Gaming on a big screen with a budget gaming projector offers an immersive experience that rivals high-end setups—without breaking the bank. In 2025, affordable projectors have made huge strides in brightness, input lag, resolution, and color accuracy, making them perfect for console and PC gamers who want a large display for their favorite titles. Whether you’re playing fast-paced shooters or story-driven RPGs, the right budget projector can deliver smooth gameplay, vibrant visuals, and crisp details.
After testing and analyzing numerous models priced under $500, I’ve curated the 10 best budget gaming projectors available today, focusing on low input lag, solid brightness, and excellent image quality. These projectors are perfect for gamers who want a big-screen experience without the premium price tag.
How to Choose a Budget Gaming Projector
From my experience reviewing gaming gear, here’s what you should look for when choosing a budget gaming projector:
- Input Lag: For gaming, especially fast-paced genres, low input lag (ideally under 30ms) is critical to ensure your actions register instantly on screen.
- Resolution: Full HD (1080p) is the sweet spot for budget projectors, providing clear and sharp images without demanding expensive hardware.
- Brightness (ANSI Lumens): A projector with at least 800 ANSI lumens is recommended to ensure a bright image in moderately lit rooms.
- Refresh Rate: While most budget projectors run at 60Hz, some models support higher refresh rates or 120Hz at lower resolutions, enhancing smoothness.
- Throw Distance and Screen Size: Consider your room size and projector placement. Short throw or ultra-short throw projectors are great for small spaces.
- Built-in Speakers and Ports: While built-in audio is convenient, external speakers or headphones are usually better for gaming. Multiple HDMI ports add versatility.
- Smart Features: Some budget projectors include smart OS for streaming apps, but this is secondary for gaming.
Now, here are the top 10 budget gaming projectors for 2025.
10 Best Budget Gaming Projectors for 2025
01. NexiGo PJ40 Gen3 – Best Overall Budget Gaming Projector
The NexiGo PJ40 Gen3 is a standout budget option with 1080p resolution, 800 ANSI lumens brightness, and a low 16ms input lag. It supports HDR10 and D65 color calibration, delivering vibrant and accurate colors. Its powerful 20W speakers enhance immersion, and it can project up to a massive 300 inches. This projector is perfect for gamers who want quality visuals and responsive gameplay without spending a fortune.
02. ViewSonic PX701HDH – Best Budget 1080p Gaming Projector
The ViewSonic PX701HDH offers 1080p resolution with 3500 lumens brightness, ensuring clear images even in rooms with ambient light. It boasts a low input lag of around 16ms, making it excellent for fast-paced gaming. Its reliable color accuracy and multiple HDMI ports make it a versatile choice for budget-conscious gamers.
03. BenQ TH671ST – Best Short-Throw Budget Projector
Ideal for small rooms, the BenQ TH671ST features a short throw ratio allowing large images from a short distance. It delivers 1080p resolution, 3000 lumens brightness, and low input lag (~16ms). Its sharp image and vivid color make it a favorite for gamers with limited space.
04. Epson Home Cinema 1080 – Best Brightness and Color Accuracy
The Epson Home Cinema 1080 is praised for its bright and sharp images with excellent color accuracy. It offers 1080p resolution and 3200 lumens brightness, perfect for gaming in rooms with some ambient light. Its input lag is reasonable for casual gaming, and it’s known for long-term reliability.
05. XGIMI Halo+ – Best Portable Gaming Projector
The XGIMI Halo+ is a portable 1080p projector with 800 ANSI lumens brightness and Android TV built-in. It has a low input lag suitable for casual gaming and offers great versatility for gaming on the go or in different rooms. Its fan noise is whisper-quiet, enhancing immersion.
06. Optoma HD146X – Best Budget Gaming Projector with HDR Support
The Optoma HD146X delivers 1080p resolution with 3600 lumens brightness and supports HDR10. It features a low input lag (~16ms) and good contrast, making it a solid choice for gamers who want vibrant visuals and smooth gameplay on a budget.
07. Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 – Best Budget Portable Projector
This compact 1080p projector offers decent brightness and color accuracy, suitable for casual gaming and streaming. While it lacks smart OS features, it’s easy to connect to consoles or PCs and delivers a sharp image for its price range.
08. BenQ TH575 – Best Budget Projector for Console Gaming
The BenQ TH575 offers 1080p resolution with 3500 lumens brightness and low input lag (~16ms). It’s designed for console gamers who want bright, vivid images and responsive controls. Its plug-and-play setup is ideal for living rooms or bedrooms.
09. Vankyo Leisure 3 – Best Ultra-Budget Gaming Projector
For gamers on a very tight budget, the Vankyo Leisure 3 provides decent 720p resolution and acceptable brightness for dark rooms. While not ideal for competitive gaming due to higher input lag, it’s a good entry-level projector for casual play and media consumption.
10. BenQ X300G – Best Portable Short-Throw Budget Projector
The BenQ X300G offers 1080p resolution with a short throw lens, making it perfect for small spaces. Its low input lag and solid brightness make it suitable for gaming, and the portable design adds convenience for gamers who move their setup frequently.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right budget gaming projector depends on your room size, lighting conditions, and gaming preferences. The NexiGo PJ40 Gen3 and ViewSonic PX701HDH stand out for overall performance and value, while the BenQ TH671ST is perfect for tight spaces. For portability, the XGIMI Halo+ is a versatile pick.
Investing in a quality budget gaming projector in 2025 means you can enjoy large-screen gaming with sharp visuals and responsive controls without spending a fortune.
