best projector under 200

Best Projector Under $200 for Watching Movies and Gaming (Portable)

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Brenda Nyawara

Brenda Nyawara is an editor at Archute. She is a graduate architect with a passion for edge-cutting ideas in design, fashion, art and modern world interests.
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Owning a projector will always be an upgrade in your life. The convenience that comes with having a projector is one thing you will always be grateful for. With portability, great picture quality, amazing sound quality and projector screen size, you will enjoy gaming and movie time with your friends and family.

You do not have to save for a long time or break the bank to own a good projector. We will help you find an affordable projector in our list for the best projector under $200.

What Really is a Projector?

A projector is a machine you can use to cast images onto a surface. You have seen the projector in your class presentation or, better yet, the cinemas. So if you can get a breathtaking movie experience, you can have some in your house too because they use projectors.

Fun fact: The first Projector was developed and publicly presented in 1895. We have come a long way.

image source: dreamstime.com

Since you are excited about your first projector, we have included some tricks on which surface to project on apart from the projector screen in case you have not bought one.

But first, here are the best projectors under $200 to get you started.

Best projector Under $200

1) Fangor 230" Portable Projector

Sale
1080P HD Projector, WiFi Projector Bluetooth Projector,...
  • ❤【NATIVE 1080P FULL HD RESOLUTIONS】 With native resolution...
  • ❤【WIRELESS WiFi CONNECTION】 Latest WiFi connecting function...
  • ❤【BLUETOOTH & SURROUND SPEAKER】 Build-in stereo surround...
  • ❤【COMPATIBLE DEVICES】This outdoor movie projector is very...
  • ❤【RELIABLE CUSTOMER SERVICE SUPPORT】FANGOR always dedicated...

Fangor is the full fun package you have been waiting for. The projector is compatible with all your day-to-day devices taking your entertainment to the next level. With a resolution of 1080 and a contrast of 10000:1, you get the best picture quality for daytime and night at this price point. In addition, this mini projector combines high refraction 6-layered glass to give you a cinema-like experience.

image source: TechPicko.com

Fangor connects wirelessly to your devices, making your load light when traveling with the projector. Most people buy mini projectors for convenience, and Fangor is the best yet. Whether you are projecting using an android or an iOS, this projector is for you. In addition, you are getting a Bluetooth speaker with surround sound to give you the experience you have been waiting for.

The projector still has other wired connections to increase your options. You can use HDMI, VGA, and AV, and further has an SD card and a flash drive slot.

Pros:

  • Wireless Projector
  • Wired connectivity
  • Remote control
  • The high contrast ratio for a crisp and clear image quality
  • Compatible with both iOS and android
  • Bluetooth external speakers

Cons:

  • You can not mirror some streaming sites due to copyright unless maybe you have a direct HDMI port connection or tv stick.

2) AAXA Technologies Pico Micro Projector

Sale
AAXA Technologies KP-101-01 AAXA LED Pico Micro Video...
  • Ultra Bright 25 Lumens, High Definition 720p (1280x720) Native...
  • Ultra-portable with 80 Minute Built-in Rechargeable Lithium-ion...
  • Built-in Speakers, 16:9 compatible, mini-HDMI, 3.5mm Aux Audio...
  • For Personal Media Sharing with friends and family, USB Plug 'n...
  • Up to 60 inch image (in low-light condition)

This is the projector for you if you are looking for a pocket projector. Because of the convenient size, you never worry about where you pack your phone when moving around. AAXA projector is as convenient as your phone.

image source: aaxatech.com

The pocket-size does not mean the projector performs less. On the contrary, you are getting 25 ultra-bright lumens. The projector has a mini-HDMI port and SD and USB readers for connectivity. You do not need your phone or another source to connect to the projector as it has an inbuilt media player. This has to be the most thoughtful projector for under $200.

Pros:

  • Pocket size mini-projector
  • HD projector
  • Aux output
  • Apple Mac and PC compatible
  • Chargeable via USB

Cons:

  • A lithium battery lasts only 80 minutes.

