Portable projectors have come a long way in recent years. They’re now lighter, more compact, and offer better picture quality than ever before. If you’re looking for a best portable projectors, then you’ve come to the right place.
Portable projectors are a great way to take your movies, TV shows, and video games with you on the go. Whether you’re looking for a projector for your home theatre or business presentations, we’ve rounded up the best portable projectors for 2023.
Best Overall Projector: Anker Nebula Capsule II
This Anker Nebula Capsule II projector is one of three Nebula Capsule projectors produced by Anker Innovations, and it is the highest-spec model of the trio due to its specifications including:
- 720p resolution
- DLP projection technology
- Android TV 9.0 smart platform
- 200 ANSI-lumens light output
- Projection size of 40 to 100 inches.
- 8W speaker
The projector basically works on Google’s Android operating system, so in addition to the user-friendly UI, you also have access to an app store where you can download 5000+ apps like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, etc. Google Assistant or a smartphone app can be used to operate it. Everything you need is there, including a built-in app store and a speaker in the base.
It is easy to use as it can be connected via USB, Wifi, Chromecast, and Bluetooth. You can use it continuously for 2.5 hours. Its price is $400. Its dimensions are 3.1 x 3.1 x 5.9 inches and it weighs about 1.6 lbs.
Best Portable Projector: APEMAN Mini M4
This projector is really small in size and extremely lightweight which makes it the best portable projector. Its DLP technology provides a more vivid, brighter, and sharper image. It supports 1080p video with a contrast ratio of 1000:1. It has a built-in battery that can be used as a power bank too.
Its running time is 1.5-2 hours after a full charge. This projector comes with a tripod to stabilize your portable projector with 360° rotation and allows you to point wherever you want.
Its price is $196.99. It can be connected via HDMI port or USB to a laptop, T.V. box, tablet, and camera. Its other specifications are:
- Brightness: 70 lumens
- Projection size: 36-150 inches
- Weight: 1 kg
- Size: 197 x 166 x 78 mm
Best Budget Projector: Vankyo Leisure 3
Vankyo Leisure 3 costs only $70 which makes it the most budget-friendly portable projector. It is best to use at home and you can also carry it with you wherever you go.
This projector comes with a carrying case so it is really easy to take it along with you on your journey. It has a wide range of input options like USB, RCA, VGA, Micro SD, and HDMI. The dimensions of this projector are 4 x 8 x 12 inches and it weighs about 2.3 pounds.
It has a resolution of 1080p and provides video with a contrast ratio of 2000:1. The projector can be placed 16.4 feet away from the screen, yet it provides an excellent display. Its projection size is 32 inches (minimum) to 170 inches (maximum). It also includes integrated speakers and it has a warranty of 1 year.
Best Projector for Business: Optoma ML750ST
It is said to be best for business because it can light up a huge conference room with beaming colors. Optoma ML750ST costs $1,053. This portable projector is a bit pricey but is definitely worth it. It is a small-sized projector that you can even hold in your palms.
It is a short-throw projector which means it provides a full-screen image even if it is placed close to the screen. You can get a 100-inch projection size even if it is placed only 6 feet away. You can connect it via USB, MicroSD card, HDMI, MHL, etc. But, there is no wireless option for connectivity.
This projector also comes with a carrying case. This projector is lightweight and weighs about 14.1 ounces. The dimensions of this projector are 4.4 x 4.8 x 2.2 inches. Its other key features are as follows.
- Resolution: 1080p
- Contrast ratio: 20,000:1
- Brightness: 700 ANSI Lumens
- Projection size: 16-135″
Best Projector for Travel: AAXA P7 LED Projector
This AAXA P7 LED projector is a mini portable projector that has a lot of input options. You can connect it to any device that you find while you travel via USB, HDMI, mini-VEGA, and MicroSD. It also comes with a tripod that makes it easy to aim the device. It provides picture quality similar to that of modern HDTV with vibrant colors.
Just like all the other AAXA projectors, this one too doesn’t have a loud sound due to its 2W speaker. It can function for 1.5 hours which is good for a business presentation but you can’t watch a lengthy movie. So, if you want to use it for a home Cinema, it will have to be plugged in.
This projector is best for traveling and works under almost all conditions and is resistant to shocks, bumps, and falls. It provides a projection size of up to 120 inches with a brightness of 600 lumens. The resolution of this projector is 1080p. The dimensions of this projector are 7.3 x 6.4 x 1.85 inches and its weight is 2.99 lbs.
Best Projector for 4K: AAXA 4K1 LED
4K projectors can also be mini but the AAXA 4K1 is a little bigger than the other projectors. But still, it is not very big. You can easily fit it in your backpack or the provided carrying case. It has dual HDMI ports and USB-A inputs.
You will need to support the projector on something to aim it because it has neither feet nor an aiming mechanism. It also provides Remote Electric Focus that allows you to adjust projection easily. It has dual 2W speakers that provide immersive sound. If you are going to use it for Home Cinema, it can be attached to the ceiling mount to provide a theatre-like experience (a ceiling mount kit is not provided).
Other must-known features of this projector are as follows.
- Brightness: 1500 lumens
- Resolution: 4K
- Projection size: 300 inches
- Contrast ratio: 2000:1
- Weight: 3.8 pounds
- Dimensions: 3.27 x 2.83 x 0.94 inches
Best Projector for Gaming: BenQ HT2050A Projector
The BenQ HT2050A Projector is the best choice if you want to play games on a big screen. This projector has a minimum throw distance of 1 foot with low input lag which makes it the most suitable for gaming. Among the list, it is the brightest projector with a brightness of 2,200 lumens.
It has a lot of input options including two HDMI ports, VGA, RCA, and MicroSD. The integrated 10W speaker provides enough sound to play games easily. It displays the video with a resolution of 1080p and a contrast ratio of 15000:1.
You can enjoy your games on a screen with a projection size of upto 300 inches. A carrying case is not provided with it but you can easily carry it in another bag. The weight of this projector is 8 pounds. Its size is 15 x 11 x 5 inches which is the only problem caused by this projector. Due to its relatively bigger size, it is not easily portable. But still, it is smaller than the general projectors.