11 Best Portable Projectors Reviews and Buying Guide
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need a Good Portable Projector?
Have you always wanted a projector for private or commercial purposes? What you need is the best portable projector. Before now, projectors were bulky devices that were quite heavy and occupied space, but not anymore. Today, there are portable projectors that can fit into a bag but work quite as well as a large projector.
If you do a lot of fieldwork and you are always on the move, having a portable projector will help you significantly. You can easily transport it and still get the quality visuals you desire. Moreover, portable projectors are cheaper than conventional projectors too. Also, if you plan to use it for home use and you have limited indoor space, the projector will not take up too much space either. So it’s a win-win to own one regardless of what you wish to use it for.
In this review, we want to look at the best portable projectors currently on the market. These models are highly functional and deliver crystal clear images. So kindly read the review and do your due diligence before picking any of them.
Quick Summary
Best Portable Projector with Wifi connections: Nebula Anker Wifi Smart Mini Projector Capsule
Best Lightweight Portable Projector: Nebula Anker Apollo 200 ANSI Wifi Projector
Best Portable Projector with Speakers: ViewSonic M1+ LED Portable Projector with Dual Harman Kardon Speakers
Best HDMI Portable Projector: PVO Mini LED Pico Mini Projector
Best Portable Projector for Gaming: Anker NEBULA Capsule Max, Pint-Sized Wi-Fi Mini Projector
Best Portable Projector for streaming: Kodak Ultra Mini Portable Projector
Best Portable Projector with Long term operational life: AuKing 2022 Upgraded Mini Portable Projector
Best Portable Projector with High Refraction Display: Fangor 1080P HD Wifi Projector
Best Smart Portable Projector: Nebula II Capsule Smart Mini Projector with Wifi
Best Portable Projector for Screen Sharing: Vamvo 1080P Ultra Mini Projector
Best Portable Projector with multiple connectors: Nebula Anker Mars II Portable Projector Lumen
1. Nebula Anker Wifi Smart Mini Projector Capsule
Nebula Anker capsule is a smart projector with wifi functionality that will make your viewing a worthwhile experience. It has 100 ANSI Lumen brightness that will display even the smallest image clearly for the observable eye to see. The 100-inch picture is quite large for something so small, which is remarkable. The clarity and contrast features are out of this world, and the DLP advanced Intelligent algorithm regulates the quality of images in relation to the contrast using the 100 ANSI Lumens. This means that you don’t have to regulate the contrast all the time; the device will regulate image quality on its own.
Nebula Anker is recommended for environments with dim lights; that is why it cannot be used outdoors during the day because the intense natural light will affect the image quality. As for the speakers, Nebula Anker has 360 degrees sound system that is so loud for something so small. The omnidirectional feature makes it quite loud, so when it is working, it will seem like the sound is coming from different parts of the house from all corners. With this device, you can enjoy your favorite shows, movies l, sports, and more in the comfort of your home undisturbed. The capsule design also makes it space-efficient, so it won’t take up too much space in your home.
Nebula Anker runs on Android 7.1 for flawless streaming and media app launch. You can stream content from. YouTube, Netflix, and more from streaming platforms. The value you get from this device is indeed worth the price. For a media device so small but yet effective, this is one of the best portable projectors we recommend.
Pros
Nebula Anker is a versatile device for home streaming. It has powerful surround 360° speakers and extremely bright display pictures.
Cons
You cannot stream copyrighted content directly from platforms
2. Nebula Anker Apollo 200 ANSI Wifi Projector
Another Nebula mini projector worth investing in is the Anker Apollo which is similar to the Anker we reviewed above but with slight design differences. This one has 200 ANSI brightness as opposed to the 100 ANSI of the other. The Apollo is very bright, and it has a 6-watt speaker with guaranteed 4-hour video playtime. This neat mini projector is lightweight, and you can take it anywhere with you. It boasts a 100-inch display with seamless controls. You don’t have to always work on the unit to control it, as you can always use the remote from the comfort of your home.
