Do you want to watch your favorite show wherever you want? Don’t worry, we got you covered. Because portable projectors might be what you’re looking for.
What is unique about portable projectors is that they deliver good quality at an affordable price. You can also take them anywhere. They cost considerably less than a TV but can be an excellent replacement. They easily allow you to bring a 100-inch screen into your bedroom.
While larger projectors may excel in picture quality, they lack the versatility of their portable counterparts. On the other hand, a pocket-sized mini projector is a thrilling option that can transform any outdoor setting into a cinematic experience.
Now, we will check out some of the best portable projectors in the market. We hope you find this article helpful in finding the most suitable option.
The Breakdown:
XGIMI Portable Projector
XGIMI Portable Projector
Nebula Portable Projector
Optoma Portable Projector
Asus Portable Projector
ViewSonic Portable Projector
VISSPL Portable Projector
Epson Portable Projector
Urduin Portable Projector
XGIMI Portable Projector
XGIMI Portable ProjectorThe first item on our list is the XGIMI MoGo 2 model. People believe that this model is one of the best mini portable projectors. It only weighs 2.4 pounds. Also, its size is around six by five by 4 inches (HWD).
MoGo 2 supports many practical features. Namely, it comes with Wifi, Bluetooth, and Android TV 11.0. So, you don’t need to worry about accessing your favorite apps, such as Netflix or YouTube. The upgraded Android 11 with Google Play allows access to over 5,000 apps.
Moreover, MoGo 2 has autofocus and screen adaptation technology. It means that you don’t need to adjust the screen manually. You can set up MoGo wherever you want and instantly enjoy a cinema-like experience.
Additionally, its built-in speakers bring excellent quality. We can compare MoGo’s speakers with Dolby Audio in terms of quality. This option makes MoGo 2 a convenient option for your house cinema.
XGIMI claims that MoGo 2’s projector lamp has over 25,000 hours of life span. The projector’s brightness level goes up to 400 ISO Lumens. However, MoGo 2 doesn’t support full HD resolution like the Pro model.
Pros
- Supports Android TV 11: MoGo2 comes with Android TV 11 which gives you access to thousands of different apps.
- The small design, which weighs only 2.4 pounds: Despite MoGo’s powerful performance, it has a compact design.
- Good quality pictures: It delivers sharp images with a good brightness level.
- Autofocus and adaptation: MoGo2 includes autofocus and keystone correction. Setting up the projector is a lot easier with these two features.
- No onboard battery: MoGo2 doesn’t include a built-in battery.
- No full HD display resolution: This projector doesn’t have a full HD (1980 by 1080) resolution. It only supports 720p resolution.
- Poor shadow detail: The low contrast ratio causes poor shadow detail.
The second item on our list is Nebula’s Anker Solar portable projector. This model has better numbers on paper. Nebula supports 4k and HDR input and has a full HD display resolution.
Nebula saves battery for up to 2 hours. However, this number goes up to 3 hours when used in energy-saving mode.
This great feature allows you to watch your favorite show wherever you want. This portable model brings a great visual experience. Enjoy Good quality pictures on a 120-inch screen. With an HDR10 and 400 ANSI Lumens projector, Nebula promises a picture with details and rich colors.
In addition, this model includes Android TV 9. You can choose from over 5,000 apps, like YouTube, Hulu, and more. Even if something is missing from your projector, you can mirror content from your smartphone.
You can have different screen sizes. By adjusting the distance of your projector, you can get anywhere between 40 to 120 inches. Moreover, Nebula claims that this model has an impressive 30,000-hour lifespan.
Lastly, let’s not forget about its built-in speakers. Nebula features dual 3W speakers with Dolby Digital Plus. You can expect clear sounds from this model.
Pros
- A full HD native resolution (1980 by 1080): Unlike most portable projectors, Nebula’s model supports a full HD resolution.
- Autofocus: This feature makes it easier to set up the projector. It doesn’t require manual focusing.
- Accepts 4k and HDR inputs: Nebula accepts various types of inputs including 4k and HDR.
- Android 9 and Wifi connection: Nebula has a built-in WiFi connection and Android TV 9.
