In this article: We’ll review our 5 best choices for a 3D projector along with their key features and details.

Flat-screen televisions certainly dominate the home entertainment market, but the rise of 3-dimensional film is providing a resurgence for home movie projectors. Technology today allows for hyper-realistic images at very high resolution from a projector. In fact, a projector may even be the best solution for people who have limited space for anything other than a dinky little TV. Projectors work best on a screen, but any flat surface will work. The 3D projectors on the market today provide excellent image quality and value, as prices have dropped somewhat as competition increases.

What is a 3D projector?

A 3D projector works by displaying two almost identical images at once. When the viewer sees the image through polarized lenses that isolate left and right views, the depth of the image is enhanced, creating a 3-dimensional image.

3D-Ready vs. Full 3D

Some projectors are marketed as 3D-Ready, while others say they are Full 3D or Full HD 3D. These terms are a major source of confusion for buyers shopping projectors. Full 3D projectors and 3D-ready projectors cost about the same, so what’s the difference?

Simply put, 3D-ready projectors only handle one format of 3D projection -called frame sequential. A PC creates the dual image and transmits to the projector. Set-top boxes and Blu-ray players, including game consoles, will not work with a 3D-ready projector. The PC must also be capable of running the 3D software.

Full 3D projectors will work with a Blu-ray player, game console, or a set-top box like those from DirecTV. The term Full refers to the fact these projectors can display content in all four of the common formats.

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Additional Equipment Needed

The only way viewers can experience 3D images is by using a pair of specially-designed glasses that isolate the images for each eye. Without the 3D glasses, the image isn’t clear and definitely isn’t 3D. Many 3D projectors will include glasses, but it’s also a good idea to check out the top brands on the market. There are two types of glasses, active and passive. Active are the most common, but are also more expensive. Passive glasses can require an additional polarizing module, offsetting the savings.

In many cases, you are going to have to come up with solutions for audio. For example, using a Fire TV stick is a great way to get tons of streaming content available on your screen, but audio will require either Bluetooth speakers or a more complex wiring solution using HDMI converters and adapters.

Most projectors will give you a decent image on a flat wall or even a bedsheet, but to get the best quality from a 3D projector, you will want to invest in a projector screen. Screens are available in a wide array of sizes to suit any situation.

High-resolution projectors require a media feed capable of providing HD content. This means you will need a DVD player, set-top box, or gaming console capable of 1080P or 4k, depending on the projector model you choose.

Our Top Pick 3D Projectors

Key Features

  • Brightness: 2,600 Lumens
  • Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160) and Full HD
  • Screen Size: 30 inches to 300 inches (measured diagonally)
  • Audio: 2x 10W speakers
  • Inputs: 2x HDMI (1x with MHL support), 1x USB, 1x Ethernet, 1x VGA, 1x Composite video, 1x Audio in/out, 1x RS-232C
  • Outputs: 1x Audio out

Price Comparison

$2,992.98 on Amazon.com
on Crutchfield.com
Last Amazon price update was: March 23, 2024 2:25 pm

Epson Home Cinema 5050UBe Quick Review

The Epson Home Cinema 5050UBe is a high-end 3D projector that offers excellent image quality and a wide range of features. It’s a versatile option for both home theater use and dedicated media rooms.

One of the standout features of this projector is its support for both full HD and 4K resolution, which provides an incredibly detailed and sharp image, making it a great option for those who want to create a true cinema-like experience in their home. Additionally, it has a wide color gamut and supports HDR content, which results in a more immersive and lifelike image.

Another great feature of the Epson Home Cinema 5050UBE is its advanced lens system which allows for flexible installation with motorized lens shift, zoom and focus, this means that the projector can be placed in a variety of positions, and the image can be adjusted to match the screen.

The 5050UBe also has a robust 3D capabilities, it’s compatible with all types of 3D glasses and it has a built-in RF emitter that allows for easy and convenient 3D viewing.

