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Optoma HD146X Review | 85 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£440
  • Avg. price in US: ~$570
  • ANSI lumens: 3600
  • Native panel resolution: 1920x1080
  • Throw ratio: 1.47-1.62:1

Optoma HD146X review. Compare 85 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among projectors and if it is worth buying.

5.7

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the projector's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best projectors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

5.4

Technical Score

10.0%

8.6

User score

Good
5.4

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the projector's technical performance, covering eight key areas: image quality, brightness, contrast, connectivity, gaming features, smart features, audio, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare projectors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

42.0%

7.0

Image Quality

22.0%

4.9

Projection & Lens

12.0%

4.3

HDMI & Gaming

10.0%

3.6

Audio & Features

8.0%

2.2

Connectivity

6.0%

5.4

Design & Power

Good
8.6

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the projector.

When it matters: When you want to know how a projector performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

8.8

User reviews

30.0%

8.1

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(144)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Excellent
  • 7.8
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    9.3

    Input lag

    25.0%

    10

    Refresh rate

    20.0%

    8.6

    Output Resolution

    10.0%

    1.0

    HDR10 support

    10.0%

    2.5

    Audio output power

  • 5.2
    Portable

    Score components:

    35.0%

    9.0

    Weight

    20.0%

    ?

    Has A Built-In Speaker

    15.0%

    1.0

    Bluetooth connectivity

    15.0%

    1.0

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    15.0%

    1.0

    Smart TV features

  • 5.5
    Home theatre

    Score components:

    30.0%

    8.6

    Output Resolution

    25.0%

    1.0

    HDR10 support

    20.0%

    1.0

    Dolby Vision support

    15.0%

    9.7

    ANSI lumens

    10.0%

    10

    Audible noise

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Optoma HD146X is a budget-friendly Full HD 1080p DLP projector featuring a high brightness of 3,600 ANSI lumens and a 25,000:1 contrast ratio, designed for immersive home cinema and gaming on screens up to 301 inches. It stands out with its Enhanced Gaming Mode, offering a low 16ms input response time, and provides flexible installation through a 1.1x manual zoom and vertical keystone correction. Major pros include its exceptional color accuracy (Rec.709 support), long lamp life of up to 15,000 hours in Dynamic mode, and strong performance in rooms with ambient light. However, notable cons include a limited selection of a single HDMI 1.4a port, an underwhelming 3W or 5W internal speaker that lacks depth, and the absence of horizontal lens shift or significant optical zoom, which can restrict placement options.

Technical Specifications of Optoma HD146X

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the projector's technical performance, covering eight key areas: image quality, brightness, contrast, connectivity, gaming features, smart features, audio, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare projectors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

42.0%

7.0

Image Quality

22.0%

4.9

Projection & Lens

12.0%

4.3

HDMI & Gaming

10.0%

3.6

Audio & Features

8.0%

2.2

Connectivity

6.0%

5.4

Design & Power

5.4
Optoma HD146X has a technical score of 5.39 points, which is lower than 67.4% of projectors.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the projector.

When it matters: When you want to know how a projector performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

8.8

User reviews

30.0%

8.1

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(144)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

8.6
Optoma HD146X has a user score of 8.58 points, which is higher than 83.2% of projectors.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the projector.
When it matters: When you prefer to buy a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
8.1
Optoma HD146X has a popularity of 8.1 points, which is higher than 79.8% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the projector's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a projector with a good balance between quality and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.7

Overall score

40.0%

8.2

Price

6.5
Optoma HD146X has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.5 points, which is higher than 66.6% of products in this category.
ANSI lumens
What it is: Brightness output measured in ANSI lumens.
When it matters: When you watch with ambient light or on a large screen, higher brightness matters.

Importance: HIGH

3,600
Optoma HD146X reaches 3600 ANSI lumens, brighter than 82.3% of projectors and equal to 1.8% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
What it is: Ratio of brightest white to darkest black displayed by the projector.
When it matters: When you watch movies in a dark room, stronger contrast matters.

Importance: HIGH

25,000:1
Optoma HD146X has a contrast ratio of 25000:1, higher than 63.8% of projectors.
Native panel resolution
What it is: Native resolution of the display panel or imaging device.
When it matters: When picture sharpness matters enough that you want to know the projector's true native imaging resolution, not just supported input formats.

