Best projectors you can afford

Optoma HD142X

Cnet rating: 4 stars out of 5 The good: The HD142X has good overall image quality with full-HD resolution, solid contrast and accurate color. It’s one of the least expensive projectors available for this level of quality. The bad: Somewhat lighter black levels and less-accurate color than some more-expensive competitors; no analog video inputs. The cost: $549 The bottom line: The Optoma HD142X has an image so good, it will be tough for price-conscious home theater fans to justify paying more for a projector.

BenQ HT2050

Cnet rating: 4 stars out of 5 The good: The HT2050 has excellent overall image quality with superb black levels and contrast for the money. A shorter-throw lens helps it project a larger image in smaller spaces. It’s relatively affordable for this level of quality.

The bad: Competing projectors can get brighter and offer more-accurate color out of the box. The cost: $762 to $900

The bottom line: If you have a bit extra in your projector budget and can appreciate its excellent image, the BenQ HT2050 is the best choice at this price level.

Viewsonic PJD7828HDL

Cnet rating: 4 stars out of 5 The good: This projector offers very good image quality for the price, with full HD resolution, a bright image and solid contrast. A short-throw lens helps it project a larger image in smaller spaces. There’s a nook that is perfect for a streaming stick.

The bad: Somewhat lighter black levels and less accurate color than some more-expensive competitors; poor remote. The cost: $825 to $1,063 The bottom line: If you’re short on space but crave the huge image only a projector can deliver, the Viewsonic PJD7828HDL is worth a close look.

Epson Home Cinema 640

Cnet rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 The good: At $350, the Home Cinema 640 is one of the least expensive home theater projectors available. It’s extremely bright, and thus able to fill larger screens and compete better against ambient light.

The bad: More expensive projectors can deliver full-HD resolution and overall superior picture quality. Just one HDMI input. The cost: $346 to $390

The bottom line: Despite a lack of true HD resolution, the Epson Home Cinema 640 has impressive overall image quality considering the rockbottom price.