Get the popcorn ready. It’s time to get your outdoor patio or designated room in the house ready for a mini projector movie experience.
Mini projectors have come a long way with technology and pricing. The good news is it is affordable to put in a miniature projector without high end pricing.
Plus today’s technology allows you to connect your smartphone to the projector, allowing for an amazing home theatre experience.
If this sounds like what you’re looking for, check out our best mini projectors list below.
Table of Contents
- The Top Mini Projectors
- 1. Anker Nebula Mars II Pro Video Projector
- 2. Mini Projector 2022 Upgraded Version
- 3. Kodak Ultra Mini Portable Projector
- 4. DBPOWER Upgraded Mini Projector
- 5. LG PH550 CineBeam LED Projector
- 6. Topvision Mini Projector
- 7. Elephas W90 Mini Movie Projector
- 8. ViewSonic M1 Portable Projector
- 9. Hompow Mini Projector
- 10. Epson PowerLite 1795F 3LCD Projector
- Summary
The Top Mini Projectors
Whether it’s movie night or you are showing presentations, you can use a portable projector for fun and work. The portability advantage lets you project your video on the go.
Here are the ten best mini projectors you’ll find on the market today:
1. Anker Nebula Mars II Pro Video Projector
Best Sound
- Stream with Ease: Enjoy the latest shows on Netflix with built-in WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity on the...
- Crystal-Clear in Low Light: Experience a bright 500-ANSI-lumen display powered by DLP IntelliBright...
- Sound that Surrounds: Dual 10W audio drivers envelop you in rich, powerful sound, delivering an immersive...
From the Anker Nebula Solar Portable Projector to the Anker Nebula Capsule, Anker is known for creating portable projectors. However, the Nebula Mars II Pro made our list because it’s a great projector for casual viewing.
It uses Anker’s DLP IntelliBright technology and has a 1280×720 resolution. The company boosted the portable projector’s image brightness to 500 ANSI lumens as well for excellent light output.
One of the Nebula Mars II Pro’s best features is the brightness from the 500 ANSI lumens and accurate picture quality. Its powerful in-built speaker with sharp audio is also a plus.
This projector has automatic focus and keystone. These optimize the projection according to the device’s throw distance and angle.
You can stream directly from the portable projector itself because it has Android 7.1 built-in. For anything else, you’ll want to consider plugging in a FireTV or similar streaming device.
The intuitive mobile remote app makes the Nebula Mars II Pro one of the simplest portable projectors to use. Even navigating through the Android interface to watch built-in Android TV is easy using the well-designed remote.
You get several connection options with the device, including:
- Bluetooth
- Wi Fi
- Miracast (for screen mirroring)
The device is battery-powered. Plus, the three-hour battery life (which is similar to the battery life of the Anker Nebula Solar Portable Projector and the Anker Nebula Capsule), is enough to watch your favorite movie or bing your favorite shows on the device’s built-in Android TV without any interruptions.
This portable projector’s 720p resolution may not be suitable for those who are used to a 1080p resolution. We also would have appreciated the option to install the Play Store app.
2. Mini Projector 2022 Upgraded Version
Best Budget Option
Are you looking for a budget-friendly yet versatile portable projector? If so, the Mini Projector could be your best bet.
It has a 1920×1080 resolution that delivers a crystal-clear image. This device can project a picture up to 176 inches wide.
The 5 to 16-foot projection distance range makes it suitable for all rooms.
Considering its small build, the projection quality is excellent. The color and contrast are great, but you’ll have to keep the room very dark.
Due to these factors, this device is better suited for home entertainment. We would recommend you look for other options if you want a portable projector for office use.
The projector uses HDMI and USB ports to play content. So, while you won’t find a Wi Fi connection, it does have a plug-and-play setup that makes it easier to attach external devices.
One of the best features of this projector is its portable design. Moving the device will never be an issue because it only weighs three pounds.
