If you love hosting movie nights or spending quality time as a family, you need to seriously consider a projector. ESQUIRE, PART OF THE HEARST UK FASHION & BEAUTY NETWORK. Of course, there are a number of things to consider before you buy a portable projector. This is best to use in a dark or dimly lit room. Resolution: 1080p Full HDBrightness: 400 lumensContrast Ratio: Not officially statedMaximum Projection Size: 120 inchesPorts: HDMI x1, USB-C x1, USB-A x1Speakers: YesPower: Mains power and 3-hour batteryDimensions: 19.2 x 19.2 x 5.8 cmWeight: 1 kg, Available at Amazon, XGIMI and Richer Sounds. Speakers: All the models on this list come with built-in speakers, for a complete outdoor theatrical experience. Lets be honest, even with the best projectors, youll struggle on a sunny day. Resolution: 720p HD ReadyBrightness: 200 lumensContrast Ratio: 600:1Maximum Projection Size: 100 inchesPorts: HDMI x1, USB-C x1, USB-A x1, Headphone x1Speakers: YesPower: 2.5-hour batteryDimensions: 12 x 7 x 7 cmWeight: 680g, Available atAmazon, Argos, Very, Currys and AO. This is a pocket projector (or a micro projector, if you will) and it is by far the smallest and lightest model on our list. Theres also a major benefit for on-the-go sports fans: it can run on a USB-C power bank as long it supports 45W speeds and Power Delivery (PD) output, like this Anker charger to broadcast the match in your back garden.
Having a portable projector allows you to set up your entertainment in the backyard, on the deck, on the porch, in almost any room in your house, and even at work.
It's a 2 x 5W set-up that's been tuned by Yamaha. A low contrast ratio like 500:1 means youll have a muddier image. It has 30 ANSI lumen brightness. So, this is one of two on our list with a sub-HD image, going down to 480p yes, one of the lowest options on a YouTube video. On the other hand, its a versatile package that shines when used indoors in darker conditions and is super compact for travel. But at night, it should be bright enough and work well.
Additional Features: A few projectors come with smart features like voice control or a dedicated app to help you browse what to watch or change the volume. The Bluetooth connection is for audio only though, so you can use it as a speaker but the video only works for streaming shows or movies when its plugged in. It's not what you'd call 'mini' but the LG CineBeam has an integrated handle for easy carrying and is small enough to be easily hidden away in a cupboard when not in use. And it does come with wi-fi, a MicroSD card slot, plus USB Type-A and USB Type-C connectors. Thats the great beauty of the CineBeam: its versatility and intuitive simplicity. 
Its resolution is Full HD, 1920 x 1080 pixels, and the 1200 lumen brightness doesnt need anything like the light-blocking preparation of a smaller model. Check out our picks for the best portable projectors to buy this year: Of course, these often cant match the quality of a top-spec 4K TV or most mains-powered home projectors. This means you dont have to worry about bringing a streaming stick with you (although you can connect one) to get your favourite sports or movies, and you can mirror content from your smartphone through Chromecast and via a dedicated app. Buying a portable projector makes the most sense if you want to go this route and its the most common option these days. Discover more about the small businesses partnering with Amazon and Amazons commitment to empowering them. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. When he's not searching for top deals, he's likely watching his favorite sports teams or walking around his hometown with his wife and his dog. Youre getting Full HD image quality at a sensible price, and it has plenty of pre-installed apps via Android TV. 
'Pico' projectors had dim light sources that couldn't do justice to colours or contrast, even in a darkened room. But it also gets loud enough for a majority of the times you use it. Like the sound of the Anker at the top of our list but wish it had a sub-500 price tag? It can be used as a standalone Bluetooth speaker. 
