Best Cheap Projectors for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best budget projectors for every need.
Published: June 26th, 2024

💰Looking for a projector that won't empty your wallet? We've been digging through the market and sifting through loads of reviews to find the best budget options out there. Whether you're planning to set up an outdoor movie night, upgrade your home theater, or need something portable for presentations, these projectors deliver great performance without costing a fortune.

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Overall Best: XGIMI MoGo 2

XGIMI MoGo 2 Portable Projector, Mini Projector with Wifi and Bluetooth, 400 ISO Lumens Movie Projector, Android TV 11.0, 2X8W Speakers, Auto Focus, Object Avoidance, and Screen Adaption

The XGIMI MoGo 2 takes the crown as our overall best budget projector due to its remarkable picture quality and optimal brightness. Boasting a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080, it ensures crystal-clear and detailed images for an immersive viewing experience. Both experts and users rave about its built-in speakers, which provide room-filling sound. The Android TV interface simplifies streaming, and the auto keystone correction keeps your image aligned without hassle. While it requires a power source, it offers flexible options via USB-C. Its compact design makes it perfect for bedroom use and portable enough for outdoor movie nights.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$399.99 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the XGIMI MoGo 2 Projector? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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How good is the picture quality of the XGIMI MoGo 2 in different lighting conditions?
The XGIMI MoGo 2 Portable Projector is pretty impressive when you're using it in dim or dark spaces, mostly because of its 400 ISO lumens brightness. According to the manufacturer's product description, it's designed with a D65 color temperature standard, which makes it great for home theaters where rich colors and contrast really count. However, in a brighter room, the image might not have the same impact due to the brightness constraints. From what we've found, the MoGo 2 delivers a sharp and colorful image in the right lighting—struggling a bit in brightly lit environments. The Verge also notes that it performs its best in complete darkness, which aligns with other feedback we've seen, where folks say the picture quality is at its peak in dimmer settings. The manufacturer suggests it's built for environments with controlled lighting, like evening indoor use. So, if you're thinking about getting this projector, using it mainly in low-light conditions will help you make the most of its clarity and color vibrancy. Overall, while the XGIMI MoGo 2 has good specs for a portable projector, your room's lighting plays a big role in picture quality. It’s not the best fit for bright daytime use, so sticking to darker spaces would enhance your viewing experience. If you need something for outdoor use during the day or in naturally lit rooms, you might want to consider other projectors with higher brightness options.
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What is the battery life of the XGIMI MoGo 2 portable projector?
The XGIMI MoGo 2 portable projector has a built-in battery, and according to the manufacturer, it should last up to around 2.5 hours on a full charge. That's enough to get through a movie or use it for a short presentation if you don't have a power outlet handy. That said, the actual battery life can change based on how you use the projector. If you have it cranked up to full brightness while streaming HD content, you might find the battery drains faster than if you're watching lower-resolution stuff with the brightness turned down. Some folks have managed to squeeze a bit more life out of the battery by tweaking settings—like using eco mode or lowering the brightness. If you're thinking of using it for a longer session, having a power cord nearby can be a good idea, so you won't have to worry about it conking out. Plus, you can plug it in and keep watching without any breaks. In general, the MoGo 2 is great for quick setups or short viewing sessions, especially if you're on the move. But if you need it to last longer without a plug, you might want to think about other models or grab a [portable power bank](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dportable%2Bpower%2Bbank%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) to give it some extra juice.
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Does the XGIMI MoGo 2 work with Netflix?
Hey there! So, the XGIMI MoGo 2 projector can definitely work with Netflix, but there's a bit of a catch. You'll need to use a streaming device like a [Chromecast](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dchromecast%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) or a [Fire TV Stick](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dfire%2Btv%2Bstick%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) to make it happen because Netflix isn't pre-installed on the projector due to some licensing issues. Just hook up one of those devices to the projector via the HDMI port, and you'll be all set to binge your favorite shows. A little heads-up, though—the MoGo 2 doesn't have a built-in battery. It's not as portable as some other projectors unless you have access to a power outlet or a power bank. From our research, a power bank with around 27,000mAh can give you about 70 minutes of use, which might just cover a short movie or presentation. So, if you're planning a longer movie night, you'll want to be near a power source. Compared to other models like the [XGIMI Halo Plus](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dxgimi%2Bhalo%2Bplus%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), which has a built-in battery, the MoGo 2 is more about sound quality with those 2x8W speakers they've packed in. The speakers provide pretty solid audio for its size, though. All in all, the MoGo 2 is ideal for indoor use or spots where you can easily plug in. Lots of folks are hoping for a built-in battery in future MoGo models to make them more travel-friendly. But for now, if you're after great sound and don't mind setting up a bit for Netflix, the MoGo 2 should suit you fine indoors.
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Runner-up: Epson Home Cinema 880

