What makes the best Viewsonic projectors? Viewsonic produces budget-minded home theater projectors, portable projector models, and versatile smart projector options for various entertainment and business use.
When it comes to choosing the best projector for you, the specs that matter most will depend on what you need from a projector. In most cases, it starts with excellent picture quality, and Viewsonic does a relatively decent job in this area. Most of their home theater projectors aim for at least WUXGA or 1080p HD native resolution, depending on your preferred aspect ratio.
Next, a projector should have a bright enough light source to produce clear, bright images on the projection screen and not wash out in the ambient light. Viewsonic projectors aren’t exactly slouching when it comes to lumens, with many models offering high ratings. Unfortunately, the projected image may not always be as bright as advertised. That’s why it’s a good idea to check into other leading brands, like great RCA projectors and top-rated Sony projectors.
Finally, look for features that add flexibility to your Viewsonic projector, such as a wide range of versatile connectivity options for pairing with your mobile device, laptop, 3D Blu-Ray Player, or Android TV. Keep reading to learn more about the best Viewsonic projectors and how they compare to models from other major brands, like NEC projectors.
Top ViewSonic Projectors
#1 ViewSonic M1 250-Lumen Projector
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This compact projector has a built-in battery and 16GB of storage space, allowing users to display movies and presentations on the go. With a flexible 360-degree stand, this device enables an effortless setup.
- Remarkable 360-degree stand
- Built-in speaker
- Integrated 16GB of storage space and SD card slot
- Poor resolution
The ViewSonic M1 250-lumen projector uses a high-quality LED lamp to deliver crisp images to the screen or wall. This device has a dual Harman/Kardon speaker system, delivering great sound for hassle-free movie watching. With a built-in battery, this device can be used without connecting to a power source, and it runs for up to 6 hours on a single charge. However, with a maximum resolution of just 640x480p, the image quality from this projector is mediocre, especially when projected on large screens.
This ViewSonic M1 250-lumen projector has an auto vertical keystone to simplify the setup. Weighing just 1.65 pounds and having a compact design, this projector is easy to transport. It has modern connectivity options that include HDMI and USB-C, simplifying plugging to PCs, Macs, and mobile devices. This projector has an integrated stand that offers flexibility during setup. It also has a micro SD card slot for onboard storage.
#2 ViewSonic PA503S 3800-Lumen Projector
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This projector produces very bright images, so it’s an ideal projector for rooms with bright lighting. The device has an optical zoom function and keystone adjustment, offering flexibility during installation.
- Incredible colors
- Rich selection of connectivity options
- Very bright imagery
- Low SVGA resolution
The ViewSonic PA503S 3800-lumen projector offers advanced visual features that will appeal to home and business users. This device produces a moderately sized image, offering a maximum screen size of 120 inches at 15-feet 8-inches away. With a maximum brightness of 3800 lumens, this projector is quite bright and is suitable for well lit rooms. It features a number of ports, including HDMI and VGA. However, its SVGA resolution produces a slightly pixelated image on large screens.
This ViewSonic PA503S 3800-lumen projector comes with a remote control for intuitive operation. It has a 1.1x optical zoom lens, offering a measure of flexibility during installation. This device also has analog RS232 and AV-in ports for connection to legacy devices. An audio output port enables connecting speakers and other sound systems. This ViewSonic projector features Super Color technology and a wide color gamut for vibrant pictures.
#3 ViewSonic M1 Mini 120-Lumen Projector
Award: BEST COMPACT
WHY WE LIKE IT: A compact design with a smart 360-degree stand enables using this projector easily for field presentations. The device is a self-contained unit, boasting built-in sound and battery.
- Incredibly flexible smart stand
- Outstanding portable design
- Built-in speaker
- Low resolution
Users who regularly display presentations in the field should consider the ViewSonic M1 Mini 120-lumen projector. This device measures just 4×4 inches and is very lightweight, so it can fit easily in a purse or backpack for on the go-use. It has an integrated JBL speaker, eliminating the need for connecting external sound systems. However, with a WVGA resolution of just 854x480p, this device is not ideal for large screen sizes and home theaters.
This ViewSonic M1 Mini 120-lumen projector has a USB interface for plug-and-play connectivity to computers. With automatic vertical keystone correction, this projector aligns the image well, simplifying installation. The projector features a built-in battery that provides power for up to 1.5 hours. An integrated smart stand on this device allows positioning this projector in a wide variety of orientations easily. The projector has a stylish design that offers visual appeal.
