4K is replacing HD (1080p) as the standard for image quality in 2024.
Nowadays, 4K has become popular and affordable to everyone. Gone are the days when owning a good 4K projector used to be the right reserved for the rich.
This projector is undoubtedly the one that meets your need and gives you the best cinema-style viewing experience. Upon searching the features and performance of the 4K projector, we have come up with a variety of best 4K projector under 500 that would help you transform your home into an entertainment place.
A Quick Overview: What is a 4K projector?
It is a projector featuring 3840×2160 pixel resolution. Typically, video resolution is a number of pixels displayed on the screen and calculated via width and height.
The higher the video resolution, the sharper and more precise the video will have resulted.
Some of the varied video resolutions are,
- 360p
- 720p
- 1080p (HD)
- 4K (Ultra-HD)
Is buying a 4K SUPPORTED projector make sense?
Yes, of course! Because the resolution is not the only thing that judges the overall picture quality. Apart from resolution, a few other specifications like brightness, contrast ratio, color gamut, keystone correction, input lag, and refresh rate needs to be considered while choosing the projector.
Affordable 4K supported projectors are nothing but the higher end of the HD projectors. They are not native 4K, but instead, they utilize pixel-shifting technology to give ultra-HD quality images.
You need four figures to get a native 4K projector. Though a 4K projector costs more, its higher resolution, efficient streaming, and enhanced viewing quality make the cost worthy. At this price point of $500, you won’t get any native 4K projector, but yes, you would find a projector with a native resolution of 1080p that supports 4K picture projection.
List of 9 best 4K Projector under 500
- Nebula Anker Solar
- Optoma HD28HDR
- YABER Y31
- YABER V6
- Artlii Energon 2
- ONOAYO ON01
- YABER Pro V7
- FANGOR F701
- WiMiUS S1
Now without any further ado, let’s jump-in and start discussing the above projectors.
#1 – Nebula Anker Solar
Nebula is a famous brand when it comes to pocket-friendly and portable mini projectors.
The Anker Solar is Nebula’s high-end projector with a native resolution of 1080p FHD. It has the ability to accept 4K HDR input at up to 60Hz.
Note that the brightness of 400 ANSI lumens is far better than the 9,000 lumens offered by most of the projectors on this list.
It offers you many features, including support for HDR10 and HDCP 2, built-in Android TV 9, WiFi connectivity, and dual 3-watt speakers.
Specifications
- Brightness: 400 ANSI Lumens
- Native Resolution: 1920×1080 pixels
- Supported Resolution: 3840×2160 pixels
- Screen Size: 40 to 120 inches
- Keystone Correction: ±40 degree
- Lamp Lifespan: 30,000 hours
Nebula Anker Solar is a lightweight, portable projector that comes with a built-in stand for adjusting the angle of projection by up to 13-degree.
You can use Airplay, Miracast, or Bluetooth to connect this projector to other devices. It is equipped with an HDMI and USB port as well.
The dual 3W speaker produces clear sound enough for a small family.
Benefits
- Compact and portable
- Nice looking design
- Auto image adjustment
Drawbacks
- Screen size is limited
#2 – Optoma HD28HDR
Optoma HD28HDR is one of the best pocket-friendly gaming projectors.
This projector has an incredible brightness of 4,000 lumens and a resolution of 50,000:1. With the native resolution of 1080p, it produces sharp and detailed images. It is a 4K compatible projector that supports HDR to boost image quality and enable brighter whites and deeper black levels.
You can enjoy 3D movies with this projector!
The HD28HDR offers exceptional performance in the presence of ambient light as compared to others on this list.
Specifications
- Brightness: 4,000 Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 50,000:1
- Native Resolution: 1920×1080 pixels
- Supported Resolution: 3840×2160 pixels
- Screen Size: 40 to 300 inches
- Keystone Correction: ±40 degree
- Lamp Lifespan: 15,000 hours
It is compatible with a variety of media players and gaming consoles. You have dual HDMI ports along with a USB and audio jack for connectivity.
The built-in 3-watt speakers are quite disappointing because they are the best fit for small rooms.
Benefits
- Massive screen size
- Low input lag for gaming
- Impressive contrast ratio
Drawbacks
- Low lamp lifespan
#3 – Yaber Y31
This is our top pick for a budget-friendly projector on this list. It packs a big punch of features to produce fantastic quality images.
