Be wary of cheap projectors promising a 1080p resolution too, as this often means they support a 1080p image but will downscale it to 480p. ViewSonic M1+ Portable Projector, We Tested the Best Outdoor ProjectorsThese Are Our Top Picks, Best for 4K: Keystone-correction is another must-have. Copyright Expert Reviews Holdings Ltd 2022. Resolution: 480p | Brightness: 300 lumens | Contrast Ratio: 120,000:1 | Projection Size: Up to 100 inches, Theres so much to love about this little projector. You can use them with a big screen in the living room or pair them with a portable screen when you take them away on holiday. It's really slick and makes this projector super easy to set up. He is the former host of the Android Authority podcast, and his work has appeared in numerous publications. There are some aspects of the M2 that were not convinced by, particularly the built-in Android OS with its dated versions of the most popular streaming apps youll get a better experience and better image quality by plugging in your own Roku or Amazon Fire TV stick. He has been featured in Digital Trends, DealNews, and TechRadar. Lower contrast ratios will result in pictures that look either too dark or washed out. You will want to make sure your presentation room is as dark as possible though. The best portable projectors do it automatically, so that you can spend less time setting up your screen and projector and more time enjoying what you want to watch. We use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. Overall, we really like the Nebula Capsule II, and think it's the perfect solution for a pop-up cinema night or even as a bedroom TV for occasional use. You can connect up to two HDMI ports, RCA, VGA, and microSD. It's a great thing when you don't have to plug anything into it to start watching content. Typically you will get a much better picture if you use a projection screen, however it's not strictly necessary. Finally, the sound on this projector is loud and clear. Projectors are particularly handy because they can cast a picture onto any surface and turn it into any size screen you need. Resolution: 1080p | Brightness: 700 ANSI lumens | Contrast Ratio: 20,000:1 | Projection Size: 16 to 135 inches, The Optoma ML750ST is a solid compromise between the power of a full projector and the portability and size of a mini-projector. Ultimately, the ViewSonic M1 is perfect for those looking for a portable projector with both practical and bonus features. If you were hoping that the Viewsonic M2 was a sequel to the brilliant M1, you might be disappointed. The biggest downside is the lack of Bluetooth audio output, although you can plug in a pair of headphones. All rights reserved. He's written for Lifewire since 2019 and reviewed several of the projectors on its list, particularly the Apeman NM4 and Optomo ML750ST. A brighter picture is more visible even when there's a lot of ambient light. As a result, you get a fairly convincing 360 sound with a bit more space and a spot of boom and rumble although distortion creeps in as you push up the volume. Features: 1080p resolution | Projects up to 100 inches | Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The built-in Android operating system is what puts it over the top for us. The ViewSonic device is known for its smart device capabilities. It gives you a more exact figure as to how projectors compare with one another. Most of these portable models have a relatively short throw and the shorter, the better if youre stuck for space or planning to project from a coffee table. Brightness is measured in lumens or ANSI lumens (See above). Finding a projector that's portable is one thing, but finding one that travels well is another. Its brightness and viewing angles should be the last of your worries, with up to 1,000 lumens and a projection size of 30-150 inches. "Amazon, Amazon Prime, the Amazon logo and Amazon Prime logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates". Hayley Prokos, Product Tester. It presents solid picture quality, has Bluetooth audio compatibility and even automatic keystone correction. Our goal with this list was to find a projector to fit every need and price point. There are many portable projectors on the market, and it can be difficult to figure out which one is right for you. We use cookies to personalize ads for you. Keep in mind that the wall's color will have an effect on the colors from the picture. If youre using a portable projector, you probably dont want to lug a full surround-sound setup with you, so most include built-in speakers. Resolution: up to 4K | Brightness: 800 ANSI lumens | Contrast Ratio: unannounced | Projection Size: Up to 150 inches. You cant expect the kind of experience youd get from a good, dedicated home cinema projector. Elsewhere, this thing is stuffed with features. Fan noise is noticeable, but far from disruptive. This isnt as much of a plus point as you might expect theres no Google Play store and no official apps for Amazon Prime or Netflix, leaving you to navigate the browser-based apps using a virtual trackpad on Ankers connected smartphone app. You can connect your devices using the HDMI input or plug in a USB drive to display photos and movies. Its integrated handle swivels to the front to cover the lens, or underneath to act as a stand. The projector comes with a 3,400 mAh battery built-in which is good, but it'll barely get you through a 2-hour movie which is not. Best Design: You may have some issues syncing sound and picture, but a good projector will have a setting to compensate for this. Basically, any device you come across in your travels should work with this projector. Resolution: 1080p | Brightness: 50 ANSI lumens | Contrast Ratio: 2000:1 | Projection Size: 30 to 100 inches, If you value extreme portability over raw power, the Apeman Projector M4 provides a sleek, modern design you can fit in your pocket with a surprisingly solid image and audio quality for its size. You can roll up a screen, or even just cast your projection onto a white wall and not have to worry about a screen. When you aim the projector at the screen or wall, the projector will automatically fill the largest possible space while avoiding other objects on the wall like shelves or lamps. Other measures of lumens are valid, but they're not as strictly controlled. This is a projector that can hit the road with you and plug into anything you need along the way. Manage your expectations. Yes! The second-generation Nebula Capsule projector takes everything that made the first one so great and adds to it. Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day.
