Top 20 Best Mini Projectors in 2023

The main appeal of the mini or pico projector is that it’s like the mobile version of a traditional big box projector. Everything’s mobile and smart nowadays, so why not put projectors into the mix? You can use these projectors as a portable movie theater, in other words.

The absolute best ones only need a small stand or a table near your projector screen or wall to work. Afterwards, when you dim the lights and/or close the blinds, you’re good to go. No more need of FireSticks or dongles either—these projectors can connect to Netflix and Hulu on their own.

With that in mind, here are the Top 20 Best Mini Projectors in 2023. What new projector technologies await you this year?

1. BenQ GS50 1080p Wireless Outdoor Projector (Best Outdoor)

The BenQ GS50 1080p Wireless Outdoor Projector is a quality Wi-Fi projector that can serve as a display for Chromecast, AirPlay, Android TV, and HDTV. It is IPX2 drop resistant and splash resistant. It can connect to anything with USB-C and HDMI connections.

It even comes with its own Extra Bass Bluetooth Speaker, so you don’t need to necessarily pair-up earphones or earpods to listen to the movie you’re watching or TV show you’re marathoning.  

Its main issue is that even though it’s a good product, certain customers struggle in getting Netflix going. It’s not impossible; it’s just difficult to install all the right apps and menus to make it work via Apple mirroring.

Pros

• Drop and splash resistance
• Extra bass with the speakers
• Big and clear cinematic picture

Cons

• Complex app installation and setup

Resolution: 1080p | Brightness: 500 ANSI | Contrast Ratio: 100,000:1 | Projection Size: 30 inches to 112 inches

2. Anker NEBULA Capsule II Smart Portable Projector (Best Overall)

BenQ GS50 slightly edges out the Anker Nebula Capsule II Smart Portable Projector in terms of quality but only barely. This is good news since Anker Nebula is about 300 bucks cheaper than the BenQ model, give or take a hundred. 

The Anker Nebula Capsule II is a 720p HD and 200 ANSI lumen mini projector that offers compatibility with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi as well as Android TV 9.0. Its image can reach up to 100 inches in size without losing sharpness and it even comes with its own 8W Speaker. 

It’s Amazon’s Choice in Video Projectors by NEBULA to boot. In terms of flaws, some users complain that their Anker Capsule II distorts the image and freezes. Those might be malfunctioning models though.

Pros

• Built-in Android OS
• Sharp and colorful imagery
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi compatibility

Cons

• Freezes and distorts images

Resolution: 720p | Brightness: 200 ANSI lumens | Contrast Ratio: 600:1 | Projection Size: 40 inches to 100 inches

3. Xiaomi MI Smart Video Projector 2 (Best Short Throw Projection)

Xiaomi MI Smart Video Projector 2 is even cheaper than BenQ and Anker NEBULA. It’s rated about the same as the BenQ mini projector too but by more people. It has a higher Full HD resolution compared to the Anker Capsule II at 1080p Full HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixels). It even comes with Dolby Audio.

It can fit screens up to 120 inches in size with a 1.2:1 throw ratio to boost. Its throw ratio means you can project that large display even in a smaller room or with the projector relatively close to the screen or wall. Its main flaw are complaints that its image becomes out of focus or blurry after 30 minutes.

Pros

• Portability
• Huge projection size 
• Small-room projection

Cons

• Out of focus after 30 minutes

Resolution: 1080p | Brightness:  1,300 ANSI lumens | Contrast Ratio: 1,500:1 | Projection Size: Up to 120 inches

4. XGIMI Elfin Mini Projector (Best Gaming)

XGIMI Elfin Mini Projector is another projector that shares the same ratings as Xiaomi and BenQ but it is more under Xiamo’s price range. This is also a 1080p portable projector that boasts ultra compact design. It also supports 4K inputs for gaming and movies. Yes, it’s also a gaming projector.

It has features like obstacle avoidance, screen adjustment, and automatic focusing as part of its propriety screen adaptation technology. It also has 800 ANSI lumens of brightness or much higher brightness than Anker’s mini projector.