3) COOAU Portable Projector

WiFi Bluetooth Projector Support 1080P Compact Portable...
  • ???? Small Size Big Surprise -- Mini projector has real 1280x720P...
  • ???? 5G/2.4G WiFi Wireless Screen Mirroring -- The COOAU WiFi...
  • ???? 5.1 Bluetooth Wireless Connected Speakers >> The...
  • ???? Sophisticated Cooling System & 25 db Quiet Experience >> The...
  • ???? COOAU Projector Intimate Service >> This WiFi Bluetooth...

This projector has capabilities beyond its price point. You are getting a wireless screen mirroring movie projector with tv stick compatibility for copyrighted movies. A cooling system supports these advanced features to ensure the projector works seamlessly.

image source:COOAU.com

With a contrast ratio of 6000:1, you can enjoy your movies with a cinema experience. COOAU is the best mini portable projector with 5.1 Bluetooth connectivity. You can enjoy a ceiling experience that you can not with other projectors.

Pros:

  • HD resolution
  • Built-in speakers
  • Manual keystone correction
  • High-quality projector with a ceiling experience
  • Best portable projector with a compact size
  • 60k hour lamp life

Cons:

  • The contrast ratio is not competitive.

4) Elephas Mini Projector

Sale
ELEPHAS Mini WiFi Projector for iPhone, 2022 Upgraded...
  • Wireless Support: ELEPHAS W13 video projector designed with the...
  • Wired Connection: No WIFI environment? ELEPHAS phone projector...
  • Ultimate Visual Experience: Excellent performance of the mini HD...
  • Enjoy Unbounded & Humanized Design: Smart projector upgrade noise...
  • Design for Feeling & Specialty Support: Versatile and portable...

Nothing beats a ceiling mount projector because it gives you the best option for small spaces. You can use this projector in your bedroom or living room comfortably without moving things to create space for the projector. In addition, you can use both wireless and wired connections, giving you the advantage of convenience.

image source: gistgear.com

The projector further has a smartphone screen synchronization feature to enhance your watching experience. Furthermore, the built-in audio speaker gives a high-quality sound to fill your room for an immersive experience. In addition, Elephas is affordable for a big-screen movie experience.

Pros:

  • Great sound quality
  • Best mini projector with a wired connection
  • Professional bright image with the latest display technology
  • Noise reduction technology

Cons:

  • 3500:1 is not the best ratio

5) Visoud Home Theater Video Projector

Native 1080P WiFi Bluetooth Projector, VISOUD 9500L...
  • ???? 【Native 1080P HD & Unique Big Lens Design】- Adopt unique...
  • ⚡【WiFi Wireless Connection & ZOOM】- The latest Wifi...
  • ????【Bluetooth Wireless Connection & Dual Stereo Speaker】-...
  • ????【Wide Compatibility and Application】- This movie...
  • ????【5 Years Warranty & Reliable After-sale Service】- VISOUD...

With a native resolution of 1080, you get a cinema experience with a big lens design. The mount options you will get enhances your experience by making the projector adaptable to different spaces. You can install it on the wall, ceiling, table or a tripod. Most projectors are limited in terms of installation options.

image source: visoudshop.com

Apart from the wireless connections, you are getting all the wired connections that come with the entertainment appliances in your house. So, for example, you can connect Bluetooth headphones and your Airpods to match the full HD resolution on the screen.

Your gaming console is compatible with this projector. The fun is endless with the Visoud Projector.

Pros:

  • Best among home theater projectors
  • Sharper image res
  • Dual stereo speaker
  • 12000:1 contrast ratio
  • Great brightness quality for an outdoor projector uses
  • Zoom function to adjust the screen without moving the projector
  • Bluetooth headset compatibility

Cons:

  • Some copyrighted streaming sites might be prohibited from viewership through the projector.

6) Raydem Video Projector

Sale
Raydem Video Projector 9500L, Native 1080P 200"...
  • 【Native 1080P, 9500L & 300 ANSI Lumens, 4K supported: 】 2022...
  • 【Fast & Stable 2.4G/5G WiFi Connection: 】 You can syn...
  • 【Compatible with Multiple Devices: 】 Perfect for gaming...
  • 【HiFi Speakers & Low-noise Radiator Fan: 】 We have bu...
  • 2-Year Limited Warranty! This projector has a life of 50,...