In terms of design, the Epson Home Cinema 5050UBE is a sleek and stylish projector that will look great in any home theater or media room. It also has a variety of input options, including HDMI, USB, and Ethernet, which makes it easy to integrate it into your existing home entertainment system. Additionally it has a long lamp life which can save costs in the long run

Overall, the Epson Home Cinema 5050UBE is an excellent 3D projector that offers incredible image quality, a wide range of features, and advanced installation options. Its support for 4K and HDR make it a top option for those looking to create a true cinema-like experience in their home. It’s a recommended option for those who are looking for a high-end 3D projector that delivers an outstanding performance.

Pros

  • Support for both 4K and Full HD resolution, which provides an incredibly detailed and sharp image
  • Support for HDR content, which results in a more immersive and lifelike image
  • Advanced lens system with motorized lens shift, zoom, and focus, allows for flexible installation
  • Compatible with all types of 3D glasses, and it has a built-in RF emitter for easy and convenient 3D viewing
  • Variety of input options, including HDMI, USB, and Ethernet, which makes it easy to integrate it into your existing home entertainment system
  • Long lamp life
  • High brightness 2600 Lumens
  • Built-in speakers

Cons

  • Price may be high for some people
  • The projector may be too bulky or large for some spaces
  • The audio quality of the built-in speakers may not be sufficient for some users.
  • The lens shift and zoom may be limited in certain models.

Key Features

  • Brightness: 1500 ANSI Lumens
  • Resolution: 4K (4096 x 2160)
  • Screen Size: 60 inches to 300 inches (measured diagonally)
  • Audio: Built-in speaker
  • Inputs: 2x HDMI (1x HDMI/MHL, 1x HDMI/HDCP), 1x Composite Video, 1x USB, 1x LAN, 1x RS-232C
  • Outputs: 1x Analog Audio, 1x 12V Trigger

Price Comparison

Sony VPL-VW270ES Quick Review

The Sony VPL-VW270ES is a top-of-the-line 3D projector that offers excellent image quality and is a great option for home theater use. It uses Sony’s SXRD technology, which is known for its high contrast ratio and accurate color reproduction, making it a perfect choice for those who want to create a true cinema-like experience in their home.

One of the standout features of this projector is its 4K resolution, which provides an incredibly detailed and sharp image. It also supports HDR content, allowing you to experience a wider range of colors and more detail in bright and dark areas of the image. The result is a stunning picture that is sure to impress even the most discerning viewers.

Another great feature of the Sony VPL-VW270ES is its built-in receiver for compatible 3D glasses. This allows for a seamless and convenient 3D viewing experience, as you don’t have to worry about purchasing additional equipment or syncing the glasses with the projector.

Additionally, the projector has a high brightness of 1500 ANSI Lumens that can be used in a bright room or even in a projector screen with ambient light, this is paired with a high contrast ratio of 150,000:1 which makes it an excellent option for those who want to create a true cinema-like experience in their home.

In terms of design, the Sony VPL-VW270ES is a sleek and stylish projector that will look great in any home theater or media room. It also has a variety of input options, including HDMI, USB and LAN which makes it easy to integrate it into your existing home entertainment system.

Overall, the Sony VPL-VW270ES is an excellent 3D projector that offers incredible image quality and a wide range of features, making it a great option for anyone looking to create a true cinema-like experience in their home. It is a recommended option for those looking for a high-end 3D projector that delivers an outstanding performance.

Pros

  • Excellent 4K resolution for incredibly detailed and sharp image
  • HDR compatibility for a wider range of colors and more detail in bright and dark areas
  • Built-in receiver for compatible 3D glasses for seamless and convenient 3D viewing experience
  • High contrast ratio of 150,000:1 for deeper blacks and more detail in dark scenes
  • Low input lag, making it great for gaming or sports watching
  • Advanced Reality Creation for upscaling standard and high definition content
  • Variety of input options, including HDMI, USB and LAN for easy integration into your home entertainment system

Cons

  • Price may be high for some people
  • Some users may find that the built-in speaker is not powerful enough for their needs
  • The projector may be too bulky or large for some spaces
  • The lamp life is not as high as some other models on the market

Key Features

  • Brightness: 2200 ANSI Lumens
  • Resolution: 4K (4096 x 2160)
  • Screen Size: 50 inches to 500 inches (measured diagonally)
  • Audio: 2 x 10W speakers
  • Inputs: 2 x HDMI, 1 x RS232C, 1 x USB, 1 x Ethernet
  • Outputs: 1x Audio out, 1x12V Trigger

Price Comparison

$11,993.04 on Amazon.com
on Crutchfield.com
Last Amazon price update was: March 23, 2024 2:25 pm

JVC DLA-NX9 Quick Review

The JVC DLA-NX9 is a high-end 3D projector that offers excellent image quality and a wide range of features. It’s a great option for both home theater use and dedicated media rooms.

