Buying guide for best projector mounts
A great presentation leaves an impression on your audience. Whether you’re teaching a lesson in a classroom or trying to close a deal in the boardroom, you need everyone’s full attention. Having the perfect presentation setup begins with the right projector mount.
Let’s face it: desk-based projectors are a thing of the past, which is why so many professional spaces have installed mounted projectors. Most projectors are sold on their own, so you’ll need a compatible mount with plenty of functionality to suit your needs. Choose from a variety of models that offer adjustable height and tilt, as well as those that are either universal or specific to certain projectors.
Not sure where to begin? Before you fire up your next presentation, give our buying guide a read so you can outfit your space with a projector mount. We’ve compared top-selling models, plus included a few helpful installation tips.
Key considerations
Ceiling
Projector mounts hang from the ceiling, so you need to make sure that your ceiling can support one. Most mounts work well in most conventional ceilings, but only some of them are compatible with drop ceilings. If you have a vaulted or shed ceiling, there are some projector mounts specially designed to accommodate these designs as well.
Installation
Most projector mounts come with their own hardware, as well as a quick installation guide. When it comes to installing the mount, keep in mind that it’s a semipermanent fixture, so you’ll need to be certain about its location before you drill any holes. Otherwise, be prepared to do some spackling.
Another thing to keep in mind is that installation requires a bit of effort, including getting on a ladder and doing some measuring. Some people take on the project, while others decide to leave the installation to a pro. While it’s an added expense, you’ll have greater peace of mind knowing it’s done correctly.
Expert Tip
Because most projector mounts are manual, you’ll need to get on a ladder or chair to adjust it.
STAFF
BestReviews
Features
Adjustability
Most projector mounts have a reasonable degree of adjustability to ensure the presentation lands directly on the wall or screen. Basic mounts can be turned left and right and offer a modest degree of tilt. If you’d like more options, however, there are models with swivel, tilt, roll, and pitch capabilities. There are also projector mounts with a telescopic arm for adjusting the height.
Materials
Like other mounting hardware, projector mounts are made of metal. There are some mounts made of aluminum, however better-quality models are made from solid, heavy-gauge steel. Mounts are also covered with a rust-resistant powder coating to retain a crisp look at all times.
Color
As hardware, projector mounts have a rudimentary, utilitarian design. It comes as no surprise that their colors are nothing fancy. For the most part, you’ll find them in black, gray, white, or cream. Some people choose to match the mount to the projector, whereas others opt for a mount that blends in with the ceiling color.
Weight limit
As you compare projector mounts, an important piece of information to keep in mind is the weight of your projector. On average, a projector weighs less than 10 pounds, and most projector mounts have a weight limit of 30 pounds. However, there are much heavier projectors for which you’ll need a heavy-duty mount that can hold between 40 and 80 pounds. These mounts are heavier and include more reinforcement.
Universal mounts
There are many different projectors, and there are just as many projector mounts. As expected, you need to find a compatible mount to hold your projector securely. Universal mounts are the most popular, but some users feel they don’t offer the right fit for their projector. If you run into this issue, look for a model- or size-specific mount for a better fit and a bit more overall security.
For your safety
When your building undergoes regular maintenance checks, make sure someone checks and tightens the projector mount’s hardware.
STAFF
BestReviews
Accessories
Projector: Epson VS250 3LCD Projector
Invest in a projector that turns your next presentation into a slam dunk. We like this one from Epson, which works with most laptops and media players. Enjoy impressive image quality with its SVGA resolution and vivid color from 3,200 lumens.
Projector screen: AmazonBasics 16:9 Pull-Down Projector Screen
It’s time to upgrade your projector screen, too. We like this affordable choice from AmazonBasics, whose opaque material delivers a crisp picture. The screen is also antireflective to prevent glare.
Ladder: Little Giant Velocity Model 13 Multi-Use Ladder
You’ll need a ladder to install your projector mount, so take a look at this 11-foot one by Little Giant. Its ultra-stable design supports up to 300 pounds, and it exceeds all OSHA and ANSI safety standards. It also features the brand’s Rock Lock system for quick and effortless adjustments.
Projector mount prices
Projector mounts cost between $14 and $50, depending primarily on how adjustable they are.
Inexpensive: Projector mounts priced up to $20 have modest tilt and rotational capabilities.
Mid-range: If you’d like a projector mount with a wide variety of adjustability features, especially roll, pitch, and a high degree of tilt, expect to spend closer to $30.
Expensive: Mounts with all the adjustability bells and whistles, as well as a telescopic arm, offer the greatest versatility in terms of positioning. As a result, these projector mounts can cost as much as $50.
Expert Tip
If you need easy access to the projector, such as to take it to another room, consider a projector mount with quick-release clips.
STAFF
BestReviews
Tips
-
Ask facilities management to install the mount. If your office or classroom is being outfitted with a new projector, including a mount, contact facilities management or the building supervisor to assist with installation.
-
Check the hardware prior to installation. Make sure you have all the pieces you need before you climb up the ladder.
-
Don’t forget to dust the mount. Keep dust at bay on your projector mount by regularly dusting it with a telescopic cleaning wand.
-
Add a projector mount to your home theater setup. Instead of propping up your mini projector on a table (where it can be knocked over by kids or pets), invest in a projector mount.
-
Find a helper for installation. Whenever you’re working from a ladder, it’s a good idea to have a helper or spotter. They can safely pass hardware and tools to you, plus they’ll be able to see if the mount is level or off-center.
Other products we considered
Don’t see what you need in our matrix? We have a couple more for you. We like the modern curb appeal of the QualGear Pro-AV Projector Mounting Kit. The sleek design boasts an impressive 70-pound capacity. It fits in a wide variety of ceilings, including flat, sloped, and drop. The projector mount also has a convenient presorted hardware pack to make installation easy.
And if you’d like some mounting versatility, we like the Mount It! Wall or Ceiling Projector Mount. This universal design is made from solid steel and features a rust-resistant, powder-coated finish. It includes an easy-to-adjust telescoping arm, plus you can rotate the mount 360°.
FAQ
Q. How far down does the projector mount extend from the ceiling?
A. It depends on the model and whether the height is adjustable. On average, projector mounts extend approximately 5 inches from the ceiling. There are some mounts that can extend as much as 24 inches from the ceiling if necessary.
Q. What happens if I have to move my projector mount to a different location?
A. Simply remove the projector from the mount, and then detach the hardware from the ceiling. Installing it elsewhere is easy because you already have all the hardware you need. With that said, you’ll probably need to patch the holes at the old location.
Q. What does it mean if my projector mount has a cable management system?
A. A projector mount with a cable management system has a hollow arm through which the wires and cables can be threaded. This eliminates the unsightly look of cords hanging from the ceiling. Keep in mind it also makes the cables harder to access, so you might need to completely remove the projector mount to reach or change them.
Q. Are projector mounts ever bundled with projectors?
A. Yes, but they’re pretty hard to find. If anything, you might be able to find a projector mount made by the same manufacturer as the projector. While it can be a bit more expensive than buying a universal mount from another brand, you’ll probably end up with a far better fit.