It has a built-in HDMI port to make streaming content easy. In normal or bright mode, the image is crisp and well-defined and colour performance is solid, enabling you to project a bright, watchable image up to 100in in size in dim or dark rooms. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. The projector comes with built-in Google TV as its operating system, complete with a collection of streaming apps along with it. Bafflingly, although you have access to many of the major streaming platforms, including Disney+, Amazon Prime and Apple TV, there's no BBC iPlayer or Netflix app available as a native app. Carlos Regonesi, Senior Product Manager, Epson America Inc. One of the benefits you'll get from a portable projector is the ability to set it down anywhere and go. Inputs range from microSD, USB-C, HDMI, and USB-A. The metal stand doubles as a lens cap and eliminates the need for a tripod, and I'm a sucker for multifunctional features. With that, you can hook up a pair of headphones or even a Bluetooth speaker. ANSI lumens are measured as per the standards set forth by the American National Standards Institute, which means that the light is measured the exact same way every time. The round base makes propping the projector a little awkward because there's also no aiming mechanism to allow you to point the projector where you want it to go. It's neither the lightest nor slimmest machine, and it isn't battery-powered, but if you're after a cheap and cheerful portable projector for watching occasional films, sport or TV programmes with the family or friends, the Yaber V7 Pro is an excellent choice. Keeping the projector in a relatively dust-free space helps keep the air filter and vents clean. No, it wont beat a soundbar or mid-range Bluetooth speaker, but its more than good enough for watching movies, TV or sports events and it helps drown out the low hum of the fans. The projector comes with a tripod for aiming the device, but be sure you have a sturdy base since the tripod isn't all that good. ZDNet independently tests and researches products to bring you our best recommendations and advice. The Epson EpiqVision Mini EF11 has impressive connectivity to streaming solutions such as Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. Still, we like to see that kind of versatility in devices. One of the few trade-offs that we see with this projector is that certain streaming services, like Netflix and Prime Video, cannot be broadcast through your mobile device apps. Anker makes its own mini-Bluetooth speakers, and we suspect the same drivers and technology are used here. They're handy for entertainment and for business presentations. First, consider your budget. You also get a high contrast ratio meaning your drake won't be washed out. Finally, we recommend spending some time reading the reviews and feedback left by customers, as they offer insight beyond the marketing and spec sheets. To choose the best portable projectors for 2021, we considered a variety of factors, including price, resolution, connectivity, picture quality, and more. In this case, you can get a 100-inch projection from just six feet away. But beyond all that, it's hard to argue with the price. Though priced significantly lower than traditional portable projectors, the Yaber V2 promises a satisfactory entertainment experience, garnering an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon. ZDNet's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. As a result, every shopper can find one on the list that fits their needs. Connectivity is excellent, with HDMI 1.4, USB-A and USB-C, which you can use to hook up an Android smartphone or simply plug in a streaming stick. You wont get the same levels of contrast and brightness with a portable projector, either.
1 pick is the Epson EpiqVision Mini EF11 laser projector. It's ideal for business because it's bright enough for a conference room and small enough for a briefcase or backpack. Its a bigger and more expensive projector roughly the size of a coffee-table hardback, and its more than twice the price of the smaller model. It's great at producing large images without having to move it further away, which is useful in cramped offices or small rooms. The ViewSonic M2 Portable Smart Mini Projector has excellent video quality, with 1080p resolution and screen projection up to 100 inches. Right now, Amazon is listing it for only 196, down from it's RRP of 300. Hayley Prokos, Product Tester. The included tripod lets you point the projector anywhere you need it to go. We do not accept free products from any companywe only review products we love. Hayley Prokos has been writing for Lifewire since 2019, focused on travel-friendly consumer technology. What do you get is crisp, 4K video with excellent sharpness, so much so that you don't mind the low contrast ratio.. Customers especially like the quality of material, value for the money, and the sound quality. It also doesn't come with a mounting bracket, though you can buy one separately. Lumens are a measurement of luminous flux, or the observed power of light. The quality varies enormously, with some dishing out a timid, tinny racket and others producing a half-decent impression of stereo sound. The projector itself isn't terribly bright. It takes up a fair amount of space when mounted on a wall or sitting on a coffee table. Many projectors, including most of the ones in this list, take the same kinds of inputs as a TV, too. Using a projector for movies and presentations is nice, but cranking up a game onto a 300" projected screen is next level. The Nebula Capsule has excellent reviews on Amazon, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars among 4,914 users. He is a content designer at Bose Corporation and is completing his Master of Arts in Digital Media. Picture quality could be better but it's otherwise packed with features. Thankfully, you can get around this by casting content directly to the projector via the projector's built-in Chromecast facility from your phone, laptop