | 32-200 | yes | no | Review |
| Vankyo LEISURE 3 best under $150 | 800 x 480 LCD | 3.9 – 18 | 32-176 | yes | no | Review |
| KODAK Luma 150 | 800 x 480 DLP | 3.2 – 9.8 | 5 – 80 | yes | yes | Review |
Best Projector Under $200 Reviews
Home Projector Under $200 Reviews
Crenova XPE600 – best overall
In the review, we will consider several projectors that, in one way or another, deserve to be in the sight of the buyer and the reader. The very first device I propose you consider is Crenova XPE600, which can be deservedly named the best projector under $200.
Like the others, the display of this movie projector is LCD-based and can produce 2600 lumens, which is the highest among any HD projectors in this specific price category. This projector, for its price, delivers an incredibly high-quality picture, which is difficult to compare with other devices because the LED lamp inside lives for more than 20,000 hours.
In the field of the variability of connections, the XPE600 is also practically unmatched because the device can be connected to a laptop, PC, any TV, smartphone, and even a tablet using various cords or wireless connections. It supports 800 x 480 resolution and a 6000: 1 contrast ratio. The unit also features built-in speakers, but unfortunately, does not have Wi-Fi support.
Key specs
- Display technology: LCD
- Resolution, px: 800 x 480
- Brightness, lumens: 2600
- Contrast: 6000:1
- Throw distance, ft: 3.2 – 19.6
- Screen size, inch: 32-200
- Wi-Fi: no
- Built-in speaker: yes
Vankyo LEISURE 3 – best under $150
The LEISURE 3 from Vankyo is definitely what you might want on a budget of up to $150. Vankyo is a manufacturer that works on a large scale, creating incredibly excellent and high-quality products. The same situation is about LEISURE 3, which means that the device has a lot to offer you. I advise you to consider its characteristics and at the same time understand what key functions gave him the opportunity to get into this material.
The fact is that this projector under 150 dollars delivers an excellent 2400 lumens brightness, which is enough for watching videos and movies in good quality. The contrast, as for me, suffers a little and is only a 2000:1 ratio. However, the resolution is quite stable at 800 x 480. Supported by 3.9 – 18 throw distance, this resolution is completely enough for all your needs. In addition, the built-in speakers also guarantee extremely detailed sound.
In the term of connections capabilities, this device does not remain from the previous model and still gives the user the opportunity to connect to completely different devices including PCs, laptops, tablets, and even game consoles like PlayStation and XBOX. In addition, the device is very easy to use, and the developers have foreseen this by adding a bag with which you can take the unit to nature, turning it into a wonderful outdoor projector.
Key specs
- Display technology: LCD
- Resolution, px: 800 x 480
- Brightness, lumens: 2400
- Contrast: 2000:1
- Throw distance, ft: 3.9 – 18
- Screen size, inch: 32-176
- Wi-Fi: no
- Built-in speaker: yes
YABER Y60
The incredibly compact and portable mini projector under 200 YABER Y60 has several key advantages that you need to know when choosing between different home cinema or portable projectors. As you may have noticed, the device is super portable and, in spite of this, it is very easy to use. Regardless of its size, the device can reproduce a picture with support for 1280 x 720 resolution and a contrast ratio of 5000:1, which will suffice for a large number of different tasks at different lighting levels.
To make the device quite lightweight and compact, the developers sacrificed Wi-Fi connectivity and manual image projection adjustments. From that, you can adjust the reproduced material using the remote control, which is also very convenient. In addition, the body is made more durable and sturdy to avoid overheating of low-quality plastic because it is no secret to anyone that small projectors tend to overheat under prolonged loads. Moreover, this minimizes the chance that you will damage the projector in any way during transportation or when you take it on a trip. It also features 3W dual stereo speakers with an SRS sound system, which will give you an opportunity to enjoy fantastic sound that is in no way inferior to ordinary speakers.
