Creating art isn’t easy. Besides the need to have the perfect environment, an artist also needs the proper tools to create their art. Among the tools they need to create a stunning piece of art, a projector is a front runner.
Why is a projector needed to create art? If you’re an artist, you already know the answer. But for those who don’t know, a projector is vital for displaying digital art. It’s also used to create interactive art, painting murals, and create optical illusions and animations.
But wait! Isn’t buying a projector easy? It’s only easy if you know what to look for while buying a projector for art. Things such as portability, display size, brightness, and projector-type matter greatly when it comes to buying a projector.
Don’t worry! We’ve cut the work for you. In today’s article, we’ll be discussing the best projectors for art. While putting together this list, we included the best projectors from all of the price ranges.
There is a wide range of tools that artists use to create different things. They use tools that bring the best out of the creativity they are blessed with. One such tool is the digital projector. The projector is useful in producing quality images, which they then project on different types of surfaces. The projectors have one single task – to produce sharp and high contrast images. It saves an artist from spending too much time on screens or monitors for displaying images. Technology has enabled the production of some excellent, state-of-the-art digital projectors that artists can use. Below is a list of the best digital projectors for artists.
Let’s begin!
Our Recommendations
- Artograph Flare 450 Digital Art Projector – Best Overall
- Viewsonic PA503S – Best In Durability
- BenQ MH535FHD – Best In Response Time
- Anker Nebula Capsule – Best For Those Who Are Always On The Go
- GRC mini projector Best Value-For-Money Projector
- iDGLAX iDG-787 LCD LED Projector – Best In Performance
- DBPOWER T20 1500 Lumens LCD Projector – Best In Brightness
- ViewSonic PX700HD Home Theater Projector – Best For Outdoor Displays
- ViewSonic PJD7720HD Projector – Best In Color Technology
- Flare 100 Digital Art Projector – Best In Customer Support
- Artograph Flare150 Art Projector – Best In Focus
Artograph Flare 450 Digital Art Projector
To kick this list off, we’ve got a projector that’s both budget-friendly and easy to use. The QKK (2020 Upgrade) provides excellent value for the money spent.
The QKK is a fairly small projector. It weighs about 3.9 pounds. The makers of the QKK kept portability in mind. That’s why you can use it both indoors and outdoors. It can also display up to 170 inches at a 5M distance. It’s also pretty bright at 4500 LUX.
The resolution of this projector is also the highest on the market. It supports full HD screening with a 2000:1 contrast ratio and 16:9 aspect ratio. You can also use it with an iPhone, computer, and TV! Pair that up with the 50,000-hour long lamp life and you’ve got a solid projector.
As for the connectivity, it comes with a double USB port. It allows users to use 2 flash drives at once. If you’re a workaholic, don’t worry about it getting heated! The German WTS 2.0 Cooling System keeps its airflow steady and doesn’t let the projector heat up.
The only negatives we could find is that the build quality isn’t that great. We also don’t recommend doing a PPT presentation with this projector.
Overall, the QKK (2020) is a value-for-money projector for art. You won’t regret getting this projector if you’re on a budget.
Pros
- At just 3.9 pounds, it’s a very portable projector.
- It can display up to 170 inches at a max of 5M distance.
- The 4500LUX brightness is pretty high.
- FullHD screening supported.
- Super durable 50,000-hour lamp life.
- The German WTS 2.0 Cooling System keeps a steady airflow and doesn’t let the projector heat up.
- Compatible with all sorts of devices.
Cons
- Build quality isn’t the best.
- Not recommended for official PPT presentations.
Viewsonic PA503S
If you want something that is a bit more durable and with good features, yet don’t want to spend much, the Viewsonic PA503S would be the ideal choice for you.
Why is it good? It’s popular mainly because of the versatility it brings to the table. This projector is ideal for nearly everyone. It weighs just about 7 pounds. It comes with a resolution of 1920 x 1080. As far as compatibility goes, you can use it with NTSC, PAL, and SECAM video options.
