The best projectors of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed

Samsung Freestyle 2 tech specs: Throw ratio: 1.2 | Brightness: 230 ANSI lumens | Resolution: 1080p | Screen size: 30-100 inches 

Samsung's Freestyle 2 combines a projector and a gaming hub all-in-one, and the Freestyle 2 builds on its predecessor with greater functionality, a better remote, and some literally game-changing features. In fact, what's distinctly unique about the Samsung Freestyle 2 Gaming Hub is that you don't need a physical console to play a game, but just the Freestyle 2, internet access, and game controller.

Read more: Samsung's latest swiveling projector is secretly the best gaming console you can buy

When ZDNET's Allison Murray and her husband tested the Freestyle 2 in their home, they were impressed with the portable projector's power-packed value, and the ability to play video games from the ceiling -- or any room in the house with an open wall. 

"My husband was able to play Rocket League with a free membership to GeForce Now, and other free games like Fortnite were also available. The overall gaming experience will depend on your Wi-Fi connection, but the graphics were crystal clear, and the Freestyle 2 loaded the games fast with virtually no glitches," Murray wrote. 

And the Freestyle 2's projecting capabilities weren't lackluster, either. "The Samsung Freestyle 2 impressed me with both image quality, the ability to auto-focus -- whether it was projecting onto a slanted ceiling or a projector screen -- and the overall experience of setup and streaming," Murray wrote in her review. 

Users on Reddit and Best Buy liked the small design and easy set up of the Freestyle 2, as well as its gaming capabilities, while others didn't think it was bright enough or see a reason for such a portable projector. 

Xgimi Horizon Ultra tech specs: Throw ratio: 1.2-1.5:1 | Brightness: 2300 ISO lumens | Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160) | Screen size: 60-150 inches 

Xgimi's Horizon Ultra projector is a power-packed at home viewing device that's certainly a cut above other options on this list. The Horizon ultra features 4K resoultion for crystal clear viewing, covers an expansive screen size range, and uses 2300 lumens for maximum brightness. What's even more impressive though is the Dolby-Vision support it offers -- something uncommon in the projector market. 

More: I tested the world's first Dolby Vision-supported long-throw projector, and it's game-changing 

When ZDNET's Kerry Wan tested the Horizon Ultra back in 2023, he was stunned with the theater experience it provided on his blank bedroom wall. 

"The Horizon Ultra may be the end game of my home projector quest. It delivers some of the best picture quality I've seen, doesn't sound like a blow dryer when I increase the scaling, and dare I say, , is not expensive at all," Wan wrote in his review. And to his point, the hefty price tag is actually pretty on par with other 4K options on the market with similar features. 

Wan also enjoyed the upscale design and features, like a lens cover that retracts, but said the vibrancy was so amped up, that he found it just a bit too much for his eyes. Current owners on Reddit also noted the top features like brightness and vibrancy, but some users said they decided they didn't need a projector that's so "extra." 

Emotn N1 tech specs: Throw ratio: 1.25:1 | Brightness: 500 ANSI lumens | Resolution: 1080p | Screen size: 60-120 inches

 If you're not looking to drop over $500 on a projector, the Emotn N1 mixes affordability and a solid set of features. With 500 ANSI lumens, a 1080p resolution and a maximum screen size of 120 inches, you'll have everything you need for an at home movie theater experience. 

The Emotn N1 is officially licensed for watching Netflix, and can also project other platforms like YouTube, Amazon Prime, and content from any device that allows you to connect via HDMI or USB. And if you don't have Wi-Fi available, you can use a wired connection or even tether the projector to a phone or hotspot.

More: Why this $280 smart projector is essential for me during the holidays

When ZDNET's Jack Wallen tested the Emotn in Dec. 2023, he was surprised with how much he ended up liking the projector. "Up until now, I never would have thought a projector could so easily spread Netflix films or TV on a wall or a screen with ease, but that's exactly what the  does ... If Netflix, Amazon Prime, or YouTube are your go-to for movies and television, this little projector is worth every penny," Wallen wrote in his review. 

Amazon users like the overall value and performance of the Emotn N1, especially its crisp audio and clear pictures. Some users experienced issues with the bulb dying out, and like Wallen noted in his review, some users reported needing to play around with the focus and keystone a bit. 

Anker Nebula Capsule 3 tech specs: Throw ratio: 1.2:1 | Brightness: 200 ANSI lumens | Resolution: 1080p | Screen size: 40-120 inches

The Capsule 3 can easily be held in your hand or carried in a backpack, yet it throws a screen size of up to 120 inches -- on par with larger picks on this list. It features a competitive 1080p display and 200 ANSI lumens, and you can watch up to 2.5 hours of your favorite shows, movies. or videos or listen to ten hours of music on a single charge. 

More: I tested the world's smallest projector with Google TV, and it blew me away

It's also equipped with Nebula's intelligent environment adaptation technology, which performs performs auto keystone correction, autofocus, keystone correction and obstacle avoidance in just 3 seconds, making setup and use easy. 

When ZDNET's Sabrina Ortiz tested out the Capsule 3, she was blow away with the soda-can sized projectors functions. "Anker calls the Capsule 3 a "Pocket Cinema," and the description could not be more accurate ... You won't be disappointed in the sound or video quality, and the environment adaptation technology makes the projector extremely flexible in terms of placement," she wrote in her 2024 review. 

Current Nebula users love the maximum portability and crisp image quality of the Capsule 3. One customer said it "packs a serious punch in a quite literally pint sized package." Other current users noted the only downside is that the charge only lasts about 2.5 hours which is sometimes not enough to get through certain films.

Xgimi MoGo 2 Pro tech specs: Throw ratio: 1.2:1 | Brightness: 400 ISO lumens | Resolution: 1080p | Screen size: Up to 120 inches

The Xgimi MoGo 2 Pro is a popular home projector pick, thanks to its mid-range price and solid features. 

The Xgimi easily allows you to stream entertainment via apps downloaded from the Google Play store. The 1080p resolution comes with 400 ISO lumens on a picture that expands as much as 120 inches for your viewing pleasure, making this portable option big enough for wherever you take it. In addition to wireless and Bluetooth listening, enjoy dual 8W speakers with Dolby Audio built into the projector for excellent sound. 

Current MoGo Pro users like the easy connectivity and overall value, as well as the crips audio and picture quality. Some users noted that you'll have to use some workarounds if you want to use your projector for Netflix viewing.