Its worst reviews cite issues with factory defects, software bugs, and dead pixels.

Pros

• Dependable remote
• High-volume loudspeakers
• Built-in Google TV/Chromecast

Cons

• Factory defects like dead pixels and software bugs

Resolution: 1080p FHD Native and 4K Support | Brightness: 800 ANSI lumens | Contrast Ratio: 1,000:1 | Projection Size: Up to 150 inches

5. WEMAX Portable Projector for Outdoor Movie Viewing (Best 4K Support)

The WEMAX Portable Projector for Outdoor Movie Viewing is ranked by users as lower than the BenQ, Anker NEBULA, Xiaomi, and XGIMI mini projectors. However, it’s still a decent projector that belongs on this list within the same price range as a BenQ. 

The WEMAX or WeMax DLP Portable Projector features benefits like 700 ANSI lumens in brightness, auto-focus feature for instant clarity, 1080p Full HD resolution, 4K Ultra HD support, 4-points keystone correction for projection at weird angles, and an ultra short throw ratio.

The main issues users have with this model involve units with auto-focus issues, some that stopped working within 3 months, and the projector being “overpriced” for its features.

Pros

• 4K UHD support
• Auto-focus for instant clarity
• 4–points keystone correction

Cons

• Overpriced and defective units

Resolution: 1080p FHD Native | Brightness: 700 ANSI lumens | Contrast Ratio: 350:1 | Projection Size: Up to 120 inches

6. KODAK Luma 150 Ultra Mini Pocket Pico Projector (Best Connectivity)

The KODAK Luma 150 Ultra Mini Pocket Pico Projector is probably the lowest priced mini projector (actually, a pico projector) on this list. The DLP and LED Movie and Video Travel Projector is designed to wirelessly connect to Android and iPhone to mirror their displays.

For about 200 bucks, you get a special feature pico projector with USB connectivity, a native resolution of 480p (not exactly HD or Full HD), 1080p FHD support, and multiple methods for viewing. It’s compatible with mobile devices, PC, laptop, storage drives, cameras, and so forth.

Its main claim to fame is that it’s portable and offers decent features for a device its size. It’s also cheap yet has very limited capabilities. You get what you pay for. Loads of users dig it though.

Pros

• Universal connectivity
• Screencast and mirroring
• Multiple methods of viewing

Cons

• Cheap but has limited abilities

Resolution: 480p with FHD support  | Brightness: 60 ANSI lumens | Contrast Ratio: 3,500:1 | Projection Size: 5 inches to 80 inches

7. CINEMOOD Portable Movie Theater (Best Portability)

The CINEMOOD Portable Movie Theater has an even lower user rating than WEMAX Portable Projector. Despite this, it’s more expensive than the KODAK Luma 150 Ultra Mini Pocket Pico Projector at 300 bucks instead of more than 200 bucks. 

Its main claims to fame is that it’s wireless, wall-mountable, extremely small, usable for educational Disney content and it’s serviceable for streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube. It’s also portable, allowing you to view movies and programs on the big screen anytime and anyplace. 

The main complaints with this product include its rudimentary navigation options and compatibility issues with certain streaming services. 

Pros

• Wall-mountable projector
• Portability and streamlined size
• Multipurpose projector for streaming and presentations

Cons

• Compatibility issues with streaming services

Resolution: 480p with FHD support | Brightness: 100 ANSI lumens | Contrast Ratio: 1,000:1 | Projection Size: Up to 150 inches

8. AAXA P7 Mini Projector with Battery (Best Travel)

The AAXA P7 Mini Projector with Battery also has a lower score than WEMAX Portable Projector but it’s at least higher than what CINEMOOD got. This mini projector is impressive in its own right with its native 1080p resolution, Bluetooth 4.0 support, and over 30,000 hours of LED light power. 

The DLP projector has a long-lasting 38W Lithium Ion Battery that makes it possible to do those Marvel Cinematic Universe or Arrested Development marathons before needing your next recharge. It also supports HDMI, USB, microSD, AV, and mini-VGA connections on top of wireless support.

