How to choose a projector | Buying guide

Choosing a projector comes down to brightness, lamp lifespan and operating noise. Light output determines whether the image remains visible in lit rooms, while source longevity and sound level affect daily comfort.

What to check

Brightness Brightness measures the light output projected onto the screen, expressed in ANSI lumens. The higher this value, the sharper the image remains even with ambient light. In the current market, the weakest performers display 1,600 ANSI lumens, the median sits at 4,100 ANSI lumens and the best reach 9,000 ANSI lumens. High brightness allows daytime projection without fully darkening the room, while lower values suit dedicated spaces in the dark. The displayed score positions each model against these benchmarks: the longer the bar, the better the device adapts to varied conditions. Market median: 4,100 ANSI lumens

Lamp lifespan Lifespan indicates how many hours the light source can operate before losing efficiency. The shortest-lived lamps last 6,000 hours, the median reaches 20,000 hours and the most durable go up to 30,000 hours. A long lifespan reduces replacement frequency and associated costs, especially for intensive use. LED or laser technologies generally offer better longevity than traditional lamps. The score reflects this measurement: the longer the bar, the more worthwhile the investment remains over time. Market median: 20,000 h

Operating silence Sound level measures the noise emitted by the fan in decibels. The lower this value, the more discreet the device remains during projection. The noisiest models reach 39 decibels, the median sits at 33 decibels and the quietest drop to 26 decibels. A quiet fan improves comfort during extended viewings or in small spaces. Noise becomes particularly bothersome during quiet scenes or presentations. The score inverts the value: the longer the bar, the more the device fades into the background. Market median: 33 dB

HDMI ports Connectivity counts the number of HDMI ports available to connect your devices. The most basic projectors offer only one, the median provides two and the best-equipped integrate three. Having multiple ports avoids constantly plugging and unplugging sources, whether a player, console or computer. A single port requires an external switch to alternate between several devices. The score reflects this capacity: the longer the bar, the simpler simultaneous device connection becomes. Market median: 2

Power consumption Consumption measures the power drawn during normal operation, expressed in watts. The lower this value, the less the device weighs on the electricity bill. The most power-hungry models consume 620 watts, the median sits at 267.5 watts and the most economical drop to 145 watts. Low consumption reduces running costs over time, especially for frequent sessions. Recent technologies tend to optimise light output per watt consumed. The score inverts the value: the longer the bar, the more energy-efficient the device remains. Market median: 267.5 W

Benchmarks based on 30 recent market listings, collected on 25 September 2026.

What you get for each budget

Under €300

Entry-level models offer sufficient brightness for small dark rooms, with one to two HDMI ports and decent lamp lifespan for occasional use.

€300 to €600

This range combines increased brightness for moderately lit spaces, better operating silence and extended lamp lifespan, suitable for regular use.

Over €600

High-end devices deliver high brightness for daylight projection, very durable lamps, silent operation and full connectivity to connect all your devices without compromise.

Frequent mistakes

Choosing brightness too low for the room forces you to fully darken the space every time.

Neglecting lamp lifespan drives up replacement costs, especially for intensive use.

Underestimating fan noise ruins comfort during extended viewings in a quiet room.

Opting for a single HDMI port requires an external switch as soon as you want to connect multiple devices.