It cost only $224, and the brightness (9,000 Lumens) offered by this projector is remarkable. With the native resolution of 1080p, it also supports a 4K projection.
Specifications
- Brightness: 9,000 Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 10,000:1
- Native Resolution: 1920×1080 pixels
- Supported Resolution: 3840×2160 pixels
- Screen Size: 50 to 300 inches
- Keystone Correction: ±50 degree
- Lamp Lifespan: 1,00,000 hours
With intelligent temperature control and an advanced double-sided cooling system, it claims to reduce at least 30-40% noise compared to the rivals. You don’t have to worry about overheating issues.
It offers a handful of connectivity options, including dual HDMI and dual USB ports along with AV, VGA, and 3.5mm audio jack.
Built-in 3W dual stereo speakers with an SRS surround sound system give you an immersive experience.
Benefits
- Long-lasting lamp
- Remarkable brightness
- Massive screen
- Excellent cooling system
Drawbacks
Nothing as of now
#4 – Yaber V6
This is another excellent projector by the brand Yaber. It is designed for home entertainment and outdoor movie nights.
You can connect this projector to an iOS or Android smartphone using WiFi and Bluetooth.
It delivers outstanding color accuracy with a brightness of 9,500 lumens, a contrast ratio of 10,000:1, and native full HD 1080p resolution.
Specifications
- Brightness: 9,500 Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 10,000:1
- Native Resolution: 1920×1080 pixels
- Supported Resolution: 3840×2160 pixels
- Screen Size: 45 to 300 inches
- Keystone Correction: ±50 degree
- Lamp Lifespan: 1,00,000 hours
With its dual HDMI, dual USB, and AV port, you can connect this projector to any device of your home.
In contrast to others on this list, it quips 6W dual HiFi stereo speakers with a surround sound system. These powerful speakers are enough for a mid-sized living room.
Benefits
- Supports WiFi and Bluetooth
- Compact and lightweight
- Long-lasting lamp
- Remarkable brightness
- Massive screen
Drawbacks
Nothing as of now
#5 – Artlii Energon 2
When it comes to pocket-friendly projectors, the brand Artlii is discussed more than often.
The Energon 2 offers stunning picture quality on a screen of 70-inches when placed at a distance of 8 feet. This projector is a value for money deal.
Connecting your smartphone, laptop or tablet is a breeze because this projector supports WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity.
The brightness of 340 ANSI lumens is far better than the 9,000 lumens offered by most projectors. This projector has a native resolution of 1080p FHD, but it also supports a 4K UHD projection.
Specifications
- Brightness: 340 ANSI Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 10,000:1
- Native Resolution: 1920×1080 pixels
- Supported Resolution: 3840×2160 pixels
- Screen Size: 44 to 250 inches
- Throw Distance: 5 to 28 feet
- Keystone Correction: ±15 degree
- Lamp Lifespan: 1,00,000 hours
It offers HDMI, USB, VGA, AV, and a micro SD card slot. You can connect this projector to various devices like TV Stick, X-BOX, PS4, PC, Laptop, USB sticks, SD cards, etc.
The built-in stereo speakers are not that impressive, but they are enough for a small family.
Benefits
- Excellent brightness
- Long-lasting lamp
- Supports WiFi and Bluetooth
Drawbacks
- Manual ±15 degree keystone correction
#6 – ONOAYO Projector
ONOAYO projector offers outstanding color reproduction and vivid image quality. The brightness of 9,500 lumens and contrast ratio of 12,000:1 are the selling points of this projector. Everything else is the same as other projectors discussed on this list.
Moreover, it offers WiFi and Bluetooth to connect your smartphone, laptop, tablet, and speakers with a projector.
Specifications
- Brightness: 9,500 Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 12,000:1
- Native Resolution: 1920×1080 pixels
- Supported Resolution: 3840×2160 pixels
- Screen Size: 50 to 300 inches
- Keystone Correction: ±50 degree
- Lamp Lifespan: 1,00,000 hours
The availability of dual HDMI, dual USB, and AV port lets you connect to TV box, Amazon Stick, Chromecast, PC, Laptop, Tablet, Xbox, DVD player, card reader, USB stick, media players, speakers, iPad, iPhone, Android smartphone.
