Best Portable Projectors of 2023

Many companies featured on ReadWrite partner with us. Opinions are our own, but compensation and in-depth research determine how products may be selected and ranked. Learn more about how we make money.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s becoming increasingly important to have access to technology that is portable and convenient. Portable projectors have become a popular choice for individuals who need a compact and lightweight device that can project images or videos onto a wall or screen.

Whether you’re looking for a projector for business presentations, travel, or movie nights, there are a variety of options available on the market. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best portable projectors on the market, as well as the key features to consider when choosing the right one for your needs.

See our full review of the best projectors overall, ranked by each category.

Featured Projectors:

• Anker NEBULA Solar Portable Projector
• Nebula Anker Capsule 3 Portable Projector
• ViewSonic M1+ Portable Projector
• ELEPHAS Tripod Portable Projector
• AuKing Portable Projector
• XGIMI Halo+ 1080P Portable Projector
• SAMSUNG The Freestyle Portable Projector
• WEMAX Go Advanced Portable Projector
• Anker NEBULA Mars II Portable Projector
• Epson Pro EX9240 Projector

Table Overview:

Anker NEBULA Solar Portable Projector

Rating: 4.3 out of 5

Key Stats:

• Brightness: 400 ANSI lumens
• Resolution: 1080p (Full HD)
• Battery Life: Up to 3 hours of video playback

Reasons to Buy

• Impressive full HD display: With a 1080p resolution, this projector offers a crisp and clear image quality for your movies, games, and presentations.
• High portability: Its compact design and built-in battery make it easy to carry and set up anywhere, allowing you to enjoy a big-screen experience without needing a power outlet.
• Android TV integration: The built-in Android TV makes it seamless to access popular streaming services, allowing you to watch your favorite content on the go.
• Autofocus and auto keystone correction: These features ensure a clear and undistorted image, regardless of the placement or angle of your projector.

Reasons to Not Buy

• Not suitable for very bright environments: The 400 ANSI lumens brightness may not be sufficient for well-lit rooms or outdoor daytime use.
• Limited battery life: The 3-hour battery life may not be enough for longer media or presentations, requiring a power source to keep the projector running.
• Price: Some may consider the price to be on the higher side for a portable projector, although it does offer many advanced features.

Pros:

• Full HD resolution (1080p)
• Built-in Android TV for easy streaming access
• Highly portable with a compact design and integrated battery
• Autofocus and auto keystone correction for easy setup

Cons:

• It may not be bright enough for well-lit environments
• Limited 3-hour battery life
• Price could be considered high for some users

Nebula Anker Capsule 3 Portable Projector

Rating: 4 out of 5

Key Stats:

• Resolution: 720p (supports up to 1080p)
• Brightness: 200 ANSI Lumens
• Battery Life: Up to 2.5 hours

Reasons to Buy:

• Portability: Lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry and set up anywhere.
• Good Brightness: 200 ANSI Lumens delivers a fairly bright image in low-light conditions.
• Built-in Speaker: The Nebula Capsule 3 features a built-in speaker, eliminating the need for additional audio equipment.

Reasons Not to Buy:

• Limited Battery Life: At 2.5 hours of playtime, the built-in battery may not last for a full-length movie or a long presentation.
• Resolution: 720p may not be sufficient for those seeking higher resolutions like 1080p or 4K.
• Price: There are more affordable portable projectors available with similar features.

Pros:

• Compact and portable design
• Android TV compatibility
• Autofocus and keystone correction
• Good brightness level for its size

Cons:

• Only 720p resolution
• Relatively short battery life
• Price might be high for some potential buyers

ViewSonic M1+ Portable Projector

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Key Stats:

• Native Resolution: 854 x 480 (supports 1080p input)
• Brightness: 300 LED Lumens
• Battery Life: Up to 6 hours on a single charge

Reasons to Buy:

• Portability: The ViewSonic M1+ is a lightweight and compact projector, making it easy to carry around and set up wherever you go.
• Smart Connectivity: With built-in Wi-Fi, it allows you to stream content directly from your devices, and it also supports Bluetooth for audio output to external speakers.
• Impressive Battery Life: With up to 6 hours of playback time, you can enjoy movies or presentations without worrying about running out of power.

