Best LED Projectors
Light Emitting Diode (LED) projectors are long-living, maintenance-free projectors that you can use to project movies, video games, and much more. Seen as a great alternative to LCD and DLP projectors, LED projectors are great for home theaters - especially in certain areas.
Most LED projectors are very small and portable with a small amount of lumens. While LED technology is still on the rise, if you’re looking for a projector that you can carry around in your pocket (called Pico projectors) or a short throw projector, then you’re going to enjoy most LED projectors.
If you’re interested in bigger home theater projectors with more lumens that can cast great pictures in small rooms, read our best home theater projector guide.
Now that you guys know this, let’s get into the list:
LED Projector Reviews - Our Top Picks
Specifications
- L x W x H → 1.9 x 6.7 x 6.7 in
- Weight → 2.1 lbs
- Connectivity Technology → USB, HDMI, HID, Wireless, Smart
- Image Brightness → Up to 600 lumens
- Contrast Ratio → 100,000:1
- Resolution → Full HD (1920 x 1080)
- Screen Size → 25” ~ 100”; 40” @4.1ft
Key Features
- Full HD
- Smart TV
- Wireless and Bluetooth Versatility
- USB Type-C Connection
- USB Plug and Play
- 30,000 hours of LED lamp life
- Up to 2.5hr battery life
PROS
CONS
LG PF50KA Review
A Pico projector with Full HD and 30,000 hours of LED lamp life, the LG PF50KA is a great projector with great abilities.
With LG’s Smart TV compatibility and the PF50KA’s wireless and Bluetooth, you can watch premium content from many providers, project your videos from Android and Window Operating Systems, and connect the PF50KA to your bluetooth headphones, speakers, or sound bars (see related - Best Bookshelf Speakers).
Its USB connection allows you to charge it using a laptop or mobile device, stream from compatible devices, and effortlessly play movies and host presentations. This is only aided by its 2.5hr battery life for whenever you’re on the run.
The PF50KA’s picture quality is amazing. Even though it's great for small areas, the PF50KA projects bright and sharp images that are even nice outside.
But its problems come in several facets. Its OS and interface are slow operating, difficult, and overly complicated. Its speakers aren’t great, and it lacks a zoom.
One of the biggest complaints has to be LG’s app selection. Though there’s Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube, the selection itself is very limited and apps like Amazon Prime Video and others are left out.
Regardless of these faults, the PF50KA is a great projector that many will love to have.
Specifications
- L x W x H → 4.1 x 4.4 x 16 in
- Weight → 0.88 lbs
- Connectivity Technology → HDMI, MHL, VGA, UBS-A, microSD
- Image Brightness → 700 lumens
- Contrast Ratio → 20,000:1
- Resolution → WGA (1280 x 800)
- Screen Size → 16”-135”; 32”@2.08ft
Key Features
- Amazing Rec.709 color
- MHL Connectivity
- Short Throw Projection
- Wireless Presenting
- 17ms low latency
- Mobile LED Gaming
- Portable
- Digital Signage
- 3D
PROS
CONS
Optoma ML750ST Review
A portable 3D short throw projector with 20,000 hours of lamp life, the Optoma ML750ST is a great and easy to use LED projector.
The ML750ST projects clear and bright pictures, accessing the Rec.709 color gamut to produce amazing colors.
With MHL connectivity and an optional extra of wireless presentation allowing you to connect to a laptop, PC, or mobile device to display, the ML750ST is a great projector for meetings. And its ability to be mounted anywhere makes its usage reliable for delivering digital signage.
One thing that stands out is its 17ms low latency and mobile LED gaming to transfer what is on your mobile device onto a screen of 100+ inches. From these, the ML750ST is also the best choice for gaming here.
But the ML750ST is seen by many as not bright enough. This and its connectivity issues which seem to just happen at random times for no apparent reason degrade its value.
And while it has tinny and weak speakers, the biggest downside of this projector is that it has no HD. Without HD, many people will easily look over this projector.
But you shouldn’t. This projector is great for gaming, has amazing colors, and is suited for meetings. If you’re considering this projector, check out this video here for a deeper look:
See related - Top Projectors for Gaming 2019
Specifications
- L x W x H → 1.7 x 6.9 x 4.3 in
- Weight → 1.43lb
- Connectivity Technology → Wireless, Bluetooth with Speakers, HDMI, USB, Digital TV Tuner
- Image Brightness → Up to 550 lumens
- Contrast Ratio → 100,000:1
- Resolution → HD (1280 x 720)
- Screen Size → 25” ~ 100”; 40”@4.07ft
Key Features
- Bluetooth Sound Out
- Wireless Connection (w/ Android O/S, WiDi)
- HD Resolution
- Built-in 2.5 hr battery
- TV Tuner
- 30,000 hours of lamp life
- 3D
PROS
CONS
LG PH550 Review
The LG PH550 is an easy to use 3D and HD projector with an amazing value, 30,000 hours of lamp life, and 2.5 hours of built-in battery life. The PH550 has great performance with bright and sharp pictures that you’re sure to love.
