Playing video games on a projector for gaming is not something new. However, the appeal of playing immersive games on a 20-foot projector screen is still as strong as ever. Since resolution, pixels, and technology have improved, gaming has become one of the best pastimes. So let's look at the best projector for gaming.
Is a Projector Worth it for Gaming?
Yes, it is. Many people associate projectors with low-quality images and videos. While that may have been true a few years back, there have been advancements in projectors for gaming. The best gaming projectors will give you a crisp and vibrant image on a white wall or projector screen, and yes, you can use a white sheet for a projector screen.
Additionally, you might have the best gaming screens, but they need the wow factor of how large projected images can get. Why game on an android tv when you can game on some of the best gaming projectors with 150 inches worth of projection?
Best Gaming Projectors
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1) BenQ TH671ST 1080p Short Throw Gaming Projector
- UNPARALLELED PICTURE QUALITY: With Native Full HD 1080p...
- GEARED TOWARDS GAMING: Ultra-fast low input lag and a refresh...
- WOW YOUR FRIENDS: Take the action to the big screen by projecting...
- AWARD WINNING PROJECTOR: Best Projector for Gaming - High Ground...
- INDUSTRY-LEADING : 3-year limited parts and labor coverage makes...
This is the missing piece to bring everything together if you have a complete gaming room setup. I was skeptical about this projector because it didn't look as posh as other projectors I have tried. However, that opinion changed immediately after I powered this projector on.
This projector has a high native contrast ratio, Native resolution (full HD 1080p), 3000 lumens, 16.8 millisecond lag time, 709 color accuracy, and 92% rec. I like to look for simplicity in technology, and this projector for gaming offers excellent and flexible connectivity. I can connect my gaming consoles, Macs, and PC, using input connections like USB and HDMI ports.
Of course, this projector was made for gaming, but you can also use it for other purposes, like movie night. The ultra-fast, reasonably low input lag and a refresh rate that can support ps4 pro and Xbox 1. I did realize that the clarity is perfect, even on a bare wall. But I prefer to use a screen for the best experience. There is no motion blur, which makes it perfect for hardcore gamers. However, I have had better in terms of throw ratio, but once you look past it, it is the best portable projector and easily outperforms a 4k projector or TV.
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2) WEMAX Nova 4K UHD Ultra Short Throw Smart Laser Projector
- 4K UHD LASER PROJECTOR – Superior Resolution might be an...
- MAX 150-INCH PROJECTOR SCREEN SIZE - With the WeMax Nova laser...
- POWERFUL SOUND – The Nova laser projector offers more than just...
- SMART PROJECTOR, 5K APPS BUILT-IN – The Nova is a smart...
- MULTI-DEVICE VIDEO COMPATIBLE – Wireless casting to Nova with...
The first feature I was specific about in this gaming projector was the short throw feature since I'm an avid gamer. This short-throw projector diffuses light without losing picture quality. Of course, the tech geeks would also be pleased to know that with 4K UHD and bright 2100 ANSI lumens, you get 1080p or 4x resolution built on patented ALPD 3.0 and TI DLP technology. But, then, ALPD and Google OS give me finer detail when gaming.
Image source: youtube.com
The projector is bright enough to watch a movie or game without blackout curtains. Apart from the clarity, I also appreciate the silence of the operation. The 5.1 surround sound can also be likened to a movie theatre. Apart from movies, it's one of the best projectors for home and office use.
This portable projector also has its screen, with sizes ranging between 80-150 inches, which I feel would be perfect even for competitive gamers. Of course, you have to buy the screen separately, but it's worth it. I hooked up my ps5, and it works just fine. Additionally, you can hook up any Xbox series, which will still work well.
A customer had complained that the screen has to be mounted on a low base or it will project to the ceiling. However, this was different from my experience since I had the screen professionally installed. A pro tip is to fine-tune the image quality on the settings for the best possible image quality, even in a bright room.
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3) Optoma GT1080HDR Short Throw Gaming Projector With Enhanced Gaming Mode
- HDR COMPATIBLE: HDR10 technology (with 4K input) enable brighter...
- Fast response time: enhanced gaming mode enables Lightning-fast...
- Short throw lens: experience a large 120" Image projected from 4...
- Bright, razor-sharp images: 3, 800 Lumens, 50, 000: 1 contrast...
- Long lamp life: Enjoy up to 15, 000 hours of lamp life enabling...
This is a true ultra-short throw projector. After installing a ceiling mount, it's the only way I find acceptable to do this projector any justice. I also can't help but appreciate that this projector has no input delay. Not even the slightest, since I tested it with my high-refresh-rate camera. This is the best ultra-short throw projector for an immersive view since it does what it's supposed to do at all times.
Image source: techradar.com
This is also one of the best affordable projectors for casual gamers with enhanced game mode. The bright and razor-sharp images are just icing on the cake. So what makes this projector a beast? That would be an 8.4ms and 120Hz refresh rate for a fast response. You also have HDR10 technology with 4k input for deeper blacks, brighter whites, and perfect HD resolution.
From 4 feet away, I can easily project about 100-120 inches, so you can place the projector closer to the screen if you are pressed for space. The flexible and multiple options for connectivity are very convenient. I can connect my Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Firestick, and gaming consoles. This is one of the top gaming projectors for the best gaming performance.
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4) Epson Home Cinema and Gaming 1060 Full HD Projector
- Widescreen Full HD 1080p entertainment up to 300 inches life...
