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What exactly is a beamer?

Anouk16 SEPTEMBER 2025
A woman in a white blouse presses a button on a white projector on a table, next to a wireless mouse. No brand is visible.

A beamer is a device with which you can project your favourite movies, series, sports matches, or games on a large screen. This way you are in the middle of the action, and you don't miss a single detail. Are you looking for a compact mini projector for on the go, or do you prefer a laser projector so that you can also enjoy a clear image during the day? There is a beamer for every situation. Discover the different types and choose the perfect projector for you.

How does a beamer work?

Two people sit relaxed on a sofa, watching a film projected onto the wall by a projector. No brand is visible.

A beamer projects images such as films or holiday photos on a large screen. This way you create a real cinema feeling anytime, anywhere. All you must do is connect the projector to a source device such as your laptop. The beamer then converts the digital signal into an image and projects it via a lens on the wall or on a projection screen.

Different types of beamers

Projectors come in all shapes and sizes, each with their own advantages. We crafted a list of the most popular types for you:

Two men sit outside at night in chairs, watching a tennis match projected onto a camper by a projector. No brand is visible.

3D-beamers

Do you love 3D movies and games? Then a 3D projector is for you. These projectors are suitable for projecting 3D images. This makes it seem like you're in the middle of the action. Note that to fully enjoy this projector you need special 3D glasses.

In a modern living room, a large nature image is projected onto the wall, with a sofa, wooden table and open kitchen. No brand is visible.

Short-throw-beamers

Don't have much space, but still want to enjoy a large image? Then a short-throw beamer is exactly what you are looking for. These projectors can project a large image from a short distance, sometimes from 30 to 50 centimetres. This makes them suitable for small rooms or apartments where you have little distance between the projector and the wall. Extra handy: the chance that you accidentally walk into the light of the projector is considerably smaller.

A person relaxes on a bed in an atmospheric room while a projector displays a film on the ceiling. No brand is visible.

4K beamers

For those who want the best image, 4K beamers are an excellent choice. They give a super clear and sharp image, with 4 times as many pixels as Full HD. This means that you can see even the smallest details razor-sharp.

A family sits comfortably on the floor in a warmly lit living room, watching a film projected onto the wall together. No brand is visible.

Laser Beamers

Laser beamers are durable and offer a clear and powerful image. Instead of an ordinary lamp, they use a laser as a light source. This ensures a long lifespan (often up to 20,000 hours) and less maintenance. In addition, they deliver true-to-life colours and a stable image.

More about laser beamers
On a smart TV screen, popular apps like Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, YouTube, Hulu and Google Play are shown with movie suggestions. A remote points at the TV interface displaying several streaming services. No brand is clearly visible.

Smart beamers

Don't want the hassle of extra devices like a laptop or streaming box? Then a smart beamer is for you. These projectors have Wi-Fi and built-in apps, so you can use your favourite streaming services directly. Extremely suitable for those who want to watch movies and series quickly and easily without extra cables or boxes.

A group of people relax in deck chairs on a rooftop at sunset, watching a film projected outside onto the wall. No brand is visible.

Mini beamers

Mini beamers are light and portable. They fit easily in your bag and are handy to take with you on vacation or to friends. Although they are less powerful than large projectors, they offer surprisingly good quality for their size. Choose a mini projector if you're looking for flexibility and portability.

Decide what you want to use the beamer for

Two people sit outside on a cosy, lit terrace, watching a projection of a beach scene with a kite, surrounded by bottles and string lights. No brand is visible.

Before you choose a projector, it's important to think carefully about what you want to use it for. This determines which functions and features are most important to you. We explain it with a few examples:

  • For movie buffs, high resolution and good contrast are often crucial. This way, details and colours come into their own and you can experience your favourite movies as if you were in the cinema.
  • If you also use the projector for presentations or meetings, it is wise to pay attention to the brightness (lumens). In well-lit rooms or large halls, you need a projector that is bright enough to show the images clearly even in daylight. In addition, connection options such as HDMI and wireless options are handy, so you can quickly and easily connect your laptop or smartphone.
  • If you want to use the projector outside, for example for a movie night in the garden, it is extra important that it has sufficient light intensity to be clearly visible in the evening twilight. It is also useful if the projector is easy to move and quick to set up.

How many lumens should a beamer have?

A tennis match is projected on a wall, showing a player in action on the court. A projector beams light to the screen. No brand is visible.

The number of lumens indicates how bright the projector is. For a dark room, 1,500 to 2,500 lumens are often sufficient. Do you use the projector in a bright room or outside? Then you need a higher light output of 3,000 lumens or more.

Our advice on beamers

When choosing a projector, it is important to first determine where and what you want to use it for. For a small, light room, a short throw projector with sufficient lumens is extremely suitable, while in a dark, large room, a standard or 4K projector is recommended. If you want the projector mainly for movies, choose a high resolution and good contrast. For presentations in bright rooms, a higher light output is essential. Also, consider additional features like smart apps or portability. This way, you can choose a projector that suits your space and wishes.

Frequently asked questions about beamers

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