The Optoma GT1080HDR is a perfect example of a gaming projector that goes above and beyond (but is still reasonably priced). It produces gorgeous full HD images, can create 100-foot projections, has HDR10 support for vibrant, rich colors, and a spectacular 28,000:1 contrast ratio for deep blacks and brilliant whites. Its 16ms response time in Enhance Gaming Mode secures its crown as the best gaming projector, and it’s an incredible way to showcase what the best gaming consoles are capable of. That image is going to be glorious, thanks to the DarbeeVision Image Processor that reveals extraordinary detail, depth and object separating, so the details of your games show in cinematic quality. Expect full HD 1080p resolution, 3,000 lumens of brightness, as well as a 28,000:1 contrast ratio that creates amazing black levels for the best experience in all genres of games. Don’t worry about lag, either. Enhanced Gaming Mode gives you a best-in-class response time of 16ms to keep you engaged in even the most demanding circumstances. Other nice features include Full 3D and a long-life lamp that will last up to 8,000 hours. Resolution: 1080p | Brightness: 3000 ANSI lumens | Contrast Ratio: 30000:1 | Projection Size: 120 inches Gamers will benefit from low input lag, meaning racing and action titles won’t skip a beat even on the 100-inch screen. Customized gaming modes provide even more benefit, allowing you to see the darkest shadows and brightest details to get the most cinematic experience out of all of your titles. Resolution: 1080p | Brightness: 2200 ANSI lumens | Contrast Ratio: 15000:1 | Projection Size: 300 inches Thanks to its dynamic iris, the device has a 30,000:1 contrast ratio, meaning you’ll be able to notice the nuances of shadows, along with details in both dark and bright scenes, bringing games to life. The projector’s built-in speaker is able to fill a room and offer clear, textured audio, though hardcore gamers might want to opt for a higher-end model, for full immersion. Though it is more expensive than other home projectors, the HT3500’s value is more than worth the cost for those who want not just to watch a new world, but be part of it. Resolution: 4096x2160 | Brightness: 2000 ANSI lumens | Contrast Ratio: 30000:1 | Projection Size: 100 inches Resolution: 2160p | Brightness: 3000 ANSI lumens | Contrast Ratio: 1000000:1 | Projection Size: 120 inches Resolution: 2049x1080 | Brightness: 2500 ANSI lumens | Contrast Ratio: 60000:1 | Projection Size: 132 inches Resolution: 1080p | Brightness: 1800 ANSI lumens | Contrast Ratio: 60000:1 | Projection Size: 40 to 100 inches Jonno Hill is a writer who covers tech such as computers, gaming equipment, and cameras for Lifewire and publications including AskMen.com and PCMag.com. Emily Ramirez is a tech writer who studied game design at MIT and now reviews all sorts of consumer tech, from VR headsets to tower speakers. Nick Jaynes is a tech writer whose writing has been published by Mashable, Digital Trends, Cool Hunting, and Travel+Leisure, among other publications.
What to Look for in a Gaming Projector
Input Lag
When you push a button on your controller, you want to see the result on the screen as fast as possible. Unfortunately, a lot of projectors have a lag so large that you can actually perceive it. Great gaming projectors still have a little bit of lag (because zero lag is impossible) but not enough to have an impact on your game.
Frame Rate
When you play fast-paced games on a projector that has a low frame rate, the result is a blurry mess. This isn’t just unpleasant to look at—it’s also unacceptable when you’re playing a game where every single moment counts.
Luminosity
Projectors work best in dark rooms with high-quality screens. If your real-world circumstances are less than ideal, you can end up with a washed-out picture that’s difficult to see. Gaming in a room that has a lot of ambient light calls for a projector with at least 2,500 lumens, while something in the range of 1,500 to 2,000 will do if you have decent shades or blackout curtains.
