If you’re anything like me, you’re not an avid gamer and just bought your new projector to watch things on a big screen.
After all, let’s face it: we mainly use our projectors to watch Netflix.
So, why wouldn’t we specifically shop for projectors with Netflix in mind?
You’d think that buying a projector solely for streaming would be a walk in the park, but you’re discovering it’s difficult to find a unit that offers a smooth user experience, amazing picture quality, and great brightness.
It’s also important that the projector can do more than stream Netflix from its built-in apps, so you must ensure it has the necessary ports to connect it to your laptop or phone.
All of these contribute to a seamless streaming appearance and cut down the time spent troubleshooting your device to make it work as advertised.
So, how do you find the perfect projector for watching Netflix?
Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of the best projectors to use for Netflix in 2022.
Last update on 2023-03-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
We’ve taken all of these important projector-shopping aspects into consideration so you can have Netflix watch parties in your home theater without a hitch.
What are the best projectors for Netflix in 2022? What should you look for when buying a projector?
Keep reading to find out!
Quick Navigation
- 1. Great Color Accuracy: Optoma UHD60
- 2. Smart Projector: Epson EF-100
- 3. Portable Choice: TMY Projector
- 4. Ultra-Short Throw: LG HF65LA
- 5. High-End Option: Optoma CinemaX P2B
- 6. For Those on a Budget: Artlii Energon 2 Outdoor Projector
- 7. Our Recommendation: Anker Nebula Cosmos Max
- Buyer’s Guide
- Wrapping Things Up
1. Great Color Accuracy: Optoma UHD60
- TRUE 4K ULTRA HD: Experience premium, high-quality home cinema feel with 8.3 million distinct...
- 4X THE PIXELS OF 1080p: See more detail with 4 times the pixels of your 1080p HDTV; higher...
- ULTRA-BRIGHT: With 3,000 lumens, the UHD60 is bright enough in any room in the house, whether in a...
Last update on 2023-03-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
The first up on our list is the Optoma UHD60 projector. This nifty unit is a lamp-based projector with a native 4K UHD picture resolution.
Lamp-based projectors are known for their amazing color accuracy and brightness, and this projector is no exception. It has a high-contrast ratio that boasts sharp and bright colors which will make any Netflix show you watch look amazing.
Have you ever watched a horror movie and been completely unable to see whatever is lurking in the shadows?
The Optoma UHD60 ensures you won’t have to rewind and zoom in to see a show’s climatic reveal as the high contrast ratio coupled with HDR makes all visuals look breathtaking.
Its wide color gamut allows every color of the rainbow to shine and offers astonishing color accuracy. This is particularly important for watching movies as low-quality projectors often support fewer hues, meaning gradients and shadows will appear pixelated or inaccurate.
This unit is super bright at 3000 Lumens, so you can watch content in ambient lighting without squinting to see the screen. This means that this unit is a great replacement for your TV since it takes up less space and can be used at all times of the day, so you can binge-watch TV shows from dawn to dusk!
It can also be ceiling mounted for a professional home-theater feel.
Although you can connect speakers to this unit via its audio-in 3.5mm port, its two built-in 4-watt stereo speakers are loud enough for a small to medium-sized room.
This projector isn’t smart, so it cannot connect to the internet or support built-in apps. However, its VGA port and two HDMI ports allow you to connect your laptop or phone and stream content via a wired connection.
If you’re looking to go big, you’ll love this projector’s 120-inch screen size at only a 12 to 19-foot throw distance.
This unit has a long lamp life of up to 15,000 hours. Does this mean you need to buy a new projector once the lamp life runs out?
Of course not! You can purchase lamp replacements for the Optoma UHD60 and install them yourself!
What we like
- We love its high lumen output which allows you to use it in ambient lighting.
- The high contrast ratio makes for amazing visuals, no matter what you’re watching.
- This projector’s wide color gamut ensures great color accuracy.