With Bluetooth sound connectivity and wireless connectivity to Android OS and WiDi, you can connect the PH550 to your bluetooth speakers, sound bars, or headphones while projecting from your smartphone or tablet via a wireless mirroring function.
Its USB functionality even allows you to watch movies, display pictures, music, and office documents.
Its TV Tuner adds to this by giving the projector TV functions to receive TV signals so that you can enjoy real-time sports and TV shows.
But the PH550 has a loud fan and its bluetooth ofttimes just loses connectivity. The PH550 is not technically a short throw projector either, so it is not for really small rooms. It also isn’t seen as bright enough, making it insufficient for presentations.
Regardless, the PH550 is a great projector with 3D, HD, and many amazing features.
Best LED Projectors: Honorable Mention
Specifications
- L x W x H → 2.4 x 4.2 x 0.7 in
- Weight → 0.4 lbs
- Connectivity Technology → HDMI, USB, microSD, AV
- Image Brightness → 25 lumens
- Contrast Ratio → 1,000:1
- Resolution → 1280 x 720; max 1080p
- Screen Size → 5” ~ 60”
Key Features
- 80 minute Battery Life
- Native HD resolution
- Vibrant Color Technology
- Smartphone and tablet compatibility
- Many Connectivity Options
- Versatile Multimedia Support
- Easy to Recharge
- 15,000 hours of lamp life
PROS
CONS
AAXA LED Pico Projector Review
Our choice for honorable mention, the AAXA Pico Projector has an easy to recharge 80 minutes of battery life, 15,000 hours of lamp life, and Native HD resolution.
Not only does the AAXA have smartphone and tablet compatibility, but it can also connect to laptops, PCs, Macs, game consoles, cameras, DVD players, and much more.
Great for dark rooms, the AAXA projects great color with its Vibrant Color Technology and clear pictures with great quality. Easy to set up, one of its biggest feats is its use for cookie decorating: projecting onto the cookie for people to recreate the designs.
But there are many complaints about the AAXA. Not only is its image too small, but its not bright enough for most people.
There are also connectivity issues and its battery is too short, amassing into the huge problem of the AAXA turning off randomly, not charging, and shutting down shortly after full charges. The AAXA struggles to withhold its charge, having a huge drawback.
But its immense amount of connectivity, HD, and great picture quality are all still loved. This is a great projector, though a risky one.
See related - Best Portable Projectors
LED Projectors - Buying Guide
When it comes to buying an LED projector, there are many things you need to know. We give you a couple pointers here.
Size: Your Projector’s Portability
All of the projectors here are small and can be carried in your pocket with you. If portability is important to you, then most LED projectors will satisfy your needs.
But most projectors are home theater projectors, not pico projectors. Their sizes can impede on mounting conditions, where you’re going to place them, and much more. If you want a home theater projector, then its size is something you must definitely consider - whether you plan to keep it in one place or move around. If you’re interested, check out our best portable projectors.
Resolution: HD or Full HD
HD is just 720p, while Full HD is 1080p. If you want a better looking projector, especially for Blu-Ray or gaming use, then Full HD may be what you’re looking for. Otherwise, it may not matter. If you want to learn more about whether 720p may actually be your better choice over other 1080p projectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many common questions about LED projectors. We answer a few here.
Are LED projectors better than DLP and LCD projectors?
While LED projectors have longer lives, require little to no maintenance, and are much smaller, LCD and DLP projectors have brighter and sharper images, and are better for home theater and generally cheaper. This is all up to your preferences in the end. If you want to know how LCD projectors are better than LED, and vice versa, check our guide comparing LCD and LED projectors.
How do LED projectors work?
LED projectors work like regular ones, using mirrors and lenses, but don’t use lamps. They use LEDs to create the colors of an image. LED projectors can even use DLP or LCD technology to produce an image.
Are LED projectors bright enough?
LED projectors appear much brighter than their lumen count says and work very well, but, in most cases, their brightness isn’t seen as enough, but this is changing with time.
In Conclusion
No matter which you choose, any projector on this list will be sure to fit your needs. With most being short throw and having HD and 3D compatibility, there is a lot of potential with them that you’re sure to love.
But before you shell out money, make sure to go over your options and desires thoroughly. With the aid of our FAQ and Buyer’s Guide, you’ll be sure to find the best projector for you.
Sources
My name is Steve Scott. Father of 2 and owner of Outdoor Movie HQ. I’ve been involved in the A/V industry for most of my life and built this blog to help people better understand projector technology. Please leave a comment if you have any questions.