Make sure you pack a Bluetooth speaker, though, as the built-in ones are not particularly loud, and struggle to compete with the LH160s quite noticeable fan noise. And as it just has a simple two-height front legs, getting the ZenBeam 2 in just the right position is a bit trickier than the other ultra-portable models. It has its own smart interface, can run apps, has an (up to) three hour battery and is about as cute as projectors come. The display technology used is also far inferior to their portable counterparts. They struggle at 100 inches. Even the pressure of your finger on the dial alters the focus. The M1's total resolution (854 x 480) is vastly lower than most of the projectors we've tested to date. But that should come as no surprise. Its speaker is not too quiet and its not too complicated. And awesome. So what did we find out in this test? This problem is particularly annoying in the Viewsonic. Asus was even kind enough to include an HDMI cable. Their runtime ranges from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the model. We found it sharp enough to make movies look great, but youll notice the difference in the interfaces of games. Copyright 2022 InsideHook. Anker Nebula Mars II Pro is one such portable projector model that weighs 3.94 lbs (1.78Kg). We watched several scenes from Jordan Peeles Get Out on the projectors, and the Asus F1 made it look the most cinematic. We looked through online retailers like Amazon and Currys, and specialists such as ProjectorPoint to find our candidates. It is the only projector in the entire test that can create engaging pictures with the curtains open. Our pick for the best overall portable projector is the Anker Nebula Mars II, a battery-powered DLP projector (1280 x 720) that offers both hardware and software flexibility, respectable picture quality, and a friendly, practical design. Cute, versatile and fun to use, the Mars II is our top pick for most projector hunters. Essentially, we asked ourselves what it might be like to travel with these gadgets, be it across town or across the country. They have much greater light output, so look better in a wider variety of conditions. Pull off the back and youll find an HDMI extender cable and microUSB, which let you plug in a smart TV stick and keep it inside the EF-100. These do not tend to have the sharpest or brightest picture around, but you can sling them in a rucksack, set them up easily and avoid spending a small fortune. It's portable, fun to use, streams Netflix on its own or through your existing living room kit. It lets you play YouTube and Netflix anywhere (that has Wi-Fi), without a cable cluttering things up. All rights reserved. But, again, its not the most portable pick around as theres no integrated battery. The Viewsonic M1+ has an HDMI socket, microSD and a USB port for ultimate plug-in power. The Asus F1 has a touch of gamer design. Outdoors movie screenings, camping holidays and TV-free kids' rooms are a great place for a projector. The Mars IIs back-facing ventilation system makes a gentle whirring noise while the projectors in use, but its quiet enough to fade into the background, especially when the volumes cranked (did I mention that the Mars IIs 10-watt speakers get really, really loud?). They can provide a cinema-like image in dark rooms, offer great ease of use and more advanced features like automatic focusing. They must be placed closer to the screen as well. The Nebula Mars II sits in the projector goldilocks zone. Most of them are rated between 200 to 500 ANSI lumens, with a few models going up to 700 ANSI lumens. We have also included several portable projectors that bridge the gap between mini models and ones you might install in a home cinema. The Epson EF-100 is the brightest projector by far. It doesnt have the very best image quality, isnt the smallest or the brightest. We didnt find this quite the easiest projector to setup. Not quite. Another issue with them is that their manufacturers specify their brightness rating in lumens and not ANSI lumens, which can be quite misleading. A laser-powered light source gives the Epson EF-100 incredible brightness for its size. We think the Nebula Mars II is worth the upgrade for an older audience, though. It should be relatively small, have integrated speakers, a battery and be bright enough to avoid you wishing you were just watching your TV instead. Space scenes look a little greyer than wed like. There are some real setup benefits to some of the lower-end projectoers. Andrew Williams has written about tech for a decade. Reviews, deals and product news for people who like owning nice things. Theres more than one kind of portable projector, you see. The Viewsonic M1+, BenQ GV1 and Asus ZenBeam S2 all fit in this category. The