- Poor color accuracy: It lacks other projectors’ efficiency in delivering image colors.
- Low battery capacity: It saves only up to 2 hours of battery when used in normal mode.
Now, let’s review Optoma’s ML750 WXGA model.
Firstly, Optoma’s compact design makes it an excellent fit for traveling. This mini-sized portable projector can fit in your palm and only weighs less than a pound. You can easily carry it around in a briefcase.
Despite the size, Optoma has an impressive projector. It includes a 700 Lumens brightness level and a native 1280 by 800 resolution. It also has a 20,000:1 contrast ratio.
It also features a built-in media player. It lets you display images, PDFs, or other document files from a USB storage. This option enables Optoma to be a convenient device for your presentations. You can share your ideas with people wherever you are without using a PC.
Optoma also includes built-in speakers for this model. Despite the small size, its speakers are practical. You can use it as a wireless music player.
ML750’s lamp has a lifespan of 20,000 hours. It means days of watching your favorite movies or playing video games on a maximum of 100-inch screen.
Additionally, it enables easy connections with its HDMI, MHL, and MicroSD ports.
Pros
- Fine brightness level: Surprisingly, this mini-size projector has a brightness level of 700 lumens.
- Easy to carry: Optoma’s small size makes it so easy to carry around.
- Weighs less than a pound: It only weighs 0.84 pounds.
- PC-free media player: Optoma has its own media player. It enables you to access your files without using a PC or a smartphone.
- Good picture quality: Optoma delivers sharp and bright pictures.
- It doesn’t have a powerful sound: Its built-in speakers aren’t as loud as expected.
- The video gets choppy sometimes: Sometimes it gets choppy when streaming high-quality videos.
We will continue our list with the Asus ZenBeam E1 model. This one is another mini portable projector.
The Asus ZenBeam is the smallest projector on our list. It measures only W4.3 x H1.1 x D3.3 inches. Its weight is also no more than 0.68 pounds. When we consider Asus’s quality, these measures are spectacular.
ZenBeam has a native 854 x 480 resolution. It instantly transforms any input, like 4k, into WVGA. Besides, its easy-access HDMI connection port lets you connect any streaming device to this projector.
Depending on the distance of your projector, you can get a screen of any size from 32 inches to 120 inches. Admittedly, 120 inches is a fantastic number to expect from a pocket-sized projector.
ZenBeam includes a 22 WH battery as well. It gives this model a playtime of up to 5 hours. This rechargeable battery can act as a 6,000 Mah power bank, too. You can charge your smartphone via the USB output of the power bank.
ZenBeam features auto keystone correction and built-in speakers. Keystone correction always helps you to have a perfect rectangle display from any projection angle.
Lastly, this product has a 150 Lumens LED lamp with 30,000 hours of life span.
Pros
- Good battery life: Its high-capacity battery saves energy for up to 5 hours of projection time.
- Fine metal design: ZenBeam has a sleek metal exterior design.
- An affordable mini-projector: Asus has an affordable price range among other projectors on our list.
- The small design: This pocket-sized projector only weighs 0.68 pounds.
- Acceptable brightness and picture quality: ZenBeam has a good brightness level and picture quality despite its small size.
- Not being rechargeable via USB: ZenBeam has a different charging input.
- Not having a high resolution: ZenBeam only supports 480p resolution.
The fifth item on our list is Viewsonic’s M1+ LED projector. Viewsonic is an American company that is active in “visual experiences.” This product commits to delivering entertainment to you in any room or setting.
A helpful feature is the compact design of this projector. M1+ weighs just short of two pounds and is easy to set up indoors and outdoors. Speaking of an easy setup, an intelligent stand is integrated into the product to make your job even more accessible.
The projector automatically powers on once you uncover the lens. The product also includes a safety auto-off feature that ensures your projector is powered down in case objects are too near to the lens.
Viewsonic mentions 30,000 hours of operational life, which is plenty. Built-in dual Harman Kardon speakers take care of sound. You don’t have to worry about connectivity issues with a MicroSD card slot, USB Type-A, and USB Type-C.
