A tiny 60-inch flatscreen TV is great, but now is the time to take your gaming experience to the next level.
You can enjoy gaming on a massive wall-sized screen with a 4K projector.
Today’s projectors aren’t falling short on gaming features. The low input lag and high refresh rate offered by some of the high-end 4K projectors are comparable to the best gaming monitors.
Advantages of a Projector-based Gaming Setup
- The massive screen size of 100-120 inches
- Easier to move around
- Unlike a TV which might take a dedicated cabinet to stand on, a projector can conveniently sit on a side-table
- Bigger picture compared to a TV of the same price
Previously, projectors couldn’t match contrast levels from a high-end OLED TV, but in 2022, the scenario changed because of 4K projectors. They offer ultra-high resolution and sharper images with excellent contrast ratio and colour gamut for the ultimate gaming experience.
4K projectors are becoming an ideal choice for gaming. The advancement in 4K technology has truly replaced HD as the standard for image quality.
A few years back, buying a 4K projector could break your bank. But with advancements in technology, such devices have become affordable to everyone. In this article, we have come up with the best 4K projector for gaming.
What makes a Good Gaming Projector?
You need a specialized projector for gaming because most of the projectors available in the market are for cinephiles and home entertainment.
The resolution, brightness, and contrast ratio are essential, but digging deep into the features like input lag, refresh rate, and HDR is the key to success.
So, now, let’s discuss them in detail.
#1 – Input Lag: Let it be a TV or a projector; when used for gaming, Input Lag is the term often discussed. It is also known as input latency. Input lag is the time taken by the projector to display the actual image after receiving the image signal from the GPU. Ideally, it should be somewhere around 20ms. Anything beyond this limit may introduce lag and blur. Your projector should have the lowest possible input lag.
#2 – Refresh Rate: It is also known as the frame rate. Refresh rate is measured either in frames per second (FPS) or hertz (Hz). A high refresh rate by a projector represents low input lag. Putting it in more simple terms, it takes
Nearly 16ms to render at 60hz
Nearly 8ms to render at 120hz
Nearly 4ms to render at 240hz
#3 – HDR Support: HDR stands for high dynamic range. It allows excellent depth to the colours of the image to preserve the details. It renders computer graphics scenes using lighting calculations. Nowadays, most streaming boxes and streaming services support HDR.
These are the most important things you should focus on while choosing the best gaming projector.
List of Best 4K Projector for gaming
- Optoma UHZ50 – Editor’s Choice
- ViewSonic PX701 – Best Affordable
- Optoma UHD50X – Best 1080p Gaming
- Optoma UHD38 – Best Overall
- BenQ TK700STi – Best Short Throw
- Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS500 – Best Ultra Short Throw
- BenQ X3000i – Best Design and Portability
- Vava Chroma – Best Ultra Short Throw for Casual Gaming
Now without any further ado, let’s discuss them in detail.
#1 – Optoma UHZ50
The Optoma UHZ50 is a newly launched 4K gaming projector. The HDR support, Laser light source, high contrast ratio and low input lag are the selling points of this projector.
The Laser light source is rated at 3,000 ANSI Lumens. In contrast to LED projectors, the Laser projector produces brighter images with more accurate colours.
Gaming specs of UHZ50 are comparable to UHD series (we will discuss later in this article) projectors by Optoma. It comes with a genius input lag of 4ms with 1080p at 240Hz. If you switch to 4K 60Hz, then the input lag will be 16.9ms. Make sure to enable Enhanced Gaming Mode before you start your gameplay to experience the rated input lag.
Specifications
- Input Lag: 1080p – 4ms | 4K – 16.9ms
- Refresh Rate: 1080p – 240Hz | 4K – 60Hz
- Brightness: 3,000 ANSI Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 2,500,000:1
- HDR Support: YES
The Optoma UHZ50 can be doubled as a gaming and home theatre projector.
It comes with dual HDMI 2.0 and a plethora of other connectivity options, including USB, Audio, RS323, RJ45, etc. It offers wireless connectivity through WiFi. You can set up Alexa and Google Assistant to control this projector with a voice command.
Screen mirroring is a breeze with Creative Cast. You can easily share the content from your smartphone to a larger-than-life projector screen.
Alternative
If you are on a tight budget, then go for Optoma UHZ45, which has low cost and doesn’t come with wireless connectivity, voice control and screen mirroring features.
#2 – ViewSonic PX701-4K
This is a budget-friendly pick on this list of the best 4K projector for gaming. At just $799, the ViewSonic PX701-4K offers stunning specs required for gaming on a huge screen.