Epson Home Cinema 880 3-chip 3LCD 1080p Projector, 3300 lumens Color and White Brightness, Streaming and Home Theater, Built-in Speaker, Auto Picture Skew, 16,000:1 Contrast, HDMI 2.0, White

The Epson Home Cinema 880 is our strong runner-up, offering a superior home theater experience with advanced 3LCD technology and vibrant color reproduction. With 1080p resolution and an impressive 3,300 lumens of brightness, it's suitable for larger spaces. The setup is straightforward, and its powerful audio system is perfect for immersive viewing. Though it's on the bulkier side compared to other budget options, it’s still a fantastic choice for those prioritizing top-notch performance over portability.

Lowest at Amazon
$812.00 at Amazon
Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$588.99 at Newegg Business

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Budget Pick: Vankyo Leisure 3

Projector with Two-way Bluetooth, Mini Projector with Projector Screen, Full HD 1080P Portable Video Projector, Home Movie Projector Compatible with HDMI/USB/Smartphone

For those on a tight budget, the Vankyo Leisure 3 is a great pick. Supporting 1080p resolution and offering 2400 lumens of brightness, it's well-suited for family movie nights and small gatherings. Its lightweight design and diverse connectivity options, including HDMI, make it incredibly user-friendly. While the image quality may not match higher-end models, it delivers a satisfactory viewing experience at an unbeatable price.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$79.99 at Amazon

Best for Outdoor Use: BenQ GS50

BenQ GS50 | 1080p Wireless Outdoor 4K Supported Portable Projector | Extra Bass Bluetooth Speaker | IPX2 Splash & Drop Resistant | WiFi | Android TV | Chromecast & AirPlay | Auto Focus | 2D Keystone 1080p 500 ANSI lm 20W speaker

When it comes to outdoor use, the BenQ GS50 is a top recommendation. This projector provides a full HD 1080p resolution and excellent brightness, ensuring your outdoor movie nights are memorable. It features extra bass from dual midrange tweeters and a 10W woofer for enhanced sound quality. Connectivity is a breeze with HDMI support, and the embedded Android TV allows for seamless streaming. Designed to withstand outdoor conditions, it’s a durable and reliable choice for any backyard setup.

Lowest at Amazon
$699.00 at Amazon
Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$699.00 at Adorama

Best for Portability: Kodak Luma 350

KODAK Luma 350 Portable Smart Projector w/ Luma App | Ultra HD Rechargeable Video Projector w/ Onboard Android 6.0, Streaming Apps, Wi-Fi, Mirroring, Remote Control & Crystal-Clear Imaging

For those who prioritize portability, the Kodak Luma 350 shines as an excellent choice. This compact projector includes a built-in rechargeable battery, making it perfect for use on the go. It supports wireless connections to various devices and runs on Android, enabling you to stream directly from your favorite apps. While it doesn't boast the highest picture quality, its ease of use and portability make it a fantastic option for business presentations and small gatherings.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$292.69 at Amazon
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