10 Best Projectors Under 200: Expert Reviews
Are you looking for a projector for a theatre-like experience at home? Or maybe you have tons of presentations to deliver and want the best possible colors and resolution for the conference hall without spending thousands of dollars?
Either way sounds like you need the best projector under 200. But with over 150+ models, how do you find one with maximum functionality and durability?
Also, what resolution can you get at this price range? Can you connect your PS4 or Xbox to it? We’ll answer all those and other questions in this detailed buyer’s guide.
So let’s dig right into our top picks for 2022.
10 Best Projectors Under 200 Reviewed
Table of Contents
#1: Native 1080p Projector by JIFAR (Best Projector Under 200 for Large Halls)
You want large, clear pictures with good colors and contrast and the projector is primed for that. It supports Full-HD resolution that you can project on a massive 400-inch screen.
Plus, it comes with an excellent brightness of 7500 lumens which makes it ideal for usage be it in the dark areas or slightly lit up areas like that around windows.
And further supporting that is the all-new LED light source and TFT LCD technology. This helps reduce the attenuation, in turn, giving you a brighter display (almost 80% more than some others at this price point).
It also has a 10,000:1 contrast ratio ensuring all images are sharp and crisp.
There's also a ±15° keystone correction range that ensures you get perfectly rectangular images on the screen even if the projector was placed slightly higher or lower than the screen.
But what's a great display without good sound, right?
Now, the speaker isn’t going to sound like a surround sound home theatre but for the cost, the 5W Dual Speakers are good and produce ample sound to fill-up a small room.
Furthermore, it will also suppress fan noise by up to 90%. Plus, the inclusion of an advanced cooling system means it remains cool as a cucumber even after hours of usage.
With a 100,000 hours life, you won’t have to spend money or time on replacing the LED bulb for years to come. And covering other parts is the 3-year warranty.
You also get lifetime access to technical support so in case you have trouble with installation or any setting, you can get in touch with them via email.
Plus, you get a lens cloth and lens cover to keep away dust so your projector continues to give sharp images even months after usage.
Apart from watching movies, you can also enjoy games on it. Yup, whether it is a PS4 or Xbox, with an HDMI port, you can now play games on a bigger, badder, Full-HD screen.
Not just that, it also supports smartphone mirroring and you connect other devices as well such as your Fire Stick, Laptop, Tablet, Speakers, etc.
There’s also a remote control so you can easily make adjustments to the various settings from a distance (especially helpful if the projector is placed on the ceiling).
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
#2: TopVision Video Projector
Apart from Jifar, TopVision is one of the very few projectors in this price range to come with a Full-HD native resolution thus guaranteeing you excellent image quality.
But that alone wouldn’t cut it, contrast, color, etc. are equally important. That is why it has an amazing 6000:1 contrast ratio (you get almost 2x better colors than the projectors below).
Plus, the 6500 Lumen brightness makes it possible to use the projector in any surroundings (yup, you won’t need a completely dark room with this baby).
Its in-built speakers aren’t as powerful as the Jifar projector but the sound quality of the 3W, Hi-Fi Stereo speakers is good.
Keeping it cool under heavy usage while ensuring it remains energy-efficient are its dual smart fans that automatically adjust their speed based on the internal temperature.
Furthermore, the LED bulb runs for an excellent 80,000-hours and if you encounter any other faults, you are covered by the 24-month warranty period.
The display size can vary from 67" to 240”. Plus, it has a throw distance of 10ft so you can easily place the projector on the ceiling.
From laptops to gaming consoles, you connect any device you want to since it features 2 HDMI ports, 2 USB ports, and one VGA port, AV port each.
Oh, and lastly, you won’t have to worry about the projector image looking like a trapezium rather than a rectangle thanks to the ±15°Keystone Correction feature.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
#3: VANKYO LEISURE 3 Mini Projector (Budget Pick)
Want a projector on the cheap? What if you could get one for less than $100? Say hello to the Vankyo Leisure 3 mini projector.