The performance of this projector is up there with some of the best. You can get up to 300 inches in display size. It can also project from a maximum of 15 feet. Add 3600 lumens of brightness with that and you’ve got a perfect combination of performance.
It has a lamp life of 15,000 hours. It also has Reduced Input Latency and 3D Blu-ray Ready HDMI Input. The Viewsonic PA503S also comes with amazing color accuracy technology that displays visuals accurately.
The only issue we had with this projector is that the focus adjustment was a bit clunky.
Overall, the Viewsonic PA503S is a great projector for art at a decent price. You should opt for it.
Pros
- A versatile projector with usability in every aspect.
- Full HD display resolution.
- Compatible with NTSC, PAL, SECAM video options.
- Up to 300 inches display size and a maximum of 15 feet display distance.
- 3600 lumens of brightness.
- Reduced Input Latency and 3D Blu-ray Ready HDMI Input included.
Cons
- Focus adjustment can be a bit of a pain at times.
BenQ MH535FHD
The BenQ MH535FHD is a solid high-range projector aimed at professional artists.
Let’s get one thing cleared first. Portability isn’t the best thing about the BenQ MH535FHD. Though it’s pretty portable at just above 5 pounds, chances are you wouldn’t carry that around with you all the time. And as for the picture quality, the BenQ MH535FHD delivers visuals at 1080p 3D-ready resolution.
One thing most projectors suffer from is slower response time. But with the BenQ, you’ll be getting a pretty fast response time of 10 ms. It’s pretty bright too! With 3600 Lumens you won’t be facing any kind of shadowing issue. It also has a 10,000-hour lamp life. You can use it for up to 10 years with ease.
This BenQ projector also has a thing called DLP Technology. It produces sharper and crisper images. It also has a 1.2x zoom that makes setting up the projector easier than ever.
However, the menus aren’t intuitive and the mounting holes are a bit off the chart. Other than that it’s a pretty solid projector.
Overall, the BenQ MH535FHD is a near-perfect projector aimed at those who have a high budget. We only recommend this projector to you if you are willing to spend a few extra bucks.
Pros
- Visuals are delivered at 1080p 3D-ready resolution.
- Pretty fast 10ms response rate.
- The 3600 lumens brightness is more than enough for a lot of artists.
- The 10,000-hour lamp life guarantees 10 years of usage.
- DLP Technology produces sharper and crisper images.
- With the help of 1.2x zoom, anyone can easily set up the projector.
Cons
- Mounting holes aren’t in the right place.
- The menus aren’t really user-friendly.
Anker Nebula Capsule
Up next we’ve got an art projector that was specifically made for those who are always on-the-go. The Anker Nebula Capsule is currently one of the best portable art projectors. Besides its reasonable price, these projectors offer great utility with mobility!
As we’ve mentioned already, the biggest selling point of this projector is its portability. At just 1 pound, this is the lightest projector for art. The Anker Nebula Capsule comes with a resolution of 854×480 and an aspect ratio of (16:9).
The Anker Nebula runs on DLP technology. This technology uses advanced IntelliBright algorithms to deliver crisp and sharp visuals. It also comes with a decent brightness level of 100 ANSI-lumens. On top of that, you can get up to 100 inches of the projection display.
The Anker Nebula runs on Android 7.1 os. And despite being a pocket-sized projector, the user will be getting HDMI, USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Screen Mirroring connectivity options.
However, as you might’ve noticed, the brightness is a bit low. On top of that, the focus needs to be set manually.
Overall, the Anker Nebula Capsule is a value-for-money portable projector. It would be perfect for those who are always on the move.
Pros
- Portable
- A pretty good resolution of 854×480 and an aspect ratio of (16:9).
- DLP technology uses advanced IntelliBright algorithms to deliver crisp and sharp visuals.
- Up to 100 inches of the projection display.
- A whole array of connectivity options.
Cons
- The brightness seems a bit dull.
- The focus needs to be set manually.
GRC mini projector
Though we’ve already mentioned a budget option, this next projector is for artists who are just starting or are on a tight budget. Though it’s a lesser-known brand, the GRC mini projector is a great value-for-money option.