What we don’t like
- Some find this projector to be a little bulky, so it’s not a great option if you’re looking for an easily portable unit.
2. Smart Projector: Epson EF-100
- STUNNING PICTURE QUALITY – Imagine an incredibly bright and colorful projected image up to 150...
- INCLUDED ANDROID TV – Built-in Android TV with a simple-to-use remote – including voice search...
- INTEGRATED AUDIO SYSTEM – Internal high-quality bass-reflex speaker for an impressive audio...
Last update on 2023-03-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
This chic HD laser projector is the perfect mix of style and practicality. It comes in all black with copper details or in all white with silver details.
Unlike the Optoma UHD60, the Epson EF-100 is a smart projector that comes with a built-in Android operating system. So, you won’t need to connect an external device to it to watch Netflix.
Instead, you can connect the projector to Wi-Fi and watch all your favorite shows directly from the unit.
It comes with two remotes, one of which has Google voice assistance which makes browsing content a breeze. One of the remotes also has a Netflix shortcut button, so you can open your favorite app as soon as you power the unit on.
The projector emits high-contrast images and its laser technology makes everything look razor-sharp, making your show look almost lifelike!
It has a lifespan of 12,000 hours, giving you years of entertainment.
At just under eight-and-a-half pounds, this unit is compact enough to take on the go. However, it must be connected to power as it does not have a built-in battery.
But if you like taking your projector from room to room or on vacation, then this is the perfect unit for you!
Its one bass-reflex speaker is 5 watts. However, many users reported having to buy an external speaker, which can be hooked up via its AUX port or Bluetooth.
You can use the unit’s HDMI port if you prefer to connect your laptop to your projector via a wired connection.
It can display up to a 150-inch screen without any noticeable difference in its 2000 Lumen output or image resolution.
What we like
- We love its cute and compact design.
- Its built-in Android OS makes this a great all-in-one unit.
- It can project a massive 150-inch screen.
What we don’t like
- The built-in speaker is on the quiet side, so you may need to purchase an external sound system.
3. Portable Choice: TMY Projector
- 【🔥Upgraded 7500 Lumen HD Video Projector🔥】To better meet your needs, we have upgraded the...
- 【🔥Portable Mobile Home Cinema🔥】The V08 movie projector provides a minimal display area of...
- 【🔥Portable Projector Screen Included🔥】Our V08 mini projector includes a 100" projection...
Last update on 2023-03-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
This portable projector comes in at only 3.87 pounds and is small enough to fit in your bag. Note that it does not have a built-in battery, so you must use the provided power cable.
The TMY projector uses 3LCD technology to create vivid colors while maintaining a decent contrast ratio.
It has a 60,000-hour lamp life, making it very low maintenance, which is perfect for projector amateurs.
Though it’s not a smart projector, its HDMI port allows you to plug a streaming stick into it, giving it smart capabilities.
This gives you some flexibility when selecting your operating system, be it Fire TV, Roku, or Apple TV.
So, you can watch Netflix from your computer, a streaming stick’s built-in apps, or by casting it from your phone.
In addition to the HDMI port, it also has a VGA port, which allows you to hook up your device via a wired analog connection.
As far as resolution is concerned, this is a native 720p projector but can support 1080p content. Though it’s not a 4K unit, most users find that 1080p is clear enough for casual viewing, especially if you have Netflix Standard, which only supports 1080p.
One great thing about this projector is its flexibility, as it can project screen sizes from 32 inches to a whopping 220 inches!
To sweeten the deal, TMY includes a 100-inch wrinkle-resistant white projector screen, which can be mounted to the wall via its multiple loops.
This projector is the most affordable option on the list, so you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy Netflix in your home theater.
What we like
- We love how light and portable this unit is.
- The 32 to 220-inch screen size is great for all room sizes.
- It comes with a free 100-inch screen, so you don’t need to purchase one separately.
