TOP 15 best screens for projectors: 2020-2021 rating by price and quality

How to choose a projector screen?

When purchasing a projector, it is recommended to consider a number of parameters:

• dimensions - the width of the canvas is 50-1000 cm, and the height varies from 30 to 900 cm, while the screen diagonal can reach 120 inches;
• screen format - the quality of resolution depends on the image format; with a screen ratio of 4:3, maximum comfort is achieved when watching films and presentations;
• brightness – color rendition of modern office projector screens is up to 3000 lumens, which ensures comfortable viewing;
• additional options - this includes a tripod for tilting the angle of the canvas, an automatic height lock, a level and a silent reversal option.

White or black projector screen?

The latest trend to have a black screen for projectors is a completely BLACK screen for the best projector images. How a black screen works: It does not reflect ambient light, only the light falling on the screen from the projector in a perpendicular direction. This means you can use a black projector screen in a well-lit room without having to dim it. This also means that a black screen is the best projector screen for daylight viewing. The following videos should convince you of the benefits of a black projector screen.

What you see in the video above is a demonstration of projector images on a white screen in front of a black screen.

Rating of the TOP 15 best projector screens for 2020-2021

What is the best projector screen?

Many people think that a white screen is the best screen for projectors. But if we tell you that a black screen for a projector is the best. Before we move on to black vs white projector screen, which we will discuss at the end of the article. Let's look at all possible projector screen options

To take full advantage of a projector, you need a good screen to display the projector's image. There are many different projector screen options available, from a smooth, light-colored painted wall to walls painted with custom-made projection screen paint.

This can be a convenient choice for those who don't want to spend too much on a projector screen. But a painted wall is not as good as a special projector screen made of a special material to produce the highest quality projector image.

The best wall-ceiling screens for a projector

Fixed screens are mounted on the ceiling or wall. The advantages are the ability to hide installation elements and a longer service life compared to roll models. The rating presents the best ceiling-wall projection surfaces according to users.

Cactus Motoscreen CP-PSM-152×203

Canvas with dimensions 203x152 cm and a diagonal of 100 inches with wall-ceiling mount, suitable for home and office use.

Presented in a modern design. Control is convenient using the remote control. Due to the 4:3 aspect ratio, it is convenient to view movies and photos.

The screen is made of environmentally friendly material and has a matte finish, making the picture bright and detailed.

Characteristics:

• size - 152x203 cm;
• format - 4:3;
• diagonal - 100 ";
• viewing angle - 100 °;
• weight - 10 kg.

pros

• high quality;
• convenient remote control;
• bright images;
• environmental friendliness of materials.

Minuses

• at first there is an unpleasant smell;
• awkward to unfold.

Cactus Wallscreen CS-PSW-127×127

Projection surface with dimensions 127x127 cm and a diagonal of 67 inches . Takes little

folded space for increased ease of storage.

Due to the matte coating, glare is blocked while watching a video. The screen is suitable for installation where it is not possible to install a stationary screen.

The canvas is made of high-quality material that is easy to care for . It is enough to wipe it with a sponge dipped in soapy water.

Characteristics:

• size - 127x127 cm;
• format - 1:1;
• diagonal - 67 ";
• viewing angle - 100 °;
• weight - 6 kg.

pros

• a light weight;
• ease of installation;
• takes up little space during storage;
• matte finish.

Minuses

• smell upon first use;
• difficult to unfold.

Cactus Wallscreen CS-PSWE-220×165-WT

Model with wall-ceiling mount with dimensions 203x152 cm and a diagonal of 100 inches.

Designed for professional use and can be placed in a spacious room thanks to the 4:3 aspect ratio.

The canvas has a modern design and has a matte finish that ensures high quality photos and videos.

Control is carried out using a remote control . The screen is made of high quality fiberglass, which guarantees a long service life.

Characteristics:

• size - 165x220 cm;
• format - 1:1;
• diagonal - 110 ";
• viewing angle - 160 °;
• weight - 10 kg.

pros

• low price;
• long power cord;
• remote control;
• high quality picture.

Minuses

• unpleasant sound when unfolding and folding;
• long battery replacement.

Cactus Motoscreen CS-PSM-124×221

Model in modern design with dimensions 124×221 cm and aspect ratio 16:9.

The canvas can be mounted on a wall or ceiling, so the fastening elements will not be visible.

Suitable for installation at home, educational institutions and offices. The model is equipped with an electric drive, due to which it is controlled using a remote control.

Wide format and viewing angle guarantee convenient viewing from anywhere in the room.

The image is not distorted due to the flat surface of the canvas.

