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Under $700

Complete Projector Home Theater for Under $700 (2025)

Big-screen movie nights and sports viewing for under $650 with projector, screen, soundbar, and all essentials.

💰 Actual Cost: $635.92Save $1864 vs PremiumUpdated December 2, 2025

Dreaming of a massive home theater screen but stuck on a tight budget? Premium setups cost thousands, but for $700, you can build a functional projector home theater that delivers 100+ inch images for movies and TV. This guide shows you exactly what to buy for a complete system that punches above its weight.

You'll get a bright 1080p projector, portable screen, powerful soundbar, streaming device, and accessories that work seamlessly together. Expect enjoyable viewing in dark rooms—perfect for weekend binge-watching or game days. This budget won't rival a $2,500 dedicated cinema (no 4K HDR or room-filling sound), but it's a huge upgrade from TV and leaves room to grow.

Budget Philosophy

For a $700 projector home theater, I allocated ~40% ($280) to the projector as the core visual engine—it's where image quality lives. Audio gets 24% ($150) because built-in projector speakers are tinny; good sound transforms the experience. Screen and accessories share 36% (~$200) since basics suffice without premium frills.

This prioritizes 'must-haves' (display + sound) over nice-to-haves, saving on non-critical items like fancy mounts. Trade-offs: Dimmer rooms required (no daytime use), entry-level resolution. Why? Splurging on projector/audio yields 80% of the 'wow' factor; skimping there ruins everything. Buffer $60 for taxes/shipping keeps you under budget.

Where to Splurge

  • Projector: Delivers brightness, contrast, and throw distance essential for sharp 100" images. Cheaping out means dim, washed-out pictures even in dark rooms, killing immersion.
  • Audio (Soundbar): Projectors have awful speakers; quality audio creates theater-like bass and clarity. Skimping leaves you with flat sound, making movies feel like TV.

Where to Save

  • Screen: A budget portable or pull-down works fine on a flat wall; no need for tensioned frames that cost 3x more without huge gains for casual use.
  • Mount & Accessories: Tabletop positioning starts fine; basic cables/surge protectors are reliable without premium builds you'll outgrow.

Recommended Products (8)

#1essentialProjector

NexiGo PJ40 Native 1080P Projector

Provides the main 100-120 inch display with WiFi and Bluetooth for wireless streaming.

$279.99
40% of budget
NexiGo PJ40 Native 1080P Projector

The NexiGo PJ40 is a budget 1080p projector with 700 ANSI lumens brightness, ideal for dark-room home theaters. It supports 4K input (downscales), has WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, and auto keystone correction for easy setup.

At this price, it outperforms $100 no-names with better color accuracy and fan noise control, rivaling $500 models in low light. Value shines in home use—no rainbow artifacts like DLP rivals.

Running total: $279.99 (Remaining: $420.01)

Pros

  • +700 ANSI lumens for clear dark-room viewing
  • +Native 1080p resolution beats 720p budgets
  • +Built-in WiFi/Bluetooth reduces cables
  • +Low input lag for casual gaming
  • +Quiet operation under 30dB

Cons

  • -Needs dark room (washes out in ambient light)
  • -No built-in Netflix app (use dongle)
  • -Fan audible up close
  • -Plastic build feels entry-level

Upgrade Option: Epson Home Cinema 1080 ($649) - True 1080p 3LCD with superior contrast and 3300 lumens for some ambient light.

Budget Alternative: Vankyo Leisure 3 ($109.99) - Lower 350 lumens and resolution, sacrifices sharpness.

Check Price on Amazon
#2essentialScreen

Towning 100 Inch Projector Screen with Stand

Creates a flat, wrinkle-free 100-inch viewing surface for optimal image quality.

$89.99
13% of budget
Towning 100 Inch Projector Screen with Stand

This portable freestanding screen is 100" diagonal (16:9), foldable, and height-adjustable with a sturdy aluminum stand—no permanent install needed.

Perfect budget fit: Sets up in minutes, better than walls/sheets for color pop and uniformity vs $200 fixed frames.

Running total: $369.98 (Remaining: $330.02)

Pros

  • +Easy portable setup/teardown
  • +Wrinkle-resistant material
  • +Includes carry bag
  • +Stable stand for indoor use
  • +Great value vs permanent screens

Cons

  • -Not tensioned (minor waves possible)
  • -Stand wobbles in wind (indoor only)
  • -Assembly takes 5 mins

Upgrade Option: Elite Screens Yard Master 2 120" ($299) - Inflatable outdoor/tensioned for sharper edges.

Budget Alternative: White sheet/DIY ($10) - Loses gain and uniformity, duller image.

Check Price on Amazon
#3essentialSoundbar

VIZIO V-Series 2.1 Soundbar (V21-H8)

Delivers immersive audio with deep bass via wireless subwoofer, bypassing weak projector sound.

$149.99
21% of budget
VIZIO V-Series 2.1 Soundbar (V21-H8)

38-inch 2.1-channel soundbar with wireless subwoofer, DTS Virtual:X, and Bluetooth/HDMI ARC for TV-like sound.

Splurge-worthy at budget price: 96dB output and punchy bass elevate movies far beyond projector speakers or $50 bars.

Running total: $519.97 (Remaining: $180.03)

Pros

  • +Wireless sub for room-filling bass
  • +HDMI ARC/eARC compatibility
  • +Clear dialogue enhancement
  • +Compact under-TV fit
  • +Remote control included

Cons

  • -No Dolby Atmos
  • -Sub needs space
  • -Limited EQ options

Upgrade Option: Vizio Elevate 5.1.4 ($799) - Rotating drivers for true surround/Atmos.

Budget Alternative: Majority Bowfell ($39.99) - No subwoofer, weaker bass.

