The best projectors offer a cinematic experience right in the comfort of your home. However, many are large, bulky, and often require mounting, making them cumbersome to move. Fortunately, there are plenty of portable projectors that can easily be taken to a camping trip for a movie night under the stars or used in a cramped dorm room for some binge-watching.

Many portable projectors come equipped with built-in streaming apps and Wi-Fi for a hassle-free setup. Even without an internet connection, Bluetooth and HDMI support, which are standard features, allow you to stream content from your phone, tablet, or laptop. Some of the top portable projectors also include a battery that can power through an entire movie, or they can be powered by the best power banks.

While portable projectors have many advantages, they do come with some trade-offs. Smaller projectors typically can't match the brightness and picture quality of larger models, so they perform best in dark settings with minimal ambient light. Features like high refresh rates, low input lag, and specialized gaming modes found in the best gaming projectors are also absent. Despite these limitations, portable projectors are unparalleled when you need big-screen viewing in tight spaces.

Explore our top picks for portable projectors, whether you're looking for a compact and budget-friendly option or a slightly larger model that delivers vibrant details and accurate colors.

1. Xgimi Halo+

Best Portable Projector Overall

Our Top Pick

The Xgimi Halo+ is a versatile portable projector that delivers full HD resolution at 900 ANSI lumens, complemented by two 5W Harman Kardon stereo speakers. It features an Android interface with Chromecast, 2GB of memory, and 16GB of flash storage, making it a comprehensive package. With a battery life of up to two hours, automatic keystone adjustment, auto focus, and Intelligent Obstacle Avoidance, setting it up is a breeze. It even has a low-latency gaming mode for on-the-go gaming sessions.

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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
• Includes Android interface

Cons:

• Color accuracy could be better

2. ViewSonic M1X

Best Budget Portable Projector

The ViewSonic M1X offers a cost-effective solution without compromising on quality. Weighing under 2lbs and boasting up to four hours of battery life, it's ideal for camping or work trips. It features a built-in stand, horizontal and vertical keystoning, and automated four-corner adjustment for easy setup. While its resolution and brightness are limited, making it less ideal for gaming or as a TV replacement, it's perfect for presentations or movie nights. Plus, with outstanding dual 3W Harman Kardon speakers, it doubles as a great Bluetooth speaker.

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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 resolutions and brightness

3. Nebula Capsule 3 Laser

Best 1080p Portable Projector

The Nebula Capsule 3 Laser provides a crisp 1080p resolution through a 300 ANSI lumens lens, offering excellent color accuracy and contrast. Its compact size, slightly larger than a can of Coke and weighing just 2.1lbs, makes it highly portable. It features a 2.5-hour battery life and 8W speakers with Dolby Digital Plus, which can also function as Bluetooth speakers. Despite its lower brightness, it's best used at night with minimal ambient light. With Android TV 11, streaming and light gaming are seamless over Wi-Fi.

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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

4. Nebula Mars 3 Air

Best Portable Projector for Sound

Sound quality is crucial, especially for road trips or outdoor movie nights, and the Nebula Mars 3 Air excels with its dual 8W speakers delivering rich, well-rounded sound. It's also a sleek and durable midrange portable projector, featuring a Full HD picture at 400 ANSI lumens, best used in low ambient light. With Google TV built-in and Wi-Fi support, you can stream content without additional devices. The projector also doubles as a Bluetooth speaker with up to eight hours of playback.

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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 sounding dual 8W speakers
• Sleek, durable design

Cons:

• Poor HDR performance

5. Xgimi Horizon S Max

Best Portable Projector for Brightness

The Xgimi Horizon S Max boasts a staggering 3,100 ISO lumens, making it exceptionally bright for viewing in various environments. It supports 4K resolution, delivering vibrant and detailed images with solid contrast and accurate colors. While not as compact as other models, it includes features like autofocus, auto keystone adjustments, and obstacle avoidance for easy setup. Unfortunately, it lacks a battery, relying on a wall outlet or a high-powered power bank. Android 11 and Wi-Fi support ensure seamless streaming, while dual 12W Harmon Kardon speakers provide excellent sound.

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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 for easy viewing
• Loaded with features for a simple setup

Cons:

• No battery

6. Optoma ML1080

Best Laser Portable Projector

The Optoma ML1080 utilizes RGB laser technology to produce accurate colors and rich details, resulting in stunning picture quality. It's energy-efficient and capable of 1,200 ANSI lumens, making it suitable for use in ambient light. With Full HD resolution and features like Time-of-Flight (ToF) and four-corner correction, you'll enjoy a perfectly projected image. Although it doesn't have a built-in battery, its USB-C power input allows for use with a portable charger.

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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

What to Look for in a Portable Projector

Space: Before purchasing a portable projector, consider your regular viewing spaces. Check the throw range to ensure it fits your space and desired image size. For outdoor use, assess whether your environment is level enough, although automatic keystone correction can help.

Brightness and resolution: Brightness is crucial, especially for outdoor viewing. For indoor use during the day, a projector with at least 800 ANSI lumens is recommended for nighttime outdoor viewing. Resolution ranges from 720p to 4K; choose based on your intended image size. A 60-inch image at 1080p resolution is generally satisfactory.

Battery: If you plan to use the projector in locations without access to power outlets, a model with a battery is essential. Most batteries last at least 90 minutes, but some can power the projector for hours.