What we love the most about this projector is that even at this price range its color production is good since it has a contrast ratio of 2000:1.
It also has a brightness of 3600 lumens which is a rarity at this price range making the projector ideal for a medium-sized room, whether in an office or home.
Another thing that makes it perfect for such spaces is that it has a large display range. You can have a display as small as 33” or go big with a 170” screen while distance can vary from 4.9ft to 16ft.
Plus, it can be carried anywhere in your bag as it weighs a mere 2.1lbs.
But lightweight doesn’t mean low durability. Not only does it have a strong exterior, but the LED bulb also gives 40,000 hours of uninterrupted run-time as well.
Plus, you get a ±15 degree keystone range ensuring the picture perfectly emulates a theatre screen and does not distort.
It has all the required ports in the form of an HDMI, USB, etc. ensuring all devices like Chromecast, PC, laptops, TV, etc. connect seamlessly.
Even the in-built speakers are decent and installing it is a breeze (takes a mere couple of minutes).
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
#4: GooDee Projector 2021 (Best Projector Under 200 For Small Rooms)
This GooDee is a good choice for low ambient areas like when you are camping or a smaller bedroom since it has a brightness of 300 ANSI lumens (not a lot, but just enough).
Though its native resolution is only 720p it has a good contrast ratio at 3000:1, thus the colors and crispness won’t leave you disappointed.
A home theatre requires a large display and this is exactly why the projector has a 230-inch display that it can project from anywhere between 4ft to 18ft of distance.
Its dual 3-watts Stereo speakers are good but what stands out about this projector is the excellent cooling (it will run for hours without a hitch). This is thanks to the improved fans and vents.
The projector is almost noiseless as well. Plus, it has an amazing 5-year warranty and lifetime tech support.
In fact, they take it a step further and make the entire purchase risk-free by giving unsatisfied users either a replacement or a 100% refund within 2-months of the purchase.
Do you want to fix the projector on the ceiling? No problem. Just remove the screw caps and voila, it will easily go on to the mount. Similarly, helping you get the perfect angle while on the table are the adjustable foot pads.
And so you get the perfect rectangular shape without any distortion, the keystone can also be adjusted using the slider.
It also allows you to connect a plethora of devices like the Fire Stick, Chromecast, PC, laptop, tablet, external speakers, PS4, Xbox, etc. since it has multiple HDMI ports. Then there are also AV ports, a headphone jack, etc.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
#5: WiFi Projector 2021 By Jinhoo
Can’t find the HDMI cable? No problem.
This projector by Jinhoo lets you go wireless with the Wi-Fi feature that allows it to interact with a laptop or tablet over a Wi-Fi network (giving presentations or streaming movies just got a whole lot easier).
And compared to the previous model, connecting via Wi-Fi is easier as the number of steps has been reduced.
You can also connect your devices like a smartphone using a USB cable and then there is an additional HDMI port as well for your gaming consoles or an additional laptop.
It works perfectly well in a medium-sized bedroom or meeting rooms even with windows thanks to its 6500 lumens brightness. It also has a decent contrast ratio of 2000:1 further supporting good picture quality.
Furthermore, it has a good display size of up to 176” and an excellent throw distance of around 16ft giving you great flexibility when it comes to projector placement.
Like the GooDee, even this has a 100% money-back guarantee. Plus, in case of any issues, you can get in touch with their customer service team via email or phone and have your issues resolved within 24-hrs.
The LED bulb has a life better than the GooDee projector as it runs for a good 55,000hrs while covering the projector against other technical faults is the 3-year warranty.
It comes with all the required ports like an HDMI, AVI, AV, VGA port so you can also connect your gaming consoles as well.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
#6: VANKYO Burger 101 Pico Projector (Best Mini Projector)
What if we told you that you can carry your new projector in your pocket. Interested? Well, this Vankyo mini projector is tailor-made for just that.
