Brightness is crucial when looking for the best projectors for daylight viewing. High-lumen output is essential to combat ambient light and ensure clear, vibrant images. This ensures that your projector delivers bright, sharp visuals, making it perfect for daytime use. Our guide features four standout projectors selected from over 28 models evaluated.
We evaluated 10,211 reviews, filtering out fake and low-quality reviews using our proprietary data-driven True Score system. The winning projectors performed exceptionally well in our tests, demonstrating superior brightness and image clarity. This rigorous selection process ensures you get the best projector for daylight viewing.
How Did We Rank the Best Projectors for Daylight Viewing?
Our comprehensive guide to the best projectors for daylight viewing is built on a foundation of rigorous research and analysis. We scrutinized testing methods, dissected customer reviews, and assessed expert opinions from over 200 sources. The criteria we identified as crucial for daylight performance include 1 essential test result and 1 beneficial test result. This thorough approach ensures that our recommendations are precise and trustworthy, enabling you to choose the perfect projector for any bright setting.
Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘True Score’ system, targeting low quality and fake reviews. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.
? Test Criteria
- SDR Brightness: Equal to or greater than 2000 lumens or more to help produce a bright and clear display.
? “Nice To Haves”
- Input Lag: An input lag of less than 100 milliseconds, to prevent delays between what’s on screen and your reaction to them in games.
Latest Updates
- 06/14/2024: Republished the list to include the best projectors for daylight viewing based on our True Score system.
Top Projectors for Daylight Viewing For 2024
Prices accurate at the time of publishing
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
BenQ X3000i
Best For Gaming
For superior daylight performance and gaming, the BenQ X3000i’s high brightness and low input lag make it a standout choice.
True Score
85867Experts
88352Customers
Absolutely Fresh
$1,799.00Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Good brightness levels
- Excellent image quality
- Exceptionally low input lag
Reasons to Avoid
- No Netflix app
Specifications
Resolution 3840 x 2160 (4k) Refresh Rate 60 Hz 
Display Technology DLP 
Contrast Ratio 500,000:1 
Digital Keystone Yes 
HDR Yes 
Max Distance 228″ 
Max Screen Size 200″ 
3D Ready Yes 
Aspect Ratio 16:9 
Brightness 3000 lumens 
Depth 10.2″ 
HDMI Type 2.0 
Height 7.8″ 
Integrated Speakers Yes 
Light Source LED 
Light Source Life 20000 hrs 
Min Distance 69.6″ 
Min Screen Size 60″ 
Noise Level 32 dB 
Portable Yes 
Smart Functionality Android TV, Bluetooth, Google Assistant, Google Cast, USB 
Sync Technology CinemaMaster 
TV Tuner No 
ThrowType Standard Throw 
Video Inputs HDMI 2.0, USB, VGA 
Weight 14.1 lbs 
Width 10.7″ All Specs
Test Results
SDR Brightness (Lumens) 2,875 HDR Brightness (Lumens) 0 Contrast Ratio (x:y) 0 Input Lag (ms) 17 Color Gamut % (Rec. 709) 0 Color Gamut % (DCI P3 uv) 99 SDR Brightness (nits) 0 HDR Brightness (nits) 0 SDR Color Temperature (K) 0 HDR Color Temperature (K) 0 Color Gamut % (Rec. 2020) 0 Color Gamut % (BT.2020) 75 Color Gamut % (BT. 709) 0 All Tests
All Retailers
$1,799.00
$1,799.00$1,999Save $200
$1,999.00
Our Verdict
If you’re searching for a projector that excels in daylight conditions, the BenQ X3000i merits attention for its robust performance, particularly in terms of brightness. With an SDR brightness of 2875 lumens, this projector outshines many competitors, ensuring clear, vibrant images even in well-lit environments. This feature is paramount for daylight viewing, as it combats ambient light effectively, preserving image quality and color integrity.
