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- Best overall: ViewSonic X2-4K 4K UHD Short Throw LED Projector
- Best budget: BenQ TK700 4K HDR Gaming Projector
- Best premium: BenQ X3000i 4K HDR LED Gaming Projector
- Best for a brighter ViewSonic setup: ViewSonic X1-4K 4K UHD LED Projector
- The ViewSonic X2-4K 4K UHD Short Throw LED Projector suits gaming and smaller rooms, with a 0.69–0.83 throw ratio.
- The ViewSonic X1-4K 4K UHD LED Projector is the brighter ViewSonic option, rated at 2,900 LED lumens.
- The BenQ TK700STi 4K HDR Short Throw Gaming Projector pairs 4K resolution with a short-throw design.
- The Epson Home Cinema 3800 4K PRO-UHD 3LCD Projector is a strong fit for flexible living-room placement.
- Choose by throw distance, room brightness and gaming needs before comparing Black Friday 2026 offers.
The ViewSonic X2-4K 4K UHD Short Throw LED Projector and ViewSonic X1-4K 4K UHD LED Projector are both 4K home-theater options, but their different throw distances and brightness ratings make them better for different rooms. The X2-4K is rated at 2,000 LED lumens and is designed for short-throw placement; the X1-4K is rated at 2,900 LED lumens for a brighter standard-throw setup.
For this Black Friday 2026 guide, we researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback across seven projectors. My pick for most people is the ViewSonic X2-4K for a compact gaming room, while the ViewSonic X1-4K is the more sensible choice when brightness takes priority. The alternatives below cover different room layouts, gaming features and image technologies.
How We Picked
- Compared stated brightness, resolution and light-source specifications for all 7 projectors.
- Checked throw ratios and lens features to distinguish short-throw models from standard-throw designs.
- Reviewed stated gaming refresh rates and input-lag figures where manufacturers provide them.
- Considered setup flexibility, including lens shift, keystone correction and smart-TV features.
- Used published specifications, reviews and owner feedback rather than research.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Brightness | Resolution | Throw / gaming feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ViewSonic X2-4K 4K UHD Short Throw LED Projector | Compact gaming rooms | 2,000 LED lumens | 4K UHD | 0.69–0.83 throw ratio |
| ViewSonic X1-4K 4K UHD LED Projector | Brighter standard-throw rooms | 2,900 LED lumens | 4K UHD | 4.2 ms stated input lag |
| BenQ TK700STi 4K HDR Short Throw Gaming Projector | Bright short-throw gaming | 3,000 ANSI lumens | 4K UHD | 4.16 ms at 1080p/240 Hz |
| BenQ TK700 4K HDR Gaming Projector | Standard-throw gaming | 3,200 ANSI lumens | 4K UHD | 4.16 ms at 1080p/240 Hz |
| BenQ X3000i 4K HDR LED Gaming Projector | Premium gaming and movies | 3,000 ANSI lumens | 4K UHD | 4LED light source |
| Epson Home Cinema 3800 4K PRO-UHD 3LCD Projector | Flexible living-room installation | 3,000 lumens | 4K PRO-UHD pixel shifting | Horizontal and vertical lens shift |
| Optoma UHD35x 4K UHD Gaming Projector | High-brightness gaming | 3,600 lumens | 4K UHD | Up to 240 Hz |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
ViewSonic X2-4K 4K UHD Short Throw LED Projector
The ViewSonic X2-4K 4K UHD Short Throw LED Projector is the best short-throw gaming pick for smaller rooms, with a 0.69–0.83 throw ratio and 4K UHD resolution.
Best for: Gaming rooms with limited projector-to-screen distance
- Resolution
- 4K UHD, 3840 × 2160
- Brightness
- 2,000 LED lumens
- Throw ratio
- 0.69–0.83
- Gaming refresh rate
- Up to 240 Hz
- Short-throw placement helps in compact rooms.
- Supports high-refresh-rate gaming.
- LED light source avoids routine lamp replacement.
- Lower rated brightness than the ViewSonic X1-4K.
Is the ViewSonic X2-4K 4K UHD Short Throw LED Projector worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The ViewSonic X2-4K 4K UHD Short Throw LED Projector is worth considering for a gaming room that needs short-throw placement. The ViewSonic X2-4K 4K UHD Short Throw LED Projector's 0.69–0.83 throw ratio and up-to-240 Hz refresh support suit closer setups, while 2,000 LED lumens favor controlled lighting.