The input lag of 4.2ms at 240Hz is really impressive, but it is possible with 1080p. While gaming in 4K resolution, you will experience 16.9ms of input lag at 60Hz.
However, do not expect much from this projector if you are a serious gamer. It is the best fit for casual gaming because of the decent performance in terms of colour accuracy and black and white levels while gaming.
Specifications
- Input Lag: 1080p – 4.2ms | 4K – 16.9ms
- Refresh Rate: 1080p – 240Hz | 4K – 60Hz
- Brightness: 3,200 ANSI Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 12,000:1
- HDR Support: YES
It comes with a couple of connectivity options, including dual HDMI 2.0, USB Type A, 3.5mm Audio Jack, RS232, etc.
The ViewSonic PX701-4K is for people looking for the best 4K gaming projector for under $1000. Use this projector in a dark environment for the best gaming results and excellent image quality.
Alternative
If you wish to use the projector in the presence of ambient light, then go for ViewSonic PX748-4K, which comes with improved brightness of 4,000 ANSI Lumens. The gaming performance of the PX748-4K is similar to the PX701-4K.
#3 – Optoma UHD50X
The UHD50X is a high-performance gaming projector with a refresh rate of 240Hz. Making it an ideal choice for fast-action gaming. You will experience ultra-smooth gameplay with reduced ghosting.
It is a true 4K Ultra HD projector capable of projecting 8.3 million on-screen pixels.
This high refresh rate (240Hz) is possible at 1080p and will result in an input lag of 15.7ms. On the other hand, while running a game at 4K resolution, you will see an input lag of 25.8ms at a refresh rate of 60Hz.
Image quality is great even in well-lit environments.
Specifications
- Input Lag: 1080p – 15.7ms | 4K – 25.8ms
- Refresh Rate: 1080p – 240Hz | 4K – 60Hz
- Brightness: 3,400 ANSI Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 500,000:1
- HDR Support: YES
Overall, the Optoma UHD50X will give you a cinematic viewing experience. But we suggest using this projector in a dark room for better results.
The Enhanced Gaming Modes will deliver an immersive gaming experience through maximum contrast and vivid colours.
Alternative to Optoma UHD50X
Check out the Optoma UHD30 projector with similar specifications and a lower price.
#4 – Optoma UHD38
The UHD38 another 4K gaming projector by Optoma with a refresh rate of 240Hz and incredibly low input lag of 4.2ms.
The UHD38 dominates older UHD50X with the following features,
- The brightness of 4,000 Lumens
- Contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1
- The low input lag of 4.2ms at 1080p 240Hz
- Dual HDMI 2.0 ports
All other specifications remain the same for both of them.
The picture quality of this projector is impressive. It produces vibrant images with deeper blacks and brighter whites for excellent details. You do not have to worry about the presence of ambient light while enjoying games or movies.
Specifications
- Input Lag: 1080p – 4.2ms | 4K – 16.7ms
- Refresh Rate: 1080p – 240Hz | 4K – 60Hz
- Brightness: 4,000 ANSI Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 1,000,000:1
- HDR Support: YES
Unlike other 4k projectors that display 4.1 million pixels, the Optoma UHD38 and UHD50X are capable of projecting 8.3 million on-screen pixels.
You have a few more options in this 4K gaming projector series by Optoma,
It is one more projector in this UHD series that offers similar gaming performance compared to the UHD38. But it has a reduced brightness of 3,600 Lumens and a lower price (you will save $100-$200).
2. UHD55
It is the latest projector in this series that boasts impressive features like wireless connectivity, Alexa Smart Home and Google Assistant Digital Voice Control, etc. The cost of UHD55 is slightly high than UHD38. It has a reduced brightness of 3,600 Lumens but comes with an improved contrast ratio of 1,200,000:1 as compared to UHD38.
#5 – BenQ TK700STi
The TK700STi is BenQ’s first short-throw gaming projector with 4K resolution. You can project a 100-inch image from a distance of 6.5ft only.
Compared to its rivals, this projector is popular for its excellent image quality with 4K resolution and HDR support.
The BenQ TK700STi offers an input lag of 16.7ms with 4K resolution at 60Hz. But if you want to enjoy the lower input lag, then configure 240Hz support in 1080p mode and enjoy blur-free lightning-fast gaming with 4ms of input lag.
Specifications
- Input Lag: 1080p – 4ms | 4K – 16.7ms
- Refresh Rate: 1080p – 240Hz | 4K – 60Hz
- Brightness: 3,000 ANSI Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 10,000:1
- HDR Support: YES
For people having space limitations in their rooms, the BenQ TK700STi is easy to fall in love. Use this projector in a dark environment for better performance.
