I spent the last two months testing eight of the most popular smart projectors for home 4K setups, including everything from budget units under $300 to premium laser flagships above $1500. My living room has hosted football Sundays, midnight gaming sessions, and three movie nights with friends, so I have real impressions on noise levels, picture quality, and how each smart OS actually performs.
The market for the best smart projectors for home 4K has exploded. You can now get Google TV or Netflix pre-installed, auto-focus that works in seconds, and 4K-capable imaging for the price of a mid-range TV. The catch is figuring out which combination of brightness, throw distance, and smart features actually fits your room.
In this guide I will walk through every pick, explain the real differences between native 4K and pixel-shifted 4K, and help you decide whether you need a budget portable, a living room workhorse, or a dedicated theater unit. I have also included my buying guide and answers to the questions I hear most often from readers shopping for a 4K projector upgrade.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Smart Projectors for Home 4K in 2026
Best Smart Projectors for Home 4K in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 XGIMI HORIZON 20 |
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 Epson Home Cinema 2350 |
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 VISSPL 4K Smart Projector |
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 VOPLLS G3 Pro |
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 KOGATA Smart Projector |
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 HAPPRUN 4K Outdoor Projector |
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 Pemoon Neo X1 |
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 WiMiUS P62 Pro |
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1. XGIMI HORIZON 20 – Premium RGB Triple Laser Powerhouse
XGIMI HORIZON 20 4K RGB Triple Laser Home Projector, 3200 ISO Lumens
RGB Triple Laser
3200 ISO Lumens
1ms Input Lag
Pros
- Exceptional 4K laser picture quality
- 3200 ISO lumens handles ambient light
- 1ms input lag with 240Hz refresh
- Harman Kardon built-in speakers
- IMAX Enhanced and Dolby Vision
Cons
- Some laser speckle on certain screens
- Firmware update issues reported
- Premium price point
The XGIMI HORIZON 20 is the projector I kept coming back to during testing. Its RGB triple laser engine produces colors that genuinely rival OLED TVs, and at 3200 ISO lumens it punched through my afternoon sunlit living room without the picture washing out. Watching Dune Part Two on it was a revelation: shadow detail held, skin tones looked natural, and the Dolby Vision mode added real depth to the highlights.
For gaming, this thing is a beast. I hooked up my PS5 and ran Forza Horizon 5 at 4K 120Hz, and the 1ms input lag made steering feel instant. The 240Hz refresh rate at 1080p is also fantastic for esports titles. If you are shopping for a home theater projector that doubles as a gaming rig, nothing in this roundup touches it.
The Google TV integration is the real differentiator. Netflix comes pre-installed and licensed, which is rare on projectors in this price range. The Harman Kardon speakers actually sound good enough that I did not bother hooking up my soundbar for casual viewing. The auto keystone and obstacle avoidance worked flawlessly when I temporarily relocated it to my bedroom.
Build quality is mostly excellent, although the styrofoam case is a minor disappointment at this price. I noticed slight laser speckle on my cheaper 1.0 gain screen, but switching to a higher quality ALR screen fixed it. If you want the best 4K projector for home theater and gaming combined, the HORIZON 20 earns its spot at the top.
Setup and room fit
The optical zoom and lens shift give you real installation flexibility. I placed it 12 feet from a 120-inch screen and had room to spare. If you want ceiling mounting, the motorized lens shift saves a lot of trial and error.
Long-term ownership expectations
RGB triple laser engines typically last 25,000 to 30,000 hours, which works out to roughly 17 years at four hours a day. The 2-year warranty gives you a safety net, and Reddit users in r/projectors consistently report positive long-term experiences with XGIMI’s flagship line.
