Best Projector Under 100 2024 – Honest Reviews & Buying guide

Best projector Under 100: Let’s buy your first under-budget projector together!

author
James K. Brownlee
best projector under 100

Note: The best projector under 100, in this article, has been tested and used by me for a couple of months. Also, It is based on thousands of reviews and comparisons. 

Everyone loves watching their favorite TVs shows, sports, playing video games, etc. However, they can’t enjoy it on a small television or screen—there should be a massive, huge, and high-quality display in your favorite place. 

Thanks to 2024, you don’t need to buy any expensive television. 

Yes, a fraction of the cost is enough in 2024 to buy a theater-style display for your home and office. 

This is What I want from you!

  1. I want 100 dollars in your pocket,
  2. Your trust in me. 

That’s all. Thanks! 

Note: I’ve updated the list for 2024

Here, I have the three best projectors under 100 for 2024

  1. AuKing Mini 1080p Projector – Best $100 Home Theater Projector
  2. TMY V08 Mini Projector – Best For Movies
  3. ELEPHAS Mini WiFi Projector – Overall Best

Dr. Professional Hi-04 – Best For Indoor & Outdoor Home Theater Entertainment

Overview:

The Dr. professional Hi-04 is a fantastic projector and will be a smart choice for home theater entertainment—whether it is your indoor or outdoor, it won’t disappoint you. 

Those who don’t know should know that Dr. J Hi-04 is an upgraded model with an improved contrast ratio and brightness. Plus, you don’t need to buy a projector screen separately, as a 100 inches screen is included in the box. 

Resolution:

When it comes to the resolution of the projector, you will be surprised to know that it supports full HD 1920×1080 with aspect ratios 4:3 and 16:9. It s native resolution is 1280×720, which is impressive by any mini projector. 

Contrast Ratio:

With an improved and enhanced contrast, it offers a 3800:1 contrast ratio. So without a doubt, it is going to be a vivid quality with true color accuracy on your projector screen.  

Compatibility: 

Dr.j professional projector offers a wide range of compatibility options. It supports all modern gadgets, such as Amazon Fire TV Stick, Tablets, ChromeBook, PCs, Laptops, TV Box, and other media devices, including DVD player, SD Card, USB flash drive. However, you won’t find any wireless HDMI dongle in the box.   

Viewing Quality: 

With a broad range of connectivity and compatibility options, its viewing quality is outstanding—whether it is your movie watching, gaming, and other all-around entertainment. However, viewing quality may be affected by your room’s light, input source, and of course, the screen and its distance from the projector. 

Note: Most people are in doubt about the maximum screen size of the projector. They should know that the projector can display on-screen at a maximum size upto 170 inches. 

However, I suggest you determine the screen size according to your room’s lighting conditions.  

Pros & Cons:

What I like: 

  1. Very portable and offers a wide range of connectivity options. 
  2. Excellent picture quality with a five-layer LCD lens display. 
  3. It is silent—using an advanced Fan cooling system, and looks fabulous in white color. 
  4. A 3-year warranty and a 100% money-back guarantee. 

What I don’t:

  1. The built-in stereo speaker is not up to the mark. 

Verdict: 

There is no doubt that the DR.J professional HI-04 min projector is the best projector under $100 for home theater entertainment, whether indoor or outdoor. However, I never recommend this projector for those looking for business presentations. 

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Jinhoo Mini Projector – Best for backyard outdoor movies

Overview: 

A new projector costing under 100 dollars is from Jinhoo called Jinhoo Mini 2020. The trendy brand in this industry, especially when budget projectors are concerned. Unlike the previous model, this 2020 model is excellent in terms of picture quality and overall performance. 

Resolution:

It supports full HD 1080p resolution. With a maximum screen size of up to 176 inches, you get a crisp, clear, and high-quality picture. However, you have to place your projector at least 5m away from your screen for an optimal viewing experience. 

Contrast Ratio: 

Compared to the previous model, this newly launched model provides more colorful pictures and offering a 2000:1 contrast ratio. With a little bit of adjustment of keystone and focus, you can get a fantastic display. 

Connectivity & Compatiblity:

The Jinhoo mini projector is outstanding when it comes to providing compatiblity and connectivity options. It has a broad range of connectivity options, including HDMI, VGA AV, and USB. 

On the other hand, it supports all modern devices, such as TV Box, TV Stick, USB Flash Drive, players, PCs, etc. 

Note: its USB port is not for any kind of cord connection and data transfer. It is only for connecting USB flash drives or other USB-enabled storage devices. 

Support:

One of the best things about Jinhoo is its customer and technical support. Yes, it provides excellent 5 years of customer support and a 100% money-back guarantee. 

Pros & Cons:

What I like:

  1. Excellent picture quality for the budget. 
  2. It is Multiple functional, offering three projector modes, such as Front, Rear, and Ceiling. 
  3. Jinhoo Mini has a wide range of connectivity and universal compatibility with all modern gadgets. 
  4. It comes with excellent lamp life up to 55000 hours. 
  5. A 5-year of customer support with a 100% money-back guarantee. 

What I don’t:

  1. It doesn’t support Dolby sound. 

Verdict:  Who’s this for? 

Everyone! Whether you are an adult or a kid. You’re going to love it. The only reason is its picture quality under budget. Even though it is a cheap projector, you get high-quality sound.

