These days, TVs have large screens, but they still can’t compete with projectors. Moreover, they are so expensive that most people can’t afford them. On the other hand, a large screen of up to 300 inches is what a projector can offer for an affordable price. It doesn’t require much money, just 300 dollars, and you’re good.
Unlike expensive TVs, we can buy the best projector for under 300. The following are some of the benefits you expect from a projector for $300.
Display size:
Most projectors in this price range generally offer LCD and DLP display technologies. Both displays are good and worth every penny in terms of picture quality. Moreover, you can expect up to 300 inches of projection size from these projectors.
Native Resolution:
In today’s market, for 300 dollars, it’s hard to find projectors that offer a high native resolution. However, listed below are the models with high native resolutions. You can choose the perfect model for under $300 according to your needs, as each model has something unique to offer.
Brightness:
The third crucial thing is how bright your projector is. A projector with brightness levels brings you an amazing viewing experience even outdoors. If you’re unaware, the projector’s brightness is measured by the number of lumens a projector offers.
There are also some other features you should consider when choosing a projector. Read this buying guide attached to this post.
This Comparison Table Compares Top Projectors Under 300 Dollars of 2023
| Image | Product | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Anker NEBULA | Lumens: 100 ANSI Resolution: 854 x 480 Screen Size: 100 Inches | Check Price |
 | Jimveo 460 | Lumens: 15000 ANSI Resolution: (1920×1080)p Screen Size: 100 Inches | Check Price |
 | KODAK Luma 150 | Lumens: 60 ANSI Resolution: 854 x 480 p Screen Size: 150 Inches | Check Price |
 | Zifar 5G | Lumens: 1000 ANSI Resolution: (1920×1080)p Screen Size: 150 Inches | Check Price |
 | Artlii Energon2 | Lumens: 340 ANSI Resolution: (1920 x 1080) p Screen Size: 250 Inches | Check Price |
 | FATORK 5G | Lumens: 7500 Lux Resolution: 854 x 480 p Screen Size: 115 Inches | Check Price |
 | VISSPL 5G | Lumens: 480 ANSI Resolution: 1080P Screen Size: 300 Inches | Check Price |
 | YOWHICK 5g | Lumens: 9500L Resolution: 1920x1080p Screen Size: 200 Inches | Check Price |
 | GooDee YG600 Plus | Lumens: 600 ANSI Resolution: 1920x1080p Screen Size: 300 Inches | Check Price |
 | Sovboi Mini | Lumens: 15000 Lux Resolution: 1920x1080p Screen Size: 400 Inches | Check Price |
Top 10 Projector Under $300 Reviews: Pros, Cons, and Verdicts
Anker NEBULA Capsule
Specs:
- Native Resolution: 854x480p
- Brightness: 100 ANSI lumens
- Projection: 40 to 100 inches
- Display Type: DLP
What I liked & Disliked?
Pros:
- Lightweight & super portable
- Battery backup
- Built-in streaming
- Sound quality
Cons:
- Low native resolution
The Anker Nebula Capsule is a smart Mini projector that runs on both main and battery power with a couple of hours of playtime backup. It’s a multimedia-type projector with a 360° speaker wrapping around its bottom.
The highlighted features of this mini projector include its DLP display, sound quality, screen mirroring, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth capabilities, Android-based operating system, and 2.5 hours of battery support.
The unbeatable side of this mini projector contains its lightweight design, portability, easy-to-use operations, smart mirroring features, focus, and auto vertical feature for image correction.
On the downside, this mini projector is suitable for dimmer environments. Its daylight performance is not good; the projection resembles a washed-out image. Moreover, the copyrighted content from different OTT platforms, such as HULU, Netflix, ETC., can’t be mirrored. However, you can download its native Apps to enjoy copyrighted content.
Who’s it for?
This Anker Nebula Capsule projector is for movie lovers. They can carry it anywhere they want because of its pocket-friendly size. It has everything a portable projector requires to enjoy outdoor movies. You can also buy it for your kids for their studies.
Overall, The Anker Nebula Capsule is good for everything you wish for in a portable mini projector.
Jimveo 460 Projector
Specs:
- Native Resolution: 1080p
- Brightness: 480 ANSI
- Contrast Ratio: 12000:1
- Display Type: LCD
What I liked & Disliked?
Pros:
- Full HD native resolution
- Autofocus
- Built-in Bluetooth & Wi-Fi
- Connectivity options
Cons:
- Daylight performance
The Jimveo E30 mini projector is popular because of its dual-band (5GHz & 2.4GHz) Wi-Fi 6 (802.11AX) and fast 5.1 Bluetooth. It has 490 ANSI lumens of brightness and is built around native 1080p resolution, though it supports 4K content partially.
