Best Portable Projectors
So you're looking for something small, handy and not too expensive but you don't want to sacrifice quality well luckily your man Scott is here to help you out.
For the last decade projector tech has gotten more and more efficient (and cheaper) which has lead to some really high quality projectors being built in the "mini-me" version.
Today we're going to look at a whole bunch of portable projectors to find the king of the castle. Let's get into it!
See related: Best Star Projectors for Your Home
Quick Takeaway - The Anker Nebula crushes the competition not only with its cool name but with its picture quality, extra features and sturdy portable build. It's like a regular high end projectors made to move around.
Best Portable Projector Reviews - Our Top Picks
Although this projector cannot compete with larger and more powerful cinema or gaming projectors, we have found it to be an amazing piece of technology.
It is easy to use, it is easy to transport, and it is fun for those who want to watch an occasional movie or Netflix series on a larger screen. This is why we have selected the Anker Nebula Mars II as our top pick portable projector.
PROS
CONS
Anker Nebula Mars II Review
Having a cinema projector in the home is the dream of most individuals looking to build a home theater. Cinema projectors make it possible for an individual to watch their favorite programs or play their favorite games on a large screen without purchasing an expensive television.
Some of the more expensive projector models are difficult to install. This is where the the Anker Nebula Mars II stands out above its competition. This projector represents the best in portable mobile projector technology. It is one of the first projectors to make the idea of a portable projector attractive.
A Great Choice of Added Features
One of the reasons why we have selected this item as our top pick is because it has a price point that puts it close to what one would expect to pay for a pico projector. However, it offers a number of features that put it beyond the other portal projectors that are currently on the market.
One of the features that we like about this projector is its size. It weighs just 1.79 kg. There are a number of Bluetooth speakers that are larger than the Anker Nebula Mars II. This makes it the best option for someone looking for a projector that is easy to transport.
It has a futuristic design. If we were to describe it, we would say it looks like a cube that someone has squashed and then removed the edges of. TBH it doesn't even really look like a projector.
Additional Features We Enjoyed
When you look at the front of the projector, you will see the projection lamp. There is a cover that can be pushed down to protect the lamp. When the lamp cover is lifted up, it automatically turns the projector on.
The controls for the projector are located on the top of the unit. There you will see:
- Volume controls
- Source selector
- Bluetooth pairing buttons
- A select button surrounded by a four-way directional remote
You’re also going to see four LED lights. These lights represent the amount of battery charge that is left in the unit.
When you look at the back of the unit, you will see openings for ventilation. Even though this is a smaller projector, the unit still can get hot if it is used for an extended period of time.
When you turn the unit around to the back, you’ll see a series of ports. These include:
- HDMI port
- USB 3 port
- Audio out jack
- DC in jack for power
- Infrared sensor that works with the remote control
- Pin-sized reset button
As we mentioned in our “Pros and Cons” section, we are not a big fan of the proprietary DC in jack. They could have simply used a universal USB jack for the power supply. It would have been so much more convenient.
Great Sound
On both sides of the projector, you will see the speaker grills. These speakers are what give the Nebula Mars II great sound.
There are a few other specs that made us really appreciate this unit. The projector has 720P output. While this might not be impressive for someone who has a 4K projector, it is pretty impressive for such a small unit.
The projector has 300 ANSI lumens. If you’re using this unit in a dark room, you’re going to be more than pleased with the results.
150 Inches of Maximum Screen Size
When it comes to the screen size, you should expect to get approximately ten inches of screen size for every foot or so you put the projector away from the projected surface. The maximum screen size you can get is 150 inches.
However, at max size, you’re not going to have the best clarity. We recommend that you keep the projector between eight and 10 feet away from the projected surface to get to the best image.
We feel that the battery life of the built-in 12,500mAh rechargeable battery is impressive. Without plugging the unit in, you should be able to get around four hours of video playback.
If you opt to use the unit as a Bluetooth speaker, you will be able to listen to up to 30 hours of music with just one charge.
The unit comes equipped with a tailored version of Android 7.1. This allows you to use apps like Amazon Prime and Netflix with the projector. All you need to do is turn it on and connect the unit via its built-in Wi-Fi connectivity.
Anyways, enough blabbing on. Take a look at how this unit actually looks and feels.
We see this as a good projector to add it to your traveling entertainment package. If you are not looking for something to use in bright meeting rooms and you’re not looking for something to use during the day, this is the right option for you.
The speakers are sufficiently loud, and the battery power is enough to make this unit worth the purchase. It is the best portable projector we have reviewed.
Specifications
- Runs on Android 4.4
- Dimensions: 6.2 x 4.7 x 1.2”
- Weight: One pound
- 2 W speaker
- 500 lm lamp
- Throw ratio 1.2:1
- One year warranty
- Built in Bluetooth support
- Built in Wi-Fi support
PROS
CONS
Optoma IntelliGO-S1 Review
The Optoma IntelliGO-S1 is a smart projector designed with sturdy materials. It has a number of connection options, making it a powerful A/V tool. We feel that the features it offers makes it a great deal.