Colour reproduction is not particularly good. The only downside is the price, but if you want the best, you're going to have to pay for it. A 1.4m distance gets you 80-inch movies. While pixel peepers will be after the very best 4K quality, youll find that most of the top compact models will be 1080p (1920x1080 pixels or Full HD). Need a tiny projector for a trip or a small room? There is also a USB and MicroSD hookup. There's no need to replace your TV. Adjust it vertically or horizontally. But you will be able to enjoy great sound, thanks to the dual 5W Harman Kardon speakers. Mini projectors dont get much more convenient than the Viewsonic M1+. LEDs last tens of thousands. The visual technology is much different than the projectors you may have used in math class in grade school. They often have apps on board as well as storage options so that they can supply the content too. If that's all you require, it does the job. This means the projector does not have to be as far from the screen to create a large, cinematic image, and they can be stowed away in the cupboard again once you're done with your viewing. At this size you get much closer to the image quality of a traditional home projector. This is easily the most fun portable projector in this group too. Dan is a staff writer at What Hi-Fi? Its always best to project your movies in dark, hermetically sealed rooms, but we think 300 is a good starting point for outdoor viewing after sunset. This is why portable and mini projectors are a great choice for many. Much like the Anker Capsule, this versatile mini projector is shaped just like a large soft drink can. Weve included the proper ANSI lumens for all the models in our list. Colours have real DLP punch and the black level is more than respectable. In a room with closed curtains and no lights switched on, the Mars 2 can produce a watchable image on a 100-inch screen. Weve used it to set up a cinema in the bedroom before moving it to our blank living room wall to get the same big-screen experience from the sofa, and found it easy to either use the loud built-in speakers or connect our Bluetooth speakers for better audio. A battery-powered, truly portable package that's fun to use. Looking for the best picture you can find? You can even take them around to friends houses for movie nights. But if you have the money, it can be worth it. There are brighter machines out there but, for this price, there's a great blend of both punch and subtlety to the image. Nowadays, there are endless ways to watch your favorite shows. Keystone Correction: You cant always set up your projector opposite the wall itll sometimes have a bit of an angle, and thats where the magic of keystone correction comes in. By contrast, some of these mini models are as small as a can of beer, and several on our list weigh a kilogram or less. Esquire participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. The ViewSonic M1+ Portable LED Projector is the best portable projector for your battery life purposes. Some have kick-stands to help and almost all have tripod attachments. Apps: Some portable projectors run on an operating system like Android TV or the Samsung smart TV platform, meaning youll be able to download all the streaming service apps youll need right to the device without having to connect it to a streaming stick or memory card. But those bigger models can weigh over 10kg and arent ideal if you want to take your movies into the garden or into a different room. You can run for two hours on a single charge on screens as large as 150. You can stream them on your TV, computer, tablet, phone, and even more devices. Its not quite as much of an all-in-one package as the Anker projectors on our list, given that it doesnt have a built-in operating system for quick app access, but it has a lot of ports for connectivity and you can mirror the screen of your phone. Dan has a keen interest in playing and watching football. But with the Asus F1 you get a much more cinematic image in a dark room. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, A candle is 14 lumens, a light bulb is 1600 lumens, and so on. It isnt going to deliver the quality of the Acer C250i or the Nebula Capsule because its resolution is only 480p (like the ViewSonic above) and it delivers just 200 lumens of brightness. It has a battery that lasts up to four hours and Android rather than a basic menu system. The Nebula Mars 2 sits in a portable projector sweet spot. With over a decade of editing and journalism experience, plus thousands of hours of product testing and research, he has helped millions of consumers find the best products and deals to fit their lifestyles. Most of us dont have a big white wall outside, so you might want to pick up a projector screen if youre making these garden parties a regular thing. The picks in our roundup below are lightweight, (mostly) affordable, and capable of top-quality imagery. It comes in at just under 150 for the most basic model, and its a little more if you want to pick the different variants with wifi and Bluetooth. Resolution: 1080p Full HDBrightness: 550 lumensContrast Ratio: 300:1Projection Size: 100 inchesPorts: HDMI Micro x1, USB-C x1Speakers: YesPower: Mains power (and USB-C power bank support)Dimensions: 17.28 x 10.42 x 9.52 cmWeight: 830g, Available at LG, Amazon and Richer Sounds. How many lumens do you need to project in daylight? This allows you to download and stream YouTube, Netflix, and more from the Nebula Manager store, thanks to the smart OS. The HDMI connects you to Android tablets and devices. You can even choose to project it forward, backward, and on the ceiling.
