HT2050A

If you want a solid, reliable projector that’s not overly complicated, I’d lean more toward something like the BenQ HT2050A, it’s got great image clarity and pretty good brightness, especially for casual movies and gaming. The Epson Home Cinema 2150 is also a strong pick if you want a bit more flexibility and a brighter, more evenly lit image. The Anker Capsule is super portable but limited in lumens, so it’s best for very low-light setups. As for Dangbei, I’d recommend checking out their compact laser/LED models, they offer great value for picture quality, build, and long-term performance, especially if you're okay investing a little more for quality.

If you haven't, look at this video and watch others on his site... [https://youtu.be/9QqnfJ0-I\_s?si=SasM42EBRqjIdztV](https://youtu.be/9QqnfJ0-I_s?si=SasM42EBRqjIdztV) The Hook Up covers various models at differing price points which is quite helpful. IMO, if you are going to spend only $300, you should spend under $100 or so and call it a day. Maybe $150. But, you are getting low end models as you are aware. You CAN game on them, but they just tend to be laggy. This video specifically covers models like the Nexigo PJ40 which actually DO have low input lag for gaming... [https://youtu.be/vHmy8sobWEc?si=mCODYmJJoKvHEbOQ](https://youtu.be/vHmy8sobWEc?si=mCODYmJJoKvHEbOQ) You have options. These aren't high quality, reliable options, but they are okay for what they are. Ideal for 100" or so gaming in a darkish room. Lights off in the room, and some lights over by the seating area isn't a horrible way to do things. Long term, a model like the W1070 or HT2050a from BenQ are REALLY god for entry level home theater and gaming. Low input lag, really solid performance. So, keep your eyes open for a deal out there.

You have the major points covered. This video is a must watch, but the 'clear winner' was the Nexigo PJ40 which basically has been the best 'cheap' projector for several years now. That's not good. That means that the cheap projector market isn't changing for the better. [https://youtu.be/SKW2IIaLp\_4?si=RMtuDBNeo\_2-MKkM](https://youtu.be/SKW2IIaLp_4?si=RMtuDBNeo_2-MKkM) I'd look used. I would scour the used market and find something that actually was a brand name model of decent quality within my budget. I bought a HT2050a for under $200, with a lamp that is aging and some dust inside. Need to clean it up still, and the aging lamp is still working fine. With a replacement lamp, it would be just over $200 total. It may take a bit to find a home theater designed BenQ, Optoma, or Epson projector within budget, but the quality jump makes it the best way to go IMO.

Magcubic is a cheap no-name Chinese company that sells extremely low end product. They are bought a lot, but also have a ton of issues. They are very dim, and not appropriate for any serious home theater. You REALLY want to check the videos over at [www.youtube.com/thehookup](http://www.youtube.com/thehookup) as he just put out a sub-$500 projector shootout. The Nexigo PJ40 was ranked best, with some other options in there. He also has done a similar shootout for sub-$100 projectors. Here's the deal: At this price point you are getting mostly no-name models which use single LCD panel technology that is prone to failure. Understand you aren't buying long term quality, and that's half the battle. Then you don't get brightness, or sharpness, or quiet operation. Whatever issues you have will rarely get any support from the manufacturer. The single LCD often doesn't get proper cooling and it (literally) burns up, or the from polarizer burns up. This appears as a brown spot in the image. I personally bought the Happrun H1 for about $70 on Amazon. It was inexpensive, and it is okay, at best. I hooked up a Amazon Fire TV Stick to it, and it showed an image. Yay. It filled my 110" diagonal screen with what was a usable, but dim image. The noise was significantly more than my branded higher end projector (JVC) and my used BenQ models (HT2050a, W1070) but the Happrun only put out about 1/10th the light output. Audio should generally be considered an afterthought on most projectors. Not all of them, but in general, audio isn't that good. A decent Bluetooth speaker is often a significant step up in audio quality.

Yeah, HT2150ST. Typically there are letters left off to make typing it a bit easier. But, feel free to ask. Like the Epson 5050UB is their Home Cinema 5050UB. Anyway, get to know the throw distance calculator at Projector Central. Understand it completely. It will go a long way to help you understand what you will need to deal with. Also understand not only throw distance/screen size, but what the lens offset is and where you must physically place the projector for best results. The BenQ 2150ST, is a lamp-based projector. Not a huge deal if buying used and getting a good deal, but remember, you will have to replace the lamp at some point and a quality replacement lamp (not from eBay/Amazon) from a place like Pureland Supply will cost a bit of money every few years or so, depending on usage. Some people run their lamps to 10,000 hours, so that's a (long) movie a day for around 10 years. Pretty freakin' solid. I'm a huge fan of the older BenQ 1080p projectors. From their w1070 to their HT2050a and HT2060. They all have been REALLY strong models in their home theater lineup. The HT2050a had been out for several years when it was replaced with the HT2060, but up until then it was considered the best value 1080p projector on the market without any real competition.

If clear picture, good brightness, reliable performance for movies and gaming are a priority and also at a reasonable price, can't go wrong with the BenQ HT2050A or the Epson Home Cinema. Personally I have seen Epson at almost everyone's home(basement) who I have visited and it checks all the boxes except looking borderline bulky!

I have a BenQ HT2050A and they have a fantastic picture for an older 1080p projector and can be had for $3-400 used. Tried out a few of the newer 4K laser projectors for $1K+ and the difference wasn’t as huge as I’d thought it would be.

I will be honest - I tested both against my 2050A and I just wound up conceding and keeping my BenQ. There’s discernible difference in the 4K pixel shifters but the 2050 frankly doesn’t look much different to me, even with 4K discs. Might just be me though. It wasn’t worth $1500.

I had the ht2050a for 10 years and recently upgraded but it had great color and blacks for the price and is frequently regarded in reviews as the best projector you can buy under $1k for movies. Benq is also a trusted brand with great customer service if you do experience any issues - there are a lot of untrustworthy new brands you find on Amazon where you would be SOL if there were ever a problem.