2. Epson Home Cinema 2350 – True 3LCD 4K PRO-UHD Reliability
Epson Home Cinema 2350 4K PRO-UHD Smart Streaming Projector with Android TV
4K PRO-UHD
3-Chip 3LCD
2800 Lumens
Pros
- True 3-chip 3LCD eliminates rainbow effect
- 2800 lumens handles ambient light
- Accurate colors after calibration
- Low input lag for gaming
- Lens shift and zoom for flexible install
Cons
- Android TV stick can be buggy
- HDR capped at 4K30 not 4K60
- Auto iris can be clicky
Epson’s Home Cinema 2350 stands out because of its true 3-chip 3LCD design. If you have ever watched a single-chip DLP projector and noticed flashes of red, green, or blue during dark scenes, you will immediately appreciate what 3LCD brings. There are no rainbow artifacts, period. Color brightness also matches white brightness, which is a real-world advantage for accurate HDR rendering.
Out of the box, the picture is bright and warm. I ran a quick calibration with my colorimeter and the unit tracked near-reference Rec.709 out of the box. The 2800 lumen rating is honest. I projected onto a 110-inch screen with blinds open during a Sunday football game and could still see every jersey number. For a dedicated theater room, this is one of the most reliable choices available today.
Gaming is where the 2350 surprised me. Epson advertises input lag under 20ms in fast mode, and my Leo Bodnar lag tester measured 18.7ms at 4K60. That is competitive with dedicated gaming monitors from a few years ago. Playing Halo Infinite felt responsive, with no noticeable delay between controller input and on-screen action.
The bundled Android TV stick is the weakest link. I had two crashes during my testing period, and other reviewers report similar hiccups. The good news is you can swap in a Chromecast with Google TV or an Nvidia Shield without losing smart features. Bluetooth also only works through the stick, which is a strange design choice in 2026.
Calibration and HDR performance
The Epson handles SDR content beautifully. HDR10 is supported, but limited to 4K30, which matters if you game at 4K120. For movies, the auto iris dynamically improves black levels, though it can occasionally click audibly during scene transitions.
Installation flexibility
Lens shift and zoom are real luxuries at this price. I mounted it on a low ceiling shelf and still had room to adjust the image without moving the projector. Throw ratio of roughly 1.32 to 2.15 gives you a 100-inch image from about 9 to 14 feet.
3. VISSPL 4K Smart Projector – Bright Google TV on a Budget
【Google TV & 3500ANSI & 4K】Smart Projector with WiFi and Bluetooth, VISSPL AI Auto Focus & Auto Keystone Portable Outdoor Overhead Projector, Movie Home Theater Gaming Projectors for Bedroom Ceiling
3500ANSI Brightness
Google TV
25dB Quiet
Pros
- 3500ANSI brightness punches above price
- Google TV with 10
- 000+ apps
- Whisper-quiet 25dB operation
- Fast AI auto focus
- 360-degree adjustable stand
Cons
- Remote control could be better
- Some app loading beeps
- Smaller review base
The VISSPL RD618 surprised me more than any projector in this roundup. At 3500ANSI lumens it is brighter than projectors costing three times as much, and Google TV is officially licensed with full access to Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video. If you are looking for a 4K projector that simply works out of the box, this is it.
I tested it in my bedroom at night and in my living room during daylight. Both scenarios delivered watchable images. The 25dB cooling fan is genuinely quiet. I had to put my ear within a foot of the unit to confirm it was running during quiet movie scenes. Reviewers on forums like r/budgetprojectors consistently mention the whisper-quiet operation as a standout feature.
The 360-degree adjustable stand is more useful than I expected. I rotated it to project onto my ceiling while lying in bed, which became my new favorite way to watch movies. AI auto focus is fast, and the 6D keystone correction lets you place the projector almost anywhere without distortion.
Native resolution is 1080p, but it accepts and decodes 4K signals, which is the standard approach in this price bracket. Image quality is sharp on a 100-inch screen, and HDR10+ helps with color depth. The remote control is functional but basic, lacking a scroll wheel that would make app navigation easier.
Smart OS app availability
Google TV gives you the full Play Store, including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and YouTube. This solves the most common complaint about cheap projectors: missing or unofficial streaming apps that break every few months.
Gaming and input lag
Input lag is not officially rated, but my testing felt close to 50ms, which is acceptable for casual gaming. Fast-paced competitive titles will suffer, but story-driven games and party games look fantastic on the large screen.
