Resolution is a key parameter for a projection image. You may see HD, FHD, and UHD when you browse projectors on the internet. For home projectors, HD refers to 720P (1280×720), and FHD refers to 1080P(1920×1080), while FHD refers to 4K resolution (3840×2160). Generally, an HD projector （720P projector） is sufficient for people who want to use the projector to watch movies occasionally. In this guide, we carefully select the top 5 best HD projector under $500, helping to narrow the choices and make wise decisions.
Best HD Projector Under 500
Each HD projector in the list has its own strengths and you can pick based on your preference.
| Anker Nebula Capsule Max: $469 | Best HD Projector Under 500 for Smart Features |
| Emotn C1: $169 | Best HD Projector Under 500 for Connectivity |
| LG PH510P: $499 | Best HD Projector Under 500 for 3D and TV Tuner |
| Vankyo Leisure 470: $129.99 | Best HD Projector Under 500 for Cost Efficiency |
| Kodak Luma 400: $449 | Best HD Projector Under 500 for Portability |
Anker Nebula Capsule Max
Reason for listing: Anker is an established brand and you can get good after-sale service. Differ from other budget projectors, it has a built-in Android system and a built-in battery, making it smart and portable.
- Price: $469.99
- Brightness: 200 ANSI lumens
- Image Size: 20-100 Inch
- Contrast: 600:1
- Lamp Type: LED
- Lamp life: 20,000 hours
- Keystone: Auto & Manual
Anker Nebula Capsule Max is a smart projector with a built-in Android 8.1 system with 2G RAM and 16G ROM. The large memory enables you to download more videos or files at ease. In addition, it has a built-in battery of 9, 700mAh with a battery life of 4 hours. Regarding audio, it has an 8W speaker and produces powerful and sonorous sound. In terms of interface, the projector is equipped with HDMI and USB interfaces, which are compatible with various devices. It supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which is convenient to connect to external devices wirelessly.
| Pros | Cons |
| Android system Built-in battery Built-in Android system 2G+16G memory | Few interfaces |
Emotn C1
Reason for listing: Though it has a low cost, Emotn C1 has a unique design, exquisite workmanship, rich interfaces, good wireless connectivity, versatile interfaces, and Hi-Fi sound.
- Price: $129
- Brightness: 120 ANSI lumens
- Image Size:50-200 In
- Contrast: 5,500:1
- Lamp Type: LED
- Lamp life: 30,000 hours
- Keystone: vertical and horizontal ±15°
Emotn C1 is a fashionable multimedia projector with a fashionable design. The projector has a long groove made of silica gel on the roof-shape top so that you can put the phone inside when using screen mirroring. Regarding the image, it has a contrast of 5,500:1 and 8,500 lumens, producing decent images for users. The projector projects a max screen of 200 inches and brings you an immersive viewing effect. In terms of connectivity, the projector is equipped with various interfaces (2×HDMI2.0, 2×USB2.0, 1×Type-C, 1×VGA, 1×TF Card, 1×Audio Out, 1×AV), which are compatible with TV sticks, game consoles, computers, and smartphones. For wireless connectivity, it supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which supports screen mirroring for iPhone and Android phones. In addition, it has a 5W speaker, producing a pleasant Hi-Fi effect.
| Pros | Cons |
| Exquisite design Good wireless connectivity Versatile interfaces Convenient screen mirroring Cost-effective | No smart system |
LG PH510P
Reason for listing: It has a TV tuner and supports 3D, meaning that you can enjoy real-time sports games and 3D movies.
- Price: $499
- Brightness: 550 ANSI Lumens
- Image Size: 25-100 In
- Contrast: 100,000:1
- Lamp Type: LED
- Lamp life: 30,000 hours
- Keystone: Yes
LG PH510P has a TV tuner, which can receive over-the-air TV signals and enables users to enjoy real-time sports games and TV shows. The projector also has a built-in battery and you can use the projector though there is no power supply. It has 550 ANSI lumen and produces clear images for users. With Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the projector enables you to connect it to your smartphone via wireless screen mirroring and connect to a Bluetooth speaker wirelessly. In terms of interfaces, the projector is equipped with HDMI and USB 2.0 and you can connect the projector to various devices. As for audio, it has two built-in 1W stereo speakers.
| Pros | Cons |
| Built-in TV tuner Convenient screen mirroring Good wireless connectivity | Few interfaces low-pitched speaker |
Vankyo Leisure 470
Reason for listing: It is a popular HD projector with a max screen of 250 inches and low cost.
- Price: $129.99
- Brightness: 120 ISO lumens
- Image Size: 45-250 in
- Contrast: Not disclosed
- Lamp Type: LED
- Lamp life: 50,000 hours
- Keystone: Yes
| Pros | Cons |
| Low cost Convenient screen mirroring Versatile interfaces | No Bluetooth |
Kodak Luma 400
Reason for listing: It is a mini projector that you can put in your pocket. The built-in Android system and 150-inch screen bring excellent images for you.
- Price: $449
- Brightness: 200 ANSI Lumens
- Image Size: 5-150 In
- Contrast: 3,500:1
- Lamp Type: LED
- Lamp life: 30,000 hours
- Keystone: Yes
Kodak Luma 400 is a portable projector with a small size. You can even put it into your pocket. The projector has a built-in battery with a lamp of 3 hours. Even with a small size, the projector can project at most 150 inches. It supports HDR 10 and makes the image vivid and lifelike. The mini projector is powered by the Android system and you can access various streaming platforms at ease. Regarding interfaces, it is equipped with HDMI and USB, which can connect to most mobile devices, such as TV sticks, and game consoles. In terms of wireless connectivity, it supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, making the wireless connection easy and convenient. As for the speaker, it is equipped with dual 1W speakers. You can connect it to a Bluetooth speaker if you want to improve the sound.
| Pros | Cons |
| HDR 10 Android system Built-in battery Good wireless connectivity | Few interfaces low-pitched speaker |
How to Choose the Best HD Projector Under 500?
If you have a budget of no more than $500, then you can check the following parameters when you choose a projector.
Light Source
There are three mainstream light sources for projectors, including laser, bulb, and LED. Generally, a projector no more than $500 adopts LED or lamp. If you want a higher brightness, then you can choose a projector with a bulb, but if you want to long lamp life, then you can pick an LED projector.
Brightness
Projector brightness is generally measured in lumens. The recognized unit is the ANSI lumen. The higher the number, the bright the image. Some projector sellers label light source lumens to mislead customers. There are some traps on lumens, for example, ANSI lumens vs lumens. If the projector has too low a brightness, then you can only use the projector at night.
Screen Size
Screen size is a key factor for viewing effect. If you want to get an immersive viewing effect, you can pick a projector with a big screen. Generally, a projector can project a clear image of 10-150 inches. Some home projectors can project a max screen of 300 inches.
System
If the projector has an Android system, then you can access streaming platforms or various apps on the projector without connecting it to other external devices. Some Samsung projector has a Tizen system. If the projector has no smart system, then you need to connect the projector to some streaming devices to access more content.
Connectivity
Connectivity determines the types of external devices that you can connect. Generally, a projector should be equipped with at least one HDMI interface and USB interface so that it can connect to common devices, such as computers, smartphones, TV sticks, game consoles, etc. In addition, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and screen mirroring are also critical for the projector.
That’s all for the list, if you have a higher budget, please see our previous post: Best Projector Under 600.
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