Best Mini Projectors for April of 2023

A decent home entertainment setup may be time-consuming and expensive. A projector may be bulky and costly, and you also have to consider where you're planning to place it. Portable projectors are useful in situations like this. They are compact, more reasonably priced, and simple enough to transport between rooms or to outdoor gatherings such as BBQs or rooftop hangs. They are also referred to as pocket or pico projectors. They can stream movies, YouTube videos, and other multimedia platforms after they are Bluetooth or wired up to a streaming device,  smartphone, laptop, or gaming console. 

Their sharpness and brightness won't be equal to those of a more premium projector, because portable projectors are all about portability and convenience. However, they are unbeatable for a spontaneous movie night inside or outside. Here are a few of the best mini projectors available for purchase online.

1. Anker Nebula Capsule II - Best Overall Mini Projector

Portability is one of the major points when it comes to buying a mini projector, and the most portable size you can get equals a soda can’s size. This is particularly due to the fact that most backpacks and bags have pockets that are fittable for canned drinks. 

This mini projector is fully equipped with everything you wish for, from a built-in speaker located at the base to an integrated app store. All you need to do is connect it via a Wi-Fi network and it’ll be ready for use. 

The projector actually utilizes Android software from Google, so together with the interface usage’s simplicity, you are provided with an app store to download apps such as Hulu or Netflix. Additionally, you also get the extra benefits of an integrated Google Assistant, which allows you to control the projector or you can control it on a smartphone application (or the provided remote). 

Generally, the Nebula Capsule II is an ideal solution for an impromptu movie night or even as a TV in the bedroom to be used occasionally. Despite its relatively high price, this projector gives you everything you could ask for. 

TOP FEATURES: 

• Contrast Ratio: Not available 

• Brightness: 200 ANSI lumens 

• Resolution: 720p 

• Projection Size: 40 to 100 inches

PROS: 

• Integrated with Android OS

• Google Assistant

• Autofocus

CONS:

• Expensive

CHECK AMAZON FOR $530

2. Optoma ML750ST - Best Mini Projector for Professional Use

The Optoma ML750ST is exactly a mini projector. Its photos can’t really express how small it is. It has a size equivalent to the palm of your hand. Thanks to its short range distance, you can have a fully sized image even when the projector is placed nearby the screen. In this situation, you can receive a projection of 100 inches from a distance of only six feet. 

The size becomes even more illusional when you consider the 20,000:1 contrast ratio and 700 ANSI lumens that you receive from this mighty machine. It’s a perfect candidate for business purposes since its brightness is sufficient for a conference room and its small size is enough to be put inside a backpack or a suitcase. Nevertheless, you’d better ensure your presentation room is dark enough to fully manifest the projected image. 

This mini projector might be slightly too expensive for some.  There’s no wireless connectivityThe projector is also a little on the expensive side. It is frustrating that there is no wireless access, and it is almost disrespectful that Optima sells an adapter for an extra fee to make up for that shortcoming. However, its small size together with the high contrast ratio makes it a strong candidate for ongoing business presentations.

TOP FEATURES: 

• Contrast Ratio: 20,000:1

• Brightness: 700 ANSI lumens

• Resolution: 1080p 

• Projection Size: 16 to 135 inches

PROS: 

• Beautiful colors

• Short range

• Carry case included

CONS:

• Wireless adapter is sold separately

• Expensive

CHECK AMAZON FOR $1053

3. ViewSonic M1+ Portable Projector - Best Design Mini Projector 

The ViewSonic M1 smart projector is one of the portable projectors that receive the most favor thanks to its self-reliant versatility. When the projector is closed, the built-in stand rises up to shield the lens from damage. It can also direct the projector to wherever it has to go when the projector is open. Generally speaking, this projector earns high scores for its smart design thanks to its integrated kickstand and fantastic look.

