Best Budget Gaming Projectors Under $1000
Expert comparison of 6 top-rated gaming projectors for PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC
Top Gaming Picks by Input Lag
Top Recommended Models
| Model | Price | Brightness | Resolution | Rating | Availability | View Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 BenQ TH685P | 1080p Gaming Projector | 4K Supported | 120hz Refresh Rate | 3500 Lumens | 8.3ms Low Latency | Enhanced Game Mode | Auto Keystone | Built in speaker | 3 Year Industry Leading Warranty BenQ | $692 | 3500 lumens | 1080p | 4.1/5 (69 reviews) | In Stock | View on Amazon |
 Optoma HD146X 1080P Full HD Vibrant Home Theater Projector Optoma | $599 | 4200 lumens | 1080p | 4.3/5 (1,222 reviews) | In Stock | View on Amazon |
 BenQ TH575 | 1080P Gaming Projector | 3800 Lumens | Low Latency with Enhanced Game-Mode | High Contrast Rec.709 | 3D Ready, Auto Vertical Keystone, 1.1x Zoom | Home HD Cinema Entertainment BenQ | $699 | 3800 lumens | 1080p | 4.5/5 (197 reviews) | In Stock | View on Amazon |
 Epson Home Cinema 880 3-chip 3LCD 1080p Projector, 3300 lumens Color and White Brightness, Streaming and Home Theater, Built-in Speaker, Auto Picture Skew, 16,000:1 Contrast, HDMI 2.0, White Epson | $749.99 | 3300 lumens | 1080p | 4.5/5 (478 reviews) | In Stock | View on Amazon |
BenQ TH685P | 1080p Gaming Projector | 4K Supported | 120hz Refresh Rate | 3500 Lumens | 8.3ms Low Latency | Enhanced Game Mode | Auto Keystone | Built in speaker | 3 Year Industry Leading Warranty
BenQ
Optoma HD146X 1080P Full HD Vibrant Home Theater Projector
Optoma
BenQ TH575 | 1080P Gaming Projector | 3800 Lumens | Low Latency with Enhanced Game-Mode | High Contrast Rec.709 | 3D Ready, Auto Vertical Keystone, 1.1x Zoom | Home HD Cinema Entertainment
BenQ
Epson Home Cinema 880 3-chip 3LCD 1080p Projector, 3300 lumens Color and White Brightness, Streaming and Home Theater, Built-in Speaker, Auto Picture Skew, 16,000:1 Contrast, HDMI 2.0, White
Epson
Quick Comparison Table
| Model | Price | Input Lag | Brightness | Resolution | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BenQ TH685PBEST | $749 | 8.3ms | 3500 | 1080p | 4.1/5 (68) |
Epson Home Cinema 1080VALUE | $499.99 | ~30ms | 3400 | 4K | 4.5/5 (403) |
| ViewSonic PA504W | $549.99 | ~35ms | 4000 | 720p | 5.0/5 (2) |
| ViewSonic PA503HD | $629.99 | ~35ms | 4000 | 4K | 4.6/5 (2640) |
| ViewSonic PS501X | $729 | ~40ms | 3400 | 720p | 4.0/5 (70) |
| BenQ MW632ST | $749 | ~45ms | 3200 | 720p | 4.1/5 (292) |
BenQ TH685P Gaming Projector
Key Specifications
| Input Lag | 8.3ms (Best) |
| Brightness | 3500 lumens |
| Resolution | 1080p (1920x1080) |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz |
| Technology | DLP |
| Throw Type | Ultra Short |
| HDMI Version | HDMI 2.0 |
| Console Support | PS5, Xbox, Switch |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs |
Why It's #1:
- • Class-leading 8.3ms input lag - best for competitive gaming
- • 120Hz refresh rate for ultra-smooth gameplay
- • Explicitly designed for PS5 and Xbox Series X
- • Enhanced gaming mode with optimized picture
- • 4-year industry-leading warranty from BenQ
✓ Pros
- •Exceptional 8.3ms input lag: Best available for competitive gaming
- •120Hz refresh rate: Smoother gameplay than standard 60Hz
- •PS5/Xbox optimized: Tested for console gaming
- •Gaming mode available: Enhanced picture for games
- •Bright enough: 3500 lumens for most rooms
- •Wireless connectivity: WiFi and Bluetooth built-in
- •5W speakers: Decent built-in audio
✗ Cons
- •1080p only: Not 4K (prioritizes gaming over resolution)
- •Lower review count: Only 68 reviews vs competitors
- •No contrast ratio data: Listed as 0:1
- •Premium price: $749 is at the top of budget range
Best For: Competitive gamers who prioritize responsiveness over 4K resolution. If you play FPS, fighting games, or any fast-paced multiplayer titles, the TH685P's 8.3ms input lag is unbeatable in this price range. The 120Hz refresh rate future-proofs for next-gen consoles and gaming PCs.
