Projector Test Comparison – the 5 Best Home Cinema Projectors
Whether for movies, series or gaming - a home cinema projector brings a real cinema feeling into your own four walls. Image quality, brightness, volume and flexibility are important. In our big test comparison 2025 we present five of the best projectors for home. Image resolution, light intensity, contrast, ease of use and price-performance ratio were evaluated.
#1
1. Test winner: Epson EH-TW7100 4K PRO-UHD
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Pros
- Native 4K PRO-UHD projector with high image sharpness
- 3LCD technology – brilliant, colorful projection without rainbow effect
- 3,000 lumens brightness – can also be used during the day
- HDR10 support for dynamic contrasts
- Extremely quiet operation (only 24 dB in Eco mode)
- Flexible setup thanks to 60% lens shift and 1.6x zoom
- Long lamp life (up to 5,000 hours in Eco mode)
Cons
- No integrated smart apps
- Relatively large housing
TEST WINNER
4.9 / 5
VERY GOOD
★★★★★
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Can the projector display real 4K?
The Epson EH-TW7100 works with the so-called PRO-UHD technology, in which a 4K image is generated from a Full HD panel using a so-called pixel-shift process. For the eye, the difference to native 4K is hardly recognizable, as image sharpness, detail and color brilliance are at a very high level. At the same time, the price remains significantly lower than with classic 4K projectors. For home cinema, series and gaming, the projector delivers an absolutely convincing picture.
Is the projector also suitable for bright rooms?
Thanks to a light output of 3,000 lumens, the projector is suitable for bright rooms or presentations during the day. For the best home cinema experience, however, a darkened environment is recommended, as black levels and contrasts are best emphasized here. In moderately bright rooms, however, the image remains rich in contrast and color-intensive, so that the projector can be used flexibly.
Does the projector support streaming services?
The EH-TW7100 itself does not have built-in streaming apps or smart TV functions. To use services such as Netflix, Prime Video or Disney+, an external streaming stick such as Amazon Fire TV, Google Chromecast or Apple TV is necessary, which can be easily connected via HDMI. This solution is quick to set up and offers maximum freedom in the selection of streaming services.
How big can the projected image be?
The Epson EH-TW7100 can project image sizes from about 80 to an impressive 300 inches, depending on the distance to the screen. Thanks to the integrated lens shift function and the generous zoom, it is very flexible to set up and makes it possible to create large images even in small rooms without sacrificing quality.
Is the projector suitable for gaming?
Yes definitely. The Epson not only offers good image quality with rich colors and HDR support, but also scores with a low input lag, which is essential for fast gaming. Both consoles such as PlayStation or Xbox as well as PC gaming are easily possible – even in large format for a completely new gaming experience.
#2
BenQ W2700i 4K Home Cinema Projector
To the productPros
- Real 4K UHD DLP projector with HDR10+ HLG
- Android TV with integrated streaming apps (Netflix, Prime Video)
- 2,000 ANSI lumens for brilliant colors
- 95% DCI-P3 color space – cinema quality at home
- Perfect contrast thanks to Dynamic Iris technology
- Auto-Keystone and zoom for flexible placement
- Low input lag – also suitable for gaming
Cons
- Black level not quite at OLED level
- Fan minimally audible at high performance
#3
XGIMI Horizon Pro 4K Projector
To the productPros
- Compact 4K projector with Android TV Chromecast integrated
- 2,200 ANSI lumens HDR10
- Autofocus automatic keystone correction
- Integrated Harman Kardon speakers
- Perfect for fast home cinema without cable clutter
Cons
- Black level weaker than with large projectors
- No optical zoom
- Fan audible in bright scenes
#4
ViewSonic PX748-4K
To the productPros
- Bright 4K DLP projector with 4,000 ANSI lumens
- Low input lag – ideal for gamers
- HDR/HLG compatible
- Compact design for ceiling mounting or mobility
- HDMI 2.0 USB-C
Cons
- Fan loud in standard mode
- Colors less saturated than with 3LCD
- No Lens Shift
#5
Anker Nebula Cosmos Max 4K
To the productPros
- 4K UHD LED projector with 1,500 ANSI lumens
- Integrated Android TV Dolby Digital Sound
- Compact all-in-one solution for streaming
- No lamp replacement required (LED)
- Plug Play without additional devices
Cons
- Not suitable for very bright rooms
- Limited brightness for HDR
- No Lens Shift or optical zoom
Important Criteria when Buying a Home Cinema Projector
A projector for home cinema has to do more than just throw a large picture on the wall. For a real cinema feeling at home, image quality, brightness, flexibility and volume play a decisive role. To make the right choice, you should pay attention to the following points: Resolution: 4K (UHD) ensures razor-sharp images
- Brightness: At least 2,000–3,000 ANSI lumens for flexible use
- Contrast color space: HDR10, DCI-P3 for cinema quality
- Connectivity: HDMI 2.0, USB, Bluetooth, streaming compatibility
- Noise level: Below 30 dB for undisturbed film enjoyment
Why the Epson EH-TW7100 is our Test Winner
The Epson EH-TW7100 impresses with its 3LCD technology, brilliant colors and flexible installation options. Whether movies, series or gaming – it delivers sharp, high-contrast images and is pleasantly quiet at the same time. The image quality remains excellent even in moderately bright rooms. Together with the long-lasting lamp, it offers long-term high quality at a fair price.
Buying Advice: which Projector Suits You?
For a real cinema feeling and large rooms, a powerful 3LCD or DLP projector is recommended. If you want to use streaming directly on the device, choose models with Android TV. Input lag is crucial for gamers – ViewSonic and BenQ score here.
Important questions before buying:
- How big is your room and how dark can you make it?
- Do you use streaming or console directly on the projector?
- Is flexibility in placement important to you (zoom, lens shift)?
- Do you value particularly quiet working?
- Should the projector be mobile or permanently installed?
Available at: Amazon, MediaMarkt, Saturn, home cinema specialists – often with test or return rights.
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