Importance: HIGH

1920x1080
Optoma HD146X uses a native resolution of 1920x1080, higher than 26.2% of projectors and equal to 60.1% of projectors.
Output Resolution
What it is: The resolution the projector can actually display through its imaging system.
When it matters: When you want to know the actual image detail the projector can put on screen rather than just the source format it accepts.

Importance: HIGH

1920x1080
Optoma HD146X supports output resolution up to 1920x1080, higher than 24.9% of projectors and equal to 41% of projectors.
Projection technology
What it is: Projection imaging technology used by the projector.
When it matters: When color character, contrast behavior, and overall image personality matter before you compare brightness alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

DLP
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Throw ratio
What it is: Ratio between projection distance and image width.
When it matters: When room size and screen size have to match properly instead of guessing whether the projector will fit the space.

Importance: MEDIUM

1.47-1.62:1
Min throw distance
What it is: Minimum distance required between projector and screen.
When it matters: When room depth is limited and you still need a large image from a short placement distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

1 m
Optoma HD146X needs a minimum throw distance of 1 m, shorter than 53.3% of projectors and equal to 5.7% of projectors.
Max projection size
What it is: Maximum supported image size for projection, measured diagonally.
When it matters: When you want a cinema-size picture, maximum projection size matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

301 inch
Optoma HD146X supports projection sizes up to 301 inch, larger than 89.9% of projectors and equal to 1.4% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
What it is: Optical zoom capability expressed as a ratio.
When it matters: When projector placement is not ideal and you need optical zoom to frame the image correctly.

Importance: MEDIUM

1.1
Optoma HD146X offers a zoom ratio of 1.1, narrower than 86.1% of projectors and equal to 12.2% of projectors.
Motorized zoom
What it is: Motorized control of the optical zoom function.
When it matters: When the projector position is fixed but screen size or framing still needs to be adjusted from a distance.

Importance: LOW

no
Optoma HD146X does not have motorized zoom. 16.3% of projectors have motorized zoom.
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Input lag
What it is: Time delay between input signal and displayed image, measured in milliseconds.
When it matters: When gaming responsiveness matters and you want controls to feel more immediate on fast titles.

Importance: MEDIUM

16 ms
Optoma HD146X has input lag of 16 ms, lower than 74.8% of projectors and equal to 3.1% of projectors.
In Game Mode.
Auto low latency mode (ALLM)
What it is: Automatically reduces input lag when gaming.
When it matters: When you play fast games, lower latency matters.

Importance: LOW

no
Optoma HD146X does not support ALLM. 20.3% of projectors support ALLM.
Variable refresh rate (VRR)
What it is: Support for variable refresh rate to reduce screen tearing.
When it matters: When gaming matters and you want the projector to handle variable frame rates with less tearing or stutter.

Importance: LOW

no
Optoma HD146X does not support VRR. 1.9% of projectors support VRR.
HDMI version
What it is: Version of the HDMI standard supported.
When it matters: When source devices push newer HDMI features, refresh rates, or bandwidth levels that older ports may limit.

Importance: LOW

1.4
Optoma HD146X supports HDMI 1.4, older than 54.6% of projectors and equal to 34.1% of projectors.
Max HDMI bandwidth
What it is: Maximum bandwidth supported by HDMI inputs, measured in Gbps.
When it matters: When newer consoles, gaming PCs, or media boxes need more HDMI throughput than older projectors can handle.

Importance: LOW

10.2 Gbps
Optoma HD146X supports HDMI bandwidth up to 10.2 Gbps, lower than 52.1% of projectors and equal to 45.4% of projectors.
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N. of HDMI ports
What it is: Number of available HDMI input ports.
When it matters: When you need a console, streamer, set-top box, and another source connected at the same time without swapping cables.

Importance: LOW

1
Optoma HD146X has 1 HDMI port/s, fewer than 54.6% of projectors and equal to 42.2% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Support for Wi-Fi network connectivity.
When it matters: When the projector should handle network features, updates, or streaming functions without needing wired Ethernet only.

