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The 6 Best Classroom Projectors of 2022

Best Classroom Projectors

Projectors are one of the most-used and most-versatile tools in the classroom. There are endless possibilities for all grade levels, from showing movies and PowerPoint slides to interactive software.. If you’re looking for the right projector for you classroom, look no further than our comprehensive list of six of the best classroom projectors. These projectors span all price points, for even the thriftiest of teachers!

[Please note that we might share a small portion of the sales from the links on this page. We only share products that we genuinely love and recommend. Now onto our review of the best projectors for classroom use. Header Image © WavebreakmediaMicro /Adobe Stock]

What is the Best Classroom Projector?

Here are our picks for the six best classroom projectors:

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BIGASUO 3-LCD Business Projector. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

We start our review of the best classroom projectors with No products found.. With this top-notch projector, it is unnecessary to connect directly to your PC or laptop because it supports a broad range of file formats like JPEG, PDF, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint straight from a USB stick. When it comes to convenience in the classroom, this is an instrumental technological innovation.

The projector also features an advanced 3LCD display. It is designed with the latest NTSC color technology, displaying one hundred percent of the RGB color signal for each frame without the dreaded “rainbow effect” or brightness problems. With a color contrast ratio of 15,000:1, this projector brings you an extraordinarily dynamic and vibrant projection image quality which is sure to leave an impression on even the most technologically critical students.

Specifications of the BIGASUO 3-LCD Business Projector:

Connectivity Technology: USB, HDMI, VGA, Micro USB
Display Technology: LCD
Image Brightness: 3500 ANSI Lumens
Contrast Ratio: 15,000:1
Item Dimensions: 17.3 x 15.2 x 7.4 inches
Item Weight: 10.73 pounds
Resolution: native resolution XGA 1024*768

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Epson PowerLite Classroom Projector. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Designed to optimize engagement and enhance lesson plans, this noteworthy projector features 3LCD technology to render stunning, wide-screen displays that burst with 3,800 lumens of color. An integrated moderator function allows up to fifty users to connect to the presentation and participate from laptops or mobile devices.

No products found. provides longevity in its lamp life, lasting up to 17,000 hours when operating in economy mode. The dual HDMI ports enable fast and straightforward connectivity to many high-definition audio and visual devices.

Specifications of the Epson PowerLite Classroom Projector:

Connectivity Technology: USB, Dual HDMI
Image Brightness: 3,800 Lumens
Contrast Ratio: 15000:1
Item Dimensions: 14.7 x 13.9 x 6.3 inches
Item Weight: ‎8.35 pounds
Resolution: 3LCD


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BenQ MS536 SVGA Business Projector. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Bringing you a pristine image quality that provides excellent classroom presentations, No products found. features a 20,000:1 contrast ratio and 4,000 ANSI Lumens. The dual HDMI connectivity enables swift data transmission and expanded multi-platform capabilities. Other notable features are its 1.2x zoom ratio, retractable foot, and vertical keystone, making for an almost effortless image alignment and overall setup.

Teachers of all kinds have used this projector in various educational settings, from seminary school classrooms to Toastmasters groups. Teachers agree that sharp images mean students can better see details such as numbers on charts and graphs

Specifications of the BenQ MS536 SVGA Business Projector:

Connectivity Technology: Dual HDMI offers multiplatform and expanded connectivity
Display: 60 – 120 inches
Image Brightness: 4000 ANSI Lumens
Contrast Ratio: 20,000:1
Item Dimensions: 13.09 x 9.5 x 3.9 inches
Item Weight: ‎5.25 pounds
Resolution: 800 x 600

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Epson VS260 3-Chip 3LCD XGA Projector. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Next on our list of the best classroom projectors is No products found..

From home offices to education classrooms, this lustrous and compact projector is proficient in displaying captivating, big-screen images from nearly any location you can imagine. Utilizing advanced 3-chip, 3LCD technology and XGA resolution, this projector is perfect for creating dynamic and engaging presentations. Additionally, the VS260 takes Zoom video conferencing to a whole new level. Thi Epson projector also conveniently connects to many streaming devices like the Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, and Google Chromecast, through its handy HDMI port.