It has lower user scores than it could’ve gotten mainly because of quality control issues lowering its ratings down. 

Pros

• 30,000 LED life
• Dynamic contrast ratio
• Multiple wired and wireless support

Cons

• Quality control issues and defective units

Resolution: 1080p FHD | Brightness:  600 ANSI lumens | Contrast Ratio: 2,000:1 | Projection Size: Up to 120 inches

9. Anker NEBULA Capsule Mini Projector (Best Laser Light)

The Anker NEBULA Capsule Mini Projector shares ratings with AAXA, but AAXA has more users rating it as such. The ultra short throw laser projector supports HDMI, Aux Out, Type-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Screen Mirroring for smartphones and tablets.

The NEBULA-brand pocket projector enjoys a built-in 52Wh built-in battery, laser light source, auto-focus features, auto keystone correction, 2.5 hour battery life, Dolby Digital speakers, Android TV 11.0 compatibility, an image size of 120 inches, and 1080p Full HD native resolution.

Its main issue is its expensiveness and how Capsule II is the more worthwhile upgraded version of the same projector.

Pros

• Laser light source
• 2.5-hour battery life
• 52Wh built-in battery

Cons

• Overpriced and Capsule II is better

Resolution: 1080p FHD | Brightness: 341 ANSI lumens | Contrast Ratio: 400:1 | Projection Size: 40 inches to 100 inches

10. ViewSonic M1+ Portable LED Projector (Best Design)

The ViewSonic M1+ Portable LED Projector scores about the same as a WEMAX but with more user ratings. So it’s at least better in terms of Amazon ratings than CINEMOOD, AAXA, and NEBULA Anker Capsule. The LED projector also comes with requisite if basic features. 

It’s not Full HD natively—it’s 480p with FHD support, just like the KODAK Luma. It has flexible connectivity with its support for HDMI, USB-C, Wi-Fi, and MicroSD plus 12 gigabytes of local storage. We particularly like its premium Harman Kardon Bluetooth audio and Cinema SuperColor+ tech.

It’s ultimately an affordable, good portable projector. However, users have serious issues in making its Screen Mirroring or streaming features work, so its score suffers because of it.

Pros

• Great sound
• Solid battery life
• Versatile stand and unit design

Cons

• Hard to set up its streaming or screen mirroring

Resolution: 480p with HD support | Brightness: 300 ANSI lumens | Contrast Ratio: 120,000:1 | Projection Size: Up to 100 inches

11. Anker NEBULA Solar Portable 1080p Projector (Best Cinematic Visuals)

The Anker NEBULA Solar Portable 1080p Projector is a native Full HD projector with a decently bright 400 ANSI lumen or 1,100 lumen brightness as well as 4K support. It also has a 3-hour battery life for outdoor and indoor use and cinematic visuals on a 120-inch image.

Unlike the other projectors, it comes with its own built-in stand. It also has keystone correction, auto focus, and HDR10 support. It’s easy to adjust with the stand, its Android TV 9.0 support allows for 5,000 app access, and you can stream with favorites like Hulu and YouTube.

According to users, it’s good until it stops working. If you get defective units, it becomes an expensive paper weight.

Pros

• Cinematic visuals
• Adjustable built-in stand
• Auto-focus and keystone correction

Cons

• Issues with “bricking” and defective units

Resolution: 1080p FHD with 4K support | Brightness:  400 ANSI lumens | Contrast Ratio: 1,000:1 | Projection Size: Up to 120 inches

12. SAMSUNG Smart Portable Projector (Best Picture Quality)

The SAMSUNG Smart Portable Projector has a higher rating than CINEMOOD but so far it’s only CINEMOOD that it’s better at. Everything else so far has higher ratings than Samsung. It’s a point-and-play projector that allows you to view movies anywhere.

The Samsung 30″ – 100″ The Freestyle FHD HDR Smart Portable Projector is your theater-on-the-go. It also features easy setup and gives you smart entertainment, which means you can use it to play movies, stream programs, or play games on the big screen. However, it has been called over-hyped. 