Importance: LOW

no
Optoma HD146X does not support Wi-Fi. 52.7% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi version
What it is: Supported Wi-Fi standard version.
When it matters: When wireless stability and throughput matter for streaming, updates, or projector ecosystem features.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
What it is: Support for Bluetooth wireless connectivity.
When it matters: When you plan to pair wireless speakers, headphones, remotes, or other accessories directly with the projector.

Importance: LOW

no
Optoma HD146X does not support Bluetooth. 50% of projectors support Bluetooth.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Supported Bluetooth version.
When it matters: When wireless accessory compatibility and connection quality matter beyond Bluetooth being a simple checkbox.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Show more
Smart TV features
What it is: Includes built-in Smart TV functions or operating system.
When it matters: When you prefer built-in apps and streaming convenience instead of adding an external media stick or box.

Importance: LOW

no
Optoma HD146X does not have smart TV features. 43.8% of projectors have smart TV features.
Operating system
What it is: The built-in software platform that runs the projector interface, streaming apps, and smart features.
When it matters: When you care about which apps are available, how modern the smart interface feels, and whether the projector includes a built-in streaming platform.

Importance: LOW

none
Android OS

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Dedicated smartphone app
What it is: Availability of a dedicated smartphone control app.
When it matters: When you want setup, input switching, or basic control handled from your phone without always reaching for a remote.

Importance: LOW

no
Optoma HD146X does not come with a dedicated smartphone app. 35.6% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
Remote control
What it is: Comes with a dedicated remote control for operation.
When it matters: When you want easier everyday control without extra gear, built-in convenience features matter.

Importance: LOW

yes
Optoma HD146X includes a remote control. 1.6% of projectors include a remote control.
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Light source type
What it is: Type of light source used by the projector.
When it matters: When maintenance expectations, startup behavior, brightness stability, and long-term running costs all matter in the buying decision.

Importance: LOW

lamp
Optoma HD146X uses lamp light source technology, less advanced than 67.1% of projectors and equal to 33% of projectors.
Laser Light Source
What it is: Whether the projector uses a laser light source instead of a traditional lamp.
When it matters: When lower maintenance, faster startup, and a lamp-free light engine matter over the long term.

Importance: LOW

no
Optoma HD146X does not use a laser light source. 28.1% of projectors use a laser light source.
Lamp life
What it is: Expected operational lifespan of the lamp in standard mode, measured in hours.
When it matters: When you care about running costs and maintenance intervals, light-source lifespan matters.

Importance: LOW

4,000 hours
Optoma HD146X offers lamp life of 4000 hours, longer than 77.2% of projectors and equal to 9.9% of projectors.
Lamp life (eco mode)
What it is: Expected operational lifespan of the lamp in eco mode, measured in hours.
When it matters: When you care about running costs and maintenance intervals, light-source lifespan matters.

Importance: LOW

10,000 hours
Optoma HD146X offers eco-mode lamp life of 10000 hours, longer than 69.5% of projectors and equal to 6.8% of projectors.
Operating power consumption
What it is: Average power consumption during normal operation.
When it matters: When electricity use and heat output matter because the projector runs for long sessions or frequent daily use.

Importance: LOW

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Optoma HD146X vs the average projector

  • 63.6% brighter image
    Optoma HD146X has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (3,600 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    What it is: Brightness output measured in ANSI lumens.
    When it matters: When you watch with ambient light or on a large screen, higher brightness matters.

    Importance: HIGH

    Optoma HD146X has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (3,600 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.3,600 vs 2,200
  • 51 inch larger image size
    Optoma HD146X has a higher projection size than the average projector (301 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    What it is: Maximum supported image size for projection, measured diagonally.
    When it matters: When you want a cinema-size picture, maximum projection size matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Optoma HD146X has a higher projection size than the average projector (301 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.301 inch vs 250 inch
  • 10 degrees greater vertical keystone correction
    Optoma HD146X offers more vertical keystone correction than the average projector (40 degrees degrees vs 30 degrees degrees). The average projector offers 30 degrees degrees of vertical keystone correction.
    What it is: Range of vertical keystone correction supported.
    When it matters: When the projector sits too high or too low relative to the screen and vertical image correction becomes necessary.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Optoma HD146X offers more vertical keystone correction than the average projector (40 degrees degrees vs 30 degrees degrees). The average projector offers 30 degrees degrees of vertical keystone correction.40 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • 41.2% higher refresh rate
    Optoma HD146X has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (120 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    What it is: Number of screen refreshes per second, measured in hertz.
    When it matters: When motion clarity matters for gaming, sports, or fast-moving video instead of slower cinematic content only.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Optoma HD146X has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (120 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.120 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • Higher contrast ratio
    Optoma HD146X has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (25000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    What it is: Ratio of brightest white to darkest black displayed by the projector.
    When it matters: When you watch movies in a dark room, stronger contrast matters.

