If you are a digital artist, an art projector is a handy tool you never knew you needed. The best art projectors will help you create art with enhanced details and simplify the process, making it faster.
Adding a digital art projector to your arsenal of gadgets enables you to enlarge your drawings, trace on canvas, or outline a mural by projecting a screen onto a work surface. The applications of a projector aren’t just limited to art, you can instantly turn any blank wall into a home theatre!
That being said, finding the right projector isn’t an easy task by any means. There are many projectors to choose from, each having its different uses, features, and price.
To help you find the one that best suits your needs, we have created this list of the best art projectors in 2023.
Also see our post on the best lightboxes for tracing, the best drawing tablets, and the best free online art classes.
Contents
- 1 The Best Digital Art Projectors Compared
- 2 Different Types of Projectors
- 3 Digital Projector v/s Opaque Projector?
- 4 How to Choose the Best Art Projector
- 5 Top 10 Best Art Projectors 2023
- 5.1 1. XGIMI Horizon Pro (Editor’s Choice)
- 5.2 2. DRJ Professional Mini Projector (Editor’s choice)
- 5.3 3. PVO Mini Projector
- 5.4 4. BenQ TK850
- 5.5 5. CiBest Mini Projector 7500
- 5.6 6. Kodak Luma 150
- 5.7 7. Anker Nebula Capsule Max
- 5.8 8. Artograph Tracer Projector
- 5.9 9. ViewSonic M1 Mini
- 5.10 10. Artograph EZ Tracer
- 5.11 11. ViewSonic 1080p Projector
- 5.12 12. Epson Home Cinema 1060
- 5.13 13. KODAK Luma 350
- 5.14 14. Sony MP-CD1 Portable Pico
- 5.15 15. Optoma HD39HDR High Brightness HDR Home Theater Projector
- 5.16 Related Posts
- 6 Frequently Asked Questions
- 7 Top 15 Best Digital Art Projectors in 2023
The Best Digital Art Projectors Compared
The XGIMI Horizon Pro is the best art projector in 2023 overall. See the table below for the comparison of other best digital art projectors:
Different Types of Projectors
There are lots of different types of projectors available, with each having its specific use. From movie projectors of the bygone era to overhead projectors that decked school classrooms, projectors have come a long way ever since their invention over a century ago. In this blog, we are going to take a look at the two types of projectors that are suitable for digital art:
- Opaque Projector
An opaque projector shines light onto a physical image and can be handy if you want to enlarge a sketch or a photo onto a canvas or wall. It can project a small piece (5-7 inches) of paper, canvas, or fabric using mirrors and prisms in a dark room so that you can work in more detail. An opaque projector is typically cheap, but it may not be very accurate or powerful.
- Digital Projector
Instead of a sketch or a printed image, a digital projector instead uses a digital image or computer file and projects it onto a work surface. It is slightly expensive compared to an opaque projector. Still, it is incredibly versatile and user-friendly, as you can use it with your graphic tablet, computer, or any other device. A digital projector is highly recommended if you are a digital artist.
- Overhead vs Portable Projector
Flexibility is an essential aspect if you are an artist. An overheard project isn’t portable by any means, but it can sometimes be more precise as it is fixed in one position. If you don’t have any plans to work in a fixed position, a portable projector is more desirable. You can carry it with you wherever you go and turn any wall into a canvas!
Digital Projector v/s Opaque Projector?
Often used for projecting videos, animations, and movies, digital projectors are super easy to operate. But when you want to enlarge or enhance a photo or sketch onto a wall/canvas, opaque projectors will do a better job.
When comparing the two, keep in mind that both have different applications. Designed for versatility, digital projectors are more modern and an ideal pick for graphic designers and video editors. You can display digital images and videos seamlessly by connecting the projector to your phone or laptop. And you won’t need to worry about adjusting the image beforehand as you can make smooth corrections using the projector itself. However, digital projectors are quite expensive, and not everyone can afford them.
