8 Best 4k Projector Under 5000 In 2023 | ProjectorNerds
With new technology emerging every single day and the world’s economy currently in recession, it’s becoming harder and harder to keep up with trends.
Everyone wants the best gadget, the latest mobile phone, and the most up-to-date technology at their home, but what to do about the budget?
The projector is one such gadget for which you simply cannot compromise on the quality. Spending so much money on a poorly performing projector is something that no one can afford right now.
So for this reason, I’m here to educate you through this article so that you make the right choice. Here is my take on the best projectors under $5000 that will surely give you value for money!
Best 4k Projector Under 5000 In 2023
Today, projectors are small enough to fit on a desk, with a few simple buttons, and with a resolution that is comparable to high-definition television. There is a range of projectors that are available.
If you are less in budget then you might check Best 4K Projectors under 3000.
1: LG HU85LA Projector – Best 4K Projector Under 500
Specifications
- Native Resolution: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
- Brightness: Up to 2700 ANSI
- Contrast ratio: 2,000,000:1
- Input lag: ~55ms
- Throw distance: 7.2 inches away
- Screen size: 90″ x 120″
Special Features
- Alexa Built-In
- Displays a 120’’ Screen from just 7.2 inches away from the projector surface
- HDR10 Compatibility
- Includes LG ThinQ AI
- Ultra-Short Throw Design
So the LG HU85LA can achieve up to a 120″ image from just 7.2″ away from your screen or wall! It has a nice, elegant, and modern design that blends seamlessly with your furnishings.
It also boots up much faster, there’s no bulb to replace and the picture is nice and bright, which makes it a great option for someone who wants a huge screen in their living room!
This projector is also hard to beat in terms of specs. With 2700 lumens, a high resolution 4K DLP chip, an incredible throw ratio, and the best smart interface you will see in a projector, it looks like LG went out of its way to pack as much as it could into this thing!
It also features a built-in web browser that allows you to use the bundled Magic Remote for navigation and makes content searching a quite pleasurable experience!
I officially recommend this projector for casual gamers since the input lag will be good enough for them. With instant game mode, you will be able to get an input lag of around 57ms and enjoy HDR 4K gaming which is a pretty nice experience.
Overall, this projector will let you enjoy high dynamic range movies and TV shows, projected with vivid colors and highlights, having HDR10 compatibility.
So if you are looking for a projector that you can put pretty much anywhere and have a huge, bright, and sharp screen from just a few inches away from the wall, then this is a great option!
Pros
- Web browser (LG ThinQ + Google Assistant)
- Screen Share via Miracast & WiDi
- 10-second power-on time, 2-second power-off
- IP control capable
- Onboard content apps
Cons
- Hard to align a picture with 120 in screen
- Doesn’t support HLG
- Has only 5W speakers.
2: Sony VPL-VW295ES Home Theater Projector Under 5000
Specifications
- Resolution: 4096 x 2160
- Brightness: 1500 lumens
- Contrast ratio: 350,000:1
- Input lag: 27ms
- Throw distance: 12.3′ x 30.1′
- Screen size: 60″ x 300.31″
Features
- Native 4K resolution
- MotionFlow
- IMAX enhanced
- Reality Creation
For just under $5000, Sony is giving you a true 4K projector in the form of the VPL-VW295ES. It also offers 1500 lumens and the lamp provides a life of 6000 hours and is relatively inexpensive to replace when the time comes.
Moving on to video processing features, the 295ES has both MotionFlow and Reality Creation. It dramatically enhances the colors, contrasts, and textures of your non-4K content without creating artifacts.
The 295ES also includes the latest technology for HDR. This new technology makes the colors appear richer and more vivid!
Another new feature is the option to use an external anamorphic lens. You can now do vertical stretch mode with 4K content. This is great for people who may have an older lens.
And finally, for any of you gamers out there, Sony has drastically decreased input lag for a much better gaming experience!
Pros
- Better input lag for professional gaming
- Cinema-level 4K resolution
- Can convert any content close to 4K
- Smooth on-screen fast-paced action
- Powered zoom and powered focus
- Comes with a lens cap
Cons
- Doesn’t have lens memory settings.
