Should you buy a projector or a big-screen TV in 2026? Here’s what we think
Our latest video delves into a big home cinema debate
by Lewis Empson · What Hi-Fi?
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Big displays have been the focal point of the AV world this decade, and if you’re looking at super-sizing your screen, chances are you’re choosing between either a projector or a 100-inch (or bigger) TV.
The question is this: which one is actually better?
You might be surprised how often the debate as to which of these options is better comes up here at What Hi-Fi?, but this time we decided to take the discussion to YouTube. Our latest video weighs up the pros and cons of each, as I take on Team Projector, while our TV and AV editor, Tom Parsons, is heading up Team TV.
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Watch full video here:
Your first option is going down the traditional route: a projector. These have been the trusty go-to option for home-cinema purists for a long time, offering screen sizes well north of 100 inches and delivering the “movie magic” we associate with visiting the cinema.
That beam of light hitting your projector screen, with sound coming from a dedicated surround sound package, is almost impossible to beat, but it comes with some impracticalities and, as you can expect, large price tags.
Which is why we are seeing more projectors launch with smaller footprints and bigger feature sets, all at lower prices. They’re not perfect, as it’s usually picture quality that takes a hit to cram in these features, but they are certainly making projectors more approachable.
That said, what if you just don’t want to deal with any of the hassle that comes with a projector?
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That’s where the recent phenomenon of XXL TVs comes into play. Popularised by Hisense and TCL, 100-inch TVs are starting to become more common, while the likes of Sony, Samsung and LG have jumped on the bandwagon to deliver TVs reaching 115- and 130-inches.
The benefit here is that everything is built in, including picture, sound and streaming; and prices are dropping surprisingly low. They do take up quite a lot of space, of course, and, as mentioned in our discussion, you won’t find our favourite panel technology at this size.
Ultimately, it’s worth noting that there isn’t a “one size fits all” answer to this debate, and personal preference will play a substantial role in your decision; but whichever one you pick, be sure to consult our best projectors and best TVs lists to choose the right models.
MORE:
Read our full Sony VPL-XW5000ES review
As well as our TCL C7K 98-inch review
And check out our list of the best Mini LED TVs