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Optoma HD146X Review | 84 Data compared

Avg. price:~£440Native panel resolution:1920x1080ANSI lumens:3600Throw ratio:1.47-1.62:1Lamp life:4000 hours

Optoma HD146X Review: Compare 84 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

Optoma HD146X
6.6/10

Overall score

Score
6.6/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components

90%

6.3

Technical score

10%

9.0

User score

▼Worse than 51% of projectors
7.1

Value for money

Value for money
7.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 77% of models
Score components

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

8.2

Price

▲Better than 77%
6.3

Technical score

Technical score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Projectors category across these key areas: Image Quality, Projection & Lens, HDMI & Gaming, Connectivity, Audio & Features, Design & Power.
When it matters
When you want to compare projectors based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components

42%

7.6

Image Quality

22%

5.8

Projection & Lens

12%

5.5

HDMI & Gaming

10%

5.3

Audio & Features

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

5.7

Design & Power

▼Worse than 58%
9.0

User score

User score
9.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 93% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
★Better than 93%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of projector Optoma HD146X

Technical score
Technical score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Projectors category across these key areas: Image Quality, Projection & Lens, HDMI & Gaming, Connectivity, Audio & Features, Design & Power.
When it matters
When you want to compare projectors based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 58% of models
Score components:

42%

7.6

Image Quality

22%

5.8

Projection & Lens

12%

5.5

HDMI & Gaming

10%

5.3

Audio & Features

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

5.7

Design & Power

6.3
User score
User score
9.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 93% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
9.0
Popularity
Popularity
10/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 89% of models
Popularity:
Optoma HD146X has a popularity score of 10 points, which is higher than 89.3% of projectors.
10
Value for money
Value for money
7.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 77% of models
Score components:

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

8.2

Price

7.1
ANSI lumens
3,600
Market range: <250 – >4k
This projector reaches 3,600 ANSI lumens, brighter than 82.3% of projectors and equal to 1.8% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
25,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 25000:1, higher than 63.8% of projectors.
Native panel resolution
1920x1080
This projector uses a native resolution of 1920x1080, higher than 26.2% of projectors and equal to 59.7% of projectors.
Output Resolution
1920x1080
This projector supports output resolution up to 1920x1080, higher than 24.9% of projectors and equal to 41% of projectors.
Projection technology
DLP
Show more
Throw ratio
1.47-1.62:1
Min throw distance
1 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >2 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 1 m, shorter than 51.4% of projectors and equal to 7.4% of projectors.
Max projection size
301 inch
Market range: <100 inch – >300 inch
This projector supports projection sizes up to 301 inch, larger than 89.9% of projectors and equal to 1.4% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
1.1
Market range: <1.1 – >2.1
This projector offers a zoom ratio of 1.1, narrower than 86.1% of projectors and equal to 12.2% of projectors.
Motorized zoom
no
This projector does not have motorized zoom. 16.3% of projectors have motorized zoom.
Show more
Input lag
16 ms
Market range: <8 ms – >68 ms
This projector has input lag of 16 ms, lower than 74.3% of projectors and equal to 3.1% of projectors.
In Game Mode.
Auto low latency mode (ALLM)
no
This projector does not support ALLM. 17.2% of projectors support ALLM.
Variable refresh rate (VRR)
no
This projector does not support VRR. 1.6% of projectors support VRR.
HDMI version
1.4
This projector supports HDMI 1.4, older than 54.8% of projectors and equal to 34% of projectors.
Max HDMI bandwidth
10.2 Gbps
Market range: <10 Gbps – >50 Gbps
This projector supports HDMI bandwidth up to 10.2 Gbps, lower than 52.5% of projectors and equal to 45.2% of projectors.
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
1
Market range: <1 – >6
This projector has 1 HDMI port/s, fewer than 55.1% of projectors and equal to 41.6% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This projector does not support Wi-Fi. 52.9% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
no
This projector does not support Bluetooth. 50.5% of projectors support Bluetooth.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Show more
Smart TV features
no
This projector does not have smart TV features. 43.8% of projectors have smart TV features.
Operating system
none
Android OS
no
This projector does not run Android OS. 18.8% of projectors run Android OS.
Dedicated smartphone app
no
This projector does not come with a dedicated smartphone app. 35.2% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
Remote control
yes
This projector includes a remote control. 1.6% of projectors include a remote control.
Show more
Light source type
lamp
This projector uses lamp light source technology, less advanced than 67.1% of projectors and equal to 33% of projectors.
Laser Light Source
no
This projector does not use a laser light source. 28.1% of projectors use a laser light source.
Lamp life
4,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers lamp life of 4,000 hours, longer than 77.2% of projectors and equal to 9.9% of projectors.
Lamp life (eco mode)
10,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers eco-mode lamp life of 10,000 hours, longer than 66.3% of projectors and equal to 7.8% of projectors.
Operating power consumption
?
Show more