Characteristics:

• size - 124x221 cm;
• format - 16:9;
• diagonal - 100 ";
• viewing angle - 160 °;
• weight - 11 kg.

pros

• low price;
• The factory smell disappears quickly;
• easy installation;
• quality work.

Minuses

• slow twisting and unfolding;
• must be unplugged during storage.

What does Screen Gain projector mean?

Projector screen gain is a measure of the brightness of the image on a particular screen. The definition of screen gain is “the reflectance measured perpendicular to the center of the screen compared to a pure white Lambertian surface.” The pure white Lambertian surface can be thought of as a screen coated with magnesium carbonate, a bright white chalk.

Therefore, this standard screen will have a gain of 1. A standard reference screen with a gain of 1 scatters light in all directions in front of the screen, and only part of the light incident on the screen is reflected perpendicular to the screen towards the front where the audience is seated. There are better screen covering materials that can reflect light more perpendicular to the screen towards the audience in front of the screen.

Read: Types of projectors, their resolution and how they work

It is very important to understand that 2x the screen gain does not mean 2x more light hits the screen. Gain only means that the direction of the reflected light from the screen is more towards the audience.

A high gain screen will have a gain of 1 or more. It is not necessarily true that a higher gain screen is always better. Some of the disadvantages of high gain screens are that the contrast ratio of the image suffers and the darker areas of the image on the screen will not be as dark as they should be. Another disadvantage of high gain screens is that the image on the screen becomes dim as you move away from the perpendicular position of the screen.

Read: Acoustics for home cinema: How to choose and which one to buy?

The benefits of low gain screens are that you get an image with a much better contrast ratio and the image doesn't get too dim as you move away from the center of the screen, meaning you get a wider viewing angle with a good view of the image.

High gain screens are good in areas with higher ambient light, such as for business presentations. Lower gain screens are recommended in situations where ambient lighting cannot be controlled too much. Screens with a gain greater than 1.3 are not recommended for home use.

The best floor screens for a tripod projector

The rating includes models mounted on a tripod. An overview of their functionality, advantages and disadvantages according to users will simplify the choice of the most suitable model.

Cactus TriExpert CS-PSTE-200×200-BK

Stylish screen with dimensions 200x200 cm, 110 inches diagonal and 1:1 aspect ratio.

The forward projection model is equipped with a manual drive. The canvas is made of fiberglass and finished in white.

Mounted on a tripod that can be adjusted in height.

Comfortable viewing is ensured by the matte screen coating and 160° viewing angle. The model can be installed in an educational institution, office and business center.

Characteristics:

• size - 200×200 cm;
• format - 1:1;
• diagonal - 110 ";
• viewing angle - 160 °;
• weight - 13 kg.

pros

• stable tripod;
• quality material;
• no grid on the screen;
• excellent contrast.

Minuses

• the tripod does not fold;
• slowly folds and unfolds.

Cactus Triscreen CS-PST-150×150

A universal model for home and professional use with dimensions of 150×150 cm, 84 inches diagonal and 1:1 aspect ratio.

Mounted on a tripod with height adjustment. Weighs only 11kg. Due to the matte surface, there is no mesh or glare on the canvas, which guarantees a pleasant viewing of photographs and feature films.

Thanks to its compact size, the model is suitable for placement in small spaces.

Characteristics:

• size - 150×150 cm;
• format - 1:1;
• diagonal - 84 ";
• viewing angle - 100 °;
• weight - 11 kg.

pros

• big size;
• easy to use;
• does not take up much space;
• Doesn't catch glare.

Minuses

• flimsy tripod;
• The clamps are made of plastic.

Cactus Triscreen CS-PST-124×221

Floor-standing model with dimensions 221×124.5 cm and 16:9 format . Suitable for placement in

spacious rooms and conference rooms.

With this canvas it is convenient to watch videos and photos thanks to the matte screen with good reflective characteristics.

The image is clear and has optimal contrast.

Direct projection provides a viewing angle of 100°. Placed on a tripod, which can be adjusted in height.

Characteristics:

• size - 124x221 cm;
• format - 16:9;
• diagonal - 100 ";
• viewing angle - 100 °;
• weight - 12 kg.

pros

• large canvas;
• excellent light reflection;
• easy folding;
• high quality photo and video materials.

Minuses

• the tripod cannot be folded compactly;
• plastic fastening mechanisms.

Best Motorized Projector Screens

Electrically driven projection screens are practical and easy to use. Control is carried out using the remote control, so you don’t have to expand and collapse the screen yourself. The rating includes the best models with remote control control according to users.