The highlighted features of the E30 include ±50 Auto 6D keystone and autofocus for image correction with 100%-50% zoom ability, 12000:1 contrast ratio, native resolution, different connectivity options, and 19000 Lux.
This mini projector uses LCD technology and lets you project up to 450 inches of image. However, the recommended optimal projection distance is within 5 to 8ft. It has a built-in 12W speaker that is loud enough for a small group of people indoors.
However, the downside of this projector is its performance in daylight. Therefore, you’re recommended to choose dark environments to enjoy a good image.
Who’s it for?
Everyone. The Jimveo is suitable for people who enjoy watching movies on a large screen while being on a budget. It includes advanced image correction features and fast Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It is entirely worth the money you spend on this projector.
KODAK Luma 150
Specs:
- Native Resolution: 854x480p
- Brightness: 60 ANSI
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
- Display Type: DLP
What I liked & Disliked?
Pros:
- 4K supported
- 16:9 aspect ratio
- Portable
- Mirroring Via Airplay & Miracast
Cons:
- Low resolution
The Kodak Luma is a pico projector that fits into your hand. Even though it’s pico, you will be surprised by the features it includes. It has a built-in rechargeable battery that powers this DLP-based projector to project up to a 150 inches large image at a 16:9 aspect ratio.
You have native 854x480p resolution and a contrast ratio of 1,000:1 on the projector, which delivers enough bright and crisp images in dimmer environments. Besides, it supports Full HD and 4K content directly from smartphones and similar devices.
However, some drawbacks include its sound quality, picture quality in daylight, connection issues, ETC.
Who’s it for?
You can use this Kodak Mini projector for light tasks and portability, such as cookie decoration, on-the-go image projection, camping, ETC. In short, if you want to buy the best Pico projector for under $300, the Kodak Mini Projector should be in your hands.
Zifar 5G Wi-Fi Bluetooth Projector
Specs:
- Native Resolution: 1920x1080p
- Brightness: 1000 ANSI Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 15000:1
- Display Type: LCD
What I liked & Disliked?
Pros:
- Bright & clear
- Picture Quality
- Connectivity options
- Projection size
Cons:
- Poor focus
The JIFAR is another LCD-based projector with 15000 lux and a 15000:1 contrast ratio. It offers dual-band Wi-Fi and fast Bluetooth making a smooth connection between devices. This is a 1080p native projector that supports 4K content. For image correction, it includes a 100%-50% zoom, keystone, and focusing feature.
You can project a 50-450″ diagonal screen with a 1.5-7m projection distance. However, the recommended projection distance is 3 meters by the company for an optimum viewing experience.
Like the above projectors, the JIFAR won’t let you play copyrighted content. The solution for playing copyrighted content is using a streaming device like ROKU, firestick, Google Chromecast, ETC.
Who’s it for?
As the projector uses an LED light source and LCD technology, the projected image is clear, sharp, and bright enough to use this projector outdoors in dimmer environments.
Artlii Energon2 Outdoor Projector
Specs:
- Native Resolution: 1920x1080p
- Brightness: 340 ANSI lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 10000:1
- Display Type: LCD
What I liked & Disliked?
Pros:
- Picture quality
- Rear & front projections
- Built-in speakers
- Easy setup
Cons:
- Loud Fan
The Artlii Energon2 pro is another affordable full-sized projector with 340 ANSI lumens, dual-band Wi-Fi (5GHz and 2.4GHz), and Bluetooth. Like the JIFAR, it is also a native 1080p projector with a true resolution of 1920x1080p and supports 4K content partially.
It uses LCD technology to create a bright image with amazing color accuracy. You won’t see any rainbow artifacts on the screen. The projector’s lamp life is pretty good; it offers projection sizes from 44 to 250 inches from 5 to 27 feet.
Who’s it for?
The good thing about the Artlii Energon2 pro is its picture quality because of its 80% NTSC color gamut and overall image effects. The sound quality is also better than most projectors; it supports Dolby AC3 and Dolby Digital plus. This projector is ideal if color accuracy is your primary goal.
FATORK 5G Wi-Fi DLP
Specs:
- Native Resolution: 854x480p
- Brightness: 7500 lux
- Contrast Ratio: 3500:1
- Display Type: DLP
What I liked & Disliked?
Pros:
- DLP projector display
- Portable & lightweight
- Contrast ratio & dark blacks
- Automatic keystone
- Battery powered
Cons:
- It requires dark environments.
The FATORK is a DLP-based mini projector with native 480p resolution. It has a built-in rechargeable battery with 2.5 hours of video and 6 hours of music support. It offers wireless connectivity (Dual-band Wi-Fi support) compatible with Android and iOs devices.