Its decent value for money and claims to run on its own battery for a whopping five hours (you may end up with less based on brightness and the volume of the built-in speaker, though). BGRs audience craves our industry-leading insights on the latest in tech and entertainment, as well as our authoritative and expansive reviews. This projector is super smart, relatively bright, and pretty lightweight ticking all the boxes for a portable projector. The optimal image size is a screen size of 80 and 100. Projection Size: Our best portable projector picks can display images from 40 inches and go all the way up to 200 inches, if you have the space. Samsung offers a list of compatible models, and wed recommend the 60W PowerCore III Elite 25600 PD from Anker that wed use for any longer trips and laptop recharging on the go. This delivers 854x480p LED pictures and the shorter throw lens projects up to 100 from just over eight feet away. Wed recommend either opting for one of our best projector picks (which go as low as 160) or picking a somewhat affordable budget office projector from a reputable brand like Epson or BenQ. Need your projector to be on for a while? The battery life lasts for up to four hours on a single charge. Dont despair, though, theres a lot that makes this worthwhile despite the lower picture quality. The 3.5mm input and integrated HDMI make connecting simple. Its speaker is the real surprise, though. That should be more than enough for a viewing party on a summer night. There's no iPlayer, Netflix or All 4 apps on the smart platform and we'd like Epson to have fitted an internal battery too but these are relatively minor gripes and nothing that neither a media streamer nor an extension cable can't solve. There are built-in Harman Kardon speakers that can play your sound to the room. It's remarkably expressive with just enough precision to hold its own even in scenes with heavy action. We think its a good model for sports because it has vibrant colours and works a lot better with the bright scenes youll find with sports coverage. You can download apps from the Aptoide menu.
Resolution: In general, the minimum resolution you should accept is the entry-level 720p (thats 1280x720 pixels aka HD Ready") although we have featured two budget models at a very low 480p (852x480 pixels) resolution. There was a problem. Still, if its portability youre after, this one is among the best. Most dont run perfectly, although you can pair your phone and use its touchscreen like a laptop trackpad.
Even the power cable is wound up inside the base, so there is really nothing you have to plug in if you dont want to. They are only slightly smaller than some normal home projectors but have built-in speakers and other convenient features such as short-throw lenses. Its small enough to grab one-handed, roughly the size of a large can of beer (so, literally pint-sized) and about as light as a packet of pasta. This works well. Pros: Projects clearly up to 300, 1080p image resolution, Cons: No obstacle avoidance or auto screen alignment, does not support Netflix. Here are the key things to keep in mind before you buy: Brightness: If you plan on taking it outside, youll need to get a projector that can show off the goods when theres some light outside, or at least with the curtains open.
It does not have a battery and youll need a rucksack to take it over to a friends house, but it is a very handy projector to take between rooms in your own home. You can also lay it down flat or stand it up on its end, and itll automatically rotate the projection. Thanks to the keystoning and autofocus technology, this gives you a crisp rectangular image at almost any angle. A smart, small and seriously punchy projector, The best Nebula portable projector so far. Perfect for slideshows and serviceable when it comes to gaming and streaming, this is great for work and home. We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices, Musical Fidelity MX-Stream aims to bring high-quality music streaming to your digital hi-fi system, PS5 restock news: where to buy a PlayStation 5 console in 2022, HDMI ARC and HDMI eARC: everything you need to know, AirPods Pro 2: release date rumours, price news, design and leaks, Best speakers 2022: budget to premium stereo speakers, The best home entertainment buying advice, Issues delivered straight to your door or device. As long as you have a clean wall or ceiling upon which to throw a picture, you can have it up and running in a matter of minutes each time you use it. The bad parts? You will enjoy 720p, 200-ANSI lumen imaging up to 100 inches. It delivers more when it comes to image quality, though, with Full HD resolution that outperforms the model above. Otherwise, youll need a flat white surface like a sheet to watch on.
Youll also want to consider the brightness of the image, especially if you plan on using the projector in brighter environments. On some models, this is a manual adjustment, and others can do it automatically. You can also stream directly from your portable projector. It has a built-in stand that flips out to give you more control on the viewing angle, and weighs a kilo so isnt too difficult to pop in the car or tuck under your arm to take with you elsewhere its just not as simple as the beer can-sized Capsule below. It is bright enough without being garish, vibrant enough to combat leaked sunlight.
