Are you planning to host a movie night, or planning to watch a cricket match together with a group? Do you have an important presentation in college that warrants the use of a big screen, or are you a freelancer who has a client pitch in the offing?
All of these scenarios require the use of a projector. But buying one is not always the answer. Buying a projector for interim projects can cost you more than you think. A projector is an integral part of all these scenarios, yes. So, what you can do is rent one.
Renting a projector is much cheaper than buying one. The weekly or monthly rentals are not that expensive, and you don’t have to worry about maintenance either.
Read this guide to understand what the dynamic behind renting a projector is, along with the prices and the procedure.
Why rent a projector instead of buying one?
More than the expense, a projector is not a device made for everyday use, unless you run an event management company or you own an office where presentations happen every day.
A projector is usually for short-term use, which is why renting it makes more sense than buying one.
The idea behind renting anything usually works in a similar fashion. Renting works best for the short term and costs less than investing in a product upfront. Take the example of a water purifier. Water purifiers can be rented, and they work out much better than buying one. Bengaluru-based DrinkPrime offers a range of water purifiers on rent. With this, you get the safety of drinking healthy water at a very affordable price. The rentals at DrinkPrime start at ₹349/month.
Even though a projector is vastly different from a water purifier, the core idea of renting is still the same. Here are some of the reasons why renting a projector is better than buying one.
Expense: You don’t have to pay a huge upfront cost. You just pay for the days you use it, or a monthly rental if you want it for a few months. This costs less than buying it.
Maintenance: Long-term use of a projector may cause problems like fading of lamps, clogging of filters and vanishing of remotes. When you buy the projector, you have to pay extra to maintain it. But when you rent it, it’s the responsibility of the rental company to take care of it.
Trial: Not every projector is made for every room. Not sure how a specific projector works for your room or cabin? You can always rent one and check.
Flexibility: A projector is usually rented on a daily basis as well. You can rent the device for a day, a week or a month, and pay for the days you have rented it.
Who should rent a projector in India?
Projectors are needed by more people than you think. If you belong to any of these groups, you probably need one.
- Students and hostel groups planning a film festival or a placement-prep series.
- Freelancers and trainers who need a screen for workshops a few times a month.
- Start-ups and small offices running client demos without buying AV equipment.
- Families hosting a festival gathering, a birthday or a cricket final.
- Event planners who need different setups for different venues.
- Renters and frequent movers, because a projector you don’t own is one less thing to pack.
Types of projectors
Not every type of projector suits everyone. The type of projector also depends on what event you’re renting it for. Here are some of the common types of projectors:
Business or office projectors: These projectors are the most common type. They are bright, so they work in a well-lit office space. They are designed to handle video calls and presentations. They are also quite affordable to rent.
Full HD home theatre projectors: If you want to host a movie night or a sports final, this is the one for you. These projectors offer sharper pictures, better colour and a bigger screen. They also offer the whole movie experience, if you’re looking for one. They work best in a dark or dimly lit room. They usually come with speakers as add-ons, so you don’t miss out on the whole experience.
Portable or smart mini projectors: They are small and portable, and are made for small gatherings, bedrooms, balconies or getaways. They are usually battery-powered, which makes them ideal for small-screen experiences.
Short-throw projectors: They work best for small rooms where there is no dedicated space to put up a projector. They sit close to the wall and still give a large picture.
Event and outdoor projectors: These are ideal for weddings, college fests, launches and open-air screenings. They often come in a package with the sound system, a big screen, etc.
Take a glance at the table below to get an idea of the different types of projectors used in different settings.
| You need | Best type to rent |
| Office presentation or training | Business projector |
| Movie night at home | Full HD home theatre projector |
| Bedroom, balcony or travel | Portable / smart mini projector |
| Small room with limited space | Short-throw projector |
| Large crowd or outdoor event | Event / high-brightness projector |
Projector rental prices in India: what to expect per month
Projector rentals work on both a daily and a monthly basis. Monthly rentals can work out cheaper if you want one for a longer period of time. A monthly rental in Bengaluru usually works out to roughly ₹5,000 to ₹18,000, depending on the projector.
Basic projector (around 2,400 to 2,600 lumens): One online rental platform listed this type in Bengaluru from about ₹5,879 a month, with a refundable deposit on top.
High-resolution 4K projector: A rental company with a Bengaluru presence lists a Dell 4K projector at ₹8,000 to ₹18,000, with monthly, bi-monthly and quarterly plans.
What affects the price?
Many factors usually affect the price of renting a projector. Some of them are:
- Brightness: A projector for an evening in a living room costs less than one that has to compete with daylight in a co-working space or a hall.
