The best projectors transform your home into a personal cinema, but their size and mounting needs often limit portability. Fortunately, many portable projectors offer the convenience of movie nights under the stars, impromptu presentations, or binge-watching in tight spaces. Many boast built-in streaming apps and Wi-Fi for easy setup, while Bluetooth and HDMI support ensure seamless connectivity with your devices, even offline. Some even include rechargeable batteries capable of powering a full movie, or can be paired with the best power banks for extended use.
TL;DR – The Best Portable Projectors:
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Our Top Pick### Xgimi Halo+
1See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at Xgimi
### ViewSonic M1X
0See it at Amazon
### Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Laser
0See it at Amazon
### Nebula Mars 3 Air
0See it at Amazon
### Xgimi Horizon S Max
0See it at Amazon
### Optoma ML1080
1See it at Amazon
While compact projectors offer unmatched portability, it's important to acknowledge some trade-offs. Brightness and picture quality often fall short of larger models, making them best suited for darker environments. Features like high refresh rates and low input lag, common in gaming projectors, are typically absent. However, for space-conscious users seeking big-screen entertainment, portable projectors remain unparalleled.
Below are our top picks, ranging from tiny and budget-friendly to slightly larger models offering richer detail and color accuracy.
Xgimi Halo+
Best Portable Projector Overall
Our Top Pick### Xgimi Halo+
1A portable projector delivering a Full HD picture, up to 900 ANSI lumens brightness, and dual 5W Harman Kardon stereo speakers. See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at Xgimi
Product Specifications
Resolution: 1920x1080 pixels (DLP, HDR 10) Brightness: 900 ANSI lumens Throw range: 1.2:1 (5.21 ~ 10.46 feet) Max image size: 120 inches Battery: Yes – 2 hours Connectivity: Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5, 1x HDMI, 1x USB, 3.5mm audio jack, DC power Weight: 3.53 lbs Dimensions: 4.47” x 5.71” x 6.75”
PROS: Sharp picture, Android interface. CONS: Color accuracy could be better.
The Xgimi Halo+ stands out with its impressive features: a long-lasting battery (up to two hours), powerful Harman Kardon speakers, and a vibrant 1080p picture at up to 900 ANSI lumens, perfect for outdoor nighttime viewing. Its Android interface with Chromecast, 2GB RAM, and 16GB storage further enhances its versatility. Automatic keystone correction, autofocus, and intelligent obstacle avoidance simplify setup, while a low-latency gaming mode adds another dimension.
ViewSonic M1X
Best Budget Portable Projector
### ViewSonic M1X
0An ultra-portable projector with a convenient stand and quality Harman Kardon speakers. See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
Resolution: 854x480 pixels (LED) Brightness: 360 LED lumens Throw range: 2 feet ~ 8 feet, 8 inch Max image size: 100 inches Battery: Yes – up to 4 hours Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 1x USB-A, 1x USB-C, 1x HDMI Weight: 1.7 pounds Dimensions: 2.1" x 6.5" x 5.4"
PROS: Convenient stand, four-hour battery life. CONS: Limited resolution and brightness.
While many cheaper alternatives exist, the ViewSonic M1X delivers exceptional value in a premium, compact design. Weighing under 2 pounds and offering up to four hours of battery life, it's ideal for travel. Its built-in stand ensures easy setup, while horizontal and vertical keystone correction simplifies image alignment. The stand also doubles as a lens cover for protection. While not ideal for gaming or replacing a TV due to its limited resolution and brightness, it excels as a portable movie solution or presentation tool, with Wi-Fi and multiple ports for versatile connectivity. Its impressive Harman Kardon speakers also transform it into a great Bluetooth speaker.
Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Laser
Best 1080p Portable Projector
### Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Laser
0Enjoy crisp 1080p resolution with a 300 ANSI lumens lens, surprisingly accurate colors, and excellent contrast. See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
Resolution: 1920×1080 pixels (DLP, HDR10) Brightness: 300 ANSI lumens Throw range: 2.2 ~ 10.5 feet Max image size: 120 inches Battery: Yes – 2.5 hours Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 1x HDMI, 1x USB-C, 1x Aux out Weight: 2.1 pounds Dimensions: 3.3” x 3.3” x 6.7”
PROS: Excellent color accuracy, 8W speakers with Dolby Digital Plus. CONS: Low brightness.
