Best Laser Projectors

Various types of projectors, such as LED or lamp-based projectors, are available in the market to fulfil your entertainment and professional needs. However, there is another more advanced projector known as a laser projector.

With a distinctive internal design, laser projectors provide a sharper image and a broader range of colours than their counterparts. Simply put, a laser projector displays a better image than an LED or lamp-based projector.

In this guide, we have curated a list of the best laser projectors and categorised them based on different factors, such as budget and needs. However, before we proceed to the list, let’s first get acquainted with what a laser projector is.

What is a laser projector?

A laser projector is a device that projects varying beams on a screen to create a moving image for professional or entertainment use.

Unlike lamp-based projectors, a laser projector has a much longer lifespan — usually around 20,000 hours.

When it comes to visuals, laser projectors offer much better colour accuracy and brightness uniformity and have a lower brightness decline over the lifespan of the projector.

What to look for in a laser projector

Before purchasing a laser projector, it’s best to first familiarise yourself with the most crucial factors you need to look for: 

Resolution

The resolution of a projector governs the quality of the content that the concerned projector plays. The higher the resolution, the better the quality of the content and the pricier the concerned projector.

A top-grade laser projector would offer you resolutions up to UHD 4K.

Throw distance

Regarding throw distance, laser projectors have the edge over their lamp-based and LED counterparts. This is because they have a much shorter throw distance. In fact, in some cases, they can produce a 100-inch or larger image with two feet or less between them and the wall.

The significance of shorter throw distance is highlighted not only in smaller rooms but also in larger rooms when you require flexibility in setting things up.

Brightness

A laser projector is usually brighter than its lamp-based counterpart. Speaking of, the brightness of the laser projectors varies from one model to another. However, you can expect an ANSI Lumens rating of at least 1000-2000 from your laser projector.

Note that you shouldn’t always chase high brightness, as a too-bright projector can be stressful for the eyes. To give you an idea, you should target a laser projector with a brightness of 1,500-2,500 lumens for a dark space or your dedicated home theatre.

Sound

As Laser projectors were initially designed for offices and presentations, they don’t often come with speakers installed.

However, the laser projectors that include speakers deliver a much better audio and volume quality than their lamp-based counterparts.

Features

The state-of-the-art laser projectors come with various built-in features. Besides resolution, brightness, throw ratio, and sound, here are some important features to keep an eye out for:

• Contrast ratio
• Sound system
• Optical zoom
• Lens shift

Best budget option: Optoma ZH403

Now that you know what a laser projector is and what to look for when buying one, let’s get underway with our list of the best laser projectors, kicking off with the finest option from a budget point of view.

Although you may not believe it, you don’t need to break the bank to acquire your best laser projector; Optoma ZH403 is our pick for the best budget laser projector out there.

With Optoma ZH403’s 1080p resolution and 4,000 lumens brightness, you can brighten just about any room. Moreover, its laser light source eradicates lamp and filter replacements for up to 30,000 hours of low-cost and virtually maintenance-free operation.

Due to its low weight, compact size, and quiet operation, this projector is ideal for meeting rooms, classrooms, and board rooms.

Key features

• 4,000 ANSI lumens
• Resolution of 1920×1080
• 4K UHD input with HDMI 2.0 (HDCP 2.2)
• DuraCore maintenance-free laser light source, up to 30,000 hours
• Contrast Ratio: 300,000:1 with Extreme Black enabled
• 1.21:1 – 1.59:1 throw ratio
  

Best high-end option: Epson EB-L630U

For those with a flexible budget and who want a state-of-the-art laser projector, we have two options: the Epson EB-L630U and Epson EB-PU1008B.

If your budget is at the higher end of the spectrum, then consider this very popular option, Epson EB-L630U, for the best high-end laser projector.

Boasting an exceptional brightness of 6,200 lumens, Epson EB-L630U can deliver true-to-life, vibrant, and WUXGA images. Additionally, it has assorted features for immersive experiences, including Miracast and integrated wireless networking for easy sharing from laptops and smart devices.

This projector’s bright and easy-to-read displays make it perfect for office use.

Key features

• Up to 6,200 lumens of equal colour and white brightness
• 1920×1200 resolution
• Virtually maintenance-free 20,000-hour laser light source
• Display from 50″ to 500″ diagonal (16:10) or ultra-wide (16:6)
• 2,500,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
• Built-in tools for simplified installation
• 1.35:1 – 2.20:1 throw ratio
  

Alternative high-end pick: Epson EB-PU1008B

Our second pick for high-end laser projectors is the Epson EB-PU1008B.

EB-PU1008B is a versatile projector, having WUXGA resolution with 4K enhancement, advanced installation features, and the support of Epson’s software for content management and remote monitoring and control.

Furthermore, it features a built-in media player with network content upload and is virtually maintenance-free, having a 20,000-hour laser light source with no lamps to replace.

This projector is suitable for home cinema and office use.

Key features

• 2,500,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
• Brightness of 8,500 lumens
• Resolution of 1920×1200
• Virtually maintenance-free 20,000-hour laser light source and air filter
• 11 optional powered lenses, including ultra-short-throw with .35 throw
• Best-in-class colour brightness
  

Alternative high-end option: Epson EB-PU2010B

Our last high-end pick is the Epson EB-PU2010B.

The EB-PU2010B boasts state-of-the-art WUXGA resolution with 4K enhancement, installation features, and support for Epson’s software for content management, remote monitoring, and control.