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#2
ViewSonic X1-4K 4K UHD LED Projector
The ViewSonic X1-4K 4K UHD LED Projector is the best brighter ViewSonic option for a standard-throw room, with a rated brightness of 2,900 LED lumens.
Best for: Brighter rooms and standard-throw placement
- Resolution
- 4K UHD, 3840 × 2160
- Brightness
- 2,900 LED lumens
- Light source
- LED
- Gaming response
- 4.2 ms stated input lag
- Higher rated brightness than the X2-4K.
- 4K UHD resolution supports detailed large-screen viewing.
- LED light source is designed for long service life.
- Standard-throw placement needs more distance than the X2-4K.
Is the ViewSonic X1-4K 4K UHD LED Projector worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The ViewSonic X1-4K 4K UHD LED Projector is worth considering when a room needs more brightness than the X2-4K provides. The 2,900 LED-lumen rating and 4K UHD resolution make it a practical fit for movies and gaming in a standard-throw setup.
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#3
BenQ TK700STi 4K HDR Short Throw Gaming Projector
The BenQ TK700STi 4K HDR Short Throw Gaming Projector is the best short-throw alternative for bright gaming, with 3,000 ANSI lumens and 4K resolution.
Best for: Short-throw gaming with a bright image
- Resolution
- 4K UHD, 3840 × 2160
- Brightness
- 3,000 ANSI lumens
- Throw type
- Short throw
- Gaming input lag
- 4.16 ms at 1080p/240 Hz
- High stated brightness for a gaming projector.
- Short-throw design supports closer placement.
- Android TV dongle is included.
- The bundled smart-TV dongle occupies an HDMI connection.
Is the BenQ TK700STi 4K HDR Short Throw Gaming Projector worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The BenQ TK700STi 4K HDR Short Throw Gaming Projector is a strong option for buyers who want short-throw placement and bright gaming. The BenQ TK700STi 4K HDR Short Throw Gaming Projector's 3,000 ANSI lumens, 4K resolution and stated 4.16 ms input lag at 1080p/240 Hz make its priorities clear.
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#4
BenQ TK700 4K HDR Gaming Projector
The BenQ TK700 4K HDR Gaming Projector is the best standard-throw gaming alternative for bright rooms, with 3,200 ANSI lumens and 4K resolution.
Best for: Bright-room gaming at standard throw distance
- Resolution
- 4K UHD, 3840 × 2160
- Brightness
- 3,200 ANSI lumens
- Gaming input lag
- 4.16 ms at 1080p/240 Hz
- HDR
- HDR10 and HLG
- High stated brightness supports more flexible viewing.
- Fast 1080p gaming mode.
- 4K resolution and HDR support.
- Standard-throw placement needs careful room measurement.
Is the BenQ TK700 4K HDR Gaming Projector worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The BenQ TK700 4K HDR Gaming Projector is worth considering for bright-room gaming at standard throw distance. The BenQ TK700 4K HDR Gaming Projector's 3,200 ANSI-lumen rating, 4K resolution and stated 4.16 ms input lag at 1080p/240 Hz target players who value brightness and responsiveness.
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#5
BenQ X3000i 4K HDR LED Gaming Projector
The BenQ X3000i 4K HDR LED Gaming Projector is the best premium gaming choice in this group, with 3,000 ANSI lumens and a 4LED light source.
Best for: Premium gaming and colorful entertainment
- Resolution
- 4K UHD, 3840 × 2160
- Brightness
- 3,000 ANSI lumens
- Light source
- 4LED
- Gaming input lag
- 4.16 ms at 1080p/240 Hz
- 4LED light source supports rich color.
- Bright output suits mixed gaming and movie use.
- Android TV is included.
- A premium feature set is unnecessary for basic movie viewing.
Is the BenQ X3000i 4K HDR LED Gaming Projector worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The BenQ X3000i 4K HDR LED Gaming Projector is a good fit for buyers who want gaming features alongside vivid movie playback. The BenQ X3000i 4K HDR LED Gaming Projector's 3,000 ANSI lumens, 4LED light source and 4K resolution provide a well-rounded premium specification set.
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#6
Epson Home Cinema 3800 4K PRO-UHD 3LCD Projector
The Epson Home Cinema 3800 4K PRO-UHD 3LCD Projector is the best flexible living-room pick, with 3,000 lumens and lens shift for easier placement.