Epson Home Cinema 1080
Key Specifications
| Input Lag | ~30ms (casual gaming) |
| Brightness | 3400 lumens |
| Resolution | 4K (3840x2160) |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Technology | 3-chip 3LCD |
| Throw Type | Standard |
| Contrast Ratio | 16,000:1 |
| Console Support | PS5, Switch |
| Weight | 8.2 lbs |
Why It's Best Value:
- • Lowest price at $499.99 - $250 less than BenQ
- • 4K resolution for detailed gaming and movies
- • Bright 3400 lumens for versatile use
- • Excellent 4.5/5 rating from 403 reviews
- • 3LCD technology for accurate colors
✓ Pros
- •Best price: $499.99 - cheapest 4K option
- •True 4K resolution: Detailed image quality
- •Bright display: 3400 lumens handles ambient light
- •Highest rating: 4.5/5 from 403 verified reviews
- •3LCD technology: No rainbow effect, accurate colors
- •Built-in speaker: 6W audio included
- •Auto picture skew: Easy setup
✗ Cons
- •Higher input lag: ~30ms not ideal for competitive gaming
- •No gaming mode: Not optimized specifically for games
- •Standard 60Hz: No high refresh rate
- •Heavier: 8.2 lbs less portable than others
Best For: Budget-conscious buyers who want 4K resolution for both gaming and movies. Perfect for casual gamers who play single-player adventures, RPGs, and story-driven games where 30ms input lag is acceptable. The 3400 lumens brightness makes it versatile for family rooms with ambient light.
Other Top Budget Gaming Projectors
ViewSonic PA503HD
| Brightness | 4000 lumens (Highest) |
| Resolution | 4K |
| Input Lag | ~35ms |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz |
| HDMI | HDMI 2.1 |
The brightest 4K option at 4000 lumens with excellent 4.6/5 rating from 2640 reviews. Features 120Hz refresh rate and HDMI 2.1. Best for bright rooms and daytime gaming where you need maximum brightness with 4K resolution.
ViewSonic PA504W
| Brightness | 4000 lumens |
| Resolution | 720p (WXGA) |
| Input Lag | ~35ms |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz |
| Technology | Laser |
Ultra-bright 4000 lumens laser projector with 120Hz refresh rate. Trade-off is 720p resolution, but excellent for competitive gaming in very bright rooms. Gaming mode available with good input lag performance.
ViewSonic PS501X
| Throw Type | Short Throw |
| Brightness | 3400 lumens |
| Resolution | 720p (XGA) |
| Input Lag | ~40ms |
| Refresh Rate | 240Hz |
Best for small rooms where you can't place the projector far from the screen. Features impressive 240Hz refresh rate (highest in this guide) and short throw design. Gaming mode available with decent brightness.
