The 10 Best Portable Projectors
Since we might be watching movies at home for the foreseeable future, it’s more important than ever to choose a home entertainment system that ensures a crystal-clear HD picture in a large format, comparable to a theater-going experience.
If you can’t afford a truly spectacular flat screen, it’s time to consider a much more affordable portable projector that you can use anywhere, from a home theater or an unadorned basement wall, to an exterior wall in your backyard, if you’re keen to try outdoor movie nights. Here are some of the best portable projectors that offer the convenient sizing and features every cinephile is sure to love.
The Best Portable Projectors
Xgimi MoGo Pro
This tabletop, LED DLP projector is an upgraded version of the standard MoGo, designed to deliver image projection of up to 100 inches. It delivers true HD at a resolution of 1920×1080, supports 4K Ultra, and offers 300 ANSI lumens of brightness. For your convenience, this mini projector features a remote, Keystone Correction (so you never have to fiddle with focus), and a built-in Harman/Kardon speaker system. The official Android TV 9.0 system supports over 5,000 apps, including Google Chromecast, and you’re sure to enjoy voice control with Google Assistant. Dual band Wi-Fi with Bluetooth 5.0. offers effective connectivity.
Epson PowerLite 1795F Wireless Projector
Touted as being “thin as a laptop”, this 4-lb. mini projector nevertheless features 1080p full HD widescreen resolution with an RGB liquid crystal shutter projections system and handy features like auto screen fit for convenience. Built-in wireless connectivity allows for projection from mobile devices (with mirroring for Miracast-enabled devices), and 3200 lumens of light output ensures performance in even bright conditions. Epson 3LCD, 3-chip technology also delivers incredibly accurate color. A soft carry bag protects your projector when not in use.
LG PF50KA HD LED Portable Home Theater CineBeam Projector
Life’s good with LG’s smart projector, which is compatible with Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and other streaming services and apps. 1080p full HD resolution is suitable for screen sizes up to 100 inches and 600 ANSI lumens ensure that your movie-watching experience is literally lit. A built-in battery offers 2.5 hours of projection, in case you want to pop the hatch on your SUV, pile in the back with blankets and snacks, and project a movie onto the garage door like you’re at the drive-in theater. Project from mobile devices via Bluetooth and use the included remote for easy navigation.
Nebula Capsule II Smart Mini Projector by Anker
At first glance, this cylindrical projector looks a lot like a portable speaker. In truth, it is, thanks to an 8W built-in speaker that offers 270 degrees of sound, including bass that adjusts to your space. It’s also a projector that delivers 720p resolution, suitable for screens up to 100 inches, with 200 ANSI lumens of light output. It features Android TV with 3,600+ apps (Hulu, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Twitch, and more), as well as Chromecast capability. Plus, it’s voice activated with Google Assistant for absolute convenience, and it delivers up to 3 hours of continuous projection.
BenQ GS2 Portable Projector
Once in a while, you come across a product that goes the extra mile to ensure consumer convenience. In addition to basics like wireless casting, this boxy projector features a soft rubber, unibody design that is resistant to drops and splashes, making it ideal for use outdoors, or in households with rambunctious kids. It also has a 15-degree tilt feature, so you no longer have to fuss with stacking magazines to get the right angle. Further, it can function independently as a 4W Bluetooth speaker when not in use as a projector.
ViewSonic M1 Portable Projector
There’s a lot to love about this versatile projector, starting with 16GB of internal storage that will hold up to 4,000 songs or 4 hours of movies. Then there’s the built-in battery that supports up to 6 hours of play time. You’re also sure to appreciate dual Harman/Kardon speakers pumping out 360 degrees of rich sound for movies or music. The true standout feature, however, is the smart stand. Although it looks precarious, this sturdy swivel arm delivers 360 degrees of projection, so you can watch movies on the wall or ceiling, if you fancy lying down for viewing. When the stand swivels to cover the lens, the projector automatically powers down.
Nebula Mars II Pro by Anker
A portable projector with a carry handle sounds obvious, but this feature is actually rare, which makes it stand out immediately on this model. Of course, there are more important features to consider, such as the 720p HD resolution, which purports to deliver images of up to 150 inches, along with 500 ANSI lumens for a bright, clear picture. This cube also features dual 10W audio drivers for booming, cinematic surround sound, and Android 7.1 offers app integration for Netflix, YouTube, and more. Vertical and horizontal keystoning keep your picture in focus.
Kodak Luma 75 Portable Pocket Projector
Leave it to enduring camera industry giant Kodak to come up with a truly spectacular projector design that’s literally small enough to fit in your pocket, yet delivers 1080p HD resolution suitable for screens up to 100 inches. At dimensions of just 3” x 3” x 0.8”, you might be skeptical about the output this tiny box can deliver, but with a name like Kodak behind it, you shouldn’t be surprised by the picture quality you enjoy. The battery delivers 2 hours of play, or you can plug it in for extended play time.
AAXA P7 Mini Projector
Another mini model, this tiny projector is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, with dimensions of 4.7” x 4.4” x 2.7”. Even so, it puts out 600 lumens and delivers a native resolution of 1080p HD picture quality, with a projection image of up to 120 inches. DLP technology is responsible for true HD projection, with over 2 million pixels for outstanding clarity. In addition, triple RGB LEDs offer vibrant color, and two 2W, high-low frequency speakers deliver stereo sound. Streaming connectivity and mirror options let you view from myriad devices.
Sony MP-CD1
At just under a pound, with dimensions of 4.5” x 8.5.” x 2.2”, this projector lives up to the claim of being pocket-sized. Still, you’ll enjoy wireless connectivity and media streaming with an HDMI dongle, maximum projection of up to 120-inch screen size, and features like keystone correction. Although the light output is only 105 lumens, Dynamic Mode auto brightens and enhances color to create bright, clear, saturated images. A built-in 1W speaker delivers sound, or you can easily jack in to a more robust speaker system.
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