Pros
- Extensive battery life: M1 can save battery up to 6 hours.
- Built-in multipurpose stand: M1 comes with a practical stand. This handy tool makes M1 more accessible.
- Generous port selection: M1 offers many different port types. It covers many different input options.
- Automatic keystone adjustment: Keystone correction allows you to always have a perfect projection screen.
- Impressive internal storage: M1 includes 16GB internal storage.
- Brightness not meeting the company’s claims: The pictures aren’t as bright as expected.
- Problematic remote connectivity: Sometimes customers face issues with the wireless connection.
- Frequent loss of focus: M1 often loses focus while streaming pictures.
Coming in at number six is the VISSPL mini projector. Imagine the smallest projector you can, and then make it smaller. This product weighs about 1.1 lb and compares to two cans of Coke in size.
The VISSPL is our list’s most affordable and compact option.
Lifetime support is also offered with VISSPL. The company ensures assistance and guidance as long as you own this product. Along with that support, you can get a two-year replacement warranty from the company and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
This projector supports a screen size of 35-160". The tripod is included, and the ±15° Keystone correction allows for easier positioning.
The Hi-Fi speakers are built to provide excellent quality sound, whether indoors or outdoors. You’re guaranteed to seamlessly connect to this projector with the many ports it supports. HDMI, USB, AV, and Audio ports allow you to connect to your TV, laptop, phone, PS5, and external speakers.
Pros
- Impressive brightness for the price: This mini projector offers a more-than-acceptable brightness level for its price range.
- Seamless connectivity and excellent UI design: VISSPL shows outstanding quality when it comes to design.
- Great image adjustment options: VISSPL offers many options for image adjustment. It helps you to find the image that best fits your desires.
- The built-in speakers are rather disappointing: VISSPL’s speakers aren’t as powerful as other portable projectors.
- The focus is difficult to get right: Autofocus isn’t as effective to help find the best angle and distance.
- Lack of zoom control: It doesn’t provide any manual or automatic zoom control.
Epson’s EpiqVision is number seven on our list. The Company introduced this model as a screenless TV experience.
Epson claims that you’ll never notice the difference between the quality their projector provides and an actual TV, and it lives up to that promise.
The ultra-short throw technology allows you to get a screen size of 120”, with your projector placed mere inches from the wall.
In a partnership with Yamaha, Epson delivers sound quality that is more than desired.
The 2.1 Speaker System designed by Yamaha is exclusive to this projector and outdoes every product in its class.
This speaker is designed within a custom 3D acoustic enclosure and includes two high-end drivers. An amplifier powers the whole thing and uses Yamaha’s AudioEngine DSP technology.
The Epson EpiqVision LS300 Streaming Laser Projector offers unmatched image quality. The 3,600 lumens of color and the white brightness showcase some of the sharpest and most vivid attributes you’ll ever see with portable projectors.
Another winning feature of EpiqVision is easy access to most streaming platforms. Due to the built-in Android TV, services such as HBO, Hulu, YouTube, Netflix, and Disney+ are all available right out of the box.
Pros
- Outstanding brightness and image quality: Epson surpasses many portable projectors in terms of image quality. Its brightness level is 3,600 lumens.
- Impressive sound quality: Epson’s built-in speakers provide a powerful and clear sound.
- LCD design with no rainbow effect: Epson delivers clear images with crisp edges.
- Only 1 HDMI port: Epson only has 1 HDMI import. It doesn’t give simultaneous access to two or more HDMI inputs.
- Relatively heavy for a portable projector: Epson weighs around 4.7 pounds. It lacks the versatility of smaller models.
- No optical zoom: Epson doesn’t provide any option for optical zoom.
We will check out Urduin’s mini projector for the last item on our list. Right after the Asus model, this projector is the second smallest on our list.
Urduin is a mini portable projector that only measures 4.3 x 4.3 x 1.85 inches and has a mere weight of 0.85 pounds. You can easily carry it wherever you’re going. This model is suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings.
Despite the small size, Urduin offers impressive numbers. It features an LED lamp with a 30,000 life span. This projector can display a full HD screen with a 3000:1 contrast ratio. On top of that, the 9500 Lumens of brightness can promise a great visual experience.