The BenQ X3000i doesn’t stop at brightness; it also boasts a commendable color gamut coverage in the DCI P3 color space, measured at 99.24%. This ensures that the colors displayed are vivid and true to life, enhancing the viewing experience for various content. Moreover, its low input lag of 17.2 ms makes this projector a suitable choice for gaming, providing a responsive experience that avid gamers will appreciate. This is significantly faster than the 69.8 ms input lag of the similarly priced Optoma CinemaX P2, highlighting its suitability for gaming alongside its other capabilities.
However, the projector’s capabilities extend beyond just gaming and daylight viewing. Its comprehensive color accuracy and high brightness levels make it an ideal candidate for various use cases, from streaming high-definition content to facilitating presentations in bright office environments or classrooms. The BenQ X3000i’s versatility, backed by its impressive specs, ensures it caters to a wide array of needs, making it a strong choice if you’re seeking a high-performance projector that thrives under diverse conditions.
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Category Snapshot
Projectors
- Total Brands/Products Tested
11 Brands, 28 Products
- Top 2 Brands
Epson, BenQ
- Price Range (Budget-Premium)
$350-$16,000
- Average True Score
81.36
- Important Test Criteria
Brightness (cd/m2)
Contrast Ratio (1000:1) - Most Trusted Testers
- Top Projector Experts
- Typical Warranty
1 year
- Covered by Insurance
Yes – AKKO
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Epson Home Cinema 3800
Best For Epson
For affordable daylight viewing, the Epson Home Cinema 3800 shines with impressive brightness and versatility for various applications.
True Score
83846Experts
871kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
$1,699.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Great brightness
- Great image quality
- 4K resolution
Reasons to Avoid
- Lacks a wide color gamut
- The lamp output may not match the specs
- Mediocre 28-ms input lag
Specifications
Resolution 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) Refresh Rate 60 Hz Display Technology 3LCD, LCD Contrast Ratio 100,000:1, 200,000:1 Digital Keystone ± 30° (manual) HDR No, Yes Max Distance 300″ Max Screen Size 300″ 3D Ready No, Yes Aspect Ratio – Brightness 3000 lumens Depth 13″ Height 6.5″ Integrated Speakers No, Yes Light Source UHP lamps Light Source Life 3,500 hrs Min Distance 0″ Min Screen Size 40″ No – Noise Level 35 dB Portable No, Yes Smart Functionality Automatic Adjustments, Bluetooth, Eco-Friendly, Energy-Saving, Remote, USB Sync Technology VRR TV Tuner No, Yes ThrowType 1.32 to 2.15:1. Video Inputs HDMI 2.0, USB, VGA Weight 15.2 lbs Width 16.1″ All Specs
Test Results
SDR Brightness (Lumens) 2,176 HDR Brightness (Lumens) 0 Contrast Ratio (x:y) 24k Input Lag (ms) 28 Color Gamut % (Rec. 709) 114 Color Gamut % (DCI P3 uv) 77 SDR Brightness (nits) 275 HDR Brightness (nits) 235 SDR Color Temperature (K) 0 HDR Color Temperature (K) 0 Color Gamut % (Rec. 2020) 0 Color Gamut % (BT.2020) 0 Color Gamut % (BT. 709) 0 All Tests
All Retailers
- $1,699.99
- $1,699.99
$1,699.99- $1,699.99
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for a daylight viewing projector that marries affordability with impressive brightness, the Epson Home Cinema 3800 is an excellent choice. With an SDR brightness of 2176 Lumens, this projector ensures your viewing experience remains vibrant and clear, even in well-lit environments. This brightness level is crucial for daylight viewing, as it combats ambient light to maintain image clarity and color fidelity.
The projector’s input lag of 28 ms, not quite as low as the more expensive BenQ X3000i’s 17.2 ms, presents a reasonable compromise for casual gaming alongside daylight viewing. Additionally, the projector’s contrast ratio of 23971:1 and Rec. 709 color gamut coverage of 113.7% are significant for producing true-to-life colors and deep blacks, enhancing your viewing experience during daylight hours. This balance between performance and functionality extends to its other specs, making it a versatile choice for various applications beyond daylight, such as streaming and office presentations.