- Brightness level is not that high for the price point
- The colors are not so sharp
3. Sony VW325ES 4K HDR Home Theater Projector VPL-VW325ES
Specifications
- Resolution: 4096×2160 resolution
- Brightness: 1500 lumens
- Contrast ratio: 9,000:1
- Input lag: 36.2ms
- Throw distance: 12.3′ – 30.5′
- Screen size: 60″ – 300″
Features
- Advanced Silicon X-tal Reflective Display (SXRD) technology
- Dynamic HDR Enhancer
- MotionFlow
- IMAX enhanced
- Reality Creation
- HDCP 2.2 compatible
- 18Gbps bandwidth
The Sony VPL-VW295ES is an ultra-high-definition home theater projector with 3 SXRD imagers and HDR compatibility.
The VW325ES is a true 4K projector and is HDCP 2.2 compatible with a full 18Gbps bandwidth. This projector can be used with screens up to 150 inches.
In terms of processing, Sony modified the X1 processor from its top-of-the-line televisions to create the same processor for this projector. This processor is totally cutting edge, and it’s the main thing that differentiates Sony projectors from others in the market!
One of the biggest advantages of the X1 processor for projectors is contrast and light control. As each frame of the video content travels through the X1 processor, it is analyzing every part of that frame to determine which parts contain dark and light levels.
The Sony Dynamic HDR Enhancer enhances the bright areas and in the dark areas, it pulls down the black levels.
What is also really cool is that with this projector, you will have separate settings for HDR and SDR. On many screens, you may not need to use the full light output on SDR, but you could use it for HDR.
With the dual contrast control engine, the X1, and the advanced Iris, they will work together to give you the best contrast possible!
Pros
- Upscaling and sharpening images without sharpening picture noise
- wider contrast range for improved realism
- Separate settings for HDR and SDR
- Lower input lag means a faster refresh rate for gamers
- HDCP 2.2 compatibility on both 18 Gbps HDMI inputs
Cons
- High input lag
- Not suitable for well-lit rooms and outdoors.
4: Epson 120” EpiqVision – 4k Ultra Short Throw Projector
Specifications
- Resolution: 4K PRO-UHD
- Brightness: 4000 lumens
- Contrast ratio: 2000000:1
- Input lag: 16.7 ms
- Throw distance: 1.32 m
- Screen size: 120’’
Features
- 4K PRO-UHD2 Projection Technology
- Ultra-Short Throw Laser-Array Technology
- Immersive 120″ Display
- 10-bit HDR3 Color Processing
- Incredibly Bright Pictures up to 4,000 lumens
The Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS500 Laser TV comes in two different colors with 100” or 120” screens. This laser tv model comes with an ALR screen which is one of its most important parts. An ALR screen marks the difference between a washed-out ugly image and a white image with great contrast that blocks out the ambient light in the room.
When it comes to specs, this projector has a lot to offer. This is a 3LCD projector that produces a whopping 4000 ANSI lumens, making it the brightest Ultra Short Throw projector out there!
One important thing to note is that 3LCD often appears brighter than DLP with the same brightness rating since 3LCD usually produces brighter colors than DLP. it uses a pixel-shifting 4K Pro-UHD system to give you extremely vivid colors. So you can be sure that the picture will be exceptionally bright, colorful, and sharp in almost any viewing environment!
But as we know with projectors that have high brightness, the black levels are not so great, which is certainly the case with this projector.
Now gaming is where the LS500 really shines. Most gamers look for a crazy bright screen while playing and they won’t be disappointed with the LS500. It also has fantastic input lag numbers, dipping under 16ms!
Another strength of this projector is its performance with 3D content. Being so bright, you will get a decent 3D image and since the colors are so vivid, it makes for a great 3D experience!
If you are a frequent viewer, you may want to go for a large screen. That will allow you to see the entire image clearly and without straining your eyes.
Pros
- Brightness and picture quality are wonderful
- Fantastic input lag for gaming
- Great HDR performance
- Great picture quality for 3D videos
Cons
- The design isn’t sleek.
- The 10W speakers produce a tiny and heavily distorted sound
- Black levels are not that great
5. SAMSUNG LSP7T Ultra Short Throw 4K UHD Projector
Specifications
- Resolution: Native 4K HDMI
- Brightness: 2,200 lumens
- Contrast ratio: 1000:1
- Input lag: 67ms
- Throw distance: 0.8′ x 1.4′
- Screen size: 90″ – 120″
Features
- 4K UHD Ultra bright laser
- Ultra short throw and compact design
- 2.2 channel system, subwoofer, and 30W speakers
- Built-in Alexa
- PurColor
- Auto-adjustment of gaming performance
- One Remote
Most manufacturers are now focusing on Ultra Short Throw projectors and there are so many of them now in the market.