Cactus Motoscreen CS-PSM-150×150

The model is made of high quality material . Suitable for home and office. Presented in

dimensions 150x150 cm and has an aspect ratio of 1:1.

The motorized screen is mounted on a wall block. Control takes place using the remote control.

Thanks to the 84" diagonal and 100° viewing angle, comfortable video viewing is ensured.

The coating is matte, which provides excellent light reflection.

Characteristics:

• size - 150×150 cm;
• format - 1:1;
• diagonal - 84 ";
• viewing angle - 100 °;
• weight - 8 kg.

pros

• quiet motor operation;
• remote control;
• accurate image display;
• great review.

Minuses

• loud noise when folding and unfolding;
• large control unit.

Cactus MotoExpert CS-PSME-220×220-WT

With this wide-format canvas with dimensions of 220x220 cm, watching films and presentations will be a pleasure.

The model is presented with a diagonal of 120 inches and is suitable for placement in spacious rooms.

Installation is done on the floor . The picture is clear and detailed. The device is equipped with a high-quality and stable tripod.

Characteristics:

• size - 220x220 cm;
• format - 1:1;
• diagonal - 120 ";
• viewing angle - 160 °;
• weight - 15 kg.

pros

• compact frames;
• convenient trapezoid adjustment;
• stretches well;
• rolls up neatly.

Minuses

• the screen slowly rises and falls;
• large control unit.

Digis ELECTRA-F DSEF-16907

Fiberglass projection surface with a flat and smooth surface . Has black

frame, which improves the perception of the image.

Due to the steel body, the product has a long service life. The model is equipped with a quiet asynchronous electric drive and has dimensions of 197x338 cm.

Weight is 18 kg . The view is possible at an angle of up to 160 degrees.

Characteristics:

• size - 197x338 cm;
• format - 16:9;
• diagonal - 150 ";
• viewing angle - 160 °;
• weight - 18 kg.

pros

• small black frame;
• convenient control using the remote control;
• excellent tension;
• fast folding.

Minuses

• noisy motor;
• massive box.

The best projector screens with a diagonal of 100-150 inches

For spacious rooms, projection surfaces with a wide diagonal of up to 150 inches are suitable. They have a wide viewing angle, which provides convenient viewing from any part of the room. The rating presents the best models for offices and educational institutions according to users.

Cactus Wallscreen CS-PSW-149×265

Canvas with wall-ceiling mount, made in a modern design . It has

dimensions 149x266 cm.

Fits well into any interior thanks to the original case.

The widescreen screen provides high image clarity and brightness. Due to the diagonal of 120 inches, the screen is suitable for large rooms.

The matte surface eliminates glare . With frequent use, creases do not form on the canvas.

Characteristics:

• size - 149x266 cm;
• format - 16:9;
• diagonal - 120 ";
• viewing angle - 100 °;
• weight - 15 kg.

pros

• simple fastening;
• low price;
• small body;
• presence of dropout.

Minuses

• At first it smells like plastic;
• there are small waves on the surface.

Cactus Wallscreen CS-PSW-124×221

Model with dimensions 125x221 cm and aspect ratio 16:9 with wall-ceiling mount.

The widescreen screen is convenient for viewing photo and video materials in a spacious room and conference room.

The canvas is made of high quality textile material . Due to the flat and smooth surface, you get an excellent picture with a good overview.

Characteristics:

• size - 125x221 cm;
• format - 16:9;
• diagonal - 100 ";
• viewing angle - 100 °;
• weight - 10 kg.

pros

• budget cost;
• detailed image;
• quality at a distance of up to 3 meters;
• takes up little storage space.

Minuses

• there are slight bends and oxen;
• you need to get used to the folding mechanism.

Cactus Wallscreen CS-PSW-168×229

The best option for installation at home, office and classroom . Model

presented in dimensions 299x168 cm and has a 16:9 format.

Due to the wide format and direct projection, a rich picture with excellent detail is obtained, due to which graphics and any smallest details are clearly visible.

Mounting on the wall is provided; lifting and folding occurs due to the spring structure.

Characteristics:

• size - 299x168 cm;
• format - 16:9;
• diagonal - 130 ";
• viewing angle - 100 °;
• weight - 17 kg.

pros

• low price;
• small frame;
• high-quality assembly;
• optimal size.

Minuses

• uncomfortable folding;
• heavy weight.

Cactus Wallscreen CS-PSW-152×203

Model for professional use with a screen of 203×152 cm and an aspect ratio of 4:3.

Wall and ceiling mounting possible. The canvas is made of high-quality textiles and reflects light well due to its matte surface.

The picture is contrasting and colorful.