Ultimately, the Mini Projector is a worthy buy that can be fun to use. Just don’t expect it to do more than the price and category suggest.
3. Kodak Ultra Mini Portable Projector
Best For Portability
- THE HOLLYWOOD STANDARD – Advanced DLP Optical Engine Boasts Superior LED Brightness, Exceptional Color...
- PALM SIZED PERFECTION – Smallest and Lightest DLP Projector in the World Slips Conveniently Into Your...
- CONTEMPORARY COMPATIBILITY – Onboard Media Player Includes Room-Filling Built-in Speakers, 3.5mm Input...
In our rankings of the best portable projectors, the Kodak Ultra Mini sets high standards in design and performance.
This DLP projector is crafted with minimalism in mind. Not only is it light, but it’s also compact enough to easily fit it in your briefcase, handbag, or back pocket.
It uses Kodak’s advanced DLP Optimal Engine to deliver a 1080p HD image resolution that is above average in terms of color accuracy and clarity. The superior LED brightness works best in dimly-lit and dark rooms.
The Kodak Ultra Mini is an affordable projector with minimal rainbow effect and can display content from a range of sources, both wireless or wired. This device is battery-powered. The battery life lasts two-hours and is rechargeable.
We really like the uncomplicated interface. The buttons, menu screens and connection ports have a plug-and-play design.
Additionally, its compatibility with USB drives lets you view photos or videos.
It should be noted that portability comes with trade-offs, including the fact that this best portable projector does not get as bright as its larger competitors. As a result, we recommend that you only consider this pocket projector if you plan to use it at home or for small group presentations.
The 2W speaker isn’t very powerful, either. You’ll have to connect the device to a pair of earphones or external speakers (like a Bluetooth speaker) for better audio.
4. DBPOWER Upgraded Mini Projector
Best Design
- [Latest WIFI Screen Sync Technology] DBPOWER RD828 1080p native wireless projector adapts the latest WIFI...
- [Real Native 1080P 4K Support] DBPOWER RD828 WIFI projector utilizes the bright LED light and LCD display...
- [4-point Keystone Correction & Zoom Function] The biggest feature of DBPOWER RD828 is the innovative...
As one of the best portable projector options, the DBPOWER Upgraded Mini provides an affordable price coupled with a nice design.
It’s capable of delivering a 176-inch display for an immersive cinematic experience, but there’s no need to worry if your wall is too small for the 176-inch display. You can easily reduce the screen size to as little as 32 inches.
Movies and other video content can be enjoyed at full 1080p resolution. Moreover, the portable projector has advanced fan cooling technology to ensure a quieter and more reliable operation.
DBPower has worked hard on improving the bulb design. Since it uses less energy, the projector is highly energy-efficient.
You can place The DBPOWER Upgraded projector at a distance of 1.8-2.0m for a better and brighter projection.
The integrated Wi Fi connection also eliminates the use of any wires whatsoever. You can wirelessly play content from any device you own and connect the projector to many devices, such as:
- Laptops
- Smartphones
- USB drives
- DVD players
- Tablets
- And more
You can also use a Bluetooth speaker.
With 50,000 hours of lamp life, the DBPOWER Upgraded Mini gives you plenty of hours of playtime before worrying about lamp replacement. Not only is it 70 percent brighter, but the device is also 50 percent sharper than similar models.
5. LG PH550 CineBeam LED Projector
Best Connection Options
- HD (1280 x 720)
- Wireless Connection (with Android O/S, WiDi)
- Bluetooth Sound Out
When it comes to portable projectors, the LG PH550 CineBeam LED Projector offers many connection options. However, that is not the only reason you should consider this projector.
This projector is lightweight and portable. Even the video and data image quality is sharp and vivid.
It’s also fitted with a built-in TV tuner. In our opinion, this built-in TV tuner is its best feature since it allows you to connect the TV tuner to an antenna via a coaxial plug to tune-in to local broadcasts.