Its dimensions are a mere 8.10 x 3.40 x 8.90 inches and it weighs 2.41lbs making it one of the most portable projectors on the list (now start a match screening or presentation anywhere you like).
But what’s portability if you need power points all the time, right? Well, that is why this projector has been designed to run on a rechargeable battery.
That’s not all, it supports 3D viewing as well. All you need to buy are a couple of active shutter 3D glasses along with this projector and you can have a more immersive, real viewing experience.
To top it all, it supports wireless connectivity as well through either Wi-Fi or by mirroring your smartphone/tablet.
Wait, that’s not all.
It is also a 100% risk-free purchase. Yup, you get about 3-months to return the projector if you aren’t happy with the purchase. And then there's a 2-year warranty as well.
Another standout feature here is its +40 degrees of keystone adjustment. This is the highest in any projector at this price range so you have the best possible viewing experience at all times.
It also supports HDMI, USB connections while there is a 3.5mm headphone jack for when you need privacy.
On the downsides, it only works well in dark areas and supports a small screen size, thus it isn’t suitable for office use or for anyone that wants a theatre-like large viewing experience.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
#7: Wi-Fi Mini Projector By Bomaker
This is another good option if you are looking for a Wi-Fi projector for a larger space like a conference room or living room with windows.
Not only do you have the option of wirelessly connecting your devices but you can also show your presentations using your mobile as it supports screen mirroring.
Though it has a native resolution of just 720, the picture quality is top-notch since it has a contrast ratio of 9000:1, something only bettered by the Jifar.
And the reason it works so well in most spaces even with some ambient lighting is its 6000 Lumen brightness.
Plus, the screen size can go up to 300” (almost emulating the size of a theatre screen) and you can ensure it is in the right shape with the keystone adjuster.
So you can carry the projector around without any damage to the lens due to dust and dirt, you are also provided with a carry bag for free.
Apart from Wi-Fi, it does support all traditional means of connectivity. That means you will find an HDMI port along with AV, VGA, and USB ports.
If you are a photographer or videographer, you can view all your images and videos directly from the SD card since it has an SD card slot.
Plus, you can enjoy all the privacy you want with the 3.5MM audio jack.
One of the few drawbacks here is that they haven't given warranty information and neither does the projector have a refund option like some of the others.
Even the speakers are bang average but considering its versatility, it is still a bargain.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
#8: DR. J Professional HI-04 Mini Projector
This projector by DR J Professional is a good mid-range projector for occasional use at home to watch movies or play games on a larger screen.
The 176-inch screen size isn’t exactly theatre size but much bigger than a TV screen.
And you can view movies, TV shows, etc. via any device since it features an HDMI port, SD Card Slot, and USB port. Oh, and it supports TV sticks as well.
But what stands out about this projector is that you get a 100-inch white screen for free ensuring you can use this projector right out of the box.
And so you can get the image adjusted properly onto the screen, the projector also has a button to adjust the keystone between ±15°.
Its contrast ratio is a decent 2000:1 while brightness is suited for slightly darker areas.
Plus, it does a good job of remaining cool even after 4-5-hours or usage thus ensuring long-lasting usage.
But that’s not the only factor that makes it durable. The 5-layer lens gives up to 40,000-hours of runtime.
Though its low brightness means, any ambient light and your picture quality will reduce so make sure the area is dark when using it
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
#9: Crosstour Mini WiFi Projector
Want a Wi-Fi projector on the cheap? Here’s one for about $100. The reason it is cheaper than others is that its native resolution isn’t HD, it is just 800x480.
So why should you buy it?
Firstly, It is a Wi-Fi projector so you can make connections wirelessly using Wi-Fi. It also supports screen mirroring for most smartphones.
The contrast ratio is also good at 2000:1 and so is the brightness at 3500 lumens ensuring it works well even in a little ambient light.