This projector is able to display images in full 720P. The native resolution of the projector is 1280 x 720P. This means that you are able to play 1080P videos. We did not notice any issues with motion blur or latency. The projector offered true colors that were crisp and vivid. Our only comment on the color is that, at times, they appear to be excessively saturated. See related - best 1080p projectors.
Contrast Ratio Responisble for Stunning Imagery
This projector has a 500 lm lamp. It offers a 15,000:1 contrast ratio, which makes the images look stunning. The 500 lm lamp works decently if there is ambient light. However, it works best if you are in a room that is dimly lit or that is completely dark.
This unit has a throw ratio of 1.2:1. It has the ability to produce a screen that is up to 150 feet. However, we feel that your best images will be seen somewhere between 80 and 100 feet. Take advantage of the picture focus and keystone options to improve the appearance of your image.
On the rear of this unit you will see a number of inputs and outputs, including:
- DC input
- USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports
- HDMI ports ethernet port
- Headphone jack
8 GB Internal Memory
This projector runs Android 4.4. You can choose to download some of the more than 700,000 apps and store them on the 8 GB internal memory. Our only complaint with this unit is that it does not have an internal battery. This means that it needs to be plugged in to function, making it less portable than some of the other units we have reviewed.
The projector contains many keystone functions allowing users to get the most optimal picture from any projector angle. The WiFi capabilities makes it more accessible to other devices which in the long run will help to reduce the amount of wires in the area where the projector is being used.
Here is a great rundown of the Optoma Intelligo-S1.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 11.9 x 9.9 x 3.6”
- Weight: 5.5 pounds
- Throw ratio 1.5:1
- Maximum screen size 350 feet
- 2W speakers
PROS
CONS
Epson EX3260 Review
The Epson EX3260 is one of the largest portable projectors that we are going to review.
Even though it has a larger dimension and weighs a little over five pounds, it is still sufficiently portable so that you can move the device from room to room. It is a great option if you need a projector to use on the go.
The projector comes equipped with a carrying case, a remote control, all of the cables that you are going to need to connect things and get it going. Also, there's a number of connectors that make it possible for you to connect to the majority of devices you would use with a projector. These include:
- USB – B
- A/V
- HDMI
- USB – A
- VGA
Great Gamers' Choice
This unit is also one of my top picks for best gaming projectors as it provides some great quality for the price.
We evaluated the brightness, color rendering, and image crispness and were pleased with what we saw. This projector works well when viewing animated content, sports, or cinema. It works in both bright and dark environments, offering a clear image.
The Sound is Top-Notch
One of the features that surprised us was the sound quality of the speakers. In a number of the other projectors reviewed, sound quality seemed like something that was an afterthought. But we could tell that with this projector sound was something that was taken into consideration during the engineering of the unit. It is able to produce sufficient sound to fill a medium size room.
The Epson EX3260 has strong specs. There are a few connectivity options we would have liked to have seen on this projector, but overall it offered a stellar build and quality image.
The LG PH550 offers a number of features that make it a versatile product. You will find it beneficial whether you’re looking for a portable home projector or a projector that you can use in business.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.3 x 1.7”
- Weight 1.4 pounds
- Bluetooth audio
- Full-size remote control
- 720P resolution
- Built in TV tuner
- Rechargeable battery
- 550 lm
- Wireless connection
- Bluetooth output
- Supports full 3-D input
PROS
CONS
LG PH550 Review
This is a compact size and lightweight projector that has a rechargeable battery. Many view it as a portable big screen television because this unit has a built in TV tuner.
It also has a coaxial connection, allowing you to use cable or an antenna.
Extremely Lightweight
Just a little bit bigger than a paperback book, the projector only weighs 1.5 pounds, so it is easy to transport. It uses a 720P DLP chip as well as an LED light source.
The projector is rated at 550 lm. You can easily project a 55 inch image in a living room with ambient light and still get a relatively clear picture.
Of course, this is a 720P projector, so it’s not going to have the same detail that you are going to see with a 1080P projector. However, it offers an improved contrast when compared to some of the other models that we have reviewed.
The unit comes with five color presets, which are customizable. We found that this unit does an admirable job of handling video.
It has near excellent color quality. We saw good shadow detail, even when we were looking at text clips.
Low Contrast Ratio
Unfortunately, the contrast ratio on this unit is low. In some areas the black will show as a glowing gray. This is more apparent when you use the unit in a dark room.
The unit comes with a 1 W speaker. This is not designed to be your primary audio source, but it will work well if you are in a pinch.
The unit supports 3D input from videos and will work with the DLP link glasses.
We were surprised at the low lag time of 34.2 ms. This may not be what a professional gamer is looking for, but it is more than enough for people looking to have a good time playing online games with friends.
This is a good portable projector if you want to watch movies, stream TV, or play video games. Its battery lasts 2.5 hours, making it a good choice for someone looking for a projector they can use on the go.
This is a strong option for use at home and in the office. It offers a high definition picture and stereo sound wherever you are.