- Resolution: 4K models cost noticeably more than basic XGA ones.
- Add-ons: Screens, tripods, speakers and mics are usually charged separately.
- Delivery: Some providers include it, and others charge based on distance.
- Duration: Event-style hourly or per-programme rates are higher than the monthly rate per day.
Rent vs buy: which makes more sense for a projector?
The perpetual question: should I rent or buy?
That depends on the reason you need a projector and the duration for which you need one. If you need the projector for the short term, then renting it makes sense. If the reason you need a projector is a one-time event, then renting it makes more sense than buying it.
| Rent | Buy | |
| Upfront cost | Low (rent + refundable deposit) | High |
| Maintenance and lamp | Provider’s job | Yours |
| Flexibility/upgrades | Change models anytime | Fixed |
| Best for | Events, short projects, trial runs | Regular use for years |
| Over 6+ months | Gets expensive | Usually cheaper |
Beyond projectors: other things you can rent for your home and work
If you’re looking to build a home office, a working corner or a small workspace, a projector will not be the only thing you need. Other products that can be rented are:
For work:
- Laptops and desktops: Handy for interns, short projects, new hires or as a backup machine. Rentals typically run month to month, and many providers also offer MacBooks and other laptops.
- Monitors: A second screen makes a work-from-home desk feel like an office.
- Printers and scanners: Useful if you only need them for a few months of paperwork, instead of buying one that gathers dust.
- Screens, tripods and speakers: If you’re renting a projector for a presentation, you can usually add these in the same order.
- Office furniture: Desks, ergonomic chairs and storage units, especially for a small team or a new office.
For home:
- Gaming consoles and TVs: Good for a trial before you commit, or for a festival weekend.
- Furniture: Beds, sofas, wardrobes and dining sets, which suit people who move cities often.
- Appliances: Fridges, washing machines, ACs and microwaves, so you can set up a flat without a big upfront bill.
Don’t forget the water: rent a water purifier with DrinkPrime
As mentioned before, DrinkPrime has a range of water purifiers on rent, with zero upfront cost. Buying a good water purifier in India can cost anywhere from ₹20,000 to ₹30,000, with an annual maintenance cost of up to ₹5,000. Plus, the hassle of maintaining the device also falls on you, the customer.
To make your life easy, DrinkPrime offers five different variants on rent, with maintenance included. They are Copper, Alkaline, Mineral+, Under-The-Sink and UV. All these purifiers are equipped with a multi-stage purification system, with 100% RO. They also come equipped with a mineraliser cartridge to add back calcium and magnesium, which are removed during RO.
The best part about all of this is that the rental you pay every month covers the product, delivery, installation, maintenance and relocation (if necessary). There is a small refundable security deposit of ₹1,500 (only the Under-The-Sink model has a security deposit of ₹1,999).
DrinkPrime is present in 11 cities across India. So, along with setting up your workspace, make sure you get a water purifier from DrinkPrime to complete the setup.
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Conclusion
Renting a projector works when you know how long you need it for. Many rental providers offer different plans, so you can rent one on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
Once the projector is sorted, don’t forget the water: DrinkPrime can take care of that, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I rent a projector for just one day?
Yes. Most providers quote per day, and some price per event or per few hours. For longer needs, ask for the weekly or monthly rate, because it is usually cheaper than paying the daily rate again and again.
2. How much does it cost to rent a projector per month in Bengaluru?
Roughly ₹5,000 to ₹18,000, depending on the model and its specs. Basic projectors sit at the lower end, and higher-resolution models cost more.
3. Do I need to pay a security deposit?
Often, yes. It is refundable once the projector comes back in good condition. Some providers don’t ask for one, and the amount varies, so check before you book.
4. Is delivery and setup included?
It varies. Some providers include delivery, and others charge based on distance. Ask whether setup, cables and a screen are part of the price.
5. What if the projector stops working during the rental?
Many providers offer technical support or a replacement.
6. Can I rent a screen, tripod or speakers along with it?
Yes. These are usually available as add-ons, and some providers offer them in a package.
7. Is renting cheaper than buying a projector?
For short-term use, yes. If you would rent continuously for more than a few months, buying usually works out cheaper. Renting for a month first is a good way to test what you need.
8. Which type of projector should I rent for home use?
For movie nights, a Full HD home theatre or smart projector works well. For presentations and meetings, a business projector is the safer pick. For small spaces or travel, a portable or mini projector fits.
9. Does DrinkPrime offer purifiers on rent?
Yes. DrinkPrime offers affordable purifiers on rent, with rentals starting from ₹349/month. The monthly rental includes the product, delivery, installation, maintenance and relocation.