Specifications of the Epson VS260 3-Chip 3LCD XGA Projector:

Connectivity Technology: HDMI, Mini USB, VGA
Display Technology: DLP
Image Brightness: 3300 lumens
Contrast Ratio: 22000:1
Item Dimensions: 8.98 x 12.44 x 4.08 in
Item weight: 4.63 lbs
Resolution: XGA

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Optoma ZH403 1080p Professional Laser Projector. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

No products found. combines 1080p resolution, an incredible 300,000:1 contrast ratio, and 4,000 lumens of brightness to bring you crystal-clear and detailed images. However, the best part is that your next lecture or presentation will not have to be given in the dark. The incredible image quality produced by this projector is designed for optimal viewing with the lights in your classroom fully on. Its featured DuraCore laser light source removes the need for pesky lamp and filter replacements for nearly 30,000 hours of use, saving you precious time and money.

There is also no need to invest separately in a good audio source because its 10-watt built-in speaker is completely loud enough to reach everyone in small-to-medium-sized classrooms.

Specifications of the Optoma ZH403 1080p Professional Laser Projector:

Connectivity Technology: 1x HDMI, 1x HDMI 2.0, VGA, audio in (3.5mm), USB-A (power, 5V, 1.5A), micro USB (service)
Display: Project a 120″ image from 10.5 – 13.8 feet away
Image Brightness: 4000 lumens, lights on presentations
Contrast Ratio: 300,000:1
Item Dimensions: 13.3 x 10.5 x 4.8 inches
Item Weight: ‎9.4 pounds
Resolution: 1080p 1920x1080p, High Dynamic Range and 4K Input

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AAXA P7 Mini for Business and Home Theater. Click the photo to see the price on Amazon.

Last but not least on our list of the best classroom projectors is the No products found.. It is by far the smallest, lightest, most portable projector on our list.

The native 1080p Full HD resolution on this P7 projector from AAXA features comes to you in a super compact and miniature form. Measuring just 4.7″ x 4.4″ x 2.7″ and weighing less than two pounds, the P7 projector puts a whole new meaning to the word “portable.”

Its rechargeable, 38W Lithium-Ion Battery is included in the deal for Amazon customers and provides up to 90 minutes of runtime. There is no need to lose sleep over the thought of bulb replacements because with 30,000+ hours of luminous LEDs; you will be stunning your students for a long, long time. Additional features include its integrated media player with USB and TF ports, smartphone mirroring, BT 4.0 wireless output, and onboard speaker.

Specifications of the AAXA P7 Mini for Business and Home Theater:

Connectivity Technology: HDMI; USB-C; Composite AV; Mini-VGA; USB; microSD
Display: 16-120 inches
Image Brightness: 600 LED Lumens
Item Dimensions: 4.7″ x 4.4″ x 2.7″ /
Item Weight: 1.4 lbs
Resolution: 1080p full HD

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Buyers Guide / FAQ – Best Projectors for Classroom Use

How Do I Choose a Projector for my Classroom?

How do I choose a projector for my classroom / school?
While you are searching for a projector for your classroom, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. Here are the top five things to consider before making your purchase.

1. Lumens

All projectors come in a range measuring their brightness known as lumens. The higher the lumen rating, the brighter the projector will be. Keeping that in mind, with higher lumens, you can most assuredly anticipate a higher price tag.

While searching for your projector’s lumen information, it is crucial to keep in mind both the lumens for color brightness and white brightness.

How Many Lumens Do I Need for a Classroom Projector?

Ultimately, the level of lighting in your classroom determines the brightness you will need in your projector.

If you have a classroom that has a more controlled lighting situation, meaning you have minimal natural lighting or shading for that lighting, you should look for a projector with a minimum of 2,500 lumens.

On the other hand, if you have more lighting in your classroom and less control over it, you’ll want to try to find something with at least 3,500 lumens. Or, consider looking at costs for shade or blind installation to cut costs on your projector.

2. Interactivity

Technology today allows projectors to be so much more than a simple image projection onto a screen. Now, you can find projectors that offer smart, interactivity capabilities. Some interactive components to look out for might include touch gestures or interactive annotations.

You’ll see that interactive projectors are frequently replacing interactive whiteboards for the simple fact that they take up significantly less installation space. What’s great about these projectors is it allows both teachers and students to annotate on-screen and become fully immersed in the lessons with hands-on interactivity.

Other interactive features of projectors include connectivity to multiple computers, tablets, or smartphones over WiFi, allowing numerous students to contribute via their devices.

3. Throw Distance

A throw distance is the amount of space needed between the projector and your image you are displaying. To project larger screens, you will require a long-throw projector, but generally speaking, a short-throw projector is an ideal setup for a classroom.

Short throw projectors work great in the classroom because it minimizes shadowing and eye glare in your picture. Generally, this throw distance will be anywhere from 3-8 feet to project an 80” diagonal screen.

