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If you’re an old timer like me, your introduction to projectors was in school with a gigantic light bulb-powered device as large as an industrial photocopier. The memories of blurry screens and boring lessons made me ignore home projectors as an adult. Until now.
I had the opportunity to try them out recently and was delighted by how much they have improved! The modern home projector is a stylish device small and light enough to be carried with one hand.
Playing around with them, I realised that home projectors have their own niche and it’s a pretty big one. The obvious question is: why look for the best projector when you could just get a large screen TV? Here’s the answer.
Why buy a projector?
There is quite a bit of overlap between what a projector and a large screen TV can achieve in terms of image. However, a home projector has the edge for several reasons:
- Image size: Large screen TVs can get quite expensive as they approach the 100-inch mark. On the other hand, even the more affordable home projectors can effortlessly give you an image 100 inches or larger for a cinema-like experience.
- Setup: A modern home projector is a plug-and-play device, so all you need is a power source and then position it wherever you like. It allows you to play files from a USB thumb drive and even mirror your smartphone screen. Mountable projectors can be attached to a ceiling for a space-saving setup.
- Portability: To me, the best feature of home projectors is their portability. Invest in a large-screen TV and it’s imprisoned in one room but today’s portable home projectors can move all over the house, the office and even outdoors. All you need is a suitable wall or screen.
- Maintenance costs: Have an issue with your large-screen TV outside the warranty period and it often becomes more economical to simply buy a new one. A home projector with its simpler components is usually easier and cheaper to fix.
- Purchase cost: Few home projectors will cost you more than S$1,000 brand new. On the other hand, even the most affordable large-screen TVs cost thousands of dollars. Projectors are definitely the more affordable option if you want the cinema experience at home.
What to look for in a home projector
A home projector can be an excellent device for the home… if you choose the right one. To do that, I consider these factors:
- Resolution – A higher native resolution means crisper images. Look for FHD (1920×1080) at least but if you can afford it, a 4K projector (3840×2160) is the way to go.
- Brightness – If you have a dedicated theatre room or blackout curtains where you will project your shows, projector brightness isn’t very important. In rooms with ambient light, a home projector with high brightness rating (3,500+ lumens) is recommended.
- Screen size – A versatile projected image range (usually 30 to 300 inches) to suit a wide variety of rooms and use cases.
- Throw distance – This is the distance between the projector and the screen. A smaller throw distance can focus the image precisely within even a small room.
- Lens shift – This feature allows you to adjust the projected image up, down, left and right without moving the projector itself.
- Keystone correction – Images tend to distort when projected at an angle to a wall or screen; keystone correction transforms the trapezoid projection into a standard rectangle.
- Connectivity – A wide range of input options such as USB, Bluetooth, wireless, screen mirroring and HDMI are very helpful.
Recommended home projector specifications for different users
Okay, so I wrote a lot of words above, some of which you read. Now, you want to buy a projector for your home and want the short version. Here are the 3 most common use cases for a home projector. Use them as a guide to decide which projector to buy.
Film enthusiast
Projectors specifications for a film enthusiast’s home theatre:
- Resolution: 4K
- Brightness: 3,000+ lumens
- Contrast ratio (min.): 100,000:1
- Screen size: 50-300 inches
Casual viewer
Projectors specifications for a home theatre for daily use:
- Resolution: FHD (1080p)
- Brightness: 1,500-2,500 lumens
- Contrast ratio (min.): 10,000:1
- Screen size: 30-200 inches
Multi-purpose viewer
Projectors specifications for a home theatre used for film, gaming, presentations and more:
- Resolution: FHD (1080p) or higher
- Brightness: 2,500-4,000 lumens
- Contrast ratio (min.): 10,000:1
- Screen size: 30-300 inches
- Others: Low-lag input for gaming (<30ms); 3D compatibility; >60Hz refresh rate
Of course, you do not have to conform to any of these distinct use cases. Some of the models we recommend below fall outside these recommended ranges but are priced attractively.
The best home projectors to buy in Singapore
Here are some of the best projectors that I tested. The most affordable costs just S$143 while the most expensive pushes S$3,000. Use the recommended specifications above to find the most affordable home projector for your use case.
1. Samsung Projector Freestyle Gen 2 SP-LFF3C
FHD smart portable projector from reliable Samsung with HDR, 360 Sound, and gaming capabilities.
- Resolution: Full HD (1920 x 1080)
- Brightness: 230 ANSI lumens
- Contrast Ratio: Not specified
- Screen Size: Up to 100 inches
Buy now from S$1,216 on Amazon
2. ViewSonic M1+ G2
Compact LED projector with 360° stand, Harman Kardon audio, and extensive battery life.
- Resolution: 854×480
- Brightness: 300 (LED Lumens)
- Contrast Ratio: 120000:1
- Screen Size: 24in. – ~100in.
- Throw Distance: 0.64m – 2.66 m
Buy now from S$680 on Amazon
3. BenQ MW560
Eco-friendly mode to extend lamp life while reducing power consumption
- Resolution: WXGA (1280 x 800)
- Brightness: 4000 ANSI Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: Not specified
- Screen Size: Not specified
- Throw Distance: 1.55 to 1.7:1
Buy now from S$690 on Amazon
4. XGIMI MoGo 2 Pro
1080p smart projector with ISA technology, vibrant colors, and 360-degree Dolby Audio.
- Resolution: 1920×1080
- Brightness: 400 Lumens (ISO)
- Contrast Ratio: Not specified
- Screen Size: Up to 200 inches
- Throw Distance: 3.5ft – 17.5ft
Buy now from S$879 on Amazon
5. Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus (EF-72)
The Epson Lifestudio Flex Plus (EF-72) is the most versatile high-end projector on our list. After its projecting duties are done, this beautiful device transforms into a classy table lamp and wireless speaker. If you’re short on space and want a practical piece of home decor, the Lifestudio Flex Plus is perfect for the role.
- Resolution: Full HD (1080p)
- Brightness: 1000 lumens (ISO and IDMS)
- Contrast Ratio: Over 5,000,000:1
- Screen Size: Up to 150 inches
- Throw Distance: 1.59m – 4.02m
Buy now from S$1,482 on LAZADA Shopee
6. ViewSonic X10-4K
4K UHD portable projector with long-lasting LED light source and built-in Harman Kardon speakers.
- Resolution: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
- Brightness: 2400 LED Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: Not specified
- Screen Size: Up to 120 inches
- Throw Distance: 0.8 Short Throw Ratio
Buy now from S$2,805 on Amazon
7. BenQ X300G
4K UHD short-throw projector with HDR-PRO, gaming hub, and powerful audio.
- Resolution: 4K UHD (3840×2160)
- Brightness: 2000 ANSI Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 600,000:1
- Screen Size: Not specified
- Throw Distance: 0.69-0.83 (Zoom: 1.2x motorised)
Buy now from S$2,799 on Amazon
8. KODAK Luma 150 Ultra Mini Pocket Projector
Super-slim and lightweight, this is the perfect travel companion and works wirelessly for 2.5 hours
- Resolution: Full HD (1080p)
- Brightness: 60 ANSI Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 1,000:1
- Screen Size: Up to 150 inches
- Throw Distance: 1m – 4 m
Buy now from S$343 on Amazon
9. PURSHE B-20000 Home Projector with Screen
An absurdly affordable projector with native 1080p resolution that comes with a 120” screen
- Resolution: Full HD (1080p)
- Brightness: 16000 Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 10000:1
- Screen Size: Up to 300 inches
Buy now from S$143 on Amazon
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