If you find yourself in the market for a gaming TV and have recently discovered the affordability of projectors as an alternative option, a burning question may arise: Are projectors good for gaming?
Gaming projectors are a tantalizing proposition as they promise high refresh rates comparable to the best gaming TVs, all at a more budget-friendly price. However, before taking the leap, it is crucial to understand how well they perform in the gaming arena.
In this article, we aim to give you a definitive answer to the question of whether projectors are good for gaming, so you can make an informed purchase.
Are projectors good for gaming?
Yes, projectors are good for gaming given you choose the ones dedicated for gaming.
When it comes to gaming, refresh rate, input lag, response time, and resolution are the aspects that matter. A gaming projector which performs well in all those areas is indeed ideal for gaming.
In other words, projectors that exhibit high refresh rates, low input lag, swift response time, and an appropriate resolution are good for gaming. They can truly deliver an exceptional gaming experience that rivals the best gaming monitors or TVs.
But are they better than gaming TVs?
Are projectors better than TVs for gaming?
Projectors aren't better than TVs for gaming.
While projectors do offer the advantage of larger screens and potentially higher refresh rates at a more affordable price point, they lack specific gaming-centric features such as HDMI 2.1 or VRR found in modern gaming TVs.
These gaming-focused features elevate the gaming experience on TVs by providing smoother gameplay with reduced screen tearing and input lag. They enable more precise and responsive controls, enhancing immersion and giving players a competitive edge.
Furthermore, projectors generally exhibit higher response times compared to their TV counterparts. While leading gaming TVs such as the Samsung S95C and LG G3 OLED boast impressive response times of less than 0.2 ms, most gaming projectors tend to have a response time of 4 ms or higher.
Although a response time of 4 ms is still considered quite good and generally not noticeable during gameplay, it is undeniable that gaming TVs excel in this aspect. Their swift response times ensure minimal motion blur and contribute to a more seamless and fluid gaming experience.
In summary, gaming projectors aren't better than TVs for gaming as they fall short compared to gaming TVs in terms of gaming-centric features and response time.
Can a projector run at 120 fps?
Yes, most new-gen gaming projectors can run at 120 fps.
For example, the BenQ X3000i gaming projector offers 1080p at 120Hz and true 4K 60Hz with minimal input lag. These advancements in gaming projector technology have allowed for smoother and more responsive gameplay experiences.
There are indeed gaming projectors available in the market that can achieve even high frame rates, such as 240 fps. Projector models like the Optoma UHZ50 and UHD38x offer the capability to output 1080p content at 240Hz.
And that concludes our guide on whether projectors are good for gaming. If you are still interested in investing in projectors, make sure you check out the best gaming projectors in 2023.