Specifications
- Battery Runtime: 1.5 hours
- Wireless connectivity
- Maximum image size hundred inches
- 20,000 our lamp cycle
- DLP projector
- Native resolution 1280 x 720
- 400:1 contrast ratio
- 400 lm
- 2 W stereo speakers
- Dimensions: 6 x 3.8 x 1.1
PROS
CONS
Miroir M300A Review
The Miroir M300A makes it possible for you to enjoy a high definition picture and stereo sound. This is one of the smaller projectors we will evaluate.
When you have it in your hand, it feels like you are holding a larger smartphone.
The Miroir M300A does a good job at handling video and audio. However, its audio performance is where it stands out.
The Miroir M300A allows you to project an image up to 100 inches. The image is clear, and there is no motion blur.
The unit is equipped with a 400 lm LED lamp that has a life of up to 20,000 hours. The unit has a low contrast ratio of 400:1. This means that sometimes dark blacks come across as brighter gray.
Runs on Android 4.4
This projector works with Android 4.4 and offers a number of streaming apps that can be downloaded onto the device. It’s easy to search the apps and customize their appearance and location on the projector’s home screen.
You have the option to view content from the USB port or an HDMI connected to a device. There is no microSD slot, so that limits the content you can use.
The unit comes equipped with a standard remote control for navigation. We were pleased to see that the Miroir M300A is able to automatically adjust focus and keystone, so your images will always display the way that you want them to.
If you play your content on battery power only, you will get 90 minutes of use. The unit can be recharged using a USB – C connection.
The AAXA M5 is a pocket class projector. It has three RGB LED lights. These lights make it possible for the projector to re-create the entire color spectrum. This is a single-chip DLP projector. It is perfect for office or home use.
Specifications
- 900 lm
- 2000:1 contrast ratio
- LED projection
- 2000:1 contrast ratio
- 20,000 our lamp life
- Dimensions 6.0 x 6.0 x 1.8
- Weight: 1.95
PROS
CONS
AAXA M5 Review
The AAXA M5 offers 500 lm when operated using the battery and 900 lm when plugged in. It has a resolution of 1280x800, making it a flagship portable projector.
The AAXA M5 is useful in a number of situations, including home entertainment, casual gaming, as well as creating presentations on the go. It has been used in classrooms and in conference rooms where there is no permanently installed projector.
Although it is a little bit larger than some of the other projectors we have reviewed, it is still quite small, weighing in at less than two pounds. The unit is able to produce clear images, even when there is ambient light.
Durable Lamp
Overall I think you can get some much better choices in the discount range, especially some of them covered in my best cheap projectors under 100.
This projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life. This means that you will likely need to replace the projector before the lamp goes out. The projector comes with a built in media player, allowing you to give presentations without using a PC.
This unit has a strong set of specs. It has 1280x800 pixel resolution. It can upscale video content up to 1080P. It has a throw ratio of 1.2:1. The unit has all of the business friendly connectivity options you would want, including:
- VGA
- HDMI
- Composite video
- Micro SD
- 3.5 mm audio output
However, this unit lacks Bluetooth connectivity and wireless screen monitoring.Overall, we are pleased with the functionality of this unit.
Best Portable Projector: Buying Guide
How many lumens will you need to project during the daylight?
In a home theater or a dark room, you will want to project between 1000 and 1200 lm. When there is ambient light, a 2000 lm projector may be your best option.
How long will a portable projector last?
With most projectors, the first thing to wear out is the lightbulb. Many portable projectors use LED lights. That means that a number of the projectors we have reviewed have bulbs that will last in excess of 20,000 hours.
This means that your projector will likely become out of date before you will need to replace the bulb.
What is a portable projector?
A portable projector is a convenient and on the go solution for individuals who need to project images or videos in a variety of situations.
They can be used in the classroom, in a business environment, as well as in home theaters. Portable projectors are not as bright as non-portable units. Many of them have 100 lm or less.
Should I get a DLP, LCD, or LED projector?
The answer depends on what you want from the projector. For example, if price is your primary concern, you may want an LCD projector. LCD projectors do not have moving parts, so they are less expensive.
If image quality is your concern, then you may want a DLP projector that offers truer colors.
Many portable projectors use LED technology because they produce less heat and require less energy. The downside is that they are not as bright as their counterparts.
What is a good contrast ratio for a projector?
Contrast ratio is the difference between the black is black and the white is white on an image. However, just because a contrast ratio is larger does not mean that it’s better.
For example, a projector that has a contrast ratio of 10,000:1 is not going to be five times better than a projector with 20,000:1 ratio.
Other factors come into play, including how well the projector is able to show the shades of gray between the whitest white and the blackest black.
In Conclusion
If you've always wanted to own a projector, it's comforting to know that you can get one not only for a small price, but also in a compact and lightweight package.
And the best part of it is you don't have to sacrifice much in terms of watching experience. Naturally, more robust and expensive models will have a much better output. But, if you're open-minded enough, you'll see that even small projectors can do wonders.
My name is Steve Scott. Father of 2 and owner of Outdoor Movie HQ. I’ve been involved in the A/V industry for most of my life and built this blog to help people better understand projector technology. Please leave a comment if you have any questions.