One of the standout features of this projector is its native 4K resolution, which provides an incredibly detailed and sharp image. It also boasts a high contrast ratio, thanks to its use of a native 0.69-inch D-ILA device, which delivers accurate color reproduction, making it great for those who want to create a true cinema-like experience in their home. Additionally, it supports HDR and 3D content.

Another great feature of the JVC DLA-NX9 is its low input lag, which makes it great for gaming or sports watching. It also has a good number of inputs and connections, like HDMI and USB, for easy integration into your home entertainment system.

In terms of design, the JVC DLA-NX9 is a sleek and stylish projector that will look great in any home theater or media room. Its user-friendly interface allows for easy operation and it has a great remote control for a better user experience. Additionally it has a long lamp life which can save costs in the long run

Overall, the JVC DLA-NX9 is an excellent 3D projector that offers incredible image quality, a wide range of features, and advanced installation options. Its support for 4K and HDR make it a top option for those looking to create a true cinema-like experience in their home. It’s a recommended option for those who are looking for a high-end, high quality image and aren’t worried about their budget.

Pros

  • Native 4K resolution for incredibly detailed and sharp image
  • High contrast ratio for deeper blacks and more detail in dark scenes
  • Low input lag, making it great for gaming or sports watching
  • Variety of input options, including HDMI, USB, and Ethernet, which makes it easy to integrate it into your existing home entertainment system
  • Sleek and stylish design that will look great in any home theater or media room
  • Long lamp life
  • High brightness 2200 ANSI Lumens

Cons

  • Price may be high for some people
  • The projector may be too bulky or large for some spaces
  • The audio quality of the built-in speakers may not be sufficient for some users
  • May have limited lens shift and zoom options

Key Features

  • Brightness: 3500 ANSI lumens
  • Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160)
  • Screen Size: 100 inches to 300 inches (measured diagonally)
  • Audio: Built-in 5W speakers, audio out
  • Inputs: 2x HDMI (1x HDMI/MHL), 1x VGA, 1x USB Type A, 1x USB Type Mini-B, 1x Audio in (3.5mm), 1x Audio out (3.5mm), 1x RS232
  • Outputs: N/A

Price Comparison

$800.00 on eBay.com
$1,787.95 on Amazon.com
Last Amazon price update was: March 23, 2024 2:25 pm

BenQ TK800 Quick Review

The BenQ TK800 is a high-performance 3D projector that is perfect for home theater use and dedicated media rooms. With its 4K resolution and high brightness, it offers an immersive and high-quality viewing experience.

One of the standout features of the TK800 is its 4K resolution, which provides an incredibly detailed and sharp image. It also supports HDR content, allowing you to experience a wider range of colors and more detail in bright and dark areas of the image.

Another great feature of the TK800 is its high brightness of 3500 ANSI lumens and high contrast ratio of 10000:1, this allows it to be used in rooms with ambient light and also project clear and crisp images even in large rooms.

The TK800 also boasts a number of convenient features, such as its easy connectivity options, which include HDMI, USB, and wireless options for streaming content directly from your device. Additionally, the projector comes with built-in speakers and a variety of audio options, so you can easily connect external speakers or soundbars if desired.

In terms of design, the BenQ TK800 is a sleek and stylish projector that will look great in any home theater or media room. Additionally, it has a long lamp life which can save costs in the long run

Overall, the BenQ TK800 is an excellent 3D projector that offers incredible image quality and a wide range of features, making it a great option for anyone looking to create a true cinema-like experience in their home. It’s a highly recommended option for those who are looking for a high-performance projector that can handle bright room environments.

