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Buying a projector for your home? 5 tips for the ultimate home theater.
Last updated: February 13, 2025
Some films deserve to be seen on the big screen, don't you think? Because it's not always possible to go to the cinema, we bought a projector during the first lockdown. Because, how nice is it to watch a home theater To have! With the help of a projector, you can transform your living room into a true movie theater in no time. Want to buy a (mini) projector but don't know where to start? In this guide, I'll share the projector we have, but also which one I would buy now if I'd known we'd use it so much!
Because (when I share photos on Instagram Stories of our projector During movie nights I always get so many questions about which projector to use, so I created this article with tips.
Buying a mini projector for your home? Here's what to consider when purchasing:
- Do you plan to take your projector with you regularly on weekend getaways or travels? Then pay particular attention to its size and weight.
- There's a big difference in how quiet projectors are. But personally, I think it depends on what you're looking for. For example, we don't have the most expensive projector, and considering the price/quality ratio, I find the noise level of the projector perfectly acceptable.
- Another thing to consider is whether the projector also works via Bluetooth. This can be useful, because otherwise, you have to consider that your phone or laptop is always connected to the projector and therefore needs to be somewhere.
- You can also consider options for significantly reducing or enlarging the image. For example, if you have a small space, you'll want a short-throw projector. You can read more about this here.
- Compare prices at different online stores that sell projectors. There can be significant differences between them. Online stores where you can buy (mini) projectors include: CoolBlue, BCC, Bol.com, Bax-Shop, Camera NOW, Media Markt.
tips for the right accessories for your home projector
To truly make your home theater experience the best it can be, there are a number of accessories you can add to your projector. Think of a projector bracket, for example (they have them at CoolBlue, BCC en Bax Shop) and a tripod. And don't have an empty white wall? No worries, you can also buy a projection screen. I personally use the tripod I also use for photography. Why is a tripod useful for your projector? It keeps your projector stable and allows you to adjust how high you want it to project on the wall. Now that we use the projector so much at home and also want to watch it in the living room more often, we recently installed a projection screen bought at the projector (we have this via Camera NowThese come in different versions, for example, on a tripod so you can place it anywhere, or a version that you can mount on the wall and roll out when you're ready to use it (I would personally use this version in the bedroom, for example).
Have fun planning your next movie or binge-watching night!
PS: Looking for inspiration for movies and series to watch? Then also check out the expanded 'Films & Series' category on Your Little Black Book!
5 x (mini) projectors for home purchase & tips for the best accessories for every budget
1.
Mini projector with Surround Sound Speakers
€ 99,95This is the projector we own. We bought it as a trial to see if we'd use it often, and it turned out to be a bull's-eye. It's especially good value for money, as for less than €100 you can get a great entry-level model if you're just looking for a cozy evening and don't have too high expectations. The mini projector is sold by Gadgetplace and it's from a very unknown brand. But for us, it's ideal for transforming the living room or bedroom into a home theater for a movie night.
- This projector has 4000 lumens. For best results, make the room as dark as possible.
- Thanks to the latest 4.0 LCD screen technology, you can even watch 3D movies using the included 3D glasses.
- This portable projector can be connected via HDMI, USB or mini SD, among other things.
- It has surround sound and with the dual speakers you can fill the entire room with good sound.
- This projector is super compact and we take it everywhere with us.
2.
Projection screen with tripod
€ 179, -This projection screen makes our movie nights at home complete! You can adjust the screen to the desired height, so it's also suitable for 9:16 (the format of many films). I bought this screen at Camera Now, maar CoolBlue also sells this type of projection screen on a tripod. Of course, you can also use this screen for other things, like a photo slideshow after a vacation!
PS: Looking for inspiration for movies and series to watch? Then also check out the expanded 'Films & Series' category on Your Little Black Book!
3.
Wireless LG CineBeam PH510PG
€ 429, -Not only for the quality, but also because this projector works on WiFi, you want this LG CineBeam PH510P projector Buy it. No hassle with cables, you can simply connect to your smartphone via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. And honestly, that's one of the things I would pay attention to if I were to spend a little more money on a projector.
- If you want to have a fun movie night with friends, you can easily take this projector with you in its carrying case. Perfect for vacations too!
- Size is: 31,4 X 21 X 9,5 cm.
- The great thing about this projector is that it's almost silent. It's a bit more expensive, but it also comes with a quieter fan.
- Supports Dolby Surround Audio.
- Possibility of mounting a tripod.
- Want to watch a movie outside and don't have an outlet? This projector's battery gives you 2,5 hours of playback.
This projector is sold at, among others: CoolBlue.
4.
Optoma GT1080e in full HD
€ 699, -Do you want to buy a full HD resolution projector that you can place close to the projection location? Then the Optoma GT1080e A good choice. This is a short-throw projector. From just one meter away, you can project an image of up to 100 inches (254 cm) in Full HD image quality.
- This projector has 3000 lumens and works best in dark rooms.
- It has a day and night mode for the best possible viewing experience.
- You can also watch 3D films with this projector.
- This portable projector can be connected with 2x HDMI (with MHL support), USB, audio output, 12V trigger, 3D Sync, among other things.
- This projector has a size of 31,5 X 11,4 x 22,4 cm.
- Comes with a carrying bag for easy portability.
This projector is for sale at, among others: CoolBlue, BAX Shop en Media Markt for sale.
5.
Special projector tripod
€ 43, -Do you already have a good tripod for your camera? Chances are you can also mount your projector on it! If not, a dedicated projector tripod is handy. These tripods have a plate that holds your projector securely, and with the tripod, you can easily position it almost anywhere. You can buy this special projector tripod at Bax Shop >>