Some models stop working altogether (a quality control issue). Even working models should only be used in rooms without light. Even a bit of ambient light robs its clarity.

Pros

• Easy to setup device
• Smart device with HDR support 
• Multipurpose gaming and movie projector

Cons

• Over-hyped device that works best in dark rooms.

Resolution: 1080p FHD  | Brightness: 197 ANSI lumens (550 lumens) | Contrast Ratio: 300:1 | Projection Size: 30 inches to 100 inches

13. ELEPHAS 2023 1080p HD Mini Projector (Best Cost-Effective)

The ELEPHAS 2023 1080p HD Mini Projector is an 8,000-lumen portable projector with its own carry bag and tripod. It’s the 2023 upgrade to an earlier model. It’s a decent mini projector with a rating similar to the Anker Nebula Capsule II Smart Projector.

If you want more bang for your buck, then go for Amazon’s Choice in Video Projectors by ELEPHAS. It’s one of the smallest HD projectors out there. It even comes with its own stand, built-in Hi-Fi speaker, and 24-bit true color support for a cinematic experience with 16.77 million colors.

It’s functional but users have complained about its dark picture and blurry edges as well as it not working with USB despite allegedly being compatible with Android/iOS/Windows/TV Stick/HDMI/USB.

Pros

• Decent Hi-Fi speaker
• Cinematic 24-bit true color 
• One of the smallest projectors

Cons

• Low brightness and blurry edges

Resolution: 480p with FHD support | Brightness: 4,600 ANSI lumens (8,000 lumens) | Contrast Ratio: 6,000:1 | Projection Size:  Up to 236 inches

14. GooDee FHD 1080p Mini Projector (Best Value)

The GooDee FHD 1080p Mini Projector is a 4K-supported mini projector with native Full HD 1080p resolution and Wi-Fi connectivity. It also supports Bluetooth to boot. It’s also available for less than 200 bucks. Most importantly, it’s the highest rated projector on this list so far.

According to at least 1,000 users, it’s the cream of the crop mini projector. It works with 2.4G to 5G, thus allowing you to synchronize with your smartphone screen easily. It also comes with Dolby Audio and a built-in Hi-Fi stereo speaker.

One user claims it constantly freezes and plays choppy video. Another user complains about the cord not going in correctly and easily disconnects. It’s the best one overall because it provides the best value.

Pros

• 2.4G to 5G stability
• Dolby audio for its Hi-Fi stereo
• Highest user ratings on Amazon (for this Top 20 list)

Cons

• Issues with freezing and choppy video

Resolution: 720p HD with FHD support | Brightness: 600 ANSI lumens | Contrast Ratio: 2,400:1 | Projection Size: Up to 100 inches

15. ELEPHAS Mini Projector with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (Best Wireless) 

The ELEPHAS Mini Projector with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth is Amazon’s second choice for top ELEPHAS projectors. It’s probably the earlier version. The DLP unit comes with a built-in rechargeable battery and speaker, 5G wireless connectivity, and ultra short throw pico pocket projection.

Its main benefits is that it’s portable, long battery life of over 2 hours, and brightness that allows it to be visible even in daylight if you put it a meter from the wall. Its image quality is much lower than the native 1080p projectors on its list. Its speakers also have poor bass and basic sound.

Critics say it doesn’t work with iPhone wireless casting and USB connectivity despite having a USB slot.

Pros

• Portability that ensures easy access viewing
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for streaming
• A long battery life of 2 hours from built-in rechargeable battery

Cons

• Speakers have poor bass and it has USB connectivity issues

Resolution: 480p with FHD support | Brightness: 4,600 ANSI lumens (8,000 lumens) | Contrast Ratio: 6,000:1 | Projection Size:  Up to 236 inches

16. DBPOWER Native 1080p Wi-Fi Projector (Biggest Screen Size)

Speaking of native 1080p projector, the DBPOWER Native 1080p Wi-Fi Projector is an excellent example of this projector type. It’s practically universally compatible with smartphones, laptops, PCs, DVD/BD players, and TVs. It has native Full HD display with 4K support.