The reason why most people prefer them is that they are very easy to install. You just need about a foot of length between the lens and the screen. This means you can easily place it on a shelf or a table instead of going through the hassle of installing a ceiling mount.
The Samsung Premiere LSP7T is the less expensive model of the Samsung Premiere Ultra Short Throw series. Along with native 4K resolution, it gives HDR10+ processing for a much sharper picture and richer colors.
If you’re a movie addict, you will definitely love the Filmmaker mode which is a setting designed to make your screen even more cinematic!
I know that you must be concerned about the level of brightness, which is just 2200 lumens. But with the LSP7T, you don’t have to worry about picture washout. This is largely thanks to the ultra-short throw distance, which means the light will travel a much shorter distance to make the most out of the brightness it produces! With that said, keep in mind that this projector is definitely no match for sunlight!
Lastly, the LSP7T is compatible with a range of systems such as Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Bixby. You can enjoy easier control with a range of commands including voice searches, playback control, and volume adjustment.
It also has a subwoofer that will help you to enjoy a great surround sound experience. The projector is compact and light. It doesn’t take up too much space on your wall. The Samsung SP-LSP 7TFAXZA can be used in a variety of locations.
Pros
- Large image from an ultra-short distance
- Excellent image processing
- Very user-friendly and easy to install
- Really nice audio quality
- Provides all streaming services
- Much better black levels
Cons
- Needs calibration due to color errors
- Lower color range and weaker contrast
6: Epson Home Cinema 5050UB 4K PRO
Specifications
- Resolution 1920×1080
- Brightness 2600 lumens
- Contrast ratio 1,000,000:1
- Input lag 27ms
- Throw distance 10.3′ x 29.4′
- Screen size 50″ x 300″
Features
- 4K HDR resolution
- 3LCD technology
- Can achieve P3 color standard
- Power zoom and power focus lens
- Can project on a 300-inch screen
The Epson 5050UB is a 3LCD projector, and this means that it will have brighter and more accurate colors and won’t have the rainbow effect.
It is a 4K capable home-theater projector that sells for just under $3000.
What I personally love about this projector is its versatility. Not only does it have a motorized lens, which opens and closes automatically when you turn the projector on, but this projector also allows huge vertical and horizontal lens shift adjustments without using a vertical keystone.
Talking about the picture quality, it has incredible brightness and black levels. The colors appear so bright and clear that the Epson 5050UB can easily give competition to the other DLP projectors!
The main difference between the Epson 5050 and other DLP projectors is that while DLP projectors display 8.3 million pixels on the screen, the Epson is displaying 2K or 4 million pixels. The picture is super sharp, but not as sharp as with a pixel-shifting DLP projector.
With less than 30ms input lag, this is one of the projectors for 4 K-compatible gaming.
Pros
- Very versatile
- Lower input lag
- Capable of displaying the full three-dimensional P3 color space
- Wireless HDMI hub with four inputs
- Great choice for living rooms and media rooms
Cons
- Makes a lot of fan noise when power consumption is set to high
- Picture sharpness isn’t too great
- Big and heavy. Not suitable for smaller rooms
7. Hisense 120L9G-CINE120A 120″ TriChroma Laser 4K TV Projector
Specifications
- Resolution: 1920×1080
- Brightness: 3000 lumens
- Contrast ratio: 100,000:1 (Dynamic: 1,000,000:1)
- Input lag:16ms
- Throw Distance: 0.25:1 (100” inch screen from 11”)
- Screen size: 100”-120”
Features
- Ability to reproduce 107% of the BT.2020 (Rec. 2020) color space
- Micro-second-level processor response
- Supports HDR10 and HLG
- Wise compatible
- Eye protection sensors
- Ambient Light Rejecting (ALR) screen
- ALR Daylight screen
- ALR Cinema Screen
- Built-in 40W Dolby Atmos sound system
- Dolby Vision
- Filmmaker and game mode
- Works with Google and Chromecast
The Hisense L9G is another fantastic projector that offers quite a lot. Granted that the price is a bit high but that’s understandable as Hisense has packed so many incredible features into it!
It is super bright, has great color accuracy, low input lag, supports 4K at 120 hertz which is a pretty big deal and it has 2 HDMI 2.1 ports.