Now you can browse your entertainment with pinpoint precision using the transparent panels that give you the ability to navigate the menu. What makes the Apollo tick is the Crystal clear pictures you enjoy. You will see every detail with crystal clear resolution, be it games, movies, or even sports. The 200 ANSI Lamp is very bright and recommended for a dim environment. Suffice it to say that the less bright the room, the brighter the screen due to the DLP lamp. You will like the Apollo for its 100-inch display if you like big screens.
Nebula Apollo Anker guarantees crystal clear images and a powerful sound system merged into one. This is the ultimate entertainment device for image and sound projection worth the investment. You can place it in any part of your room and still get value for it. For best results, consider installing it far away from a window.
Pros
The system is easy to operate and comes with smart remote control.
Cons
Nebula Anker Apollo is not suitable for outdoor use.
3. ViewSonic M1+ LED Portable Projector with Dual Harman Kardon Speakers
If sound matters to you as much as visuals, you should be looking for a Mini projector with powerful speakers. That is exactly what ViewSonic offers. The multimedia device uses M1+ speakers with multi-connectivity such as USB C and HDMI. There are more than a few features that make it a fantastic unit, but the one that stands out for us is the Harman Kardon speakers. The quality of the speakers is second to none, and you don’t have to connect them using wires. It uses Bluetooth with an extended range, so no matter what part of the room to put it, the speakers will work just fine.
ViewSonic is ultra-portable with LED illumination that projects images from ant corner of your room. It has a short-throw lens that projects images from the 100-inch display. Even if you are seating 8-9 feet away, you will still see the images clearly. Let’s also consider the streaming functions. We are sure that you will like this function that allows you to stream events live from your cable network if you so wish. You can also stream Netflix and Disney using a dongle. However, note that this dongle is sold separately and doesn’t come with the package.
ViewSonic is easy to set up in Les; then 19 minutes. The manufacturer has included an instruction manual to help you set it up and to get the best use of the system. Included in the package is a remote control for seamless navigation from one menu to the next and a built-in battery that can last for up to 6 hours. So even when there is a power outage, the fun and excitement should stop but should go on.
Pros
High-quality, one-of-a-kind Harman Kardon speakers and a powerful inbuilt battery for extended use. It is an ideal unit for gaming and streaming.
Cons
The streaming dongle is not included, so you have to pay extra for it.
4. PVO Mini LED Pico Mini Projector
Fourth on our list of projectors is PVO. This unit is a versatile unit that offers much more to an entire family. PVO is great for adults and kids because watching cartoons with it is an amazing experience because of the image clarity. It functions as a home theater system giving your entire household the ultimate entertainment experience. PVO used HDMI and USB AV and remote control. If you have kids at home and you want to keep them engaged with educational videos and exciting cartoons, this is one of the best units you will ever install in your home.
It can be viewed from a distance because of its 170 inches projector. This display allows you to keep your kids at least 60-100 inches away from the screen to protect their vision. Furthermore, PVO is so portable that it can be carried in your pocket. This makes it a handy device that you can travel with. What makes it even more special is that you can set it up outdoors, and it will still perform as well as it would indoors.
It uses multiple interfaces, so connecting it to external media players and speakers should not be a problem. PVO uses USB, HDMI, and other audio interfaces. Also, it runs in a 2022 upgraded YG300 Pro, which supports a full 1080 full HD. Increasing the color and brightness is easy using the remote.
Pros
Smart function and great for children. Multiple ports and seamless connectivity.
Cons
It does not have an inbuilt battery. You have to power it using direct power or a power bank.
5. Anker NEBULA Capsule Max, Pint-Sized Wi-Fi Mini Projector
The Nebula Anker Capsule Max is the advanced version of the Nebula Anker capsule projector. This model has a mint size but boats a 200 ANSI Lumens brightness. It has Native 720 pixels and a loud 8W built-in speaker. This device is a movie projector ideally meant for movie streaming though you can use it for other purposes as well. The Anker Max guarantees you a 4-hour run time which makes it ideal for home entertainment. The box contains a capsule, a remote control, a DC charger, and the user guide. The Warranty is for 12 months too.
