The best projectors 2025: A bigger picture for movies, games and work

We think this BenQ W2700 is one of the premiere 4K projectors, sending out 8.3 million pixels just for you. It's packed with features to support HDR10 brightness and uses CinematicColor™ to maintain colour accuracy, with the new 4K DMD chip also giving you an extra 20 per cent of screen size.

You can dial in the screen size accurately thanks to the hassle-free automatic focus, with a maximum image size of 120 inches. Be sure to check out the projection distances to make sure you can fit it into your room. That said, you will find smart projectors with larger projection sizes, but for most homes this will deliver the big screen thrills you've been looking for.

As much as it pains us to say it, sometimes all you're looking for is reliability and practicality above all else. As the name suggests, the Epson CO-W01 Data Projector is squarely aimed at office workers who need to ensure a bright, high contrast and colourful image for presentations. With its impressive 3000 lumen lamp and WXGA (1280 x 800) resolution, your audience is never going to struggle to see your slideshow.

Our senior tech writer, Chris Duffill, reviewed the Epson CO-W01 – here's what he found:

"As this doesn't come with a smart operating system or Wi-Fi (although you can add that via an optional module) it's fair to say that this is primarily a laptop-friendly work machine. Hooking my laptop up via the Epson's single HDMI, I immediately loaded a PowerPoint presentation and was really impressed by the pixel-perfect clarity here. Even the onboard speaker, despite being mono and not to the standard of more entertainment-oriented models, was fine for casual business use.

"I was also able to actually take advantage of the close-to 70-inch image I was projecting for working, making it the largest monitor I'd ever used for my writing and research. Once I'd downed tools for the day, it was handy to be able to watch a movie and YouTube on a larger screen. One limitation here is that, with the laptop hogging the only HDMI port, you're stuck with the projector's built in speaker for audio as there's no separate audio output for connecting to a soundbar for instance. Understandable though, given this is a data projector before anything else. It's not a 16:9 format projector so, although it'll happily project a widescreen movie, it'll be accompanied by a bright 4:3 ratio space around it.

"Usability-wise, the focus adjustment is manual rather than electronic, with a smooth lever mounted on the projector above the lens. I did find it good for reviewing photos in the Microsoft Photos app though, which I can see coming in handy for anyone wanting to have an evening of family holiday photos and so on. The brightness is impressive – even on a bright day with curtains closed. The high brightness setting does generate a fairly noticeable fan noise, though. Sitting only three feet away, this is quite distracting, but by turning the volume up on the laptop I found I could tune this out. It may not be for serious move fans, but for work and casual end of day viewing it's ideal."

For those looking to avoid getting tangled up in cables, you may want to consider a smart projector such as the Epson CO-FH02. While you can still use it like any regular projector, this Epson model can plug back into itself to run an Android operating system (OS). That means you can connect it to the internet and use apps such as YouTube or Netflix, giving you a wide variety of content to watch without needing to connect it to a laptop or other device.

One of our writers, Kyle Purves, has been hands-on with this Epson projector, and here's what they had to say:

"While the easy-to-navigate OS is the first feature I encountered, the sound quality is what really impressed me. Projectors are often lacking in terms of decent audio refinement, so it sometimes feels that we must settle for subpar sound. That's not the case here, as the Epson CO-FH02 is consistently solid. It's by no means a match for a proper home cinema setup with a soundbar, but for something much more portable, there's nothing to complain about there.

"I also appreciate how convenient it is to set up. The focus can be adjusted just above the lens, so finding the right distance from your chosen surface isn't a hassle. The remotes can zoom in and out, and the brightness can be dimmed to an eco mode when the maximum illumination isn't necessary. My personal favourite addition is the small stand leg beneath the lens, allowing you to prop the projector up slightly at an angle. If you think you might be limited for high up surfaces to place the projector, this opens up the option for spaces lower down.

"One issue I did encounter was with the fans. They make a noticeable noise when not in eco mode, but that's forgivable. What's more pressing is the heat they generate. This projector runs hot, so make sure you don't place it next to anything that could be damaged by heat, and keep enough open space next to the vents."