The projection screen is convenient to adjust due to the springs, which smoothly unfold it and securely fix it.

Characteristics:

• size - 203×152 cm;
• format - 4:3;
• diagonal - 100 ";
• viewing angle - 100 °;
• weight - 10 kg.

pros

• low price;
• thick fabric;
• convenient fastening;
• high quality image.

Minuses

• smells like plastic;
• Difficult to fold and unfold.

Cactus WallExpert CS-PSWE-240×240-WT

Projection surface for professional use . It can be placed in

spacious classrooms and conference rooms.

Due to the size of 240x240 cm, it is convenient to view presentations and feature films. The canvas is made of high-quality fiberglass with good reflective characteristics.

Installation is possible on the floor and ceiling . Convenient adjustment is provided using a spring design.

Characteristics:

• size - 240x240 cm;
• format - 1:1;
• diagonal - 130 ";
• viewing angle - 160 °;
• weight - 12 kg.

pros

• Smooth surface;
• simple fastening;
• quality material;
• great picture.

Minuses

• factory smell;
• manual drive.

Rating of the best manufacturers of projector screens

Types of projector screens

Based on the type of installation, screens are divided into the following types::

1. Mobile . The canvas is in a roll and is fixed when unfolded using a special device or your own efforts. Such models are light in weight and inexpensive. Installation takes place on a folding metal frame, tube stand, tripods or tripods.
2. Stationary . They are fixed to the ceiling or floor, or have a combined type of fastening. Convenience lies in the ability to hide installation elements. With the help of stationary canvases, the highest quality picture is obtained due to installation on a flat surface. Unlike roll screens, such screens retain their original appearance for a long time.

Based on the type of construction, screens are divided into the following types::

• on grommets - the elements are located around the perimeter of the canvas and are attached to the wall;
• profile - a model without return mechanisms with profiles in the lower and upper parts, due to which the web is tensioned;
• spring-loaded - canvases on tubes with a higher cost, equipped with an internal mechanism for unfolding in one movement;
• motorized - the canvases are equipped with an electric drive, due to which you can hide them in the ceiling and automatically adjust the height using the remote control.

Types of screens according to projection direction:

• direct - made of white material, the projector is placed in front of the screen and transmits the image due to the light flux;
• with rear projection - the projector is placed behind the transparent sheet, installation is carried out in large rooms due to the high cost;
• direct and rear projection - the projector can be installed from the back or front.

What types of projector screens are there?

Portable and stationary

The mobile version of the canvas is mounted on a tripod or tripod, followed by untwisting of the surface. This option is convenient for educational programs and lecture activities.

The stationary version is used to equip home theaters, large auditoriums, and conference rooms.

Suspension

The design is a rolled-up tube that can be mounted on a wall surface or on a bracket in the ceiling.

Spring

The canvas unfolds from the case by human muscle effort through vertical tension. Intermediate fixation is acceptable. The canvas is rolled up by the mechanical action of a spring when removed from the latch. The presence of a weighted bar serves to tighten and smooth the surface.

Type advantage:

• low price;
• compactness.

Type disadvantage:

• Average tension quality.

Electrically driven

The principle of operation is similar to the previous one, but human efforts are replaced by the operation of an electric motor. When purchasing, you should check the engine noise level; there are silent models.

Type advantage:

• auto mode;
• remote control.

Type disadvantage:

• The tension of the canvas leaves much to be desired.

Electrically driven with vertical tension

The only difference from the type of screen described above is the increased stretching of the canvas due to the side cables along the left and right edges.

Type advantage:

• perfect smoothing.

Type disadvantage:

• price.

Framework

The structure is mounted by stretching the canvas inside the frame. Sizes vary.

Type advantage:

• absolutely flat surface.

Type disadvantage:

• stationarity.

From a stretch ceiling

Made of material for suspended ceilings, mounted on an aluminum frame at the end, the base is satin.

Type advantage:

• high image quality;
• width up to three meters;
• fits well on intermediate walls;
• affordable, competitive price.

Type disadvantage:

• stationarity.

When ordering via express mail, there is a risk of jams during transportation.

Popular manufacturing companies and their brief advantages

Products are represented by dozens of brands.

The following manufacturers of projector canvases have proven themselves well::

• CACTUS is a Chinese company that produces portable and motorized screens with diagonals from 67 to 150 inches;
• Classic Solution is a German company specializing in the production of projection screens for more than 10 years, producing unique sliding models for home and office;
• Digis is a Russian screen manufacturer that focuses on environmental friendliness and functionality;
• ScreenMedia is a Chinese company whose line includes projection screens and other interactive equipment.