How does 4k sound? The Raydem external projector is here to change the game by future-proofing and having a 4k resolution for a cinema experience. With a native resolution of 1080P, your watching experience will never be the same. While choosing the best projectors under $200, you must remember that most cameras support 4k footage and are meant for you to watch in the best resolutions you can.

image source: newegg.com

Raydem has a low-noise radiator fan to keep the Projector cool whenever you use it. In addition, you can connect the projector to a gaming console, giving you a 360 experience with your friends and family.

With 50000 working hours, this projector sets you for a very long time. The high brightness does not reduce with time and stays consistent all through. Raydem is the projector to give you the best days and nights.

Pros:

  • 4k resolution
  • No blurry edges
  • Low noise fan
  • Hi-fi speakers
  • Compatible with gaming consoles

Cons:

  • Limited to tabletop setup

Projector Screen Options

You are buying a projector and will need a screen to project the images on. The screen directly impacts your image quality, in addition to other factors like the contrast ratio. Therefore, you need to think of a screen while buying a projector.

If it is white, smooth and large, it can make a great projector screen. You can use many ideas to develop a good enough projector screen to enjoy gaming or watching movies.

Here are some projector ideas you can use to make a good projector screen:

a) Projector Paint

The projector paint costs just about as much as the screen would. However, it might have advantages over the screen that may make the paint the better option. With the projector paint, you are not limited to screen size. You can paint a surface as large as you want. With size taken care of, you can adjust the projection size as you want every time you watch.

You can paint on multiple surfaces making your house a versatile cinema. This way, you do not have to take the time to set up, which kills the mood to game or watch movies most of the time. Instead, you can shift the projector from one room to another for different purposes, including decorative projections and displays.

The paint can turn any flat surface into a screen with the best picture quality. You can paint the surfaces from the wall to large boards into screens. The advantage a screen may have over the paint is its portability.

b) White Sheets

If you have white sheets in the house, you might already have a screen for your projector. A sheet can give you a big screen size to work with as sheets are probably larger than the projector screens you will get in stores.

The challenge you might have with using a sheet is the wrinkles that might be hard to straighten. If you can straighten the wrinkles, you will be good to go.

Some sheets let light through them because of the thickness, which might not be dense enough to block all the light. However, this might cause a challenge with reflections on other surfaces behind the sheet.

c) The Wall

The wall will probably be your best option because it is set up for you already. All you might have to do is move a few things away from the wall to create space for the projection. In addition, the wall has no creases and has a higher chance of having a smooth surface.

The house has multiple walls, making using the projector in different rooms easier.

d) Wrapping Papers

You can use wrapping papers because they have a shiny white back. These are cheap and will be easier to access than a projector screen. You can walk to your nearest store and get wrapping paper. In addition, you can get good video quality by using wrapping papers.

Just like the sheets, you may have a projection problem when wrinkles start to appear on the surface of the paper.

e) The Ceiling

The ceiling has become a favorite among projector users because it is almost always ready to be projected on. The challenge you might have is knowing how to set up the projector to project on the ceiling properly.

The ceiling might have some challenges, including accessories like fans and bulbs. It might be challenging to project on the ceiling if you have a chandelier. In addition, the ceiling might have groves that may affect the projection.

f) The Garage Door

What better way to spend the nights with your friends. Those will be the nights to live for, and the memories will be there to stay. A garage door is a great option because doing anything outdoors on a hot night is always fun. It will be good to know if the door is white.

This setup is great for parties and barbeque nights where there are many outdoor activities.

g) Cardboard

If you can paint large white cardboard, you can use it as a screen. This is because cardboards are easy to come across compared to projector screens.

There are many ideas we can mention. However, you are not restricted to a white surface, especially if you use the projector for decorative purposes.

Final Take

If you are looking to buy best mini projectors or outdoor projector, you must pay close attention to features like the dlp brightness, the best throw distance or the general display technology. You also need to watch out for the sound quality from the built-in speakers or the external speaker available on the projector. Luckily, we have listed the best projectors under $200 with these features.

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About the author

Brenda Nyawara

Brenda Nyawara is an editor at Archute. She is a graduate architect with a passion for edge-cutting ideas in design, fashion, art and modern world interests.
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