Though you’ll be spending a lot less with this projector, the value it brings to the table is more than its price. With this projector, you’ll be getting 1080p FHD visuals. It also comes with a max projection distance of 5 inches and a max projection size of 200 inches! Talk about value for money!
It also has pretty stable performance. The 45,000-hour lamp life is said to run 30 years – uninterruptedly! On top of that, it comes with a pretty thought-out cooling system design that doesn’t let the projector overheat. It also has a built-in noise reduction function.
The GRC mini projector is also compatible with HDMI/USB/TF/AV/VGA interfaces. Combine that with the 4 separate projection modes and you can use it for nearly all sorts of situations.
However, the build quality is abysmal. Some users have also reported that it stopped running properly after a few months.
The GRC mini projector does what it says. It’s a small projector with high-grade features. However, as the build quality is poor, we don’t recommend it unless you’re on a very tight budget.
Pros
- A very cheap projector.
- Visuals are provided in 1080P Full HD format.
- The max projection distance of 5 inches and a max projection size of 200 inches.
- Super long 45,000-hour lamp life.
- 4 separate projection modes and built-in noise reduction technology.
- Compatible with all sorts of connection interfaces.
Cons
- The build quality is subpar.
iDGLAX iDG-787 LCD LED Projector
At times, artists have to work in some darkened spaces. In such instances, they need all the tools they can get to do a stunning job. This digital projector is the best one for them under such circumstances. Its native 640 x 480 resolution does not stop it from handling 1080p.
The projector is not only compact but also portable. It has all the necessary outputs, giving it the ability to handle wide-ranging devices at a time. Furthermore, it comes with its own speaker thus saving you from spending money on extra audio hookups.
Pros
- One of its important selling points is the projector’s excellent performance.
- It never lets the users down. Additionally, it produces high-quality pictures.
- It comes with its own set of speakers, which means that you will never spend money on external speakers.
- It can last up to 14 years, which translates to 20,000 hours.
- It is cost-effective since you never have to worry about replacing any bulb.
- It is a low energy-consuming projector. Artists can use it the whole night without worrying about shutting it down for cooling.
Cons
- Its main drawback is the fact its ineffectiveness in large conferences, classrooms, or churches, especially when the lights shine too brightly.
- Furthermore, its usage during the day when the surroundings are too bright is equally inadvisable.
DBPOWER T20 1500 Lumens LCD Projector
The primary thing you notice about this projector is the amount of brightness it emits. Its brightness is 50 percent higher than that of the usual LED projectors. It is perfect for use in homes, especially when the lighting is a bit darker.
Any artists contemplating using it for home or PPT presentation would better not do so. Its innovative cooling system ensures the projector never experiences overheating, which would then force you to shut it down.
Pros
- It does not overheat; hence, no need for shutting it down.
- Artists can use this projector by connecting it with their smartphone or tablet.
- The native and supported resolution of 800 x 480 pixels and 1920 x 1080 pixels guarantee quality pictures.
- It displays clear images.
- Its fan is noiseless.
- It has an extended lamp life too.
- The sound, quality of pictures, and brightness are excellent.
- It is bright enough to project any image you wish to watch or display to a group of people in a dark environment quite comfortably.
Cons
- The sound can be a bit excessive when used indoors.
- While outside, you may need to hook up some additional external speakers to complement what it already has.
- Its resolution does not stand out like other similar ones but is still watchable.
ViewSonic PX700HD Home Theater Projector
The ViewSonic PX700HD 1080p is a super powerful projector meant for home theaters and game, and can project brightly on screens up to 300 inches (!!) in diagonal. Now that’s not the common case for most artists but it can make for good use in outdoor displays or larger art galleries. For those artists that are serious about there work, this is a great option. You’ll never run into issues with displays being too weak or dim, and you can use it to watch movies or play call-of-duty on the weekends.
Pros
- 3500 lumens of brightness
- Up to 300-inch display
- 15,000-hour lens life
- Super color technology
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Users have reported some issues displaying “rainbow” effects, but this mainly effects gaming.