In the connectivity area, the unit boasts 2 HDMI ports, 2 USB ports, AV, and VGE ports, which will be enough for the connections you need. Just like other devices, this one can connect to many devices such as an iPhone, iPad, laptop, or tablet.
Key specs
- Display technology: LCD
- Resolution, px: 1280 x 720
- Brightness, lumens: N/A
- Contrast: 5000:1
- Throw distance, ft: 5 – 16.5
- Screen size, inch: 50 – 200
- Wi-Fi: no
- Built-in speaker: yes
Vankyo V620
The V620 is another great creation from VANKYO. This device has several key features that every buyer should know about. I just want to draw your attention to the fact that this device is incredibly compact and lightweight. In addition, it can be easily mounted to a wall or ceiling, which also adds space for variability. To further affect portability, the developers have added a very handy carry bag.
Speaking about the technical side of the projector, it is worth mentioning that this particular model has a very impressive 1920 x 1080 resolution, which will be more than enough for many needs. In addition, contrast support is also quite standard for projectors of this type – 5000: 1 ratio. Considering the fact that it can be mono mounted on many surfaces, the manufacturer has taken care of a reliable remote control with which you can adjust everything you need. There is also a built-in dual stereo speaker that perfectly transmits sound with the inherent volume.
Key specs
- Display technology: LCD
- Resolution, px: 1920 x 1080
- Brightness, lumens: N/A
- Contrast: 5000:1
- Throw distance, ft: 5.2 – 23.2
- Screen size, inch: 20 – 200
- Wi-Fi: no
- Built-in speaker: yes
Portable Projectors Under $200 Reviews
KODAK Luma 150
Speaking of portable projectors, the first thing to highlight is the KODAK Luma 150. Its design is the first thing that caught the eye of many people, and believes me, many will love this design solution because it perfectly complements the interior. It is only important to understand that the device is portable and small, therefore its technical characteristics are an order of magnitude lower than those of previous home models.
With a resolution of 854 x 480 and a contrast ratio of 1500: 1, you can use it for small presentations, interviews, video lectures, or watching content with a few friends. The main advantage is its smallness, in fact, a pocket-size that is easy to take with you on a trip, for example. The only drawback, as for me, is the short battery life of only 2.5 hours.
Separately, I would like to mention the ability of the projector to connect to a very large number of devices, including laptops, tablets, iPhones, consoles, and many others. In addition, there is the possibility of a wireless connection using Airplay and Miracast. Looking at this, one can immediately understand that the device is in great demand in the modern hurried world.
Key specs
- Display technology: DLP
- Resolution, px: 854 x 480
- Brightness, lumens: N/A
- Contrast: 1500:1
- Throw distance, ft: 3.2 – 9.8
- Screen size, inch: 5 – 80
- Wi-Fi: yes
- Built-in speaker: yes
APEMAN M4
Mini Portable Projector APEMAN M4 is a reliable and good combination of compactness with stable content playback. Built-in DLP technology has significantly improved the process of the projector, delivering 70% brighter and better pictures.
Thus, the brightness is 1000: 1 ratio, while the resolution is 854 x 480. It is noteworthy that it is incredibly compact and fits in a pocket, therefore it is suitable for everyday use wherever you want it because it weighs like a second smartphone in the pocket. In addition, the kit comes with a tripod that rotates 360 degrees for wide-angle transmission.
The built-in battery can last up to 2 hours on a full charge, which can be enough for watching a presentation or giving a lecture. It is noteworthy that a built-in lamp can live for a very long time and provide you with more than 40,000 hours of work.
Key specs
- Display technology: DLP
- Resolution, px: 854 x 480
- Brightness, lumens: N/A
- Contrast: 1000:1
- Throw distance, ft: N/A
- Screen size, inch: 30 – 100
- Wi-Fi: no
- Built-in speaker: yes
Buyers Guide
What to look for when choosing the right projector
How many lumens do I need in a projector
A unit of measurement called Lumen tends to indicate the brightness level provided by the lightbulb inside. Thus, it is logical to assume that the more lumens the projector will feature, the brighter it will shine, and therefore you can use it in lighter rooms instead of searching a dark place and wasting your time.