#4 ViewSonic PJD5134 3000-Lumen Projector
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Award: BEST FOR LEGACY COMPUTERS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This projector produces super bright imagery that’s adequate to fight glare in brightly lit conference rooms and living spaces. The projector boasts VGA, composite, and S-video ports, connecting easily to older computers
- Impressive selection of ports
- Brilliant imagery
- Keystone correction and zoom function
- Weak built-in speakers
- Low resolution
- Long throw distance
The ViewSonic PJD5134 3000-lumen projector brings reliable performance to home theaters and conference rooms. This device with a maximum brightness of 3,000 ANSI lumens provides great pictures in dark or brightly lit rooms. The projector boasts a selection of ports, including HDMI and USB 2.0 for connecting easily to computers. It also has a VGA/audio out port for sound. However, with an SVGA resolution, this device lacks the clarity needed for clearly displaying high-resolution video and text.
This ViewSonic PJD5134 3000-lumen projector features dual VGA, composite, S-video, and RS232 ports for connecting older TVs and computers with ease. Vertical keystone correction and a 1.1x optical zoom function offer flexibility during setup. This projector comes with a remote control for easy operation. Dynamic ECO technology reduces the screen brightness without affecting the clarity. Featuring DLP technology, this device delivers crisp videos and text.
#5 ViewSonic PJD5155 3300-Lumen Projector
Award: BEST FOR LARGE CONFERENCE ROOMS
WHY WE LIKE IT: The projector has a powerful sound system with a built-in amplifier, delivering great audio in large rooms. With an excellent maximum brightness rating and 300-inch maximum screen size, this device is ideal for big conference rooms and home theaters.
- Incredible 300-inch screen size
- Super-bright picture quality
- Impressive SonicExpert speaker system
- Long throw distance
The ViewSonic PJD5155 3300-lumen projector is the device of choice for large conference rooms and home theaters. This projector has a variable screen size, ranging from just 30 inches to an outstanding 300 inches. The projector has a plug-and-play design that simplifies installation on the computer. With a reliable lamp, this device provides up to 10,000 hours of lamp life.
This ViewSonic PJD5155 3300-lumen projector offers flexible connectivity options, connecting easily to devices with HDMI or VGA ports. The projector comes with a remote control with comprehensive functions for easy customization. Boasting up to 3,300 lumens of brightness, this projector produces very bright imagery, which is visible even in brightly lit rooms. The device also has composite video and S-video inputs for connecting to older devices. This projector has an integrated speaker with SonicExpert tech to deliver captivating audio.
#6 ViewSonic PX747-4K 3500-Lumen Projector
Award: BEST FOR UHD CONTENT
WHY WE LIKE IT: This projector produces UHD content, making it a good choice for home cinemas and large conference rooms. It provides very bright text and supports high dynamic range content.
- Incredible UHD picture quality
- Very bright imagery
- Great selection of ports
- Lacks Ethernet port
The ViewSonic PX747-4K 3500-lumen projector is a projector of choice for home theaters. This device has a 4K screen with a maximum resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. With a large screen size of up to 300 inches, this device is ideal for large home theaters and conference rooms. The projector is very bright, delivering crisp imagery even in brightly lit rooms. However, the device lacks an Ethernet port and doesn’t have smart features.
This ViewSonic PX747-4K 3500-lumen projector supports HDR content, delivering gorgeous movies and games. With a reliable lamp and SuperEco mode, this projector has a lamp life of up to 15,000 hours. It features a number of ports, including two HDMI ports and a USB connector. The device also has a VGA port for connecting older devices. This projector has a 1.2x optical zoom lens for flexible installation. A Kensigton lock slot on this device offers security.
Introduction to Viewsonic Projectors
Based in Southern California and Taipei, Taiwan, Viewsonic is a leading display hardware and technology company specializing in business, education, and home entertainment markets. The company started in 1987 as Keypoint Technology Corporation, producing the “ViewSonic” line of color CRT monitors. In the 1990s, the company renamed itself after the successful ViewSonic line and went on to become one of the leading innovators in LCD monitors and interactive displays.
ViewSonic produces a wide range of high-resolution projectors for commercial theaters, music venues, classrooms, and meeting rooms.
In addition, Viewsonic offers many versatile projector models for home and travel entertainment. These include portable projector and outdoor projector series, as well as some innovative gaming and interactive projectors. Depending on your budget and the type of projector you’re looking for, Viewsonic offers 4K models with outstanding image quality, plus HD projector options at affordable price points.
With an extensive R&D background in the LCD and interactive display businesses, Viewsonic has been quick to utilize the latest advances in LCD chipsets for compact projectors. They also use solid-state LED or laser light sources in many of their brightest projectors, increasing lamp life and lowering maintenance costs.
