11 Best Portable Projectors Reviews and Buying Guide

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 and have limited indoor space, the projector will not take up too much space. 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 you’re 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 with the contrast using the 100 ANSI Lumens. This means that you don’t have to regulate the contrast constantly; the device will regulate image quality independently.

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 comes 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 that 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. This is one of the best portable projectors we recommend for a media device so small yet effective.

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, 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 bright and 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 in 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. If you like big screens, you will like the Apollo for its 100-inch display.

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. More than a few features 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 the speakers will work just fine no matter what part of the room to put them.

ViewSonic is ultra-portable with LED illumination that projects images from any corner of your room. It has a short-throw lens that projects images from the 100-inch display. You will still see the images even if you are sitting 8-9 feet away. Let’s also consider the streaming functions. We are sure you will like this function that allows you to stream events live from your cable network if you 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 get the system’s best use. 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 also use it for other purposes. The Anker Max guarantees you a 4-hour run time, making 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 autofocus technology. Keystone 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 that 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 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 use 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 transducer that will produce pulse-pounding audio. Every single audio not is captured by the speaker, and you will hear them. 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, Android devices, laptops, and palmtops. This projector works well outdoors with 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, our best portable projector review is the Nebula Mars II Portable Projector. This model has three modes: Auto, Battery, and standard. It can project 40-100 inches images 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 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 of 200 lumens, while the standard mode is 500 lumens when the battery power is above 20% and 200 lumens 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.

What is Portable Projector?

A portable projector (also called a pico or pocket projector) is a small-sized image device for displaying motion pictures. It is developed to work with computers, smartphones, and other digital devices. Portable projectors have storage facilities to handle presentation materials but not enough to have full-screen displays that a large audience can see clearly.

These miniature projectors have software for viewing images and videos on nearby surfaces. A conventional portable projector has five main components: electronics, battery, combiner optics, LED or Laser light sources, and scanning Micromirror devices. They turn images into electronic signals, and the signals are projected by the light source using different colors. Portable projectors are lightweight and easy to carry. Most of them can fit into a pocket, and they don’t even look like projectors due to their miniature sizes. They can serve as an entertainment device in a home and work well with a 50-inch display and under. But for larger screens, you will need a conventional projector.

How Do Portable Projectors Work?

The technology behind a portable projector differs from much bugger conventional projectors, but there are some similarities. Two common technologies behind portable systems are DLP and LED technology. These technologies work differently depending on the type you’ve got.

DLP or Digital Light Projection uses a series of color wheels and mirrors to generate the image and then projects it with a powerful light bulb. For LED projectors, however, the image is first generated on what is called a liquid crystal display before the LED light beams it out. Both technologies are interchangeable and work similarly but with this major difference. But note that LED technology is more power efficient and cheaper than DLP portable projectors, but they offer less brightness than the latter.

But going deeper, this projector has inputs like AV cords to connect to an external media player, but some come with a few more like HDMI, Wifi streaming using Chromecast, or the likes and screen mirroring using Airplay. More importantly, it has a storage board or an SD card. Despite these options, users mostly use one or two connection options to connect to their external media, which may be their smartphones, DVDs, streaming platforms, or the like.

Using any of these external devices as a source, you can stream to a bugger screen using the portable projector. Or you can use the screen mirroring option using WiFi, but you need strong internet broadband.

What Are the Benefits of a Portable Projector?

If you are thinking of buying a portable projector, there are several benefits you stand to enjoy. We discuss some of them below.

Take Them Wherever You Go

To can take your project lie wherever you go since they are not as bulky as conventional models. They are small, lightweight, and can fit into your pocket. Imagine having a digitally advanced device so small yet so effective. That means you can connect it to your phone or computer anywhere, and you have to worry about space or connection difficulties.

Cheap

Portable projectors are relatively cheap since they are not as advanced as bigger models with integrated features. So you can afford one without spending too much. The good thing about this is that you get to experience how to use a projector at first. With time, should you decide to buy a bigger model, you will have no difficulties operating it since you are already experienced.