Best for: Living rooms that need lens-placement flexibility
- Resolution technology
- 4K PRO-UHD pixel shifting
- Brightness
- 3,000 lumens for color and white
- Display system
- 3LCD
- Lens shift
- Vertical and horizontal
- Lens shift offers useful installation flexibility.
- 3LCD design delivers color and white brightness.
- Suitable for large-screen home cinema.
- Pixel-shifted 4K is not native 4K.
Is the Epson Home Cinema 3800 4K PRO-UHD 3LCD Projector worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Epson Home Cinema 3800 4K PRO-UHD 3LCD Projector is worth considering when flexible installation matters more than native 4K imaging. The Epson Home Cinema 3800 4K PRO-UHD 3LCD Projector's 3,000-lumen rating and horizontal and vertical lens shift help accommodate living rooms with less straightforward projector placement.
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#7
Optoma UHD35x 4K UHD Gaming Projector
The Optoma UHD35x 4K UHD Gaming Projector is the best high-brightness gaming alternative, with 3,600 lumens and a 240 Hz gaming mode.
Best for: High-brightness 4K gaming
- Resolution
- 4K UHD, 3840 × 2160
- Brightness
- 3,600 lumens
- Gaming refresh rate
- Up to 240 Hz
- Input lag
- 4.2 ms at 1080p/240 Hz
- Highest stated brightness among these picks.
- Supports high-refresh-rate gaming.
- 4K UHD resolution.
- Standard-throw design requires adequate room depth.
Is the Optoma UHD35x 4K UHD Gaming Projector worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Optoma UHD35x 4K UHD Gaming Projector is a strong fit for buyers who prioritize brightness and fast gaming. The Optoma UHD35x 4K UHD Gaming Projector's 3,600-lumen rating and 240 Hz mode stand out, while the standard-throw layout requires enough space between the projector and screen.
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Which is better, the ViewSonic X2-4K or the ViewSonic X1-4K?
The ViewSonic X2-4K 4K UHD Short Throw LED Projector is better for compact rooms, while the ViewSonic X1-4K 4K UHD LED Projector is brighter at 2,900 versus 2,000 LED lumens. Both offer 4K UHD resolution, so the choice rests mainly on room layout and ambient light.
Pick the X2-4K when the projector has to sit close to the screen or when gaming is a priority. Its 0.69–0.83 throw ratio supports closer placement, and its high-refresh gaming support suits compatible systems. Choose the X1-4K when the room has space for standard-throw placement and extra brightness matters more. Skip it if you need the X1-4K's extra brightness but cannot provide the required throw distance. Measure first: screen size and placement determine whether either projector fits.
Which ViewSonic projector is better for a brighter room?
The ViewSonic X1-4K 4K UHD LED Projector has the higher stated brightness at 2,900 LED lumens, compared with 2,000 LED lumens for the ViewSonic X2-4K 4K UHD Short Throw LED Projector. The rating makes the X1-4K the better starting point for a room with some ambient light.
Projector brightness is only one part of the picture: screen material, image size and incoming light all affect perceived contrast. Closing curtains and using a suitable screen improve results for either model. The BenQ TK700 4K HDR Gaming Projector and Optoma UHD35x 4K UHD Gaming Projector offer higher stated brightness figures, though their placement requirements differ. Compare each model's lumen rating in its stated unit rather than treating LED lumens and ANSI lumens as directly interchangeable.
Which projector is best for gaming?
The ViewSonic X2-4K 4K UHD Short Throw LED Projector is the strongest match for close-range gaming, with a 0.69–0.83 throw ratio and up-to-240 Hz support. The BenQ TK700STi 4K HDR Short Throw Gaming Projector is a compelling alternative with 3,000 ANSI lumens.
Look beyond resolution when comparing gaming projectors. Check the refresh rate supported at your preferred resolution, input-lag specifications, available HDMI connections and the distance needed for your screen size. The BenQ TK700 4K HDR Gaming Projector and Optoma UHD35x 4K UHD Gaming Projector offer high-refresh modes in standard-throw designs. The BenQ X3000i 4K HDR LED Gaming Projector adds a 4LED light source and smart-TV features for buyers who also use the projector for streaming and movies.
How much throw distance does a projector need?
