Many devices come with remotes, which should be responsive and easy to use. AirPlay and Chromecast capabilities are also ideal. A built-in streaming backend is also great, especially if it supports every popular destination like Netflix and Prime Video.

Focusing the image should be done simply, if not totally automatic. User-Friendliness: Projectors shouldn’t be more complicated to operate than televisions.

A great projector under $500 should work equally well in a small space. Versatility in screen size is always great, especially if you plan on schlepping with your device to a summer cookout or roof party. In general, screens will be anywhere from 80 to 150 inches, give or take a handful of inches in either direction. Screens get larger the farther away a projector is from a screen or wall. Screen Size: A projector doesn’t have a fixed screen size. At this price point, you’ll have to settle for 1080p. Some projectors even go further with 8K resolution. In new televisions, computer monitors, and of course, state-of-the-art projectors, 4K is the standard. Picture Quality: One of the obvious compromises that you will have to make for a less expensive projector is picture quality and resolution. Here are some of the things we considered when picking out the best projectors under $500. If you’re willing to make a few compromises, you can grab a projector that will do a fairly good job at projecting movies on a wall or screen for less than $500. The devices made for home theaters can run anywhere from $800 all the way through several thousand dollars. There’s no sugar coating it: projectors are expensive. Best Overall: XGIMI MoGo Pro Portable Projector - Best Design: LG PF50KA Portable Full HD LED Smart Home Theater Projector - Best Budget: FATORK 5G WiFi Smart Portable Mini DLP Projector - Best for Offices: BenQ WXGA Business Projector - Best for Home Theater: Epson Home Cinema 880 How We Picked the Best Projectors Under $500 Here’s a selection of the best projectors under $500. Unlike your local theater, you won’t have to shell out $10 bucks for popcorn. And even inexpensive projectors provide quite a bit of movie night fun, with big, bright screens that smack of your local theater. Experiencing a projector first-hand, up close, truly has to be seen to be believed. Tapping into movie magic has never been easier or more affordable with the best projectors under $500.

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