

Our picks are lightweight, super portable, and easy to use on the go. To determine the best mini projectors worth buying, we thoroughly scrutinized their designs, ease of use, durability, picture quality, speaker quality, and battery life. We spent 50-plus hours researching the best mini projectors on the market, comparing specs and features, and reading consumer and editorial reviews of all our picks. Our favorites have an onboard operating system that allows you to download internal streaming-video apps that you log into over Wi-Fi just like you would on Netflix using your smart TV. Others have USB ports for playing back personal media files, and some have built-in Wi-Fi for casting content from a smartphone. Some projectors have full-size HDMI inputs on their backside so you can plug in a streaming device, Blu-ray player, laptop, tablet, smartphone, or video game console. Next, you need to decide how you plan to watch content. Most projectors can last for a 90-minute movie, but there are some with batteries that last even longer.

While shopping, pay attention to the battery life specs. If you plan to use the projector on the go, you’ll want a model with a battery. Be sure to pay attention to the projector’s weight, too, so you don’t get stuck lugging around a heavy projector all day.


Some mini projectors are around the size of an energy drink can, others look like a thick Moleskine notebook or a small video game console, and a handful even have carrying handles for easier transport. You should also pay attention to the size and shape of the projector. If you plan to use the projector outdoors, you should shop for something that has at least 500 ANSI lumens of brightness, like the BenQ GS50 which is completely waterproof. We recommend opting for a model that has at least 300 ANSI lumens of brightness. Their brightness is measured in lumens or ANSI lumens with the brightest mini projectors measuring 600 lumens, while home theater projectors hover around the 1,500 lumen range.Īlthough LED lamps aren’t as bright as traditional projector lamps, they do last significantly longer.
BEST PORTABLE PROJECTOR 1080P
1080p projectors will have no issues projecting a clear 100-inch image.Ĭompared to full-sized home theater projectors, portable projectors use a LED lamp rather than a UHP lamp.
BEST PORTABLE PROJECTOR 720P
720p projectors can easily project a 60-inch image. You can also buy 720p (1280x720 pixels) resolution projectors which find a nice middle ground. You’d be better off with a projector with a 1080p resolution (1920x1080 pixels), like the XGIMI MoGo Pro Mini Projector. If you enlarge the image too much, it’ll look washed out, less detailed, and even grainy. Meaning, you’ll be able to project an image size between 24 and 48 inches.
BEST PORTABLE PROJECTOR 480P
However, most pico projectors have just a 480p resolution (854x480 pixels). If you’re on a budget, a pico projector - like the Kodak Luma 150 may seem appealing since they are more affordable and have favorable reviews on Amazon. Just like with smart TVs, the “screen” size of a mini projector is measured diagonally and the lower the resolution, the smaller and less detailed your picture will be. What to Consider Screen Size and Resolution