Connectivity options

Despite their small size, portable projectors have multiple connection ports like AV, HDMI, Bluetooth, Wifi, and even screen mirroring if you don’t want to use chords. These multiple options give you flexibility, so you never run out of options. If you don’t have the wires for the HDMI or AV slots, you can simply go wireless and keep your surroundings clutter-free.

Low Installation Cost

You don’t have to spend extra cash building a stand in the wall, buying an installation platform, or hanging the projector on the ceiling. Portable projectors don’t take up too much space in a room, and you can place them anywhere. As long as they are close to the screen, you can still enjoy crystal clear images and videos. Drilling walls and damaging your paintwork is not something you have to worry about. Once you are done with the projector, you can keep it safely in your cabinet or anywhere safe until next time.

Flexible Choice

This type of projector offers you flexible choices due to its mobile design. Before 2018, you needed to invest in a big projector and other accessories, which would cost you a lot. You also had to rearrange your interior space to project audiovisuals but not any longer. The invention has brought about flexibility in the home and modern workspace. You can work and stream anywhere without making any surgical arrangements.

Sound Compatible

You can also amplify the sound of your videos by connecting them to surround speakers using wires or Bluetooth technology. It is no longer uncommon to walk into rooms to find people watching their favorite shows with small projectors and large speakers. Modern pico projectors work with surround speakers and woofers like larger ones, so you get the same value.

How to Choose a Portable Projector?

Choosing a portable projector requires tact and knowledge. The approach to choosing a conventional projector is not the same as picking a portable one since you will have to take interior space and many other factors into consideration. Here are some of the things to consider when selecting a portable projector.

Weight & Size

One thing to consider is the weight and size of the projector. Although the average size is much smaller than a normal projector, there are two different sizes you should know about. The first size is the 146x106x94mm size which can weigh only about 0.9kg. The second size is 172 x 114 x 145mm, which weighs 1.6kg or a little more. Different brands have varying sizes and weights, but you should choose based on how you intend to use them.

If you plan to carry the projector around frequently, you should go for the lightest version you can find. However, if you buy it solely for home use, the size and weight shouldn’t matter much so you can go for a larger one. The only advice we offer is that you should always carry it in the pouch or carry case to protect the lens. But remember, you want a portable projector for the flexibility it offers, so don’t go for one that will be too heavy to carry.

Resolution

The projector’s resolution is perhaps the most important thing to consider when shopping for one. This is because many models on sale today have low resolution due to their size. And if you end up with one with a poor resolution, you will not get value for your money.

Avoid portable projectors that have 720p or less because they project very poor images. The images will be dull if you use them in rooms with even the slightest ambient light. We recommend you check for models with a full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080p. This one has better resolution, even if you project content on large screens.

Brightness

Another thing to check for is the brightness level. A portable projector with a higher brightness level will project brighter images, and you can use it in a room with significant ambient lighting. For best results, you should only consider a model with at least 900Lumens or even higher.

More lumens means a higher price, but the investment will be worth it. If you keep the curtains closed, you will enjoy even more brightness, similar to what you get with a bigger projector. Don’t be penny wise and pounds foolish; the last thing you want is a system that projects dull images. But above all, look for a balance between size and brightness if you plan to take it outdoors.

Battery Life

What quality of battery does it have? Does it die out quickly, or does it last for a few hours before it drains off? Most portable projectors have inbuilt rechargeable batteries. But note that the battery’s size does not indicate its strength. What matters is the level of brightness. A projector with low brightness and a smaller battery may last longer than a larger projector with higher brightness and a bigger battery.

When evaluating battery power, the first thing to look at is to read what buyers say about it. Secondly, look at the run time. The average battery should run for 2-4 hours if charged full, which is enough time to finish a movie or your favorite show.

How much value you get from the projector at the end of the day is not down to battery alone but your media source and internet broadband. If your WiFi is weak or your Media source is not working, the project lot battery will just be running aimlessly even though you are not streaming anything. The battery is good enough if it can run for 3-4 hours.

Audio Quality

For starters, you should not expect the best sound quality from a portable projector. Remember that its small size means a much smaller inbuilt speaker. While there are models with 5W speakers, you will find some with 3W speakers.  Don’t let the speaker quality dissuade you, though. As long as you can connect Bluetooth speakers to it, you can boost sound externally. Just make sure the system has Bluetooth settings.

