Top Picks

Projectors

Top Pick of the Year:

Epson LS500 4K Laser Projection TV
(February/March 2020) Read Review

Ultra short throw projectors aim to provide an alternative to pricey ultra-big flat-panel TVs, but they often come up short when it comes to brightness and other crucial picture quality metrics. Of the ones we've reviewed, Epson's LS500 comes closest to providing a satisfying flat-panel substitute. Shipping as an all-in-one solution with an included ALR screen, the LS500 delivers a bright, satisfying image and enough adjustment options to tweak its performance for dark and light-filled rooms alike. $4,999, epson.com

Finalists:

Epson Home Cinema 3800 4K LCD Projector
(September) Read Review

Epson's budget projectors typically provide an impressive mix of features and performance for the price, and the Home Cinema 3800 proved to be no exception. Its 1.6x zoom lens (with horizontal and vertical lens shift) provides plenty of setup flexibility. An Auto Iris results in a picture marked by strong contrast, while 4K PRO-UHD processing provides a noticeable resolution boost when viewing 4K sources such as Ultra HD Blu-ray. $1,699, epson.com

Sony VPL-VW915ES 4K LCOS Projector
(December/January) Read Review

According to S&V's resident projector expert Kris Deering, Sony's "new laser-based 4K model's out-of-box color accuracy and contrast performance contribute to an image that will no doubt dazzle even the most discerning videophile." High praise indeed. While the demanding Mr. Deering lamented the lack of a true frame adaptive solution for HDR, along with a manual iris adjustment and setting to deliver a wider color gamut, the ultimate takeaway was that Sony's 915ES "ranks among the top projectors you can buy today." $20,000, sony.com