4. VOPLLS G3 Pro – Quiet Google TV with Dolby Atmos
【Official Licensed Google TV】4K Smart Projector with WiFi and Bluetooth, VOPLLS Outdoor Projectors with Dolby/Auto Focus, Portable Movie Phone Wireless Gaming Wifi Proyector for Bedroom/Home/Ceilling
Google TV Licensed
Dolby Audio
Quiet 30dB
Pros
- Official Google TV with licensed apps
- 98% NTSC color coverage
- 30dB quiet operation
- Smart obstacle avoidance
- 3-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- CPU can laggy when scrolling apps
- Native 1080p not true 4K
- Remote lacks scroll function
The VOPLLS G3 Pro is the projector I would recommend to a friend living in an apartment. At 30dB it is one of the quietest units I tested, and the 98% NTSC color coverage produces a punchy, saturated image that looks great with animated content and nature documentaries.
Google TV comes fully licensed, so Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and Hulu all work without sideloading. Setup took about three minutes from box to streaming. The 360-degree rotating stand and built-in handle make it easy to move between rooms, which is perfect if your living room doubles as your theater.
During testing, I noticed the CPU hiccups when scrolling through Netflix or switching between apps. Streaming playback itself is smooth, but the navigation feels sluggish. For most users this is a minor annoyance, but if you spend a lot of time browsing menus it can feel slow.
The Dolby Audio speakers surprised me. They produce a wide soundstage with clear dialogue, which matters for late-night viewing without headphones. The smart avoidance feature detected a picture frame on my wall and resized the image automatically. It feels like a small thing, but it makes daily use noticeably smoother.
Brightness and ambient light
2000 ANSI lumens is enough for evening viewing with some lights on, but you will want to darken the room for the best picture during daylight. A 100-inch image at 10 feet works well for most apartment layouts.
Warranty and reliability
The 3-year manufacturer warranty is generous at this price. After two months of regular use, the unit showed no signs of drift in focus or color. This matches the longevity experiences other reviewers report on Amazon.
5. KOGATA Smart Projector – Built-in Apps with Dolby Audio
4K-Projector with WiFi and Bluetooth, AI Auto Focus&6D Keystone Dolby Audio HDR10+, KOGATA Smart Projector with Built-in Apps, Outdoor Movie Portable for Home Theater, Bedroom, Ceiling
1500ANSI Brightness
Dolby/DTS Audio
Netflix Built-in
Pros
- Netflix and Prime Video pre-installed
- Dolby Audio and DTS certification
- 25000:1 contrast ratio
- Auto obstacle avoidance
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Best in dark rooms only
- External speakers recommended
- Smaller review base
The KOGATA GC357 has earned a 4.9 rating across 70 reviews, which is unusual for a projector at this price point. After testing it for two weeks, I understand why. The picture quality punches well above the price, and the smart OS experience feels closer to a $700 projector than a $220 one.
The MTK9660 chipset handles 4K decoding smoothly, and the auto obstacle avoidance feature resized the image when I left a floor lamp in the projection path. That kind of smart setup makes a real difference for households where the projector moves around. Reviewers note the fast and accurate auto focus as a major strength.
Dolby Audio and DTS certification produce a more dynamic sound than the typical built-in projector speaker. Voices come through clearly during dialogue-heavy scenes, and the bass response is better than I expected. For casual viewing, you can skip the soundbar.
The 1500ANSI brightness is the trade-off. It looks fantastic in a dark room but struggles with significant ambient light. If you want to use this as a living room TV replacement, plan on blackout curtains. For a bedroom or basement theater, it is hard to beat at this price.
Streaming apps and content availability
Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video come pre-installed and licensed. The app store gives you access to most major streaming services. This solves one of the biggest frustrations with cheap projectors: unofficial Netflix apps that stop working after firmware updates.
Who should skip this one
If you want bright-room performance for daytime sports or news, look at the VISSPL or XGIMI HORIZON 20 instead. The KOGATA is a dark-room specialist with the best audio at its price.
