The Best Mini Projector

Businesses aren’t the only ones using projectors today. Consumers have realized the value of having a device around for streaming video, watching movies or gaming with friends. But whether you’re buying a projector for personal or professional use, a smaller, more portable version can open up opportunities.

Mini projectors are designed to be portable enough to carry around while also packing the same punch as a much larger model. You’ll get bright, crisp colors and long battery life in some mini projectors, making them great whether you’re presenting in a conference room or enjoying movie night at a friend’s house.

One thing to consider as you shop for a projector is mobile connectivity. Some projectors connect up to your favorite smartphone or tablet to let you access your files or stream from your favorite apps. It’s important to look at compatibility if you’re choosing a projector to work with your existing mobile device, especially if you don’t have iOS or Android operating systems.

Then there are the mini projectors that don’t require you to connect to anything at all. These projectors have their own operating systems that let you access your own files and even use built-in apps. If you’re going to be streaming, you’ll need to make sure you can connect to wireless where you’ll be using it.

For audiophiles, sound is essential. Unfortunately, not all projectors come with good speakers, and you’ll probably find that applies to miniature projectors, as well. Some projectors come with great speakers built in, which means you’ll get high-quality sound when you’re streaming or gaming. You can even use some projectors as a Bluetooth speaker to listen to your favorite music.

Power is also a consideration with miniature projectors. Despite being portable, some projectors don’t run on battery power, so you’ll have to consistently find somewhere to plug in your adaptor. Even those that do run on batteries have limited runtime, which is something you’ll have to consider every time you fire your projector up.

• If you’re buying a projector for portability, chances are you want to be able to travel without the burden of extra equipment. With some mini projectors, you’ll be able to link up to a smartphone or tablet, which means you can conduct a presentation or show a movie directly from the device you have with you. The Optoma Portable LED Projector is compatible with iOS and Android devices, letting you grab documents, photos and videos from your phone.
• With some mini projectors, you won’t even need the mobile device. The Anker Nebula Mars II Mini Projector has Android built in, which means you can plug in a USB drive or download apps through the Mars II. It also comes preloaded with Amazon Video and Netflix. With these projectors, you won’t even have to install anything to start watching your favorite TV shows. The older Anker Nebula Mars has many of the same features as its newer counterpart, but it runs an outdated version of Android that could affect the features you’ll be able to enjoy.
• You’ll likely want to factor in size and weight when choosing a portable projector, especially if you’re hauling it around the country. The Optoma Portable LED Projector is by far the most lightweight, weighing in at only 0.8 ounces. The DBPOWER Mini Portable Projector comes in second at only 2.18 pounds. As for dimensions, the Optoma Portable LED Projector wins here, too, with a size of only 4.1 x 4.2 x 1.5 in. For portability, the Optoma Portable LED Projector is the best all around.
• You’ll probably see the term “lumens” when you’re researching projectors. They’re directly connected to the brightness and quality of the image you’ll get. With the Anker Nebula Mars, you’ll get 3,000 lumens and 800p definition for clear, crisp video. The Optoma Portable LED Projector features 700 lumens, which is still impressive.
• The best projector can depend heavily on what you’ll be using it to do. If you plan to use it in daylight for activities, like presentations in office conference rooms, the Optoma Portable LED Projector is a better choice. For use in extremely dark rooms, though, you’ll probably find the Anker Nebula Mars II Mini Projector is the best option.
• Overall, you’ll get the best picture quality from the Anker Nebula Mars, which is ideal for gaming. On the other hand, the DBPOWER Mini Portable Projector offers crisp, clear video but is not suitable for gaming or streaming high-resolution video.
• If you’re looking for an inexpensive mini projector with decent image quality, the DBPOWER Mini Portable Projector will probably top your list. With a retail price below $100, it’s fairly budget-friendly. The Optoma Portable LED Projector and Anker Nebula Mars II Mini Projector aren’t inexpensive. but still retail below $500. However, for the Anker Nebula Mars, you’ll need to prepare to spend more than $700.
• One issue you’ll run into with a mini projector is sound. If audio is a priority, take a look at the Anker Nebula Mars II Mini Projector, which can even be used as a standalone Bluetooth speaker to play up to 30 hours of music on a single charge. The Anker Nebula Mars comes with two JBL speakers built in for crisp, clear sound.
• To be truly portable, you’ll need your mini projector to be able to run on batteries. As convenient in size as the Optoma Portable LED Projector is, it surprisingly requires a power adaptor to run. The Anker Nebula Mars uses a 19,500mAh battery that gives up to three hours of use. You’ll get up to four hours on the Anker Nebula Mars II Mini Projector’s battery or 30 hours if you’re in Bluetooth speaker mode.