The ViewSonic X2-4K 4K UHD Short Throw LED Projector has a 0.69–0.83 throw ratio, while the ViewSonic X1-4K 4K UHD LED Projector uses standard-throw placement. A lower throw ratio generally means a projector forms a large image from a shorter distance.
Measure from the intended lens position to the screen, then check the manufacturer's throw calculator for your target image size. Allow room for cables, ventilation and any ceiling mount. Short-throw models such as the BenQ TK700STi 4K HDR Short Throw Gaming Projector suit compact layouts, but the projector still needs a clear path to the screen. The Epson Home Cinema 3800 4K PRO-UHD 3LCD Projector offers lens shift for easier alignment after placement, not a substitute for checking the required throw distance.
What should you compare before Black Friday 2026?
The ViewSonic X2-4K 4K UHD Short Throw LED Projector and ViewSonic X1-4K 4K UHD LED Projector are easiest to compare by brightness, throw distance and gaming features. Their shared 4K UHD resolution does not make them interchangeable, because their room-fit strengths differ.
Start with your screen size and room measurements, then choose a suitable throw type. Next, decide whether brighter output or short-throw installation matters more. Confirm the exact model name and included accessories when comparing Black Friday 2026 listings, and check connection needs for consoles, streaming devices and audio equipment. An offer only represents value when the projector fits the room and intended use. The BenQ, Epson and Optoma alternatives in this guide give shoppers more choices when the ViewSonic models do not match their setup.
Buying Guide
Measure screen size and throw distance
The ViewSonic X2-4K 4K UHD Short Throw LED Projector uses a 0.69–0.83 throw ratio, so start by measuring the lens-to-screen distance. Match that measurement to your planned image size with the manufacturer's calculator. Check furniture, mounts, cables and ventilation before deciding where the projector will sit.
Match brightness to room lighting
The ViewSonic X1-4K 4K UHD LED Projector is rated at 2,900 LED lumens, compared with 2,000 LED lumens for the X2-4K. Treat those figures as a guide, not a guarantee of identical perceived brightness across different screens. For daytime viewing, consider room-darkening curtains and screen choice too.
Prioritize the gaming specification you need
The BenQ TK700 4K HDR Gaming Projector states 4.16 ms input lag at 1080p/240 Hz, a useful gaming figure to compare with your console or PC output. Verify supported resolution and refresh-rate combinations, then check HDMI inputs and audio routing before purchase.
Check image technology and installation features
The Epson Home Cinema 3800 4K PRO-UHD 3LCD Projector uses pixel-shifted 4K and includes horizontal and vertical lens shift. Compare resolution technology, lens movement, keystone controls and light source with your room needs. Lens shift helps alignment, while throw distance still determines projector placement.
FAQ
ViewSonic X2-4K vs ViewSonic X1-4K: which is better for gaming?
The ViewSonic X2-4K 4K UHD Short Throw LED Projector is the better fit for close-range gaming, with a 0.69–0.83 throw ratio and up-to-240 Hz support. The ViewSonic X1-4K 4K UHD LED Projector has a 2,900 LED-lumen brightness advantage for brighter standard-throw rooms.
Is the ViewSonic X2-4K a short-throw projector?
The ViewSonic X2-4K 4K UHD Short Throw LED Projector is a short-throw model with a 0.69–0.83 throw ratio. The design suits rooms where the projector needs to sit closer to the screen, but measure the lens-to-screen distance against the intended image size before buying.
Is the ViewSonic X1-4K brighter than the X2-4K?
The ViewSonic X1-4K 4K UHD LED Projector has a higher stated brightness of 2,900 LED lumens, compared with 2,000 LED lumens for the ViewSonic X2-4K 4K UHD Short Throw LED Projector. Screen size, ambient light and screen material also affect perceived brightness.
Which 4K projector is best for a small room?
The ViewSonic X2-4K 4K UHD Short Throw LED Projector is a strong small-room choice because its 0.69–0.83 throw ratio supports closer placement. The BenQ TK700STi 4K HDR Short Throw Gaming Projector is another short-throw option, rated at 3,000 ANSI lumens.
Are the ViewSonic X2-4K and X1-4K native 4K projectors?
The ViewSonic X2-4K 4K UHD Short Throw LED Projector and ViewSonic X1-4K 4K UHD LED Projector both specify 4K UHD output at 3840 × 2160. Check the manufacturer's technical details for imaging method and supported input formats when comparing either model with other projector technologies.