Buying guide
Projector Home Theater
Updated How we research
Turn any room into a big-screen cinema. The page is split into four sections (The projector at the heart of it all; Pick the right screen; Mount it securely; Placement stands and shelves), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.
The short version
We compared 16 picks. Our scores range from 6.1 to 8.6 out of 10.
- Best overall:Epson Home Cinema 1080 3-Chip 3LCD 1080p Projector, 3400 Lumens, Streaming/Gaming/Home Theater, Built-in Speaker. Highest overall score in this guide at 8.6/10.
- Also great value:BenQ TH585 1080p Home Entertainment Projector, 3500 Lumens, Low Input Lag for Gaming, 10W Speaker. Value score of 9/10, overall 8.6/10.
- Solid build:Mount-IT! Projector Ceiling Mount 30 lbs Capacity, 360 Full Motion Tilt Swivel (White, Long). Build and materials score of 8/10, overall 8.4/10.
- Feature-rich:DAWASAPAT Adjustable Projector Ceiling/Wall Mount, 3-in-1 Universal Bracket with Extension Pole. Features score of 8/10, overall 7.8/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
The projector at the heart of it all
- Epson Home Cinema 1080 3-Chip 3LCD 1080p Projector, 3400 Lumens, Streaming/Gaming/Home Theater, Built-in SpeakerOur score8.6/10
- BenQ TH585 1080p Home Entertainment Projector, 3500 Lumens, Low Input Lag for Gaming, 10W SpeakerOur score8.6/10
- Epson Home Cinema 3100 1080p 3LCD Home Theater ProjectorOur score7.6/10
- Epson Home Cinema 1040 1080p, 2X HDMI, 3LCD, 3000 Lumens Color and White Brightness Home Theater ProjectorOur score7.2/10
Pick the right screen
- Projector Screen 120 inch with Frame 16:9 HD 4K Movies Screen, Portable Foldable Anti-Crease Indoor OutdoorOur score7.4/10
- Mdbebbron 120 inch Projector Screen 16:9 Foldable Anti-Crease Portable Movies Screen, Double SidedOur score7.2/10
- 120 inch Projection Screen 16:9 High Contrast Collapsible HD 4K Portable, Double Sided ProjectionOur score7.2/10
- 120 Inch Motorized 4:3 HD Electric Projector Screen Pull Down with Remote, Retractable Wall/CeilingOur score6.7/10
Mount it securely
- Mount-IT! Projector Ceiling Mount 30 lbs Capacity, 360 Full Motion Tilt Swivel (White, Long)Our score8.4/10
- DAWASAPAT Adjustable Projector Ceiling/Wall Mount, 3-in-1 Universal Bracket with Extension PoleOur score7.8/10
- PUTORSEN Adjustable Projector Ceiling Mount, Universal Shelf, Holds up to 22lbs, No Hole InstallationOur score7.6/10
- YiePhiot Mini Ceiling Wall Projector Mount Stand (175mm, Black)Our score6.2/10
Placement stands and shelves
- Facilife Projector Stand Tripod - Laptop Tripod Projector Stand Adjustable Height 22 to 47 Inch, Projector Tripod Stand, Tripod for Projector, Projector Stand for Outdoor MoviesOur score7.6/10
- Projector Floor Stand, Folding Portable Tripod Mount, Adjustable Height 29in to 70inOur score7.4/10
- DECOSIS Projector Stand Tripod Adjustable, Laptop Height from 23.5 to 46.5 inches with Gooseneck Phone Holder, Floor Stand for Office, Home, Stage, StudioOur score7.2/10
- Projector Floor Stand, Portable Tripod Mount, Folding Stand for Projector, Camera, Webcam (18in to 40in), Supports Up to 3lbsOur score6.1/10
All 16 picks, ranked by our score
Every product from the sections above, listed once. Sort by the criterion you care about most, or tick up to three to compare.
#1Epson's Home Cinema 1080 3-chip 3LCD 1080p projector with 3400 lumens and a built-in speaker for movies and gaming.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + 3LCD design shows equal color and white brightness with no rainbow effect
- + 3400 lumens is bright enough for rooms with some ambient light
- + Built-in speaker gets you started before adding a sound system
- - 1080p only, so it will not show native ultra HD detail from streaming
- - Built-in speaker is thin compared with a soundbar or AV receiver
#2BenQ's TH585 1080p DLP projector with 3500 lumens, low input lag for gaming and a 10W speaker for casual viewing.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + Low input lag makes console gaming feel responsive on a big screen
- + 3500 lumens handles family rooms that are not fully dark
- + 10W speaker is louder than the tiny speakers in many projectors
- - Single-chip DLP can show rainbow effect for sensitive viewers
- - Limited lens shift means careful placement to square the image
#3Mount-IT!'s long white ceiling mount with 30 lbs capacity and 360 full motion tilt and swivel for heavier projectors.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 30 lbs rating gives headroom for heavier home cinema projectors
- + 360 swivel and tilt make keystone-free alignment easier
- + Long white pole suits high or vaulted ceilings in bright rooms
- - Long version may hang too low for rooms with a standard ceiling
- - White finish stands out in a dark painted theater room
#4DAWASAPAT's 3-in-1 universal projector bracket with an extension pole, usable on a ceiling or a wall for most home projectors.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 9/10
- + Ceiling or wall mounting gives flexibility when the room layout is awkward
- + Extension pole lets you drop the projector to line up with the screen
- + Universal arms suit a wide range of projector hole patterns
- - Budget brand, so tighten joints firmly to avoid slow drooping over time
- - Pole length still needs planning against your ceiling height and throw
#5Epson's Home Cinema 3100 1080p 3LCD projector, a dedicated home theater model aimed at movie watching in darker rooms.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + 3LCD engine delivers bright, accurate color without rainbow artifacts
- + Home theater tuning favors contrast and cinema-style picture modes
- + Epson reliability makes it a proven mid-range movie projector
- - Older model, so it lacks streaming apps and modern gaming modes
- - 1080p resolution trails current ultra HD projectors at a similar price
#6PUTORSEN's adjustable ceiling shelf mount rated to 22lbs that holds projectors on a tray with no holes needed in the unit itself.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Shelf-style tray works for projectors that lack mounting screw holes
- + 22lbs capacity covers most home theater and portable projectors
- + Adjustable design helps you level and aim the image onto the screen
- - Projector sits on a tray, so add a strap if you worry about vibration
- - Tray style looks bulkier on the ceiling than a slim arm bracket
#7Facilife tripod projector stand that adjusts from 22 to 47 inches, with a 14.9 by 11.2 inch tray, a 22 lb load rating and a tray that tilts.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Height adjusts from 22 to 47 inches, so the projector can sit at table height or higher for a clear throw.
