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How to choose a projector
Home cinema, backyard movie nights or a pocket projector for travel. What brightness, 4K and short throw really mean, plus our picks at every budget.
In a hurry? Our quick picks
In stock now, at today’s prices.
BenQ Tk705i 4K HDR 3000lm Entertainment ProjectorBenQ 4K HDR projector with 3000 lumens, bright enough for a lounge room with some light.$2,199View productBest for small rooms
BenQ TK705STi 4K HDR 3000lm Short Throw Home…Short throw version: a big picture from close to the wall, so it suits apartments.$2,098
XGIMI Vibe One Battery Powered LCD Portable ProjectorBattery powered, so you can take movie night to the backyard or a campsite.$595View productBest value
Acer Aopen Fire Legend PV12p Portable DLP Mini LED…Mini LED projector with wireless screen sharing, under $300.$249Which type suits you?
Start with how you’ll use it.
Home projector
- Brightest and sharpest picture
- 4K and HDR on most models
- Built-in smart TV apps on many
- Stays in one place
Short throw
- Big picture from close to the wall
- No one walks through the beam
- Costs more
Portable
- Small and light
- Battery models need no power point
- Built-in speaker
- Less bright, best after dark
Laser
- Very bright, colours stay strong
- Light source lasts for years
- Highest price
What to look for
The things that make the biggest difference day to day.
Brightness (lumens)
The most important spec. Around 500 lumens is fine in a dark room, while a lounge room with some light needs 2,000 lumens or more. Compare ANSI or ISO lumens, which are measured the same way.
Resolution
1080p looks great on most screens up to about 100 inches. 4K gives a sharper picture for big screens and sitting close.
Throw distance
How far from the wall it needs to sit for a given screen size. Short throw and ultra short throw models need far less room.
Light source
LED and laser projectors last for years with no lamp to replace. Laser is the brightest and keeps its colour.
Smart TV and sound
Built-in Google TV or apps mean no extra streaming stick. For movie nights, a soundbar or speaker is a big upgrade.
Setup
Auto focus, auto keystone and obstacle avoidance get a straight, sharp picture in seconds, which matters most on portable models.
Home vs portable vs laser
| Home | Portable | Laser / short throw | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Movie nights in the lounge | Backyard, travel, bedrooms | Bright rooms, daily TV use |
| Typical brightness | 1,000 to 3,000 lumens | 300 to 1,000 lumens | 2,000+ lumens |
| Battery | No | Some models | No |
| Works with lights on | Somewhat | Best after dark | Yes |
| Our range from | About $700 | About $250 | About $1,200 |
Our picks by budget
Picked from what we have in stock, with Australian warranty.
Under $700Portable & first projector
Acer Aopen Fire Legend PV12p Portable DLP Mini…$249
XGIMI Vibe One Battery Powered LCD Portable…$595
Nebula Capsule Air Pocket Projector - Black$599
Nebula Capsule 3 Google TV Projector - Black$799
Acer XL2521 FHD 4000 Lm Laser Projector$1,199
XGIMI Elfin Flip Portable Triple Laser Home…$1,495
BenQ Tk705i 4K HDR 3000lm Entertainment Projector$2,199
XGIMI Horizon 20 4K Laser Projector (3200 ISO…$2,999
XGIMI Aura 4K Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector…$2,299Get more out of it
- Make it darkBlinds or curtains do more for picture quality than any setting. Even a bright projector looks better in a darker room.
- Use a screen or flat white wallA smooth, plain white or light grey surface gives a much sharper, brighter image than a textured wall.
- Measure before you buyCheck the distance from where it will sit to the wall, then match it to the throw distance in the specs.
- Add a speakerBuilt-in speakers are fine for a show. A soundbar or Bluetooth speaker makes movie nights feel like the cinema.
Questions we get asked
Can a projector replace my TV?
For movies and sport, yes, especially a bright laser or short throw model. In a very bright room, a TV is still easier to watch during the day.
How many lumens do I need?
About 500 for a dark bedroom, 1,000 or more for evening use in a lounge room, and 2,000+ if there’s light in the room.
Do I need a screen?
Not to start. A smooth white wall works well. A screen gives a brighter, sharper picture if you watch a lot.
Do your projectors come with a warranty?
Yes. Every projector we sell comes with an Australian warranty, and you can return eligible items under our return policy.
More guides
Still not sure?
Ask our team on live chat or call us, we’re happy to help you choose.