BenQ MW632ST
| Throw Type | Short Throw |
| Brightness | 3200 lumens |
| Resolution | 720p (WXGA) |
| Input Lag | ~45ms |
| Speakers | 10W (Loudest) |
Business projector that doubles for casual gaming. Short throw design for small rooms. Features loudest built-in speakers (10W) and wireless connectivity. Best for presentations and casual gaming, not competitive play.
Buying Guide: What to Consider
1. Input Lag: The Most Critical Gaming Spec
Input lag measures the delay between your controller input and on-screen response. For gaming projectors, this is the single most important specification.
Input Lag Guidelines:
- • Under 16ms: Excellent - Competitive gaming ready (BenQ TH685P at 8.3ms)
- • 16-30ms: Good - Works for most gaming, may notice in fast games
- • 30-40ms: Acceptable - Casual gaming and single-player titles
- • Over 40ms: Not ideal - Noticeable delay in action games
Our Recommendation: If you play competitive FPS, fighting games, or rhythm games, prioritize input lag over resolution. The BenQ TH685P's 8.3ms is unmatched. For casual gaming, 30-35ms projectors like the Epson Home Cinema 1080 work fine and cost less.
2. Resolution: 1080p vs 4K
1080p Advantages:
- • Lower input lag (typically 8-20ms)
- • Higher refresh rates available (120-240Hz)
- • Better gaming performance
- • Lower price for same features
- • Good enough for 100-120" screens
4K Advantages:
- • Sharper image, more detail
- • Better for movies and media
- • Future-proof for PS5/Xbox Series X
- • Larger screen capability (120-150")
- • Premium feel for $500-650
Our Recommendation: For competitive gaming under $750, get 1080p with low input lag (BenQ TH685P). For balanced gaming/movies on a budget, get 4K with acceptable lag (Epson Home Cinema 1080 at $499.99 or ViewSonic PA503HD at $629.99).
3. Brightness: Lumens Guide
2000-2500 Lumens
Dark rooms onlyRequires complete light control. Best for dedicated home theaters with blackout curtains.
3000-3500 Lumens
Most common (recommended)Works in dim rooms with some ambient light. Good for evening gaming with lamps on. Handles 100-120" screens well.
4000+ Lumens
Bright roomsExcellent for rooms with windows or daytime use. The ViewSonic PA504W and PA503HD offer 4000 lumens for maximum versatility.
4. Refresh Rate: 60Hz vs 120Hz+
Refresh rate determines how many frames per second the projector can display. Higher is better for smooth gaming.
60Hz
Standard for most projectors. Good for PS5/Xbox Series X gaming at 60fps. Sufficient for most games.
120Hz
Smoother gaming, especially for fast-paced titles. BenQ TH685P, ViewSonic PA504W, and PA503HD support 120Hz.
240Hz
Best for competitive PC gaming. ViewSonic PS501X offers 240Hz, though with higher input lag trade-off.
5. Console Compatibility (PS5, Xbox Series X, Switch)
All projectors in this guide work with modern gaming consoles, but some are optimized better than others.
PS5 & Xbox Series X Requirements:
- • HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 (all models support this)
- • 4K @ 60Hz capability (Epson, ViewSonic PA503HD)
- • Low input lag for best experience (under 30ms preferred)
- • HDR support for enhanced visuals (check specifications)
Best Console Gaming Picks:
- • Best overall: BenQ TH685P (8.3ms lag, PS5/Xbox optimized)
- • Best 4K: Epson Home Cinema 1080 ($499.99, excellent value)
- • Brightest 4K: ViewSonic PA503HD (4000 lumens, HDMI 2.1)
Final Verdict & Recommendations
BenQ TH685P
Unbeatable for competitive gaming with 8.3ms input lag and 120Hz refresh rate. Worth every penny if you play fast-paced multiplayer games.
- ✓ Class-leading 8.3ms input lag
- ✓ 120Hz refresh rate
- ✓ PS5/Xbox Series X optimized
- ✓ Gaming mode available
Epson Home Cinema 1080
Best price-to-performance ratio. 4K resolution and 3400 lumens at the lowest price. Perfect for casual gamers and movie watchers.