You can conveniently hook up this projector to any gaming console you wish with dual HDMI 2.0, USB Type A and micro USB.
Alternative
If the short-throw feature isn’t useful, then go for BenQ TK700, another projector in the same series with similar gaming performance as TK700STi. Also, in contrast to the TK700STi, the TK700 comes with only one Enhanced Gaming Mode and lacks Android TV. The brightness of TK700 (3,200 Lumens) is higher than TK700STi.
#6 – Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS500
This is an Ultra Short Throw Projector capable of projecting a 100-inch image from a distance of 15 inches. The Epson EpiqVision LS500 is particularly useful for people living in small apartments and rooms.
It offers exceptionally brighter images with accurate colours, deeper blacks and brighter whites. Thanks to the brightness of 4,000 Lumens and Epson’s 4K PRO-UHD projection technology.
The price of this projector is the highest on this list. It cost $3999.
Epson claims 16.7ms of input lag with a native refresh rate of 60Hz in their EpiqVision LS500 projector, but in our use, we measured 21.3ms with 4K at 60Hz and 27.5ms with 1080p at 60Hz.
Specifications
- Input Lag: 1080p – 27.5ms | 4K – 21.3ms
- Refresh Rate: 1080p – 60Hz | 4K – 60Hz
- Brightness: 4,000 ANSI Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 2,000,000:1
- HDR Support: YES
This high-end projector is ideal for home entertainment, office presentations and gaming.
You can couple this projector with Epson’s SilverFlex Ultra ALR Screen to enjoy immersive gameplay in 4K resolution.
The Epson EpiqVision LS500 doesn’t offer the lowest input lag compared to others on this list, but the picture quality offered by this projector is remarkable.
#7 – BenQ X3000i
The BenQ X3000i comes with an attractive and distinct design compared to others on this list. It is a true 4K projector made for people on the move.
It offers an incredibly low input lag of 4.4ms and a high refresh rate of 240Hz required for serious gaming.
BenQ claims to offer cinematic immersion with their X3000i projector. With its 4LED light source and HDR-PRO support, you will experience true-to-life visuals and 3D sounds from various directions. You can hook this projector to your PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Nintendo Switch.
Specifications
- Input Lag: 1080p – 4.4ms | 4K – 16.8ms
- Refresh Rate: 1080p – 240Hz | 4K – 60Hz
- Brightness: 3,000 ANSI Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 500,000:1
- HDR Support: YES
The X3000i offers 3 gaming modes: FPS, RPG and SPG. Switching to these game modes will drastically reduce the input lag and focus on surround sound placement for directionality while boosting the shadow details to reveal hidden enemies.
The availability of wireless connectivity options makes this projector stand out amongst the competitors. It has built-in WiFi and Bluetooth options along with Dual HDMI 2.0, USB Type A, and RS232 ports.
#8 – VAVA Chroma
It is another Ultra Short Throw projector on this list capable of projecting a massive image of 100-120 inches by sitting right next to the wall.
The Vava Chroma is popular for its powerful dual 30W Harmon Kardon speaker with Dolby Audio Technology. They are sufficient enough for a mid-sized family.
While VAVA hasn’t officially declared a clear list of input lag at various refresh rates, but it does support 4K at 60Hz and claims to offer input lag around 16-20ms.
Specifications
- Input Lag: 16ms
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Brightness: 2,200 ANSI Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 1,500,000:1
- HDR Support: YES
The VAVA Chroma is a smart projector with built-in Android TV and Alexa Voice Control. We suggest this projector if you need an excellent home theatre projector that can be doubled as a gaming projector for casual gameplay.
With this UST projector, you don’t have to worry about awkward screwing to the ceiling.
You will have three HDMI ports along with USB Type A, USB 2.0, 3.5mm Audio Jack and Ethernet port for better connectivity.
Conclusion
You will need four figures to get the best 4K gaming projector. In this article, we have rounded up a list of 2024’s best 4K projectors for gaming through our thorough research.
We discussed 4K projectors for fast action as well as casual gaming. Make sure to consider the type of console, presence of ambient light, available space, etc., before making any purchase.
If you are on a tight budget, then check out our article: 9 Best Budget-friendly Gaming Projectors In 2024.
Finally, let us know if we are missing any great projectors worth adding to this list. Your opinions and gaming experience in 4K will add value to the gaming community, so don’t forget to share them in the comment section below.
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