All you need to do is print the sketch so that it fits the projector’s opening. Once done, you can flawlessly enlarge your designs. And an opaque projector is easy to maintain and repair, making it a good pick for artists who want to get on with their drawings.
How to Choose the Best Art Projector
First things first, you must decide how often you will use the projector. If you are looking for a long-term investment, then a more high-end projector will suit your needs. However, if you are looking at a projector for one-time use, you can compromise on the features and price. There are some technical aspects to consider as well, such as:
Brightness
Whether you are planning to use the projector indoors or outdoors, brightness plays an important role. Projectors work best in an indoor setting such as a studio, but brighter projectors offer the flexibility to work in a more well-lit environment. The brightness of a projector is measured in Lumens, and the best projectors have LED bulbs as it is brighter, energy-efficient, and last longer than regular ones.
Resolution
A common myth is that all projectors come with the same resolution, but that isn’t the case. This is especially true for a digital projector, which will be projecting digital files from another device. Still, you can easily see that projectors with a sharper resolution produce sharper images. It makes it easier to work on art with improved clarity or to trace accurately.
Connectivity
Connectivity is only applicable to digital projectors, and the best ones will have multiple connectivity options, such as USB, Bluetooth, HDMI, and memory cards, to name a few.
Projection Screen Size and Throw
One important thing to consider while buying an art projector is the size of your studio. If the projector is too close to the wall, the projection might appear blurred, whereas if it is too far, you won’t be able to see the details, which defeats the purpose of a projector. The range of throws of a projector falls into three categories — ultra-short, short, and long throw.
Top 10 Best Art Projectors 2023
Below we list the best art projector for tracing, the best digital art projector, and the best budget art projector, along with art projector tracers.
1. XGIMI Horizon Pro (Editor’s Choice)
The best art projector in 2023 overall
Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 8.5 x 5.3 inches | Type: Digital Projector | Resolution: 4K UHD | Display Technology: DLP | Image Contrast Ratio: N/A | Brightness: 2200 ANSI Lumens | Display Size Range: 30 to 300 inches | Lamp Life: 25,000 hours
This futuristic and elegant-looking device is one of the best projectors you can buy. It is a dream gadget for most digital artists today, full of impressive features, such as the 4K resolution with crisp and vivid visuals that create ultra-bright 2200 ANSI lumens. The projector is also packed with HDR10 x HLG for a life-like color format and AI brightness adjustment to produce realistic images.
Working behind the scenes on picture quality is an intelligent screen adaption system that includes autofocus, keystone correction, obstacle avoidance, and auto-screen alignment to deliver perfect images every time. Any digital artist will enjoy using this projector to sketch and draw on a big canvas.
It also features exceptional sound quality unmatched by other projectors on this list thanks to its dual 8W built-in Harman Kardon speakers, DTS-HD & DTS Studio Sound, and Dolby Digital compatibility.
Powering the device is Android 10 OS, allowing you to cast entertainment via Chromecast built-in wirelessly and control the projector hands-free through your voice with intuitive voice control.
The XGIMI Horizon Pro is ideal for any artist looking for a high-end projector, and it can also double up as an excellent projector for your home theatre.
Pros
Cons
➕ Best in class resolution ➖ Expensive ➕ Chromecast built-in ➕ Incredible audio with elements from Harman Kardon and DTS
Latest Price on Amazon:
2. DRJ Professional Mini Projector (Editor’s choice)
The best value art projector
Product Dimensions: 11.06 x 7.68 x 4.21 inches | Type: Digital Projector | Resolution: 1080p Full HD | Display Technology: LCD | Image Contrast Ratio: 3800:1 | Brightness: 7500 Lumens | Display Size Range: 32 to 170 inches | Lamp Life: 50,000 hours
If your main priority is a projector for outdoor use, then the DRJ Professional Mini Projector is the best you can get.