The main defining feature of this projector is that it has a Trichroma Laser engine which produces 3000 lumens and covers 107% of Rec.2020, without the use of a color wheel. You will notice brightness and color accuracy like you haven’t before in any other projector I have reviewed!
It also has fantastic sharpness and focuses uniformity. Even though it uses pixel-shifting to display a 4K image, you will definitely feel that you are seeing 8 million pixels on the screen. Thanks to the 3000 lumens brightness, it produces a beautiful HDR image unlike a lot of other competitors in this review. In HDR mode, the colors are rich and vibrant and not overly dramatic.
However, it is difficult to balance high brightness with black levels. That’s why pictures on this projector look amazing during the day but pretty mediocre at night, even after calibration of settings.
Pros
- Has a lot of calibration options
- Amazing brightness levels
- 4K at 120 hertz makes it a great option for gaming
- Incredible sound with immersive speakers
- Wisa support which allows you to send audio wirelessly
Cons
- Black levels are not so great
- More expensive than the other models
- Heavy, design isn’t compact
8. Epson Pro EX10000
A projector is an indispensable device for use in homes and businesses. These devices are very useful because they allow us to watch movies or TV shows and play games on large screens. They are usually used in homes and small offices. Today, there are many different types of projectors available on the market.
It is important to find one that suits your needs and preferences. Before you buy a projector, you need to determine the size and brightness of the screen that you would like to use.
Most projectors come in sizes ranging from 15 to 75 inches. You should look at the features that are included in the projector, such as screen size, resolution, and brightness.
Resolution:
The resolution of a projector determines the number of pixels that it can display on the screen. There are several resolutions to choose from. The higher the resolution, the sharper the picture will be.
It is also important to consider how bright the projector will be when choosing a resolution. If you want a bright projector, you should go for the highest possible resolution.
This projector has a resolution of 1080p and is compatible with HDTVs.
Brightness:
The brightness of the projector is measured in lumens (lm). This refers to the amount of light that the projector emits. If you have a large screen, you may need a brighter projector.
This projector emits a brightness of 4500 Lumens.
Final Verdict
If you are looking for the best projector for your home under $5000, and you don’t have a dedicated home theater, I would definitely recommend the Hisense L9G.
It is packed with incredible features, has great color and sharpness, and the brightness levels will allow you to enjoy movies or pictures even in brighter areas of the house. This projector is also great for gaming!
If you are looking for the best 4K projector under $5000, and you do have a dedicated home theater, then I suggest you definitely go for the Samsung LSP7T. It is an ultra-short throw projector that is very compact and offers incredible black levels for a fully dark room.
The two 30W speakers and subwoofer also make sure that the sound quality is incredible in your home cinema. It supports HDR10, so your movies will look amazing on a 120-inch screen!
Buying Guide
Picture Quality
When buying a home cinema device, you would want to order one that offers 4K resolution and HDR compatibility. While less informed people may be satisfied with a 1080p projector, I’m here to tell you that by buying a 4K home theater beamer you will get a far superior image!
Also make sure that your projector has high contrast, deep blacks, and rich color saturation!
If you are buying it for a living room, you will want to have a big display with bright, vivid optical and a shorter throw distance.
Brightness
If a projector doesn’t have sufficient brightness levels, natural lighting coming through the windows will greatly spoil the image. So if you don’t have a dedicated dark room for installing your projector, you will need a model that offers at least 2000 lumens.
Do remember that the amount of brightness may not be important to you, but it still influences picture quality.
Some laser TV projectors I have reviewed here come with an auto Ambient Light Rejector. This is also a good option when it comes to buying a good-quality projector for well-lit areas around the house.
Installation Flexibility
If you have a tight space, getting an ultra-short throw projector is the best way to go. This is also true if you’re going to be using the projector in more than one location. But if you have a dedicated space for your home theater, I’d suggest buying a projector that it fixed on the wall or ceiling.
Nowadays, there are projectors that are installed very easily and don’t need a special team to be called to your home. These are laser tv projectors, and they save you from a lot of hassle. So make sure you buy a projector that has ease and flexibility of installation
Gaming Performance
There are two things gamers look for in a high-performance gaming projector. One is input lag and the other is brightness and image quality.
An input lag of around 30ms is good enough for casual gaming but not for fast-paced games. But the lower the input lag, let’s say around 16ms, the better will be the performance for hardcore, professional-level gaming.
An HDR-compatible projector will give you the best quality image and if it has a high brightness level, you will be able to see all the details to get the most out of your gaming experience!