    Importance: HIGH

    Optoma HD146X has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (25000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.25,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 4 dB quieter operation
    Optoma HD146X has a lower audible noise than the average projector (26 dB vs 30 dB). The average projector has 30 dB of audible noise.
    Eco mode figure.
    What it is: Sound level produced during operation, measured in decibels.
    When it matters: When you watch in a quiet room close to the projector, lower noise matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Optoma HD146X has a lower audible noise than the average projector (26 dB vs 30 dB). The average projector has 30 dB of audible noise.26 dB vs 30 dB
  • 11 ms lower input lag
    Optoma HD146X has a lower input lag than the average projector (16 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    In Game Mode.
    What it is: Time delay between input signal and displayed image, measured in milliseconds.
    When it matters: When gaming responsiveness matters and you want controls to feel more immediate on fast titles.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Optoma HD146X has a lower input lag than the average projector (16 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.16 ms vs 27 ms
  • 2 dB quieter eco mode
    Optoma HD146X has a lower audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (26 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.
    What it is: Sound level produced in eco or quiet mode, measured in decibels.
    When it matters: When you watch in a quiet room close to the projector, lower noise matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Optoma HD146X has a lower audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (26 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.26 dB vs 28 dB
  • 63.6% brighter image
    Optoma HD146X has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (3,600 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
  • 41.2% higher refresh rate
    Optoma HD146X has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (120 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
  • Higher contrast ratio
    Optoma HD146X has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (25000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
  • 51 inch larger image size
    Optoma HD146X has a higher projection size than the average projector (301 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
  • 10 degrees greater vertical keystone correction
    Optoma HD146X offers more vertical keystone correction than the average projector (40 degrees degrees vs 30 degrees degrees). The average projector offers 30 degrees degrees of vertical keystone correction.
  • 11 ms lower input lag
    Optoma HD146X has a lower input lag than the average projector (16 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
  • Includes VGA
    Optoma HD146X includes VGA input, while the average projector does not. 43.1% of projectors include VGA input.
  • 4 dB quieter operation
    Optoma HD146X has a lower audible noise than the average projector (26 dB vs 30 dB). The average projector has 30 dB of audible noise.
  • 2 dB quieter eco mode
    Optoma HD146X has a lower audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (26 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.

Total
Overall
Image Quality
Projection & Lens
HDMI & Gaming
Connectivity
Design & Power
  • No HDR10 support
    Optoma HD146X does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 56.3% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 0.2 2x narrower zoom range
    Optoma HD146X has a lower zoom ratio than the average projector (1.1 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
  • Limited HDMI format
    Optoma HD146X supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
  • 43.3% lower HDMI bandwidth
    Optoma HD146X has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
  • Older HDMI version
    Optoma HD146X has Old HDMI standard than the average projector (1.4 vs 2.0). The average projector supports HDMI 2.0.
  • Old HDCP version
    Optoma HD146X has Old HDCP version than the average projector (1.4 vs 2.2). The average projector supports HDCP 2.2.
  • 1 fewer HDMI ports
    Optoma HD146X has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.
  • No Wi-Fi support
    Optoma HD146X does not support Wi-Fi, while the average projector does. 52.6% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
  • No RS-232 control
    Optoma HD146X does not support RS-232 control, while the average projector does. 52.1% of projectors support RS-232 control.
  • 50% weaker audio output
    Optoma HD146X has a lower audio output power than the average projector (5 W vs 10 W). The average projector has 10 W of audio output power.
  • Basic light source
    Optoma HD146X has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
  • 16,000 hours shorter lamp life
    Optoma HD146X has a lower lamp life than the average projector (4,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life.
  • 10,000 hours shorter eco lamp life
    Optoma HD146X has a lower lamp life in eco mode than the average projector (10,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life in eco mode.
  • No HDR10 support
    Optoma HD146X does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 56.3% of projectors support HDR10.
    What it is: Support for HDR10 high dynamic range standard.
    When it matters: When you want the projector to handle mainstream HDR movie and streaming content instead of standard dynamic range only.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Optoma HD146X does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 56.3% of projectors support HDR10.
  • Limited HDMI format
    Optoma HD146X supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    What it is: Highest HDMI input format supported by the projector.
    When it matters: When you want to confirm the exact signal format the projector can accept from high-end modern sources.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Optoma HD146X supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • Basic light source
    Optoma HD146X has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    What it is: Type of light source used by the projector.
    When it matters: When maintenance expectations, startup behavior, brightness stability, and long-term running costs all matter in the buying decision.