- Bright ideal for a variety of lighting conditions, the projector...
- Versatile connectivity 2x HDMI ports (1x MHL) to Connect your...
- Innovative 3LCD technology amazing action scenes with no rainbow...
- Operating Distance - 19.0 feet (6.0 meter)
If you don't want to buy a projector screen, then this Epson projector is the projector for you. It is compatible with any gaming system and eliminates the need for a projector screen since it can project on a bare wall. In addition, I liked that the projector can illuminate in various lighting conditions and ambient light and still be perfect for casual gaming during the day.
Image source: criticreviewer.com
The throw distance is a little shorter on this projector since I had to move the projector closer to the screen for full HD resolution. This projector features a widescreen full HD 1080p and a dynamic contrast ratio of 15,000:1. It's super easy to set up. I only had to plug in my fire stick in one of the HDMI ports on the projector's rear, and it started working immediately. You should get RCA jacks for connectivity if you have normal jacks.
You can use an optical HDMI to lengthen the HDMI input cord since it's very short. I was also pleased to learn that I could cast directly from my phone to the projector and have an image in a few seconds, which is why playing games is a breeze. The only problem I had with this projector was that the speakers were not as perfect as I had hoped. They aren't poor quality by any chance; they are just not home-theatre type.
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5) Optoma UHD30 True 4K UHD Gaming Projector
- TRUE 4K ULTRA HD: Experience high-quality home cinema feel with...
- LAG-FREE GAMING: Introducing the ultra-fast 240Hz gaming...
- HDR & HLG COMPATIBLE: Enjoy brighter whites and deeper black...
- CRISP, COLORFUL PICTURE: UltraDetail technology ensures enhanced...
- DYNAMIC BLACK: Dynamic Black technology provides more depth to...
Of course, I had to test if there was any lag before any pc gaming. This 240Hz gaming projector is perfect for competitive gaming since it is fast and provides unparalleled smoothness. Additionally, it is one of the best projectors when you want to avoid blurred visuals. Combined with the enhanced gaming mode, the response time was ultra-fast at 16ms. However, at 4k UHD, the response time is 26ms for the lowest input lag on a 4K projector.
Image source: ubuy.com
Of course, all gamers know that a high input lag is the worst, especially in competitive gaming. However, this projector is one of the best projectors for gaming, with a very low input lag. Furthermore, the projector is HDR and HLG compatible for an enhanced viewing experience. The vertical lens shift and keystone correction give you the best image and colour ratio.
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What Makes a Gaming Projector Perfect for Gaming?
Before buying a gaming projector, it is important to consider a few projector-specific things. First, of course, the best gaming projector is one that fits your needs.
Here are some of the most crucial things to consider when you want to game on a projector.
a) Input Lag
In competitive games or projector gaming, input lag refers to the gaming speed performance. It's the time between when the gaming setup sends a signal and the time the projector receives it. The time is measured in milliseconds and falls into 3 categories; acceptable, good, and optimal.
The span of acceptable input lags is as high as 50ms to low as 16ms. Acceptable lags happen in many gaming projectors and are okay for casual gamers like Nintendo switch gamers. However, these gamers don't spend much time playing online and playing games with friends and family.
Any projector with good lag ranges between 33ms to 40ms. Projectors for gaming in this range are perfect for everyone except career gamers. Minimal input lag in this range puts you behind by one frame per second on a 30fps game and 2 frames behind on a 60fps game. Excellent lag spans between 16ms-20ms and are strictly gaming projectors.
b) Refresh Rate
High-power games like racing games have lots of movement and action that require a fast refresh rate. A fast refresh rate is a measurement of how fast most projectors for gaming refresh the frame. The faster the frame is refreshed, the faster pc gamers can have a smoother image.
The best possible result with minimal effort between value and performance is 120Hz. Of course, beginner and casual gamers can get away with 60Hz. However, the best 4k projectors have 240Hz but come with a hefty price tag.
c) 4K Gaming With HDR and Resolution
High dynamic range is one of the smart features that appear on 4K UHD. It's a type of image processing that gives a better and brighter image. Most short-throw projectors have this feature. With expanded color and contrast on a big screen, you will have the best gaming experience.
If your projector only has HDR, it will reduce the brightness of your image. However, combined with 4K, you could have an amazing setup. However, the list of 4K projectors with HDR is short because such projectors have a problem with HDMI ports.
d) What you’ll Use Your Projector for
If you have gaming monitors and a whole setup, you will need a projector with the fastest response time possible. Additionally, if you want to connect your Xbox or ps5, the projector has to be compatible to handle it. Keep in mind that some projectors are good for indoor gaming since they are bulky and large. It would help if you remembered that large projectors produce a lot of heat, and you must factor that in before purchasing.
Portable projectors are perfect for a backyard movie night and casual and light gaming. Remember to use additional features like Bluetooth connectivity, Google Home, and Alexa. In some models, you can cast Netflix from your phone to your projector, and the manufacturer throws in an extra 6 months of Apple music. Extra features make the projector give you a better user experience.
The Bottom Line
The top gaming projector won't have you complaining about lag. Additionally, you should select a projector that works well even in a well-lit room. Furthermore, If you are setting up a gaming space, you need a dedicated screen. You can get away with projecting on a plain wall, but a screen is an excellent addition. It might cost a little more, but you won't regret shelling out the money.
Featured image source: hometheaterreview.com