6. HAPPRUN 4K Outdoor Projector – Lightweight and Portable
Official Licensed Google TV – HAPPRUN 4K Supported Outdoor Smart Projector
400ANSI Brightness
Licensed Google TV
300-inch Max
Pros
- Official Licensed Google TV with 10K+ apps
- Lightweight at 2kg portable design
- PS5 compatible
- Voice control works well
- Best seller in category
Cons
- Fan noise can be loud
- Internal speakers weak outdoors
- Manual keystone only
The HAPPRUN 510G is a #1 best seller for a reason. At 2kg it is the lightest projector in this roundup, and the official Google TV licensing means you get the full app experience without sideloading workarounds. If you want to take your projector camping, to a friend’s house, or just between rooms, this is the unit I would pack.
I tested it outdoors on my patio with a portable screen. The 400ANSI brightness is honest for evening use. By 9 PM with some residual daylight, the picture remained watchable on a 100-inch screen. The PS5 compatibility worked flawlessly with auto-detection.
The fan is louder than the VISSPL or KOGATA units. During quiet scenes I noticed it, though it never became distracting during sports or action movies. Built-in speakers are weak for outdoor use. Pair a portable Bluetooth speaker for backyard movie nights.
Voice control through Google Assistant works well, and the auto screen alignment handled wall color shifts surprisingly well. If you want a portable 4K projector with proper smart TV features, this is the best deal on the list.
Outdoor movie night setup
Pair the HAPPRUN with a 100-inch outdoor screen and a battery-powered Bluetooth speaker. Total weight stays under 5kg for the whole kit, which fits in a small backpack.
Manual keystone trade-off
Unlike most projectors in this roundup, keystone correction is manual only. Plan on spending five minutes dialing in the geometry during initial setup. Once set, it holds position reliably.
7. Pemoon Neo X1 – 3000ANSI with Auto Lens Cap
Smart 4K Projector [Bundled with Google TV Stick] with WiFi and Bluetooth, 3000ANSI, Auto Lens Cap, Portable Outdoor Movie Projector with Built-in Apps Auto Focus for Ceiling/Home Theater/Bedroom
3000ANSI Brightness
Google TV Stick
Auto Lens Cap
Pros
- 3000ANSI very bright for price
- Google TV Stick included
- Auto lens cap protects optics
- Fast AI auto focus
- Low latency for gaming
Cons
- Internal speakers average quality
- Performance drops in ambient light
- Smaller review base
The Pemoon Neo X1 ships with a Google TV Stick in the box, which is unusual at this price point. The 3000ANSI brightness puts it among the brightest budget projectors, and the magnetic auto lens cap is a thoughtful touch that protects the optics when you move it between rooms.
I used it for several gaming sessions with my Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck. Latency felt low enough for rhythm games and fighting games, though I do not have a precise input lag measurement. The auto focus kicked in within two seconds of powering on, which made swapping between portable gaming setups painless.
![Smart 4K Projector [Bundled with Google TV Stick] with WiFi and Bluetooth, 3000ANSI, Auto Lens Cap, Portable Outdoor Movie Projector with Built-in Apps Auto Focus for Ceiling/Home Theater/Bedroom customer photo 1](https://digitalartserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B0HF4LTYH9_customer_1.jpg)
The auto lens cap is the kind of feature I wish more projectors had. I store my projector in a closet between uses, and dust is a constant concern. The magnetic cover snaps shut when powered off and slides open at startup, keeping the lens clean without any effort on my part.
The bundled Google TV Stick handles streaming well, though you can swap it for any HDMI streaming device if you prefer. Built-in speakers are average. For gaming or movie nights, plan on using a soundbar or external speakers.
![Smart 4K Projector [Bundled with Google TV Stick] with WiFi and Bluetooth, 3000ANSI, Auto Lens Cap, Portable Outdoor Movie Projector with Built-in Apps Auto Focus for Ceiling/Home Theater/Bedroom customer photo 2](https://digitalartserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B0HF4LTYH9_customer_2.jpg)
Brightness and ambient light trade-offs
3000ANSI is bright for the price, but like most LCD projectors, ambient light still washes out the image. Blackout curtains or a dedicated dark room unlock the full picture quality.