    Importance: LOW

    Optoma HD146X has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.lamp vs laser
  • 1 fewer HDMI ports
    Optoma HD146X has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.
    What it is: Number of available HDMI input ports.
    When it matters: When you need a console, streamer, set-top box, and another source connected at the same time without swapping cables.

    Importance: LOW

    Optoma HD146X has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.1 vs 2
  • 43.3% lower HDMI bandwidth
    Optoma HD146X has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
    What it is: Maximum bandwidth supported by HDMI inputs, measured in Gbps.
    When it matters: When newer consoles, gaming PCs, or media boxes need more HDMI throughput than older projectors can handle.

    Importance: LOW

    Optoma HD146X has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps
  • No Wi-Fi support
    Optoma HD146X does not support Wi-Fi, while the average projector does. 52.6% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
    What it is: Support for Wi-Fi network connectivity.
    When it matters: When the projector should handle network features, updates, or streaming functions without needing wired Ethernet only.

    Importance: LOW

    Optoma HD146X does not support Wi-Fi, while the average projector does. 52.6% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
  • Older HDMI version
    Optoma HD146X has Old HDMI standard than the average projector (1.4 vs 2.0). The average projector supports HDMI 2.0.
    What it is: Version of the HDMI standard supported.
    When it matters: When source devices push newer HDMI features, refresh rates, or bandwidth levels that older ports may limit.

    Importance: LOW

    Optoma HD146X has Old HDMI standard than the average projector (1.4 vs 2.0). The average projector supports HDMI 2.0.1.4 vs 2.0
  • 0.2 2x narrower zoom range
    Optoma HD146X has a lower zoom ratio than the average projector (1.1 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
    What it is: Optical zoom capability expressed as a ratio.
    When it matters: When projector placement is not ideal and you need optical zoom to frame the image correctly.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Optoma HD146X has a lower zoom ratio than the average projector (1.1 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.1.1 vs 1.3
Total
Image Quality
Projection & Lens
HDMI & Gaming
Connectivity
Audio & Features
Design & Power

Graphic comparison of Optoma HD146X and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
144 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Optoma HD146X?

  • Excellent picture quality and color accuracy for the price point
  • High brightness (3,600 lumens) suitable for rooms with some ambient light
  • Low input lag (approx. 16ms) making it a great choice for gaming
  • Strong contrast and black levels that provide a sense of three-dimensionality
  • Lightweight and portable design for easy transport
  • Full 3D support for immersive movie viewing

What customers dislike about Optoma HD146X?

  • Poor onboard audio quality that typically requires external speakers
  • Limited connectivity with only one HDMI port
  • Noticeable fan noise, especially when using 'Dynamic Black' mode
  • Lacks advanced setup features like lens shift and has limited zoom
  • Reports of reliability issues such as dead pixels or overheating over time
  • The remote control can be overly sensitive or imprecise

Expert reviews

P
pcmag.com
17/02/2021
Optoma HD146X Review

The Optoma HD146X is a budget-friendly, entry-level 1080p DLP projector lauded for its exceptional picture quality, high color accuracy, and deep contrast. It offers high brightness for ambient light, 3D support, and a low 16.4ms input lag for gaming, delivering high value. Conversely, the projector's, low price is achieved through limited connectivity, featuring only a single HDMI...Read more