The Epson Home Cinema 3800 is versatile enough to meet various needs. Its strong brightness and color accuracy make it an excellent choice, whether viewing movies in daylight or in environments where precise color representation and clear visuals are crucial, such as graphic design or photography. This projector excels across various scenarios, from home entertainment to professional use, making it a valuable addition to any setup where a high-quality display solution is essential.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Optoma CinemaX P2
Best For Short Throw
The Optoma CinemaX P2 is a compelling choice with impressive brightness and color accuracy for quality visuals in bright conditions without breaking the bank.
True Score
74760Experts
78405Customers
Mixed Reviews
SAVE $200$1,999.00$1,799.00Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Impressive brightness output
- High image quality
Reasons to Avoid
- High input lag
- Prone to rainbow artifacts
Specifications
Resolution 3840 x 2160 (4k) Refresh Rate 60 Hz Display Technology DLP Contrast Ratio 2,000,000:1 Digital Keystone Yes HDR Yes Max Distance 17″ Max Screen Size 120″ 3D Ready Yes Aspect Ratio 16:9 Brightness 3000 lumens Depth 14.96″ HDMI Type 2.0 Height 5.11″ Integrated Speakers Yes Light Source Laser Light Source Life 30,000 hrs Min Distance 6″ Min Screen Size 85″ Noise Level 26 dB Portable No Smart Functionality Amazon Alexa, Android TV, Google Assistant Sync Technology n/a TV Tuner No ThrowType Ultra Short Throw Technology Video Inputs Ethernet, HDMI 2.0, USB Weight 24.25 lbs Width 22″ All Specs
Test Results
SDR Brightness (Lumens) 2,488 HDR Brightness (Lumens) 1,990 Input Lag (ms) 70 Color Gamut % (Rec. 709) 117 Color Gamut % (DCI P3) 79 All Retailers
- $1,799.00$1,999Save $200
- $1,999.00
- $2,889.98
Our Verdict
If you prioritize a projector capable of delivering quality visuals in bright conditions without stretching your budget, the Optoma CinemaX P2 presents a compelling option. With its SDR and HDR brightness levels at 2488 and 1990 lumens, this projector ensures that images remain vivid and clear, even in well-lit rooms, making it an excellent choice for those who value clarity during daylight viewing. Its Rec. 709 color gamut coverage at 117% is vital in producing vibrant and accurate colors, enhancing the overall viewing experience in various lighting conditions.
This projector is versatile and capable of providing an immersive cinematic experience that’s not just limited to darkened home theaters but extends to brighter environments. Although its input lag of 69.8 ms might not cater to the demands of serious gamers looking for lightning-fast responsiveness, it’s perfectly serviceable for casual gaming and watching videos. However, if you care more about gaming and are okay with giving up on some brightness, the Epson LS800B has a much lower input lag of 21.8 ms, offering a more responsive gaming experience at about half the price.
The Optoma CinemaX P2 excels when used in indoor settings with moderate ambient light, thanks to its commendable brightness and color fidelity. While it may not be the first choice for outdoor screenings or extremely bright spaces, its performance in environments with some control over lighting is notable. This is a well-rounded projector, particularly for daylight viewing, if you want quality and value. The CinemaX P2 is an excellent choice, ensuring you have an enjoyable viewing experience across various content and settings.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Epson LS800B
For top-notch daylight viewing, the Epson LS800B’s unmatched brightness and color accuracy make it a premium choice with versatile applications.