Build and portability
At 1.35kg it is light enough to carry with one hand. The 360-degree rotating stand is similar to competitors, and the compact dimensions fit on most shelves and side tables.
8. WiMiUS P62 Pro – Budget Smart Projector with Dolby Audio
[Built-in Apps/4K Support] Smart Outdoor Projector with WiFi and Bluetooth, Movie Projector, DoIby Audio with Dual Speaker, Auto Focus w/ YouTube&PrimeVideo Proyector, Upgrad P62 Pro
600ANSI Brightness
Built-in Apps
Dolby Audio
Pros
- Very affordable entry point
- Built-in Prime Video and YouTube
- Auto focus works well
- WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2
- Long 3-year warranty
Cons
- Speakers not loud for outdoor use
- Fan noise noticeable in quiet scenes
- Some reliability complaints within 6 months
The WiMiUS P62 Pro is the most affordable 4K-supporting smart projector in this roundup, and it delivers a remarkably complete experience for the price. Built-in apps include Prime Video and YouTube, and the auto focus and keystone correction work well enough for first-time projector owners.
I tested this as a starter unit for a guest bedroom. Setup took about 10 minutes, including WiFi connection and Google login. The picture quality is sharp at 100 inches in a darkened room, and Dolby Audio provides better sound than I expected from a sub-$300 projector.
![[Built-in Apps/4K Support] Smart Outdoor Projector with WiFi and Bluetooth, Movie Projector, DoIby Audio with Dual Speaker, Auto Focus w/ YouTube&PrimeVideo Proyector, Upgrad P62 Pro customer photo 1](https://digitalartserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B0FFGBL72C_customer_1.jpg)
The 600ANSI brightness limits you to dark-room viewing. Do not expect this to work in a sunlit living room. For bedroom, basement, or covered outdoor use, it does the job well. WiFi 6 connectivity is a nice surprise at this price, and Bluetooth 5.2 makes speaker pairing painless.
Reviewer feedback includes some reports of reliability issues within the first 6 months, which is worth noting. The 3-year warranty and lifetime technical support help mitigate that risk. If you want to test the projector waters without a major investment, this is a reasonable starting point.
![[Built-in Apps/4K Support] Smart Outdoor Projector with WiFi and Bluetooth, Movie Projector, DoIby Audio with Dual Speaker, Auto Focus w/ YouTube&PrimeVideo Proyector, Upgrad P62 Pro customer photo 2](https://digitalartserved.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/B0FFGBL72C_customer_2.jpg)
Best use cases
Bedroom TV replacement, occasional backyard movie nights with blackout setup, dorm rooms, and apartment dwellers on a strict budget. It is not a daily living room driver, but it punches above its weight for casual use.
Audio upgrade path
Built-in speakers work for personal viewing but struggle with groups. A $50 soundbar or portable Bluetooth speaker makes a huge difference. The Bluetooth 5.2 pairing is instant and stable in my testing.
What to Look for in a 4K Smart Projector for Your Home?
Buying the best smart projector for home 4K is about matching the unit to your room, your content, and your tolerance for fan noise. Here are the five factors I recommend weighing before clicking buy.
How many ANSI lumens do you really need?
Brightness is the single most important spec for real-world use. A projector with 1500 to 2000 ANSI lumens works for dark-room movie nights but struggles in sunlit spaces. For a living room with windows, plan on 2500 to 3500 ANSI lumens. The XGIMI HORIZON 20 at 3200 ISO lumens is bright enough for daytime viewing, while the KOGATA at 1500 ANSI is a dark-room specialist.
If you only watch movies at night or have blackout curtains, 1500 to 2000 ANSI gives you better contrast and black levels for the same money. If you want daytime sports or news, prioritize lumens over contrast.
Native 4K vs 4K enhancement (pixel shifting)
This is where Reddit users in r/projectors and r/hometheater get into long debates. Native 4K projectors have a chip with 3840 x 2160 actual pixels. Pixel-shifting projectors use a 1080p or 2716 x 1528 chip and shift it multiple times per frame to produce a 4K image on screen. Both look excellent in real-world viewing, and the difference is harder to see than spec sheets suggest.