C
cnet.com
24/06/2020
Optoma HD146X review: Solid projector value that cuts a few corners

The Optoma HD146X is a budget-friendly, 1080p non-4K DLP projector that delivers impressive brightness and reasonably accurate colors for its sub-$600 price tag. In its most color-accurate "User" mode, it successfully outputs around 1,100 lumens, making it plenty bright for dark-room viewing. It also features an impressive lamp life that spans from 4,000 hours in Bright mode up to...Read more

G
gagadget.com
20/05/2025
Optoma HD146X Review

The Optoma HD146X is a budget-friendly, Full HD 1080p home theater projector that delivers impressive visual performance for both movies and gaming. It features an exceptionally high 500,000:1 contrast ratio for deep black levels, 3D support, and a robust 3600 ANSI lumens of brightness that allows for clear viewing even in rooms with ambient light. Gamers will benefit heavily from...Read more

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uk.pcmag.com
17/02/2021
Optoma HD146X - Review 2021 - PCMag UK

The Optoma HD146X is a budget-friendly 1080p home entertainment projector priced at $549 that prioritizes image quality over extra features. It features a native 1920 by 1080 resolution, a RYGCWB six-panel color wheel, and a 3,500-ANSI-lumen brightness rating capable of projecting up to a 270-inch image in a dark room. In testing, its Cinema mode delivered excellent color accuracy,...Read more

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au.pcmag.com
18/02/2021
Optoma HD146X - Review 2021 - PCMag Australia Would you like a comparison of how the Optoma HD146X performs against its main competitors like the BenQ...

The Optoma HD146X is a budget-friendly 1080p home entertainment projector that delivers exceptional picture quality for its price, outperforming competitors in color accuracy, contrast, and black levels out of the box. Utilizing a 1,920-by-1,080-pixel DLP chip and a six-panel RYGCWB color wheel, it outputs a bright 3,500 lumens, making it capable of handling ambient light in...Read more

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test.de
30/04/2024
Review: Optoma HD146X | Stiftung Warentest

The Optoma HD146X, tested by Stiftung Warentest, is a DLP projector offering Full HD resolution, 3,600 lumens of brightness, and a 25,000:1 contrast ratio, making it suitable for stationary, traditional setups. However, it lacks modern connectivity, featuring only a single HDMI port, no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or LAN, and a restrictive operating system, with USB ports that cannot play...Read more

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gagadget.com
20/05/2025
Optoma HD146X Review and Verdict

Summary The Optoma HD146X is a budget-friendly 1080p Full HD home cinema projector designed to deliver highly vibrant and responsive visuals for both movie enthusiasts and gamers. It features an impressive brightness level of 3,600 ANSI lumens, allowing it to perform well even in rooms with ambient daylight, and boasts a stark 500,000:1 contrast ratio that provides deep blacks and...Read more

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tweakers.net
02/01/2022
Optoma HD146X - Product reviews

This user review from Tweakers gives the Optoma HD146X DLP projector a perfect 5 out of 5-star rating. The reviewer purchased it for a dark basement playroom to project a 100-inch image onto a white wall from a distance of 3 meters. They chose this model after researching alternatives like the Epson EH-TW750 and Benq TH585 because it consistently ranked as the best budget choice in...Read more

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test-aankoop.be
01/10/2020
Optoma HD146X test and review

The Optoma HD146X is a budget-friendly 1080p home cinema projector offering 3,600 ANSI lumens, a 25,000:1 contrast ratio, and a 16ms input lag in gaming mode. Key advantages include its vibrant picture quality suitable for ambient light and a long lamp life of up to 15,000 hours in eco-modes. Limitations to the HD146X include the presence of only one HDMI port, requiring external...Read more

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tweakers.net
28/10/2024
Optoma HD146X - mvermunt - Product reviews

A five-year user review on Tweakers.net praises the Optoma HD146X for its high brightness (3600 lumens) and excellent performance for films and sports, even in daylight, while maintaining a sharp image in Eco mode. The reviewer considers it a reliable, long-term, cost-effective projector, delivering a vivid 100-inch picture from a four-meter distance. Conversely, the review...Read more

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