Sometimes we find that good things really do come in small packages. This AOPEN QH12a Projector is a budget option with a difference: It's running Smart TV OS with handy access to all of your streaming favourites like Netflix and Prime Video, it's also super portable making it idea for students or those short on space.

Our writer Kyle Purves did a full review of the AOPEN QH12a Projector, here's their verdict: "Whereas some projectors are built short and wide, and others are tall and thin, the QH12a is cube-shaped. It's a striking design choice and one that I do find myself quite liking. It means that it's neither too large nor too wide, and combined with its reasonable weight, it keeps it portable.

"I would say that the QH12a is fairly priced. Even with its handful of faults, the overall projector is still excellent value for money. It may be a bit pricier compared to a standard projector, but when you factor in the OS and the compact size, the fact that the QH12a is the price that it is becomes quite impressive.

"This is not a replacement for a TV, but if you don't foresee yourself getting much use out of standard TV watching, then it makes for a great little alternative with a reliable OS that's easy to navigate. Getting it set up at an ideal angle may be annoying, but the focus change helps smooth that out. It's not a perfect device, but it's a very solid projector that we imagine will appeal to plenty."

BenQ is back in our list again with a great option for those looking for a budget projector or for more casual use, the MS506 is a fantastic product. The 13,000:1 contrast ratio is high enough to ensure text clarity with crisp, defined edges.

The MS506 is also equipped with DLP BrilliantColour technology and other visual colour enhancement features to project a correct, bright and colourful image with a razor-sharp edge. The 3,300-lumen count will also allow you to present with the lights on, which will allow your audience to work and remain engaged with your presentation, and the 120-inch maximum screen size won't be a problem either. These features all work to make up for the lack of HDMI connection and output, which we think is a little unfortunate, but you will at least be able to connect a laptop and so on.

We love a compact yet capable projector, let alone one that sports a glorious 4K resolution for all of those streaming high-def movies and shows. This XGIMI HORIZON Pro 4K model is running the Android TV operating system for easy access to apps and settings and has a more than respectable 2200 ANSI Lumens brightness rating. There's also a tonne of input options.

Our reviewer Will Austin-Lobley gave it a spin for his full review of the XGIMI HORIZON Pro 4K Projector. He wrote: "The XGIM HORIZON Pro’s spec sheet makes some big promises, and it delivers on them from the get-go. The Intelligent Screen Adaption Technology kicks in early doors to get the image looking sharp, no matter what’s in the way. From there, it’s just about loading up your content of choice, sitting back and enjoying.

"The colour representation is accurate and deep contrast stops the image quality from looking washed out or bleached. The Harman Kardon speakers perform well for living rooms and are more than enough for TV shows and video games, while the additional connection promise room to expand for extra home cinema goodies."

The short throw casts a 100-inch image from a distance of 1.5 meters, making it an ideal living room set-up for gaming or movie nights. The native 1080p Full HD image with extremely low lag – we think that's great news for gamers who need to keep their aim true and reactions sharp.

BenQ has loaded CinematicColor™ and Rec.709 in to ensure deep and true HD colour representation. There are two inbuilt speakers which aim backwards from the unit and as it's short throw, they'll be further from you – but if you want to boost the sound you can line out to an external sound system or soundbar.

The Optoma's short throw will have you a 100-inch 1080p Full HD image from just over a meter away. DLP technology will work in tandem with HD capabilities to project a supreme, crisp cinema-quality image.

But of course, it's the full 3D support for fans of the eye-popping format that we love for some serious immersion. Plus a rear-facing speaker brings the noise. This is an ideal product for gamers, sports fans and movie aficionados alike – it even comes with a handy carry case for storage and transporting to a friend's place. 3D might have died a death when it comes to TVs, and it's not a reason for everyone to buy as it still has limited appeal, but if you're onboard with three dimensional thrills., this Optoma is ideal.

A budget projector with top-level performance, the Optoma UHD300X offers a bright and colour-accurate projection in 4K UHD. It is capable of handling HDR data and will upscale your Blu-rays to replicate 4KHD.

The 2,220-lumen image will be bright, and the immense 250,000:1 contrast ratio will deliver an accurate and crisp image. For the price, we think it really is a very tempting product that's perfect for that first home cinema. We do think the ridges on the design are a bit of a dust trap, but other than that it's a stellar choice.