While preparing my list of the three best projectors under 100, I found this projector better for backyard outdoor movies. It is because of its brightness and contrast ratio’s balance. So without a doubt, go for it. 

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Warm Tip: I don’t recommend the Jinhoo Mini projector for business presentations.

VANKYO Leisure 3 – Best For Home Entertainment 

The second projector on my list for under a $100 budget is VANKYO Leisure 3. It is super compact and portable, meaning you won’t have any problem while carrying this thing with you. Moreover, the projector comes with its own carrying case making it more portable. 

This year, in 2024, VANKYO has upgraded the previous display to the new LCD technology. Therefore, VANKYO claims Leisure 3 to be 60% more bright. 

Design: 

VANKYO Leisure 3 looks bigger in pictures, but in reality, you’ll find it tiny. You can measure it at 12.24×9.43×4.63 inches. You’ll also find it covered by a cap made of rubber. On the top, there are some buttons, including focus, keystone, and other control buttons. It comes in white color with a black lens. 

Resolution:

Like Dr. Professional Hi-04 Mini, it also supports Full HD resolution 1920x1080p with a native 480p resolution. Besides, you have three Aspect ratio option, such as 4:3, 16:9, and auto. 

Pros & Cons:

What I like:

  1. It is a super-compact, portable, and easy-to-carry projector. 
  2. The design is good and comes with a carrying case. 
  3. Using an innovative cooling system, making it quiet. 
  4. The viewing quality is fantastic compared to the previous. 

I don’t like:

  1. Its sound quality not good. You’ll need to buy external speakers. 

Verdict: 

VANKYO Leisure 3 is really compact and portable; in other words, it is an easy-to-carry projector offering great value under $100. It is an excellent option for those looking for a portable projector for their home entertainment. 

However, I’ll never recommend Leisure 3 for business presentations that include Powerpoint, Excel, word, etc. In short, rooms with too much light require more brightness. So, I advise you to spend more, atleast $200. Here are some best projectors under $200 for 2024. 

Buying Guide: How to buy a budget-friendly 100 dollars projector in 2024? 

Now, you’ve known my top three projectors under $100. It’s time to think of some crucial projector factors that are very important for you to know. I’ll also share some more information about the additional features and advanced technologies of a projector. 

Display technology: Under $100, can you expect the best display technology? 

It would be best if you understood that there are three types of display technologies, including DLP (digital light processing), LCD (liquid crystal display), and LED (light-emitting diode)

Let’s start with the DLP type. 

There is no doubt this type of projector are known to provide the best picture quality. However, it comes in a premium price range. So forget to buy a DLP type projector for under $100. If you are interested, check out my article: best FullHD DLP Projector under 500

On the other hand, you have two different displays: LCD and LED. Both are comparable and less expensive. You might have noticed all ‘three projectors under 100’ on my list are using LCD technologies. You’d love to hear that an LCD projector produces a brighter image compared to an LED. However, it generates more heat when used continuously. 

Brightness: A 100$ projector can give you enough brightness? 

The brightness of a projector is an essential factor to consider. However, some people find it a bit technical. But I’ll try to explain in simple words. 

The brightness of a projector decides how bright your projector can produce an image. For example, if you want to watch a movie in a well-lit room, you need more brightness than a dark room. 

Generally, I put less bright projectors in the range of 1,000 to 1500 lumens. It is because they can produce the right quality image in any lit room. That is why I always advise people to buy at least a 2000-lumen projector to see clear pictures in a well-lit room. 

Contrast ratio: What contrast ratio a 100 projector can offer? 

The contrast ratio of a projector determines the quality of a projected media. In other words, it is for the clearness and vividness of your projected stuff. 

It is the ratio between the darkest pixels and the brightest pixels. That means a projector that offers a higher contrast ratio will produce more bright whites and more dark blacks. 

So under $100, you can expect at least a 1500-2000 contrast ratio. Greater than 2000, you’ll need to spend more. 

Throw distance: What is the Screen throw distance limitation for a 100 dollar projector?

Every projector has its own specific sizes in which it can produce an image. It is a distance between the screen and the wall. Most projectors offer a range of distances for creating an optimum picture. It is called the recommended screen throw distance. 

It is essential because houses are of different sizes; distance measurement can help you choose the perfect projector. So whenever you go for a projector, measure the distance between the wall and your projector. Once you find it, go for a projector that can fit in it. 

It is okay with large rooms, but small rooms require a short-throw projector instead. 

Portability: $100 projectors are portable? 

I know portability should not be in considering factors, but it might be necessary for some people. Sometimes it comes in handy. That’s why companies are making miniature projectors, such as start projectors, that can be carried everywhere wherever your backpack goes. These types of projectors are very small and can be fit in your palm. However, this tiny design makes them overheated. 

Conclusion: Which projector will be best for 100? 

There is no doubt that there are many projectors on the market claiming to be the best from each other. That’s why it becomes more difficult while choosing the best projector

On the other hand, you have another option: buying a new Smart TV in this price range. However, you can’t get one for under $100

Comparatively, buying a projector will be a better option for you. My top three picks and buying guide is quite in-depth and easy to understand. I recommend you buy any one of them that suits your needs the most. 

Please, ask me your doubt using the comment section below. I’d love to answer your questions. Thank you, have a nice 

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