Reasons to Not Buy:

• Limited Resolution: The native resolution is only 854 x 480, so images and videos may not be as crisp compared to projectors with higher resolution output.
• Not Ideal for Bright Environments: With 300 LED Lumens, the brightness is insufficient for use in well-lit rooms or during the daytime.
• Moderate Sound Quality: Though it features built-in dual Harman Kardon speakers, the audio quality may not be satisfactory for audiophiles or use in larger rooms.

Pros:

• Compact and portable design
• Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
• 6-hour battery life
• Built-in dual Harman Kardon speakers
• USB-C and HDMI input support
• 360-degree projection capabilities

Cons:

• Lower native resolution (854 x 480)
• Brightness of 300 LED Lumens may not suffice in well-lit environments
• Audio quality could be better for larger rooms or high-quality audio needs

ELEPHAS 2023 Tripod Portable Projector

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Key Stats:

• Maximum load capacity: 6.6 lbs (3kg)
• Height range: 16.5 inches (42 cm) to 50 inches (127 cm)
• Weight: 1.32 lbs (0.6 kg)

Reasons to Buy

• Lightweight and portable: The ELEPHAS Tripod Portable Projector is easy to carry around and set up, making it perfect for on-the-go presentations and movie nights.
• Adjustable height: With a height range of 16.5 inches to 50 inches, it can be adapted to suit various viewing preferences and environments.
• Sturdy design: With a maximum load capacity of 6.6 lbs, it can securely hold most projectors available in the market.

Reasons to Not Buy

• Limited load capacity: While the ELEPHAS Tripod Portable Projector can handle most projectors, some users with heavy-duty equipment may find the 6.6 lbs load capacity insufficient.
• Not suitable for outdoor use: The lightweight design and materials may not perform well in windy conditions, limiting its use in outdoor environments.

Pros:

• Lightweight and portable for easy transportation and setup
• Adjustable height to suit various viewing preferences
• Sturdy design that can hold most projectors

Cons:

• Limited load capacity may not suit heavy-duty projectors
• Not suitable for outdoor use in windy conditions

AuKing Portable Projector

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Key stats:

• Native Resolution: 800×480 pixels
• Brightness: 2600 Lumens
• Contrast Ratio: 2000:1

Reasons to buy:

• The AuKing Portable Projector offers solid performance for its size and price, making it an affordable option for movie nights, presentations or other home entertainment needs.
• With its 2600 lumens of brightness, this projector provides clear and vivid images, allowing for comfortable viewing even in moderately lit rooms.
• The projector supports a wide range of input sources, including HDMI, USB, VGA, and AV, making it compatible with most devices, such as laptops, gaming consoles or streaming devices.

Reasons not to buy:

• The native resolution of 800×480 pixels may not be suitable for those looking for a projector that offers full HD quality. However, this projector does support 1080p video input.
• The built-in speaker might not provide enough audio power for larger rooms or outdoor settings; an external speaker system might be required for better audio quality.

Pros:

• Affordable and compact.
• 2600 lumens provide a bright and clear image.
• Multiple input options for versatility.
• Easy setup and use.

Cons:

• Native resolution is not full HD.
• Built-in speaker may not be sufficient for all settings.

XGIMI Halo+ 1080P Portable Projector

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Key Stats:

• Resolution: 1080P (1920×1080)
• Brightness: 900 ANSI Lumens
• Battery life: Up to 4 hours

Reasons to Buy:

• Portable Design: The XGIMI Halo+ is lightweight and compact, making it perfect for presentations, outdoor movie nights or for use while traveling.
• 1080P Resolution: The high-definition resolution delivers clear, sharp and vibrant images ensuring an enjoyable viewing experience for movies, TV shows, and gaming.
• Android TV Platform: With built-in Android TV, you have access to thousands of apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu, bringing a wide variety of content to your fingertips.