You can get a decent 176-inch watching screen as well and it works with all your gaming consoles, smartphones, Fire Sticks, etc. thanks to the HDMI and USB ports.
Considering its low cost, the purchase is already minimal risk but it further comes with a money-back guarantee. It is also backed by a 3-year warranty.
Oh, and then there’s 24/7 after-sales service as well so you can have your issues resolved anytime.
Also, for the cost, the 30,000-hour runtime of the LED bulb is decent and is good enough to last about 4-5-years or more without any repairs or replacement.
Lastly, it also has a keystone adjuster and adjustable footpads so you get the right angle each time.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
#10: CiBest Video Projector
Last on the list of the best projectors under 200 is the Cibest projector and if you want something compact on the cheap, it is a decent buy as it costs less than $85.
Its 2000:1 contrast ratio impressed us but what sets it apart from that pack is that it comes with a lifetime warranty. Further icing on the cake is the 2-month money-back guarantee.
Another thing that caught our attention was that the watching size could be adjusted between 30” to 200”.
Plus, the projector is pretty light and compact and thus easy to carry (your place or your friend’s, now catch-up with your favorite shows on a larger screen anywhere).
It works with TV sticks, PC, laptops, tablets, Blu-ray DVD player, SD card, USB flash drive, PS4/XBOX/WII, and even headphones for privacy.
Lastly, the keystone button helps correct the keystone to a rectangle in a jiffy and further helping set the right angle is the adjustable footpad.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
Best Projector Under 200 Buying Guide
Here are some points that you need to keep in mind when you are looking for a projector under $200.
Connectivity
The most common method to connect a projector is by using an HDMI cable. However, if you are using an older device, you might need to use a VGA or an RCA cable. While purchasing a projector, always make sure that it is compatible with the device you own.
Compatibility
Before purchasing a projector, always check its compatibility requirement. This is important because not all projectors support all devices. For example, while some might support a PC or Mac, others might not.
Therefore, make a list of all the devices you are planning to use and make sure that your projector meets all the compatibility requirements.
Brightness
Depending on where you wish to keep your projector, you should decide on its brightness. For example, if you plan to keep it in a dark room, you can get by with a low brightness level.
However, if you are keeping it in a bright room or near a window, it would e wise to invest in a projector with a high brightness level.
Contrast
Contrast refers to the difference between light and dark in an image. It becomes especially important as the contrast contributes to the clarity of the image. Thus, the higher the contrast, the higher the clarity.
Therefore, while purchasing a projector, always make sure that it has a high contrast range. This will ensure high clarity as well
Screen Size
All projectors have a minimum and maximum screen size that it can be used with. Therefore, before you invest in a projector, you first need to decide the size of the surface you will be using the projector on.
You then need to make sure that it fits within the screen size of the projector. This will ensure that you get the best picture quality and viewing experience.
Warranty
While most projectors come with a one year warranty, there are a few that offer a couple of years of warranty. The longer the warranty, the longer you can replace parts and do servicing free of cost. Therefore, it is always better to go for a projector that offers the most warranty.
Bulb Lifetime
While opting for a projector with a longer warranty is a great way to save money, certain parts are not covered in the warranty. One such part is the bulb. To make matters worse, it is one of the most expensive parts of a projector and is quite difficult to replace.
Therefore, it makes a lot of sense to choose a bulb that will stay on for a long period. While bulbs with a life expectancy of at least 10,000 hours is a good start, it is always better to go for bulbs that will stay for a long time.
Read more: Best Phono Preamps Under 500 Reviewed
Conclusion
Whether you want to play games on a larger screen, watch movies, or give office presentations, a projector is one equipment that allows you all of that without costing thousands of dollars.
Believe it or not, you can get one in less than $200 and with this detailed buyer’s guide, our goal is to make finding the best projector under 200 a breeze.
For any questions about projectors, drop in all your questions in the comments section below and we'll get back to you ASAP.