Portable projectors make an awesome carry-along for romantic getaways or traveling with friends if you plan to watch movies away from home. 

Moreover, they’re ideal for business use too. You can take them from one conference room to another or from your cabin to the boss’s office for presentations. 

In this guide, we’ll discuss the best portable projectors that you can get your hands on. 

Plus, we’ll have a brief buying guide at the end to help you make the right choice. So, stay tuned till the end. 

Product	Prima Projector	ViewSonic 3800 Lumens SVGA Projector	YABER Y21 Native Projector	TOPVISION Mini Projector	AAXA P7 Mini Projector
Brightness	200 lumens	3800 lumens	7000 lux	4000 lux	600 lumens
Projection Size	200 inches	120 inches	300 inches	176 inches	120 inches
Video Resolution	1080HP	SVGA 800 x 600	1920 x 1080P	1080P Full HD	1080p Full HD
Port Support	Micro SD card slot, USB, HDMI	HDMI 1.4, VGA In (x2), VGA Out, Composite RCA Video In, 3.5mm Audio Out, Mini USB Type B, 3.5mm Audio In, Control (RS232),	USB, HDMI, AV, VGA	AC, SD, VGA, USB, HDMI	HDMI, AV, mini VGA, TF, USB

Best Portable Projectors 2020

For a project to be considered portable and reliable, it must have a few features. 

We’ve kept all those aspects in mind to curate this list. Thus, all these projectors meet the requirements in terms of sound, optics, portability, and functionality. 

Prima Projector 

Prima Project is literally a cinema that fits easily in your back pocket. Yes, it’s that small. 

The 200-inch projector has the same size as your iPhone, making it a breeze for you to carry it around. Besides being small, it’s also lightweight. 

However, don’t be fooled by the size because the Prima Projector is a delight for media lovers when it comes to HD projection. 

It shows you cinema-quality videos on any surface. Whether you’re catching up on the Super Bowl or watching the latest release on Netflix, the 200-inch capacity of this projector will not let you miss a single detail. 

Additionally, it is 400% brighter as compared to an average portable projector. 

Owing to the 200 lumens of brightness, the projector delivers a crisp and sharp picture, irrespective of the lighting condition. 

Now, couple that with the 1080HP media playback, and you have a full show on a white wall. 

Since Prima is equipped with an Android processor, you can access the Google Play Store through the projector. Along with downloading apps, you can directly stream media.

While the video quality is the ultimate goal, sound matters just as much. 

Fortunately, Prima Projector has built-in speakers that match the output of your TV’s speakers.

Moreover, the projector offers Bluetooth headphone compatibility for late-night binge-watching sessions when you don’t want to disturb the whole family.   

As for the battery, it lasts for up to three hours on video playback and thirty hours when you're using it as a speaker. 

Features 

• Google Play Store access
• Bluetooth functionality 
• 200-inch surface capacity 
• 200 lumens brightness
• Pocket-sized 

ViewSonic 3800 Lumens SVGA Projector

Although not as small as the Prima Projector, the ViewSonic model is quite versatile and portable. You can use it for entertainment or educational purposes since its visual features expand over both domains.

 

With 3800 lumens of brightness, the project shows you accurate colors without fading. Plus, the 120-inch surface coverage lets you show full-blown presentations without cropping or resizing. 

More importantly, the projector is easy to work with. All you have to do is plug it in and showcase your videos, images, or presentations. 

Regardless of how often you use it, the projector will stand the test of time since it has a long lamp life. 

Thus, it will serve you for years. In the Super EcoMode, the lamp can last for up to 15,000 hours. 

Furthermore, the projector works with most media players, including Macs, personal computers, and even your smartphones. Plus, it supports different input options, such as VGA and HDMI. 

Other than that, the projector is compatible with Mac Computers, Google Chromecast, AppleTv, Blue-ray players, and Amazon Fire TV. You can also use it with your DVD player. 

The manufacturers offer a three-year coverage on parts and a year’s coverage for the lamp. 

Features 

• Highly versatile 
• 120-inch screen coverage
• 3800 lumens of brightness
• Lamp lifespan of up to 15,000 hours 

YABER Y21 Native 1920 x 1080P Projector 

If you’re searching for a 4k projector, here’s the one you should opt for. 

With 4k video support, the projector has a 1080p native image resolution. Also, the 7000 lux brightness ensures that you do not miss a single color or hue. 

Since it’s a high-end projector, it does not compress or downscale the media. 

Instead, it uses six layers of high-refraction glasses lens to show the best image quality. Additionally, you can zoom in and out of the media without having to move the projector itself. That’s a huge plus if the projector is placed in an elevated position or hung from the ceiling. 

Moreover, the projector has a built-in sound system with dual stereo speakers for a thrilling audio experience. 

Even if you use the projector for hours, it won’t get hot due to the cooling technology. Moreover, the Smareco technology minimizes the lamp’s power consumption, expanding its lifespan to 100,000 hours. 

The 300-inch screen is huge enough for all your presentation and Amazon Prime binges. 

Since it has two USB ports, two HDMI ports, an AV port, and a VGA port, the projector offers versatile connectivity. You can also connect it to your computer, Xbox, DVD player, USB stick, phone, and tablet. 

Features 

• Lifetime professional support 
• 700 lux brightness
• 4k video support 
• 100,000-hour lamp lifespan 
• 300-inch screen

TOP VISION Mini Projector

If you want to enjoy movies on the go or get a projector for your workplace without putting too much strain on your pocket, the TopVision Mini Projector is a wonderful option.

