How to find the right projector this Black Friday

HardwareHow to find the right projector this Black FridayWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. HardwareHow to find the right projector this Black FridayWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Future) It’s no secret that projectors are taking over our living rooms, and now that prices on more sophisticated streaming tech are dropping more and more movie lovers and gamers are taking to the even-bigger screen. This year’sBlack Friday projector dealsare primed to offer some of the biggest discounts we’ve seen yet, across both cheaper 1080p and more premium 4K lens throwers. As the tech inside these devices gets cheaper, demand rises, and prices ultimately fall further during major sales events. If you’re looking to upgrade to one of thebest projectors for gamingor thebest 4K projectorsfor streaming this year, there are few questions you need to ask yourself before diving into November’s offers. Picking up a new projector isn’t quite the same as grabbing a 4K TV - you have to consider brightness, room dimensions, and audio output before making your final purchase. It’s worth getting these right, as - while certainly cheaper than previous years - this isn’t a small-budget endeavor. I’ve tested a range of different projectors from 2024’s roster, and rounded up all the questions you need the answers to before exploring this year’s discounts. What will you use the projector for? (Image credit: Future) This will be the easiest question of the lot for most people, but with dedicated gaming projectors on the market, and a few professional office projectors on the shelves, it’s worth making sure you know exactly how your device will be used. A streaming projector, for example, will make more space in its price tag for a dedicated speaker or smart features, whereas a gaming projector will cost a little extra for its low-latency visuals and can bump refresh rates for 1080p content as well. This is also where resolution comes into play. Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more Do you want to watch during the day? (Image credit: Future) Brightness is measured in lumens across projectors, and is the main spec you should be looking at if you plan on using your device during the day. No projector can compete with the sun when used outside on a clear day, but ambient light can still creep in during the day and cause your image to become distorted. The higher your lumen spec the better if you plan on using your projector around the clock, with most consumer models tapping out at around 9,000 lumens. That’s a seriously expensive model, though, I’d instead aim to hit around 4,000 - 5,000 lumens if you’re worried about daylight. Most projectors will pack 2,000 or 3,000 lumens, being designed to run during the evening hours or in dark rooms. How much space do you have? (Image credit: Future) The projector you choose will need to fit into your space and cast its image at the right distance to be effective. This distance is known as Throw Ratio, and nailing this spec means you’re picking up the right model for the size of your room. Most projectors fall around a throw ratio of 1.5 - 2.2, but if you’re working with a particularly small space that put you outside of those parameters, there are other options. A short-throw projector will generally have a ratio of 0.4 - 1.0, which means, at the bottom end of that, you could produce that same 120-inch, or 8.75ft wide, image from a distance of 3.5ft. You’ll need to know how big you want your image to be and how large your room is before you start deal hunting to make sure you’re getting the right fit. Do you have a sound system? Today’s best projector dealsBenQ X3100i 4K projector$2,399$2,199ViewSee all pricesEpson EH-LS12000B$4,999ViewSee all pricesBenQ X300G LED 4K Portable Gaming$1,299$1,199ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices Today’s best projector dealsBenQ X3100i 4K projector$2,399$2,199ViewSee all pricesEpson EH-LS12000B$4,999ViewSee all pricesBenQ X300G LED 4K Portable Gaming$1,299$1,199ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices Today’s best projector dealsBenQ X3100i 4K projector$2,399$2,199ViewSee all pricesEpson EH-LS12000B$4,999ViewSee all pricesBenQ X300G LED 4K Portable Gaming$1,299$1,199ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices Today’s best projector deals BenQ X3100i 4K projector$2,399$2,199ViewSee all pricesEpson EH-LS12000B$4,999ViewSee all pricesBenQ X300G LED 4K Portable Gaming$1,299$1,199ViewSee all prices BenQ X3100i 4K projector$2,399$2,199ViewSee all prices BenQ X3100i 4K projector$2,399$2,199ViewSee all prices BenQ X3100i 4K projector BenQ X3100i 4K projector $2,399$2,199View $2,399$2,199 $2,199 See all prices Epson EH-LS12000B$4,999ViewSee all prices Epson EH-LS12000B$4,999ViewSee all prices Epson EH-LS12000B Epson EH-LS12000B $4,999View $4,999 $4,999 See all prices BenQ X300G LED 4K Portable Gaming$1,299$1,199ViewSee all prices BenQ X300G LED 4K Portable Gaming$1,299$1,199ViewSee all prices BenQ X300G LED 4K Portable Gaming BenQ X300G LED 4K Portable Gaming $1,299$1,199View $1,299$1,199 $1,199 See all prices We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices We’re also getting you prepped for this year’sBlack Friday 4K projector deals, or you can check out the biggestBlack Friday TV dealsandBlack Friday OLED TV dealsif you’re going more traditional with your upgrades this year. 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“An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1 Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2 Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3 Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5 Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2 Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3 Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4 The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1 Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4 Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5 Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”