Check Price on Amazon
#4recommendedStreaming Device

Amazon Fire TV Stick HD

Enables Netflix, Prime, Disney+ streaming with Alexa voice control plugged into projector.

$34.99
5% of budget
Amazon Fire TV Stick HD - Image 1 of 8

2024 Fire TV Stick HD supports 1080p, WiFi 5, and all major apps—perfect dongle for non-smart projectors.

Essential bridge for content; matches projector res without 4K overkill.

Running total: $554.96 (Remaining: $145.04)

Pros

  • +Full app ecosystem
  • +Alexa remote
  • +Easy HDMI plug-in
  • +Low latency
  • +Frequent updates

Cons

  • -1080p max (no 4K)
  • -Ads on home screen
  • -Requires WiFi

Upgrade Option: Fire TV Stick 4K Max ($59.99) - 4K, WiFi 6E, faster processor.

Budget Alternative: Roku Express ($29.99) - Similar but fewer Amazon integrations.

Check Price on Amazon
#5recommendedMount

WALI Universal Projector Ceiling Mount

Securely ceilings the projector for optimal throw angle and space-saving.

$24.99
4% of budget
WALI Universal Projector Ceiling Mount

Adjustable mount fits most projectors (up to 33lbs), with 22" extension and 360° swivel.

Budget essential for permanent setups; beats tabletops for alignment.

Running total: $579.95 (Remaining: $120.05)

Pros

  • +Universal fit
  • +Easy install
  • +Cable management
  • +Affordable durability

Cons

  • -DIY install needed
  • -No short throw adjust

Upgrade Option: VIVO Steel Projector Mount ($49.99) - Longer arm, anti-shake.

Budget Alternative: Tabletop tripod ($15.99) - Less stable, no ceiling.

Check Price on Amazon
#6essentialCable

Amazon Basics High-Speed HDMI Cable 6ft

Connects streaming stick to projector for lossless 1080p video/audio.

$7.99
1% of budget
Amazon Basics High-Speed HDMI Cable 6ft

Braided HDMI 2.0 cable supports 1080p/60Hz, Ethernet, ARC.

Reliable basic—no need for gold-plated premiums.

Running total: $587.94 (Remaining: $112.06)

Pros

  • +4K/60Hz capable
  • +Slim/durable
  • +Lifetime warranty

Cons

  • -Short length
  • -Basic build

Upgrade Option: Monoprice 8K Certified ($15) - Future-proof 8K.

Budget Alternative: Skip if wireless ($0) - Potential lag.

Check Price on Amazon
#7recommendedSurge Protector

Fosmon 8-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip

Powers all devices safely with 8 outlets and 1080J protection.

$19.99
3% of budget
Fosmon 8-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip

12ft cord strip with USB ports, overload protection.

Protects investment from surges.

Running total: $607.93 (Remaining: $92.07)

Pros

  • +Long cord
  • +USB charging
  • +Affordable safety

Cons

  • -Bulkier
  • -No smart features

Upgrade Option: Belkin 12-Outlet ($39.99) - Higher joules.

Budget Alternative: Use wall outlets ($0) - Risks damage.

Check Price on Amazon
#8optionalRoom Darkening

NICETOWN Blackout Curtain Panel (52x63")

Blocks ambient light for better contrast in non-dedicated rooms.

$27.99
4% of budget
NICETOWN Blackout Curtain Panel (52x63")

Thermal insulated curtain reduces light 100%, noise, and heat.

Nice boost for projector performance.

Final total: $635.92 (Buffer: $64.08)

Pros

  • +Easy hang
  • +Multi-function
  • +Washable

Cons

  • -One panel only
  • -Not full room

Upgrade Option: Eclipse Blackout ($45) - Thicker thermal.

Budget Alternative: DIY foil ($5) - Less effective.

Check Price on Amazon

Start with the screen: Unfold the Towning stand, extend to 100", place 8-12ft from seating. Position projector on table or ceiling-mount (use ladder, screws into joist; 30-60min install). Connect HDMI cable from Fire TV Stick to projector HDMI port, plug powers.

Pair soundbar: Bluetooth to projector or HDMI ARC if available; place subwoofer nearby. Plug all into surge protector. Power on, use projector's keystone/focus for alignment (test with phone hotspot first). Download apps on Fire Stick, calibrate via settings. Total time: 1-2 hours, no special tools beyond screwdriver.

Budget Tips

  • Prioritize dark rooms—free ambient light control beats brighter projectors.
  • Shop Amazon sales/Prime Day for 20% off these exact models.
  • Use projector's built-in WiFi mirroring for phone casting to skip streaming stick initially.
  • Buy used/refurb projector from eBay (test return policy) to save $50-100.
  • DIY screen frame if handy—PVC pipe setup under $30.
  • Check throw distance calculator online for room fit before buying.
  • Bundle cables/accessories in bulk for discounts.
  • Skip nice-to-haves first; add blackout later.

Common Mistakes

  • Buying $100 '4K projectors'—fake specs, poor real-world quality.
  • Skipping audio—projector speakers ruin immersion.
  • Wrong room size: Too close = small image; measure throw distance.
  • Ignoring light control—daytime viewing fails.
  • Overbuying accessories before core components.

Upgrade Roadmap

First upgrade the projector (~$400 more for Epson Home Cinema 2350)—gains 2300 lumens and HDR for brighter rooms/contrast. Next, audio to 5.1 system ($300) for true surround. Then, 120-150" fixed screen ($200) and short-throw projector ($800) for wall-hug setups. These yield biggest 'wow' jumps; accessories can wait years. Total path to premium: $1500 over 2 years.

Related Topics

budgetprojector home theaterunder 700big screenhome theaterbudget projector2025movie nightsentertainment setupvalueaffordable theater
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