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Make movie-watching even more fun
As we head into the colder, darker months in the UK, it's the perfect time to nail down your home cinema set up with one of these top affordable movie projectors.
Allow us to set the scene: you're surrounded by your favourite snacks and are in a duvet cocoon. You've lined up Netflix's best new flicks, and are plugging in your projector, aimed perfectly at the wall. Who wouldn't want to watch your favourite films or TV on a much bigger scale? Imagine the Christmas movie viewing party possibilities.
Or, for a chilled solo night in, you can string up a few fairy lights alongside your projected film of choice, creating a cute self-care den. What could be better? Because let's face it, our television (and/or laptop) just isn't really cutting it anymore. A bit like setting up your own cinema, an at-home projector allows you to watch your TV and films on a much bigger scale, as the image is projected onto a large wall or canvas.
Before you invest in a home projector, there are some things you need to consider:
Once you've got all that in hand, you're good to go with choosing the best one for you! Scroll through for some projector options for every budget.
If you're in money saving mode, the NeoPix Easy gives you a taste of the projector lifestyle without breaking the bank. You'll have to use it in the dark – and the picture won't be in high resolution – but hey, this still projects images bigger than many TVs.
Resolution: 480p; Brightness: Not specified; Maximum projection size: 65 inches; Weight: 860g; Maximum battery life: N/A (Mains)
Benefitting from a super simple set-up, you can use this sleek projector at home or you can easily pack it up to take to your pal's for a party or movie night this winter. Features include a large projection size, Harman Kardon speakers boasting impressive audio, an amazing LED picture with AI-powered image correction and voice control.
Resolution: 1080p; Brightness: 900 ANSI; Maximum projection size: 200 inches; Weight: 6 kg; Maximum battery life: 2.5 hours
One of Amazon's most-wish listed, this portable projector promises solid clarity and contrast in dark conditions, easy connectivity and a powerful omnidirectional speaker, meaning sound comes out in all directions. The picture size can reach 100 inches.
Resolution: 480p; Brightness: 100 ANSI; Maximum projection size: 100 inches; Weight: 470g; Maximum battery life: Four hours
This table-top projector has one of the most unique designs we've seen, sitting on a cool magnetic stand that's sure to turn heads. It's not as bright as some Epson models on our list, but we love that it comes with an Android TV dongle for easy streaming.
Resolution: 720p; Brightness; 300 ANSI; Maximum projection size: 120 inches; Weight: 1.6 kg; Maximum battery life: 2.5 hours
Compact and lightweight (and also in a cool bronze colour), this projector can fill a 100 inch screen and can stream or mirror your iPhone via wifi. It has a decent speaker, but will also connect to a sound system via Bluetooth if you prefer.
Resolution: 1080p; Brightness: 1200 ANSI; Maximum projection size: 100 inches; Weight: 1.32 kg; Maximum battery life: N/A (Mains, or USB-C power bank)
This handy portable projector easily fits into any backpack, perfect for taking out and about on a picnic or camping (provided you've got a screen/tent/wall to project onto). It's got three hours of battery life, plus a built-in stand for easy adjustments on-the-go.
Resolution: 1080p; Brightness: 400 ANSI; Maximum projection size: 120 inches; Weight: 1.3 kg; Maximum battery life: Three hours
This projector promises to be easy to set up and use, thanks to its portable design (yep, you can use it without wires). Dual speakers ensure crisp and powerful audio, while you can connect to it from a phone with HDMI, USB, or mirror another device.
Resolution: 720p; Brightness: 500 ANSI; Maximum projection size: 100 inches; Weight: 1.41kg; Maximum battery life: Three hours
Compact and lightweight, this projector also has the ability to point in nearly any direction you like. It also has Full HD resolution with HDR on large screen up to 100 inches in size, and built-in Alexa, so you can use voice recognition to choose your next show.
Resolution: 1080p; Brightness: 550 ANSI; Maximum projection size: 100 inches; Weight: 830g; Maximum battery life: N/A (USB-C power bank needed)
If you're after a colour-rich and sharp picture for a XXL screen (yes, we're talking up to eight metres wide), look no further than Epson's offering. This projector reaches a top brightness level of 3300 lumens and has a resolution of 1024 x 768p.
Resolution: 768p; Brightness: 3300 ANSI; Maximum projection size: 350 inches; Weight: 2.4kg; Maximum battery life: N/A (Mains)
This compact projector from LG is the gold-standard for convenience. Small enough to fit into any pocket (except maybe that really little one on your jeans), it also has long-life LED lighting, meaning you can enjoy up to 30,000 hours of movies without changing the lamp. Ideal for binge-watching Gossip Girl, again.
Resolution: 720p; Brightness: 250 ANSI; Maximum projection size: 100 inches; Weight: 540g; Maximum battery life: 1.5-2 hours
This Epson projector promises a sharp and colour-rich picture thanks to the 1080p resolution, perfect for streaming blockbuster movies or even for playing video games. More realism = more excitement, right?
Resolution: 1080p; Brightness: 3300 ANSI; Maximum projection size: 386 inches; Weight: 2.8kg; Maximum battery life: N/A (Mains)
This one comes in a slightly different shape to other projectors, with a convenient handle meaning you can carry it easily if you're taking your projector on the move. Cosy trip to create a cinema at your friend's house, anyone?
Resolution: 1080p; Brightness: 300 ANSI; Maximum projection size: 120 inches; Weight: 900g; Maximum battery life: Two hours