The brightness is measured in lumens, and while you do want to get a model that has as high a number as possible, you can easily make do with one that only has around 100 lumens with the curtains closed although, as explained below, youll want at least 2,500 to project during the day. The projector dims significantly on battery power, but head to the settings menu and you can turn this off. As mentioned above, there arent any projectors on the market that can beat the sun, so if you have dreams of projecting in broad daylight somewhere away from the shade, you can give up on those now. On the one hand, you can get a lot of what the Freestyle offers for a lower price, and it can feel a bit galling that Samsungs asking for almost 1,000 for a projector that is comparable to much more affordable rivals. Theres no worrying about focus either as it has motorised autofocus. What's more, its sound system is streets ahead of most. Its also less likely to get damaged when moved about as it uses an LED light array rather than a traditional lamp. For those that don't or for better audio, you can use Bluetooth or ports to hook up your speakers as well. widely-used projector throw calculator, and our editorial That's hardly surprising as resolution is very low at 854x480 pixels. One downside is that you wont get a great sound out of its built-in speakers, but you can always hook it up to an external audio source via its Bluetooth or headphone jack. Top subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2022, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Think of them more like the Swiss Army Knife of the cinema world. We guide our loyal readers to some of the best products, latest trends, and most engaging stories with non-stop coverage, available across all major news platforms. The Viewsonic M1+s focusing is fiddly too. It is slightly discounted as well. Its the best for large screens because this can clearly project 1080p image resolution and it works on screens up to 300. It features an X-VUE 2.0 image engine with 60Hz MEMC motion compensation. is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. This supports iOS, Android, Windows, Chrome, and macOS.
It has a flimsy wheel, and the M1+ tends to change focus slightly as soon as your take your finger off the control. And were talking about inside the house or ambient sunlight here. What tops it off, though, is some really rather impressive picture quality. Subscribe now to never miss a thing from ProjectorCentral.com! Resolution: 1080p Full HDBrightness: 300 lumensContrast Ratio: 5000:1Projection Size: 100 inchesPorts: HDMI x1, USB-C x1, Micro SD card reader, Headphone x1Speakers: YesPower: Mains power and 5-hour batteryDimensions: 9.8, 16.8, 9.8 cmWeight: 600g. Image quality is mixed, and not up to the traditional standards of TVs and projectors. Projects a cinematic image in dark rooms. We found it easy to move around the home, packing up quickly and setting up in a new environment within a few minutes. Theres a pick so small you could fit it in some large coat pockets. The projector offers a 1,080p image with a brightness of 300 ANSI lumens, which should be bright enough for most basic situations. It is capable of displaying over 16 million colors. Chris Hachey is Senior Commerce Editor for BGR. Resolution: 4KBrightness: 2400 lumensContrast Ratio: 1500000:1Maximum Projection Size: 150 inchesPorts: HDMI x1, USB-A x1, Headphone x1Speakers: YesPower: Mains powerDimensions: 26.3 x 16.5 x 22 cmWeight: 4.85 kg. We also like that this comes in a couple of different fetching colours (white, beige, pink and green) and how you can buy a protective case for it too. Pros: Well-designed remote, audio capabilities make it almost feel like a portable speaker. Its also the most affordable, and its going to be the right pick for a lot of people who need something simple to take on the road. Theres a reason why outdoor cinema events happen after dark. This has Android TV 10.0 and gives you more than 5,000 apps to download and stream from. The battery life clocks in at up to 4 hours, which is pretty good. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, Best Projectors for Movies, Gaming and Sport, The Smartest Gadgets a Man Can Buy in 2022, 15 Best True Wireless Earphones You Need to Buy, The Best Smartwatch Deals for Amazon Prime Day, 12 Record Players That Will Make You Love Vinyl, Inside Marriott's New Manchester United Suites, What You Need to Know About Electric Cars, Ferrari CEO Says No Self-Driving Ferraris, Ever, 10 Best Portable Projectors for Indoor and Outdoor Movie Marathons, ViewSonic M2 Full HD Smart Portable LED Projector. When it comes to assistants, youre likely to find Alexa and Google Assistant, and you might also notice extra stuff like Chromecast, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB and HDMI ports to plug in flash drives, games consoles, or laptops.