In a poorly lit room, an indicator of 1000 lumens will be quite enough. Therefore in a regular illuminated room, you may need more than 2000 lumens to be able to see the projection and the broadcast material clearly and detailed enough. Therefore, before buying, you should always test several devices with high lumen ratios to find the perfect one.
Should I care about the contrast ratio
In short, yes, this is a very unnecessary indicator that only very few people pay attention to. Dynamic contrast is a comparison of the darkest blacks at full brightness cut for one image with the brightest white at full brightness for another image.
It may sound very unlikely, but what to do… such are the realities of the technical side of devices. When working with projectors, it is important to understand that the screen surface plays an important role in contrast. For example, some screen models have a high contrast finish due to reduced viewing angles.
More importantly, you need to consider that any external light source has a 100% chance of reducing the actual contrast ratio to two digits. Obviously, the higher the indicator, the better, but not always. For example, if you are in a very illuminated room, then you can hardly distinguish between two different projectors with contrast ratios of 10,000: 1 and 1000: 1 ratio.
What resolution do I need
All of us have long been accustomed to the higher the resolution, the better the quality of the image that it displays. Obviously, if you need to show presentations or conduct multimedia from a meeting, then there is no need to overpay for an incredibly high-quality projector if the portable version will do the job just fine. On the contrary, if your main goal is high-definition gameplay with maximum digitalization or creating a home theater where you can watch movies with friends or family, you may need a projector that can handle higher resolutions and therefore more detailed images.
It is also incredibly important to take into consideration that lots of projectors work on a fixed resolution system. Thus, they can only transpose a picture of the current resolution without any changes and additional adjustments. We still advise you to choose a projector in which you can regulate and fix your custom resolution because no one knows what needs you will have at one time or another.
Screen size
The first and most elementary rule that you need to follow when buying a projector sounds like this: you need to multiply the distance to the farthest point from the screen by 1.5. So if you are 50 feet up to this point, I’m totally sure that you need a screen that is at least 10 feet high. This is the only template of how to calculate the right screen size.
If you are unable to calculate this value, there is an option to buy a spring for a model with high magnification, but keep in mind that you will have to pay extra for this. Well, or another option is to buy a short projection projector. They don’t feature a built-in onboard zoom. In terms of this, the distortion will basically be invisible if the position is incorrect. And it would be logical to summarize this by the fact that it will be easier to bring the projector closer than calculating the range.
Bulb lifetime
Unfortunately or fortunately, the light bulb is a key detail that requires lots of care. Moreover, it is very difficult to replace it in the event of a breakdown, so I advise you to choose high-quality products in which the life of the light bulb is much longer. Typically, lamp replacement is the most expensive service that can be associated with repairing a projector. Moreover, the lamp itself can cost as a whole projector, so why suffer? Yes, buying a new light bulb will definitely cost a lot more, but it will also serve you longer.
Compatibility
Many manufacturers are betting on the fact that their projectors are oftentimes used with other devices to provide users this opportunity. See for yourself, you can connect your projector to your smartphone, PC, laptop, and various game consoles. Thus, you can get lost in the huge list of “friendly” devices. I advise you to carefully study the list of possibilities and compare it with your needs so that later it does not turn out that you simply cannot use the projector for its intended purpose.
Can I rely on a projector with built-in speakers
In theory, yes, you can rely on them. But in fact, after a trite one day of use, you will realize that you definitely need normal audio support. The fact is that built-in speakers are usually powered by 1 or 3 watts, which immediately indicates that they are weak and will not be able to transmit all the sound ranges. As such, it is much better to invest money in separate audio support and get really good sound. In addition, relying on a home theater projector, you can organize an entire audio system that will support the sound in every corner of the room and give you the opportunity to hear the three-dimensional sound, which will better convey the plot of the film and the sound component.