What we don’t like
- This projector does not support 4K content and its picture resolution is on the low side.
4. Ultra-Short Throw: LG HF65LA
- Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080)
- Up to 100 inch projection
- Up to 1000 ANSI Lumens
Last update on 2023-03-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
The LG HF65LA projector is a great option for people living in small spaces in search of an ultra-short throw unit.
You can achieve a 60-inch screen from a 4.3-inch throw distance and a 100-inch screen from only 15-inches away. This means all you need to create an amazing viewing experience is a small table in front of your screen.
This is an LED projector with a solid 30,000-hour lamp life. Note that you cannot replace the lamp unit on this model.
This projector does have smart capabilities and some built-in apps, though many users have opted to connect a streaming stick to it instead.
Since you can download Netflix on its OS, this projector can completely replace your TV, allowing you to browse movies without mounting your projector or setting it several feet away from your screen.
You can also wirelessly connect your smartphone, laptop, or tablet to it via Wi-Fi, which allows you to cast content on-screen, so you can watch any streaming app you have on your phone!
In addition to an HDMI port, it also has a VGA port.
This projector has an interesting rectangular design and is small enough to sit on any surface in your home.
At 1000 Lumens, it’s decently bright, though you may not be able to use it in ambient lighting.
Although it has built-in speakers, you can also connect external speakers to it wirelessly via Bluetooth. Paired with its Wi-Fi connectivity, this projector is the perfect option for people who hate cables and prefer to connect everything wirelessly.
At 1080p, you can watch content in full HD, which is the perfect resolution for watching movies.
It also has a manual keystone correction feature, so you can ensure the picture is perfectly straight and flat against the screen.
What we like
- Since this is a UST unit it can project large screen sizes from a short throw distance.
- It can wirelessly connect to your device to cast content.
- It supports Bluetooth and can connect to Bluetooth speakers or headphones.
What we don’t like
- It’s not as bright as other models, so you may struggle to see the picture in ambient lighting.
5. High-End Option: Optoma CinemaX P2B
- 4K UHD plus HDR10: Enjoy a high-quality, cinematic home theater experience with 4K Ultra HD, HDR10...
- 6-SEGMENT COLOR WHEEL: Experience richer colors and enhanced brightness with the six-segment color...
- BRIGHT, RELIABLE LASER: Laser technology delivers outstanding brightness up to 30,000 hours of light...
Last update on 2023-03-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
This high-quality ultra short throw is great for people who do not want to compromise on video quality or functionality.
The Optoma CinemaX P2B is a smart 4K UHD projector, so you can binge Netflix Premium in amazing 4K quality straight from the unit’s built-in apps. Simply connect the projector to Wi-Fi, insert your Netflix login credentials, and presto! It’s movie time!
Additionally, this is a laser projector with a 30,000-hour lamp life.
It also supports Alexa and Google, so you can control your projector using voice commands. It also comes with a smart remote if you prefer to navigate its interface manually.
However, if you enjoy using a streaming stick instead, there are three HDMI ports on the back of the unit.
Like the LG HF65LA, this projector is also ultra short throw, which allows you to projector up to a 120-inch screen size from only a 26-inch throw distance.
Its all-black design blends seamlessly into your home theater.
It’s 3000 Lumens bright, so you can use it in a well-lit room during the day.
It also delivers high-contrast images and can project a wide color gamut for amazing color accuracy and depth.
Additionally, it supports HDR10 so that you can play games or watch content in great high-definition detail.
This projector is paired with the Optoma SmartFIT app, which allows you to calibrate the screen’s shape, size, and placement all from your smartphone.
Finally, it comes with a built-in 40-watt soundbar which delivers amazing sound quality. This is great if you don’t want to purchase and connect an external speaker or sound system.
What we like
- We like this projector’s smart TV capabilities.
- It has an amazing 4K image resolution with a high contrast ratio.
- We love the loud and clear built-in 40-watt soundbar.
