In this helpful article, Projector Vs Monitor, we have explained Projector vs Monitor, which should be your first choice based on screen size, light, budget, picture quality, and other things.
Modern technology has completely transformed our way of working at offices with countless small gadgets that help us perform our work effectively and more efficiently.
With this upgraded technology, the need for modern gadgets has also been enhanced. There are some things that you can find in new offices that werenít anywhere present before, such as flat-screen monitors.
These are essential gadgets because you canít have computers without monitors, and computers are the most common thing that you can find in any office due to their working capacity.
For the table of all the corporate meetings and conferences, monitors are required either to set up a video connection or to display informational graphics or workplace data.
Probably, this thing has created a lot of confusion among people regarding the choice to make between monitor and projector. They often find it difficult to decide about which one would be more preferable for the best display.
In this article, we will provide all the necessary details about projectors and monitors, their differences, pros and cons, and which one is going to be a wise choice for you.
Projector vs Monitor: The Quick Comparison
| Comparison | Projector | Monitor |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | It is not usually required. But if there is a need for it, then it is very easy, and you can do it yourself. | Also not required. |
| Screen Size | As large as 300 inches diagonally. For a home theatre, a 120-inch model will be perfect. | On average, the screen sizes range from 13 inches to 80 inches diagonally. |
| Lifespan | Projectors have lamps that last up to 5,000 hours or more. | TVs and monitors have a reported half-life of about 100,000 hours. |
| 3D | 3D on a projector is awesome. | The 3D quality is good, but the screen size is limited. |
Projector vs Monitor Detailed Comparison: Aspects To Consider Between Projector & Monitor When Choosing
Advancements in technology have completely changed the shape and features of projectors and monitors. There are many aspects to consider while determining the right pick between a projector and a monitor for the home or workplace.
These days, smart monitors can also be used as TV sets. There are the following aspects you should keep in mind when choosing between a projector and a monitor:
Light
Light plays a significant role in both the projector and monitor. Monitors emit their own light with the help of LEDs, while a projector works on the LCD setup and projection lighting.
To get the best quality picture through a projector, you must place it inside a dark room. Some advanced units of projectors can also display a good-quality picture in the presence of little light.
The best quality picture can only be possible on an expensive monitor with a decent screen size. So, it seems that a projector would be better to use at home.
Price
The most vital aspect to consider is the price when seeking a projector or monitor. Portable projectors consist of basic features, and their price is lower than monitors.
However, small-sized monitors are available in the market but they do not deliver the expected quality when you try to experience photography, games, and movies. For seamless entertainment, searching for an efficient projector will be an ideal decision.
Related: Why projectors are expensive?
Maintenance
One of the crucial things to keep in mind is the maintenance when choosing between a projector and a monitor. Due to the presence of modern-day LEDs that hardly experience damage, the longevity of monitors is enhanced in many folds.
Projectors are mostly based on a lamp that can last for almost a year or two. So, it becomes important to replace their lamps after a certain time period. But there are some best portable projectors available that come with an excellent lamp that can last for a couple of years.
Screen Size
The screen size for monitors is almost fixed. However, projectors allow the change of the screen size according to the projection wall. If you ever try to connect your PC to a projector, you can experience the convenience of supersizing.
People such as gamers, film fanatics, and photographers can enjoy the perfect time by using portable projectors. Some modern projectors can also provide 3D pictures of up to 4K quality.
Screen Options
The monitor has quite restricted display elements and screen options. They are mostly present in fixed sizes, and the only thing you can do is adjust the resolution according to need. With projectors, you can easily increase the throw distance and enjoy gaming as well as a home view on a giant screen.
Different kinds of sound programs are also supported by entry-level projectors. They include a sound system without compromising the resolution and quality of the picture. You wonít find a sound system in monitors if they are not expensive.
Keep this thing in mind: You can use a monitor in your office, but a projector is the perfect choice for home use.
Connectivity
The connectivity option is not present in standard computer monitors, but this option can be easily found in portable projectors. This feature makes them user-friendly. There are computer jacks and USB included in modern projectors as well as portable ones are easily changeable.
While choosing a projector, you should keep the following things inside your head:
- Type of projector (LCD, DLP, or LCOS)
- Resolution
- Warranty on physical parts
- Fan noise
- Supported sound types
- Ideal throw distance
- Size of the projector.
Pros Of Projector: What are the advantages of having a Projector?
A projector can be used for a number of purposes, such as watching movies, TV shows, gaming, displaying presentations, and even attending concerts like laser light shows. Other advantages of a projector are mentioned below:
A Much Larger Screen
You can increase the screen size of a projector according to your requirement from smaller to massive, which a computer monitor can hardly achieve. There has been advancement observed in the screen size of monitors, but that can’t beat projectors.
The standard size of a projector is 50 to 100 inches. At the same time, the monitors have not even breached the mark of 50 inches. The largest monitor screen is the Samsung CHG90, which is 49 inches.
A larger screen is very useful for a group of people inside a classroom or staff in a conference room.