The drawbacks of this projector, however, are its 480p maximum resolution and occasionally buggy keystone adjustment. Nevertheless, it has a fantastic contrast ratio of 120,000 over 1 and a durable battery that can last up to 6 hours when the projector is in a saving mode. Inputs vary from USB-C and USB-A to HDMI and microSD. Additionally, it has a 3.5mm audio connection for sound output.

TOP FEATURES: 

• Contrast Ratio: 120,000:1

• Brightness: 300 lumens 

• Resolution: 480p

• Projection Size: 100 inches at max

PROS: 

• Multipurpose kickstand

• Excellent battery life

• Decent sound quality

CONS:

• Only 480p resolution at max

• Auto keystone and focus issues

CHECK AMAZON FOR $359

4. AAXA 4K1 LED Home Theater Projector - Best Mini Projector for Travel

4K projectors can also be small-sized projectors, although the AAXA 4K1 is slightly bigger than some. But the same applies to the amazing picture that this 4K machine delivers. The projector’s size is still no bigger than a box of bread, and it’s provided with a transport case that can store the remote and all the cables quite beautifully. If there were not much to be carried along with, this projector could also fit perfectly into a backpack. In terms of the remote, the IR port where the remote is aimed is a bit set back into the projector’s body, which makes it a little difficult to aim at times. 

You will need to support the projector on something in order to aim it because it has neither feet nor an aiming mechanism, which is not an ideal scenario. However, you do receive two HDMI ports and USB-A for inputs. You’ll need a headphone jack and an aux output for sound because this projector has very soft speakers. The 4K footage is clear and sharp, and the sharpness is so good that you don't mind the poor contrast ratio.

The remote also tackles keystone adjustment, but it’s not very responsive. You’ll have to make a lot of adjustments to it to make little changes on the picture.  More course controls should be added. But generally, you can’t get any better projector than this one for a 4K image quality that can fit into your bag. 

TOP FEATURES: 

• Contrast Ratio: 2000:1 

• Brightness: 1500 lumens

• Resolution: 4K

• Projection Size: 300 inches at max

PROS: 

• Beautiful picture

• Bright

• Double HDMI ports

• Remote provided

CONS:

• Fussy remote 

• Audio is too silent

• No aiming or leveling

• Keystone controls are not responsive. 

CHECK AMAZON FOR $1402

5. BenQ HT2050A - Best Mini Projector for Gaming

Using a projector for presentations and films is great, but being able to play a video game onto a 300-inch projector screen is marvelous. Gameplay requires low lag of input, which is what this projector is capable of. If it takes too long for your projector to respond to the commands it receives, then your gaming will be a total failure. The BenQ HT2050A has a gaming-oriented design with low latency. 

It’s also a projector with the brightest level on our list, at 2,200 lumens. That means you don’t have to worry about closing the curtains when you have a gaming session with your friends. Additionally, you receive a good contrast ratio so your pictures won't look faded out. RCA, VGA, microSD, and double HDMI connections can all be connected.

Despite its small size, this projector is not really portable. It’s not provided with a case, although it can be nicely put in a larger-sized bag. Even though there’s no mounting bracket, it can be purchased separately for an additional fee. However, if you want to experience gaming on another level, then this is a fantastic projector you can’t miss. 

TOP FEATURES: 

• Contrast Ratio: 15000:1 

• Brightness:  2200 lumens

• Resolution: 1080p 

• Projection Size: 300 inches at max

PROS: 

• Almost no input lag

• Very bright

• A variety of input options

CONS:

• Lack of mounting brackets

• Not portable 

• No aiming or leveling

• Keystone controls are not responsive. 

CHECK AMAZON FOR $749

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Here are our thoughts on the best mini projectors. Overall, we adore the Anker Nebula Capsule II's small size and portability. It was simply designed to be carried wherever you please. In our opinion,  what makes it superior to the other picks is the integrated Android operating system. It's fantastic since there's no need to plug anything  you can start watching stuff without having to plug anything in.  We also recommend the Viewsonic M1+ if you wish for something even more compact. It stands out from most other mini projectors just by virtue of the long-lasting battery life. The fact that it was designed with portability already raises the bar.