With a maximum brightness level of up to 7500 lumens, it can project picture-perfect visuals measuring from 32 to 170 inches on the diagonal. This projector is more than capable of being used indoors and outdoors, whether it is your studio or a wall in your backyard.
It also features a wide variety of connectivity options such as USB, HDMI, and MicroSD cards, even allowing you to connect your iPhone or Android device directly through wired mirroring.
The DRJ Professional Mini Projector gives high-end projectors a run for their money, and you also get a projector screen for free as part of a bonus!
Pros
Cons
➕ High resolution ➖ No WiFi connectivity ➕ Can be directly connected to a smartphone ➕ Free projector screen included
Latest Price on Amazon:
3. PVO Mini Projector
The best budget art projector
Product Dimensions: 5.51 x 3.78 x 2.13 inches | Type: Digital Projector | Resolution: 800 x 480 (supports up to Full HD) | Display Technology: DLP | Image Contrast Ratio: N/A | Brightness: N/A | Display Size Range: Up to 150 inches | Lamp Life: N/A
The PVO Mini Projector is the most popular sub-$100 projector available, and despite its affordable price, it creates crisp and colorful images with a maximum diagonal of 150 inches. It also comes with many connectivity options, including USB ports, HDMI cables, and MicroSD cards.
It is fantastic value for its price, but it does come at a cost: the PVO Mini Projector does not have an in-built battery, so you have to use it with an adapter or a portable battery.
It lacks automatic vertical keystone adjustment, so you may have to adjust it manually according to your projection surface. Despite these negligible features, it is one of the best value-for-money projectors in its range.
Pros
Cons
➕ Plenty of ports including MicroSD ➖ Does not come with speakers ➕ Smartphone compatible ➕ Includes a remote control
Latest Price on Amazon:
4. BenQ TK850
The art projector with the best resolution
Product Dimensions: 18.8 x 15.1 x 7.7 inches | Type: Digital Projector | Resolution: 4K UHD | Display Technology: DLP | Image Contrast Ratio: 30000:1 | Brightness: 3000 Lumens | Display Size Range: 100 inches | Lamp Life: 4,000 hours
Projectors were designed for watching films, which can make art and illustration a bit difficult since you need high resolution and sound clarity to trace pixels and details. Thankfully, a few high-resolution projectors, such as the BenQ TK850 with its 4K HDR resolution and 10-element crystal glass lens, make for a hyper-realistic viewing and design experience.
The projection is also incredibly bright, with a maximum capability of 3000 lumens and a display size range of 100 inches. In addition, TK850 offers a +10% vertical lens shift and 1.3x zoom, making it adaptable to any room, so setting up the projector in any situation isn’t a hassle.
If you have an eye for detailing and you need a projector that works well in small and large rooms, whether brightly lit or dark, indoors as well as outdoors, then the BenQ TK850 is perfect for you.
Pros
Cons
➕ Stunning 4K resolution with HDR ➖ Limited throw ➕ 98% Rec. 709 Color Gamut for accurate color. ➕ Lots of connectivity options
Latest Price on Amazon:
5. CiBest Mini Projector 7500
The best projector for outdoor use
Product Dimensions: 7.91 x 5.51 x 2.76 inches | Type: Digital Projector | Resolution: 1080p Full HD | Display Technology: LED | Image Contrast Ratio: 2000:1 | Brightness: 4200 Lumens | Display Size Range: 30 to 200 inches | Lamp Life: 50000 hours
The CiBest Mini Projector 7500L is a great budget option that punches above its weight. This high-tech projector has a Full HD resolution and brightness of 4200 lumens, making it a versatile device that you can use indoors and outdoors. You can connect it to devices via USB, HDMI, or the other ports available.
It might be compact and portable in size, but this projector can project images up to 200 inches in size without compromising on detail. It also features advanced audio-visual features and flexible connectivity options at a fraction of the cost of high-end products.
If you consider a projector for a long-term investment, there is no need to look beyond the 7500L as it comes with a lamp life of 50000 hours.
