Best projector for 2024
CNET puts projectors through a rigorous and unbiased testing process that is the result of more than two decades of projector reviews. We use specialized test equipment, including a Photo Research spectroradiometer, a Minolta LS-100 luminance meter and an AEMC CA813 illuminance meter. The data is collected and collected by Portrait shows CalMan Ultimate software, which allows us to evaluate every PJ we review. Each lamp-based projector is “burned in” for 50 hours before measuring, and all projectors are initially set up with the most accurate color temperature and color modes. Test patterns, sent by CalMan, are then used to adjust various image settings to ensure the projector looks its best before measurement and evaluation. Contrast ratios are measured in each lamp and iris mode (if available). Once the projectors are fully set up and objectively measured, we look at a variety of content including TV, movies and games, both with the projector itself, and side-by-side compared to two direct competitors.
Broadly speaking, we look at the three aspects of image quality: contrast ratio, overall light output and color reproduction. The contrast ratio is the most important part of any projector’s performance. It is the difference between the darkest part of the image and the brightest part. While certain TV technologies, such as OLED, can create a black that is the actual absence of light, no projector technology can do this. As a result, the contrast ratios of projectors are much lower. It’s the difference between a faded and ‘flat’ image and an image that is more lifelike and ‘stands out’. The better projectors will have a measured contrast ratio in the thousands. Most are between 500-1000:1.
Light output is the second most important factor because it’s not just about how bright the image appears on the wall, but also how large the image you can produce. Most modern projectors are significantly brighter than projectors from even 10 years ago. We measure brightness in candelas per square meter (cd/m2) and then convert to approximate lumens for easy comparison. It’s important to note that we’re using the most accurate color temperature mode for our brightness comparisons, but we’ll notice when a less accurate mode is significantly brighter. Most projectors we test have a light output of between 1,000 and 2,000 lumens, while battery-powered models have much less, and some specialist projectors even higher.
Color accuracy is the last important factor. No projector can truly take advantage of HDR or wide color gamut, but some can do more than others. Overall we’re happy with accurate colors, but adding HDR effects is a bonus. Most home theater projectors we test are quite accurate. Budget models, models that prioritize brightness above all else, and PJs from newcomers to the projector space often have wildly inaccurate colors that result in a very unnatural image.
Other factors, such as video processing and HDR processing, are evaluated in the viewing tests. These are rarely a major factor in projector performance, but some models still use older chips that have problems.
The best projector has a high contrast ratio, high brightness and great colors. That’s hard to do at the same time, but as long as the balance works and looks better than its competitors at a similar price, it’s a winner.
For more information, see how CNET tests projectors.
*See review for more details
**As measured. To see how CNET tests projectors for details.
