Best Projector Under $300 in 2026
Best projector under $300: the NexiGo PJ40 Pro at $299.99 against the NexiGo PJ40 Gen 3, HAPPRUN Google TV and Elephas Smart 4K, compared on listed specs.
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NexiGo PJ40 Pro Google TV
The NexiGo PJ40 Pro is $299.99, right at the ceiling, and lists 800 ANSI lumens, Google TV and a 10 ms low-latency mode. The HAPPRUN Google TV projector is $269.93 with an officially licensed Google TV. The Elephas Smart 4K Supported is $199.99 and lists 2 x 15W speakers. The older NexiGo PJ40 Gen 3 is also $299.99 but lists 700 ANSI lumens and no smart OS, so the Pro is the better buy at the same price. Prices and stock were read on Amazon.com on 4 October 2026 and change often. We have not tested these projectors.
Check Price on AmazonAt a Glance
| Feature | NexiGo PJ40 Pro Google TV | NexiGo PJ40 (Gen 3) | HAPPRUN Google TV Projector | Elephas Smart 4K Supported Projector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.99 | $299.99 | $269.93 | $199.99 |
| Brightness (listed) | 800 ANSI lumens | 700 ANSI lumens | Not stated in the listing text we read | Not stated in the listing text we read |
| Smart OS | Google TV | None listed (works with a TV stick) | Google TV (licensed) | App store with Prime Video, YouTube (no Netflix listed) |
| Speakers | 20W | 20W | 5W, Dolby effects | 2 x 15W Dolby Audio |
| Input Lag (listed) | 10 ms (per NexiGo) | Not stated in the listing text we read | Not stated in the listing text we read | Not stated in the listing text we read |
Quick Comparison
Our Top Picks
NexiGo PJ40 Pro Google TV
NexiGo lists 800 ANSI lumens, native 1080p, Google TV, a 10 ms low-latency mode and 20W speakers, at $299.99.
- 800 ANSI lumens, per NexiGo
- Google TV built in, so no streaming stick is needed
- 10 ms low latency, per NexiGo
- Native 1080p with 4K support
- 60-100% zoom for an image up to 300 inches, per NexiGo
- $299.99, at the top of a $300 budget
- 204 Amazon ratings, far fewer than some cheaper projectors
- Fan noise is not stated in the listing text we read
NexiGo PJ40 (Gen 3)
NexiGo lists native 1920x1080, 700 ANSI lumens, D65 calibration, 20W speakers and Bluetooth 5.1, with no built-in smart OS, at $299.99.
- 700 ANSI lumens, per NexiGo
- D65 calibration, per NexiGo
- 20W speakers and Bluetooth 5.1
- Adjustable fan level, per NexiGo
- 3,011 Amazon ratings, the most of the NexiGo models
- No built-in smart OS: NexiGo lists it as compatible with a TV stick
- The same $299.99 as the newer PJ40 Pro, which lists 800 lumens and Google TV
- 4.0 stars on Amazon
HAPPRUN Google TV Projector
HAPPRUN lists an officially licensed Google TV, native 1080P, 4K decoding, Dolby sound and AirPlay, at $269.93.
- Officially licensed Google TV with Netflix and Prime Video access, per HAPPRUN
- Native 1080P with 4K decoding, per HAPPRUN
- A 5W speaker with Dolby sound effects, per HAPPRUN
- Google voice assistant and AirPlay, per HAPPRUN
- 839 Amazon ratings at 4.4 stars
- $269.93
- The listing's brightness figure is not stated in the text we read
- A 5W speaker is small
Elephas Smart 4K Supported Projector
Elephas lists a built-in app store with Prime Video and YouTube, 2 x 15W Dolby Audio speakers, auto focus and keystone, at $199.99.
- Built-in app store with Prime Video and YouTube, per Elephas
- 2 x 15W speakers with Dolby Audio, per Elephas
- Auto focus and 4D/4P keystone correction, per Elephas
- Dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2
- 2,627 Amazon ratings at 4.3 stars
- The listing says "4K supported" and does not state a native resolution in the text we read
- Brightness is not stated in the listing text we read
- A dust-proof sealed design is listed, but not a fan noise figure
How This Was Researched
We compare what each maker and Amazon listing states (resolution, brightness, smart OS, speakers, latency and price) for four projectors on Amazon.com on 4 October 2026. Where a listing does not state a figure we say so rather than guess. We have not tested these projectors, and where a seller is an unfamiliar brand its own brightness and lifespan claims are unverified.
Frequently Asked Questions
It buys a 1080p projector with a smart OS. The NexiGo PJ40 Pro lists 800 ANSI lumens, Google TV and a 10 ms low-latency mode at $299.99. We have not tested it, so we cannot say how the picture compares with projectors that cost more.
Both are $299.99 on Amazon.com. The Pro lists 800 ANSI lumens and Google TV; the Gen 3 lists 700 ANSI lumens, no smart OS and 3,011 ratings at 4.0 stars. The Pro lists more for the same money.
A smooth, light wall can work. A screen gives a flat surface at a known size; see our home theater bundle for screen options and prices.
NexiGo PJ40 Pro Google TV
NexiGo lists 800 ANSI lumens, native 1080p, Google TV, a 10 ms low-latency mode and 20W speakers, at $299.99.
Check Price on Amazon