While the all-new 4K TVs and monitors can offer the latest features on a decent-sized display, they lack a significant factor in making the gaming experience more exhilarating: screen size.
With a 4K gaming projector, you get the same number of pixels as in a 4K TV, and you can also easily opt for a screen size of 100 inches or more. Better still, this bigger screen size would cost you the same as a TV screen.
In recent years, there have been sharp developments in projector technology. Now, many projectors are in the market, offering high refresh rates and low input lag that are mandatory for smooth gaming.
We’ve put together a list of the best 4K gaming projectors on the market so you can easily find the perfect one for you!
What is 4K?
4K is a high-definition video format with four times the resolution of the standard 1080p format. There are two standard resolutions for 4K. For the film and video production industry, the standard 4K resolution is 4096×2160 pixels, while for television and monitors, the standard 4K resolution is 3840×2160 pixels.
To view or stream 4K content, a 4K device, such as a TV or projector is required. As you might have guessed, due to its large number of pixels, 4K offers top-quality and vivid images, making your movie-watching, gaming, online meeting, or any other experience on the projector screen more life-like.
What to consider when choosing a 4K gaming projector
Before you go on and buy your ideal 4K projector for gaming, there are some things to consider to make the best choice:
- Resolution – Since this guide is based on 4K gaming projectors, you have to make sure that your projector supports 4K, meaning 3840×2160 pixels.
- Projector technology – There are two technologies to consider, namely LCD and DLP. Of these, the DLP projectors are the most compact and affordable. However, for the best colour accuracy, an LCD projector is your go-to choice.
- Throw distance – It is the distance between the projector from the screen for a given screen size. There is no right or wrong here. Instead, it depends on how your room is set up.
- Optical zoom and lens shift – Optical zoom allows you to reduce or enlarge the screen without moving the projector, whereas lens shift lets you move the display up, down, left and right without moving the projector physically or losing quality. The cheaper the projector, the more limited these options are.
- Lamp life – The traditional lamps used in projectors have a limited lifespan. Although LED light sources can last the whole lifespan of projectors, they don’t offer the same brightness level as lamps. Therefore, a laser light source is your best bet as it has both an LED-like lifespan and high brightness level.
- Brightness – Brightness is measured in ANSI lumens. A 4K gaming projector needs to have an ANSI lumens rating of at least 2500. This is because the higher the brightness levels, the more convincing the HDR effects.
- Noise – projectors having fans inside can be quite noisy. If you are going to place your 4K gaming projector near where you sit, make sure it is a quiet one.
- Gaming features – Since you are hunting for a gaming projector, make sure that it has all the necessary features to provide you with the best possible experience. These features could include a high refresh rate and low input lag.
Best 4K Gaming Projectors
Here we have rounded up an assortment of 4K projectors that can provide you with the gaming experience of a lifetime. View our pick of best 4K gaming projectors.
Summary
When buying a 4K gaming projector, consider the projector technology, gaming features, noise, brightness, resolution, and throw distance.
Make sure that the 4K gaming projector that you choose has a brightness level of at least 2000 lumens, low input lag, a high contrast ratio, and a throw ratio that is compatible with the available space and setting.