suitable device for a buyer will depend on their requirements and which features they are willing to sacrifice. You can also mirror screens from a device, and play music via Bluetooth.Sound:Internal hi-fi speaker from former Harmon Kardon and BOSE engineersPlayback:Up to 5 hours per chargeExpected delivery:March 2019Price:$325 (MSRP $700). BenQs focusing dial is sturdier too. Pay close attention to the projectors reported throw distance (the amount of distance between the device and a full-resolution image) and consider the size and layout of the rooms you see yourself using a projector. As all portable projectors run on a battery, they wont match the brightness of their standard home or office counterparts. All rights reserved. Whether you're taking it on a business trip or setting up a private screening at home, the Nebula Mars II offers the best mix of quality performance and overall flexibility. The Optoma ML750ST is a solid portable projector, but its online sale price is typically higher than the Anker Mars II. Push that hot air around with the best fans for cooling. From a performance standpoint, this mini projector from Optoma isnt as impressive as the Anker Nebula Mars II, but its 1280 800 WXGA resolution looks sharp from a distance of around ten feet. And as were projecting onto what is effectively a large piece of white canvas, that light reduces how dark the black parts of an image will look. Would we watch a full two-hour movie on one? Asus, Optoma and Epson use pretty old-school interfaces while the cheaper projectors' software is based on Android. The overall build quality feels sturdy, too, aside from the janky, sliding lens cap. Colors are well represented, too, and the image is sharp when thrown from the proper distance. No longer does a projector necessitate a slew ofspecialized equipmentto transmit content from a cable box or satellite, nor a dedicated room in your home whose sole purpose is to house it. When the M1 is in use, the projector's auto-keystone software does a fine job correcting for off-anglesit might take a few seconds, but the M1 fixes the proportions of picture when projecting from a tilted position. Read More, The Asus ZenBeam E1 doesn't offer the best performance, but it's small enough to fit into a purse pocket, which makes it ideal for travel. 480p resolution may have been fine for the original Xbox and PS2, but these days games are made to suit Full HD and 4K displays, not ones like this. But we also checked out how easy getting hooked up to Netflix and YouTube was, and performed a rundown test on the projectors that have batteries. They are too quiet, and dont have the bass movies deserve. which lets you get a cinema screen in your living room without We were initially a little disappointed by the raised blacks and the visible pixel structure, which makes the picture look more clinical. Is this the best-looking mini projector around? Along with convenience, the portability of each projector was considered. The "ST" in its name stands for "short throw"there's a more affordable version of this projector that requires more distance for a comparable image. This projector also has some of the best speakers on test. The Zenbeam S2 is a bit of a technical tour de force. However, it is nowhere near as flexible as the Viewsonic. Tiny projectors used to be dismally dim, but none of these are. They should last as long as any TV if you treat them carefully. Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. First, we took into consideration each devices features, including software, various connectivity options, etc. Twenty years ago,owning a projector was like owning a high-end sportscar:if you had one, you were either A) doing very well for yourself, or B) hurtling toward bankruptcy while pretending to be doing very well for yourself. It is far from the brightest projector on test, but has significantly more power than any of the smaller, cheaper models. Having a knowledge of the same can assist buyers in their decision. You will hear a bit of distortion at max volume with certain content, though, which is slightly disappointing at the price. They can add three to four pounds to your bag easily. We find the BenQ a little easier to use. The Mars II also acts as a good middle-size indicator of what you should expect from these projectors. We then tried out all the projectors in a more cinematic scenario, at night projecting onto a 100-inch projector screen. If only the brightest image will do, the Epson EF100 is the projector to go for. Does the projector come with any sort of carrying case? In use, though, we preferred the BenQ GV1's tilting head. The ML750ST isnt equipped with an on-board batteryit runs on an AC power cord. They can be particularly useful for traveling professionals