ONOAYO projector is equipped with powerful 10W stereo speakers. They are enough for large living rooms.
Benefits
- Supports WiFi and Bluetooth
- Highest contrast ratio
- Excellent brightness
- Long-lasting lamp
- 10W speakers
Drawbacks
- Considerable fan noise
#7 – Yaber Pro V7
This is another WiFi projector from Yaber that supports a 4K projection. It has a native resolution of 1080p.
Yaber Pro V7 offers 6D auto keystone corrections. It can project onto a massive screen of 350-inches.
Specifications
- Brightness: 9,500 Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 12,000:1
- Native Resolution: 1920×1080 pixels
- Supported Resolution: 3840×2160 pixels
- Screen Size: 50 to 350 inches
- Keystone Correction: ±50 degree
- Lamp Lifespan: 1,20,000 hours
This projector has dual HDMI, dual USB ports along with an AV port and 3.5mm audio jack. It can be easily connected with any device of your choice. Ex. TV Box, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Chromecast, PC, laptop, tablet, external speakers, Xbox, DVD player, card reader, USB stick, media players, iPad, iPhone, Android smartphone, etc.
Yaber Pro V7 equips dual 3W stereo speakers.
Benefits
- Excellent brightness
- Long-lasting lamp
- Massive screen size
- Impressive contrast ratio
Drawbacks
- 3W speakers are not enough
#8 – Fangor F701
This projector claims to offer 80% more sharp images than its 1080p rivals.
The Fangor F701 can be used for home entertainment, outdoor movie nights, and gaming. The features offered by this projector are identical to most of the projectors discussed above,
- WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity
- 300-inch massive screen
- Dual 5W stereo speakers
It has a native resolution of 1080p and it supports 4K projection.
Specifications
- Brightness: 8,500 Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 10,000:1
- Native Resolution: 1920×1080 pixels
- Supported Resolution: 3840×2160 pixels
- Screen Size: 35 to 300 inches
- Keystone Correction: ±45 degree
- Lamp Lifespan: 1,00,000 hours
It equips a decent cooling system that takes overheating and fan noise.
With an HDMI, USB, AV, and VGA port, you can easily connect this projector to Laptop, PCs, TV, Roku, Chrome Book, Tablets, Blue-ray DVD player, USB Flash Drive, smartphones (IOS and Android), etc. It also comes with a micro SD card slot.
Benefits
- Excellent brightness and contrast ratio
- Long-lasting lamp
Drawbacks
Nothing as of now
#9 – WiMiUS S1
WiMiUS is our final pick on this list that comes with the native resolution of 1080p and supports a 4K projection.
This projector offers the brightness of 350 ANSI lumens along with a contrast ratio of 10,000:1. For brilliant picture quality, it is recommended to place this projector at a distance of 11.5 feet and use a 100-inch screen.
It is the best fit for home entertainment and outdoor movie nights.
Specifications
- Brightness: 350 ANSI Lumens
- Contrast Ratio: 10,000:1
- Native Resolution: 1920×1080 pixels
- Supported Resolution: 3840×2160 pixels
- Screen Size: 45 to 300 inches
- Keystone Correction: ±50 degree
- Lamp Lifespan: 1,00,000 hours
Dual HDMI, dual USB, AV, and VGA port lets you connect this projector with the device of your choice. It also has a 3.5mm audio jack that connects with external speakers.
Built-in 10W stereo speakers produce loud and immersive sounds.
Benefits
- Excellent brightness and contrast ratio
- Long-lasting lamp
- Massive screen size
- Powerful speakers
Drawbacks
- No WiFi and Bluetooth
Conclusion
I hope that we helped you select the best 4K supported projector from a sea of identical projectors under 500.
In a nutshell, there is no doubt that a projector can transform one’s home theatre setup to create an immersive, cinema-style viewing experience.
If you are on a tight budget, then opting in for a projector with a native resolution of 1080p that accepts 4K input is a good choice.
Nebula Anker Solar, Optoma HD28HDR, and Yaber Y31 are the best ones on this list. Along with impressive resolution, these projectors offer stunning brightness and contrast for crystal clear and sharp image quality.
Finally, let us know in the comment section if we are missing any fantastic projector that is worth adding to this article.
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