The LG PH550 is an LED-based DLP projector with a 1280×720 resolution and a rated brightness of 550 ANSI lumens. We would have preferred a higher resolution paired with this ANSI lumens rate considering the competition often provides a full 1080p.
In terms of other downsides, this projector lacks a zoom feature. This means that your ability to precisely fit a screen will be more limited.
Additionally, it has two one-watt speakers, making the built-in audio effectively useless for anything other than office presentations.
If you want to increase the audio quality and volume, you’ll have to connect external speakers through the audio-out jack. A wireless connection through a Bluetooth speaker is also possible.
There are numerous connection ports, starting with an MHL-enabled HDMI USB port. The other options include a port for a USB thumb drive and an AV-in.
The AV-in can be used for a composite audio-video connection source. However, you’ll still have to use a cable, audio-out, VGA and a TV coaxial connector.
Related: 11 Best iPhone Projectors
6. Topvision Mini Projector
Best for Durability
- 👍【Fast Connection Via WiFi or USB cable】This mini projector compatible with Android, iPhone, TV...
- 📽【 Design for More Professional】200" movie projector support 1080P, Full HD resolution ensures...
- 🎧【HiFi Stereo Speakers & Upgraded Cooling System】 This portable projector has 3W HiFi stereo...
You can convert your home into a home cinema with the Topvision Mini Projector. All you need to transform your movies into a big-screen size is a smartphone, HDMI cord, or laptop.
The projector has a durable aluminum construction, which helps prevent overheating. The resin material of the lens is swapped for tempered glass, adding thermal stability and visual clarity. These features allow the projector to resist high temperatures and display clearer images.
It has 4000lux of brightness for delivering a crisp picture and excellent image quality. Although we would recommend a 3-meter distance, the device can display images from 1.5-5.2 meters as well.
The contrast ratio stands at 3000:1.
Its lamp life is rated at up to 80,000 hours. This means that you can expect many years of superb home theater experience without the hassle of changing the lamp.
A ±15 keystone correction button on the top of the monitor limits image distortion and presents the image at just the right angle. The projector also has focus ring adjustments, along with other settings.
7. Elephas W90 Mini Movie Projector
Best Budget Option With Large Screen Size
The Elephas W90 is one of the best portable projectors under $100.
We‘re aware that Elephas isn’t as well-known as the other brands on the market. This is why it’s surprising to see the device exceed other brands in terms of quality and versatility.
At its best image quality, the Elephas W90 can project a 120-inch image. You can increase it up to 236 inches if needed, but the image clarity will be reduced when you extend the projection.
Despite the small size and budget price, this projector can do almost everything. You can play games on a console, watch your favorite series by attaching a streaming stick, or mirror content from your laptop.
Its LED lamp can deliver up to 5000 ANSI lumens of brightness and has a 3000:1 contrast ratio. These features help to ensure clear and sharp media with high color accuracy.
This device is fitted with an upgraded cooling system and built-in speakers. An external speaker can also be connected to the mini projector’s 3.5mm audio input for louder audio.
The one downside of the Elephas W90 is that it lacks an internal battery. You’ll have to plug it into a power source to use it.
8. ViewSonic M1 Portable Projector
Best Mini Projector With Stand
- PORTABLE PROJECTOR: Ultra-portable WVGA (854x480p) LED projector that delivers convenient entertainment...
- BIG SCREEN PROJECTION: Shorter throw lens project up to 100-inches from 8-feet 9-inches. HDTV...
- PREMIUM AUDIO: Built-in dual Harman Kardon speakers deliver room-filling audio
At first glance, the ViewSonic M1 Portable Projector looks very different from the other best portable projectors on the market.
It has its own built-in stand that lets you move the device upwards or downwards. Plus, it can be placed almost anywhere in the room and still deliver great picture quality.
The projector is purposely designed to be small for convenience and portability. You can place it in any room or carry it when needed.
The built-in dual Harman Kardon speakers enhance the audio, so it fills the whole room.