ViewSonic PJD7720HD Projector
The projector’s dynamic 22,000:1 contrast ratio is one of the most impressive in the market. It is packed with the most highly advanced color technology in the projector world. The projector is renowned for its durability, which is great news for artists who have no money to keep spending on new digital projectors all the time.
What it offers is a platform through which to make high definition presentations. It offers more than that. It also allows users to enjoy vibrant multimedia entertainment. It has all the conveniences needed to project and display quality images. It comes with a one-year warranty. The limited warranty is for parts and labor, which you can access at any point.
Pros
- The projector is one of the few that are compatible with both Windows and Mac.
- Artists can connect it with their Blu-ray players, DVD players, Apple TV, Google ChromeCast, and Amazon Fire TV among others.
- It has a full HD resolution of 1080p.
- It operates on 3200 lumens.
- It is enhanced with 10W speaker, which should be sufficient for home use.
- Regardless of the surroundings where you use it, you can expect the projector to surprise you with its breathtaking brightness.
- Additionally, you will enjoy discreet streaming services from any optional wireless dongle that is near you.
- It guarantees users fantastic pictures, crisp images, and excellent sound.
Cons
- The fan can be a bit noisy, thus disruptive when you need quietness all around to concentrate on your work.
- Many times, you will notice the onboard speaker resetting itself to “ON” whenever you use it, which can be quite annoying.
- Additionally, the speaker might be a bit loud from time-to-time.
Flare 100 Digital Art Projector
Artograph Electronics produces this projector. This compact LED projector operates both electrically and with batteries. It is lightweight and portable too. It supports various image formats that include pdf, BMP, png, and jpg among others.
It comes with a 1-year warranty.
Artists are guaranteed lifetime customer technical support.
Pros
- It attaches to standard tripod mounts easily.
- It has three different ways of projecting an image to any surface.
- USB drive, HDMI cable, and the smartphone (or a similar device) are the three ways available to use in projecting your images.
- It has all the features artists need for projecting, tracing and painting any image or picture they’re working on at any given moment.
- Can project images onto small or large canvases with little difficulty.
- It is also incredibly easy to use.
- It displays or projects crystal-clear images.
- The fact it runs on batteries is great news for artists worried about spending too much money paying or clearing their utility bills.
- The compact projector is portable enough to travel with easily.
Cons
- It is a little expensive, especially for artists operating on very tight budgets.
- Additionally, anybody relying entirely on batteries to power this projector will have to budget for more.
- The batteries tend to drain before you can do anything of note.
Artograph Flare150 Art Projector
The Artograph Flare150 is by far the most popular art projector on our site, unfortunately, it’s also been OUT OF STOCK for the last few months, and we don’t know exactly why. However, here’s our write-up on it:
It’s the most economically priced of the Artograph family of projectors (hovering around $400, with the Impression1400 going for almost $1,200). It’s backed by a year warranty and lifetime customer support.
We’ve been providing recommendations around projects for nearly 2 years, and this projector has far exceeded the popularity of the competition.
Pros
- Brightness (up to 1200 Lumen)
- Sharp Focus
- Moderately Priced (a “sweet spot” between inexpensive and very expensive, usually where value is the highest)
- Lightweight (nearly half the weight of close competitors)
- Built-in Grids
- Overhead mounting capability
- Flip, rotate, grayscale and other image manipulation.
- Lifetime customer support
Cons
- We’re hard-pressed to find any, to be honest.
Wrapping Up
There you have it. These are the best projectors for art in 2024. Though we have presented one for two models from 2024, all of them are the best when it comes to art.
Which one is best for you? It comes down to your needs. Do you want portability or do you want more features? Whichever one you might need you can find that in this list. So pick the one that suits you the most!
Projectors are handy tools that allow artists to do a number of things conveniently, including using images from their digital source directly rather than having to print them out. These images can be adjusted easily and projected onto other surfaces. These convenient benefits can only be enjoyed if an artist selects the best projector. Therefore, take your time to find and buy the best.