Top Gaming Projectors for 2023

Gaming has evolved tremendously over the years, and with the release of next-generation consoles like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, gamers are now seeking larger-than-life experiences. One way to achieve this immersive gaming experience is by investing in the best gaming projector. In this article, we will discuss the top gaming projectors for 2023, focusing on key factors such as picture quality, refresh rate, input latency, and projector technology. We'll also look at some of the best gaming projectors under different budget ranges, ensuring that you find the perfect device for your gaming needs.

What to Look for in a Gaming Projector

When it comes to gaming projectors, there are a few critical factors to consider. Though it's pretty obvious, a 4K gaming projector will offer the best picture quality, but displaying those extra pixels requires more processing ability, which can also affect the gameplay.

If you're a hardcore, competitive gamer, high on the list would be a high refresh rate (120hz +) and low input latency for a seamless gaming experience. It should be noted that a directly wired internet connection is almost always much faster than wireless connections, so plan accordingly. If you're just looking for an awesome gaming setup and are more of a casual gamer, the list of choices opens up considerably. Here are some things to consider when researching gaming projectors:

• Input lag - look for 50ms or under. Even lower if you're a competitive gamer.
• Color spectrum - you'll most likely use your projector for more than just gaming so make sure the colors are bright and rich.
• Refresh rate - not all projector manufacturers report this spec, but if they do, look for 120hz or more for smooth gameplay
• Resolution - 4K is wonderful, but gaming can be just as awesome in 1080p, and often performs better when streaming
• Light source - if your budget supports it, look for a laser projector. They'll stay brighter way, way longer than traditional lamp-based models.
• Brightness (lumens) - really depends on where you're setting up your projector. If you're watching in a bright room, look for either an ultra-short throw projector or a projector with more than 2500 lumens. Pro tip: use our projector calculators to check the perfect distance to brightness ratio of each projector.
• Dedicated gaming mode - most projector manufacturers have added dedicated 'gaming' modes to their home entertainment projectors to help dedicate more resources towards the higher demands of the game, improving lag times and gameplay.

Our picks for best gaming projectors for 2023

BenQ HT2150ST Full HD Home Theater Projector for Gaming

The BenQ HT2150ST is an excellent choice for gamers seeking a Full HD projector with low input latency and a short throw distance. With a lag time of sub 20ms (in game mode), this projector is perfect for gaming in small spaces and delivers stunning visuals with its accurate color reproduction.

For those of you worried about rainbow effects from DLP projection, BenQ does their best to resolve any issues through the use of a 6X color wheel (RGBRGB) which elevates the viewing experience while reducing eye strain. The 2200 lumens offers a perfect balance of color vibrance while not being so bright as to wash out the image.

Optoma UHZ45 3800-Lumen 4K UHD Laser Home Theater and Gaming Projector

For those who want a 4K gaming projector with exceptional picture quality, the Optoma UHZ45 is an excellent choice. This projector features laser technology for enhanced color accuracy and longevity, making it perfect for both gaming and home theater enthusiasts.

This is a powerful laser projector, coming in at 3800 lumens of brightness, perfect for setup in a living space with ambient light. Take your gaming to the next level with the included enhanced gaming mode for fast-moving action with a 16.7ms response time in 4K at 60Hz and 4ms in 1080P at 240Hz.

Epson Home Cinema 2350 4K PRO-UHD Smart Gaming Projector

The Epson 2350 offers up smooth 1080p at 120 Hz refresh rate with input lag times under 20 ms. The Home Cinema 2350 delivers a truly epic gaming experience; the 2350's 3LCD technology offers outstanding brightness and color accuracy without disturbing the overall contrast, ensuring deep blacks and remarkably vivid colors.

Android TV is built-in, making the Home Cinema 2350 Smart Gaming Projector easy to stream your favorite Twitch and YouTube channels &emdash; or watch the latest movies and TV shows on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max and more. Competitive gaming performance at 1080p resolution with 120 Hz refresh rate or smooth 4K PRO-UHD1 HDR2 gaming performance up to 60 Hz.

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Ultra-Short Throw Projectors: The Future of Gaming

As gaming projectors continue to evolve and improve, ultra-short throw projectors (sometimes called projector TVs or Laser TVs) are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to project large images from a short distance. The Hisense 100L5G XPR 4K UHD Smart Ultra-Short Throw Laser TV With 100" ALR Screen is a prime example of this, and it comes with everything you need to start your big-screen gaming experience right away.

With its ultra-short throw design, the Hisense 100L5G XPR 4K UHD Smart Ultra-Short Throw Laser TV can project a 100-inch image from just a few inches away, making it ideal for gamers with limited space. The inclusion of an ambient-light rejecting screen ensures that the image quality you'll be experiencing will be second to none, even in rooms where ambient light may be a factor.

ProjectorReviews.com measured it's input lag at 16.5 ms, faster than 90% of projectors on the market.

Best Gaming Projector Under $1,000: ViewSonic PX701-4K 3200 Lumen Home Theater and Gaming Projector

For gamers on a budget, the ViewSonic PX701-4K offers an excellent balance of performance and affordability. This projector uses a technology known as pixel-shifting to take a full HD image and convert it to 4K UHD. Virtually indistinguishable from true 4K resolution (unless you're inches from the screen), this allows for big cost savings without much sacrifice.

ProjectorCentral.com rated this model best projector of 2021, and it still holds up several years later. Two key features stand out for gamers: sub 5ms input lag and a hyper-responsive 240Hz refresh rate. Say goodbye to screen tearing and blur.

Best Gaming Projector Under $500: BenQ TH575 Low Input Lag Console Gaming Projector

With the BenQ TH575, gamers can enjoy full HD resolution and low input lag, even in fairly bright conditions, at an affordable price. This projector is perfect for those looking for a budget-friendly option without much sacrifice with regards to image quality or gaming performance. A sub-20ms response time (1080p@60hz) is more than adequate for most gamers when used in the dedicated game mode. We think it's a great choice for a first time projector if you have the right environment for it.

NOTE: this projector goes on and off sale frequently, so it may be slightly over $500, depending on when you're reading this.

Avoid these gaming projectors

You may be tempted to buy a cheap gaming projector (under $500) from another marketplace, but we would strongly recommend against it. Despite the dozens (or hundreds) of excellent reviews, we've found most of these models are nothing better than plastic toys with horrible image quality.

A projector is an investment that should last you many years. ProjectorPeople.com has a team of experienced projector experts that are happy to assist you and answer any questions you might have, so feel free to reach out via phone or chat for assistance.

Game on.

The 2023 gaming projector market offers a wide range of options to suit every gamer's needs and budget. From 4K gaming projectors to ultra-short throw projectors, there are choices for any environment. Whether you're a casual gamer or a competitive player, investing in a high-quality gaming projector is a surefire way to push your gaming experience to new heights.