Hiring a projector in the UK typically costs £60–£100 per day for basic models, while high-end, bright 4K projectors often range from £100–£200+ per day. For events, many people choose projector hire packages, which usually include a screen and sometimes sound, starting from around £110 and rising to £350+.
Projectors are everywhere today. From business meetings and conferences to exhibitions and movie nights, they help people share ideas in a big, clear way. It’s no surprise that the global projector market is forecast to grow by about £3.5 billion (US$4.78 billion) between 2024 and 2029, at a CAGR of 5.1%.
So the obvious question is this: if you’re presenting most days of the week and you’re tempted to buy your own projector, should you? What exactly is the breakdown of costs, and why do we say it’s still better to hire?
So, What’s The Average Cost Of Hiring A Projector?
In most cases, hiring a projector in the UK costs between £60 and £240 per day, depending mainly on brightness, resolution, and how long you keep the equipment.
For short rentals, such as one-day meetings or weekend events, basic LCD projectors usually sit at the lower end of the price range. These are great for presentations, slides, and small rooms. Higher-quality projectors with stronger brightness and sharper images cost a bit more, but they work much better in larger or brighter spaces.
If you need a projector for a full week, weekly pricing often works out cheaper per day. Weekly rentals usually range from £160 to £640, depending on the projector type. Professional or 4K projectors can cost more, especially if they are used for large venues or detailed visual content.
Many London-based AV suppliers also offer discounts if you hire multiple projectors for conferences or large corporate events.
Is It Cheaper To Rent Or Buy A Projector?
Let’s take a simple, realistic example and work through it.
Imagine you’re an awards company. You run three 400-person awards ceremonies a year in hotel ballrooms, plus monthly board meetings for 10–15 people in your own office. You need bright, reliable visuals for the big events, and clear slides for the internal meetings, but you don’t really want to become an in-house AV team.
At this point, most people ask the same question: Is it cheaper to just buy a projector, or does it still make sense to hire one when we need it?
Here’s how hiring vs. buying usually compares for event-led businesses:
| Factor | Hiring a projector for events | Buying a projector for events |
| Upfront cost | Low. You pay per event or per day/week, starting from typical hire rates. | High. You pay thousands upfront for a quality, bright projector, plus screen and accessories. |
| Cash flow | Costs stay in the operating budget and are spread across the year. Easy to match spend to booked events. | Capital is tied up in hardware that may only be used a few times a month. |
| Maintenance & repairs | Included in the hire fee. The rental company handles servicing, repairs, and replacements. | Your responsibility. Lamp/laser replacements and repairs can be expensive and unpredictable. |
| Damage & risk | If something fails or gets damaged, the hire company typically replaces or repairs it under its policy. | If it’s dropped, knocked, or fails before an event, you carry the risk, cost, and disruption. |
| Flexibility | You can scale up or down per event, different projector sizes, lenses, and packages as needed. | You own one main unit. If it’s not bright enough or not the right spec, you have to hire on top or buy again. |
| Technology updates | You get access to current models and specs as they come to market. | Your projector starts to age from the day you buy it. Upgrading means another large spend. |
| Storage & logistics | No storage needed. The hire company delivers, sets up, and collects (if included in the package). | You need safe storage, transport cases, and someone to move and set up the kit for each event. |
| On-site support | Can be included as part of a package, reducing stress on event day. | The internal team must handle setup, troubleshooting, and any last-minute issues. |
| Best suited for | Companies that run events, conferences, awards, and occasional large presentations. | Organisations with permanent, fixed installations in one space (e.g., a dedicated meeting room). |
Looking at that trade-off, it’s not surprising that many UK businesses now choose to rent a projector instead of buying one. Hiring keeps upfront costs low, avoids ongoing maintenance, and means you always get up-to-date models for maximum visual impact when it matters most.
A Real Example To Help You Make An Informed Choice
One event organiser shared a moment they will never forget. While setting up the projector just before a big presentation, it slipped from their hands and hit the floor. At first, it seemed fine. The projector turned on. But when the presentation began, the problem became clear.
The image was distorted. Colours looked wrong. No matter how much they tried to adjust the focus, nothing worked. People in the room started to notice. The audience shifted in their seats. Some whispered to each other. Others checked their phones. The speaker stood waiting, unable to start. Minutes passed, and frustration filled the room. An important presentation was delayed, and the moment was lost.
Later, a technician explained what had happened. A small part inside the projector, just behind the lens, had been damaged when it fell. This part keeps the picture clear. Fixing it was not simple. It needed special parts and expert repair, turning one small accident into a costly problem.
In busy workplaces, projectors are moved, rushed, and occasionally dropped. A single incident can damage equipment worth over £1,000 and lead to repairs costing hundreds or even thousands of pounds.
This is one of the biggest hidden risks of ownership.
When you own the kit, that risk sits with you. When you hire, the equipment is maintained, insured, and supported by the rental company. So once you factor in purchase price, maintenance, damage risk, and insurance, hiring is often not just cheaper upfront. It’s also more predictable and safer in the long run.
What Affects the Cost of Projector Hire
The price of renting a projector is not random. Several clear factors shape the final quote.
- Projector Quality
Brightness, measured in lumens, plays a big role. A low-brightness projector is fine for dark rooms, but brighter venues need stronger models. Resolution also matters. HD projectors cost less than 4K or cinema-grade projectors.
- Event Type
Next comes the event type. Indoor meetings are easier and cheaper to support than outdoor events. Outdoor use needs brighter projectors and sometimes weather-safe setups, which increases cost. Screen size and viewing distance also matter. A large audience needs a larger and brighter image.
- Extra Equipment
You also need to think about extra equipment. A projector alone is not always enough. Most events also need a screen, sound system, and proper cabling. Screens usually cost between £40 and £120 per day, depending on size. Audio systems and specialist cables can add more.
- Technical Support
Finally, there’s technical support. Some people prefer to set things up themselves. Others want peace of mind. Delivery, set-up, and on-site support can add to the cost, but they also reduce stress and risk during the event.
Is Professional Equipment Worth It?
Professional projectors cost more, but they offer real benefits. Image quality is sharper. Brightness is more consistent. Reliability is higher. For corporate events, exhibitions, or public gatherings, this matters.
Professional equipment also comes with expert support. If something goes wrong, trained technicians are ready to help. That support alone can be worth the extra cost, especially when your event matters.
Many AV companies offer complete projector hire packages. These often include delivery, setup, screens, and technical support. For larger events, packages can be more cost-effective than hiring each item separately.
How to Make the Right Choice?
Choosing the right projector hire company is just as important as choosing the projector itself. Look for companies with good reviews, well-maintained equipment, and clear pricing. Ask what’s included and what isn’t. Check whether emergency support is available during your event.
Before booking, it’s also smart to ask a few simple questions. What happens if the projector fails? Is setup included? Are there extra fees? Clear answers help you plan with confidence.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a projector is often the most flexible and cost-effective way to deliver strong visuals. Whether you’re planning a business presentation, conference, or special event, there’s a projector option to match your needs and budget.
Understanding the costs helps you avoid overspending while still creating impact. With the right equipment and support, renting a projector can turn a simple event into a memorable one.
If your event needs more than a standard projector, such as brighter visuals, larger displays, or a more modern look, opt for a trusted London-based team offering LED video wall hire. We give you powerful visuals, a professional setup, and peace of mind from start to finish.