Pros
Cons
➕ Perfect for indoor and outdoor use ➖ Speakers could be better ➕ 50000 hours lamp life. ➕ Excellent brightness of 4200 lumens
Latest Price on Amazon:
6. Kodak Luma 150
The best art projector for portability
Product Dimensions: 3.1 x 3.1 x 0.87 inches | Type: Digital Projector | Resolution: 4K UHD | Display Technology: DLP | Image Contrast Ratio: 3500:1 | Brightness: 60 ANSI Lumen | Display Size Range: Up to 150 inches | Lamp Life: 30000 hours
Kodak is an American company that was established in 1888 and fast-forward to today, and they are one of the industry leaders in photography, printing, and personal electronics space. They helped popularize portable cameras decades ago with an affordable and lightweight alternative to big and clunky cameras that could be carried anywhere.
Another overlooked product that is part of the company’s legacy is projectors. Kodak first started manufacturing projectors almost a century ago, and their latest offering, the Kodak Luma 150, is based on the same principles they used to create cameras. It is lightweight, portable, and projects crystal-clear images with the support of up to 4K resolution and an image contrast ratio of 3500:1, but most importantly, it is affordable.
The projector also offers auto vertical keystone correction and built-in speakers that make it ideal for small environments. It is capable of projecting images up to 150 inches on the diagonal without compromising on clarity. One crucial aspect to consider is that the Luma has a battery life of just one hour, but you can also power it with an AC adapter.
Pros
Cons
➕ Compact design ➖ Battery life is lacking ➕ Supports up to 4K resolution. ➕ Elegant and lightweight design
Latest Price on Amazon:
7. Anker Nebula Capsule Max
The best Android art projector
Product Dimensions: 3.15 x 3.15 x 5.91 inches | Type: Digital Projector | Resolution: 720p HD | Display Technology: DLP | Image Contrast Ratio: 600:1 | Brightness: 200 ANSI Lumen | Display Size Range: Up to 100 inches | Lamp Life: 30000 hours
This digital projector resembles a soda can and is incredibly compact and portable, tipping the scale at just over a pound. It is an excellent choice for those digital artists that are looking for a projector that is pocket-friendly in terms of price and size.
The Anker Nebula Capsule Max comes with cutting-edge DLP technology that projects a vividly detailed 720p, 200-ANSI-lumen image up to 100 inches big and can run up to 4 hours on a single. It is ideal for use in low-light conditions. Also, it has automatic vertical keystone correction to eliminate distortion that might occur when the projector is set at an angle to the wall or screen.
This projector isn’t short on features, but the highlight is that it is powered by Android 8.1, so you can download and binge-watch your favorite shows and movies directly from YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, and more through the Nebula Connect app on your smartphone. In terms of connectivity, the device is compatible with Bluetooth and WiFi in addition to HDMI and USB.
Pros
Cons
➕ Compact and portable ➖ Limited to HD resolution ➕ Plenty of connectivity options, including Bluetooth and WiFi ➕ Immersive sound
Latest Price on Amazon:
8. Artograph Tracer Projector
Artograph Tracer Projector. Image credits: Artograph / Amazon
The best opaque projectors for beginners
Product Dimensions: 13.7 x 9.7 x 5.9 inches | Type: Opaque Projector | Copy Size: 5 x 5 inches (127 x 127 mm) | Projection Range: 2x-14x | Brightness: 1600 Lumens
The Artograph Tracer is an opaque projector that is perfect for beginner-level artists. It can enlarge a sketch or a photo up to a maximum range of 14 inches, so it isn’t suitable for large projects, but it is handy if you want to trace an image with a copy size of up to 5 x 5 inches.
This device’s heart is a 23 Watt fluorescent bulb producing 1600 lumens, so it isn’t as bright as some of the other projectors on this list, but it is ideal for viewing images in a dark room. The Artograph Tracer is also quite portable and easy to use, making it perfect for those artists who are just getting started.