who might need a portable projector for on-the-go presentations. The BenQ GV1 has a tilting head that lets you point the image upwards without constructing a ramp from bits and bobs you find in the house, and the Viewsonic MV1+ has a full-on swivelling stand. Theres a USB-C port on the back to let you connect other devices, like smart TV sticks, but youll need an adapter cable. When the sun comes out, stay cool with the best ice cream makers. Nota bene: If you buy through the links in this article, InsideHook may earn a small share of the profits. Required fields are marked *. Its free. Unfortunately, the Qumi Q3 Plus doesn't have any navigational buttons on the unit itself, which makes its remote control a necessity. Gadgets, booze and more - this is what we recommend. And although the software is a bit sluggish, having the option to hop onto a WiFi network and access apps via Android is a welcomed addition. Portable projector and mini projector are the two terms that buyers who are searching for a transportable projection device come across. Since portable mini projectors are often used in business, we chose our projectors and evaluated them with home and office use in mind. Netflix is NOT available on the device itself, but you can also mirror a smartphone or tablet via Chromecast or an HDMI/USB connection, and play music via Bluetooth.Sound:Internal, bass-prominent speaker by ScanSpeak that is 60% more powerful than the original Capsule (the unit also doubles as a portable Bluetooth speaker). But if youre willing to roll the dice a bit which sometimes pays off with crowdfunding campaigns the PIQO actually promises stronger specs in quite a few areas: larger projection sizes, higher picture clarity, the inclusion of an internal Netflix app, and above all, greater portability thanks to its micro dimensions. Therefore, portable projectors are the obvious choice if you need a big screen with a decent quality picture. Text looks very pixellated and hard to read, but we did find video watchable. We also used a light meter to measure their max light, at 40cm from the source. The best vinyl revealed - records that will sound fantastic on your record player. But the advent of streaming video has changed things, and dramatically. The speakers often struggle to compete with the sound of the fans. Is the projector easy to setup? Theres no battery so real-real-world portability is limited and this is not our favourite at the price for very dark rooms, but its unbeatable for daytime viewing. You may only be able to alter the angle by a fistful of degrees, but it feels much more stable doing so. So is bigger simply better? The size limits the amount of hardware and features that can be packed into the device. Theres another solution, though. The primary feature that distinguishes portable projectors from mini projectors is size. Its not too dim. The S22 is Samsung's Galaxy range at its finest. Still, their brightness rating can vary a lot. Email us and we'll compare notes. Next up are our two entry-level projectors, the BenQ GV1 and Viewsonic M1+. Most of them can fit in the pocket of jeans or be stored in a backpack easily. The new Sonos speaker is the cheapest yet and the most versatile. The Mars II clocks in at approximately four pounds, so its not exactly the lightest projector in our round-up. It only took 10 minutes to discover quite what a minefield buying a projector is. Therefore, if battery life is an important consideration, then select a portable projector over a mini one. Still, we prefer the menu systems of the Viewsonic, BenQ and Nebula to any of the others. Here's the brightness readings from out light meter, to give you an empirical look at how bright tiny projectors are compared to the big'uns. This is a DLP projector with an LED light source just like the Asus F1. Read More, Although the ViewSonic M1's design is aesthetically pleasing, it only projects at 854 x 480 resolution, and its remote doesn't work as expected. Its a breeze. The weakest element here is the P2-A's color productionthings just don't look vibrant and properly saturated. Due to their compact design, mini projectors have batteries of a limited capacity. It also means that they dont necessarily compromise on features or hardware. They also tell you the real specs, or at least ones close to reality. VERDICTLook, if youre the kind of person who likes tostand by products that are tried and true, go with the Nebula Capsule II. each projector's image quality. These projectors may have their place, but its not in this test. It runs Android, so you can install apps like BBC iPlayer or Netflix and select them from the well laid-out menu system. A projector with 500 ANSI lumens may perform decently in some ambient light or outdoors, but a 100 