Reasons to Not Buy:

• Price: The higher price point may deter some potential buyers, as there are cheaper alternatives available in the market.
• Limited Brightness: The 900 ANSI Lumens brightness may not be suitable for well-lit environments, which could impact the overall viewing experience.
• No Built-in Google Assistant: Unlike some other projectors, the XGIMI Halo+ does not offer built-in Google Assistant, which can make navigating the Android TV platform less convenient.

Pros:

• Compact and portable design
• Sharp 1080p resolution
• Android TV platform with a wide variety of content
• Easy setup and use
• Built-in Harman Kardon speakers provide impressive audio quality

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to other portable projectors
• Limited brightness in well-lit environments
• No built-in Google Assistant functionality

SAMSUNG The Freestyle Portable Projector

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Key Stats:

• Resolution: Full HD (1920 x 1080)
• Brightness: 450 ANSI lumens
• Battery life: Up to 3 hours

Reasons to Buy:

• Portability: The Samsung Freestyle projector is compact and lightweight, making it easy to take anywhere for on-the-go entertainment and presentations.
• Auto-level and Auto-focus: The device offers an automatic leveling feature and smart auto-focus for easy setup and hassle-free projection.
• Connectivity: The Freestyle projector offers various connectivity options, including Bluetooth speakers, USB-C, Wi-Fi streaming, and screen mirroring.

Reasons Not to Buy:

• Price: The Samsung Freestyle projector might be considered expensive compared to other portable projectors in the market.
• Limited battery life: With a maximum battery life of 3 hours, it may not be suitable for lengthy presentations or movies without an external power source.
• Lower brightness: The 450 ANSI lumens brightness might not be sufficient for use in well-lit environments, necessitating a dark setting for optimal image quality.

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight design for portability
• Auto-level and auto-focus features for easy setup
• Multiple connectivity options
• Full HD resolution

Cons:

• Higher price range compared to competitors
• Limited battery life
• Brightness may not be sufficient in well-lit environments

WEMAX Go Advanced Portable Projector

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Three Key Stats:

• Native Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels (Full HD)
• Brightness: 5500 Lumens
• Projection Size: 40-300 inches

Reasons to Buy:

• The WEMAX Go Advanced Portable Projector delivers outstanding full HD image quality making it perfect for movie nights, presentations, or gaming.
• At 5500 lumens, this projector provides clear and vibrant images, even in well-lit rooms or outdoor settings.
• The portable design and built-in speaker make it easy to transport and set up in various environments, allowing for a versatile and user-friendly experience.

Reasons to Not Buy:

• The WEMAX Go Advanced Portable Projector might be a bit expensive for those on a tight budget, with cheaper alternatives available on the market.
• The battery life of only 2.5 hours may require users to frequently recharge during extended periods of use.
• The projector may struggle with displaying content at very large screen sizes, causing a loss of image clarity in some cases.

Pros:

• Full HD resolution provides excellent image quality
• Bright 5500 lumens display works well in various lighting conditions
• Portable and easy to set up for any occasion
• Comes with a built-in speaker for convenience
• Wide projection size range, suitable for different spaces

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to some alternatives
• Limited battery life of 2.5 hours
• Image clarity might suffer at very large screen sizes

Anker NEBULA Mars II Portable Projector

Rating: 4.3 out of 5

Key Stats:

• Resolution: 1280 x 720p HD, supports 4K and 1080p input
• Brightness: 300 ANSI Lumens
• Battery Life: Up to 4 hours of continuous video playback

Reasons to Buy:

• Excellent image quality with a max size of 150 inches, making it perfect for home entertainment and outdoor movie nights.
• Built-in Android 7.1 operating system allows you to download popular streaming apps directly onto the projector.
• Autofocus and keystone correction functions make setup quick and easy.

Reasons to Not Buy:

• Maximum resolution is only 720p, which may not be suitable for some users looking for higher resolution.
• The internal speaker’s audio quality may not be sufficient for larger or noisier environments, requiring an external speaker.
• Relatively expensive compared to some other portable projectors with higher resolution capabilities.