Since the projector supports smartphone synchronization, you don’t need to purchase an HDMI adapter. Also, it has 4000 lux brightness for a remarkable viewing experience. 

Besides the video quality, the audio output of this small projector is quite impressive. The 3W HiFi stereo speakers work with the SRS sound system to deliver an ear-pleasing sound experience. 

On the inside, the mini projector has two speed control fans. They adjust the speed in accordance with the temperature, minimizing power consumption. Therefore, the lamp can last for up to 80,000 hours. 

The projector can be connected to any device via multiple ports, including AC, SD, VGA, USB, and HDMI.

Moreover, the manufacturers offer a lifetime professional support for their products. 

Features 

• 4000 lux brightness
• 3000:1 contrast 
• 3W HiFi stereo speakers
• Multi-port support 
• 176-inch projection size 

AAXA P7 Mini Projector

The AAXA mini projector has a native 1080p resolution with an MTF lens to get a clear picture. Also, the projector is compact due to its mini form-factor. 

You can hold it in the palm of your hand - that’s how small it is. 

Moreover, the 38W lithium-ion battery offers a 90-minute run - long enough to give a presentation or watch a movie. 

Despite being small, the projector is exceptionally durable and has a long lifespan of up to 30,000 hours. 

As for the connectivity, the projector is compatible with TF, USB, HDMI, and AV ports. To add, the 120-inch screen is large enough for all sorts of media. 

Overall, it’s a handy mini projector to present your ideas in the office or watch movies with friends. 

Features 

• 1080p native resolution 
• 30,000 hours lifespan 
• BT 4.0 wireless output 
• 90 minutes battery duration 
• Mini form factor 

Portable Projectors Buying Guide 

Now that we’ve discussed some cool projector options let’s help you find the best portable projector to suit your needs. 

Before you purchase a model, you have to consider a few things, ranging from its size to connectivity options. Let’s explore these factors in detail. 

Purpose 

Firstly, you need to make sure that the portable projector serves your particular purpose. 

For instance, if you need a projector for watching movies at home, you can go with pretty much any option.

However, if you want to take it on road trips, it’s best to opt for pocket-sized options. 

Likewise, for your work-related presentation and projector needs, you should pick a model that’s compatible with multiple connections. Also, it’s best if the projector has an SD card slot if you don’t want to take your laptop to the meetings. 

Brightness 

Light intensity is measured in lumens and must be higher for bright ambient light. 

Thus, you can determine the right brightness for a projector by examining the lighting in the room you plan to use it in. 

For instance, if you want to use the projector in a bright conference room or office, you should get a model with higher light intensity. 

However, if you want a projector for your home where the light can be dimmed, a projector with a lower brightness is suitable too. 

Keep in mind that DLP projectors tend to be dimmer than LCD projectors. Therefore, if you’re buying a DLP projector, make sure it’s at least 1000 lumens. 

Contrast 

Here’s how the contrast measurements work: a contrast of 1000:1 means that the brightest point on the screen will be a thousand times brighter than the darkest point. 

Hence, higher contrast means a sharper picture. 

If you plan to use it in a bright room, a low contrast will work too. However, if you’ll use the projector at home, it should have a high contrast to get deep blacks. 

Lifespan 

The lifespan of a lamp is measured in hours and determines how long it will work for. 

Typically, a lifespan longer than 30,000 hours is pretty sufficient as it will give you years of performance. Some projectors have built-in functionality to minimize energy consumption to extend the lamp’s longevity. 

Connectivity 

Choose the projector based on the connectivity options that you frequently use. Normally, projectors have USB, HDMI, AV, and VGA ports. 

If you’re looking for a portable projector for your home, go for a smart WiFi projector. 

A smart WiFi projector will connect to your internet connection, allowing you to watch movies and series without a cable or wire. 

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about portable projectors. 

Which features should I look for in a portable projector?

Firstly, the projector should be as portable as possible - the smaller, the better. However, a smaller size should not equal compromise on quality.

The projector must also have enough brightness to give a clear picture. Since it’s not always possible to control ambient light, it’s best if the projector is bright enough for clarity in every lighting condition. 

How is a 4k projector better? 

A 4k projector is better in terms of sharpness and detail. If you want an in-house cinema experience, you should opt for a projector with 4k support. 

Nowadays, you can find many portable options with 4k functionality. Besides, they’re not overly expensive either. 

Should the room be dark to use a projector?

A room doesn’t necessarily have to be completely dark to use a projector. However, the details improve if the walls or ceiling are black. 

Also, you should dim the lights, if possible, to get a better view. 

How long does a projector last? 

Even the best portable projector won’t last a lifetime. All projectors have lamps that provide light for image creation. 

The lamps have a certain lifespan that determines the longevity of the projectors.

How much does a projector lamp cost?

Unfortunately, the cost of lamps is pretty high, ranging from $300 to $400. You can get a new projector for the same price or even cheaper. Thus, lamp replacement is not always the most economical option unless you’re using a high-end projector.

Conclusion 

Besides making entertainment more accessible, portable projectors are also a helpful addition to your office. 

Since there are so many newer versions available today, it can be hard to make a choice. 

In this guide, we discussed some popular portable projectors and their comparison. Hopefully, the buyer’s guide would have helped you select the best portable projector for your specific work or leisure-related needs.