How Viewsonic Projectors Compare to Other Brands
(Pro 1) Many LED-driven Budget Models: Viewsonic has a more diverse and flexible budget projector range than projector manufacturers like Acer. These include award-winning, ultra-portable units with internal speakers, a built-in battery, and integrated 360-degree smart stands.
(Con 1) Lower Light Output: Compared to some other projector lines, the Viewsonic home theater range tends to offer a little less light output. This means that many of their smaller Bluetooth projector and smart projector options work better in dark environments. This also means they won’t well as a 3D projector or even a projector for a golfing simulator.
(Pro 2) Affordable Laser HD Projector Options: Viewsonic offers some of the more affordable ultra-high-resolution projectors on the market. Their laser-driven 4K models, in particular, offer great picture quality and some smart design features, making them some of the best projectors under $1000.
(Con 2) Complex Setup: While the user experience is generally good, top-of-the-line Viewsonic models offer such a large array of input options and settings that they can be confusing for first-time projector users.
(Pro 3) Excellent Lamp Life in Laser Models: Viewsonic’s impressive range of laser projectors includes models with up to 30,000 hours of lamp life. Combined with acceptable lumen output for relatively bright environments like classrooms or a living room, these laser projectors are a lower-maintenance alternative to bright, lamp-based projector units.
(Con 3) Limited 4K Native Resolution Model Selection: While offering a generally wide range of versatile projectors, Viewsonic has comparatively few models occupying the highest native resolution ultra-high-quality home theater niche. This may limit your options if you want to project on a large screen. In that case, you might want to consider a top 1080p projector instead.
Why You Should Buy a New Viewsonic Projector
A step above large TVs and monitors in terms of sheer image size, a projector can offer a more cinematic experience for your home theater setup. When upgrading your home audio quality, you might also consider adding a home or portable projector for truly immersive gaming and movie watching.
Today’s projectors are also versatile. With numerous options for throw distance, native resolution, and projector screen size, you can find projectors suited to a broad spectrum of uses.
For example, getting a projector allows for an outdoor movie night, and a portable outdoor projector lets you show movies at the park or host a mini drive-in at your next block party. This type of projector also usually comes with wireless, flexible connectivity options, including WiFi and Bluetooth.
Alternatively, you might want a projector to display text, graphics, or data at a professional event. Modern Viewsonic projectors offer crisp images and are easier to set up, thanks to features like auto keystone and optical zoom.
Compared to earlier digital models, the newest projectors have improved brightness and deliver stunning picture quality if you’re used to previous 480p or XGA imagery. They also suffer less from color fringing and moire effects, thanks to improved digital light processing.
In addition, the current Viewsonic range has expanded options for laser and LED-driven projectors. These devices represent an improved value proposition, with longer service intervals for similar brightness, saving on the cost of replacement lamps.
In models with an internal battery, the battery life has improved with each iteration, and current ViewSonic mini projectors offer a battery life long enough to watch a feature film.
How Long Will a Viewsonic Projector Last?
Projectors can last anywhere from about three to over five years in normal use cases. Schools and businesses mostly figure on a 3-year service life for traditional lamp projectors. With the right care and maintenance, home theater projectors may last much longer due to less rigorous duty cycles.
In conventional models, the lamp unit generally lasts from 1,500 to 3,000 hours. ViewSonic lamp projectors may offer multiple light output settings. Selecting the brightest mode only when needed for bright environments helps prolong lamp life.
Laser diodes on ViewSonic’s laser DLP projectors last much longer than bulbs with equivalent light output. The brand’s 3,000-lumen laser classroom projectors are rated for 30,000 hours of illumination.
To help your projectors last longer overall, make sure to avoid overheating. Keep the air intakes and filters unobstructed, and place the projector in an area with plenty of airflow for better cooling. Let the unit cool down between runs if it feels hot to the touch.
ViewSonic Projector Warranties
ViewSonic projectors come with a relatively generous warranty that includes three years of parts and labor coverage on the projector and one year of coverage on the original equipment lamp. The company also warranties replacement lamps for 90 days.
The standard 3-year limited warranty covers manufacturing and parts defects and excludes accidental damage, shipping damage, and typical wear and tear. Setup and connectivity issues may or may not be covered. However, ViewSonic does include a 30-day “DOA” guarantee that lets users exchange any product found to be “dead on arrival.”
An optional 5-year warranty extends the coverage period for the projector and lamp. Opting for the extended warranty adds upfront cost but nets a 20,000-hour lamp guarantee and ViewSonic’s “express exchange” service. Product eligibility may vary somewhat, and some services may differ by region. As always, with electronics warranties, check the product details and fine print.