The Nebula Capsule 3 Laser delivers a sharp 1080p picture via a 300 ANSI lumens lens. While its brightness limits it to darker environments, its color accuracy and contrast are exceptional. Its compact size (slightly larger than a soda can) and lightweight design make it highly portable. It includes a 2.5-hour battery and 8W Dolby Digital Plus speakers that also function as Bluetooth speakers. Android TV 11 provides easy access to streaming services and light gaming via Wi-Fi.
Nebula Mars 3 Air
Best Portable Projector for Sound
### Nebula Mars 3 Air
0Boasting dual 8W speakers and an exceptional Full HD picture, the Nebula Mars 3 Air is an excellent mid-range portable projector. See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels (DLP) Brightness: 400 ANSI lumens Throw range: Not listed Max image size: 150 inches Battery: Yes – up to 2.5 hours Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 1x USB-A, 1x HDMI Weight: 3.7 pounds Dimensions: 5.2" x 4.8" x 7"
PROS: Excellent dual 8W speakers, sleek design. CONS: Poor HDR performance.
The Nebula Mars 3 Air prioritizes sound quality, featuring dual 8W speakers that deliver rich audio for both movies and music. Its sleek, durable design is easy to transport. Google TV and Wi-Fi eliminate the need for external streaming devices. While its 400 ANSI lumens brightness is best suited for low-light conditions, its Full HD picture remains crisp and detailed, with excellent motion handling. HDR performance is a drawback, but its audio capabilities and ease of use make it a strong contender.
Xgimi Horizon S Max
Best Portable Projector for Brightness
### Xgimi Horizon S Max
0With 3,100 ISO lumens, this 4K portable projector delivers a dazzling picture. See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels (DLP) Brightness: 3100 ISO lumens Throw range: 1 feet, 8 inch ~ 15 feet Max image size: 200 inches Battery: No Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 2x USB, 1x HDMI (eARC), 1x DC Weight: 10.6 pounds Dimensions: 9.2" x 10.7" x 6.9"
PROS: Bright, feature-rich setup. CONS: No battery.
The Xgimi Horizon S Max boasts an impressive 3,100 ISO lumens, making it exceptionally bright for various environments. Its vibrant picture, solid contrast, accurate colors, and sharp resolution ensure a rich viewing experience, further enhanced by HDR support. While larger and heavier than other options, its gimbal mount and autofocus features simplify setup. Android 11 and Wi-Fi provide easy streaming, while HDMI and USB ports offer additional connectivity. Its powerful Harman Kardon speakers deliver excellent audio. However, the lack of a battery requires a wall outlet or powerful power bank.
Optoma ML1080
Best Laser Portable Projector
### Optoma ML1080
1RGB laser technology creates accurate colors and rich details for stunning picture quality. See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
Resolution: 1280x800 pixels (VGA; Full HD) Brightness: 1,200 ANSI lumens Throw range: 5.2 feet ~ 8.7 feet Max image size: 100 inches Battery: None Connectivity: 1 x USB-C power, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x USB-A power 1.5A, 1 x USB-A power 0.5A, 1 x Audio 3.5mm Weight: 2.3 lbs Dimensions: 6.18" x 5.31" x 2.68"
PROS: Stunning picture, Time-of-Flight (ToF) and four-corner correction. CONS: No battery.
The Optoma ML1080 utilizes RGB laser technology for accurate colors and rich details, surpassing many projectors of its size. Its energy-efficient laser technology produces a bright 1,200 lumens picture suitable for various settings. Full HD resolution and features like Time-of-Flight (ToF) and four-corner correction ensure perfect image projection. Its portability is enhanced by a USB-C power input, allowing use with a portable charger.
What to Look for in a Portable Projector
**Space:** Consider your viewing space and the projector's throw range to ensure it fits your needs and desired image size. For outdoor use, assess the levelness of the surface.
Brightness and Resolution: Brightness (measured in ANSI lumens) is crucial, especially outdoors. Aim for at least 800 ANSI lumens for nighttime outdoor use. Resolution (720p to 4K) should match your desired image size; higher resolution is needed for larger images.
Battery: A built-in battery is essential for portability, with longer battery life preferred. Check for battery life suitable for your viewing needs.