Pros

  • 4K resolution for incredibly detailed and sharp image
  • HDR support for a wider range of colors and more detail in bright and dark areas
  • High brightness of 3500 ANSI lumens and high contrast ratio of 10000:1, making it usable in rooms with ambient light.
  • Variety of input options, including HDMI, USB, and wireless for streaming content directly from your device
  • Built-in speakers and audio out for external speakers or soundbars
  • Sleek and stylish design that will look great in any home theater or media room
  • Long lamp life

Cons

  • The projector may be too bulky or large for some spaces
  • Built-in speakers may not be powerful enough for some users
  • May have limited lens shift and zoom options

Key Features

  • Brightness: 3,000 Lumens
  • Resolution: 4K UHD (3840×2160)
  • Screen size: 29 inches – 301 inches
  • Audio: 2x5W speakers
  • Inputs: 2x HDMI (1x HDMI 2.0b HDCP 2.2), 1x USB-A Power (1.5A), 1x USB-A service, 1x Audio in 3.5mm, 1x VGA in, 1x RS232, 1x 12V trigger
  • Outputs: 1x Audio out 3.5mm

Price Comparison

$2,052.14 on Amazon.com
on Crutchfield.com
Last Amazon price update was: March 23, 2024 2:25 pm

Optoma UHD50X Quick Review

The Optoma UHD50X is a high-performance 3D projector that is perfect for home theater use and dedicated media rooms. With its 4K resolution and high brightness, it offers an immersive and high-quality viewing experience.

One of the standout features of the UHD50X is its 4K resolution, which provides an incredibly detailed and sharp image. It also supports HDR content, allowing you to experience a wider range of colors and more detail in bright and dark areas of the image. Additionally, the projector has a high contrast ratio of 500,000:1 which enables the projector to deliver a crisp and vivid image.

Another great feature of the UHD50X is its high brightness of 3,000 lumens, this allows it to be used in rooms with ambient light and also project clear and crisp images even in large rooms. It also has low input lag which make it perfect for gaming and sports events.

The UHD50X also boasts a number of convenient features, such as its easy connectivity options, which include HDMI, USB, and VGA. Additionally, the projector has built-in speakers and a variety of audio options, so you can easily connect external speakers or soundbars if desired.

In terms of design, the Optoma UHD50X is a sleek and stylish projector that will look great in any home theater or media room. Additionally, it has a long lamp life which can save costs in the long run

Overall, the Optoma UHD50X is an excellent 3D projector that offers incredible image quality, a wide range of features, and a high brightness which makes it a great option for those looking to create a true cinema-like experience in their home. It’s a highly recommended option for those who are looking for a high-performance projector that can handle bright room environments.

Pros

  • 4K UHD resolution for incredibly detailed and sharp image
  • HDR support for a wider range of colors and more detail in bright and dark areas
  • High brightness of 3000 lumens, making it usable in rooms with ambient light.
  • Variety of input options, including HDMI, USB, and VGA
  • Built-in speakers and audio out for external speakers or soundbars
  • Sleek and stylish design that will look great in any home theater or media room
  • Low input lag perfect for gaming and sports events
  • Long lamp life

Cons

  • The projector may be too bulky or large for some spaces
  • Built-in speakers may not be powerful enough for some users
  • May have limited lens shift and zoom options

Conclusion

A 3D projector can really change the way you watch movies, sports, or play video games. The ability for many of these projectors to be set up outside also brings a whole new level of entertainment within easy reach. Any of the projectors on this list will provide dynamic color, excellent image quality, and support for full 3D.

Picking the best option for you comes down to how you plan to use the projector in the first place. If your intention is to set it up in a darkened home theater room, any of these projectors will give you satisfactory results. You should consider the throw distance of your space. Some people have found that a short throw projector is necessary for the size of the room they use, while others prefer a ceiling-mount and a long throw for more of a cinema feel.

Extra costs are an important consideration. Lamps burn out and must be replaced. The industry tends to average around 5,000 hours on a lamp, but the cost of lamps can vary from low-priced options to lamps that cost nearly a quarter of the value of the projector. Also consider that 3D glasses are needed for 3D viewing. Active glasses provide a cleaner experience, but cost more. Passive glasses are not compatible with many high-end projectors.

We hope this list has helped you to focus your search for the ultimate home theater projector for your 3D viewing.