In the previous few years, mini projector technology has dramatically improved.
Many brands now offer portable entertainment systems that you can quickly stuff in your luggage, making them ideal for camping trips, trekking adventures, and backyard movies. The better models have built-in speakers, a long battery life, and a variety of connectivity choices for smartphones, streaming devices, and game consoles. However, the more features you want, the more money you’ll have to invest.
When it comes to projectors, the saying “you get what you pay for” holds true. Spend at least a couple hundred dollars on one that is both portable and worthwhile to watch. We’ve compiled a list of our favourite tiny projectors, as well as what’s not worth buying and how to get through lengthy product descriptions. When it comes to resolution and brightness in particular, things aren’t always as they seem!
How to Choose a Mini Projector
Portability
Mini projectors in the low price range are rarely as portable as those in the mid to high price range. Size and weight are significant considerations, particularly for journeys where you will be carrying all of your belongings.
Don’t just think about the size of the projector; also consider any cords, tripods, and additional speakers you’ll need. If you want to take a projector outside or on a camping trip, opt for one with a built-in battery so you don’t have to rely on an external power source.
Screen Size and Resolution
The screen size of a projector refers to the maximum picture size it can display, which is usually measured in inches across the diagonal. All of our recommended alternatives support a screen size of 60 inches or larger (sometimes much larger), but keep in mind that the larger the screen size, the dimmer and less sharp the projector will be. It can be difficult to sort through projector resolution claims.
A resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels is referred to as HD (high-definition). The current smartphone standard is 1920 x 1080 pixels, which is known as Full HD. The tricky aspect is that most projectors have two resolutions: native and maximum, with a significant variance between them. The physical size of the projection panel is referred to as the native resolution. The higher the quality of the image at a certain size, the larger it is.
All projectors can scale an image up from its native resolution to a maximum of HD or Full HD using software, but the more scaling is done, the poorer the image looks. Don’t expect to enjoy the viewing experience if you’re scaling from a native resolution of 320 x 240 pixels to Full HD at 100 inches, for example. Product descriptions, especially for lower-cost products, are deceptive. They’ll make you believe you’re buying an HD projector, but you aren’t unless that’s the native resolution. Pay close attention to the details.
Lumens
Lumens, a measurement of the total quantity of light visible to the human eye from a light source, are used to determine a projector’s brightness. An ANSI lumen is a recognised unit of measurement for a projector’s overall brightness or light output. The image will be brighter if the number is higher. For example, 400 ANSI lumens is appropriate for a large room, whereas 100 ANSI lumens is more appropriate for a smaller space.
To make matters even more complicated, the light from a projector’s light source dims significantly as it passes through the projector. On average, the projected image’s ANSI lumen value is only approximately 30% of what it is at its light source. Some manufacturers merely state the lumen value of their projector’s lamp and don’t explain the difference. The lumens of a tiny projector refer to the light that comes from the bulb, not the brightness of the projection.
1. Overall Best Mini Projector: Nebula Capsule II
The Nebula Capsule II Smart Mini Projector is our top pick. With only 24 ounces, this small, robust device is compact and portable. Anker’s marketing campaign compares the device’s size to that of a tall can of beer. Anker earned almost a million dollars for the original Nebula Capsule through a crowdfunding effort in 2017.
Many individuals were enthralled by the prospect of a powerful little projector that they could use in their backyards or take on road vacations, camping trips, or backpacking expeditions. More connection choices, higher resolution, and a brighter image were added in the second iteration, which improved upon the first.
At up to 100 inches, the Capsule II displays a native 720p resolution with 200 ANSI lumens of brightness. It’s not as brilliant as a larger, mounted projector, but it’s the finest you’ll get in such a small, portable package. The nearly three-hour battery life is more than enough to see you through an entire Marvel film without needing to plug in. A built-in 8W speaker is a huge plus for watching media outside. External speakers can be plugged in if you require even more volume.
Thousands of games and apps, including Hulu, YouTube, Amazon Prime, and Twitch, are available through the projector’s Android TV platform. Physical connections via HDMI and USB are available, as well as wireless connections via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Chromecast. We put the Nebula Capsule II through its paces and it didn’t let us down. The ticket price is hefty, but if you know you’ll be using your projector frequently, this is the one to choose.
Pros
- Portable design
- 720p (1280 x 720) native resolution
- Built-in 8W speaker
- Nearly three hours of battery life (or 30 hours of music)
- Access to 1000s of apps via Android TV
Cons
- High price
2. Best Mini Projector For Travel: Magnasonic LED Pocket
Although the Capsule II above may be claimed to be the greatest tiny projector for travellers, even though it’s just about the size of a pint can, individuals travelling light may find it too huge and heavy to bring with them. Magnasonic’s LED Pocket Pico Projector is extremely small, measuring around 4′′ × 3′′ and weighing only 4.5oz. It’ll fit into a tiny bag or backpack with ease, and you’ll probably forget it’s there.
