If you’re hibernating during the winter months, make sure you have the tech to really do it right. Whether you’re watching your favourite movie for the 100th time or checking out a thrilling new series, take it to the big screen and invest in a home projector.
Depending on your room layout, you can use projectors with or without a screen, which is godsend for those only wanting to spend small. High-end 4k projectors will often give you a far more detailed picture than your average TV, so if you’re a movie connoisseur it might be worth the money and wall space.
Find our guide to decking out your media room here.
The best projectors on the market for your home cinema
The Freestyle 2nd Gen Portable Projector
$1299 from Samsung
Best for: The entry-level home cinema set up
If you’re new to the home cinema set-up, this projector takes all the hard work out of the process. The cradle stand means content can be projected onto different surfaces by adjusting the angle, whether you’re watching the latest blockbuster with your loved ones or re-watching Friends flat on your back in bed.
No specialty screen is needed, even if your wall has details or imperfections because automatic screen adjustment means it will automatically optimise to correct skewed images without you having to lift a finger.
Key features:
- Smart TV built-in
- Instant set-up for auto keystone, focus, and levelling
- Compact so you can take it anywhere
- Premium 360-degree sound from in-built speakers
XGIMI Horizon Ultra Projector
$3,177.27 from Amazon
Best for: Cinephiles who want a 4k viewing experience at home
If movie watching is up there with an Olympic sport for you, make sure you have the tech to create a home cinema friends will be paying tickets for. This XGMI home projector is the first long-throw 4k projector and boasts a whopping 2300 ISO lumens, which means impressive brightness and colour no matter how dark the environment you’re watching in.
This projector adjusts to wall colours, optimizes screen correction and provides lifelike colour and incredible image detail.
Key features
- Full-range surround sound speakers
- 4k image quality
- Dual light technology
- Intelligent screen adaption 3.0
TOPTRO Mini Projector
$198.63 from Amazon
Best for: Movie watchers on the move
Lightweight, compact and portable, this projector throws an 80% more colourful and brighter image quality than other transportable projectors of a similar make. With high-speed 5G wifi it will give a stable signal, wider coverage and faster transmission speed, no matter where you are in the world.
This is a great option for outdoor movie nights for the kids during summer – put a couple of beanbags on the deck and project a movie straight onto the wall.
Key features:
- 1080P Supported & 14000 Lumen
- Ultra-fast 5G WiFi & 5.2 Bluetooth
- 360-degree stereo surround sound quality
Philips PicoPix Micro Projector
$807 from Smiths City
Best for: The special occasion-viewer
Small but powerful, this projector has upgraded speakers and longer battery time than its previous version. For those who don’t want cables, Google Cast or Google Assistant can be used to display all your media files. The built-in 2x3W speakers offer superior stereo sound in both directions and the 12,000mAh battery plays up to four hours of shows and movies on one charge.
Key features:
- Plays up to four hours of TV shows/movies on one charge
- 480p resolution and a weight of only 615g
- Built-in 2x3W speakers
Gainvane 100-Inch Projector Screen
$100.35 from Amazon
Best for: Those who have the projector but need the perfect surface
No blank walls in your home? Opt for a projector screen. They can be tucked away in a cupboard and brought out for family movie night. This 100-inch portable screen has a durable stand and a winkle-free screen made from polyester milk silk. It’s washable and foldable for easy upkeep and can be folded away in the included carry bag.
Key features:
- Foldable and detachable tripod
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor setup
- 70% opaque
- Carry bag and accessories included
What are lumens?
Lumens refer to the unit of measurement used to quantify the brightness of the projector’s output. Essentially, it measures the amount of light emitted by the projector. The higher the number of lumens, the brighter the projected image will appear.
When selecting a projector, considering lumens is crucial as it determines how well the projected image will be visible in various lighting conditions. For example, a projector with a higher lumen count would be more suitable for use in brightly lit rooms or larger spaces, while a lower lumen count might suffice for darker environments or smaller rooms.
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- 4 ways every busy person should use smart tech in their home
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