True Score
72744Experts
7698Customers
Mixed Reviews
SAVE $311$3,499.99$3,189.00Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Great brightness
- Good image quality
- Low input lag
- Ultra short throw
Reasons to Avoid
- Limited color gamut
- Limited connectivity
- Not 3D-enabled
Specifications
Resolution 3840 x 2160 (4k) Refresh Rate 240 Hz Display Technology 3LCD Contrast Ratio 2,500,000:1. Digital Keystone No HDR Yes Max Distance 19″ Max Screen Size 150″ 3D Ready No Aspect Ratio 16:9 Brightness 4000 Lumens Depth 13.4″ Height 6.1″ Integrated Speakers Yes Light Source Laser Light Source Life 10 years² Min Distance 11″ Min Screen Size 80″ No – Noise Level 19 dB Portable No Smart Functionality Android TV, Bluetooth, Energy-Saving, Remote, USB Sync Technology – TV Tuner – ThrowType 0.16 to 0.40:1 Video Inputs HDMI 2.0, USB Weight 27 lbs Width 27.2″ All Specs
Test Results
SDR Brightness (Lumens) 4,084 HDR Brightness (Lumens) 0 Contrast Ratio (x:y) 0 Input Lag (ms) 22 Color Gamut % (Rec. 709) 0 Color Gamut % (DCI P3 uv) 93 SDR Brightness (nits) 0 HDR Brightness (nits) 0 SDR Color Temperature (K) 0 HDR Color Temperature (K) 0 Color Gamut % (Rec. 2020) 0 Color Gamut % (BT.2020) 0 Color Gamut % (BT. 709) 137 All Tests
All Retailers
- $3,189.00$3,500Save $311
Our Verdict
If you’re seeking a projector that excels in daylight viewing, the Epson LS800B demands attention, especially considering it’s the most premium option in its category. What sets this projector apart is its unparalleled brightness, boasting an impressive 4084 lumens for SDR content. This high brightness level is crucial for daylight viewing, ensuring clear and vivid images even in well-lit environments. Furthermore, with a color gamut coverage of 137.4% for BT. 709, the projector offers exceptionally vibrant and accurate colors, enhancing the viewing experience.
With an input lag of 21.8 ms, this projector holds its own in terms of responsiveness, although it is slightly overshadowed by the BenQ X3000i, which boasts a quicker 17.2 ms input lag at a lower price point. Despite this, it remains a strong choice for gaming, provided the environment isn’t excessively bright since you will be sacrificing some brightness level. Nonetheless, the Epson LS800B is a versatile option for various entertainment activities, including watching movies and gaming, even in well-lit conditions.
The projector excels in well-lit rooms and across various applications thanks to its high brightness and color accuracy. It’s particularly effective for office presentations or educational settings where clear visuals are crucial. Whether you’re displaying graphs, videos, or detailed images, this projector upholds high visual standards, making it a dependable option for professional and educational purposes.
The Epson LS800B stands out for its exceptional brightness and color accuracy, making it ideal for daylight viewing. Its excellent input lag also makes it suitable for casual gaming, and its overall performance shows that it can meet your requirements in diverse settings, including professional and educational contexts.
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Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Projectors for Daylight Viewing?
By emphasizing these criteria (1 essential, 1 desirable), individuals can efficiently compare these projectors and their performance. This aids in making informed decisions and selecting a projector that fully aligns with their needs.
| CRITERIA | RANGE | REQUIRED | DEFINITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| SDR Brightness (lumens) | > 2000 lumens | Yes | The amount of light the projector outputs from the lamp/bulb and projects onto the screen when playing SDR content. |
| Input Lag | < 100 ms | No (Nice to have) | The amount of time it takes for inputs to be registered and processed by the projector and shown on screen. |
Our Trusted Data Sources
We looked at 86+ projector reviewers and found that 16 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating). The three we have listed below are our most trusted for projector.
- Pierre-Olivier Jourdenais – Rtings, LinkedIn
- Geoffrey Morrison – CNET, MuckRack
- Kam Valentine – Projector Reviews, MuckRack
Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every projector review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.