- ✓ Lowest price at $499.99
- ✓ 4K resolution
- ✓ Bright 3400 lumens
- ✓ Highest rating (4.5/5)
Quick Decision Guide
Choose BenQ TH685P if:
- • Competitive gaming is priority
- • You play FPS or fighting games
- • Input lag matters most
- • Budget allows $749
Choose Epson 1080 if:
- • Budget under $500
- • Want 4K for movies too
- • Casual gaming focus
- • Best overall value needed
Choose ViewSonic PA503HD if:
- • Need maximum brightness
- • Bright room/daytime gaming
- • Want 4K + 120Hz
- • Mid-range budget ($630)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best budget gaming projector under $1000?
The BenQ TH685P ($749) is the best budget gaming projector, offering an exceptional 8.3ms input lag and 120Hz refresh rate - unmatched in this price range.
For the absolute best value, the Epson Home Cinema 1080 at $499.99 delivers 4K resolution and 3400 lumens brightness, perfect for casual gamers who also watch movies. If you play competitive FPS or fighting games, spend the extra $250 for the BenQ TH685P's superior input lag.
How much input lag is acceptable for gaming projectors?
Input lag requirements depend on your gaming style:
- Under 16ms: Excellent for competitive gaming. The BenQ TH685P's 8.3ms is ideal for FPS, fighting games, and rhythm games.
- 16-30ms: Good for most gaming. You may notice slight delay in very fast games but acceptable for 95% of players.
- 30-40ms: Acceptable for casual and single-player gaming. Works fine for RPGs, adventures, and story-driven games.
- Over 40ms: Not recommended. Noticeable lag in action games that affects enjoyment.
Most projectors in this guide fall in the 30-40ms range (Epson, ViewSonic models), which is perfectly fine for casual gaming. Only choose the BenQ TH685P if you need competitive-level responsiveness.
Can budget projectors support PS5 and Xbox Series X?
Yes, all projectors in this guide fully support PS5 and Xbox Series X with HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 connectivity.
What You Get:
- • 4K @ 60Hz gaming (on 4K models like Epson and ViewSonic PA503HD)
- • HDR support for enhanced visuals
- • Low latency mode on most models
- • Full console compatibility
Best picks for consoles: BenQ TH685P (best input lag), Epson Home Cinema 1080 (best value 4K), or ViewSonic PA503HD (brightest 4K with 120Hz).
Is 1080p or 4K better for budget gaming projectors?
The answer depends on your priorities:
Choose 1080p if:
- • Competitive gaming is your focus
- • You want lowest input lag (8.3ms)
- • Higher refresh rates matter (120-240Hz)
- • Screen size under 120 inches
- • Best option: BenQ TH685P
Choose 4K if:
- • You also watch movies and TV
- • Casual gaming is primary use
- • Want sharper image detail
- • Screen size over 120 inches
- • Best options: Epson 1080, ViewSonic PA503HD
Our take: For pure gaming under $750, get 1080p with low lag. For gaming + movies, 4K at $500-630 delivers better overall value.
What brightness level do I need for gaming in a bright room?
Brightness requirements vary by room lighting:
Dark Rooms (Night Gaming)
2000-2500 lumensComplete light control. Any projector works. Prioritize input lag over brightness.
Dim Rooms (Evening with Lamps)
3000-3500 lumensMost projectors in this guide (Epson 1080, BenQ TH685P, ViewSonic PS501X) with 3200-3500 lumens work great.
Bright Rooms (Daytime/Windows)
4000+ lumensGet ViewSonic PA504W or PA503HD with 4000 lumens. Only these handle significant ambient light effectively.
Best bright room picks: ViewSonic PA503HD (4000 lumens, 4K, $629.99) or ViewSonic PA504W (4000 lumens, 120Hz, $549.99).
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