Nebula Anker Capsule Max offers premium HD viewing with cutting-edge DLP technology for a vivid display of 720P. The 200 ANSI Lumens is 100 inches big and works best in low light conditions. The display is extra sharp and projected in a rectangle form with an auto focus technology. Keystoning is also possible; you can view the screen without squinting from any angle in the room. We like the Anker Max because it is much brighter and sharper than the original version. The streaming quality is top-notch, and it offers value to every member of the family.
You can use it to watch live sporting events, stream movies, watch online classes, and do so much more. This device uses a smart OS for streams and a Nebula app you can download from the online store.
Pros
Easy to set up, and it doesn’t take up too much space. It is multifunctional
Cons
Requires regular firmware updates to stay sharp
6. Kodak Ultra Mini Portable Projector
Sixth on our list of the best portable projectors is this Kodak Ultra Mini projector with 1080P and a 100-inch display. Kodak has a built-in speaker with a rechargeable battery. This unit is compatible with your Android phones and iPhone iPad, so you can play videos on your smartphone with the projector. Kodak uses Micro SD and HDMI USB connections, among other connections, alongside a built-in speaker. This 100-inch display Projector delivers stunning images and integrated Innovation that only very few compact projectors can boast of.
The package contains one DLP projector, onboard controls, an integrated speaker, and onboard controls. The picture delivers a dazzling 16.7 million pixel display, so expect nothing less than beauty and quality with this device. Kodak also has an optical Engine DLO for superior brightness, exceptional color accuracy, and clear pictures. There is also an onboard 3.5mm Input with integrated HDMI to connect with your Android devices, as well as USB and Micro SD connection m
Kodak is a palm-sized protector that will fit into your pocket, handbag, or briefcase. It is versatile and can be used for work or for play, and you get the same quality every time you use it.
Pros
Easy to operate using flexible buttons. High-grade pictures.
Cons
It is not effective outdoor.
7. AuKing 2022 Upgraded Mini Portable Projector
AuKing Mini projector is an upgraded version that comes with 55000 lifetime viewing hours. This means that if you watch it for five hours daily, you still get to enjoy using it for close to a decade or more. AuKing is compatible with full 1080P HD with multiple connections such as AV, USB, HDMI, and VGA. You can also connect it to your Laptop and smartphone too. Despite not being as popular as other brand names in this list, this home projector is guaranteed to give you superior clear images with a 2000:1 contrast and 1080P supported resolution. The images are 35% brighter than most projectors of this specification sold in the marketplace.
So what you get is a projector per excellence. The screen has between 32-170 inches of projection with a display size of 1m-5m projection distance. AuKing brings the cinematic experience to your doorstep. If you don’t have the time or feel like going to the cinema to watch a new blockbuster, you can simply stream it in the comfort of your home and still enjoy the same experience. The speakers offer loud audio with enough bass to thrill your sense. Furthermore, you can connect it to external speakers if you want to amplify the sound even more.
AuKing does not make noise when it is working and has a long lamp life. It is fit for streaming and gaming, but you cannot mirror content on Netflix and many other platforms due to copyright issues.
Pros
Multi connection, portable, and up to 15 years of operational life.
Cons
It is not very bright
8. Fangor 1080P HD Wifi Projector
If you have a large family and you all like to watch movies together from time to time, Fangor is a perfect mini projector to go for. This is because in a crowded room with people sitting in different positions, getting a clear view of the action from all angles is impossible with a small display. While all the projectors reviewed so far boast a display between 100-170 inches, this one has a 230-inch display. This may sound too good to be true for something so small, but it is.
Fangor projects large images from different sources like your cable network, streaming platforms, and even your smartphone, Laptop, and other Media devices. You are not limited to the kind of connections since it has USB, VGA, and HDMI. You can also connect it to your iOS and Android smartphones too. Fangor is not a 720 but a 506/1080p, but it offers sharp images. Furthermore, it has sharp refraction with 6 layered lenses for the best video experience. Let’s also mention the Wifi technology that allows you to connect it to a broadband network for streaming purposes.