Not only that, but the projector supports Google Chromecast and Google Assistant so if youre plugged into Googles ecosystem, youll be able to take advantage of everything this projector has to offer. The BenQ GS50 Projector is great for anybody on the go. Pros: True 4K technology, X-VUE 2.0 image engine. The price tag will blow you away. Its also a top pick for outdoor use because it has a handy kickstand and a tripod mount, it can project a bigger Full HD picture than most portable models, and it has some impressive 5W internal speakers thatll help immerse you in whatever film or show youre watching. Overall, we reckon Ankers Nebula Solar is the top option for most buyers looking for a portable projector. There's an excellent smart platform, a three-hour battery life, a good degree of brightness and plenty of source material options. Wed always recommend projecting in darker conditions, so while weve suggested some projectors for the outdoors within our roundup, theyre for use after sunset and were not talking about using them in direct sunlight. That's especially impressive when you consider it's more or less an entire home cinema system: a 4K HDR picture, stereo sound, an array of smart sources, all in a unit you can carry like a holdall and set up wherever and whenever you might choose. Dont worry if you dont set it up just right, as this can show you 40 degrees and automatically correct it. Contrast Ratio: The contrast ratio tells you how well your device manages the brightness of blacks and whites. Resolution: 480pBrightness: 120 lumensContrast Ratio: 500:1Projection Size: 100 inchesPorts: HDMI x1, USB-A x1Speakers: YesPower: Mains power and up to 2.5-hour batteryDimensions: 11 x 10 x 3 cmWeight: 280g. For those that need better audio, its easy to connect headphones or speakers with Bluetooth or the 3.5mm aux jack. is supported by its audience. The resolution is lower than HD which is disappointing by todays standards, and the battery life wont stretch much past longer films like The Irishman. It lasts less than that for other purposes, but thats your best bet. But not all of those are great for multiple people. Utilizing an LED light source, pocket projectors can deliver 30k hours of lamp life and low power consumption. But you can still download Netflix, BBC iPlayer and countless other apps to run direct from the Mars 2. For those who have a large projection screen and want plenty of people to have the ability to see it, the XGIMI Halo True is your best bet. Feature-wise, it's got almost everything one could need in an outdoor/portable projector. Weight and Dimensions: At-home models can be as hefty as a microwave this 11kg beast is one of our favourites but its the opposite of portable so theres no way youll catch us carrying one of those around. These models give you more freedom than many of the picks in our best cinema projectors roundup with more petite sizes and weights, while still generating huge and bright over 100-inch projections and often coming with built-in batteries for when you take the cinematic adventures on the road. The onboard media player includes built-in speakers that will fill the room with audio. It has a Chromecast built-in and you can control it with voice controls and Google Assistant. The native 1080p FHD resolution is 225% clearer than mainstream 720p options. It includes Android TV for access to thousands of apps including YouTube, Prime Video and Disney+, as well as Chromecast and wired HDMI and USB-C connections. This packs a punch when you look at the audio aspects.
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Read the full Anker Nebula Solar Portable review. THE HOLLYWOOD STANDARD Advanced DLP Optical Engine Boasts Superior LED Brightness, Exceptional Color Accuracy and Pristine Picture Quality (Best Performance when used in Dark to Dim-Lit Room)PALM SIZED PERFECTION Smallest and Lightest DLP Projector in the World Slips Conveniently Into Your Handbag, Briefcase or Back Pocket for,Home, Work, Business or PlayCONTEMPORARY COMPATIBILITY, Pros: Solid image, Android TV with Chromecast, solid port selection, solid battery life. NY 10036. It boasts 800 ANSI lumens and will automatically focus. Weve included one 4K model in this roundup, but this high-res clarity (3840 x 2160 pixels) comes at a cost. If youre using a wall socket but watching in the garden, you could always run out an extension cord through the window just dont trip over it on the way to the beer cooler. And it sounds surprisingly good by the standards of integrated speakers, too. WEMAX DICE 700 ANSI Lumens 1080P FHD Portable Outdoor Movie DLP Projector, Android TV Smart Mini Projector, 3 Hrs Battery Life, Auto Focus Dolby Audio Home Theater 4K Supported WiFi Projector, KODAK Luma 350 Portable Smart Projector w/ Luma App | Ultra HD Rechargeable Video Projector w/ Onboard Android 6.0, Streaming Apps, Wi-Fi, Mirroring, Remote Control & Crystal-Clear Imaging, Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K Projector, 2,400 ISO Lumens, Android TV 10.0 with 7000+ Apps, Autofocus, Auto Keystone Correction, Screen Fit, Home Theater Image Quality, Outdoor Projector with Bluetooth, All customers get FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon.