A portable projector is perfect for enjoying a backyard movie night or providing a cinematic camping experience. However, finding the best bet for your needs can be tricky.
BenQ X300G
What to Look for in a Portable Projector
Portable projectors give you the freedom to move your large-screen adventures to a place of your choosing. These are like regular projectors but are typically more compact. They often include a built-in battery or can run from a power bank to avoid dependence on AC outlets. Some portable projectors also double as outdoor projectors and have weatherproofing to withstand the elements if needed.
When shopping for a portable projector, you must consider everything you want in a good projector and ensure its portability credentials match your needs.
For example, if you often use the projector away from AC outlets, it’s a good idea to pick one with a built-in battery. Remember that most projectors tone down the brightness when used on battery and typically have 2–3 hours of battery backup.
Besides, a compact size and a built-in handle or carry case are essential if you plan to move around with the projector.
Apart from the portability concerns, you have to consider the resolution and brightness of your projector. Although you can find 4K portable projectors, 1080p projectors typically provide the best value and deliver reasonably sharp picture quality. Projector brightness also plays a significant role in picture quality, as dimmer projectors will crush shadow details and impact your viewing experience. It’s a good idea to look for at least 300 ANSI lumens brightness, but higher is better.
Built-in auto image correction tools make setup hassle-free, particularly if your projector often moves places. Moreover, if you are space-constrained, look for ashorter-throw projectorto get a bigger picture.
Lastly, a built-in smart TV OS removes the dependence on external devices to stream content. For a deeper understanding of what makes a projector tick, read our guide on “how to pick a projector.”
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Solid picture quality
No handle
Compact design with a built-in battery
Poor out-of-the-box color accuracy
Google TV OS with licensed Netflix
Xgimi’s portfolio is full of several high-quality projectors. However, itsHalo+ (2024)is the best option for folks wanting a portable solution. The 2024 model enhances thealready fantastic projectorby incorporating updatedGoogle TV softwareand a licensed version of Netflix. This means you won’t need to resort to workarounds or adedicated streaming stickto enjoy Netflix. The rest of the projector remains the same, which is a tried and tested 1080p portable projector that exceeds expectations.
Among its portability credentials, the Halo+ has a compact design, a built-in 59Wh battery, and integrated 5W twin Harman Kardon speakers. The battery delivers 2.5 hours of playtime, meaning you can safely watch one full, regular-length movie without needing an AC power source. Remember, you won’t get the brightest picture on battery power.
The Xgimi offering uses DLP technology andan LED light source, providing excellent picture quality and brightness for a portable projector. It also supports HDR10. Other highlights include a full suite of image correction tools, including autokeystone correction, intelligent screen alignment, obstacle avoidance, and autofocus. So you won’t have to struggle to get a perfectly aligned image.
Moreover, there is one full-sizeHDMIport to connect streaming devices or gaming consoles, Wi-Fi 5 for internet connectivity, and Bluetooth 5.0. Unfortunately, there is no handle or strap to carry the Halo+ around, and its out-of-the-box color accuracyisn’t the best.
Xgimi Halo+ (2024)
The Xgimi Halo+ (2024) is an excellent portable projector with an integrated battery, Google TV with Netflix, and a reasonably bright picture.
Attractive design
Could be brighter
Good picture quality
Speakers are average
Built-in battery and handle
If you’re working with a tight budget, theYaber T2 Plusis a great choice. This sleek portable projector delivers a 1080p image and features a built-in battery that can run for up to 2.5 hours. It also comes with a handy handle that can prop up the projector at an angle, making it a convenient and versatile choice.
Like the Xgimi Halo+, the T2 Plus has a full suite of image correction tools, including autofocus, auto keystone correction, and obstacle avoidance. Although the Yaber offering isn’t the brightest projector, it provides a respectable 450 ANSI lumens brightness on AC power. As a result, you’ll have a good experience watching movies or TV series on the go or outdoors. The T2 Plus also comes bundled with a Google TV dongle, which you’re able to use to access all the streaming services you may want, including Netflix.
Another advantage of the Yaber projector is the solid selection of connectivity options, which include Wi-Fi 6, an Ethernet port, and Bluetooth 5.0. There is also a full-size HDMI port, a USB port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Moreover, it comes with twin JBL speakers, a dust-proof build quality, and the ability to turn the projector into a Bluetooth speaker.
Yaber T2 Plus
The attractive T2 Plus portable projector from Yaber is perfect for a tight budget. It delivers good picture quality and comes with a Google TV dongle.
Low brightness
Built-in battery and speaker
Android TV OS
Audio image correction tools
Anker’sNebula Capsule 3is a portable projector the size of a soda can. Itprovides good picture qualityand is an excellent option for a tiny projector for on-the-go entertainment. It projects in 1080p resolution and has an LED light source.
Despite its small size, the company has managed to sneak in a battery that can provide up to 2.5 hours of runtime, like other portable projectors with a battery. There is also a built-in 8W speaker, making it an all-in-one device like our best overall pick. Another good thing about the Anker offering is the built-in Android TV OS, which is easy to use and supports popular streaming services. However, to install Netflix, you have to rely on a workaround, and it’s not available via the Play Store.