Another excellent option for the classroom is an ultra-short throw projector, which you can install on your classroom wall or ceiling. This mounting capability eliminates shadows and glare and helps to prevent disruption in your display or bumping accidents in a busy classroom. Ultra-short throw distance typically is 0-4 feet.

4. Ease of Use

Of course, you want to make sure that you find a projector you are comfortable using. It’s not worth having a top-of-the-line projector with all the bells and whistles if you don’t know how to use it effectively.

You’ll also want to keep an eye out for varying connectivity options. Having more than one input source is excellent as it can serve as backups if you are having technical difficulties with one.

5. Warranty

It’s in the nature of technology to glitch or fail sometimes, whether it be due to an accident or internal malfunction. Either way, having a warranty for your projector is crucial to make sure you can get your projector up and running again in no time.

Always be on the lookout for brands with quality warranty policies. If ever the warranty information reads strangely to you, ask the manufacturer directly for clarification before purchasing.

What’s the Difference Between LCD, LED, and DLP?

The three primary visual technology trends you will find in projectors today are LCD, LED, and DLP.

LCD

LCD projectors for your classroom use the liquid display technology you find in electronic watches. The projectors create the image using a multi-step process.

1. White light is produced from a light source and is passed to dichroic mirrors.
2. The dichroic mirrors reflect the light while adding colors
3. The beam of light feeds onto an LCD panel
4. The LCD panel interprets the light and projects an image onto the screen

Typically, LCD projectors are more stable, reliable, and inexpensive, especially in comparison to DLP projectors. LCD projectors also tend to be better for classroom setups as they have zooming capability.

LED

LED is not a display technology, like LCD or DLP. LED is referring to the light source within a projector. LED projectors tend to be smaller in size but are similar in function to other projectors. The reduced footprint is thanks to the elimination of the traditional bulb in the projector.

The LED projector replaces the bulb and uses combinations of red, green, and blue LEDs to create low-heat and low-energy images. As a result, they tend to have an extended lifespan lasting nearly 10x longer than traditional projectors using lamps.

DLP

DLP projectors use a display technology known as Digital Light Processing. A digital micro-mirror device (DMD) chip within it contains over two million tiny mirrors that move towards or away from the light source to shift the light onto an image.

There is also a spinning color wheel within a DLP project that brings color to the light creating the final image you see on your projection. DLP projectors can use either bulb or LED light sources.

LED DLP projectors are typical in classrooms because of their longevity.

How Can a Projector Help in Teaching?

Now, chalkboards and even whiteboards are becoming a thing of the past that projector technology continues to gain popularity. As a teacher, you can efficiently utilize your projector through your PowerPoint presentations, films, and more.

Easier for Students to Take Notes

Projectors allow teachers to utilize bulleted lists in PowerPoint presentations, creating fully organized notes for their students. Without these visual aids, it can become confusing for students to focus on presentations’ critical points.

Students also can ask a teacher to go back in case of missing the point on a slide. When using a whiteboard, it is easy as a teacher to forget what you might have been talking about earlier on in the presentation once you’ve erased your notes.

Improve Your Teaching Versatility

Rather than being bound by text and minimal images via chalkboard or whiteboards, teachers can use projectors to integrate films, slides, and higher detailed imagery to take their students on a journey through their presentations.

Many projectors also offer top-of-the-line sound quality, meaning you can add in high-definition sounds to immerse the classroom fully.

Use Classroom Time More Effectively

Handwriting notes on a whiteboard is time-consuming for teachers. Not to mention the time spent erasing notes when you need to move on to a new subject. Save your time and energy using a classroom projector, which allows you to quickly and easily move from one topic to the next.

Promote Higher Quality Student Presentations

Students also appreciate having classroom projectors because it enables them to create presentations with visual aids. Students can quickly connect to the projector with easy connectivity options using their own devices and being a creatively displayed presentation in no time.


Best Projectors for Classroom Use – Thanks for Reading!

We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of the best classroom projectors on the market. With so many projectors out there, you’re sure to find something that fits your budget and usage needs!

If you liked this review we encourage you to also browse through our growing number of school technology reviews, such as our review of the best microphones for teaching online or our picks for the top classroom bluetooth speakers.


Written by Crystalee Calderwood

Crystalee Calderwood is a high school English teacher from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She has an MFA in Creative Writing from Chatham University, where she studied poetry and writing for children and teens. Now she spends most of her time writing and reading poetry with teens as an English and Creative Writing teacher at a local private school.

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