Regarding projection size, it can project a maximum of up to a 114-inch image. However, the recommended screen size range is from 10 to 100 at a distance of 1.64 to 9.85 feet. For image correction, it includes ±40° vertical automatic keystone.
For wired connectivity, you have USB and HDMI ports on the back. You can pair a USB-based device, such as your streaming device, sound system, ETC.
Who’s it for?
The FATORK mini is a pocket-sized projector primarily designed for traveling. It’s suitable for indoors/outdoors; however, it’s recommended that you use it in dark environments.
VISSPL Outdoor Movie Projector
Specs:
- Native Resolution: 1080p
- Brightness: 480 ANSI lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 15000:1
- Display Type: LCD
What I liked & Disliked?
Pros:
- Native resolution
- Wireless Connectivity
- 100″ inch included screen
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Fan noise
The VISSPL is another good option for under $300. It’s a dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled projector with many other good features. It packs 480ANSI lumens or 15000 lux, supports 1080p resolution natively, and has a contrast ratio of 15000:1.
This projector offers a 6D/4P keystone for screen correction with 50% zoom functionality. You don’t need to buy a projector screen as this model comes with a 100-inch screen.
Another good thing about this projector is its included connectivity ports; it has ports for all modern devices, fast 2xHDMI, 2xUSB, ETC. You can use this projector with your smart devices to project a large image directly from them.
Who’s it for?
You can use this projector indoors and outdoors because of its high brightness and contrast ratio. I also liked its stable and smooth streaming for Full HD content because of the fast Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
YOWHICK Mini Portable Movie Projector
Specs:
- Native Resolution: 1080p
- Brightness: 9500 Lux
- Contrast Ratio: 10000:1
- Display Type: LCD
What I liked & Disliked?
Pros:
- Brightness & Sharpness
- 4K support
- Projection size
- Comes with a 100-inch screen
- Easy setup
Cons:
- Zooming
This YOWHICK native 1080p mini projector has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth; it boasts 9500 lux of brightness, a 10000:1 contrast ratio, supports 4K content, and utilizes LCD display technology. It offers up to a 200 inches projection size and supports all mounting options: Table, Tripod, and Ceiling. However, The company recommends a Tabletop mount for the best performance.
This projector measures 7.8×6.02×2.95 (LxWxH) inches, weighs 2.20 lbs, and comes with a 100-inch projection screen. It offers dual-band Wi-Fi and 5.1 Bluetooth. The projector is quite quiet because it equips the company’s latest cooling system.
Who’s it for?
Since the projector is bright and has a good contrast ratio, it’s a good outdoor choice. However, it requires dimmer environments for the optimum viewing experience.
GooDee YG600 Plus
Specs:
- Native Resolution: 1920x1080p
- Brightness: 600 ANSI lumens
- Projection Size: 300 Inches
- Display Type: LCD
What I liked & Disliked?
Pros:
- Fast Bluetooth & Wi-Fi
- Smooth streaming
- 50% to 100% Zoom & 4-point keystone
- Dolby Audio
- Android-based with 8GB ROM
Cons:
- Daylight performance
The GooDee YG600 Plus is a mini home theater projector with 5 watts of Dolby Audio supported speaker, native 1080p resolution, 600 ANSI lumens of brightness, up to 300 inches projection size with an aspect ratio of 16: 9, supports 4K content, built-in 6.0 Bluetooth, and a dual-band Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi streaming is amazing on this projector; it supports Android and IOS-based devices. It offers an advanced 4-point keystone and a 50% to 100% zoom function for image adjustment. Besides, it supports all mounting options, such as a Tabletop, Ceiling, wall, and Tripod.
Who’s it for?
The GooDee YG600 plus projector delivers a sharp and clear image; therefore, it’s a good option for home and office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, video conference, ETC.).
I also liked its sound quality, which supports Dolby Audio and offers fast Bluetooth 6.0 for connecting an external sound system and other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
Sovboi Mini Movie Projector
Specs:
- Native Resolution: Native 1080p resolution
- Brightness: 480 ANSI
- Contrast Ratio: 12000:1
- Display Type: LCD
What I liked & Disliked?
Pros:
- Projection size
- Image Quality
- 4D 4-point keystone
- 100%-50% Zoom function
Cons:
- Works only in dark environments
The Sovboi is the last mini projector for under $300 that offers a native 1080p resolution, supports 4k, 4D 4-point keystone feature, 50-100% zoom function, 18000 lux (480 ANSI brightness), 12000:1 contrast ratio, and up to 400 inches projection size.