Setup Features

Also, consider the setup feature for the best picture. The keystone and focus are the two main settings to keep an eye on. Keystone is the setting for correcting problems with the displayed image. You can use the keystone to correct this problem if the projector is not displaying straight images. The best keystone for smaller projectors is the square shape keystone as it is easier to control. Then there is Autofocus which helps you focus on the center of the screen. The focus will make images as large as possible

Apps

We are sure you want to enjoy streaming your favorite movies and shows, right? Then make sure the one you buy runs on Android or Android TV so you can connect it to your phone apps without using wires or external streaming sticks. Another thing to check is the platform it supports. Many of them don’t work for Netflix directly, so you may need to connect to Netflix with a streaming stick, so make sure the pack includes one.

As for Android apps, you can download and watch content using many apps as long as you have strong internet broadband. The download option is ideal if streaming is impossible due to poor internet.

Image Quality

Two things combine to make a quality image projection which is the resolution and the brightness. When shopping for a portable projector, you should pay attention to the technology, light source, and optical lens. These three things are very important. You should also consider the internal ambient lighting as well. If your room has too many windows, ensure the lighting source is made of LED, which is brighter than DLP. If you may likely use it in different rooms, you should also factor in the quality of room lighting. For rooms with varying lighting, a DLP technology may be the best for you.

Remember that the quality of images is 80% down to the projector and 20% to the ambient light in the room. Like most projectors, portable projectors work best in dark spaces with low light. So as you plan for one, consider making your room darker by installing darker curtains.

Portable Projector FAQs

1. How to connect a portable projector to a phone?

If you want to connect your portable projector to your phone, there are two major ways to do it. Through

• Chromecast

• USB Port

Here is how to connect it using either of the two.

Chromecast

Most Android phones work with Chromecast and if your phone is Android, connecting it to your portable projector using Chromecast is relatively easy. Chromecast is a very compact device that can pair with most portable projectors. However, you will need to connect it using the USB on the projector. Fortunately, this is something most portable projectors have.

Here is how to go about it.

1. Plug the Chromecast hardware into the portable projector using HDMI through the C-port
2. Plug the Chromecast device into a power outlet using a USB power adapter
3. Switch the input to HDMI
4. Setup the Chromecast by switching it on
5. Connect your phone and the Chromecast to a WiFi network
6. Launch the app you want to use and tap the bold Chromecast icon
7. Choose Chromecast as your preferred device

Once you play the video on your phone, Chromecast will start streaming it on your portable projector automatically.

Built-in Streaming

If you don’t want to use Chromecast or any other hardware for streaming, you can use the built-in streaming function of your portable projector if it has such a function. Check to see if your projector has such a function.

With inbuilt streaming, you can simply connect your phone directly to the projector and start streaming immediately. However, if you don’t have this feature, you can download the projector app on your phone to start streaming immediately.

USB Port

The second option you have to connect your phone to a portable projector is to use a USB port. This method works with HDMI, but most phones don’t have HDMI ports, which can be a problem. However, there is a solution for that. If your phone doesn’t support HDMI, it should have what is called a Mobile High Definition Link (MHL). This function provides HDMI Support over a USB port through an adapter. If your phone does not have MHL, it should have a USB-C port like most phones. DisplayPort is another connection type you can use to connect your phone to your portable projector.

2. How do you project a movie outside?

Projecting a movie outside is relatively easy if you have a good projector. The first step to making this possible has a good projector. If you have a very good projector, the rest will be easy. You will need an outdoor projector to get clear and bright pictures. Outdoor projectors have an extremely high Lumens rate. When shopping for outdoor projectors, you should be looking for a model with at least 3000 lumens or more. If it has a 4K lens, that is even better.

You need a projector with a high lumens rate because you can’t control ambient lighting outside as you can indoors. And the light from the sun will affect the quality of images you project unless the screen resolution is extremely bright.

Once you have a very good outdoor projector, do the following.

Set it up

Set up the projector using a white cloth or a projector screen. Size matters because you will be broadcasting to an audience sitting farther away from the projector screen. We recommend a projector screen of 120-149 inches or more for the outdoor environment—the bigger the screen, the better. Also, the audience should sit about 10ft or more away from the screen.