Optoma HD146X vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • 63.6% brighter image
    This projector 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
  • 54.5 inch larger image size
    This projector has a higher projection size than the average projector (301 inch vs 246.5 inch). The average projector has 246.5 inch of projection size.
    301 inch vs 246.5 inch
  • 10 degrees greater vertical keystone correction
    This projector 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
    This projector 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
    This projector 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
    This projector 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.
    26 dB vs 30 dB
  • 11 ms lower input lag
    This projector 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.
    16 ms vs 27 ms
  • 2 dB quieter eco mode
    This projector 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.
    Eco mode figure.
    26 dB vs 28 dB
  • 12.5% higher user score
    User score
    9.0/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    ▼
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Optoma HD146X
    the average projector
    Optoma HD146X has a higher user score than the average projector (9.00 vs 8.000).
    9 vs 8
  • 2.05x more popular
    Optoma HD146X has a higher popularity than the average projector (10 vs 4.9).
    10 vs 4.87
  • 63.6% brighter image
    This projector 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
  • 41.2% higher refresh rate
    This projector 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
    This projector 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
  • 54.5 inch larger image size
    This projector has a higher projection size than the average projector (301 inch vs 246.5 inch). The average projector has 246.5 inch of projection size.
    301 inch vs 246.5 inch
  • 10 degrees greater vertical keystone correction
    This projector 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
  • 11 ms lower input lag
    This projector 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.
    16 ms vs 27 ms
  • Includes VGA
    This projector includes VGA input, while the average projector does not. 45.3% of projectors include VGA input.
  • 4 dB quieter operation
    This projector 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.
    26 dB vs 30 dB
  • 2 dB quieter eco mode
    This projector 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.
    Eco mode figure.
    26 dB vs 28 dB
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector 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
    This projector has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    lamp vs laser
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 56.5% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 1 fewer HDMI ports
    This projector 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
    This projector 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
    This projector does not support Wi-Fi, while the average projector does. 52.9% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
  • No Bluetooth support
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.5% of projectors support Bluetooth.
  • Older HDMI version
    This projector has Old HDMI standard than the average projector (1.4 vs 2). The average projector supports HDMI 2.0.
    1.4 vs 2.0
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 56.5% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 0.2 2x narrower zoom range
    This projector 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
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector 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
  • 43.3% lower HDMI bandwidth
    This projector 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
  • Older HDMI version
    This projector has Old HDMI standard than the average projector (1.4 vs 2). The average projector supports HDMI 2.0.
    1.4 vs 2.0
  • Old HDCP version
    This projector has Old HDCP version than the average projector (1.4 vs 2.2). The average projector supports HDCP 2.2.
    1.4 vs 2.2
  • 1 fewer HDMI ports
    This projector has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.
    1 vs 2
  • No Wi-Fi support
    This projector does not support Wi-Fi, while the average projector does. 52.9% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
  • No Bluetooth support
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.5% of projectors support Bluetooth.
  • No RS-232 control
    This projector does not support RS-232 control, while the average projector does. 52.1% of projectors support RS-232 control.
  • 50% weaker audio output
    This projector 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.
    5 W vs 10 W
  • Basic light source
    This projector has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    lamp vs laser
  • 16,000 hours shorter lamp life
    This projector 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.
    4,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 10,000 hours shorter eco lamp life
    This projector 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.
    10,000 hours vs 20,000 hours

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
The Review Hub
≈ estimated
17/04/2026
Hands-on review · movies, sports and gaming use
Verdict
Optoma HD146X has a bright, sharp picture and responsive gaming, suited to buyers who will add their own speakers and sources.
8.0
Lab Review
≈ estimated
17/04/2026
Hands-on review · movies, gaming and daily use
Verdict
Optoma HD146X is a solid budget home projector for movies and gaming, with a few setup, audio and port limits.
9.0
Fight Cave
≈ estimated
01/06/2020
First use · first-night impressions
Verdict
Optoma HD146X has excellent picture quality and is a good buy despite its weak speaker and few inputs.
Overview video
Overview video
Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

pcmag.com
17/02/2021
Lab test · Movies and gaming
Verdict
The Optoma HD146X has the most accurate colors for movies among its rivals, but it has one HDMI port, weak speakers and no image shift.
cnet.com
24/06/2020
Lab test · Budget projector
Verdict
The Optoma HD146X is a bright 1080p projector with decent color, but its loud fan and single HDMI input make it a compromise.
gagadget.com
20/05/2025
Hands-on test · Movies and gaming
Verdict
The Optoma HD146X is a budget 1080p projector with a vivid picture and fast gaming response, though its built-in speaker is weak and fan noise is audible.
uk.pcmag.com
17/02/2021
Lab test · Budget 1080p
Verdict
The Optoma HD146X suits movie fans with a dark room, delivering the best color and contrast at its price, but it has only one HDMI port.
beamernerd.de
04/08/2024
Hands-on test · Entry-level projector
Verdict
The Optoma HD146X is a good entry-level projector with vivid colors and solid contrast, best suited to a darkened room.
gagadget.com
20/05/2025
Hands-on review · Home cinema
Verdict
The Optoma HD146X delivers a bright, colorful 1080p picture and a fast gaming mode, but its built-in speakers are weak and it looks best with the curtains closed.
mds-cineson.fr
Not Dated
Test review · 3D projector
Verdict
The Optoma HD146X is a bright, clear projector that stays quiet in Eco mode, but weak built-in sound and no wireless features hold it back.
gagadget.es
18/05/2025
Hands-on test · Full HD projector
Verdict
The Optoma HD146X is a sharp, bright Full HD projector suited to gaming and films, but its built-in speaker is poor, so plan on external sound.
gagadget.it
18/05/2025
Hands-on test · Home cinema projector
Verdict
The Optoma HD146X is a sharp, bright home cinema projector that works well for gaming, but its built-in speaker is weak, so add external sound.
T
tweakers.net
02/01/2022
Summary of the review
Optoma HD146X - Product reviews
(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
28/10/2024
Summary of the review
Optoma HD146X - mvermunt - Product reviews
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: October 2026 · How we calculate this

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 don't like 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

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.

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