It is an LCD-based projector with built-in (2.4GHz & 5Ghz) dual-band Wi-Fi and 5.1 Bidirectional Bluetooth that provides amazingly fast and smooth streaming. I also loved its built-in dual speakers loud enough for a small group of people. If you need better sound, you have Bluetooth options for connecting a Bluetooth soundbar or an external speaker.
Who’s it for?
The SovBoi VB2 is a good portable mini projector for indoor and outdoor use. It has advanced features for image correction with zoom functionality. However, its daylight performance is not good. You’ll need a dark environment for the best performance.
Buying Guide: How to buy the best projector for under 300 dollars?
Brightness:
Brightness is measured in lumens or lux; it determines whether the projector fits indoors or outdoors. Indoor projectors require fewer lumens compared to outdoor units. Also, I suggest you don’t waste your money on a brighter projector if you use it in dimmer environments.
Please don’t get confused with the luminous flux that most cheap brands offer; they fool people by showing them brightness in lux instead of ANSI lumens. For example, if a projector offers 8000 lux, it doesn’t mean it will provide the maximum brightness of 8000 lumens. Always prefer checking ‘ANSI lumens’ for the actual brightness value.
I advise you to read customer reviews about the projector’s brightness.
Contrast:
Contrast is the amount of light on the projection screen. This light is reflected from a white and black image to create the contrast ratio. For example, if a projector offers a high-contrast ratio, it will project a darker image with better shades of colors.
If you’re a gamer, you will understand the need for the contrast ratio. It helps a gamer to play games that has dark scenes, such as The Night Folk, Dinner With the Cannibals, ETC.
Resolution:
We’ll discuss only the native resolution here; the number of pixels (physical) in an image known as the native resolution. I don’t need to dive deep into this factor. A projector with a higher native resolution is always better.
A $300 projector must offer 1080p native resolution. Even though the native resolution of the projector depends on the projector’s type (home theater, mini, media-type, pico, ETC.), you should always be looking at a higher value.
Keystone Correction:
If you can’t position center your projector perfectly, the keystone function is required. Most cheap projectors don’t include the keystone feature or allow only vertical image adjustment. In contrast, expensive models include auto keystones with manual operation for both horizontal and vertical directions.
Connectivity:
You’re good if your projector offers all the connectivity ports, such as HDMI, USB, VGA, audio, ETC. The HDMI port is crucial; it allows you to connect your PC/Mac, gaming console (Xbox/PS5/Nintendo switch), and many other HDMI-enabled clients.
If you have older VGA equipment, you should check the VGA port, as some projectors still offer the VGA port (common in cheaper brands).
Additionally, you can check the projector’s streaming capabilities. If you wish to stream your content directly from your client device, look for a projector that offers Airplay and Miracast. Similarly, it would help if you also looked at the USB port to connect a flash drive.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
It depends. $500 projectors offer better features (brightness, contrast, connectivity, resolution, and sound) and more advanced technologies (display – DLP, LCD, LED, LCoS, Laser) because of their high prices. However, $300 projectors are comparatively on the lower side. If you’re an occasional user with a low budget, buy a $300 projector. On the contrary, you can go for $500. For the best options, check out this post containing top projectors under $500.
You can go with the GooDee YG600 Plus. It’s a native 1080p projector and also supports Ultra HD resolution. It has a good number of brightness lumens suitable for indoor and outdoor usage.
You can choose either JIFAR or Sovboi native 1080p projector. Both projectors are good for an outdoor movie. Both come in the same price range, under $300.
Conclusion: Best Projector Under 300 Dollars?
All the projectors under 300 mentioned above are excellent and deliver amazing picture quality. Some of them have built-in Bluetooth & Wi-Fi that come in handy most times, especially when portability is concerned. Since I have listed the 10 best projectors under $300, I advise you to choose according to your purpose.
# Pick 1: The best mini portable projector under $300
The first projector, Anker Nebula Capsule, is my favorite projector; that offers 100 ANSI lumens, delivers 360° surround sound (1x5W speaker), projects an image up to 100 inches, has a built-in battery (up to 2.5 hrs backup in standard mode).
Who’s it for? The Anker Nebula Capsule,
It’s an outstanding portable projector for under $300. You can slide it into your pocket because of its pocket-friendly size. It’s perfect for people who enjoy watching their favorite stuff under the stars outdoors. Or, you can give it to your kids for their studies.
#2 Pick: The best full-sized projector under $300
Another pick is the JIFAR Wi-FI/Bluetooth projector. It’s a full-sized native 1080p projector. It projects up to a 450-inch image and packs many good image adjustments and connectivity options.
Who’s it for?
This projector is an incredible option for outdoor movies and gaming. It has built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and comes with a carrying bag.