What we don’t like
- Some users have reported the built-in apps lagging at times, so you may want to consider using a streaming stick if needed.
6. For Those on a Budget: Artlii Energon 2 Outdoor Projector
- 【🔥 Native 1080p FHD, 4K UHD support】Artlii Energon 2 uses an original physical resolution of...
- 【🔥 340 ANSI lumens & 17 Million Color Range】Improved with an Mstar performance chip and TFT...
- 【🔥 Fast & Stable 2.4G/5G WiFi & Bluetooth Connection】 With the latest WiFi connection, Artlii...
Last update on 2023-03-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Though not a popular brand name, the Artlii Energon 2 Outdoor Projector is a great, affordable unit for streaming content.
It’s a native 1080p unit but can support 4K content.
You can connect your Android or iOS phone or tablet to it wirelessly via Wi-Fi and stream Netflix on-screen from your phone.
This is also a great option for sharing pictures or videos from your camera roll or displaying apps on a big screen.
You can also connect your iOS device via a lightning cable if you prefer using a wired connection.
At 340 Lumens, this projector isn’t as bright as the others on our list, but it’s still bright enough to use in a dark setting.
This projector displays a large range of image sizes, from 44-inches to 250-inches!
Though not a smart projector, this unit was designed to be compatible with streaming sticks, which can be inserted into one of its two HDMI ports. It also has a VGA port for your convenience, allowing you to stream Netflix via casting, a streaming stick, or your laptop via a wired connection.
Many users have reported loving this projector’s loud built-in speaker. However, you can also connect Bluetooth speakers or headphones to it, if you want to secretly catch up on your favorite show without your partner or kids overhearing.
At only 5.72 pounds, this portable projector is small and light enough to take on the go and use with its power cable indoors or outdoors.
Its keystone correction feature allows you to manually calibrate the projection angle by up to 15 degrees.
This unit is also great if you’re not willing to spend thousands of dollars on a projector, and instead want an affordable and reliable unit with all the basic necessities needed for a great movie night.
Its customers vouch for its great image quality and ability to wirelessly connect to your smartphone or tablet.
What we like
- We love this projector’s affordable price point.
- This projector offers many modes of connectivity, be it wireless or wired with a lightning, HDMI, or VGA cable.
- You can listen to content via its loud built-in speakers or connect it to Bluetooth speakers or headphones.
What we don’t like
- This projector isn’t very bright, so you will only be able to use it in dark environments.
7. Our Recommendation: Anker Nebula Cosmos Max
- True Cinema Experience: Watch your favorite movies, sports events, games, and more in astonishing...
- A New Dimension of Sound: With Dolby Digital Plus and Sound Dimension, Cosmos’s speakers have been...
- Adjustable Image Size: Change the size of Cosmos Max’s image without ever having to move the...
Last update on 2023-03-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Last, but certainly not least, we have the Anker Nebula Cosmos Max.
The first thing you notice about this projector is its beautiful design as it has an LED starscape on the top of the unit.
It’s also a smooth and elegant oval shape, which is subtle enough to blend into your home theater and catch your eye at the same time.
It’s also made of aluminum, so you know it’s both durable and high-quality.
This is a 4K smart projector with a built-in Android OS and Netflix app, which you can download from its extensive app library. However, you can also purchase a 1080p version of this same model at a lower price, which is all you need for watching movies if you have the Netflix Standard subscription.
At 1500 Lumens, it’s just bright enough to use in ambient lighting.
One of the great things about this projector is its autofocus and auto vertical keystone correction, which make setting up your projector almost effortless. You can also manually calibrate the horizontal keystone correction.
The LED light source delivers a high-contrast and bright image for up to 30,000 hours.
It has four 10-watt speakers which create a 360-degree surround sound experience.
You can connect your device to the Nebula Capsule Max wirelessly via AirPlay or Bluetooth. It also has two HDMI ports.