The built-in battery delivers up to two hours of runtime and can project up to 60 inches. Because the device’s native resolution is only 640 x 360, don’t expect great image quality at its highest settings, but it’ll suffice for the intended use: one or two people in a small location rather than a group in a bigger environment. Shorter projection distances in dimmer spaces perform better, as does the 25 lumen brightness.
The projector comes with a variety of cables that can be used to connect the HDMI input to a variety of devices (except iPhones and iPads, since you need a separate Apple adapter for that.) There’s also a carry case, compact tripod, and microUSB charging cable included, as well as an audio connection for adding larger speakers if the inbuilt 1W model isn’t enough.
Pros
- Very compact and lightweight
- Range of connection options
Cons
- Only 640 x 360 native resolution
- Better for personal viewing than larger groups
3. Best Mini Projector For iPhone: Miroir MP289
Apple has teamed up with Miroir to sell mini projectors that can be used with the iPhone, iPad, MacBook, and Apple TV. You can project directly from your mobile device as long as you have one of Apple’s Lightning to AV adapters. The Miroir HD Mini Projector MP289 is a little projector, but it isn’t the smallest on this list, measuring 6.9 x 4.8 x 1.4′′ and weighing 27.5 oz.
Nonetheless, it’s light enough to fit in an overnight bag without having to leave anything else behind. The MP289 sports a native resolution of 1080p and a brightness of 400 lumens. It connects to whichever streaming media players you like via its HDMI port, as well as streaming material directly from your iPhone or iPad via apps on the device. It can display up to a 100-inch screen.
The built-in battery lasts up to two hours, and the two two-watt speakers are adequate for indoor use. You can use the 3.5mm audio jack to attach additional powerful speakers if you’re watching something outside or with a group of people.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- 1080p (1920 x 1080) resolution
- 2-hour battery life
Cons
- Apple-branded adapters not included
- Internal speakers may not be enough for outdoor or group viewing
- No remote control
4. Best Mini Projector Under $100: Vamvo L4500
When you get a tiny projector for less than $100, they get a lot bigger than the other versions we’ve mentioned. They’re still portable, but not in the sense that you can throw them in your bag and take them camping. They may also need a power source rather than being powered by batteries. They’re meant to be used in the backyard, not in the backcountry.
With dimensions of 7.3 x 5.6 x 3.0 inches and a weight of two pounds, the Vamvo L4500 is on the larger side of what we consider a tiny projector. It can project up to 200 inches, but with a native resolution of 1280×720, you’ll probably want to stick with a smaller screen size for better clarity. The L4500, like most cheaper micro projectors, performs best in weak light.
Colors are shockingly vivid and vibrant when the lights are turned out, yet they can appear washed out when viewed in direct sunlight. With the necessary adapter, you may connect the projector to an iPhone or Android phone. There’s also a microSD card slot for viewing locally stored movies, a USB port for flash drives, and HDMI connectivity for streaming devices and gaming consoles.
A robust travel case, as well as an HDMI cord and remote control, are included in the box for storing and carrying the projector. These and other larger projectors have built-in fans to keep them cool. If you’re in a particularly quiet room and aren’t listening to music, you’ll undoubtedly hear a faint sound, but it’ll most likely fade into the background noise.
Because the projector does not have a built-in battery and requires a power outlet, you must have one nearby everytime you use it. The speaker is normally loud enough indoors, but you can use the audio connector to connect external speakers for better sound or to use in an outdoor location. While this isn’t our favourite tiny projector, it’s an excellent choice if you’re on a tight budget and only plan on using it at a friend’s house or in your own backyard.
Pros
- Huge max projection size
- Lots of input options
- Carry bag included
- Low price
Cons
- Larger and heavier than other portable projectors
- No battery
- Native resolution too low for the maximum display size
Is There a Best Cheap Mini Projector?
When it comes to inexpensive small projectors, our advise is simple: avoid the super-budget models. Plan to spend at least $100, as anything less will result in lower quality in terms of both longevity and image quality. This is especially true when the image is large enough to be seen by numerous persons.
Cheap projectors that claim to project in HD resolution are deceiving. The Fosa Mini Projector, for example, advertises itself as a 1080p HD projector, yet its original resolution is 320 x 240 pixels. That’s a significant difference that your eyes will detect. You’ll be much satisfied with the end product if you spend a little extra on one of the other models listed above.
Final Thoughts
Backyard movie evenings are getting increasingly popular as people congregate outside for group events more frequently these days. A good tiny projector is an investment, so expect to pay $100 or more for anything worthwhile, and $200-$600 for a device with a built-in battery.
The Nebula Capsule II Smart Mini Projector is the way to go if your budget allows it. It’s the finest all-around solution because it’s small and portable, has a good speaker, robust interoperability with other devices, and direct access to thousands of apps and games.
If you want something more economical, go with the Magnasonic LED Pocket if you still want something genuinely portable, or the Vamvo L4500 if you don’t mind being confined to a power outlet.
