4K Projector Vs TV: A Detailed Discussion

In the world of entertainment, TVs have a larger percentage of customer preference than 4K projectors.

That is because of the limitations of projectors. But do you know that the latest 4K projectors have overcome almost all of them?

That is right. And, today I’m going to compare 4K projector vs TV to show you that projectors are better than TVs in some cases.

Main Differences Between A 4K Projector and A TV

I don’t need to tell you all about TV and its technologies here because most people are aware of them. However, 4K projectors can be less known because of their new developments.

Here, Lifewire has done a good job explaining these projectors in the simplest way possible.

Instead of doing a feature by feature comparison, let’s discuss them in terms of pros and cons. I have done it keeping several factors in mind.

Display size, lighting condition, installation, portability, cost, room length, durability, picture quality, and audio are the factors considered in the following part. Let’s get started.

Benefits of Having a 4K Projector

A larger screen size without spending tons of money is the main benefit of getting a projector. But the cherry on top is to get a 4K model.

That way, you won’t have to struggle with the picture quality like other normal products in the market. Also, the screen size is adjustable which is not possible in any television.

After that, you have to consider the professional installation of the TV which increases the cost even more. Fortunately, there is no expert help needed to set up a projector.

Some projectors take a lot of space to project but that is not the case for the 4K Ultra Short Throw models. Within 10” of the wall, you can place the device, and enjoy the show.

Moreover, you can take the device with you, and make any place your home theater instantly. So, it is more convenient.

The audio quality of both projectors and TVs is not up to the standard. So, we can leave this factor out of the equation.

Benefits of Having a TV

The first main benefit of having a premium TV is to install it in any room and enjoy the contents regardless of the lighting condition.

That is something you can’t expect from a projector. Because the projected image gets dimmed with the presence of strong sunlight.

Moreover, it requires a white screen to see the best picture quality. Such a hassle is not present in using a TV.

As the individual pixels in a TV are controlled by a processor, you can get better color accuracy.

Another one of the biggest benefits is that you can watch a TV in a really small room without sacrificing sitting space. That is why it is still the best choice for people looking for a home theater.

TVs are usually more durable than 4K projectors. I’m not indicating their build quality.

As projectors are portable, people often damage them while carrying them from one place to another which is not the case for television.

4k Projector Vs Tv: Which One to Go For?

Before I sum it up, let’s take a look at the comparison table for a quick overview.

Factors to Consider	4K Projector	TV
Brightness	Not as much as high-end TVs	Clear Winner
Place of Installation	Slightly darker rooms; preferably basements	Anywhere in the house or office
Input Lag	Low; needs improvement	Very low; supports high-end games
Display Size	Adjustable; large; better than TV	Fixed; very expensive for larger sizes
Color Accuracy	Low production cost ensuring better color accuracy	Higher manufacturing cost to ensure color accuracy in larger displays
Installation	No expert help needed	Needs a professional for wall-mounting
Room Length	Only UST projectors fit in small rooms	Suitable to any room length
Sound Quality	Not as good as high-end TVs	Better audio in Premium TVs
Price	A bit expensive compared to most TV models	More expensive than projectors only for larger screen sizes

Comparing the prices of 4K projectors and TV, you won’t be able to get the right product. There is a reason.

People often think that a 4K projector is costlier than a 4K TV. But that is not the case when you consider display size.

Another argument I have come across is that projectors need a larger room for projection. But TVs can fit into a smaller room.

That reasoning doesn’t have a chance after the introduction of ultra-short-throw 4K projectors.

So, what is the ultimate factor to decide?

It is the light controlling ability. Those who want to place the screen in a room with lots of windows and no way to control the light must go for a bright TV.

On the other hand, setting up the entertainment zone in the basement or a room with not much natural light is ideal for projectors.

There are more on the bright side of buying 4K projectors. They don’t require professional installation like TVs.

But there are some downsides too. Such as, projectors don’t have smart features like a TV. For that, you have to buy an additional device like Apple TV, Roku, Firestick, or something else.

Summary: 4K Projector or TV?

Overall, both are good options with their own pros and cons. Keep them in mind and see which cons are unacceptable as per your requirements.

This way, you will know that the other kind is right for your home or office.

Some Best 4K Projectors

There are lots of products on Amazon claiming to be 4K. They are often very inexpensive but can’t provide the true 4K experience.

That is why I have done in-depth research and wrote detailed articles on 4k short throw projectors, and 4k laser projectors.

Now, let me suggest some of the best 4K projectors in the market.

VAVA 4K UST Laser Projector – Highly Recommended for Home Theaters

Due to its 2500 ANSI lumen brightness, only 7.2” throw distance, and 150” massive projection capabilities, people love it for using it as a home theater.

Sony VW325ES – Expensive but Promises the Best Picture Quality

Very low input lag, powerful processor, and other 4K capabilities make it not only perfect for watching videos but also for playing high-end games.

BenQ TK850 – Best Value for the Money

That is right. Almost no other projectors are capable of offering 3000 lumens brightness, low input lag, and better color accuracy at such a low price.

Optoma UHD50X – Most Bright with HDR Support

For true cinema experience even in bright conditions, Optoma UHD50X comes with 3400 lumens, HDR10 support, and deeper black levels.

LG HU85LA – A Smart UST Laser Projector

Don’t go away without checking out this smart device. Lots of people don’t like projectors due to the lack of smart features. For those, LG HU85LA can be the perfect alternative to 4K TVs.

Best TVs Suggestion

Like the projectors, I have also some recommendations regarding the best TVs in the market right now. Let’s check them out.

LG OLED48C1PUB – The Best 4K OLED TV

With amazing capabilities of turning off individual pixels and perfect black uniformity, it can create a near-infinite contrast ratio. It even allows playing 4K games at a 120 Hz refresh rate.