Urduin displays pictures with a 16:9 aspect ratio. Also, you can get a 30 to 100-inch screen by adjusting the projection distance.
This projector includes a USB input and a built-in rechargeable battery to add to its practicality. You can easily use this model without any wires or limitations. They’ve also included a tripod in the packaging for better usage.
Urduin features built-in speakers as well. So you don’t need to worry about getting an external speaker for this product.
Pros
- Lifetime technical support: The Company provides lifetime technical support for its customers.
- Miniature design with an effective cooling system: Urduin is one of the smallest projectors in the market. It also includes an effective fan to cool the projector.
- Full HD (1980 x 1080) display resolution: Despite the miniature design, Urduin displays an impressive full HD screen.
- Low-quality pictures: The pictures don’t have an acceptable quality.
- Being noisy: Its cooling fan makes a rather loud noise.
- It doesn’t add up to expectations: Overall, Urduin’s performance in practice isn’t as good as on paper.
Portable Projectorss Reviews
Now, let’s review each product review on Amazon. Each review is a compilation of verified customer reviews on Amazon.XGIMI Portable Projector
Most people who have bought the MoGo2 are satisfied with its quality. They’ve pointed out things like ease of use, picture quality, and overall value. They’ve also liked its powerful built-in speakers. Besides, the autofocus and keystone correction are handy features.All in all, most customers recommend buying MoGo2. Its impressive high rating score also indicates this.
Nebula Portable Projector
Although most customers are satisfied with Nebula’s overall performance, some have mixed feelings about its quality. They believe that the pictures appear choppy at times. However, almost anyone agreed on its ease of use and versatility.Nebula has an acceptable picture quality and a straightforward remote. Yet it has some issues with battery life.
Optoma Portable Projector
Optoma’s projector has a good rating score, too. Customers give the thumbs up to the third item on our list. Most buyers enjoy the picture quality, performance, and compact size. For instance, they are amazed by Optoma’s level of brightness.It seems like people enjoy its compact design. This palm-sized projector is an excellent travel fit. However, the only weak point we can mention for Optoma is its sound quality. Some customers believe that the sound could be more clear.
Asus Portable Projector
Asus has a relatively lower rating score. But we could expect such results from the smallest projector on our list. Although it doesn’t display the best-quality pictures, it’s one of the cheapest and most versatile options.Most customers mentioned that they were surprised by its brightness and image clarity. Considering its miniature design, most buyers are satisfied with its 480p resolution.
ViewSonic Portable Projector
ViewSonic’s M1 projector is among the customers’ top choices. Although its rating is not the highest on our list, M1 is the most popular option. Customers have mentioned the good sound quality, portability, and well-made design.Additionally, they love the fact that M1 supports all sorts of inputs. Customers enjoy the quality of a full HD native resolution and high brightness level. However, some of them believe that it’s not valuable enough.
VISSPL Portable Projector
VISSPL’s portable projector is among the top products with the highest score rate. Customers are satisfied with the performance and value. They’ve mentioned this projector’s ease of setup, brightness, and size. They think it works great for its price range and is worth the money.On the other hand, most buyers aren’t happy with VISSPL’s sound quality. Besides, it doesn’t have any zoom control.
Epson Portable Projector
Epson is the most expensive projector on our list. As the most professional one, it has the best performance. Most customers are thrilled with the capabilities of this projector. They liked the appearance, ease of use, and sound quality.All in all, customers believe that it has good value and is worth the price. However, some people aren’t entirely happy about Epson’s image quality. Also, they had some difficulty accessing Netflix and Apple TV.
Urduin Portable Projector
The last item on our list is the least popular one. It seems like most people aren’t familiar with this Company. However, the few customers who have bought the Urduin portable projector aren’t satisfied with its quality. They think the projector is noisy and doesn’t display a clear image. On the other hand, some buyers are happy with Urduin’s performance. They’ve mentioned it’s easy to connect to your smartphone.Facts About Industry
The portable projector industry has grown tremendously in the past few years. We expect the market to continue growing as well.Experts estimate that by 2025, the global market for this product will be worth 1.9 billion USD. It is an impressive 4.3% CAGR growth.