Set Up The Speakers

Most portable projectors have inbuilt speakers, but they are only effective indoors, not outdoors. If your audience wants to enjoy the movie or presentation outdoors, you must install quality external speakers with a good surround. While you don’t want to disturb the peace of your neighborhood, you want a good sound to keep your audience engaged. A good speaker for outdoor viewing is an 8-inch speaker of 150W-200W. You can use two or more of these speakers depending on the space and number of people you will serve.

You can use a Bluetooth speaker instead if you don’t want an amplifier. Wireless speakers are easy to connect and work as well as wired speakers.

Suppose your speakers are passive (like most speakers are), use amplifiers to boost their sound. A good receiver will work on any passive speaker. But if you don’t have one, consider buying a 250 amp receiver with Bluetooth technology.

Waterproof your equipment

Always watch for rain when you are projecting outdoors and plan for it. The weather may seem clear one minute and change the next, and rain may damage your equipment if you are not fast enough. So always use big blankets or thick nylon materials to cover the projector and part of the speakers. Or better still, have them close by for immediate deployment should it start to rain.

3. Do you need Wi-Fi for a portable projector?

You need WiFi for your portable projector if you are not using a direct USB connection. For Chromecast or other hardware streamers, you need to connect the projector to the hardware using a WiFi system.

4. Do portable projectors use a lot of electricity?

No, a portable projector will not use a lot of electricity. Unlike bigger models, portable projectors may use between 50W for smaller models to 800W for bigger models. The reason for this is simple. Portable projectors are not as bright as conventional projectors because of their limited Lumens ratio. Secondly, they have a smaller engine and a smaller fan which draws far less power than bigger ones.

5. Can a projector look as good as a TV?

Yes, a projector can look as good as a TV. Projectors have long been the standard for quality viewing experience until TV manufacturers started churning out good quality Tv sets with bold and bright pictures. Today, there are different projector technology that will match Tv quality. LED projectors can display the same image quality as a LED Tv. LCD and Laser models are very bright, and 4K versions can produce the same High Definition images as any HD television. So a projector can definitely look as good as a TV. Whichever one you go for should be down to personal preference.

6. How to mount a portable projector?

The good thing about portable projectors is that there are different ways to mount them. While users are limited to the mounting options, they have bigger projectors. Portable models are much easier to install. Here are some mounting options to consider for portable projectors.

Shelf: You can mount your portable projector by simply placing it on a shelf or a table. You should have no problem if the shelf or table is wide enough. Also, ensure it is strong enough to hold the projector’s weight. Fortunately, portable projectors are not very heavy, so you don’t need a big table with big legs for them.

Ceiling Mount: If you don’t want to place the portable projector on the ground, you can use a ceiling mount to hang it on the ceiling. Projector ceiling mounts are available online or at hardware stores, but you will need to install them with a secure bracket and strong screws. Also, ensure you get the position right with the lens facing the screen. You need to find the right spot to make this happen.

Fixed Box: Another option is to install a special box for the projector. Fixed boxes have special openings in front for the lens light to pass through to connect the screen, and they have sleek and elegant designs. The only downside with fixed boxes is that they require their own space. So you might need to redesign your entire interior layout to make room for them. From creating space for it to adjusting your screen position, these are some issues you may have to deal with

7. Are portable projectors suitable for gaming?

It depends on the lumens ratio of the portable projector. To enjoy an excellent gaming experience, you will need enough brightness and an adequate contrast ratio. Portable projectors also have different color specifications; gaming requires an abundance of color. If you wish to buy a portable projector specifically for gaming, go for a model with at least 2000 lumens and a great color display.

8. Portable projectors Vs. projectors

Portable projectors can do the same thing a conventional projector can display clear and colorful images. However, it cannot produce as much brightness as a  normal/conventional projector. Portable projectors have become popular over the years because they are cheaper than normal projectors and are easy to carry.

If you have a small budget and can’t afford a normal projector, you should consider using a portable projector. But expect a lower resolution because they can’t produce the same brightness.

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.

Allen

Allen is an expert product reviewer who spends thousands of hours testing products and sharing professional tips. He is also a foodie that loves food, dessert, and smoothie.