- + 22 lb maximum load covers most home projectors, and elastic straps with a foam pad hold the device on the tray.
- + The tray tilts over a 180 degree range, which helps with aiming and fine alignment of the picture.
- - Maximum height of 47 inches is lower than taller tripod stands, which may not clear a seat row in a larger room.
- - Light metal alloy tripod keeps it portable, but heavy projectors near the 22 lb limit will want careful placement.
#8A 120 inch 16:9 portable foldable screen with a frame, anti-crease fabric and indoor or outdoor use for movie nights.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Included frame gives a flatter image than hanging loose fabric
- + Portable foldable build moves between indoor and outdoor setups
- + 120 inch size is big enough for group movie nights
- - Check the frame's weight and rigidity before buying
- - Frame assembly takes longer than simply hanging a fabric sheet
#9A folding portable tripod projector floor stand with adjustable height from 29in to 70in for flexible placement.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + 29in to 70in range projects over heads of seated viewers
- + Folding tripod stores away in a closet
- + Portable design moves between rooms or outdoors
- - No weight capacity listed, so check against your projector
- - Tall extension can wobble if bumped during a movie
#10Epson's Home Cinema 1040 1080p 3LCD projector with 2 HDMI ports and 3000 lumens color and white brightness.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 3000 lumens color brightness holds up in living rooms with lamps on
- + Two HDMI inputs let you connect a streamer and a console together
- + Long-running Epson model with a straightforward setup
- - Older design with a lamp that will need replacing eventually
- - No ultra HD input or HDR support for newer streaming content
#11Mdbebbron's 120 inch 16:9 foldable anti-crease portable screen that is double sided for front or rear projection.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 9/10
- + Double sided fabric works for front and rear projection setups
- + Foldable design packs down small for camping or backyard movies
- + Anti-crease fabric recovers quickly after being folded
- - No frame or stand included, so you need hooks, rope or a wall
- - Thin fabric can ripple in wind when used outdoors
#12A 120 inch 16:9 collapsible high contrast screen, double sided for projection from the front or behind.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 9/10
- + High contrast fabric helps budget projectors look less washed out
- + Collapsible design stores easily in a closet or car trunk
- + Double sided surface allows rear projection to hide the projector
- - No frame means edges may sag unless tensioned carefully
- - Rear projection makes the image slightly dimmer than front use
#13DECOSIS' adjustable tripod projector and laptop stand, 23.5 to 46.5 inches tall, with a gooseneck phone holder.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Gooseneck phone holder helps when streaming from a phone
- + 23.5 to 46.5 inches suits seated and standing heights
- + Doubles as a laptop stand for presentations
- - Max height is modest for projecting over a seated audience
- - Tray size may be small for larger home theater projectors
#14A 120 inch motorized 4:3 electric pull down screen with a remote, retractable for wall or ceiling installs.
Fit for the job 6/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10
- + Motorized drop with remote hides the screen away when not in use
- + Wall or ceiling install fits living rooms that double as theaters
- + Retractable case protects the surface from dust between uses
- - 4:3 shape leaves black bars with modern widescreen movies
- - Needs a nearby power outlet and careful level mounting
#15A compact YiePhiot mini ceiling or wall stand in black, sized for small portable and pico projectors rather than big home units.
Fit for the job 6/10 · Features and specs 5/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Short 175mm drop keeps a mini projector tucked close to the ceiling
- + Black finish blends into dark media rooms and shelving
- + Simple stand design is quick to fit for lightweight projectors
- - Built for mini projectors, so a full-size home theater unit is too heavy
- - Fixed short length gives little room to adjust height later
#16A portable folding floor tripod for projectors, cameras and webcams, 18in to 40in tall, supporting up to 3lbs.
Fit for the job 5/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Lightweight tripod suits mini and pico projectors
- + 18in to 40in range sets a low angle on a coffee table level
- + Also works for cameras and webcams
- - 3lbs limit rules out most home theater projectors
- - Small screw mount lacks a tray for projectors without threads
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Home Theater Setup Hub curates picks for US shoppers. Scores are our editorial assessment. We may earn a commission from links on this page.