A gaming projector is a great way to create a pleasant atmosphere and immerse yourself in the world of video battles on a large screen. With it, you can play on a wide display, feeling the effect of presence, which is difficult to achieve with a standard monitor. Modern models offer high picture quality, excellent brightness and 4K support. However, they require good lighting and a lot of free space for installation. In addition, they may have some limitations on response time and refresh rate, which is critical for action games and shooters.
The monitor will be an ideal solution for those who prioritize high accuracy, speed and stability during the gameplay. Compared to a projector, it guarantees a faster response and low latency, which is important for shooters and sports simulators. Modern gaming models are equipped with high-frequency panels with a refresh rate of up to 240 Hz, which guarantees a smooth and accurate picture. In addition, G-Sync and FreeSync are supported, which eliminates tearing and image failures.
To choose the right device, you should consider the criteria below.
Screen size
Projectors allow you to play on screens (100 inches and more) that are much larger than monitors. This is especially important for multiplayer gaming sessions or impressive visuals. Huge screens require a lot of space, and the image quality depends on the lighting in the room, since projectors do not work well in bright light.
Monitors are smaller in size, but their screens often have a sharper and more stable picture with a high pixel density. Standard gaming models are usually 24-32 inches in size, which is optimal for focusing on all the nuances of the game. Monitors are not able to offer the same scale as a projector, which limits immersion in the game.
To sum up, if you need a large screen and maximum immersion, then a projector is a great solution. If clarity and accuracy of the image are a priority, then a monitor will be more appropriate.
Image quality
Modern projectors boast support for resolutions up to 4K and provide a fairly high-quality picture. However, this indicator will depend on the lighting. In a bright room, the image may be dim, and also less detailed, since larger screens have a lower pixel density.
Monitors have a more stable picture, since its quality does not depend on lighting. In gaming models, screens have high brightness (up to 1000 nits or more). In addition, they have better contrast and color accuracy. The downside is the limited screen size (up to 32 inches), which worsens the immersion effect.
Based on this, a projector is the best choice for those who need scale and a cinematic effect. A monitor provides a more stable and clear picture, which is important in multi-user sessions.
Comparison of a projector and a monitor – which is better for gaming
Power consumption
Speaking about energy efficiency, modern projectors with LED and laser technology consume more energy than monitors. Even when using energy-efficient light sources (lasers or LED lamps), the indicators will be significantly higher than the latter, especially during long sessions. Average consumption rates vary between 150-350 W depending on the model.
In monitors, such parameters are usually within 30-100 W, depending on the device and size. Thanks to this, the devices are more energy efficient. The main disadvantage will be the need for good lighting so as not to strain your eyesight.
To summarize, a projector consumes more energy than a monitor. The latter is considered more energy efficient, which will reduce energy costs.
Price
Projectors have larger and more affordable screens, especially if you need standard resolution (Full HD). However, a good gaming model with a high-quality picture, 4K support and low response time can be quite expensive. In addition, you may also need additional devices (for example, a screen).
Gaming monitors are available in both budget and premium ranges (from 10,000 to 100,000 rubles). Refresh rate, response time, resolution and G-Sync/FreeSync support should be taken into account. A good model with 4K and 240 Hz is more expensive.
Based on the above, a projector will be a more affordable solution if you need a large screen space. A monitor offers more reasonable prices for models with high performance and high-quality images.
Pros and cons of projectors for games
Xiaomi Mi 4K Laser Projector
Such devices will be an excellent solution for those who need a large-scale and cinematic gaming experience, in particular for multiplayer gaming sessions.
Pros:
ideal for long gaming sessions;
high mobility;
large display;
full immersion effect;
versatility.
dependence on illumination;
low response time;
dimensions and installation location.
The best models of projectors for games
Xiaomi Mi 4K Laser Projector. With it, you can enjoy high-quality images on screens of 2.03-3.81 m at a minimum distance of 0.14 m. The device has a wide range of interfaces. The model has high contrast rates of 3000 nits, which guarantees clarity and realism of the image. In addition, Mi 4K Laser is equipped with a Laser-LED lamp with a service life of 25,000 hours. A relatively high noise level of 32 dB is highlighted as a disadvantage. Users often note excellent contrast and clarity of the image, as well as the comfort of working with Smart TV;
XGIMI Horizon Pro. A stationary model with DLP technology and a resolution of 3840 × 2160. The model will feature built-in speakers, automatic keystone correction, autofocus and 32 GB of internal memory. The MediaTek MT9612 CPU and 2 GB of RAM guarantee high performance. The device is equipped with an LED lamp with a service life of up to 25,000 hours. The luminous flux of 2200 lm provides image clarity. The downside of the XGIMI Horizon Pro will be the low contrast of 1000 to 1, which leads to less pronounced shades and color depth in dark scenes; Epson EH-TW5825. A portable model with LCD technology, which is designed for home theater. It guarantees high-quality images with a resolution of 1920 × 1080 (Full HD) and a ratio of 16: 9. The luminous flux is 7200 lm, which provides a clear picture regardless of lighting conditions. The EH-TW5825 boasts a contrast ratio of over 10,000 to 1, which allows it to deliver deep blacks and vibrant colors. The projector also has built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for wireless connectivity, as well as Ethernet ports for networking. The noise level of the model is 36 dB, which is a bit high for some users.
Advantages and disadvantages of gaming monitors
Samsung Odyssey G5
Before buying a quality gaming monitor, you should consider the key features of the models.
Advantages:
independence from lighting;
high refresh rate and low response time;
high-quality picture;
compact size;
synchronization technologies.
Disadvantages:
effect of limited field of view;
smaller viewing angle.
The best models of gaming monitors
Samsung Odyssey G5. A gaming model with a diagonal of 34 inches and an aspect ratio of 21:9. The maximum resolution is 3440×1440, which, along with the VA matrix of the screen and LED backlight, allows you to enjoy clear and rich color rendition. An important advantage of the Samsung Odyssey G5 will be the high maximum refresh rate of 165 Hz, which guarantees smooth and realistic dynamics in action scenes. FreeSync and FreeSync Premium technologies eliminate tearing, contributing to smooth gameplay. The monitor is suitable for both eSports players and movie and video lovers;
Asus VG27VQ. A device with a diagonal of 27 inches and a maximum number of colors (16.7 million). Wide viewing angles (178 degrees) allow you to comfortably watch the display from different angles. The model supports HDR10 standards for deeper color rendition and picture clarity. ELMB Sync, Shadow Boost, Asus GameVisual, GamePlus technologies guarantee excellent gameplay and video processing. It is also worth noting the presence of built-in speakers with a power of 2 W; Xiaomi Redmi G27. A budget device with an IPS matrix and a diagonal of 27 inches with a resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels (FullHD). The advantage of the product will be a high maximum frame refresh rate of 165 Hz, which ensures smooth display of dynamic content in games. FreeSync support makes it possible to eliminate visualization artifacts. Xiaomi Redmi G27 boasts a bright backlight without flickering (Flicker-Free), support for the ISO 13406-2 standard and HDR10. With a wide viewing angle of 178 degrees, Xiaomi Redmi G27 guarantees excellent detail and contrast of the picture even from different angles. Among the disadvantages, users note the relatively low screen resolution.