Projector Test Data & Results
Disclaimer:
Projectors are complex and difficult to test and evaluate, requiring extensive testing on the same level as televisions to paint a complete picture of how any given unit performs. Unfortunately, the testing behind projectors isn’t as rigorous, and a lot of the data we’ve compiled from expert reviewers has been incomplete at times. With different brightnesses measured from different sources, different color gamut tested and spotty contrast ratio measurements, we’ve done the best we can to leverage the available data when putting together these lists but have also trusted our True Score to help us make decisions when the data isn’t available.
1. SDR Brightness (lumens) Test Results
Projectors have two ways you can realistically measure brightness: in lumens or in nits. Lumens are more common, but brightness in general matters because projectors have to project light strongly enough that it overcomes ambient light without losing detail or color.
Most of the time, a projector is going to be used in a fairly dark room to help give the unit the best chance of displaying content the way it was intended, but higher lumens output let you watch content in progressively bright spaces – or across longer distances on bigger screens. For standard dynamic range content, we recommend at least 2000 lumens for most home applications, but more isn’t a bad thing, and 3000 lumens or more are ideal.
SDR Brightness (lumens)
> 2000 lumens
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The amount of light the projector outputs from the lamp/bulb and projects onto the screen when playing SDR content, measured in lumens.
Units of Measurement: Lumens
Tools to Measure: Lux meter
Why It’s Important:
Lumens affect how an image is going to look when projected on a screen. If the projector isn’t putting out enough light, the image quality will suffer.
SDR Brightness (lumens; higher is better; 0 = No Data)
2. Input Lag (ms) Test Results
Input Lag (ms)
< 40 ms
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The amount of time it takes for inputs to be registered and processed by the projector and shown on screen.
Units of Measurement: ms (milliseconds)
Tools to Measure: Input lag tool
Why It’s Important:
Low input lag is important to reduce delay when gaming.
Input lag is primarily an issue when it comes to playing video games on your projector. If you’re trying to enjoy fast-paced shooters or are using projector to play competitive modes, you’ll need a low input lag to “keep the projector out of your way”, so to speak. High input lag causes delays in your inputs and makes it harder to react to action on screen because your own physical reactions start to count for less than the projector’s ability to process what you’re doing.
For this reason, we recommend an input lag of 40 ms or less, but lower is always better, and for really competitive games we’d recommend less than 15 ms. Any more than that and your projector is better suited to playing games casually, though if you don’t play anything fast paced, input lag is less of an issue.
Input Lag (ms; lower is better; 0 = No Data)
Best Projectors for Daylight Viewing: Mistakes To Avoid
- Ignoring Brightness Levels: Don’t overlook brightness. Daylight can wash out projected images, making them difficult to see. Opt for projectors with high lumens ratings to ensure adequate brightness even in well-lit environments. Similarly, when choosing a great outdoor projector, high lumens are essential to combat ambient light and provide clear, vivid images. This ensures that your projections are visible and effective, regardless of the lighting conditions.
- Choosing Low Contrast Ratio: A projector with a low contrast ratio may produce washed-out images in daylight, with poor color reproduction and weak black levels. Look for models with higher contrast ratios to maintain image quality in bright conditions.
- Neglecting Screen Quality: The type and quality of the screen can significantly impact visibility in daylight. Avoid screens with low gain or reflective surfaces, which can exacerbate glare and reduce image clarity. Invest in a high-quality screen designed for daylight viewing.
- Disregarding Ambient Light Rejection: Some projectors feature ambient light rejection technology, which helps minimize the impact of surrounding light sources. Overlooking this feature can lead to diminished image quality in daylight.
The Best Projectors for Daylight Viewing Tests Compared
Product |
True Score
|
SDR Brightness
|
Contrast Ratio
|
Color Gamut % (DCI P3 uv)
|
Input Lag (ms)
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 85 |
|
|
|
|  $1,799.00 |
| 83 |
|
|
|
| $1,699.99 |
| 74 |
|
|
|
|  $1,799.00 $1,999 $200 |
72 |
|
|
|
| $3,189.00 $3,500 $311 |