The significant growth is due to the substantial increase in demand, which relates to a few different factors.
People are moving away from monitors. Having a computer with a monitor and a case isn’t quite as commonplace as it once was. In today’s world, most people take care of their computer needs with laptops or tablets.
A portable projector allows for entertainment in any room and any context.
In addition to entertainment, the education sector also demands more and better projectors.
Digitalization in education calls for easy, portable, and massive image projection, which is easily provided by these products.
With recent technological advancements, projectors have enjoyed miniaturization, improved display quality, and increased brightness. For example, the Epson EpiqVision can be used in a well-lit room without sacrificing much of the image quality.
These advantages add to the appeal of these versatile products.
Another exciting fact about portable projectors is their price range. Although the quality depends on the price, you can still get good quality at an affordable cost. The cost of a VISSPLE mini is a fraction of a TV. It will deliver almost the same experience with good speakers.
The versatility is increased again with battery-powered projectors. A mini pocket projector with a built-in rechargeable battery means you can watch anything, anywhere, as long as it’s not too bright. The dream of watching a movie on a cliffside at night isn’t just a dream anymore.
We expect future generations of projectors to integrate into your phone or laptop.
Pico Projectors are ultra-compact. They are currently the size of your palm and should soon turn into the size of a phone camera lens.
The future of the industry is bright and prosperous. The simultaneous growth in demand and technology makes the lucrative market attractive. We’re looking forward to seeing the next generations of these products.
Which Type of Projector Is Best?
There are plenty of options in the market. Many companies have manufactured different models for various situations. However, we cannot decide which type is the best, for each type is designed for a specific purpose.You can pick the best type depending on the function you expect from your projector. Later, you can find out which company produces the best projector that suits you.
Let’s delve into some different aspects that set projectors apart. Now, we will categorize projectures based on these characteristics. Then, you can check them and choose the type that best meets your needs.
Firstly, Do you want to use your projector indoors or outdoors? If you plan to get a new alternative for your living room TV, you must get an excellent picture-quality projector. It means you must look for larger projectors with better quality and performance.
However, you can get a portable model if you’re looking for a more versatile projector. They’re generally smaller and are easier to carry around. But they don’t bring the same quality as the larger projectors.
Secondly, how lit is the place you want to use your projector in? One crucial factor in classifying projectors is their brightness level. The projector’s brightness is measured by ANSI lumen.
1,000 to 2,000 lumens is enough for dim places like a dark basement. But if you want to buy a projector for a well-lit conference room, you need at least 5,000 lumens.
Lastly, what do you want to stream with your projector? If you’re going to watch movies or play video games, you must get a product that has high picture quality. Projectors with higher resolution and contrast ratio can enhance your watching experience.
We suggest you aim for projectors with at least a full HD resolution and a 5,000:1 contrast ratio.
Can I Use a Mini Projector as a TV?
Yes, you can. However, you should keep in mind that most mini projectors aren’t designed to bring the best quality picture possible. The primary focus of smaller models is being cheap and more versatile.But you can easily use a mini projector in your living room if you don’t mind whether it matches a 4k TV screen. Besides, it has some benefits to it.
Namely, mini projectors cost a lot less than a TV. Moreover, they are portable and can be carried around easily. They can also display a much bigger screen. This factor will immerse you in your viewing experience.
Is a Projector Better Than a TV?
Projectors are more healthy for the eyes. When staring at a TV screen or a monitor, you look directly at the emitted light. Projectors, on the other hand, function with reflected light. You don’t need to look at their lamps directly.Furthermore, projectors are much smaller and portable than TVs. They demand less space and are easily carryable. Also, projectors are considerably cheaper than TVs.
However, some projectors don’t have the image quality of a 4k TV model.
Can I Use a Projector Daily?
Yes, you can use a projector daily. Most of the models have over 25,000 hours of lifespan. Also, most companies design their products for regular use.Still and all, it is advisable to give your projector some rest when using it for long hours. Some models might overheat and get damaged in extended use.