Works As A Secondary Screen
You can use a projector as a source for a secondary display. The main computer display will be set up to stretch or duplicate onto a canvas.
In the case of a monitor, you can buy a secondary and attach it to the existing device, but that can cost you more. It is obvious that the bigger the monitor will be, the more price it will charge.
Affordable, Easy Scaling
Scaling up a projector is a swift as well as a straightforward process. This flexibility can be observed in monitors. If you have got a 32-inch monitor screen, you are stuck with it. It canít be made bigger or smaller. For scaling, you will have to go for replacement.
However, projectors are available in large sizes, and you donít need to worry about paying extra charges for massive sizes.
Related: Do projectors emit blue light?
Saves Space
It is one speciality of a projector that does not occupy more space than traditional monitors. A 32-inch space will be cramped for a monitor, but a similar space will be easily accommodated by a 49-inch projector.
For placing a monitor, you will also need a table and more space. While the set up of a projector is very easy and it can be shifted to any place without any difficulty. A monitor can also be mounted on the wall, but this setup isnít usually done.
Cons Of Projector: What are the disadvantages of having a Projector?
There isnít everything good about projectors. You can easily find different disadvantages or cons of the projector. Some of them are described below:
Surface-Level Issues
Although a projector can be paired up with a wall, screen, or even a piece of cloth and work fine regardless, there could also be legibility concerns. Grainy visuals can be observed over the hard surface of the wall that isnít well prepared for projection.
Images can become reflected if the surface of the projection is a bit shiny.
Ergonomics
Projector things can be tricky for getting ergonomics above right, which was pretty straightforward with a traditional computer and desk.
If the screen is projected over a height, you may experience pain in the neck and itíd be difficult for you to watch for a longer time.
Fan Noise From The Projector
If you put a heavy load on monitors, then you will experience a bit of noise. But in the case of regular tasks such as web browsing, watching videos, and other light work, there will be no such noises.
On contrary, the lamp of a projector gets hot very soon and the system automatically turns on a fan to compensate for the heat to keep it cool. These noises arenít so high but if you get irritated by the noise produced by laptops during work then similar noises will also annoy you in the case of projectors.
Requires Specific Ambient Lighting
A specified lighting condition is required for projectors. Some standard projectors are able to perform well even in the presence of variant light.
It has been observed that it becomes impossible to read text on screen if there are some artificial lights on or sun rays entering the room.
In case of full darkness, the image will be bright, but that wonít be beneficial for your eyes. That is why you will have to adjust the brightness accordingly.
Checkout our guide about How Does A Projector Work
Pros of Monitor: What are the advantages of having a Monitor?
Monitors are also evolving in several ways to provide a better viewing experience. Here are some of the beneficial points of monitors:
Stretches The Horizontal
Widescreen is better for quality performance than elongated screens. Though projector screens can be adjusted to a 16:9 ratio, none extend horizontally as computer monitors do.
The aspect ratios you usually get through the projector are 4:3, 16:10, and 16:9. But monitors can provide a 21:9 widescreen aspect ratio to work on multiple tabs at a time.
This is really an amazing feature of monitors from a working perspective.
Adjustable Viewing Angles
The viewing angle or orientation of a monitor can be easily adjusted or changed. Monitors can be tilted back, front, or sideways quite effortlessly.
Monitors can also slide up and down with proper adjustment. If the centre portion of the monitor does not match the plane of your eyes, you can easily set this with the help of its sliding functionality.
Options Galore
There are a lot of choices available for monitor size, shape, form, price, and colours. Though the screens are not massive just like projectors not everyone looks for gigantic screens. Curved monitors display curved screen that makes it easier to focus on different elements through peripheral vision.
To get this kind of curvature in projectors, you will need to either look for a curved screen or a curved wall. Some arched screens are also available in markets, but those didn’t pair up with the projectors easily. Even if, somehow, you manage it, the results will not be as pleasing as you get through monitors.
Cons of Monitor: What are the disadvantages of having a Monitor?
Here are some drawbacks of monitors.
Monitors Get Expensive As You Upgrade
Monitors can be found easily at different price points, but if your budget is low, you can easily find some inexpensive models for yourself.
In case you are looking for competent monitors that offer excellent color accuracy, a bright 4K panel, and a modern design, you will definitely need to spend a lot of money.
You can rely on the old models, but people tend to gravitate usually towards the newest tech models.
May Cause Eye Strain
The technology to cast images on the screen in monitors is advanced enough. However, it has been noticed that cathode ray tubes used in monitors emit harmful radiation. Modern monitors do not emit harmful radiation linked with uranium or radioactive materials, but it can be very damaging to be exposed to the newest LCD screens for a longer time.
Relatively Fragile
The modern sleeky models of monitors are also very delicate. Traditional monitors were durable and had some protective material for screens and other fragile parts.
But modern-day monitors are almost all screen, which is why without genuine bezels, computer monitors are becoming highly vulnerable to scratches, dings, and even cracks.
Related: TV Vs Projector for Gaming?
