How bright should a projector be?

Available projectors come in a wide variety of brightness, measured in lumens. The brighter the projector's light, the higher the lumen count and, at the same time, the higher the cost.

When considering a projector, be sure to look for two lumen measurements in the specifications: color lumen and white lumen. There can be a big difference between different projector brands, so color lumens should be specified separately to ensure the information provided is accurate. If the information displayed only gives you information about one type of brightness, it is usually referring to the projector's empty lumens. Actual color brightness can be as much as a third of white brightness. Ask for both types of measurements and compare before purchasing a projector.

The brightness you need depends on the room you'll be projecting in. Projector brightness is measured in lumens. Home theater projectors where ambient light is kept to a minimum will typically need a minimum of 1,500 lumens. For classrooms, conference rooms, or rooms with windows, a projector with at least 2,500 lumens is recommended. For large auditoriums or conference rooms, you'll need more lumens.