Are Projectors Bad for Your Eyes?
While it is possible to strain or even fatigue your eyes with a projector, it is no worse than a TV or monitor.Projectors allow for larger screen sizes. With a larger screen, you can get more distance from the image and lessen the strain on your eye.
While the distance helps your eyes relax more, the larger scale that your eyes cover makes it more tiring.
Image quality is likely higher on your TV, so it does demand less from your eyes. On the other hand, the excessive brightness from a TV/monitor tends to be more offensive.
All in all, projectors may be harmful to the eye, but they are about as bad as the rest of our modern world luxuries.
Is It Worth Buying a Projector?
So, is it worth buying a portable projector?In short, the answer is yes. You would buy one of these nifty little devices for several reasons. The main one is entertainment.
Projectors win over TVs because you can set them up anywhere. You can watch a movie in your bed with your eyes on the ceiling, in the living room with friends, or even on a picnic under the stars. The versatility these projectors offer is genuinely marvelous.
Another reason that proves their worth is affordability. A mini projector is far more affordable than your average TV or monitor while still delivering the experience of a vast screen.
You can also use a projector if you’re in the education sector. Let’s say you’re a teacher hoping to make an interactive classroom. It’s not plausible to carry a monitor to school every day and need a large screen for a classroom. A mini portable device can save the day.
It is also more accessible for children with visual impairments, with the options offered for text enlargement.
Also worth mentioning is the ability to use these products in a business setting. You can always be prepared with your projector if your daily life includes many presentations.
Overall, the versatility, convenience, portability, and many uses of portable projectors make them a worthy item on our list.
How Long Does a Portable Projector Last?
The question of lifespan is somewhat specific to your device. Most companies will let you know the life expectancy of their projectors and sometimes offer a replacement for that duration. However, we must learn how these things wear out to look at the average lifespan.The first component of burnout is most likely the bulb. While much more complicated than the average light bulb in your house, a projector bulb and the light bulb illuminating your room are the same. One can make a difference whether you own an LED projector or a Halide.
A standard Halide lamp lasts five thousand hours at most. While these bulbs significantly lower the cost of your device, they also come with a lower life expectancy.
LED bulbs, on the other hand, can last up to 60,000 hours. These lamps are the most durable option you can find right now. The only problem with LED projectors is that their lamp is not replaceable.
Your third option would be LASER bulbs. LASER technology gives you about 20,000 hours and is also not replaceable.
You can do a few things to help lessen the wear and tear on your device.
Most importantly, ensure you own a dust-free projector. Check and clean the fan and the lens regularly.
Something else that might help is using a fan to cool down the general environment around your device. Heat can be damaging, so allow your projector to cool down entirely after every use.
Overall, no single number can be given for how long projectors last. However, the company guarantees to offer a specific number on the box or the company’s website.
Conclusion
Almost all these eight portable projectors we covered have good ratings on Amazon. Most customers would recommend buying each item. However, if we were to suggest two items, we would pick the Epson and XGIMI projectors.Epson EpiqVision has the best picture quality on our list. It delivers the sharpest images with the most vast screen. Customers are also satisfied with its value and ease of use.
As our second recommendation, XGIMI has the highest rating on our list. It is also a lot more affordable than Epson’s projector. Everything about this model is almost flawless. At this price range, XGIMI delivers the best quality and performance.
FAQ
What factors should I consider when choosing a portable projector?When picking the best portable projector, you should consider these factors:
- Image quality
- Resolution
- Brightness
- Connectivity options
- Battery life
- Other features include built-in speakers, Bluetooth, or a WiFi connection.
Can portable projectors be used with smartphones and tablets?
Yes. Portable projectors often include wireless connectivity options like WiFi or Bluetooth. Others have various input ports that can connect to your smartphone. Either of these options offers quick access to your smartphone or tablet.
How long do the batteries of portable projectors typically last?
Battery life highly depends on the projector’s model. At the same time, some models offer over ten hours of battery life, and some only last two to three hours. Consider your usage plan to pick a battery life that best suits your needs.
