Best HD Projectors in the UK

Optoma HD143X is huge. It isn't necessarily professional equipment yet but the difference is definitely not that massive. Considering the mid-range price tag, the model's performance is no joke.

The projector's biggest strength is definitely the stunning picture quality that it is able to project. There are many details here that contribute to that picture quality. First and foremost, it is the model's practically absurd 23000:1 contrast ratio. Of course, this is dynamic contrast we're talking about here.

Nevertheless, these numbers are nothing to scoff at. They show that the projector is able to deliver the blackest blacks and the whitest whites. The bright parts will be bright with a capital B and the dark parts will look remarkably dark.

Other than that, the model is able to reproduce the Rec.709 colour gamut, meaning that the colours will be looking authentic and true to the director's vision.

This is a full HD (1920 x 1080p) projector we're dealing with here, so the image will be sharp and plenty detailed too.

Of course, it isn't just about these specs. The tech that the model is packing is pretty impressive too. The Dynamic Black technology, for instance, adds exceptional depth to your image, smoothly adjusting the lamp output based on the brightness information of each frame. It is able to put that dynamic contrast ratio to good use and create the most vibrant and immersive visual experience.

Thanks to this particular tech, the bright scenes will be looking crisp and clear, all while the dark scenes will remain detailed, with deep blacks and staggering light and shade detail.

The Apeman LC650 ticks every box that mid-range HD projectors can usually cross and then some for good measure. Despite coming at ~200 quid, this is an excellent device that will be able to tussle with much more expensive models. To begin with, the projector's native resolution stretches Full HD (1920 x 1080p), meaning that the projected visuals will look sharp, crisp, and detailed. The model can even work with 4K content but, as always, the content will not look quite as brilliant as the same visuals would look on a device with a native UHD resolution.

Moving on, what usually makes or breaks most projectors is the maximum rated brightness. When we're talking about models below 3000 lumens, only complete darkness will make these projectors look good. This time though, we're working with 6000 lumens, which's quite awesome considering that this is a budget model. Reaching 6000 lumens, this device will make sure the content does not look washed-out even when there's some ambient lighting present.

Of course, the issue with low-end HD projectors seldom lies with specs. More often than not, where these products are cutting corners is in the construction department. The opposite is the case here though. No, this device is built almost like a premium model. You can play with different modes and setting as much as you want, the projector will still keep the noise levels below 35 decibels. To some extent, this is the case thanks to the dual-fan setup that also aids heat dissipation and prevents the housing from heating up during use.

Because the optical components are fully sealed, the model keeps the dust away, making sure that there are no black spots appearing on the video. Plus, with this device being as good at heat dissipation as it is, the lamps should last somewhere around 50,000 hours, an unexpected turn seeing that, again, this is a low-end model.

The VANKYO H470C bridges the gap between cheap projectors that people play with without committing to and much less affordable mid-tier models that most customers do not find especially attractive from a price-performance standpoint. With that in mind, the best place to start is the price. With this one, you're paying 100 quid, so we'll be judging the specs while putting this low-, nay, bottom-end price into perspective first.

Does its native HD (1280 x 720p) resolution look as detailed as Full HD (1920 x 1080p)? No, not quite. Not even that close, to be honest with you. But at 100 quid? Sure, we'll take that, we'll take that in a heartbeat. Is its 4,000:1 rated contrast that great? Well, not as great as those models that double or even triple that, we can tell you that much. Spending no more than 100 pounds though? Ta, we're more than fine with that. Sure, the blacks will not be that dark and the whites will not be that bright but, generally speaking, dark scenes will look alright and the light scenes always look good regardless.

Let's pivot towards something more positive now. Increasing the projected transmittance, this device ensures that stray light is not interfering with the picture, enhancing its sharpness. Meanwhile, the integrated HiFi speakers produce adequate sound, almost matching the above-average visuals that this model projects.

The ELEPHAS GC333 is not necessarily something we can easily categorise. But we have to start somewhere and, even though we've done that before, we have to start with the price once again. As much as we hate repeating ourselves, without putting the price tag into perspective, reviewing this device is pointless. At this time, this product costs less than 70 quid. On the one hand, this is quite something since you seldom see projectors this cheap. But the issue here is that the preceding model from VANKYO costs just 30 quid more and its specs are more impressive, so presuming that you can spare 70 quid on a projector, you can probably spare 30 extra quid and purchase something that can actually project an appealing-looking image, right?

When you start thinking along these lines, the model that we're working with here makes sense as a test subject, more like something that you can play with and less like something that can replace even an outdated TV set. Assuming that's what you're looking for, this model will serve wonders. With that out of the way, let's move towards its specs.

The Apeman LC350 is the most affordable product in this lineup. Scratch that, it is the cheapest product here. "The cheapest" doesn't necessarily refer to its quality. That being said, it is definitely the least impressive prospect on the list.

At the same time, considering its ~65-quid price tag, the model is impressive, to say the least. An actual half-decent projector for money like that is an excellent deal. There's no huge brand behind the product, which is probably the only reason a deal like that is possible in the first place.

Now, let's cover the model's specs. First and foremost, its screen output will let you project any display between 34" and 180" inches. Needless to say, 180 inches is a massive display, more than enough for entertaining your friends and family.

The rated brightness is nothing to scoff at too. Able to deliver 3500 lumens, the projector will have no issues in well-lit environments. Sure, we would still recommend turning off the lights. But you will be able to recognise the image with enough daylight in the room. You'll be able to enjoy quality movie time without worrying about blinders and things like that.

The last specs here are the model's contrast ratio and resolution. These are probably the product's weakest points. As far as we're concerned, 2000:1 dynamic contrast ratio just isn't that great. The difference between blacks and whites will be solid but not solid enough.

The WVGA (800 x 480p) resolution is a far cry from high definition. It will not be able to produce detailed images. But, again, considering the price tag, these specs are more than you'd reasonably expect.