It also has about the same user ratings as KODAK Luma and Anker NEBULA Solar Portable Projectors. However, it has more user ratings than Anker, but KODAK outdoes both in that department. Users mostly marvel at its cost-effective price of 200 bucks that justifies its not-so-bright projection.

Its main complaints include how its brightness is nowhere close to its claimed 9,500 lumens and how it has numerous quality control issues (some defective units brought its Amazon score down).

Pros

• Latest Wi-Fi Screen Sync Technology
• High contrast ratio for clearer pictures
• Universal connectivity from smartphones to DVD players

Cons

• Low brightness compared to what’s advertised (lumens discrepancy)

Resolution: 1080p Native FHD with 4K support  | Brightness:  450 ANSI lumens (9,500 lumens) | Contrast Ratio: 10,000:1 | Projection Size: 40 inches to 300 inches

17. ViewSonic M2e 1080p Portable Projector (Best Contrast Ratio)

The ViewSonic M2e 1080p Portable Projector shares Amazon ratings with both the ViewSonic M1+ and WEMAX Portable Projector. It’s a big-screen LED projector that allows it to project 100 inches from only 8 feet to 9 inches away. Its operating temperature ranges from 0°C to 40°C.

Its premium audio is thanks to its dual built-in Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers loud enough to cover an entire room with sound. It also boasts of simplified projector streaming and vivid 125% Rec. 709 color accuracy and HDR content support.

Its main criticisms is that it has outdated tech and relatively poor performance compared to its updated and upgraded peers.

Pros

• HDR content support
• 125% Rec. 709 color accuracy
• LED projector with huge screen projection

Cons

• Outdated tech and poor performance relative to competition

Resolution: 1080p FHD | Brightness: 400 ANSI lumens  | Contrast Ratio: 3,000,000:1 | Projection Size: 30 inches to 100 inches

18. Anker NEBULA Capsule 4-Hour Portable Projector (Best Battery Life)

The Anker NEBULA Capsule 4-Hour Portable Projector shares ratings with its upgraded version, the Capsule II, exactly because of its main claim to fame of 4 hours of maximum playtime. It’s the best version of the NEBULA Capsule that isn’t the Capsule Ii for this reason.

This and its 300 bucks price point make it Amazon’s Choice in Video Projectors by NEBULA. It’s also sought after by customers for its 100-inch image, watch-anywhere portability, 360° surround-sound speaker, and its 480p native resolution with FHD 1080p support. 

The catch for this projector is its poor brightness, quality control issues, and complaints of projector failure on some units. When it works, it’s highly recommended.

Pros

• 4-hour rechargeable battery
• Unique 360° surround-sound speaker
• Amazon’s Choice for NEBULA video projectors 

Cons

• Poor brightness and quality control issues

Resolution: 480p with FHD support | Brightness: 100 ANSI lumens | Contrast Ratio: 400:1 | Projection Size: Up to 100 inches

19. Anker NEBULA Mars II Pro Portable Projector (Best Plug and Play)

The Anker Nebula Mars II Pro Portable Projector is a native 720p HD projector with FHD support. Its projected image can fit projection screens sized 40 inches to 100 inches. It can be used both indoors and outdoors, like many other NEBULA projectors on this list. 

The DLP projector is a plug-and-play type of projector with wireless capabilities that you can use to watch movies, stream Netflix, or play videogames on the big screen with consoles such as the Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, or PlayStation 4 and 5.

The Anker NEBULA Mars II Pro shares ratings with DBPOWER, Anker NEBULA Solar, and KODAK Luma. It’s also the third best of five Anker NEBULA projectors so far. 

