During the pandemic, families have found more ways to enjoy entertainment at home, including by streaming their favorite movies and TV shows using a portable projector. And while the winter months are in full swing, these mobile devices make entertainment as immersive indoors as outdoors.
There are hundreds of portable projectors on the market, covering every price point and every feature you could possibly need. When you decide which is right for you, consider characteristics like price, picture quality, connectivity, etc.
Keep reading to find the best portable projectors in 2022.
Epson EpiqVision Mini EF11 . Laser Projector
Best high-end portable projector
If budget is not an issue, then consider the Epson EpiqVision Mini EF11 Laser Projector which, despite its hefty price tag, is one of Epson’s more affordable EpiqVision projectors. With 1080p resolution and 3LCD projection technology, this Epson device boasts stunning picture quality for movies, games, sporting events, etc. Its brightness and viewing angles will be the last worry. with up to 1,000 lumens and a 30-150 inch projection size.
The Epson EpiqVision Mini EF11 has impressive connectivity to streaming solutions such as Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Android TV. It has a built-in HDMI port to make streaming content a breeze. The unit features a two-speaker sound system – one specially designed for high frequencies, while the other is for bass reflex and low frequencies.
Epson projectors have excellent reviews on Amazon, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Customers particularly like its brightness, picture quality, and remote control.
Advantage:
- Project up to 150″ with 1080p . resolution
- Built-in dual speaker sound system
- Ability to connect to streaming devices
Defect:
- High price tag
- Only 1 HDMI port
Anker Nebula Capsule
The best 720p projector with 360-degree sound
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. Thanks to its cylindrical design, the device is smoothed at the edges, creating a 360-degree audio experience and projection up to 100 inches.
Anker Nebula Capsule is compatible with HDMI and USB devices to connect to laptops, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch and other devices. What really stands out is the built-in Android operating system, which lets you download your favorite media and streaming apps like YouTube and Netflix right from the projector.
Nebula Capsule has excellent reviews on Amazon, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars out of 4,914 users.
Advantage:
- Excellent color quality
- 360 degree sound system
- More than 4 hours of battery life
Defect:
- 720p resolution only
- Could be brighter for outdoor use
- Outdated software
ViewSonic M2 . portable smart mini projector
The best smart portable projector
The ViewSonic M2 portable smart mini projector has excellent video quality, with 1080p resolution and a projection screen from up to 100 inches. It also has excellent color accuracy and premium Bluetooth audio built in.
ViewSonic devices are known for their smart device capabilities. It includes Wi-Fi connectivity with the app store, allowing you to use various streaming services. You can also use voice control for Amazon Alexa or the Google Assistant. It also connects via HDMI and USB Type C to media players, PCs, Macs and other mobile devices.
ViewSonic projectors have good reviews on Amazon, with an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars. Customers particularly liked the material quality, value for money and sound quality.
Advantage:
- 1080p resolution
- Bluetooth speaker system
- Smart connection
Defect:
- High price tag
- Battery is not included
BenQ GV2 . Wireless Mini Portable Projector
The best portable projector for outdoor use
The BenQ GV2 projector is perfect for those who enjoy spending their free time outdoors. The device is shock and drop resistant, which means you can safely use it on your outdoor adventures. It has 1080p for HD picture and 4-watt pairing audio with Bluetooth speakers.
Project BenQ connects to various streaming services using Aptoide. It offers Wi-Fi and hotspot mode for various forms of entertainment. You can also connect devices like FireStick, Roku, and Apple TV via HDMI.
BenQ projectors are fairly well-reviewed on Amazon, with an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. Customers particularly liked the brightness, picture quality and sound quality.
Advantage:
- Designed for outdoor use
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Compatible with streaming services
Defect:
- Speaker quality
- Compact size does not pack the largest battery
Projector Yaber V2 Wi-Fi Mini
Best budget projector
Many portable projectors come with a hefty price tag, but the Yaber V2 projector is the perfect choice for those who want great quality at an affordable price point. It includes full-screen 1080p and up to 200 inches of projection, double the range of some of the more expensive alternatives. You also get built-in dual stereo speakers, essential to any viewing experience.
Yaber’s Wi-Fi capabilities make it easy to connect to both iOS and Android devices to mirror movies, videos, photos, and games. It can also connect to your other devices including TV boxes, Fire Stick TVs, Chromecast, PCs, laptops, tablets, etc. One of the few trade-offs we’ve seen with projectors This means that certain streaming services, like Netflix and Prime Video, cannot be played through the apps on your mobile device.
Despite costing considerably less than traditional portable projectors, the Yaber V2 promises a satisfying entertainment experience, earning an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Advantage:
- Affordable price tag
- Wi-Fi capabilities
- Projection up to 200″
Defect:
- 720p resolution is not the sharpest when projected at maximum size
- Streaming is not supported for many mobile apps
What is the best projector?
The best projector is the Epson EpiqVision Mini EF11 laser projector due to its high resolution, speaker system and connectivity.
How did we choose these portable projectors?
There are many portable projectors on the market and it can be difficult to figure out which one is right for you. To choose the best portable projector for 2021, we considered many factors, including price, resolution, connectivity, picture quality, etc.
Our goal with this list was to find a projector to suit every need and price point. As a result, we selected both premium and entry-level projectors, as well as one designed for outdoor use and one with outstanding smart capabilities. Therefore, every shopper can find one in the list that suits their needs.
Which projector is right for you?
Now that we’ve featured our favorite projectors, how do you decide which is best for you? First, consider your budget. The projectors on this list come in a variety of price points, from under $100 to $700. Narrowing your budget can help determine the best options for you.
Next, consider situations where you would like to use your portable projector. Will you use it at your next backyard barbecue or are you hoping to use it on your next outdoor adventure?
It is important to consider your connection needs. First, do you want a smart device that can connect to other devices wirelessly? Or do you want to be able to connect other devices via the HDMI or USB input?
Finally, we recommend taking the time to read customer reviews and feedback, as they provide insights beyond marketing and spec sheets.
Does the portable projector need to be plugged in?
Many portable projectors have batteries, which means you can use them for several hours at a time without plugging them in. If you want to connect a laptop or computer to your projector, most should have an HDMI or USB port for mirroring.
Can you watch Netflix on a portable projector?
Many portable projectors allow you to stream Netflix and other streaming services. But some limit your ability to mirror and stream content based on your subscription.
Are there any alternatives worth considering?
The five projectors on our list are some of the most popular on the market, but they’re certainly not the only ones. There are plenty of other projectors out there that might suit your needs. Some other popular options include:
