The 11 Best Projectors (2023): Short Throw, Portable, Low Latency

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Projectors offer larger screen sizes and a more cinematic viewing experience than their TV counterparts, but that doesn’t mean they’re any easier to set up. That’s why we have a comprehensive guide to How to buy a projector to review!

Unless you’re going with a portable option, you’ll want to make sure you have a projector mount ($24) and audio cables properly routed to your projector location. This is because setting up full-size projectors to fit your screen, be in focus, etc. can be a hassle, so once you’ve checked everything, you’ll want to leave it as is.

Make sure you get enough lumens (how bright your projector will be at its peak, the higher the number the better). 2,000+ lumens is a good starting point for any type of illuminated viewing, but we recommend 3,000 or higher if you’re viewing in a bright room.

Another thing to consider before buying a projector is how much space you’ll need to set it up properly. In most cases, you’ll need 10-15 feet between the screen and the projector (be sure to check the manufacturer’s “throw distance” in your manual) to achieve screen sizes larger than 100 inches.

Without a completely dark room, the image may appear washed out and difficult to see. If you don’t have a room without windows, consider purchasing blackout curtains. For more detailed information on how to set up a projector after it arrives, I recommend this video.