Pros
Cons
➕ Great brightness in dark conditions ➖ Limited projection of up to 14 inches ➕ Portable and easy to use ➕ Fantastic for beginners
Latest Price on Amazon:
9. ViewSonic M1 Mini
The most compact art projector
Product Dimensions: 4.3 x 4.1 x 1.1 inches | Type: Digital Projector | Resolution: 800 x 480 | Display Technology: LED | Image Contrast Ratio: N/A | Brightness: 120 Lumens | Display Size Range: Up to 100 inches | Lamp Life: 30,000 hours
ViewSonic is a famous brand for its computer monitors, but their projectors are just as good. The ViewSonic M1 mini is a no-frills portable projector that can fit easily into your pocket as it is just 4 x 4 inches in size and weighs just 0.6 pounds.
Despite its small size, it is a powerful device capable of projecting images up to 100 inches which automatically self-corrects crooked and distorted images thanks to the vertical keystone adjustment. The M1 Mini doesn’t leave any stone unturned, even when it comes to audio, with dual JBL speakers that deliver incredible sound.
It features some additional functionality, such as support for a power bank so that you can charge the projector on the go and the option to customize and change the color of the plate as you wish.
Pros
Cons
➕ Pocket-friendly design ➖ Not the brightest projector in terms of lumens ➕ Long lamp life of 30,000 hour ➕ Powerful dual JBL speakers
Latest Price on Amazon:
10. Artograph EZ Tracer
The best projector for beginners and hobbyists
Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 8.6 x 4.7 inches | Type: Opaque Projector | Copy Size: 4 x 4 inches (10 cm x 10 cm) | Projection Range: 2x-10x | Brightness: N/A
Artograph is one of the most popular brands for opaque projectors, and the EZ Tracer is one of their most affordable offerings. It is a simple and easy-to-use projector that can enlarge an image up to 10x in size. However, the display measures just 4 x 4 inches, so the image that you use should fit that size.
The EZ Tracer is also lightweight and compact, which means that you can take it with you anywhere. It is an excellent choice for beginners and hobbyists as it is a cost-effective alternative to other opaque and digital projectors. This is our pick for the best art projector for tracing.
Pros
Cons
➕ Simple and easy to use ➖ Does not come with a lightbulb ➕ Lightweight ➕ Affordable
Latest Price on Amazon:
11. ViewSonic 1080p Projector
Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 4.4 x 8.7 inches | Type: Digital Projector | : | Brightness: 3,500 lumens
The ViewSonic 1080p Projector is a premium work of art that offers amazing brightness. You can use it to create & display sharp images that can be traced with ease. It is a pitch-perfect projector, and there is no need to worry about any fuzzy lines or blurriness. And when you combine such sharpness and accuracy with a full HD resolution, you are in for a delightful viewing experience. From watching videos and movies to getting your work done, this multi-purpose digital projector can cover it all—but at a price. It’s a premium projector at a premium price!
Pros
Cons
➕ Great color accuracy ➖ Costly ➕ Provide high-definition projection of images ➕ Bright
Latest Price on Amazon:
12. Epson Home Cinema 1060
The best projector for home-theater
Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 9.8 x 3.4 inches | Type: Digital Projector | Brightness: 3100 Lumen
Epson Home Cinema 1060 is an all-in-one digital art projector that focuses on delivering a home theater experience. With 3100 Lumens brightness and full HD resolution, this projector guarantees an impressive performance. It can easily project images up to 300 inches, so if you have large canvases and murals to work on, it is the best projector out there to get the job done. You can save time by tracing designs quickly and accurately for perfect sketches and drawings. What else? This projector is compatible with multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs.
This projector has got 1080p high definition which is pretty good that you can get with a projector of this size. If your projector is going to give you a blocky picture, then there is no worse than that. But with Epson, your image looks as though you find it in real life. The size of the image can go up to 300 inches. Most flat screens go up to 60 inches which is 25 times larger than the image that you get on the Television if you are a person who goes in for the quality of the image, then go in for Epson.