With nearly six hours of battery life, the built-in battery is more than decent. Not to mention, having a built-in battery is a unique feature for a portable projector.
You can also charge your mobile phone through the USB-C port after plugging in the power adapter.
The USB-C plug-and-play feature is another benefit, making device setup and control very easy.
It has an integrated microSD slot and a 16GB internal memory. This is more than enough to ensure there is no need for external connections.
Better yet, you can store any movie or series you love watching directly in the projector.
Unfortunately, the projector’s durability leaves us wanting more. Past customers have also commented on the fragility of the device.
Perhaps the biggest downside of the ViewSonic M1 Portable Projector is its WVGA, 854x480p resolution. This makes the projector appropriate for presentations but not for movies.
9. Hompow Mini Projector
Best For Smartphones
- 【Native 1080P Full HD resolution】: If you have a high requirement for clarity of projector, this...
- 【Bluetooth 5.1 Function and HiFi Stereo Speakers】: The projector's built-in dual HiFi stereo...
- 【200'' Giant Screen & ±15° Keystone Correction & 50% Zoom】: The portable projector provides a...
The Hompow Mini Projector is one of the best mini-projectors on Amazon. It works well with smartphones but can also be used with other devices, including:
- DVD players
- TVs
- PS4s
- USB Sticks
- PCs
- And more
Hompow’s Mini Projector won Amazon‘s Choice badge due to its higher sales volume and a 4.5-star rating.
The device has a 1080p HD display and has a 3000:1 contrast ratio. In fact, its high resolution and contrast ratio are two of the best features, with multiple customers loving the large TV video quality for things like Apple and Android TV.
Keep in mind that the movie projector doesn’t display copyrighted content. This means that you cannot watch Hulu, Amazon Prime, or Netflix on it.
The lamp lifetime is 50,000 hours, which is impressive considering the small size. The device also has Homepow’s upgraded noise reduction tech that allows you to concentrate on your video.
Furthermore, you get a 50-176 inch HD screen, making it suitable for watching movies, Android TV or playing games. The keystone correction feature enhances the projection image quality further.
10. Epson PowerLite 1795F 3LCD Projector
Best For Brightness
- Lightweight and travel friendly — thin as a laptop; weighs just 4 lb
- Look for two numbers — 3,200 lumens1 Color Brightness for more accurate, vivid color 3,200 lumens1...
- Brilliant Full HD performance — 1080p resolution (1920 x 1080) for sharp, widescreen images.
The Epson PowerLite 1795F 3LCD Projector is a thin and lightweight device that offers a bright, 1080p resolution. It has a rated brightness of 3200 ANSI lumens and uses Epson’s 3LCD technology.
This projector offers a wide range of connectivity options, including
- VGA
- HDMI
- RCA video and audio-in
- USB Type-A
- USB Type-B
The USB Type-A port and USB Type-B port can be used for direct computer connections and USB thumb drive presentation, respectively.
The projection color is well saturated and bright. Using the advanced LCD tech, its color brightness and white brightness are appropriately balanced.
The PowerLite 1795F has a long lamp life of up to 7000 hours in Eco mode. When you use it in normal mode, the lifetime decreases to 4000 hours.
Considering this is a data projector, the video quality is certainly impressive. However, the audio from the one-watt speaker is faint.
You can use the audio-in port for playing audio from a video source over the speaker. That said, connecting external speakers isn’t possible due to the absence of an audio-out port.
Summary
Some people don’t mind streaming content directly from their phones or laptops. That said, watching your favorite show or movie with your friends as it covers an entire wall is another experience altogether.
Beyond watching content like Apple or Android TV, buying the best portable projector will forever change the way you conduct presentations. Even gamers can enjoy better video and audio.
The top mini-projectors listed above were chosen very carefully. Our metrics include resolution, audio, budget and functionality to ensure you get a high-quality device.
Don’t forget to make a note of the resolution or maximum screen size and keep in mind your budget constraints as you shop for the best portable projectors.