Pros

• Plug & Play connectivity
• Sleek DLP projector with its own handle
• A versatile gaming, movie-viewing, and presentation projector

Cons

• A comparatively mediocre projector in the NEBULA line

Resolution: 720p HD | Brightness: 500 ANSI lumens | Contrast Ratio: 354:1 | Projection Size: 40 inches to 100 inches

20. XGIMI MoGo Pro Portable Projector (Best Speakers)

Last but not least is the XGIMI MoGo Pro Portable Projector. It shares the same with the Anker NEBULA Mars II Pro, DBPOWER, Anker NEBULA Solar, and KODAK Luma. It has a lower rating than the other XGIMI projector on this list, which is the second highest rated projector instead.

With that said, the DLP-based XGIMI MoGo does have a lot going for it. It comes with high-quality Harman Kardon Speakers, streaming support (for the likes of YouTube, Hulu, and HBO Max), a decent 300 ANSI lumens brightness, 1080p Full HD resolution, and a decent 100-inch projection image.

Detractors mainly criticize the projector for quality control issues, including Google accounts from other people signed into the device and mismatched remotes included with the package.

Pros

• Harman Kardon speakers
• Improved streaming support
• A decent overall DLP projector

Cons

• Google account sign-in bugs and bad remotes

Resolution: 1080p FHD | Brightness: 300 ANSI lumens | Contrast Ratio: 1,000:1 | Projection Size: Up to 100 inches

What to Look for in a Mini Projector

When shopping for a mini projector, it’s mainly a balancing act between value and price. To judge value, you must be on the look out for the following.

• Native Resolution: The sharpest and most colorful pico projectors have a 1080p FHD projector resolution that also offer 4K support. You can also go with 720p HD with FHD support. The lowest resolution possible is 480p with FHD support.
• Projector Type: Most ultra-short throw projectors are of the DLP (Digital Light Processing) type, which uses a color wheel, reflection mirrors, and a lens. Big-box projectors are LCD (Light Crystal Display). 
• Brightness and Contrast Ratio: The brightness should be measured in ANSI lumens because if it’s only in lumens, you have no basis on how they measured those lumens. As for contrast ratio, the higher the contrast the sharper the image textures and shapes get.
• Projection Size: As a default, get a projector that approaches or goes up to 100 inches in projection size. This basically ensures the image remains clear, sharp, and visible instead of gray and washed out when you project your mini projector unto a 100-inch screen.
• Speakers: The speakers can either be branded as Harman Kardon or Dolby Bluetooth speakers. The sound quality depends mostly on how good the bass is. Otherwise, you’ll only get a basic speaker with a tin-like sound.
• Online Streaming: Most portable projectors maximize their portability by featuring smartphone and Wi-Fi connectivity to allow you to stream Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Prime Video, HBO Max, and Disney+. The easier to access streaming the better the projector.
• Multiple Applications: A good portable projector is one that you can use for multiple applications. You’re assured of quality Netflix movie streaming from a gaming projector with low-latency projection since most games are in HD nowadays. 
• Connectivity: It doesn’t hurt to have a mini projector you can use indoors as well as outdoors like a Nintendo Switch. The best ones feature connectivity with HDMI, USB, microSD, AV, and mini-VGA connections on top of wireless Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support.
• Local Storage: Some projectors are so smart and advanced they double as computers themselves with their own local storage. Some projectors offer 12 gigabytes of local storage. Others might even give you up to a terabyte of storage, but obviously they cost more.

In Conclusion

We’ve decided that Anker NEBULA Capsule II Smart Portable Projector is the cream of the crop of mini projectors, followed by XGIMI Elfin Mini Projector and Xiaomi MI Smart Video Projector. 

It’s because of Capsule II is the best of both worlds in price and value. The other projectors follow its lead is cost-effectiveness as well. It’s the best one of the Anker NEBULA series with its jack of all trades approach to projection. 

No one wants to do busywork when watching things. They want streaming projectors that can project Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, HBO NOW, HBO Go, Sling TV, Fubo TV, Crackle, YouTube, and Disney+ with ease. 

As far as portable or mini projectors are concerned, we’ve noticed that customers favor those designed to make video or movie watching as painless and as wireless as possible. The most popular ones are designed with Netflix streaming in mind, for good measure. 

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