Pros
Cons
➕ 3100 lumens brightness ➖ Fan noise is audible ➕ Supports 1080p resolution ➖ Gaming performance is a bit laggy ➕ Offers 4500 hours of lamp life (4-5 years) ➕ Lightweight
Latest Price on Amazon:
13. KODAK Luma 350
Product Dimensions: 4.4 x 4.4 x 1.1 inches | Type: Digital Projector | Brightness: 350-Lumen
When it comes to digital art projectors for painting and drawing, the KODAK Luma 350 is a great option. This is one of the most compact projectors to work with, making it perfect for artists on the go.One drawback with projectors is their bulk and weight, but the 350 does not have this problem. That said, this art projector only comes with 350 lumens. This means artists will require a smaller closed space to work on projects.
Pros
Cons
➕ Extremely compact and lightweight ➖ Video quality could be better ➕ Comes with Andriod that allows you to run and download apps ➕ Impressive picture quality
Latest Price on Amazon:
14. Sony MP-CD1 Portable Pico
The best minimal built art projector.
Product Dimensions: 2.2 x 4.5 x 8.5 inches | Type: Digital Projector | Speaker Type: Built-in | Controller Type: Button control | Battery: 5000 mAh with 2 hours operation | Mounting Type: Table mount, Tripod mount | Brightness: 105 ANSI Lumen | Display Size Range: Upto 120” screen | Weight: 9.9 ounces
The Sony MP-CD1 portable pico is the best lightweight and portable, effective art projector you can find online today. The projector is expensive but powerful in spite of its minimal size. The projector can display your media with maximum brightness levels of 105 ANSI Lumen visuals measuring up to 120” inches, measuring diagonally.
While the projector has only two hours of battery life, you can use it while charging it via HDMI input. With its auto vertical keystone correction, this projector can easily auto-focus for a crystal clear picture.
If you are looking for art projectors that are portable and with HDMI and USB ports to access a wide range of video sources like Netflix and YouTube, then the Sony MP-CD1 is the right one for you.
Pros
Cons
➕The image quality is reasonably good. ➖ Expensive. ➕Hyper-portable. ➖ Limited connection choices. ➕USB type C port for charging ➕ Sleek housing
Latest Price on Amazon:
15. Optoma HD39HDR High Brightness HDR Home Theater Projector
The best mid-priced art projector
Refresh Rate: 120Hz | Brightness: 4000 lumens | Response time: 8.4ms | Lamp Life: 15000 hours | Contrast ratio: 50,000: 1 | Mount type: Wall mount | Product Dimensions: 12.4 x 9.5 x 4.5 inches | Product Weight: 7.7 pounds | Speaker: In-built
Optoma is the leader in the digital projector market with a 20-year history. The art projector provides accurate, rich, and saturated colors with a 50,000:1 contrast ratio.
The Optoma art projector is best for displaying paintings, pictures, videos, movies, and all other forms of media. To project bright, crisp, and accurate colors and full details, you can rely on this art projector.
If you are looking for the best art projector with 2K full HD resolution, then Optoma High brightness HDR is the one for you.
Pros
Cons
➕ Mid-priced for the features it provides. ➖ High brightness works best in ambient light, but you can find blacks and three-dimensionality in dark rooms. ➕ Supports 3D ➕High brightness ➕ Very low input lag and faster response time when gaming
Latest Price on Amazon:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Top 15 Best Digital Art Projectors in 2023
Technology has become an essential part of the design process, and art projectors are one such innovation that allows artists to design and illustrate with more detail and precision.
Projectors have come a long way since they were invented over a century ago. Since then, they have become more powerful, reliable, portable, and a lot more affordable. An art projector is a highly recommended accessory for digital artists, and we hope that our list has helped you choose the right one for yourself.