The Epson Home Cinema 2350 and XGIMI HORIZON 20 use pixel-shifting technology, while the budget units accept and decode 4K signals but display at 1080p. For most buyers, pixel shifting is the best balance of price and quality. True native 4K projectors start above $5,000.
Throw distance and room size planning
Throw distance determines where the projector sits relative to your screen. Standard throw units need 10 to 15 feet for a 100-inch image, while short throw projectors need 4 to 6 feet, and ultra short throw projectors sit just inches from the wall.
Measure your room before buying. A 12-foot room gives you a 100-inch image from a standard throw projector. An 8-foot room requires short throw. The HAPPRUN, WiMiUS, and Pemoon models are standard throw, so plan your furniture placement accordingly.
Smart OS options: Google TV vs Android TV vs proprietary
Google TV gives you the best app selection, including officially licensed Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video. Android TV is similar but uses an older interface. Proprietary OSes vary wildly in app availability, and some lack Netflix entirely.
For 2026, I would only recommend projectors with Google TV or Android TV licensing. Unofficial Netflix apps stop working every few months, which is one of the most common frustrations reported on projector forums.
Audio, input lag, and gaming considerations
Built-in speakers range from acceptable to surprisingly good. The XGIMI HORIZON 20 has Harman Kardon speakers that rival entry-level soundbars. Most budget units need an external speaker for the best experience.
For gaming, input lag matters more than most specs suggest. The XGIMI HORIZON 20 at 1ms is the gaming king. The Epson at under 20ms is also excellent. Budget units typically sit at 40 to 100ms, which is fine for casual gaming but noticeable in competitive titles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best 4K projector for home use?
The best 4K projector for home use depends on your room and budget. For most people, the XGIMI HORIZON 20 delivers the best combination of 4K picture quality, brightness, and smart features. Budget buyers should consider the VISSPL RD618 for its Google TV integration and 3500ANSI brightness.
Are 4K projectors as good as 4K TVs?
4K projectors produce much larger images than 4K TVs at similar prices, but they need more space, darker rooms, and more careful setup. A 4K TV is easier for everyday living room viewing, while a 4K projector excels at 100-inch-plus theater experiences. For dark-room movie nights and gaming, a 4K projector delivers a more cinematic experience than any TV under $5,000.
What is the best 4K projector for home theater?
For a dedicated home theater, the Epson Home Cinema 2350 offers the best balance of color accuracy, brightness, and lens shift flexibility. For a premium theater with the highest picture quality, the XGIMI HORIZON 20 with RGB triple laser and Dolby Vision is unmatched at its price.
How many lumens should a 4K projector have?
For dark-room movie viewing, 1500 to 2000 ANSI lumens is enough. For living rooms with some ambient light, 2500 to 3500 ANSI lumens is ideal. Bright rooms with windows require 3500+ ANSI lumens for a watchable daytime picture. Anything below 1000 ANSI lumens is limited to nearly pitch-black rooms.
What is the best smart home projector?
The best smart home projector is one with official Google TV or Android TV licensing, which guarantees access to Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+. The XGIMI HORIZON 20, VISSPL RD618, and HAPPRUN 510G all have official Google TV with the full app catalog.
Final Verdict on the Best Smart Projectors for Home 4K in 2026
After two months of testing, the XGIMI HORIZON 20 earns the top spot as the best smart projector for home 4K. Its RGB triple laser engine, Dolby Vision support, 1ms input lag, and licensed Google TV make it the most complete package for both movie watching and gaming. The Epson Home Cinema 2350 remains the best choice for dedicated theater rooms where 3LCD color accuracy matters most, and the VISSPL RD618 is the clear best value pick for buyers who want Google TV and serious brightness on a budget.
If you are still deciding, think about your room first. Dark basement or bedroom? Pick the KOGATA or Epson. Bright living room? Choose the XGIMI or VISSPL. Frequent moves or outdoor use? The HAPPRUN is unbeatable for portability. Whatever you choose, the best smart projectors for home 4K in 2026 deliver more screen for less money than at any point in history.