or tablet. While theres no onboard battery, you can power it from a USB-C power bank with USB PD. The ViewSonic projector has good reviews on Amazon, with an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars. In terms of picture quality, the Anker falls a little behind the Viewsonic. Adam Doud has been writing in the technology space for almost a decade and is also the creator and host of the Benefit of the Doud podcast, which reviews and discusses popular technology. For those that dont, the standard HDMI connection means you can plug in an Amazon Fire TV, Roku or NowTV stick, and you can usually play video files directly from a USB port (which can also be used to power your choice of streaming stick). It offers 1080P resolution and 2,200 lumens to produce a crisp and vibrant picture, but it struggles in a well-lit room. Which Ring video doorbell is right for you? It's got everything you need, from a speaker built into the base to a built-in app storejust connect it to a Wi-Fi network and you're good to go. It's easy to set up and installing software isn't a concern. It's bright at a claimed 380 ANSI lumens and outputs a decent 1080p image that you can adjust via the menu. While the Anker Nebula Capsule doesn't have 1080p resolution like many other portable projectors on the market, it's still a customer favorite for good reasons. But, it has a pretty decent fan design and runs cooler and quieter than expected. Next, consider the situations in which you expect to use your portable projector. If your projector takes too long to process the commands it's being given, you will not do well in your game. But the projector has an amazing 120,000:1 contrast ratio and a long-lasting battery that can go for up to six hours when the projector is in eco mode. The lack of wireless connectivity is disappointing, and the fact that Optima sells a dongle to correct that oversight for an additional cost is borderline insulting. Its built-in rechargeable battery lasts up to five hours, there's a full array of connectivity features, including HDMI and USB-C video inputs. It includes a WiFi connection to the app store, allowing you to use various streaming services. The BenQ projector has decent reviews on Amazon, with an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. Right now, Amazon is listing it for only 196, down from it's RRP of 300. Clearly built with business professionals in mind, the Optoma works best in an office setting, but its power and compactness might appeal to home theater enthusiasts as well. However, it wont beat out other solutions on sound or image quality for those who arent picky cinema viewers and who arent fazed by the price tag. Or do you want to be able to connect other devices via HDMI or USB input? Just bear in mind that it's not the quietest model around and produces a noticeable fan whirr. The Anker Nebula Solar is a portable projector that's absolutely stacked with features. LED portable projectors tend to achieve anything from 100 to 2,000 ANSI lumens, with the vast majority sitting somewhere between 300 and 800 ANSI lumens. In short, you'll probably need to prop the projector up in front to get the image to go where you want it to go. It also can connect to devices including a TV box, a Fire Stick TV, a Chromecast, a PC, a laptop, a tablet, and more. Speaking of the remote, it comes with a remote, though the IR port where you need to aim the remote is recessed into the body of the projector slightly making it sometimes tough to aim. If budget isn't an issue, then consider the Epson EpiqVision Mini EF11 Laser Projector, which despite its price tag, is one of the more affordable Epson EpiqVision projectors. It's also important to consider your connectivity needs. Thanks to its cylindrical design, the device is smooth on the edges, generates a 360-degree audio experience, and projects up to 100 inches. It presents solid picture quality, has Bluetooth audio compatibility and even automatic keystone correction. All projectors have whats called a throw ratio, which determines how big the picture will be at any given distance, and some are whats called short-throw projectors, meaning theyre designed to give a bigger picture even from a distance of one or two metres. While the 720p capped resolution isn't ideal, the image quality is crisp and clear. One of our favourite portable projectors is significantly cheaper right now, Best projector screens 2022: The perfect screens to master movie night, Best projector 2022: The best 1080p and 4K-ready projectors, YABER Pro V7 9800L 5G WiFi Bluetooth Projector, Auto 6D Keystone Correction &4P/4D, Zoom, HD 1080P Native Projectors Home&Outdoor Projector Support 4K for Android/iOS, etc. They used to be massive things, ran hot, were power-hungry and needed a chunky stand or coffee table to sit on if not a dedicated home cinema room. It also has excellent color accuracy and built-in premium Bluetooth audio.
The single 1.5-watt speaker sounds as tinny and small as youd expect; an external speaker provided a much-needed boost to sound quality. Stephen Slaybaugh is a fact checker and music writer with with more than 20 years experience writing about internet retail and consumer tech. Picture performance isnt top-notch it doesnt have the high brightness levels or deep blacks of the Anker Nebula Solar or Viewsonic M2 but you get richer, crisper HD video than you might expect from a 300 lumens projector with a 720p resolution. It's also a little hard to set up. With battery-powered operation, built-in speakers and lamps that last for tens of thousands of hours, these portable projectors are perfect for take-anywhere entertainment. Key specs Brightness: 300 ANSI lumens; Native resolution: 1,920 x 1,200; Speakers: 5W internal speaker; Throw ratio: 1.2:1; Max recommended image: 100in; Inputs and outputs: HDMI 1.4, USB-C, USB-A, 3.5mm headphone output, microSD card; Wireless: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth; Battery life: Up to 5hrs; Dimensions: 188 x 100 x 100mm (WDH); Weight: 775g.