In other features, you get Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth, an HDMI port, a USB-C port, and an audio jack. You also get built-in image correction tools for a no-effort setup.
As you can expect, the projector’s small size causes a handicap. It has a relatively low brightness of 200 ANSI lumens, which goes down when using the projector on the battery. Alternatively, you can opt for theNebula Capsule 3 Laser, the same projector but with a laser light source that increases the brightness by 100 lumens. But it’s also significantly more expensive.
Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Mini Projector
Anker Nebula Capsule 3 is a nifty little portable projector for folks who want something capable but tiny. It also packs a battery and speaker.
Excellent picture quality
Shadow details are crushed when playing 4K HDR Blu-rays
High peak brightness
No built-in battery
Android TV dongle with Netflix support
BenQ makes some of the best projectors on the market, and itsGP100Ais no exception. It’s a portable projector that delivers impressive visuals and is quite feature-rich. It’s also one of the brightest projectors among our recommendations and is rated for 1000 ANSI lumens.
Like other BenQ projectors, the projector comes bundled with an Android TV dongle that you can use to access your favorite streaming service, including Netflix. You also get support for AirPlay and Chromecast to stream content from your mobile device. Other highlights include auto keystone support, a 20W 2.1-channel speaker system, and two HDMI ports for connecting external devices.
Although the GP100A lacks a built-in battery, the company has included a USB-C port that can accept power from a power bank capable of at least 45W USB PD. So you can run it even when no AC outlet is in sight. It’s also heavy for a portable projector. However, there is a rubber carry handle to make things easier.
Unfortunately, the GP100A seems tocrush shadowswhen dealing with 4K HDR Blu-rays. Fortunately, there is no such issue with HDR streaming. So, if you want to watch a lot of HDR Blu-rays with your portable projector, you’ll be better served by the company’sEpson EpiqVision Mini EF12, our previous pick for the best overall category. The EF12 is also a fantastic projector with 1000 ANSI lumens brightness. However, it can’t run from a power bank.
BenQ GP100A
The BenQ GP100A is a fantastic portable projector for enjoying movies. It’s pretty bright and is bundled with an Android TV dongle for streaming.
Fantastic picture quality
Relatively expensive
Low input lag
No HDMI 2.1 ports
Support for 1440p 120Hz and 1080p 240Hz gaming
Gamerslooking for a portable projectorwill appreciateBenQ’s X300G. This 4K projector has a lot to like, including a low input lag for responsive gaming. While it doesn’t support 4K 120Hz gaming, you can game at 4K 60Hz, 1440p 120Hz, or 1080p 240Hz. It also packs specialized gaming modes for different genres to enjoy an optimized experience. Additionally, there is 3D support. So, if you still have 3D titles in your catalog, you can enjoy them with this projector.
Another highlight is SettingXchange support, which allows you to download and use expert projector settings for popular gaming titles. HDR10 is also available to enjoy your favorite titles in high dynamic range.
The projector has two HDMI 2.0 ports, one doubling as an eARC port to connect it to a soundbar or AV receiver if you’re using it indoors. There is also a USB-C port with DP Alt mode and a regular USB-A port.
Outside of gaming-related features, the X300G has a high 2,000 ANSI lumenspeak brightness, allowing you to enjoy the projector even with some ambient light. You also get excellentcolor gamutand accuracy, resulting in impressive picture quality. Plus, the projector boasts 1.2x optical zoom, auto 3D keystone correction, autofocus support, a bundled Android TV stick for streaming and casual games, and twin 8W speakers.
Finally, it has a sleek design with a built-in foot to adjust the projector angle. Unfortunately, there is no built-in battery or support to run it using a power bank.
BenQ’s X300G is an impressive portable projector with low input lag, two HDMI 2.0 ports, and 2,000 ANSI lumens brightness.
FAQ
How do I connect a phone or mobile device to a projector?
Depending on your phone and projector, there are a couple of ways toconnect it to a projector. If your phone’s USB-C port supports DisplayPort output, you can use a USB-C to USB-C/ HDMI/ DP cable to connect to your projector. If you’re using a USB-C to USB-C cable, make sure the cable is video-capable, and the USB-C port on your projector has DP Alt Mode.
If you don’t want to deal with cables, you may useChromecast or AirPlayfunctionality to stream content from your phone or mobile devices. Many projectors have built-in Chromecast support. Otherwise, you can also plug in a Google TV streamer to get the same.
Can I connect a DVD player to a projector?
You can connect yourDVD playerto a modern projector using anHDMI cableif your DVD player has HDMI output. Otherwise, you may need to use an adapter for signal conversion.
Do I need a projector screen to use a projector?
Although it’s not necessary to use a screen with a projector, you’llget a better visual experiencewith a screen. There arevarious types of screens, and their quality and features can impact the quality of the displayed visuals.
Can portable projectors be used outside?
Portable projectors can be used outdoors. However, if your projector is going to encounter the elements, verify it is sufficiently protected or has an IP rating for dust or water resistance.