ANSI lumen project will have to be used in absolute darkness. Their larger size can accommodate more hardware. For reference, the Optoma ML750ST is currently listed on Amazon at $564 and the Anker Mars II is currently listed at $469.99. The AAXA P2-A is the smallest projector we've tested, but I'd argue that its cube shape makes it slightly more bulky to carry than the bigger, heavier Asus ZenBeam E1. To get to grips with these projectors in the most real-life realistic manner, we tested them at home. How To Buy A Home Theater Projector: What You Need to Know, Top 5 Best Smart Portable Projectors From China 2022. Our reasoning was simple: Most people who shop for portable projectors need them for work, and these scenarios usually involve traveling, whether it's down the hall to a conference room or across the country to an important meeting. You lose out on all the fine detail of HD-quality video, of those fine lines around peoples eyes, the leaves of background trees and so on. Larger projectors, even portable ones, are pretty expensive. And can it produce a good picture far bigger than your TV's without spending hundreds on blackout blinds and painting your walls and ceiling black? BenQ has aimed for ease of use too, with an app-led approach based on Android. Youre not going to see great results in a well-lit setting, but screenings in dimly-lit rooms and nighttime viewings will look greattheres enough luminance that colors pop and shadows dont appear as washed-out as they do on some of the other projectors weve tested. While this isnt the smallest or lightest around at 3.7kg and, it feels right at home in a rucksack. One of the most talked about phones has arrived - this is what you need to know. Its image is brighter and sharper, and the projector itself is a joy to use. Portable projectors are designed to facilitate a large-screen experience for viewers on the go. After making a list of all the manufacturers we trust that sell projectors on Amazon, Currys and other stores, we tracked down their latest models. Many of their versions can fit in a pocket of a bag or even a trouser, making them super easy to carry. However, we have seen it sold onlines for 699 instead of its 899 RRP. This tiny projector is among the most versatile in its class. Portable projectors start from $300 and go all the way up to $1,200, with most of the options costing between $500 and $700. Of all the portable projectors we tested, the ViewSonic M1 had the most interesting design: Its a small, book-shaped device with rounded corners, and its swiveling lens cover also doubles as a stand that holds the projector up when its engaged. Mini projectors, also known as micro, pico, or pocket projectors, are designed to be extremely compact and lightweight. Read More, The Qumi Q3 is a well-built model with HD picture quality, responsive colors, and several connection options. You must determine how big of a screen you want. It offers good image quality, real portability thanks to its integrated battery. Others were happy to use whenever the projectors on, rather than plugging in speakers. If you want to be able to entertain the kids and don't want yet another TV in the house, the BenQ GV1 is a good choice. Having spent a good amount of that time testing and reviewing TVs, Im well-positioned to evaluate portable projectors, both in terms of their overall picture quality as well as their design. The Mars II looks like a little lunchbox, complete with a carry handle. Our pick of the best office chairs to make working at home less of a chore. Amazing cut-price audio goodness from Amazon Prime Day. The remote, though, doesn't always work. As weve avoided models that all-but make up specs, you shouldnt get the sense youve been duped as long as you come with the right expectations. The P2-A runs on a 1,800mAh-sized battery, but because of its limited capacity, I imagine most people will be using the P2-A with its power cord attached. It's a shame because the Qumi Q3 Plus boasts a native 720p resolution and gets bright enough to accommodate rooms with less-than-ideal amounts of ambient light. You need to evaluate how bright of a projector you need. Nebula packs in other extras too. Just plug in the main kettle-style power cable and youre away. Without enough power, the image will look weak and willowy. Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. They come with an integrated battery and dont require a power source, making them equally suitable for a night in the backyard or the outdoors. As long as you can control the light level a bit the Nebula Mars IIcan project an engaging image at 70-100 inches. But you can add other speakers if you like. It's free. Their better feature set comes at a slightly higher cost, which may not suit shoppers on a restricted budget, such as college students. It will actually fit in your pocket, if a bit awkwardly.Streaming capabilities:PIQO is also powered by Android, with more than 3 million apps available via the Google Play store, including Netflix. Still, the Asus ZenBeam S2 is the right choice if you need a tiny projector and want the best image quality possible. You'll need a clear sightline from the remote to the projector's receiver in order for it to work, and even then, there's a good chance it won't. If you want to carry a device on the go, these micro and pico models are perfect. At this point our long list was still quite long. We did close the curtains to reduce the amount of ambient light, but these seem like the kind of conditions most of you will be able to replicate. Copyright 2022 ProjectorSavvy. All rights reserved. These scenarios let us see how easy each projector is to setup. However, pair the LF160 with a pair of speakers and you are onto a winner. Here's what the Asus ZenBeam E1 offers for connectivity options: The ZenBeam E1 isn't the most flexible device, but we do love how much thought went into the design. Theres a 3.5mm audio output you can use to connect to a pair of headphones or wired speakers, or you can use Bluetooth to connect wirelessly. That said, its portability and low price tag ($269 on Amazon) are the best things about the ZenBeam E1its performance is another story. We also factored in the native resolution of the picturemost of the projectors we tested feature a standard WXGA resolution (1280 x 800). In the end, the Anker Nebula Mars II (available at Amazon) outshone the competition, thanks to its stellar picture quality, its robust battery life, and its easy-to-use Android smart platform. Bad points? Its speakers arent as loud of punchy as the Epsons, but will do the job in a pinch. You can find alternatives from companies like Gorilla and Pulse online. And awesome. At least one valid email address is required. Crucially, the Mars II is a top-notch performerat least when it comes to the realm of mini projectors. Picture quality and size: 720p HDwith a 20-100 picture size and built-in auto-focusing technologyBrightness:200 lumens, which doubles the output of the original capsule, which Gear Patrol dubbed best best in classSize:A 3 x 3 x 6 cylinder or about the size of a standard pint glassStreaming capabilities:3,600+ streaming apps available on the device itself via Android technology, including YouTube, Hulu and Amazon Prime. Just look at this thing: it just about fits in the palm of your hand and is only twice the weight of some phones. Its important to remember that portable projectors are known for their simplicity and convenienceif youre looking for an ultra-bright, better-performing display, you should either shop for a multimedia projector or take a look at the best TVs under $500. The BenQ GV1 is a great pick for the kids' room, an alternative to a second TV. The Viewsonic M1+ also has a slightly more flexible stand, which lets you rotate the projector part to just about any angle you like. The Mars II has auto focusing and keystone correction, which tries to make the picture look perfectly rectangular even if its not pointing straight at the wall or projector screen. You can purchase one such model for as low as $30, with a multitude of options available for less than $100. Asus also rates the maximum picture size at a huge 210 inches. In a vacuum, I'd prefer having a remote control over not having one at all, but the M1's remote is so dysfunctional that I almost wish I didn't have it to begin with. It has a clever I try to avoid the phrase "mixed bag" when reviewing products, but I can't think of a better way to sum up the AAXA P2-A's connectivity options. And while their basic performance may be fine, youre much less likely to get smart features or the most space-efficient designs. Buyers have many choices and can find one that fits their budget easily. This is the upper limit of some of the projectors capabilities according to their spec sheets. Evaluating your requirements and considering the above recommendations can help you to choose between a portable projector and a mini projector. The right option between a portable projector and a mini projector for a buyer will depend on their requirements. Its a 720p projector. He has written for a stack of magazines and websites including Wired, TrustedReviews, TechRadar and Stuff. This told us how much brighter projector X is than projector Y. rearranging the furniture too much, or drilling a screen into the wall. Still, if youll mostly deal with dark rooms, this projector offers the best results youll find in the super-tiny projector category. Ultimately, the M1 is a decent option for people who aren't looking to spend a whole lot (you can get the ViewSonic M1 on Amazon right now for about $300), but if you're even the slightest bit concerned about picture quality, I'd recommend spending more on a better-performing projector. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission. For kids bedrooms or camping holidays you may want to consider a lower-cost, smaller projector. You can even install games, but not all of these work perfectly. We focused on portable projectors from reasonably well-known brands, as youre much more likely to be able to get some help if something goes wrong. You can expect them to run for 1 to 2 hours on a single charge. For example, is the projector easy to set up and stow away? Although the Anker Nebula Mars II is heavy for a mini projector, it is still portable, offers HD quality, has a large speaker, and uses Android OS. But there are some concessions made to make it work better as an on-the-go movie machine. We checked out customer reviews and talked to some other experts in the field to try to cut down this list to the portable projects that youll love, rather than tolerate. As a result, the image quality and brightness will be low as compared to larger portable projectors. And, vitally, they are getting smaller every day super portable pocket projectors have become a class of product unto themselves, and two of them are currentlycrowdfunding for 2019 deliveries (and well beyond their campaign goals): Kickstarters Nebula Capsule IIand Indiegogos PIQO. The Optoma ML750ST is a sleek, 14-ounce projector with a decent amount of upside, provided youre willing to pay a little extra for it. The Anker Nebula Capsule is a smaller portable projector from the company. This is our 100-inch Luxburg projector screen, Competitive gamers might see them as a way to set up more screens at a tournament without lugging around armfuls of heavy hardware. As for which one is right for you? One of the ML750Ts bigger weaknesses is the projectors tinny, 1-watt speakerthere just isnt enough volume, even for the most modest of business presentations. Its speakers are good too, with a good amount of lower-frequency punch and very good volume. And at that price its a great deal for big-screen mid-day viewing, so keep an eye out for a bargain. Despite a claim of 500 lumen brightness, the Zenbeam S2 is not a great fit for brighter rooms either. As youll see, some of these projectors speakers are only really there for emergency purposes. Mini projectors support an image size range of 24 to 60 inches. Two parts may make you want to think twice. This is the master of afternoon films. It easily outpaces even the Optoma LH160 and Asus F1 in this scenario, with twice the light output. We used the projector during the day, with the windows open, and it still looked pretty good. But the focus tends to change slightly as you take your finger off, as the construction isnt sturdy enough. The Optoma LF160 ticks all the right boxes for portable use too. This sleek, metallic pocket projector from Asus is small enough to tuck into the pocket of a purse, weighs less than a pound, and comes with a thin, faux-leather carrying case. It's also equipped with a 6,000mAh-sized batteryno power cables required. And you probably wont want to watch a whole movie like that. This shouldnt be an issue for most people, but if you were hoping to do some spontaneous screenings in venues without a nearby wall outlet, you might want to consider a portable projector with an on-board battery. As long as you have well-lined curtains or a reasonably well-fitted blackout blind, you can use the Mars II during the day. Get the best deals and the best advice dropped right in your inbox. These are the best portable projectors we tested ranked, in order: The Anker Nebula Mars II is the best portable projector for most people. Due to their smaller size, they weigh far less as compared to portable projectors and wont increase the weight of your backpack significantly. The M1 features a lithium-ion battery for cordless operation. Mini projectors have a weak light source and a small battery and rarely go above 200 lumens. Its 1500 lumens brightness doesnt hold up nearly as well as the Epson EF-100 in brighter rooms, but does not need a fully blacked out one to look great. Its very easy to setup because so much of it is automated. The ZenBeam S2 doesnt have the fluffy friendliness of the BenQ GV1 and Mars II, as theres no app support built in, just a basic service menu that is not that quick to respond. This is where you can see the pixels, because theres more of a gap between each dot of light that makes up the image. All of our portable projector picks avoid the biggest headache of older traditional projectors: lamps. Most of them have handles for carrying them easily.