Pros:

• Compact design and built-in handle for easy portability
• Runs on a rechargeable battery, saving you from the hassle of constantly finding power sources
• Good quality image and color reproduction
• Autofocus and keystone correction for easy setup
• Built-in Android system for streaming apps

Cons:

• Maximum resolution of 720p may not be suitable for those who require higher resolution
• Internal speaker may not be sufficient for larger or noisier environments
• Relatively expensive compared to competitors
• Limited app availability due to exclusive Nebula app store
• Some users may experience limitations with app compatibility on the Android operating system

Epson Pro EX9240 Projector

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Three Key Stats:

• Brightness: 4,000 lumens
• Resolution: Full HD 1080p (1920 x 1080)
• Contrast Ratio: 16,000:1

Reasons to Buy:

• High brightness and contrast ratio ensure clear, vibrant images, even in well-lit rooms.
• 1080p resolution delivers sharp, detailed images for presentations and videos.
• Flexible connectivity options, including HDMI, USB, and wireless streaming, make it easy to connect to a variety of devices.
• Quick and easy setup, with features like auto-vertical keystone correction.
• Portable and lightweight design allows for easy transportation and storage.

Reasons to Not Buy:

• Short throw distance may not be ideal for small rooms or limited space.
• No lens shift functionality, making precise image alignment more difficult.
• Higher price point compared to some competitors with similar specs.
• Lamp life may be shorter than some other projectors on the market.

Pros:

• Excellent image quality with high brightness and contrast
• Full HD resolution for detailed images
• Multiple connection options, both wired and wireless
• Easy and quick setup
• Portable design

Cons:

• Limited throw distance may not suit all environments
• Lack of lens shift for easier image alignment
• Higher price point in comparison to some competitors
• Potentially shorter lamp life

Frequently Asked Questions: FAQ

Q: What is a portable projector?

A: A portable projector is a compact and lightweight device that can project images or videos onto a wall or screen, without the need for a traditional TV or monitor. They are designed to be easily carried around, making them ideal for travel, presentations, and movie nights.

Q: What are the benefits of using a portable projector?

A: Portable projectors offer several benefits, including portability, convenience, and versatility. They are easy to transport and set up, making them ideal for outdoor events, business presentations, and travel. Additionally, many portable projectors offer high-quality images and are compatible with a range of devices, including laptops, smartphones, and gaming consoles.

Q: What should I look for when buying a portable projector?

A: When buying a portable projector, there are several factors to consider, including brightness, resolution, portability, connectivity, and battery life. You should also consider the type of projection technology used, such as DLP or LCD, as well as the lamp life and warranty.

Q: How bright should a portable projector be?

A: The brightness of a portable projector is measured in lumens, and the ideal brightness will depend on the intended use of the projector. For example, a projector that will be used in a dark room may only need around 500-1000 lumens, while a projector used in a well-lit room may need at least 2000 lumens or more.

Q: What is the best resolution for a portable projector?

A: The resolution of a portable projector refers to the number of pixels displayed on the screen. For the best image quality, a portable projector with a resolution of 1080p or higher is recommended. However, lower-resolution projectors may still provide a satisfactory image, depending on the intended use.

Q: What are the best portable projectors on the market?

A: There are many excellent portable projectors available, and the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.

Q: Can I connect my phone or laptop to a portable projector?

A: Yes, most portable projectors offer a range of connectivity options, including HDMI, USB, and wireless options like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. This makes it easy to connect your smartphone, laptop, or other devices to the projector and display your content on a larger screen.

Q: How long does the battery last on a portable projector?

A: The battery life of a portable projector will vary depending on the model and usage. Some projectors offer battery life of up to 5 hours or more, while others may only last for a couple of hours. It’s important to consider the battery life when choosing a portable projector, especially if you plan to use it for extended periods without access to a power source.

Conclusion

In conclusion, portable projectors offer a convenient and versatile solution for individuals who need to display content on a larger screen without the need for a traditional TV or monitor.

With so many options available on the market, it’s important to consider factors such as brightness, resolution, portability, connectivity, and battery life when choosing a portable projector. By doing so, you can ensure that you find a device that meets your specific needs and budget.

Whether you’re using a portable projector for business presentations, travel, or entertainment, the options available today provide high-quality images and are easy to transport and set up.

Featured Image Credit and Inner Article Image Credit: For Sale on the Product Page; Amazon; Thank you!