This unit can create a 150-inch screen, but the defining feature is that you can alter the screen size using the remote. Say goodbye to clumsily moving your projector around the room to achieve your desired screen size!
As an added bonus, it also supports HDR10.
What we like
- We love this projector’s incredible design and build.
- It has an autofocus and auto vertical keystone correction feature.
- The integrated Android OS allows you to install and use the unit’s built-in apps.
What we don’t like
- Some users have reported seeing the rainbow effect on-screen.
Buyer’s Guide
One of the things that makes projector shopping so challenging is knowing exactly what to look for. Projector’s specs can be a minefield of confusing terms and values, which can be difficult to sift through for everyday consumers.
Luckily, there are a few key things you should keep your eyes out for when looking for a projector.
1. Designed for Watching Content
Some projectors are specifically designed for other purposes, like gaming or office use. So, it’s important to look for a unit that was specifically designed for watching content.
This will affect its built-in apps, if any, along with which specs it has. For instance, projectors meant for streaming can typically wirelessly connect to your personal device and support Bluetooth.
family watching netflix with projector
Built-in Netflix is particularly helpful since you can use your projector like a smart TV by simply connecting it to the internet, launching the Netflix app, and watching anything you’d like without connecting to another device.
They also tend to boast a better image quality, allowing you to see every Netflix show’s detail.
2. Great Contrast Ratio and Wide Color Gamut
A projector’s contrast ratio and color gamut is key to which hues it displays and how dark its black levels are.
It also affects a projector’s color accuracy, as a unit with a poor color gamut range will be unable to display the specific hues required to make scenes look vivid and lifelike.
3. Big Screen Size
What’s the point of buying a high-quality projector if it won’t display a decent screen size?
Although you can technically make a projector’s image larger by placing the unit farther away from the screen, a projector’s maximum screen size dictates how large the image can be without sacrificing image clarity and brightness.
To be on the safe side, we recommend looking for a 100-inch screen size, at the very least.
4. Brightness
A projector’s brightness will dictate if you’re able to use it in ambient lighting. If you plan on watching movies or shows during the day in a well-lit room, look for a lumen count of, at least, 1500.
If you’re planning on using your projector in a dark room, a lower lumen count will do just fine.
Brighter projectors often boast better image quality since they’re able to illuminate the image better, making it look clearer and display more detail.
Wrapping Things Up
Now that you know the best projectors for watching Netflix in 2022 and what to look for when projector shopping, there’s just one last question: which one should you buy?
All the listed projectors differ slightly in which, if any, smart capabilities they have, their screen resolution, and added features.
However, based on its supreme picture resolution, built-in Android OS, and amazing design, our final recommendation is the Anker Nebula Capsule Max.
Not only can you easily download Netflix, among many other streaming apps, from its built-in app store, but you can also wirelessly connect your phone, tablet, laptop, speakers, and headphones to it.
It also has autofocus and keystone correction, which makes setting this beautiful unit up a breeze.
For those on a budget, we recommend checking out the Artlii Energon 2 Outdoor Projector. It’s only a fraction of the price of the Anker Nebula Cosmos Max, but has similar features including wireless connectivity and Bluetooth support.
Last update on 2023-03-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Although its native picture resolution is only 1080p, you can play 4K content on it. Not to mention it’s portable so you can take it on vacation with you to use in your hotel room or Airbnb, bringing your favorite Netflix shows with you anywhere you go!
So, the next time you invite a prospective partner over for “Netflix & Chill,” blow them away with your projector’s high picture resolution and amazing image quality.
What’s your experience streaming Netflix on a projector? Did you know what to look for when buying a projector for streaming content?
Let us know in the comments below!
Yesenia Achlim is a technical copywriter and editor with a focus on AV equipment. She aims to break down complicated topics and make technology accessible, no matter your technical expertise. When she’s not teaching you how to replace a projector lamp, you can find her reading and baking.