In addition, this projector has a built-in media player with network content upload and a virtually maintenance-free, 20,000-hour laser light source with no lamps to replace.

Key features

• A Brightness of 10,000 lumens
• Resolutions of 1920×1200
•  2,500,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
• Virtually maintenance-free 20,000-hour laser light source and air filter
• 11 optional powered lenses, including ultra-short-throw with .35 throw
• Best-in-class colour brightness
  

Best for Gaming: Optoma UHZ50

Are you serious about levelling up your gaming experience? Well then, look no further than the Optoma UHZ50.

For the best gaming experience, the stylish Optoma UHZ50 should be your top priority as it can deliver crystal-clear 4K UHD resolution for incredibly crisp images with unmatched clarity and vibrancy for games, or anything else, for that matter.

This projector has many state-of-the-art technologies, including HDR and HLG compatibility, seamless voice control, streaming apps, and three HDMI 2.0 inputs.

Key features

• A Brightness of 3,000 ANSI Lumens
• Resolution of 3840×2160
• Optimised for fast-moving smooth action
• True 4K UHD resolution
• Laser technology
• ISF modes
• Lights on viewing
• Capable of receiving and displaying both HDR10 and Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) HDR content
• 2,500,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
• 16.7ms response time in 4K at 60Hz and 4ms in 1080P at 240Hz
• A throw ratio of 1.21:1 – 1.59:1
  

Best for home cinema: ViewSonic X2000L-4K

We have three options for an immersive home cinema experience for you, all fully capable of fulfilling your requirements.

To enhance your home cinema experience, it’s essential to have the right combination of audio and visuals. That is where our first pick for home cinema – ViewSonic X2000L-4K – is particularly useful.

ViewSonic X2000L-4K is truly an audiovisual feast, given its 4K UHD resolution, HDR/HLG support, 100% Rec.709 cinematic colours, and customised Harman Kardon speakers with Dolby/DTS soundtrack support.

In addition, it can project a 100” image from just 23cm away. Its ultra-short throw ratio and 4 corner and warping adjustment capabilities can turn virtually any surface into a live concert.

Key features

• A native resolution of 3840×2160
• Brightness of 2000 ANSI Lumens
• An unparalleled viewing experience with 4k HDR
• Harmon Kardon’s built-in audio
• Maintain the aesthetics and spaciousness of your home with the 0.22:1 ultra-short throw ratio
• Reduces motion blur and ensures smooth delivery of fast-moving images through Frame Interpolation technology
• Get a lamp-free lifespan of 20,000 hours through the 2nd generation Laser Phosphor Technology
• An Input Lag of 40ms
  

Another alternative home cinema option: Epson EH-LS12000B

For a top-notch home cinema experience, Epson EH-LS12000B is our second pick in our list of 4k projectors.

This projector provides incredible image quality and colour brightness through technologies like 3LCD laser projection, 4K resolution, and HDR10+ support. On top of that, its bright to jet-black colour-rich quality images result in a very realistic experience.

Key features

It offers:

• 4K UHD resolution
• Colour and white brightness of 2700 ANSI Lumens
• 3 LCD laser projection
• Frame interpolation of up to 4K @ 60fps
• Extensive vertical/horizontal lens shift
• HDR10+ support
• A high contrast ratio of 2,500,000:1
• Wide lens shift that makes its installation flexible
• 1.35-2.84:1 lens ratio
• Convenient connectivity and practical functionality
  

Another alternative home cinema option: Sony VPL-XW7000ES/W

Are you craving an authentic big-screen experience that displays crisp images full of lifelike colours no matter where you are in your home? If so, look no further than Sony VPL-XW7000ES/W.

The integration of this projector with the newly developed Wide Dynamic Range Optics and Native 4K SXRD makes its brightness even more suited to your surroundings. By providing 200 nits on a 150-inch screen, it brings you an encapsulating experience.

Key features

• A Brightness of 3,200 ANSI Lumens
• Infinite black contrast
• Native 4K SXRD panel that provides full 4K resolution with 4096 x 2160 pixels
• Flagship-level X1 Ultimate for the projector that brings you the best of Sony’s image processing
• Wide Dynamic Range optics contribute to a compact design that achieves a 95% DCI-P3 wide colour gamut.
• Dual database processing
• A throw ratio of 1.35-2.84:1
• Digital Focus Optimizer that corrects the image quality so that the focus is better than ever, even in the corners
• Dynamic HDR Enhancer that processes HDR content scene by scene
• 2.1x optical zoom
• Object-based HDR Remaster that analyses the colour of individual objects on the screen and adjusts the contrast
• Object-based Super Resolution technology that detects individual objects in a picture and enhances each one for exceptional accuracy and detail
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 4K laser projector worth it?

In short, absolutely. They have excellent specifications and display with vibrant 4K resolutions. In other words, you will get your money’s worth over time.

How many hours do laser projectors last?

The lifespan of laser projectors is roughly 20,000 to 30,000 hours. Moreover, since laser projectors maintain their brightness over time and do not use physical bulbs, the upkeep cost is lower.

Do laser projectors dim over time?

Laser projectors continue to perform consistently throughout their lifetime, unlike their lamp-based counterparts. The brightness of laser projectors decreases at a much slower pace.

Summary

There is no best laser projector for everyone. The best projector for you depends on your requirements. When purchasing a laser projector, consider the following factors: resolution, sound, throw distance, brightness, and other features.