Fangor does not require a conversion cable to connect to the internet, as the one-time WiFi connection is quite effective. However, if you must use your smartphone or laptop as a source, make sure they are using the same wifi network as the projector.
Pros
High refraction quality for picture-perfect images.
Cons
You may require speaker extensions for better sound.
9. Nebula II Capsule Smart Mini Projector with Wifi
Nebula Capsule Smart Mini projector is a 200 ANSI device with WiFi and DLP functions. It has an Android TV configuration and an 8W speaker with powerful surround audio. This projector has a 100-degree range and works with as many as 5000+ apps. Just like other Nebula models, this one is an amazing home entertainment device to make your home viewing worth your while.
The audio quality is immersive with an excellent scan speak transducers that will produce pulse-pounding audio. Every single audio not is captured by the speaker, and you will hear them clearly. Nebula is the ultimate projector for gaming, especially action-packed games like Call Of Duty. The Android 9.0 TV is also an innovative feature. You can personalize the functions to suit your needs.
Streaming with Nebula II is made easy, and you get to choose from a host of streaming platforms like Twitch, Hulu, and YouTube. With this projector, the possibilities are endless.
Pros
Powerful transducer speakers and ultra-bright display.
Cons
The Chromecast does not support Netflix content
10. Vamvo 1080P Ultra Mini Projector
Vamvo is a portable mini Pico projector with an HD DLP LED rechargeable battery for premium video streaming and gaming; it uses USB, TF, and HDMI connectors. Also, it supports MicroSD, iPhone, and Android devices as well as laptops and palmtops. This projector works well outdoors with a versatile multi-screen sharing. Due to its lightweight and compact design, you can travel with it. Boasting a weight of under 0.6 lbs, this is the lightest unit on our list.
Vamvo multi-screen sharing uses the latest screen sharing technology, and you can project it onto a 130-inch screen. The USB cable is the perfect tool for this, but it has an extra synchronized HDMI adapter to screen synchronization, but you will have to buy that separately. Furthermore, the image display is vibrant with a crystal clear effect and a maximum resolution of 1080p. The ideal screen size is 80 inches but expanding that is possible.
Vamvo has a 5200mAh battery that can work for two hours without charging. This mini projector is an excellent Multimedia device for home and commercial use. It is perfect for gaming, presentation, and movies.
Pros
Compact and lightweight. You can share the screen.
Cons
Low battery life.
11. Nebula Anker Mars II Portable Projector Lumen
Last but not least of, our best portable projector review is the Nebula Mars II Portable Projector. This model has three modes, namely the Auto, Battery, and standard modes. It can project images of 40-100 inches with a 720 image pixel range. Nebula Mars is an upgraded version of the Anker series, and the triple modes set it apart from other models.
The auto mode has 200 ANSI lumens when it is running on battery, but this spikes up to 500 lumens when connected to an external power source. This feature is meant to conserve battery power so it can run for much longer. The battery mode is solely for battery performance which is 200 lumens, while the standard mode is 500 lumens when the battery power is above 20% and 200 lumens when below 20% capacity. The razor-sharp DLP intellibright technology projects breathtaking clarity, which is even better in a dimly lit room.
Enjoy cinematic sounds with the 10w speakers that release premium sound with resonant bass for an immersive experience. Lastly, you can enjoy awesome content from Netflix, YouTube, and Facebook, yet multimedia gadgets.
Pros
Multiple connection ports. Powerful speakers and easy setup
Cons
Low image quality when running on battery.
Conclusion
The best portable projectors offer you an immersive experience, especially when you are indoors. For strong audio surrounds, we recommend ViewSonic M1+ for its Harman Kardon speakers. Vamvo is best for screen sharing, and Nebula II Capsule is ideal for smart homes.
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